Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!
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.
As an online seller, I can tell you that positive feedback is vital. I’ve worked hard to build up a base of good feedback. The trouble is… less than half of all buyers take the time to provide any response. This is really frustrating to us sellers… and it has made me more aware of the importance of providing feedback when I purchase something – especially if it was from an individual, like a seller on Etsy, eBay or from an independent retailer on Amazon.
“What’s the big deal about feedback?” you may ask. Positive feedback tells potential buyers that this person had a good experience… that the customer got what he/she paid for… that the shipping was reasonable and quick… that the overall service was good. One customer who purchased vintage earrings from me wrote, “These are beautiful! I will cherish them! Thank you so much!” Another said of an antique table runner…“Very beautiful! It’s in great vintage condition as advertised. I LOVE it! Thanks for the careful packaging and super fast shipping!”
I wonder… what sort of feedback do we give for God? Do we let others know what wonderful things He has done for us? Are we quick to point out how amazing God is… the power He brings to our life and how beautifully He orchestrates every detail? Do we sing His praises and tell the world that He is worthy of our devotion…more than enough to meet our every need… our joy and our strength? Do we give God credit for a victorious life over sin and death? Do we acknowledge that He is preparing a mansion for us in heaven, where the streets are paved with gold?
Are we like those who buy online and never bother to let anyone know whether they had a good experience or not? Do we take all that God will give us without so much as a word or a gesture to show our appreciation? Isn’t it time we stopped and took a good hard look at how we treat our Most High God? Don’t you think He deserves to be heralded… to hear our song of praise… to feel our acknowledgment? Shouldn’t we tell everyone in sight how much God has done for us and offer them a chance to experience His incredible strength in their own life?
What are you waiting for? Make this the day that you begin to give daily positive feedback to Almighty God. Make Him not only your strength, but your song… and exalt Him to the best of your ability. We can never repay God for all He does for us… for all He will do for us in the future. But we can give Him our best effort and continual feedback. God wants to hear from us… He wants us to tell others about Him. When was the last time you sang His praises?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label praise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label praise. Show all posts
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 January 2, 2012
1 Chronicles 16:34-36
Praise the LORD because he is good to us, and his love never fails. Say to him, "Save us, LORD God! Bring us back from among the nations. Let us celebrate and shout in praise of your holy name. LORD God of Israel, you deserve to be praised forever and ever."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For many of us, today was a reality check… a time to go back to our routine, put away the last of the Christmas decorations, and maybe sleep in one last time before returning to work. Christmas and New Year’s Day have come and gone… the parties are over… and soon we will go back to school or work and/or a regular routine. The celebrating is over for another year.
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the “Reason for the Season!” In fact, this is exactly the wrong thing to do! We have plenty to celebrate. We have more than enough reasons to continue to praise God… to thank Him each and every day for all He does for us. Christmas is not the end… it’s the beginning!
So let’s keep this going! Let’s remember to celebrate and shout in praise of the holy name of Jesus Christ! Let’s thank God each and every day for being so good to us… for His love that never fails… for continually meeting our needs. We can still smile at people in the halls and the checkout line. We can still give to charities and help those in need. We can still extend the love and peace of God to others. Just because we’re not saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the love of Christ and share with others.
Our God truly does deserve to be praised forever and ever. How will you celebrate Him in the coming months?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD because he is good to us, and his love never fails. Say to him, "Save us, LORD God! Bring us back from among the nations. Let us celebrate and shout in praise of your holy name. LORD God of Israel, you deserve to be praised forever and ever."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For many of us, today was a reality check… a time to go back to our routine, put away the last of the Christmas decorations, and maybe sleep in one last time before returning to work. Christmas and New Year’s Day have come and gone… the parties are over… and soon we will go back to school or work and/or a regular routine. The celebrating is over for another year.
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the “Reason for the Season!” In fact, this is exactly the wrong thing to do! We have plenty to celebrate. We have more than enough reasons to continue to praise God… to thank Him each and every day for all He does for us. Christmas is not the end… it’s the beginning!
So let’s keep this going! Let’s remember to celebrate and shout in praise of the holy name of Jesus Christ! Let’s thank God each and every day for being so good to us… for His love that never fails… for continually meeting our needs. We can still smile at people in the halls and the checkout line. We can still give to charities and help those in need. We can still extend the love and peace of God to others. Just because we’re not saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the love of Christ and share with others.
Our God truly does deserve to be praised forever and ever. How will you celebrate Him in the coming months?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2011
Psalm 136:1-4
Praise the LORD! He is good.
God's love never fails.
Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.
Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.
Only God works great miracles.
God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was young, our family had huge holiday get-togethers, especially on Thanksgiving Day and again at Christmas. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered for a noon meal that turned into grazing all afternoon and into the evening. Sometimes the men went bird hunting after lunch. Sometimes we played cards or dominoes. Other times we just visited and ate the whole day. There was an abundance family, food, and fun.
