Mark 13:7-8
Jesus began, “Watch out for
doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged
identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people.
When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic.
This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight
nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in
various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing
compared to what’s coming."
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
mother used to say that the wars, crimes and atrocities we face today
are nothing new. And indeed, if you read the Old Testament, you can
learn about everything from the bloodiest, most heinous battle tactics
to racism, sexism, and discrimination of every sort. Babies were killed
to prove a point. There was torture and rape…and entire villages and
tribes were decimated. Centuries ago, “prophets” told of the end of the
world as if it was imminent…and we’re still here.
Today, we are
barraged with lies and/or grossly exaggerated claims at every turn. For
some reason, many people seem to delight in scaring the stuffing out of
others with doomsday reports, while others have such inflated egos that
they cannot seem to help but declare themselves the ultimate savior of
all things that are wrong in the world.
So what are we to do?
Who do we trust? How do we sift through all of the chatter and
determine the truth? We start with prayer…and a long, deep breath. We
“let go and let God”…and give Him our burdens and fears. We delve into
the scriptures and let God’s word soak into our soul. The truth is
there, along with answers to virtually all of the questions we have - if
we will only calm down and pay attention.
We also have to exercise our God-given common sense. We have to ask ourselves…”What is this person really saying…and what does GOD
say about the same issues?” If you will continue reading Mark 13
through at least verse 13, you will see that Jesus assures that the Holy
Spirit will always be with us…and that those who persevere in their
faith will be saved in the end.
Our Timothy has asked me
several times lately, “Why are you and Uncle Greg always so happy?” It
appears that on some level, we are filling our little ones with a “gloom
and doom” impression of the world. Even they don’t understand how
anyone could experience genuine and sustaining joy in light of all that
is happening in the world. My answer to the question of why I am always
happy has become, “Because God blesses us and takes care of us.”
Yes,
bad things happen. Yes…I sometimes have sadness and heartaches, just
like everyone else – even Jesus. But God is still with me…and He always
will be. No matter what, I will be saved in the end…and I choose to
focus on this rather than the darkness and despair that so many are
propagating.
Who do YOU trust? More importantly, who do others believe you trust? People are watching…are you showing them genuine faith in Jesus? Don’t you think you should be?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label positive attitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label positive attitude. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2016
Philippians 4:8
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Like many of us, I had trouble sleeping last night as the horror unfolded in Dallas, Texas. I was already upset from watching the news reports of the senseless shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and St. Paul, Minnesota. And now, people were apparently choosing to somehow seek revenge by committing more senseless killing. As if this weren’t enough, all of these events came on the heels of a shooting in my little community of 7000+ people one week ago today…another “revenge killing” that left a friend of ours dead, his wife wounded, and his family traumatized – especially his three grandchildren who witnessed the heinous act. I have heard many say in recent days…”It seems as if the world has gone mad.”
Indeed, this is a sad time…a season of frustration, heartache – and yes, anger. But before I even turned on news events this morning – or looked at my phone – I thought of Jesus. I took a few minutes to thank Him for all fine, good things. I thanked Him for the children who are spending time with us today and giving us a happy diversion. I thanked Him for our health, our freedom…and our relative safety (though last week’s events proved that no place is 100% safe when someone goes on a shooting rampage).
Because Zola and Nathan are with us today, I have not spent time watching television news or paying attention to social media. And it has felt good watch children’s television...to sit outside and watch the children ride their bike and blow bubbles in the air…to look at these little ones and our precious cousins who dropped by to visit and believe that there still is good in the world. I know that God does not intend for these innocent youngsters to grow up with a spirit of fear and judgment. It is not His desire that they discriminate against others and disparage them…or be on the receiving end of such treatment.
I know I cannot bury my head in the sand and pretend these horrific events have not occurred…much as I wish I could. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking a breather from all of the dissension and opinion on all sides…especially to recognize that Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday. He is heartbroken over all that has happened…but it doesn’t change who He is or what He wants for us.
I believe more than ever, we are called to look for the good…to see that out of the unbelievable shooting deaths in Baton Rouge and St. Paul, people of all colors and socio-economic status – civilians and police officers alike – stood arm-in-arm to say that ALL LIVES MATTER. We must note how people throughout the world are coming together to stand in solidarity and support for police officers as we mourn those who were so brutally murdered in Dallas. We cannot separate these events and pit one group against the other. Each was equally horrific and senseless. But we look for – and readily acknowledge – the ways that Jesus is mending the broken-hearted and orchestrating an outpouring of love and humankindness in the midst of even these tragedies.
The world has not gone mad…but several have at least momentarily lost their way. Jesus is calling on you and me to stand up for His goodness…to be His hands and feet in these situations and demonstrate grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and love for others – ALL of them. This is our “call to arms,” so to speak…to unite as the “army” of believers and shine His light in the darkness. Are you ready and willing to do your part?
©2016 Debbie Robus
And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Like many of us, I had trouble sleeping last night as the horror unfolded in Dallas, Texas. I was already upset from watching the news reports of the senseless shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and St. Paul, Minnesota. And now, people were apparently choosing to somehow seek revenge by committing more senseless killing. As if this weren’t enough, all of these events came on the heels of a shooting in my little community of 7000+ people one week ago today…another “revenge killing” that left a friend of ours dead, his wife wounded, and his family traumatized – especially his three grandchildren who witnessed the heinous act. I have heard many say in recent days…”It seems as if the world has gone mad.”
Indeed, this is a sad time…a season of frustration, heartache – and yes, anger. But before I even turned on news events this morning – or looked at my phone – I thought of Jesus. I took a few minutes to thank Him for all fine, good things. I thanked Him for the children who are spending time with us today and giving us a happy diversion. I thanked Him for our health, our freedom…and our relative safety (though last week’s events proved that no place is 100% safe when someone goes on a shooting rampage).
Because Zola and Nathan are with us today, I have not spent time watching television news or paying attention to social media. And it has felt good watch children’s television...to sit outside and watch the children ride their bike and blow bubbles in the air…to look at these little ones and our precious cousins who dropped by to visit and believe that there still is good in the world. I know that God does not intend for these innocent youngsters to grow up with a spirit of fear and judgment. It is not His desire that they discriminate against others and disparage them…or be on the receiving end of such treatment.
I know I cannot bury my head in the sand and pretend these horrific events have not occurred…much as I wish I could. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking a breather from all of the dissension and opinion on all sides…especially to recognize that Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday. He is heartbroken over all that has happened…but it doesn’t change who He is or what He wants for us.
I believe more than ever, we are called to look for the good…to see that out of the unbelievable shooting deaths in Baton Rouge and St. Paul, people of all colors and socio-economic status – civilians and police officers alike – stood arm-in-arm to say that ALL LIVES MATTER. We must note how people throughout the world are coming together to stand in solidarity and support for police officers as we mourn those who were so brutally murdered in Dallas. We cannot separate these events and pit one group against the other. Each was equally horrific and senseless. But we look for – and readily acknowledge – the ways that Jesus is mending the broken-hearted and orchestrating an outpouring of love and humankindness in the midst of even these tragedies.
The world has not gone mad…but several have at least momentarily lost their way. Jesus is calling on you and me to stand up for His goodness…to be His hands and feet in these situations and demonstrate grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and love for others – ALL of them. This is our “call to arms,” so to speak…to unite as the “army” of believers and shine His light in the darkness. Are you ready and willing to do your part?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 6, 2016
Luke 21:8-9
He said, “Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One,’ or, ‘The end is near.’ Don’t fall for any of that. When you hear of wars and uprisings, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history and no sign of the end.”
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 traveled with Timothy’s class to a goat farm today. Yes…a goat farm! We watched the farmer milk a goat and then make soap with the milk and other ingredients. We toured the milking room and saw babies, yearlings, and full-grown Nubian goats. We took a hayride and looked at beautiful cattle – including several newborn calves - grazing under a grove of trees. The children ran relays on stick horses and got to pet a beautiful horse named Mercedes.
We finished the morning with a picnic lunch. The fields were full of buttercups. Everything was crisp and green…the goats were adorable…the sky was deep blue, and there was lots of sunshine and a light breeze to keep things cool. It was what my mother used to call a “Chamber of Commerce Day!”
The dad of one of Timothy’s classmates rode over to the farm with me. He moved to our state from New Jersey, and he marveled at the foliage and the landscape as we traveled. He talked of living in a “concrete jungle” just a few miles from New York City, and how he was glad his children were growing up where nature was abundant. Everything about the farm was as new and exciting to him as it was to any of the 6-and-7-year-olds who visited.
After we returned from the trip, I purchased a couple dozen farm fresh eggs and several quarts of just-picked strawberries from local vendors. By the time I got home, I was tired from all of the fresh air, sunshine, and the day’s activities…but my heart was so full. God had shown me firsthand just how blessed I am.
I grew up around farm animals, riding my own horse, and eating freshly grown food from my grandparents’ garden. I have lived most of my 58+ years within 100 miles of my present location…and I have never lacked for greenery, changing seasons, or an abundance of wildlife. I looked around and realized just how blessed I am – and I was reminded how easy it is to become complacent – or negative…and to forget all of this!
My mother said over and over that there was nothing new about the wars and hatred of today. If you study history at all…or if you read your Bible…you will learn more about torture and strife than you could ever imagine. You will see that negativity, bullying, and abuses of all kinds are anything but new. You will also see that people have been saying that “the end is near” for centuries! We all know that Matthew 24:36 tells us…“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.” Yet many still want to try to predict what God is planning – and when!