We rotated who hosted the holiday party, and the meals were potluck, and certain people always brought their specialty dish. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and wonderful pies. My cousin Betty Rhea made the cornbread dressing. My Mam-ma Polly cooked green beans in a cast-iron Dutch oven… and she always made the yeast rolls. We averaged 30 people at our “dinners,” and even the smallest house was outfitted with card tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Nobody ever seemed to feel crowded.
Now our numbers have dwindled. There will be fewer than a dozen people at the table tomorrow. My mom usually makes the cornbread dressing, but her sister is making it this year. I inherited my grandmother’s cast iron Dutch oven nearly a decade ago, so green beans is always an item I bring. The homemade rolls have been replaced by the Sister Schubert’s heat and serve variety. Still, we gather and give thanks for our blessings. We thank God for those who have gone to heaven and celebrate the memories of their presence at our table for past holidays. We praise God that they now feast at HIS table every single day… and we look forward to joining them when He is ready for us.
I don’t know about your family traditions or how you celebrate the holidays. But I hope you take time to remember that God’s love NEVER fails. Whether you feast with thirty or three… or you spend the holidays by yourself… you are never alone. God is with you… He wants to meet your every need… and His love never fails. Praise the God of all gods this holiday season… and celebrate His unending love and care each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD! He is good.
God's love never fails.
Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.
Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.
Only God works great miracles.
God's love never fails.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was young, our family had huge holiday get-togethers, especially on Thanksgiving Day and again at Christmas. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered for a noon meal that turned into grazing all afternoon and into the evening. Sometimes the men went bird hunting after lunch. Sometimes we played cards or dominoes. Other times we just visited and ate the whole day. There was an abundance family, food, and fun.
We rotated who hosted the holiday party, and the meals were potluck, and certain people always brought their specialty dish. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and wonderful pies. My cousin Betty Rhea made the cornbread dressing. My Mam-ma Polly cooked green beans in a cast-iron Dutch oven… and she always made the yeast rolls. We averaged 30 people at our “dinners,” and even the smallest house was outfitted with card tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Nobody ever seemed to feel crowded.
Now our numbers have dwindled. There will be fewer than a dozen people at the table tomorrow. My mom usually makes the cornbread dressing, but her sister is making it this year. I inherited my grandmother’s cast iron Dutch oven nearly a decade ago, so green beans is always an item I bring. The homemade rolls have been replaced by the Sister Schubert’s heat and serve variety. Still, we gather and give thanks for our blessings. We thank God for those who have gone to heaven and celebrate the memories of their presence at our table for past holidays. We praise God that they now feast at HIS table every single day… and we look forward to joining them when He is ready for us.
I don’t know about your family traditions or how you celebrate the holidays. But I hope you take time to remember that God’s love NEVER fails. Whether you feast with thirty or three… or you spend the holidays by yourself… you are never alone. God is with you… He wants to meet your every need… and His love never fails. Praise the God of all gods this holiday season… and celebrate His unending love and care each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 21, 2011
Psalm 134
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD.
The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For some, this will be a very difficult week. It’s hard to be thankful and lift your hands in praise when you are sad and lonely, sick and suffering, struggling in some manner, or grieving the loss of a loved one. For those who will face the first Thanksgiving Day celebration without a family member or friend, their job, or a place to call home, being joyful and offering praise to God may seem almost like an oxymoron.
But one of the marks of a faith-filled Christian is the ability to praise God even when “the chips are down.” When you come to a point where you can lift your hands and praise God even when challenges and sorrows seem to rain down from the sky, you are truly “getting there” in your faith walk.
Do you know someone who seems to always be smiling and behaving in a positive manner, even when you know for a fact they are hurting or facing extreme difficulties? Do you ever wonder how they do this… and wish you had this ability? You can! God knows what is happening in our lives. He appreciates the fact that we can celebrate Him even when we are not in the mood to do so. He understands that we grieve, get sick, lose our jobs, struggle in school and our personal relationships, and more... and He totally “gets it!” He also delights in the praise and gratitude of those who seem to have every reason not to be thankful, but offer their prayers nonetheless.
This holiday season, we must be conscious of those around us who are sad, suffering, challenged and stressed. We must encourage them and show God’s love for them whenever and wherever we can. But we must also demonstrate great faith in God to sustain us through all “seasons” of life by lifting our hands and giving Him our praise and thanks. We find thanksgiving an easy topic this week… but it should be in our hearts and on our minds every week of the year. Have you given God your praise lately? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD.
The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For some, this will be a very difficult week. It’s hard to be thankful and lift your hands in praise when you are sad and lonely, sick and suffering, struggling in some manner, or grieving the loss of a loved one. For those who will face the first Thanksgiving Day celebration without a family member or friend, their job, or a place to call home, being joyful and offering praise to God may seem almost like an oxymoron.
But one of the marks of a faith-filled Christian is the ability to praise God even when “the chips are down.” When you come to a point where you can lift your hands and praise God even when challenges and sorrows seem to rain down from the sky, you are truly “getting there” in your faith walk.