Here’s the lesson for us…stop worrying about when Jesus will return – and start focusing on what God has given you! Count your blessings…open your eyes and recognize the opportunities and possibilities in your midst. Ask God what He wants you to do with each and every day…and then prepare to DO IT! Trust that God has amazing plans for you. Live with faith that Jesus will return at the right time…and meanwhile, He will handle ALL THINGS in your life. I do not mean to belittle war and dissention – or to disrespect those who fight for our country or any of our leaders who are working to bring about resolution and peace.
But let’s be honest…the most important thing that you and I can do to eliminate strife in our own life – and our own circle of influence – is to operate in God’s will and honor His blessings in our lives. Recognize a “good day” – and come to expect more of them. Show others what it means to live fully in God’s abundance…fearless about the future and a victor rather than a victim of negativity and disagreement. Don’t buy into the false message of those who would have you believe that everything is quite literally “going to hell in a hand basket.” God is still on the throne! He is still the King of Kings…large and in charge…calling the shots and blessing His people. And you are among them!
Who are you listening to these days? Do you see the hand of God upon your life? Do you trust Him? Have you counted your blessings lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
He said, “Watch out for the doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One,’ or, ‘The end is near.’ Don’t fall for any of that. When you hear of wars and uprisings, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history and no sign of the end.”
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 traveled with Timothy’s class to a goat farm today. Yes…a goat farm! We watched the farmer milk a goat and then make soap with the milk and other ingredients. We toured the milking room and saw babies, yearlings, and full-grown Nubian goats. We took a hayride and looked at beautiful cattle – including several newborn calves - grazing under a grove of trees. The children ran relays on stick horses and got to pet a beautiful horse named Mercedes.
We finished the morning with a picnic lunch. The fields were full of buttercups. Everything was crisp and green…the goats were adorable…the sky was deep blue, and there was lots of sunshine and a light breeze to keep things cool. It was what my mother used to call a “Chamber of Commerce Day!”
The dad of one of Timothy’s classmates rode over to the farm with me. He moved to our state from New Jersey, and he marveled at the foliage and the landscape as we traveled. He talked of living in a “concrete jungle” just a few miles from New York City, and how he was glad his children were growing up where nature was abundant. Everything about the farm was as new and exciting to him as it was to any of the 6-and-7-year-olds who visited.
After we returned from the trip, I purchased a couple dozen farm fresh eggs and several quarts of just-picked strawberries from local vendors. By the time I got home, I was tired from all of the fresh air, sunshine, and the day’s activities…but my heart was so full. God had shown me firsthand just how blessed I am.
I grew up around farm animals, riding my own horse, and eating freshly grown food from my grandparents’ garden. I have lived most of my 58+ years within 100 miles of my present location…and I have never lacked for greenery, changing seasons, or an abundance of wildlife. I looked around and realized just how blessed I am – and I was reminded how easy it is to become complacent – or negative…and to forget all of this!
My mother said over and over that there was nothing new about the wars and hatred of today. If you study history at all…or if you read your Bible…you will learn more about torture and strife than you could ever imagine. You will see that negativity, bullying, and abuses of all kinds are anything but new. You will also see that people have been saying that “the end is near” for centuries! We all know that Matthew 24:36 tells us…“But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father knows.” Yet many still want to try to predict what God is planning – and when!
Here’s the lesson for us…stop worrying about when Jesus will return – and start focusing on what God has given you! Count your blessings…open your eyes and recognize the opportunities and possibilities in your midst. Ask God what He wants you to do with each and every day…and then prepare to DO IT! Trust that God has amazing plans for you. Live with faith that Jesus will return at the right time…and meanwhile, He will handle ALL THINGS in your life. I do not mean to belittle war and dissention – or to disrespect those who fight for our country or any of our leaders who are working to bring about resolution and peace.
But let’s be honest…the most important thing that you and I can do to eliminate strife in our own life – and our own circle of influence – is to operate in God’s will and honor His blessings in our lives. Recognize a “good day” – and come to expect more of them. Show others what it means to live fully in God’s abundance…fearless about the future and a victor rather than a victim of negativity and disagreement. Don’t buy into the false message of those who would have you believe that everything is quite literally “going to hell in a hand basket.” God is still on the throne! He is still the King of Kings…large and in charge…calling the shots and blessing His people. And you are among them!
Who are you listening to these days? Do you see the hand of God upon your life? Do you trust Him? Have you counted your blessings lately? Isn’t it time you did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 19, 2015
Psalm 56:3-4
But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve thought a lot over the last few days about how I would feel if I were one of those people lined up on the stage at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris and shot – or one of the people in the crowd who had to stand by and watch this unfold. I’ve thought of the journalists who were forced to kneel and await their beheadings as terrorists created a video to share with the world…those who were in the schools, theaters and other public venues where mass shootings took place in recent years…and those who have heard a doctor say, “Medically, we’ve done all we can do for you.”
Would I be afraid? Would I panic? Would I want to scream and cry out, “NO!”…or would I even be able to speak? Would my “life flash before my eyes” as some say? Or would I slump my shoulders and raise my hands and say, “Here I am LORD…usher me Home.”
I cannot say for sure how I would react – none of us can. And this passage seems to indicate that momentary fear is a normal, human reaction. But what follows makes all the difference…”when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You.” I love the question the Psalmist asks as a trusting believer – “What can mere man do to me?”…because it speaks directly to our Christian faith. If we believe God when He promises to take care of us and meet all of our needs…how can we fear the words and actions of man – or even the devil? If the outstretched arms of Jesus wait to enfold us in Heaven, how can we fear going there? If we have been called to be Disciples and share the love of Christ with ALL people, how can we fear loving and nurturing people of all races, creeds, colors, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs?
This is not about being naïve or throwing caution to the wind. It’s about refusing to let the devil win by filling us with fear and worry. My goodness…all I have to do is look at all that God has carried me through to see how crucial it is that I trust Him in all things! His ways have ALWAYS been better than mine…His love and protection have ALWAYS been stronger and more powerful than any human’s. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is not dropping His guard now!
Every single one of us has opportunities to be fearful and worrisome…but we also have a God who says, “I’ve got this!” Isn’t it time we started believing Him? Isn’t it time we started to do all we can to honor God’s commitment to us by committing to trust Him in return? Will this be the day that you raise your hands toward Heaven and say, “I will put my confidence in You”…then live like you mean it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I’ve thought a lot over the last few days about how I would feel if I were one of those people lined up on the stage at the Bataclan concert hall in Paris and shot – or one of the people in the crowd who had to stand by and watch this unfold. I’ve thought of the journalists who were forced to kneel and await their beheadings as terrorists created a video to share with the world…those who were in the schools, theaters and other public venues where mass shootings took place in recent years…and those who have heard a doctor say, “Medically, we’ve done all we can do for you.”
Would I be afraid? Would I panic? Would I want to scream and cry out, “NO!”…or would I even be able to speak? Would my “life flash before my eyes” as some say? Or would I slump my shoulders and raise my hands and say, “Here I am LORD…usher me Home.”
I cannot say for sure how I would react – none of us can. And this passage seems to indicate that momentary fear is a normal, human reaction. But what follows makes all the difference…”when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in You.” I love the question the Psalmist asks as a trusting believer – “What can mere man do to me?”…because it speaks directly to our Christian faith. If we believe God when He promises to take care of us and meet all of our needs…how can we fear the words and actions of man – or even the devil? If the outstretched arms of Jesus wait to enfold us in Heaven, how can we fear going there? If we have been called to be Disciples and share the love of Christ with ALL people, how can we fear loving and nurturing people of all races, creeds, colors, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs?
This is not about being naïve or throwing caution to the wind. It’s about refusing to let the devil win by filling us with fear and worry. My goodness…all I have to do is look at all that God has carried me through to see how crucial it is that I trust Him in all things! His ways have ALWAYS been better than mine…His love and protection have ALWAYS been stronger and more powerful than any human’s. And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is not dropping His guard now!
Every single one of us has opportunities to be fearful and worrisome…but we also have a God who says, “I’ve got this!” Isn’t it time we started believing Him? Isn’t it time we started to do all we can to honor God’s commitment to us by committing to trust Him in return? Will this be the day that you raise your hands toward Heaven and say, “I will put my confidence in You”…then live like you mean it?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 15, 2015
Psalm 37:7-9
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.
Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I am sad to report to you that I know more than a few people who claim to be faith-filled Christians…yet they are some of the angriest, most worrisome people I have ever met! It’s would almost be a joke…were it not so disheartening. Others who know these people well practically wager on what will set them off…or how long it will take them to mention that something has made them mad - or that they are troubled about a particular thing. Gloom and doom are their constant companions, and they are generally one crisis or aggravation away from some sort of meltdown or outburst. And yet they sprinkle their conversations with references to God, their “faith,” church, Bible study, and Christian fellowship!
Now I ask you, does this sound like a person who has something you want? Would you be interested in serving their God if doing so made you feel so miserable and anxious? I didn’t think so…and I don’t blame you.
I hope I have been vague enough in my description that no one has said, “Hey! She’s talking about ME!” If you do feel that way, perhaps it is time to check your thoughts, words and actions…and see where you need to “stop your anger” and “turn off your wrath.” Maybe it’s time for you to fret and worry less…and trust God more.
It’s probably a good idea for each one of us to pause and give ourselves a good examination…to see whether we are lining up with God and really surrendering to Him – and especially to determine whether we are demonstrating this level of trust to the world at large.
If we are going rest in the Lord, we must wait patiently for Him to act. We must trust Him for outcomes that bless us and serve our best interests. In turn, we must serve God by representing His steadfastness and perfection to those with whom we interact. And they cannot see this confidence if we are always worried, defeated, upset or angry.
When others think of you, what words come to mind? Do they see a person of peace and calm who trusts God in all things? Or do they see someone who is directly affected by each and every circumstance of the day – and reacts accordingly? Our attitudes matter greatly – to us, to others, and to God. What does your attitude say about your Christian faith these days?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.
Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I am sad to report to you that I know more than a few people who claim to be faith-filled Christians…yet they are some of the angriest, most worrisome people I have ever met! It’s would almost be a joke…were it not so disheartening. Others who know these people well practically wager on what will set them off…or how long it will take them to mention that something has made them mad - or that they are troubled about a particular thing. Gloom and doom are their constant companions, and they are generally one crisis or aggravation away from some sort of meltdown or outburst. And yet they sprinkle their conversations with references to God, their “faith,” church, Bible study, and Christian fellowship!
Now I ask you, does this sound like a person who has something you want? Would you be interested in serving their God if doing so made you feel so miserable and anxious? I didn’t think so…and I don’t blame you.
I hope I have been vague enough in my description that no one has said, “Hey! She’s talking about ME!” If you do feel that way, perhaps it is time to check your thoughts, words and actions…and see where you need to “stop your anger” and “turn off your wrath.” Maybe it’s time for you to fret and worry less…and trust God more.
It’s probably a good idea for each one of us to pause and give ourselves a good examination…to see whether we are lining up with God and really surrendering to Him – and especially to determine whether we are demonstrating this level of trust to the world at large.
If we are going rest in the Lord, we must wait patiently for Him to act. We must trust Him for outcomes that bless us and serve our best interests. In turn, we must serve God by representing His steadfastness and perfection to those with whom we interact. And they cannot see this confidence if we are always worried, defeated, upset or angry.
When others think of you, what words come to mind? Do they see a person of peace and calm who trusts God in all things? Or do they see someone who is directly affected by each and every circumstance of the day – and reacts accordingly? Our attitudes matter greatly – to us, to others, and to God. What does your attitude say about your Christian faith these days?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 5, 2013
Philippians 4:8-9
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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.
When I was nine years old, my great-grandfather died. I remember sitting on my great-grandmother’s lap in their little farmhouse at Wilburn, Arkansas, and telling her how sorry I was. She replied that everything would be okay… that we would all be okay. I can still remember my mother saying, “Granny is a strong woman.” In recent years, I learned that there was at least a time when Granny was anything but strong. She “took to her bed”, as old-timers like to say - somewhere around 1920 - and stayed there for SEVENTEEN YEARS! From what we can glean, we believe that Granny suffered a nervous breakdown after a bout with the flu – and possibly a miscarriage. My paternal grandmother, who grew up with Granny’s children, always said that “Granny had some sort of ‘spell’ and just went to bed.”
One of Granny’s daughters told Mother that my great-grandfather tried everything to cheer her up… taking her on wagon rides on Sunday afternoons… even moving into town for a year so that Granny could drink local mineral waters that were said to have healing effects… doing virtually anything he thought might please her. It was all to no avail. Granny ran her family (my great-grandfather, my grandfather, his brother and a toddler sister) and her household from bed… and she even bore two more children during this time. And as my grandfather and his older siblings grew up and left home, Granny gradually began to get up out of bed and take on a few household chores… and even some cooking. She died in 1968, at the age of 79. I was grown and married before I ever knew anything of this 17-year episode.
There are a lot of us who have figuratively “taken to our beds” – if not literally. We mope around with an unpleasant look on our faces and an unhappy attitude. We gripe and complain… about everything. Many have even built a reputation for being a negative person… someone whom others don’t care to be around – at least for very long. I know a few people like this, don’t you? They are always mad or angry about something or someone…nothing is ever quite right…and every word from their mouth is tinged with a hint of displeasure and dissatisfaction. The crazy thing is that some of these people even claim to be Spirit-filled Christians!
I GOOGLED the phrase “positive people”… hoping to find some inspirational personal stories of people who have remained positive and pleasant against all odds. Instead, I found this list of 10 Essential Habits of Positive People at a website called Lifehack.org. (http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-10-essential-habits-of-positive-people.html) Please visit this site and read the commentary that expounds on each of these ten points. It’s very good and highly enlightening. But here are the 10 basic points…
God doesn’t love us any less when we behave in this manner… but He surely would like to see us turn this around. We can… and He will help us! But here’s the deal… it’s our choice! We can choose to call on the LORD and summon every ounce of strength and resolve necessary to overcome negative forces in our life… to become positive people who fill our minds and meditate on “things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” We can put into practice the teachings of Jesus… all that we have seen, heard and realized. Or we can allow the devil to have a field day – to consume us with negative thoughts and attitudes, depression, disillusionment, and a general dissatisfaction with our life and everyone in it.
I know some of you will argue that there are extenuating circumstances… medical complications and mental disorders that cause some to behave this way. And you are right. But most of us use this as a crutch because we don’t want to accept our own choices. Too many of us rather enjoy wallowing in self-pity and negativity… and we have chosen to stay there!
I don’t know about you, but this is an easy decision for me. I want the joys and symple rhythms of a life in Christ… one where He helps me over the bumps in the road and through the difficult times – and there will always be difficult times – and moves me along toward heaven. I want to operate in service that pleases Him… an attitude that says that my life in Christ can overcome any obstacles and hitches the devil tries to place in my path. Like my Granny told me when I was ten, everything will be okay. I believe that, because I believe that God will work everything together for His perfect harmonies in those who choose to love and serve Him.
What do you believe? And how will you choose to operate?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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.
When I was nine years old, my great-grandfather died. I remember sitting on my great-grandmother’s lap in their little farmhouse at Wilburn, Arkansas, and telling her how sorry I was. She replied that everything would be okay… that we would all be okay. I can still remember my mother saying, “Granny is a strong woman.” In recent years, I learned that there was at least a time when Granny was anything but strong. She “took to her bed”, as old-timers like to say - somewhere around 1920 - and stayed there for SEVENTEEN YEARS! From what we can glean, we believe that Granny suffered a nervous breakdown after a bout with the flu – and possibly a miscarriage. My paternal grandmother, who grew up with Granny’s children, always said that “Granny had some sort of ‘spell’ and just went to bed.”
One of Granny’s daughters told Mother that my great-grandfather tried everything to cheer her up… taking her on wagon rides on Sunday afternoons… even moving into town for a year so that Granny could drink local mineral waters that were said to have healing effects… doing virtually anything he thought might please her. It was all to no avail. Granny ran her family (my great-grandfather, my grandfather, his brother and a toddler sister) and her household from bed… and she even bore two more children during this time. And as my grandfather and his older siblings grew up and left home, Granny gradually began to get up out of bed and take on a few household chores… and even some cooking. She died in 1968, at the age of 79. I was grown and married before I ever knew anything of this 17-year episode.
There are a lot of us who have figuratively “taken to our beds” – if not literally. We mope around with an unpleasant look on our faces and an unhappy attitude. We gripe and complain… about everything. Many have even built a reputation for being a negative person… someone whom others don’t care to be around – at least for very long. I know a few people like this, don’t you? They are always mad or angry about something or someone…nothing is ever quite right…and every word from their mouth is tinged with a hint of displeasure and dissatisfaction. The crazy thing is that some of these people even claim to be Spirit-filled Christians!
I GOOGLED the phrase “positive people”… hoping to find some inspirational personal stories of people who have remained positive and pleasant against all odds. Instead, I found this list of 10 Essential Habits of Positive People at a website called Lifehack.org. (http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-10-essential-habits-of-positive-people.html) Please visit this site and read the commentary that expounds on each of these ten points. It’s very good and highly enlightening. But here are the 10 basic points…
- Positive people don’t confuse quitting with letting go.
- Positive people don’t just have a good day – they make a good day.
- For the positive person, the past stays in the past.
- Show me a positive person and I can show you a grateful person.
- Rather than being stuck in their limitations, positive people are energized by their possibilities.
- Positive people do not let their fears interfere with their lives!
- Positive people smile a lot!
- People who are positive are great communicators.
- Positive people realize that if you live long enough, there are times for great pain and sadness.
- Positive persons are empowered people – they refuse to blame others and are not victims in life.
God doesn’t love us any less when we behave in this manner… but He surely would like to see us turn this around. We can… and He will help us! But here’s the deal… it’s our choice! We can choose to call on the LORD and summon every ounce of strength and resolve necessary to overcome negative forces in our life… to become positive people who fill our minds and meditate on “things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” We can put into practice the teachings of Jesus… all that we have seen, heard and realized. Or we can allow the devil to have a field day – to consume us with negative thoughts and attitudes, depression, disillusionment, and a general dissatisfaction with our life and everyone in it.
I know some of you will argue that there are extenuating circumstances… medical complications and mental disorders that cause some to behave this way. And you are right. But most of us use this as a crutch because we don’t want to accept our own choices. Too many of us rather enjoy wallowing in self-pity and negativity… and we have chosen to stay there!
I don’t know about you, but this is an easy decision for me. I want the joys and symple rhythms of a life in Christ… one where He helps me over the bumps in the road and through the difficult times – and there will always be difficult times – and moves me along toward heaven. I want to operate in service that pleases Him… an attitude that says that my life in Christ can overcome any obstacles and hitches the devil tries to place in my path. Like my Granny told me when I was ten, everything will be okay. I believe that, because I believe that God will work everything together for His perfect harmonies in those who choose to love and serve Him.
What do you believe? And how will you choose to operate?
©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 March 16, 2013
March 16 ~ Job 2:9
His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
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.
In his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, author Harold S. Kushner tells the story of Martin Gray, who survived the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Holocaust. He married, built a successful life, and raised a family. One day his wife and children were killed in a forest fire that destroyed their home in the south of France. Some demanded an inquiry as to whether there was negligence or someone was at fault. But Gray refused. He said that accusing others for your misery only makes you lonelier. He maintained that life has to be lived for something, not against it.