Do you know someone who seems to always be smiling and behaving in a positive manner, even when you know for a fact they are hurting or facing extreme difficulties? Do you ever wonder how they do this… and wish you had this ability? You can! God knows what is happening in our lives. He appreciates the fact that we can celebrate Him even when we are not in the mood to do so. He understands that we grieve, get sick, lose our jobs, struggle in school and our personal relationships, and more... and He totally “gets it!” He also delights in the praise and gratitude of those who seem to have every reason not to be thankful, but offer their prayers nonetheless.
This holiday season, we must be conscious of those around us who are sad, suffering, challenged and stressed. We must encourage them and show God’s love for them whenever and wherever we can. But we must also demonstrate great faith in God to sustain us through all “seasons” of life by lifting our hands and giving Him our praise and thanks. We find thanksgiving an easy topic this week… but it should be in our hearts and on our minds every week of the year. Have you given God your praise lately? Isn’t this a great time to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 6, 2011
Psalm 117
Praise GOD, everybody! Applaud GOD, all people!
His love has taken over our lives; GOD's faithful ways are eternal.
Hallelujah!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One day recently, I picked up my great-nephew Timothy at daycare and told him, “We’re going to see your cousins, Owen and Olivia!” He was thrilled and began to tell me how he was going to give “big hugs” and kisses when he saw them. Then as we drove along, he said, “DebDeb, I so happy! Are Oooo happy?” I assured him that when he is happy… yes, I am very happy! This little 2-year-old caught me off guard with his “applause.” Quite often, without any prompting, he will say “Thank you” for everything from handing him a toy to a cup of milk or juice to “letting” him brush his teeth. At such a young age, Timothy already knows how to lavish love on us… how to praise us and make us feel like we are on top of the world.
As I thought about our traveling conversation, I wondered… “How often do I lavish love on God? When was the last time I told Him how happy I am that His love has taken over my life… that His faithful ways are eternal, and I praise Him for this? How long has it been since I applauded God for His presence in my life and His mighty works in general?” I have to admit, I find plenty of time to tell God what I need… but far less to tell Him how glad I am that He shows up every minute of the day for me.
When was the last time you praised God for His presence in your life… or anything else, for that matter? Have you, in essence, said, “Father, I’m so happy… are You happy with me?” Isn’t today a good day to take a page from a toddler? Isn’t it time we fully acknowledged and glorified the One who makes everything possible in our lives?
Today is a great day to give God a big round of applause. The collective roar of our praise should be deafening to His ears! Let’s all stand and clap together now… shall we?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise GOD, everybody! Applaud GOD, all people!
His love has taken over our lives; GOD's faithful ways are eternal.
Hallelujah!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One day recently, I picked up my great-nephew Timothy at daycare and told him, “We’re going to see your cousins, Owen and Olivia!” He was thrilled and began to tell me how he was going to give “big hugs” and kisses when he saw them. Then as we drove along, he said, “DebDeb, I so happy! Are Oooo happy?” I assured him that when he is happy… yes, I am very happy! This little 2-year-old caught me off guard with his “applause.” Quite often, without any prompting, he will say “Thank you” for everything from handing him a toy to a cup of milk or juice to “letting” him brush his teeth. At such a young age, Timothy already knows how to lavish love on us… how to praise us and make us feel like we are on top of the world.
As I thought about our traveling conversation, I wondered… “How often do I lavish love on God? When was the last time I told Him how happy I am that His love has taken over my life… that His faithful ways are eternal, and I praise Him for this? How long has it been since I applauded God for His presence in my life and His mighty works in general?” I have to admit, I find plenty of time to tell God what I need… but far less to tell Him how glad I am that He shows up every minute of the day for me.
When was the last time you praised God for His presence in your life… or anything else, for that matter? Have you, in essence, said, “Father, I’m so happy… are You happy with me?” Isn’t today a good day to take a page from a toddler? Isn’t it time we fully acknowledged and glorified the One who makes everything possible in our lives?
Today is a great day to give God a big round of applause. The collective roar of our praise should be deafening to His ears! Let’s all stand and clap together now… shall we?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2011
Psalm 111:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet. The LORD has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God's marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. Everything the LORD does is glorious and majestic, and his power to bring justice will never end. The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may feel like this is a strange scripture passage to share on a day when we commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history. But even in the midst of such mind-boggling devastation, God was there. And if you ask family members of some of the victims, they will tell you that the love and support – and prayers – of people they didn’t even know have strengthened them and reminded them of God’s kindness, mercy, and power. And for that, they shout praises to the LORD!
I have had the honor of corresponding with the families of two victims of 9/11 over the last decade. Joe Henry was the son of Ed and Alice. Ed and Joe’s brother were NYC firefighters, too… just like his grandfather had been. In fact, Ed suffered a serious back injury at the Twin Towers, where Joe died. Imagine the gut-wrenching despair of Alice as she tended to her husband while grieving the loss of her 24-year-old son, whose body was never recovered.
Imagine the devastation of Veronica Squef, wife of NYC Firefighter Keith Glascoe, as she sat with her two babies, Nolan and Owen… pregnant with their third child… and grieved for her husband who had perished. Consider what it must have been like for her, and dozens of other mothers, to deliver babies whose daddies were gone in a split second with the dust and rubble of Ground Zero.