An awful lot of us are living our lives against something. We are seeking blame or making excuses. Basically, we are ready to “curse God and die.” I once knew someone who turned her back on God after her father’s death. In her words, “What kind of God would allow my daddy to suffer like that?!” Indeed, it does often seem hard to comprehend the hardships some face. But giving situations a purpose and meaning often makes them more bearable Kushner points out that soldiers who lose a limb fighting for something have a better outlook than those who suffered the same in jury in a car or boating accident.
It often seems that in order to maintain our integrity, we must find the purpose for everything… and it had better be a good one! In other words, when troubles come, we give up on God and take whatever means necessary to survive and/or feel good. We are easily persuaded to “curse God and die” – inwardly, at least, if not literally.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would not sit back and wait on God to show us His purpose for our lives in each situation… but that we would endeavor to find it and to create good outcomes out of even seemingly bad situations. THIS is the mark of integrity… to consistently maintain our values, principles, and expectations… to never waiver in our faith - even when things are crumbling around us. The person of integrity doesn’t ask, “Why me, LORD?” He/she asks, “Where do I go from here? What are You showing me?”
These are the questions for today… “What is God showing you? And what are you doing with it?” Will you give meaning to the things that happen in your life - with God’s help - or are you ready to curse Him and die? Are you living your life for something… or against it? The choice is yours. Our reactions to people, situations and circumstances gives them meaning – either positive or negative. What are yours saying about you… and your faith in God to handle all things?
©2013 Debbie Robus
His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”
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.
In his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People, author Harold S. Kushner tells the story of Martin Gray, who survived the horrors of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Holocaust. He married, built a successful life, and raised a family. One day his wife and children were killed in a forest fire that destroyed their home in the south of France. Some demanded an inquiry as to whether there was negligence or someone was at fault. But Gray refused. He said that accusing others for your misery only makes you lonelier. He maintained that life has to be lived for something, not against it.
An awful lot of us are living our lives against something. We are seeking blame or making excuses. Basically, we are ready to “curse God and die.” I once knew someone who turned her back on God after her father’s death. In her words, “What kind of God would allow my daddy to suffer like that?!” Indeed, it does often seem hard to comprehend the hardships some face. But giving situations a purpose and meaning often makes them more bearable Kushner points out that soldiers who lose a limb fighting for something have a better outlook than those who suffered the same in jury in a car or boating accident.
It often seems that in order to maintain our integrity, we must find the purpose for everything… and it had better be a good one! In other words, when troubles come, we give up on God and take whatever means necessary to survive and/or feel good. We are easily persuaded to “curse God and die” – inwardly, at least, if not literally.
My prayer for each of us today is that we would not sit back and wait on God to show us His purpose for our lives in each situation… but that we would endeavor to find it and to create good outcomes out of even seemingly bad situations. THIS is the mark of integrity… to consistently maintain our values, principles, and expectations… to never waiver in our faith - even when things are crumbling around us. The person of integrity doesn’t ask, “Why me, LORD?” He/she asks, “Where do I go from here? What are You showing me?”
These are the questions for today… “What is God showing you? And what are you doing with it?” Will you give meaning to the things that happen in your life - with God’s help - or are you ready to curse Him and die? Are you living your life for something… or against it? The choice is yours. Our reactions to people, situations and circumstances gives them meaning – either positive or negative. What are yours saying about you… and your faith in God to handle all things?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2013
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness—faith, love, peace—joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God. Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands.
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.
There are a lot of parallels in working with children and old people. One of these involves trying to reason with either age group. You can sometimes tell a child a dozen times that… “this square puzzle piece does not fit in that round hole”… but the child has to figure this out on his/her own to fully learn the lesson. You may gently suggest to an elderly loved one that “perhaps it’s time to consider downsizing or moving to a retirement village or assisted living facility.” But if the senior still has his/her mental faculties, you cannot make this decision yourself. At both ends of this generational spectrum, the temptation is often there to yell and scream – if only inside your own head! Why can’t these people see what you see? Why do they have to insist on their own way?
Stop and read these last two sentences again… and think about Jesus. Why can’t we see what He sees? Why do we insist on having things our own way instead of listening to Him? What if Jesus yelled and screamed at us when we disobeyed or chose the wrong path? Do you see that sometimes the best tactic is to keep cool, stay patient, and gently listen and lead? Do you operate with a gracious, merciful and forgiving heart toward others… as Jesus does toward each of us?
In my own experience, I’ll admit that I’ve tried yelling and screaming. I’ve been impatient and argumentative. And I know for a fact that this method pretty much never works! I’ve sat back and watched little children figure things out on their own… and seen the joy and confidence spread over their faces as they “got it.” I’ve watched my own grandmother come to the conclusion that she needed to move to an assisted living facility. I’ve seen the peace and satisfaction that she and my great-aunt both experienced when they set aside their car keys and decided they were no longer able to drive… versus the angst my grandfather endured when this decision was imposed upon him.
I have also seen the “kicking and screaming” – both literal and figurative – that have resulted when often-well-meaning Christians tried to force their beliefs and practices on others. And I have seen the beauty of the moment that someone genuinely, humbly surrendered to Jesus and truly felt the warmth and glory of His touch. I am firmly convinced that we would see more of the latter if we could learn to curb our urge to operate in the former!
There is a lot of “meat” in this scripture passage for all of us. Don’t miss it! Study the words of the Apostle Paul to young Timothy and apply them to your own life. Find a balance between patience and treating others firmly… between being a good listener while gently teaching and leading…between keeping your cool and making your point. Always think of Jesus. Remind yourself of His gentle rhythms…how He continually operated in love and forgiveness, grace and mercy – while demonstrating obedience to God and respect for His laws. See firsthand how effective your witness can be when you apply these approaches to your own interactions with others.
Let others see Jesus in your words and actions… and prepare to see Jesus at work in ways you never dreamed were possible. It’s time we moved over and let Jesus have control. Are you willing to step aside and let Him?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2012
Proverbs 14:29
It’s smart to be patient, but it’s stupid to lose your temper.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first two-plus years of his life, my nephew Timothy suffered from night terrors. Nearly every night, he would go to sleep at bedtime with minor fanfare, only to “wake” an hour or so later (like clockwork)… screaming inconsolably. After several weeks of this, we learned that he was not truly awake… that he was experiencing something known as “night terrors.” He could not transition into a deeper sleep pattern… but he could not wake up, either. To say this was frustrating would be a major understatement. And I could readily see how easy it would be to lose patience - and sadly for some children, how a parent could lash out in frustration.
Timothy could not help this… he was totally unaware of it. In the words of this scripture translation, it would be stupid to be mad at him for this inability to sleep soundly. And as much as we wanted to scream and cry with him many nights, we did our best to console him… pat his back, wipe his tears, and soothe him until he was able to calm himself and drift into a deeper sleep pattern… and to be patient with him.
We can all see how ridiculous it is to lose our temper with a toddler. We understand that the child cannot truly be held responsible for many of his/her actions and is still learning how to function in our world. And we understand the temper tantrums of said babies… they have no foundation yet for handling the challenges and irritations with which they are presented. As children grow, we begin to expect more from them. Often, as they learn to exercise patience, we tend to lose our own!
Patience is an acquired characteristic! We are aided in this process by those in our circle who demonstrate this trait – and the coping mechanisms needed to achieve it. Hopefully, we also come to understand that God will help us. We can ask Him to give us patience… to help us control our temper… and to keep us from behaving stupidly!
There is a delicate balance in play here… one we simply must master. I urge you to spend some time in prayer and ask God to help you control your temper… to equip you with patience for all circumstances… and to help you to always operate in a manner that is pleasing and honorable to Him. None of us are toddlers. We can no longer make excuses! It’s time to grow up and be responsible. With God’s help, We.Can.Do.This! Are you with me?!
©2012 Debbie Robus
It’s smart to be patient, but it’s stupid to lose your temper.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first two-plus years of his life, my nephew Timothy suffered from night terrors. Nearly every night, he would go to sleep at bedtime with minor fanfare, only to “wake” an hour or so later (like clockwork)… screaming inconsolably. After several weeks of this, we learned that he was not truly awake… that he was experiencing something known as “night terrors.” He could not transition into a deeper sleep pattern… but he could not wake up, either. To say this was frustrating would be a major understatement. And I could readily see how easy it would be to lose patience - and sadly for some children, how a parent could lash out in frustration.
Timothy could not help this… he was totally unaware of it. In the words of this scripture translation, it would be stupid to be mad at him for this inability to sleep soundly. And as much as we wanted to scream and cry with him many nights, we did our best to console him… pat his back, wipe his tears, and soothe him until he was able to calm himself and drift into a deeper sleep pattern… and to be patient with him.
We can all see how ridiculous it is to lose our temper with a toddler. We understand that the child cannot truly be held responsible for many of his/her actions and is still learning how to function in our world. And we understand the temper tantrums of said babies… they have no foundation yet for handling the challenges and irritations with which they are presented. As children grow, we begin to expect more from them. Often, as they learn to exercise patience, we tend to lose our own!
Patience is an acquired characteristic! We are aided in this process by those in our circle who demonstrate this trait – and the coping mechanisms needed to achieve it. Hopefully, we also come to understand that God will help us. We can ask Him to give us patience… to help us control our temper… and to keep us from behaving stupidly!