I know in my heart that these two families, along with countless others, could not have survived these last ten years without God’s wonderful deeds… His kindness, mercy, and power. I know that they have made it through dozens of days on the wings of prayers lifted by people like you and me… and God’s answers. And I know that if they can survive this horrible event and hold their heads up… walk with joy and confidence in a future filled with God’s bright promises… then so can we!
Today, as we pause to remember the events of 9/11/2001, let us also give thanks to God, who is bigger than even the worst day of our lives. Give Him glory for bringing perfect justice… according to His will and timing. Praise Him for equipping us to endure what seems impossible to handle… and for showing us how to move forward with our lives through His grace. God bless all who were directly – and indirectly – affected by the events of September 11, 2001… and may God bless each of us as we strive to operate in His power, mercy and grace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! With all my heart I will thank the LORD when his people meet. The LORD has done many wonderful things! Everyone who is pleased with God's marvelous deeds will keep them in mind. Everything the LORD does is glorious and majestic, and his power to bring justice will never end. The LORD God is famous for his wonderful deeds, and he is kind and merciful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may feel like this is a strange scripture passage to share on a day when we commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the most horrific events in our nation’s history. But even in the midst of such mind-boggling devastation, God was there. And if you ask family members of some of the victims, they will tell you that the love and support – and prayers – of people they didn’t even know have strengthened them and reminded them of God’s kindness, mercy, and power. And for that, they shout praises to the LORD!
I have had the honor of corresponding with the families of two victims of 9/11 over the last decade. Joe Henry was the son of Ed and Alice. Ed and Joe’s brother were NYC firefighters, too… just like his grandfather had been. In fact, Ed suffered a serious back injury at the Twin Towers, where Joe died. Imagine the gut-wrenching despair of Alice as she tended to her husband while grieving the loss of her 24-year-old son, whose body was never recovered.
Imagine the devastation of Veronica Squef, wife of NYC Firefighter Keith Glascoe, as she sat with her two babies, Nolan and Owen… pregnant with their third child… and grieved for her husband who had perished. Consider what it must have been like for her, and dozens of other mothers, to deliver babies whose daddies were gone in a split second with the dust and rubble of Ground Zero.
I know in my heart that these two families, along with countless others, could not have survived these last ten years without God’s wonderful deeds… His kindness, mercy, and power. I know that they have made it through dozens of days on the wings of prayers lifted by people like you and me… and God’s answers. And I know that if they can survive this horrible event and hold their heads up… walk with joy and confidence in a future filled with God’s bright promises… then so can we!
Today, as we pause to remember the events of 9/11/2001, let us also give thanks to God, who is bigger than even the worst day of our lives. Give Him glory for bringing perfect justice… according to His will and timing. Praise Him for equipping us to endure what seems impossible to handle… and for showing us how to move forward with our lives through His grace. God bless all who were directly – and indirectly – affected by the events of September 11, 2001… and may God bless each of us as we strive to operate in His power, mercy and grace.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2011
Psalm 107:19-22
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2011
Psalm 105:1-5
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2011
Psalm 63:1-8
You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Death is a fact of life. And the older I get, the more funerals I seem to be attending. Many of the friends and relatives in my grandparents’ age group are gone now… along with most of the folks in my childhood neighborhood, who were “satellite grandparents” to me and my siblings. Now, people in my parents’ circle of friends are beginning to decline – and go to heaven. It’s not really a sad time… more bittersweet… because I know they are receiving a great reward for their faithfulness on this earth, and they are happy in the face-to-face company of Jesus and those who went before them.
But all the same, there is some understandable sadness for those who are left behind, because these people are missed. God understands this… and He blesses us with memories… moments to reflect on our time with these people… and hopefully a time to laugh and smile as we think about what they meant to us and events we shared.
And so it is with a man named Dickie… a friend of my parents… the son of my childhood neighbor, Mary… who passed away recently. My personal association with Dickie goes back to a time when I was probably ten or eleven years old. Every Sunday morning in the summer, Dickie would come to our house around 8:00 and pick me up, and we would drive to DamSite Park, where he and I conducted a “lakeside worship” service for campers and visitors to our area. Dickie would unpack an old blue box “pump organ” from the trunk of his car and set it up for me. I would pass out hymnals and brochures about our church. We would sing a couple of hymns while I played the organ – “Blessed Assurance” was a favorite! – and then Dickie would read Scripture and deliver a few words. It was all over in time for us to get home and dress for our own Sunday-school and church services.
I don’t know how many years we did this… but I was thinking that Dickie was probably in his forties then. I wondered how many 40-something men would be so faithful and committed these days. For as long as I can remember, Dickie has been a faithful servant of his church and his LORD… until Alzheimer’s rendered him unable to be active in recent months.
Lest you think Dickie had a cushy life that made serving God easy, let me set things straight. Dickie lost his only son, Steve, to cancer in the 1980s after a long, gut-wrenching battle and dozens of experimental treatments. He suffered more than one bout with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness and paralysis of the facial muscles. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he kept going.
He traveled with his wife and their friends… often in an RV caravan… across the country and back – frequently visiting places out West… Arizona, California, and even Alaska. He and his wife participated in “car shows” – showcasing Steve’s prized Shelby and other Mustangs that Dickie restored. And Dickie served in many capacities in his home church, including substituting as a Sunday-school teacher for a men’s class when the regular teacher would be away… sometimes for months at a time.
When I think of my friend Dickie, I think of a man of great integrity and faith… someone who paid attention to details… whether on the car he was restoring, the gas heating unit he was installing or repairing in his propane business, or the materials he carried to a campground pavilion each Sunday to bring the Good News to weekend visitors. I think of someone who knew the power and glory of God… that no matter what he endured on this earth, this God would reward him well in heaven… someone who shared his faith and trust in God with others.
Today, I celebrate the faithful service of my friend Dickie… and I recognize God’s love and strength through his model of Christian service. We would do well to look around at the shining examples among us of those who rest in God and realize their salvation comes from him. We can learn much from people like Dickie. Look around for your own models of faith and service… those who dance and praise God in the shadow of His wings. We should strive to be more like them. We, too, must stay close to God and lean on His arms for support… until He calls us home for our own reward.
©2011 Debbie Robus
You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Death is a fact of life. And the older I get, the more funerals I seem to be attending. Many of the friends and relatives in my grandparents’ age group are gone now… along with most of the folks in my childhood neighborhood, who were “satellite grandparents” to me and my siblings. Now, people in my parents’ circle of friends are beginning to decline – and go to heaven. It’s not really a sad time… more bittersweet… because I know they are receiving a great reward for their faithfulness on this earth, and they are happy in the face-to-face company of Jesus and those who went before them.
But all the same, there is some understandable sadness for those who are left behind, because these people are missed. God understands this… and He blesses us with memories… moments to reflect on our time with these people… and hopefully a time to laugh and smile as we think about what they meant to us and events we shared.
And so it is with a man named Dickie… a friend of my parents… the son of my childhood neighbor, Mary… who passed away recently. My personal association with Dickie goes back to a time when I was probably ten or eleven years old. Every Sunday morning in the summer, Dickie would come to our house around 8:00 and pick me up, and we would drive to DamSite Park, where he and I conducted a “lakeside worship” service for campers and visitors to our area. Dickie would unpack an old blue box “pump organ” from the trunk of his car and set it up for me. I would pass out hymnals and brochures about our church. We would sing a couple of hymns while I played the organ – “Blessed Assurance” was a favorite! – and then Dickie would read Scripture and deliver a few words. It was all over in time for us to get home and dress for our own Sunday-school and church services.
I don’t know how many years we did this… but I was thinking that Dickie was probably in his forties then. I wondered how many 40-something men would be so faithful and committed these days. For as long as I can remember, Dickie has been a faithful servant of his church and his LORD… until Alzheimer’s rendered him unable to be active in recent months.
Lest you think Dickie had a cushy life that made serving God easy, let me set things straight. Dickie lost his only son, Steve, to cancer in the 1980s after a long, gut-wrenching battle and dozens of experimental treatments. He suffered more than one bout with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness and paralysis of the facial muscles. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he kept going.
He traveled with his wife and their friends… often in an RV caravan… across the country and back – frequently visiting places out West… Arizona, California, and even Alaska. He and his wife participated in “car shows” – showcasing Steve’s prized Shelby and other Mustangs that Dickie restored. And Dickie served in many capacities in his home church, including substituting as a Sunday-school teacher for a men’s class when the regular teacher would be away… sometimes for months at a time.
When I think of my friend Dickie, I think of a man of great integrity and faith… someone who paid attention to details… whether on the car he was restoring, the gas heating unit he was installing or repairing in his propane business, or the materials he carried to a campground pavilion each Sunday to bring the Good News to weekend visitors. I think of someone who knew the power and glory of God… that no matter what he endured on this earth, this God would reward him well in heaven… someone who shared his faith and trust in God with others.
Today, I celebrate the faithful service of my friend Dickie… and I recognize God’s love and strength through his model of Christian service. We would do well to look around at the shining examples among us of those who rest in God and realize their salvation comes from him. We can learn much from people like Dickie. Look around for your own models of faith and service… those who dance and praise God in the shadow of His wings. We should strive to be more like them. We, too, must stay close to God and lean on His arms for support… until He calls us home for our own reward.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 2, 2011
Psalm 66:20
Let's praise God! He listened when I prayed, and he is always kind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently attended my first “Family Council” meeting at the assisted living facility where my grandmother now resides. The administrator made the comment that it may seem that some of the residents are always happy and never have any complaints or difficulties. She assured us that all of the residents have issues from time to time… and all families represented have issues. And ALL of these people with “issues” pass through her office doors at one time or another.
I marveled at how this woman maintains her pleasant, positive attitude while managing so many people and problems. Surely she has her own days when she has “issues,” but to date, I have not observed this. She listens and is kind to those she encounters. She is the mediator… the counselor… and the authority for much of what happens in this facility. And many in the Council meeting sang her praises.