There is a delicate balance in play here… one we simply must master. I urge you to spend some time in prayer and ask God to help you control your temper… to equip you with patience for all circumstances… and to help you to always operate in a manner that is pleasing and honorable to Him. None of us are toddlers. We can no longer make excuses! It’s time to grow up and be responsible. With God’s help, We.Can.Do.This! Are you with me?!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2012
Psalm 35:28
Then I will shout all day, “Praise the Lord God! He did what was right.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I seriously considered closing my Facebook account today. The vile, venomous, hate-filled posts seem to have escalated in recent weeks to a point that I find intolerable. When I come away from my computer filled with sadness and disappointment in people I care about who seem to delight in spreading unkindness and intolerance, I have to ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” I wonder if God asks the same question every day as He watches us operate in anything but love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – and often hide behind His name while doing so.
But then, there are the positive comments… the scripture verses from some of my friends and family members… their happy photos…prayer requests… notices for everything from a city-wide back-to-school shoe drive to a summer lunch program for hungry children… and updates from a little cousin who has to frequent Mayo Clinic for chronic health issues. Just as I become disheartened and consider clicking off the page, God reminds me that there are still reasons for praise... and for sticking around.
There are two things I hope we will all consider today…
But we can do better! We can start today. We can make sure that everything we post on Facebook… everything we utter to another person or write in an e-mail message or note is expresses God’s goodness, power and blessings. We can ask God to help us make a habit of removing negativity, criticism, and anything that might be construed as hateful or evil from our language and behavior.
I am sticking around on Facebook for the moment… but I am making my opening daily prayer one of submission to God… a desire to operate only from a positive base that honors Him and brings Him joy and honor. Won’t you join me? Who has control of your tongue today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Then I will shout all day, “Praise the Lord God! He did what was right.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I seriously considered closing my Facebook account today. The vile, venomous, hate-filled posts seem to have escalated in recent weeks to a point that I find intolerable. When I come away from my computer filled with sadness and disappointment in people I care about who seem to delight in spreading unkindness and intolerance, I have to ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” I wonder if God asks the same question every day as He watches us operate in anything but love, grace, mercy and forgiveness – and often hide behind His name while doing so.
But then, there are the positive comments… the scripture verses from some of my friends and family members… their happy photos…prayer requests… notices for everything from a city-wide back-to-school shoe drive to a summer lunch program for hungry children… and updates from a little cousin who has to frequent Mayo Clinic for chronic health issues. Just as I become disheartened and consider clicking off the page, God reminds me that there are still reasons for praise... and for sticking around.
There are two things I hope we will all consider today…
- Our mouth is a conduit - for good and evil. What others hear is our choice… and it does matter. When we “speak first and ask questions later,” we dishonor God. The first thing we need to do is prayerfully ask God how HE wants us to proceed… and to call on Him to put His words on our tongue.
- We must learn to offer others the same things we ask God to grant us… grace, peace, mercy, forgiveness, unconditional love… and we must trust HIM to do what is right.
But we can do better! We can start today. We can make sure that everything we post on Facebook… everything we utter to another person or write in an e-mail message or note is expresses God’s goodness, power and blessings. We can ask God to help us make a habit of removing negativity, criticism, and anything that might be construed as hateful or evil from our language and behavior.
I am sticking around on Facebook for the moment… but I am making my opening daily prayer one of submission to God… a desire to operate only from a positive base that honors Him and brings Him joy and honor. Won’t you join me? Who has control of your tongue today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 31, 2012
Philippians 4:10-14
I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
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 had to describe your perfect day, what would it include? Would you need to go somewhere, be with a lot of friends and/or family, or dine in fancy restaurants? Would you find yourself living someone else’s life… maybe sitting poolside in a mansion on the beach, dripping in expensive clothing and jewelry, with sports cars and high-dollar rides in the garage and a limo at your beck and call? Would you hang out with A-list celebrities and attend all of the high-profile functions? Would your body be tanned and toned… your muscles “ripped” and your skin wrinkle-free? Would you have a head of perfectly coiffed, thick, beautiful hair? Would you be a mega-millionaire who never had to work another day in his/her life? Would you be 100% healthy and fit?
Now think about where you are today… what God has presented you with for THIS day. How does it stack up to your “perfect” day? What is the difference? Do you find that the most glaring contrast is your attitude? I have a little daily calendar on my desk with a quip or quote for each day. Today’s words were actually a joke about a little girl who attended her first wedding and asked her mom why the bride wore white? The mom told her that “White is the color of happiness, and this is the happiest day of her life.” The child then asked, “So why is the groom wearing black?” See… it’s all a matter of attitude!
What is your mindset today? Are you quite content whatever your circumstances? Do you find the “perfection” in small things each day… recognizing that God has blessed you and made you – and with Him, you can make it through anything? Do you appreciate your blessings… family, friends, health, food, clothing, shelter, and yes – material belongings? Are you truly satisfied with your life? If the answer is “No,” the problem is probably a lack of confidence in your relationship with God, rather than personal need.
Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to settle your heart and mind… to give you a sense of contentment in Him that pervades any and all physical circumstances. Learn to live in the serenity of knowing Whose you are… and appreciating His daily dose of grace, mercy, love and blessings. Be well and happy every day, because you are His. Everything else is just the icing on the cake!
©2012 Debbie Robus
I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.
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 had to describe your perfect day, what would it include? Would you need to go somewhere, be with a lot of friends and/or family, or dine in fancy restaurants? Would you find yourself living someone else’s life… maybe sitting poolside in a mansion on the beach, dripping in expensive clothing and jewelry, with sports cars and high-dollar rides in the garage and a limo at your beck and call? Would you hang out with A-list celebrities and attend all of the high-profile functions? Would your body be tanned and toned… your muscles “ripped” and your skin wrinkle-free? Would you have a head of perfectly coiffed, thick, beautiful hair? Would you be a mega-millionaire who never had to work another day in his/her life? Would you be 100% healthy and fit?
Now think about where you are today… what God has presented you with for THIS day. How does it stack up to your “perfect” day? What is the difference? Do you find that the most glaring contrast is your attitude? I have a little daily calendar on my desk with a quip or quote for each day. Today’s words were actually a joke about a little girl who attended her first wedding and asked her mom why the bride wore white? The mom told her that “White is the color of happiness, and this is the happiest day of her life.” The child then asked, “So why is the groom wearing black?” See… it’s all a matter of attitude!
What is your mindset today? Are you quite content whatever your circumstances? Do you find the “perfection” in small things each day… recognizing that God has blessed you and made you – and with Him, you can make it through anything? Do you appreciate your blessings… family, friends, health, food, clothing, shelter, and yes – material belongings? Are you truly satisfied with your life? If the answer is “No,” the problem is probably a lack of confidence in your relationship with God, rather than personal need.
Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to settle your heart and mind… to give you a sense of contentment in Him that pervades any and all physical circumstances. Learn to live in the serenity of knowing Whose you are… and appreciating His daily dose of grace, mercy, love and blessings. Be well and happy every day, because you are His. Everything else is just the icing on the cake!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 8, 2012
Philippians 2:12-13
What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Every single one of us knows someone who is on his/her best behavior around other people… but acts like a stinker the rest of the time. I’ve heard people say of a young child… “He/she doesn’t ever act like that when his dad is around,” or “So-and-so is a pretty nice guy to your face, but when you’re not around, she says awful things,” or “What’s-his-name is all about ministry when people are watching. But if there’s nothing in it for him, he won’t even show up.” Sadly, some rendition of these type of comments may fit even you and me!
We’ve all got excuses… “I was tired or stressed out”… “Everybody has an “off day”… “The devil made me do it!”… or even “I don’t know what came over me!” But the simple fact is that when we do not live in responsive obedience to God, our witness becomes miserably ineffective. And let’s be honest… if even one person sees us on an “off day,” and that is all he/she gets, our demonstration to that person of God at work in our lives was an “epic fail.”
Our constant prayer needs to be for God’s energy… that energy deep within you that permeates your very being and works for His pleasure even when you are exhausted. I have found myself repeating over and again lately, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” When you think you can’t be nice… when you are so tired you can’t put one foot in front of another… when the task seems incredibly daunting… remember WHO is giving you strength and energy.
Keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. Live in responsive obedience. Redouble your efforts to be energetic, reverent, and sensitive. Allow God to give you energy beyond anything you could ever imagine… and work at what gives Him pleasure. God will energize you and bless your efforts… and that’s the essence of a disciple’s life. Are you an energized disciple today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
What I'm getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you've done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I'm separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God's energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.
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.
Every single one of us knows someone who is on his/her best behavior around other people… but acts like a stinker the rest of the time. I’ve heard people say of a young child… “He/she doesn’t ever act like that when his dad is around,” or “So-and-so is a pretty nice guy to your face, but when you’re not around, she says awful things,” or “What’s-his-name is all about ministry when people are watching. But if there’s nothing in it for him, he won’t even show up.” Sadly, some rendition of these type of comments may fit even you and me!
We’ve all got excuses… “I was tired or stressed out”… “Everybody has an “off day”… “The devil made me do it!”… or even “I don’t know what came over me!” But the simple fact is that when we do not live in responsive obedience to God, our witness becomes miserably ineffective. And let’s be honest… if even one person sees us on an “off day,” and that is all he/she gets, our demonstration to that person of God at work in our lives was an “epic fail.”
Our constant prayer needs to be for God’s energy… that energy deep within you that permeates your very being and works for His pleasure even when you are exhausted. I have found myself repeating over and again lately, “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me.” When you think you can’t be nice… when you are so tired you can’t put one foot in front of another… when the task seems incredibly daunting… remember WHO is giving you strength and energy.
Keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. Live in responsive obedience. Redouble your efforts to be energetic, reverent, and sensitive. Allow God to give you energy beyond anything you could ever imagine… and work at what gives Him pleasure. God will energize you and bless your efforts… and that’s the essence of a disciple’s life. Are you an energized disciple today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 23, 2012
Philippians 4:8-9
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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 found myself thinking about Teresa, a woman in my community who works tirelessly to meet the needs of others. Teresa is constantly posting something on Facebook about a need or concern… “Want to sponsor lunch for 20-30 spring break kids next week in our Adopt-A-Block neighborhood? Or would you like to serve for 2-3 hours one day (arts and crafts, outside games, FUN STUFF)?” or “WAL-MART has boys’ coats on sale for $8.99! You can take a small portion of your tax return to purchase a coat for a child in need!” or “Looking for a good used or free clothes dryer for a family who needs one.” I won’t even mention the countless scripture verses she frequently posts to encourage all of her friends.
Not only is Teresa a faithful servant… she fills her mind with the best, not the worst… the beautiful instead of the ugly. She never posts negative comments. In fact, when “life” happens – as it does for all of us – she finds a way to put a positive spin on things and give God the glory. Lest you think life is a bed of roses for Teresa, be assured that she has experienced her share of challenges. This single mother of two works hard to provide for her family – and equally hard on behalf of the collective family of her Heavenly Father. I truly am inspired by this young woman every single day.
There should be hundreds… thousands… of “Teresas” among us. But sadly, disciples of her caliber are few and far between. We find it so easy to be negative and see others’ faults and blemishes. Instead of seeing them as God’s precious children – equal to us in His sight in every way – we put on blinders. I am not suggesting we go through life wearing “rose-colored glasses” – or that we let down our guard. We are often right to be cautious about who we choose to associate with – or sticking our nose into situations that are none of our business. But so often, God calls us to do something… and gives us the wisdom to discern the right level of involvement and/or action… and we turn our head and look the other way. We often judge those involved and declare them, in essence, “different” or “weird” or “not worth our time.”
The closer I draw to God, the more restless and unsettled I become when I ignore His voice. If we truly want to experience the peace of God on a continual basis, we must apply His teachings in every situation. We must check our thoughts, our words, and our actions before making a move. We must be willing to step up – and out – as my friend Teresa does… with little to no regard to what the rest of the world will think.
Where do you need to adjust your attitudes and actions today? Where can you find a little beauty and goodness in the midst of the “bad and ugly?” Where is God leading you to change your thinking? Are you listening for His voice and filling your mind with true, noble, authentic, gracious things? Will you do your part to work toward His excellent harmonies? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
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 found myself thinking about Teresa, a woman in my community who works tirelessly to meet the needs of others. Teresa is constantly posting something on Facebook about a need or concern… “Want to sponsor lunch for 20-30 spring break kids next week in our Adopt-A-Block neighborhood? Or would you like to serve for 2-3 hours one day (arts and crafts, outside games, FUN STUFF)?” or “WAL-MART has boys’ coats on sale for $8.99! You can take a small portion of your tax return to purchase a coat for a child in need!” or “Looking for a good used or free clothes dryer for a family who needs one.” I won’t even mention the countless scripture verses she frequently posts to encourage all of her friends.
Not only is Teresa a faithful servant… she fills her mind with the best, not the worst… the beautiful instead of the ugly. She never posts negative comments. In fact, when “life” happens – as it does for all of us – she finds a way to put a positive spin on things and give God the glory. Lest you think life is a bed of roses for Teresa, be assured that she has experienced her share of challenges. This single mother of two works hard to provide for her family – and equally hard on behalf of the collective family of her Heavenly Father. I truly am inspired by this young woman every single day.
There should be hundreds… thousands… of “Teresas” among us. But sadly, disciples of her caliber are few and far between. We find it so easy to be negative and see others’ faults and blemishes. Instead of seeing them as God’s precious children – equal to us in His sight in every way – we put on blinders. I am not suggesting we go through life wearing “rose-colored glasses” – or that we let down our guard. We are often right to be cautious about who we choose to associate with – or sticking our nose into situations that are none of our business. But so often, God calls us to do something… and gives us the wisdom to discern the right level of involvement and/or action… and we turn our head and look the other way. We often judge those involved and declare them, in essence, “different” or “weird” or “not worth our time.”
The closer I draw to God, the more restless and unsettled I become when I ignore His voice. If we truly want to experience the peace of God on a continual basis, we must apply His teachings in every situation. We must check our thoughts, our words, and our actions before making a move. We must be willing to step up – and out – as my friend Teresa does… with little to no regard to what the rest of the world will think.
Where do you need to adjust your attitudes and actions today? Where can you find a little beauty and goodness in the midst of the “bad and ugly?” Where is God leading you to change your thinking? Are you listening for His voice and filling your mind with true, noble, authentic, gracious things? Will you do your part to work toward His excellent harmonies? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 21, 2012
1 Peter 5:7-10
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
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 keep a little calendar on my desk called “365 Days of Humor for Women.” There is a quote for each day of the year. Today’s quote was, “Some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.” That’s pretty funny stuff on the surface. The sad part is that some of us choose to be “the statue” pretty much every day of the year! And that’s how we get into trouble. See, the devil can move about easily in our suggestive realm. So when we speak negatively, we just as well open the door and say, “Come on in, buddy, and sit a spell!”
We give the devil room to work when we continually harbor negative thoughts. Part of keeping our guard up is making a concerted effort to see the good in all situations and people. I know it’s hard. I’ve been “the statue” more days than I care to acknowledge… and to a large degree it’s often been my own doing! Joel Osteen likes to say, “You can be a victim, or a victor!”
The choice is ours. We can take those “statue” days and turn them into opportunities to do better… for ourselves and by others. When someone mistreats you, make a vow to treat that person or someone else even better. When life throws you a curve ball, ask God to show you how to find your way to a bigger opportunity… or to give you His solution to your present dilemma.
Whatever images, suggestions, visions, dreams, impressions, feelings and thoughts that don’t contribute directly to our faith need to be blasted into the stratosphere. We need to fill our hearts and minds with those things that line up with God’s will for our lives… to continually seek to turn negative thoughts and events into positive ones (with God’s help), and to always ask Him “What would you have me learn from this?” Sure, there will still be “statue” events. But how we handle them will speak volumes about how big our faith in God is to set us upright, dust us off, and get us going in the right direction again.
Are you awake and alert these days… carefully guarding your thoughts and actions against the devil’s efforts to get a foothold? Or are you napping on the job? Have you set yourself up to experience the powerful “last word” of God… or would you rather be a “statue?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
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 keep a little calendar on my desk called “365 Days of Humor for Women.” There is a quote for each day of the year. Today’s quote was, “Some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.” That’s pretty funny stuff on the surface. The sad part is that some of us choose to be “the statue” pretty much every day of the year! And that’s how we get into trouble. See, the devil can move about easily in our suggestive realm. So when we speak negatively, we just as well open the door and say, “Come on in, buddy, and sit a spell!”
We give the devil room to work when we continually harbor negative thoughts. Part of keeping our guard up is making a concerted effort to see the good in all situations and people. I know it’s hard. I’ve been “the statue” more days than I care to acknowledge… and to a large degree it’s often been my own doing! Joel Osteen likes to say, “You can be a victim, or a victor!”
The choice is ours. We can take those “statue” days and turn them into opportunities to do better… for ourselves and by others. When someone mistreats you, make a vow to treat that person or someone else even better. When life throws you a curve ball, ask God to show you how to find your way to a bigger opportunity… or to give you His solution to your present dilemma.
Whatever images, suggestions, visions, dreams, impressions, feelings and thoughts that don’t contribute directly to our faith need to be blasted into the stratosphere. We need to fill our hearts and minds with those things that line up with God’s will for our lives… to continually seek to turn negative thoughts and events into positive ones (with God’s help), and to always ask Him “What would you have me learn from this?” Sure, there will still be “statue” events. But how we handle them will speak volumes about how big our faith in God is to set us upright, dust us off, and get us going in the right direction again.
Are you awake and alert these days… carefully guarding your thoughts and actions against the devil’s efforts to get a foothold? Or are you napping on the job? Have you set yourself up to experience the powerful “last word” of God… or would you rather be a “statue?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 12, 2012
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
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.
There is a new commercial airing for StraightTalk cell phone service that has people talking like they are rich and worldly, while they look for their clunker car in the parking lot. In this commercial, a lady is talking on her cell phone to someone about serving Cornish game hen versus chicken, because “everyone gets their own baby chicken on their own baby plate” and an endive salad. She then argues about the pronunciation of the word “endive” as she tries to open a very expensive car that is dubbed “the car of a hip-hop music mogul.” She asks her husband why her keyless remote will not open the car door, and he points across the lot and says, “… because we drive a station wagon.” The point of the commercial is that saving money on her cell phone bill has made the woman feel rich and important - and speak to others with arrogance.
A lot of us are trying to be something or someone we aren’t. Even more of us are failing to recognize who we truly are! We are the chosen heirs of God Almighty, which makes each a prince or a princess… our Father is the King of Kings! Too many of us make excuses… “I’m not smart enough… thin enough, rich enough… from the right family. I’m the wrong color or the wrong gender. I didn’t go to college. I’m different… people don’t like me. I’m ugly, my hair is too curly (or straight)… my nose is too big… I’m too short or too tall.” We give up quickly and let poor health, our social, economic, and educational status (or lack of one), and more limit what God can do with us. We fail to recognize the power of positive thinking and speaking… a need to change our words!
Today, let’s start speaking positively. Let’s “call things that be not as though they were.” In other words, try saying “I can,” instead of “I can’t.” Recognize that God wants to do amazing things in and through you… and if He believes you are good enough, this is all that matters. Don’t start talking like someone else and pretending to be more important than you already are. Realize that you are amazing, incredible, and perfectly formed by God Almighty… and that’s more than enough. Ask God to show you how and where to use what He has given you - for His glory. Blow a trumpet for God, and get ready for Him to knock your socks off with blessings.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."
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.
There is a new commercial airing for StraightTalk cell phone service that has people talking like they are rich and worldly, while they look for their clunker car in the parking lot. In this commercial, a lady is talking on her cell phone to someone about serving Cornish game hen versus chicken, because “everyone gets their own baby chicken on their own baby plate” and an endive salad. She then argues about the pronunciation of the word “endive” as she tries to open a very expensive car that is dubbed “the car of a hip-hop music mogul.” She asks her husband why her keyless remote will not open the car door, and he points across the lot and says, “… because we drive a station wagon.” The point of the commercial is that saving money on her cell phone bill has made the woman feel rich and important - and speak to others with arrogance.
A lot of us are trying to be something or someone we aren’t. Even more of us are failing to recognize who we truly are! We are the chosen heirs of God Almighty, which makes each a prince or a princess… our Father is the King of Kings! Too many of us make excuses… “I’m not smart enough… thin enough, rich enough… from the right family. I’m the wrong color or the wrong gender. I didn’t go to college. I’m different… people don’t like me. I’m ugly, my hair is too curly (or straight)… my nose is too big… I’m too short or too tall.” We give up quickly and let poor health, our social, economic, and educational status (or lack of one), and more limit what God can do with us. We fail to recognize the power of positive thinking and speaking… a need to change our words!
Today, let’s start speaking positively. Let’s “call things that be not as though they were.” In other words, try saying “I can,” instead of “I can’t.” Recognize that God wants to do amazing things in and through you… and if He believes you are good enough, this is all that matters. Don’t start talking like someone else and pretending to be more important than you already are. Realize that you are amazing, incredible, and perfectly formed by God Almighty… and that’s more than enough. Ask God to show you how and where to use what He has given you - for His glory. Blow a trumpet for God, and get ready for Him to knock your socks off with blessings.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 3, 2012
2 Corinthians 4:16
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
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 don’t know about you, but I have had a few life experiences that left me feeling as if things were falling apart on me. It was hard to say goodbye to loved ones… to bury my pets… to let our little Timothy go home after spending so much time with us. I was frustrated when I broke my ankle and had to spend three months sitting on the couch, asking for help with everything – even a shower! I was deeply disappointed when I truly believed I was in line for a new job… then I wasn’t selected. I’ve felt the sting of conceding that “enough is enough” and letting go of toxic relationships and unhealthy habits. There have been times when I spent a few days or longer merely going through the motions of getting through the day… and I bet you have been there, too!
I don’t like to compare myself to others. I believe God wants us to examine our own lives and consider how we stack up to His desires and expectations for us. However, in this instance, I think we should momentarily make an exception. If we look around, we can see examples in every life situation of people who are handling similar experiences… or far worse. We may grieve for loved ones who now live in Heaven, but that is nothing compared to those who grieve for loved ones who never professed to know Jesus. We may have lost a beloved pet… others have lost a child – or several children. We may not get the new job… others don’t have a job in the first place. We may have broken a bone or two - or suffered a temporary, treatable illness… others face a lifelong, chronic condition or an incurable disease.
We may have setbacks in relationships, challenges in the workplace and at school, or face a temporary separation from someone we love… others face complete estrangement from their families and friends, do not have the opportunity to work or study, or experience permanent banishment from their loved ones.
And if that isn’t enough… consider all that Jesus suffered - entirely on our behalf - and everything that is promised because of His suffering. No matter what we are facing… however difficult, sad, or disappointing life may seem today… we cannot wallow in self-pity. We must look to the cross, and beyond, and realize that even on our worst day, God is blessing us and equipping us in ways we can’t begin to imagine. We must realize that our hearts are not breaking – at least not in the way we think. While we feel like our heart is bursting open and everything is falling apart, God is at work… filling us with love, grace and new mercies – and mending our hearts in a way that strengthens us for another day.
I could cite countless examples of people who have lived with hope and courage in spite of incredible, seemingly impossible challenges and roadblocks. I could tell you about many persons I know who have endured one tragedy after another with a positive spirit that seems incredulous. I am guessing you could make your own list of inspiring individuals. Instead, I want to encourage you to work on adding your name to that list. Open your heart to all that God wants to give you… acknowledge that He is working behind the scenes and healing you in ways you can’t begin to fully understand. Live with hope and courage that a better day is coming… lavish celebrations are on the way… and God is making a new life for each of us.
When challenges come – and they will! – don’t allow them to completely sap your faith and courage. You may suffer a momentary setback. Grief and sadness - for a season - is perfectly normal. But ultimately, remember Who is at work in your heart - storing up blessings to last forever. Never give up. Examine the depths of your heart and see how God is working… and live from this abundance. There truly is far more here than meets the eye. What has God placed in your heart today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.
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 don’t know about you, but I have had a few life experiences that left me feeling as if things were falling apart on me. It was hard to say goodbye to loved ones… to bury my pets… to let our little Timothy go home after spending so much time with us. I was frustrated when I broke my ankle and had to spend three months sitting on the couch, asking for help with everything – even a shower! I was deeply disappointed when I truly believed I was in line for a new job… then I wasn’t selected. I’ve felt the sting of conceding that “enough is enough” and letting go of toxic relationships and unhealthy habits. There have been times when I spent a few days or longer merely going through the motions of getting through the day… and I bet you have been there, too!
I don’t like to compare myself to others. I believe God wants us to examine our own lives and consider how we stack up to His desires and expectations for us. However, in this instance, I think we should momentarily make an exception. If we look around, we can see examples in every life situation of people who are handling similar experiences… or far worse. We may grieve for loved ones who now live in Heaven, but that is nothing compared to those who grieve for loved ones who never professed to know Jesus. We may have lost a beloved pet… others have lost a child – or several children. We may not get the new job… others don’t have a job in the first place. We may have broken a bone or two - or suffered a temporary, treatable illness… others face a lifelong, chronic condition or an incurable disease.
We may have setbacks in relationships, challenges in the workplace and at school, or face a temporary separation from someone we love… others face complete estrangement from their families and friends, do not have the opportunity to work or study, or experience permanent banishment from their loved ones.
And if that isn’t enough… consider all that Jesus suffered - entirely on our behalf - and everything that is promised because of His suffering. No matter what we are facing… however difficult, sad, or disappointing life may seem today… we cannot wallow in self-pity. We must look to the cross, and beyond, and realize that even on our worst day, God is blessing us and equipping us in ways we can’t begin to imagine. We must realize that our hearts are not breaking – at least not in the way we think. While we feel like our heart is bursting open and everything is falling apart, God is at work… filling us with love, grace and new mercies – and mending our hearts in a way that strengthens us for another day.
I could cite countless examples of people who have lived with hope and courage in spite of incredible, seemingly impossible challenges and roadblocks. I could tell you about many persons I know who have endured one tragedy after another with a positive spirit that seems incredulous. I am guessing you could make your own list of inspiring individuals. Instead, I want to encourage you to work on adding your name to that list. Open your heart to all that God wants to give you… acknowledge that He is working behind the scenes and healing you in ways you can’t begin to fully understand. Live with hope and courage that a better day is coming… lavish celebrations are on the way… and God is making a new life for each of us.
When challenges come – and they will! – don’t allow them to completely sap your faith and courage. You may suffer a momentary setback. Grief and sadness - for a season - is perfectly normal. But ultimately, remember Who is at work in your heart - storing up blessings to last forever. Never give up. Examine the depths of your heart and see how God is working… and live from this abundance. There truly is far more here than meets the eye. What has God placed in your heart today?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 13, 2012
Psalm 148:11-13
Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the LORD! All creation, come praise the name of the LORD. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility where she resides. She was in the Activities Room, creating a picture frame from Popsicle® sticks and all sorts of crafts items. Seated with her was a much younger woman who also resides at the facility. She was framing photos of her children. I had never realized that this woman was a mother. As we talked about her children and her husband, I learned that she is also a college graduate. She explained rather matter-of-factly to me how a series of events led to her move into this facility a few years ago. Suffice it to say, I was incredibly humbled by our conversation.
I had hurried to the facility today to check on my grandmother. For the second time this week, a dear friend of hers who also resided there had passed away. I had a zillion other things I wanted to do with my morning, but I felt I needed to spend this time with my grandmother. After I sat in the Activities Room for 30 minutes, I realized that I really had nothing more important to do… except maybe take a few extra minutes to praise God for the life I have. I was once again reminded that my life can change in a heartbeat… and many experience such dramatic changes every single day.
There are other “young” people at the assisted living facility who landed there because of various illnesses and “life events.” And for the most part, they are positive and upbeat, even though they have lots of reasons to feel otherwise. Oh, they will tell you they wish they could live a “normal” life, but by and large, they are making the best of their situation. They find their own set of reasons to praise the LORD, even in their less than perfect circumstances.
I commented to my grandmother that we never know what tomorrow will bring. You or I could be living at such a facility next week. And we would still have plenty of reasons to praise the LORD. But… would we? Do we stop and thank Him now for what we DO have? Are we truly grateful for where we are today… whether it’s stuck inside a classroom listening to a boring lecture, working at a job we don’t particularly like, doing laundry and changing diapers, or aimlessly surfing the channels looking for something to fill a boring evening? Do we find the joy and blessings in every circumstance of our life, or do we gripe and complain and throw ourselves a pity party?