Imagine God as something of an “Administrator” on a supernatural level. Think of all of the prayers He hears in even a split second… request for healing and help of all kinds… complaints… gripes and grumblings… praises and glory. Just thinking about it makes my head spin… but because He is GOD, it’s all in a day’s work for Him. And as much as we may occasionally feel God’s wrath for our wrongdoings… far more often, we experience His love and kindness. Even when God is angry with us and punishing us, He is acting in love. His desire for us to straighten up and do better is wrapped in kindness when He welcomes us back into His arms.
Sometimes we all feel like people are not listening to us. We feel like we are crying out for help or trying to express ourselves… but the other guy doesn’t get it. Let me tell you something… GOD is always listening… and I assure you, He gets it! He hears us… He loves us, and He is waiting to shower us with kindness. I don’t know how He does it! But I know this… I’m giving Him praise… aren’t you?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Let's praise God! He listened when I prayed, and he is always kind.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I recently attended my first “Family Council” meeting at the assisted living facility where my grandmother now resides. The administrator made the comment that it may seem that some of the residents are always happy and never have any complaints or difficulties. She assured us that all of the residents have issues from time to time… and all families represented have issues. And ALL of these people with “issues” pass through her office doors at one time or another.
I marveled at how this woman maintains her pleasant, positive attitude while managing so many people and problems. Surely she has her own days when she has “issues,” but to date, I have not observed this. She listens and is kind to those she encounters. She is the mediator… the counselor… and the authority for much of what happens in this facility. And many in the Council meeting sang her praises.
Imagine God as something of an “Administrator” on a supernatural level. Think of all of the prayers He hears in even a split second… request for healing and help of all kinds… complaints… gripes and grumblings… praises and glory. Just thinking about it makes my head spin… but because He is GOD, it’s all in a day’s work for Him. And as much as we may occasionally feel God’s wrath for our wrongdoings… far more often, we experience His love and kindness. Even when God is angry with us and punishing us, He is acting in love. His desire for us to straighten up and do better is wrapped in kindness when He welcomes us back into His arms.
Sometimes we all feel like people are not listening to us. We feel like we are crying out for help or trying to express ourselves… but the other guy doesn’t get it. Let me tell you something… GOD is always listening… and I assure you, He gets it! He hears us… He loves us, and He is waiting to shower us with kindness. I don’t know how He does it! But I know this… I’m giving Him praise… aren’t you?!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2011
Daniel 4:34-35
"At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever:
"His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn't add up to much, but God's heavenly army keeps everything going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.
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.
Two recent events immediately came to mind when I read this scripture passage. The first was the tragic shooting that occurred in Tucson, Arizona, where a deranged young man attempted to assassinate a congresswoman and succeeded in killing six people and injuring 19 more. While there are dozens of stories from this event, one that stuck out in my mind was that of a new congressional aide who actually ran into the gunfire and protected his boss… 40-year-old Gabby Giffords. He held her against his body and applied pressure to the gunshot wound to her head. Experts say he may have quite literally saved Giffords’ life, because she lost very little blood.
The other was the death of a young man who had been involved in a car accident. His parents are devoted members of the Emmaus community and dear servants of God. This young son lay paralyzed for days from a cervical injury and exhibited little to no brain activity. He left behind a wife and two young sons. But on the day he went to heaven, his organs were harvested. Another man received a liver transplant and now has new hope for a long life.
In both instances, incredible tragedy occurred. Hearts are forever broken, and the grief is almost unbearable. But at the same time, God’s heavenly army keeps everything going. In the midst of the chaos and bedlam of a mass murder scene, God’s army sent heroes to rescue… and to subdue the assailant.
In the gut-wrenching turmoil of giving up a son, God sent his army to bolster the resolve of grieving loved ones so that they could agree to donate vital organs to others who needed them. God orchestrated medical staff… and the “match” of a suitable recipient for this young man’s liver. Because a dear friend of my mother received a new liver a few years ago, I know how incredible the timing was for all of this… nothing short of supernatural!
We cannot bring back the people who lost their lives in Tucson, or the young man who was involved in the car accident. We cannot change world events or a lot of what happens to each of us. But we can recognize that GOD never changes… and His army is always at work – even when we can’t see it – keeping things going. We can’t interrupt… we cannot change… and we wouldn’t want to if we could.
Today, I am taking on the prayer and praise of Nebuchadnezzar. I’m looking to heaven… thanking and glorifying God, Who lives forever. I’m trusting His rule and recognizing the power and promise of His army to be present in my life and make the difference. Are you with me? Will you look to heaven and offer your own prayer and praise? Are you ready to trust God’s rule for your own life?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever:
"His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn't add up to much, but God's heavenly army keeps everything going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.
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.
Two recent events immediately came to mind when I read this scripture passage. The first was the tragic shooting that occurred in Tucson, Arizona, where a deranged young man attempted to assassinate a congresswoman and succeeded in killing six people and injuring 19 more. While there are dozens of stories from this event, one that stuck out in my mind was that of a new congressional aide who actually ran into the gunfire and protected his boss… 40-year-old Gabby Giffords. He held her against his body and applied pressure to the gunshot wound to her head. Experts say he may have quite literally saved Giffords’ life, because she lost very little blood.
The other was the death of a young man who had been involved in a car accident. His parents are devoted members of the Emmaus community and dear servants of God. This young son lay paralyzed for days from a cervical injury and exhibited little to no brain activity. He left behind a wife and two young sons. But on the day he went to heaven, his organs were harvested. Another man received a liver transplant and now has new hope for a long life.
In both instances, incredible tragedy occurred. Hearts are forever broken, and the grief is almost unbearable. But at the same time, God’s heavenly army keeps everything going. In the midst of the chaos and bedlam of a mass murder scene, God’s army sent heroes to rescue… and to subdue the assailant.
In the gut-wrenching turmoil of giving up a son, God sent his army to bolster the resolve of grieving loved ones so that they could agree to donate vital organs to others who needed them. God orchestrated medical staff… and the “match” of a suitable recipient for this young man’s liver. Because a dear friend of my mother received a new liver a few years ago, I know how incredible the timing was for all of this… nothing short of supernatural!
We cannot bring back the people who lost their lives in Tucson, or the young man who was involved in the car accident. We cannot change world events or a lot of what happens to each of us. But we can recognize that GOD never changes… and His army is always at work – even when we can’t see it – keeping things going. We can’t interrupt… we cannot change… and we wouldn’t want to if we could.
Today, I am taking on the prayer and praise of Nebuchadnezzar. I’m looking to heaven… thanking and glorifying God, Who lives forever. I’m trusting His rule and recognizing the power and promise of His army to be present in my life and make the difference. Are you with me? Will you look to heaven and offer your own prayer and praise? Are you ready to trust God’s rule for your own life?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2010
Luke 18:29-30
Jesus answered, "You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or wife or brothers or family or children because of God's kingdom will be given much more in this life. And in the future world they will have eternal life."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As the holidays approach, I have found myself sitting at a recent church service – and then again at a high school basketball game – looking around at the people who were there. Many of them are friends of mine… or certainly acquaintances… and I began to think about these people. This one just lost his father… that child’s family has just been turned upside down by divorce… that person’s parent is in the nursing home… another couple is expecting a new baby any day… two lovebirds are about to tie the knot… this young person is dealing with the desertion of a parent… another just lost his job and his car stopped running… this child just went to a foster home. While some of these people are experiencing joyful occasions, many others are not. And as our pastor said recently, “There is a heartache on every pew.”
I thought of the first Thanksgiving without my father-in-law. The whole family went to Branson for the weekend to “celebrate” a little differently. I thought back to a time a little more than a decade ago when my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house. We had buried a beloved cousin on November 1st, so his family was in attendance without him. My own parents were absent, because my dad had just suffered renal failure and was in a Little Rock hospital beginning dialysis. My mother ate her Thanksgiving dinner alone in the hospital cafeteria. But my parents insisted we proceed with our celebration, and that those of us who were able spend the day together as a family. And we did.
The holidays are a stressful time for so many. Family and friends are important, and holidays are the time to celebrate with them! But when I think of this scripture, I think about what Jesus is saying... our family is important, but He is even more so. Family members will not always be with us on this earth, but Jesus will. Family dynamics will change on any given day… human relationships are fickle and fluid at best. But Jesus is forever… and focusing on Him leads to blessings and the assurance of Eternal Life.
If you are fortunate enough in the next few days to get to spend some time with family members and friends, enjoy that time. Should you find that your circumstances separate you from others, take heart. If you have truly surrendered your “earthly life” for God’s kingdom, you will be surrounded by His love and blessings, and you will be in His presence. And that is truly something to celebrate.
Turkey legs come and go… but Jesus is forever. Remember to thank Him for the amazing gift of salvation, and the “side dishes” of grace and mercy… none of which we deserve, yet He gives them to us freely. Spend some time at the table of your Heavenly Father this weekend, and fellowship with Him. If a few earthly relatives happen to be seated with you, share with them how God has blessed you. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and His kingdom… and thank Him for making you part of His family.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered, "You can be sure that anyone who gives up home or wife or brothers or family or children because of God's kingdom will be given much more in this life. And in the future world they will have eternal life."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As the holidays approach, I have found myself sitting at a recent church service – and then again at a high school basketball game – looking around at the people who were there. Many of them are friends of mine… or certainly acquaintances… and I began to think about these people. This one just lost his father… that child’s family has just been turned upside down by divorce… that person’s parent is in the nursing home… another couple is expecting a new baby any day… two lovebirds are about to tie the knot… this young person is dealing with the desertion of a parent… another just lost his job and his car stopped running… this child just went to a foster home. While some of these people are experiencing joyful occasions, many others are not. And as our pastor said recently, “There is a heartache on every pew.”
I thought of the first Thanksgiving without my father-in-law. The whole family went to Branson for the weekend to “celebrate” a little differently. I thought back to a time a little more than a decade ago when my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house. We had buried a beloved cousin on November 1st, so his family was in attendance without him. My own parents were absent, because my dad had just suffered renal failure and was in a Little Rock hospital beginning dialysis. My mother ate her Thanksgiving dinner alone in the hospital cafeteria. But my parents insisted we proceed with our celebration, and that those of us who were able spend the day together as a family. And we did.