Every single one of us has something to praise the LORD about today. It may be the fact that we are in an assisted living facility with arts and crafts projects and the “freedom” to come and go as we please, rather than confined to a bed in a nursing home. It may be that we are glad to have children and a spouse to care for … meals to cook, houses to clean, diapers to change and laundry to wash. We may be thankful for the old ugly clunker that gets us where we need to go, even though we would love to drive a shiny new sports car. Or we may be grateful to still live alone in our own home, even though our age and infirmities are telling us that soon we will need extra help. Whatever your station… wherever you are in your life… there is SOMETHING today for which you can give God praise. The question is… have you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the LORD! All creation, come praise the name of the LORD. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This morning, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility where she resides. She was in the Activities Room, creating a picture frame from Popsicle® sticks and all sorts of crafts items. Seated with her was a much younger woman who also resides at the facility. She was framing photos of her children. I had never realized that this woman was a mother. As we talked about her children and her husband, I learned that she is also a college graduate. She explained rather matter-of-factly to me how a series of events led to her move into this facility a few years ago. Suffice it to say, I was incredibly humbled by our conversation.
I had hurried to the facility today to check on my grandmother. For the second time this week, a dear friend of hers who also resided there had passed away. I had a zillion other things I wanted to do with my morning, but I felt I needed to spend this time with my grandmother. After I sat in the Activities Room for 30 minutes, I realized that I really had nothing more important to do… except maybe take a few extra minutes to praise God for the life I have. I was once again reminded that my life can change in a heartbeat… and many experience such dramatic changes every single day.
There are other “young” people at the assisted living facility who landed there because of various illnesses and “life events.” And for the most part, they are positive and upbeat, even though they have lots of reasons to feel otherwise. Oh, they will tell you they wish they could live a “normal” life, but by and large, they are making the best of their situation. They find their own set of reasons to praise the LORD, even in their less than perfect circumstances.
I commented to my grandmother that we never know what tomorrow will bring. You or I could be living at such a facility next week. And we would still have plenty of reasons to praise the LORD. But… would we? Do we stop and thank Him now for what we DO have? Are we truly grateful for where we are today… whether it’s stuck inside a classroom listening to a boring lecture, working at a job we don’t particularly like, doing laundry and changing diapers, or aimlessly surfing the channels looking for something to fill a boring evening? Do we find the joy and blessings in every circumstance of our life, or do we gripe and complain and throw ourselves a pity party?
Every single one of us has something to praise the LORD about today. It may be the fact that we are in an assisted living facility with arts and crafts projects and the “freedom” to come and go as we please, rather than confined to a bed in a nursing home. It may be that we are glad to have children and a spouse to care for … meals to cook, houses to clean, diapers to change and laundry to wash. We may be thankful for the old ugly clunker that gets us where we need to go, even though we would love to drive a shiny new sports car. Or we may be grateful to still live alone in our own home, even though our age and infirmities are telling us that soon we will need extra help. Whatever your station… wherever you are in your life… there is SOMETHING today for which you can give God praise. The question is… have you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2011
Psalm 100
Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD! You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I visited my grandmother at the retirement center where she now lives. It was time for lunch, and I visited with the ladies at her table while they waited to be served… all women I’ve known most, if not all, of my life. The ladies were all excited about their lunch – chicken livers! But when the meals were served, they each had a boneless chicken breast… and they were not happy. It seems that they had misunderstood… they were served the “daily lunch special.” Chicken livers was an option for those who didn’t want the “special.” But the ladies got it backwards… and they were very disappointed.
The food the ladies were served looked delicious, and I encouraged them to give it a try. And later, when I phoned my grandmother, we talked about how fortunate these seniors are to have such a wonderful, comfortable, safe place to live… a place where they have great care, delicious food, air conditioning in summer and heat in winter… and so much more. And I began to think about how often we are so busy complaining about something that is wrong that we fail to recognize all that is right!
It should be enough that we belong to God… that we are His people and the sheep in His pasture. Just knowing that we belong to God and He is caring for our every need should fill us with joy and make us want to “shout praises to the LORD!” But we – and I am right smack in the middle of this group – tend to find the glass half empty and stew about the things that are wrong in our little worlds. We should be busy listing our blessings and thanking God for all He does for us.
There is an e-mail message that circulates from time to time that starts off: "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.” I do not know who to credit for these comments. But they are great thoughts.
We have so many reasons to be thankful and to give God praise… and truly, so very little about which to complain. Yet we are often far more eager to tell anyone who will ask what is wrong with our lives than what is right. It’s time to change this! We need to be busy counting our blessings and praising God for all He does for us.
We need to be thankful for the house that needs cleaning… the less-than-restful night of sleep in a clean, warm bed and the clothing on our backs that may have come from a thrift store… because even when things are not up to our “standards” or desires, we are still incredibly blessed. And when we finally get our “chicken liver dinner,”… as the ladies at the retirement center did the next day… we need to thank God for blessing us even when we gripe!
What has been your “chicken liver dinner” lately? What will you praise God for today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD! You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I visited my grandmother at the retirement center where she now lives. It was time for lunch, and I visited with the ladies at her table while they waited to be served… all women I’ve known most, if not all, of my life. The ladies were all excited about their lunch – chicken livers! But when the meals were served, they each had a boneless chicken breast… and they were not happy. It seems that they had misunderstood… they were served the “daily lunch special.” Chicken livers was an option for those who didn’t want the “special.” But the ladies got it backwards… and they were very disappointed.
The food the ladies were served looked delicious, and I encouraged them to give it a try. And later, when I phoned my grandmother, we talked about how fortunate these seniors are to have such a wonderful, comfortable, safe place to live… a place where they have great care, delicious food, air conditioning in summer and heat in winter… and so much more. And I began to think about how often we are so busy complaining about something that is wrong that we fail to recognize all that is right!
It should be enough that we belong to God… that we are His people and the sheep in His pasture. Just knowing that we belong to God and He is caring for our every need should fill us with joy and make us want to “shout praises to the LORD!” But we – and I am right smack in the middle of this group – tend to find the glass half empty and stew about the things that are wrong in our little worlds. We should be busy listing our blessings and thanking God for all He does for us.
There is an e-mail message that circulates from time to time that starts off: "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.” I do not know who to credit for these comments. But they are great thoughts.
We have so many reasons to be thankful and to give God praise… and truly, so very little about which to complain. Yet we are often far more eager to tell anyone who will ask what is wrong with our lives than what is right. It’s time to change this! We need to be busy counting our blessings and praising God for all He does for us.
We need to be thankful for the house that needs cleaning… the less-than-restful night of sleep in a clean, warm bed and the clothing on our backs that may have come from a thrift store… because even when things are not up to our “standards” or desires, we are still incredibly blessed. And when we finally get our “chicken liver dinner,”… as the ladies at the retirement center did the next day… we need to thank God for blessing us even when we gripe!
What has been your “chicken liver dinner” lately? What will you praise God for today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 19, 2011
Psalm 96:1-4
Sing a new song to the LORD! Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD, sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One morning recently I got up early and headed for the farmer’s market and the grocery store, before the heat of the day set in and made being in and out of a car quite miserable. I stopped at Spring Park, where a farmer’s truck bed was laden with vegetables like potatoes, onions, squash, and tomatoes. He had cantaloupes and watermelons, too. As he placed the tomatoes and squash I had purchased into a bag, a strong breeze stirred through the trees.
I looked at those trees… tall and mighty – standing in that park for decades, if not centuries. And later, I stood and looked at old oak trees in the yard of our former office across the street from my grandparents’ house, where all but one massive oak tree that shaded the property have succumbed to time and mankind. I thought about how God had placed these trees in our yards and parks to shade us and carry cool breezes on a hot summer day.
I thought about how God provides us with delicious summer garden vegetables and fruits… how He carefully orchestrates every detail of our lives and continually does “wonderful and marvelous things.” And I realized… none of us praise Him enough! We should get up every morning and sing a new song to the LORD. We should praise His name day after day.
Even on our worst day… when nothing seems to be going right, we didn’t sleep well (or overslept), and life is really getting us down… we should still give God continual praise, because He never stops working on our behalf. So the challenge for each of us is this… let’s begin each day with praise to God for all that He does for us. Let’s make a concerted effort to praise Him throughout the day for all of his marvelous works and wonders that surround us. Let’s get in the habit of praising God continually for being our Savior and the only God worthy of our worship.
It’s time we stopped taking God for granted. Have you given Him praise today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Sing a new song to the LORD! Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD, sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One morning recently I got up early and headed for the farmer’s market and the grocery store, before the heat of the day set in and made being in and out of a car quite miserable. I stopped at Spring Park, where a farmer’s truck bed was laden with vegetables like potatoes, onions, squash, and tomatoes. He had cantaloupes and watermelons, too. As he placed the tomatoes and squash I had purchased into a bag, a strong breeze stirred through the trees.
I looked at those trees… tall and mighty – standing in that park for decades, if not centuries. And later, I stood and looked at old oak trees in the yard of our former office across the street from my grandparents’ house, where all but one massive oak tree that shaded the property have succumbed to time and mankind. I thought about how God had placed these trees in our yards and parks to shade us and carry cool breezes on a hot summer day.
I thought about how God provides us with delicious summer garden vegetables and fruits… how He carefully orchestrates every detail of our lives and continually does “wonderful and marvelous things.” And I realized… none of us praise Him enough! We should get up every morning and sing a new song to the LORD. We should praise His name day after day.
Even on our worst day… when nothing seems to be going right, we didn’t sleep well (or overslept), and life is really getting us down… we should still give God continual praise, because He never stops working on our behalf. So the challenge for each of us is this… let’s begin each day with praise to God for all that He does for us. Let’s make a concerted effort to praise Him throughout the day for all of his marvelous works and wonders that surround us. Let’s get in the habit of praising God continually for being our Savior and the only God worthy of our worship.
It’s time we stopped taking God for granted. Have you given Him praise today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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