The holidays are a stressful time for so many. Family and friends are important, and holidays are the time to celebrate with them! But when I think of this scripture, I think about what Jesus is saying... our family is important, but He is even more so. Family members will not always be with us on this earth, but Jesus will. Family dynamics will change on any given day… human relationships are fickle and fluid at best. But Jesus is forever… and focusing on Him leads to blessings and the assurance of Eternal Life.
If you are fortunate enough in the next few days to get to spend some time with family members and friends, enjoy that time. Should you find that your circumstances separate you from others, take heart. If you have truly surrendered your “earthly life” for God’s kingdom, you will be surrounded by His love and blessings, and you will be in His presence. And that is truly something to celebrate.
Turkey legs come and go… but Jesus is forever. Remember to thank Him for the amazing gift of salvation, and the “side dishes” of grace and mercy… none of which we deserve, yet He gives them to us freely. Spend some time at the table of your Heavenly Father this weekend, and fellowship with Him. If a few earthly relatives happen to be seated with you, share with them how God has blessed you. Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him and His kingdom… and thank Him for making you part of His family.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 23, 2010
Psalm 89:15
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
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 the Arkansas Razorbacks are doing well (and sometimes when they are not), fans often greet each other with such comments as “How ‘bout those Hawgs!” We want to talk about our team! And when they are performing well, it seems as if we have to tell everyone we see. “Did you see the game? Wasn’t So-and-So amazing? How did you like such-and-such play? What did you think about the coach’s comments afterward? Do you think we’ll go to a bowl game?” We can’t keep it quiet!
I’ve said it before, but I find it amazing we can get so revved up over a group of people tossing around a ball, but we can’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm over the God of the Universe! Our priorities are definitely out of whack!
I’ve been reading some interesting commentaries lately on setting a Christian example, and one of the points that hit home with me was that we are to be so busy setting a good example for others that we have no time to criticize, judge or correct them. We have no time for negativity if we are truly striving to set the best possible example of living for Christ. We don’t have time to argue, fuss, worry and belittle if we are busy praising God and dancing with delight over His amazing grace and mercy.
What are you talking about these days? What’s on your lips and in your thoughts? Is your focus on Jesus and all that He has done for you? Or are you preoccupied with things of this world, the shortcomings of others, and behaving selfishly? Isn’t it time we re-evaluated our time management and our focus? Isn’t it time we started to work on setting a good example for others and left the justice to the One who truly is in control? Isn’t it time for dancing and shouting about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to celebrate and tell others about Team Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet!
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 the Arkansas Razorbacks are doing well (and sometimes when they are not), fans often greet each other with such comments as “How ‘bout those Hawgs!” We want to talk about our team! And when they are performing well, it seems as if we have to tell everyone we see. “Did you see the game? Wasn’t So-and-So amazing? How did you like such-and-such play? What did you think about the coach’s comments afterward? Do you think we’ll go to a bowl game?” We can’t keep it quiet!
I’ve said it before, but I find it amazing we can get so revved up over a group of people tossing around a ball, but we can’t seem to muster the same enthusiasm over the God of the Universe! Our priorities are definitely out of whack!
I’ve been reading some interesting commentaries lately on setting a Christian example, and one of the points that hit home with me was that we are to be so busy setting a good example for others that we have no time to criticize, judge or correct them. We have no time for negativity if we are truly striving to set the best possible example of living for Christ. We don’t have time to argue, fuss, worry and belittle if we are busy praising God and dancing with delight over His amazing grace and mercy.
What are you talking about these days? What’s on your lips and in your thoughts? Is your focus on Jesus and all that He has done for you? Or are you preoccupied with things of this world, the shortcomings of others, and behaving selfishly? Isn’t it time we re-evaluated our time management and our focus? Isn’t it time we started to work on setting a good example for others and left the justice to the One who truly is in control? Isn’t it time for dancing and shouting about the Good News of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to celebrate and tell others about Team Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 24, 2010
March 24 ~ John 10:17-18
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably seen the TV game show, Let’s Make a Deal. Sometimes the host will tell a contestant. “You can have what is behind Door #1… OR… I will give you $1000 cash, and you can walk away now.” Sometimes what is behind Door #1 is lousy, but often it is a great prize, worth far more than $1000 – a car, a boat, new home furnishings, a fantastic trip, or even big bucks. But the contestant must choose… instant gratification, or the possibility of something far greater. The power to make this choice is totally within their hands.
Nobody made Jesus die on the cross for us – not even God! Do you get this? Even Jesus had free will. He could have supernaturally come down off the cross at any time and said, “Nope – don’t think so – I’m not doing this!” He could have spun around and wiped out all of the Roman soldiers who abused and tortured Him. He could have knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, “Find someone else, God… I can’t do this.” But He did it. He saw that by giving His life in this manner, He not only gained it back – He also gained the salvation of those who would follow Him… for all eternity. This was the most important choice ever made… and Jesus made it for US!
We have a choice, too. We choose to “give up” our old, sinful nature. In return, we receive a new life in Christ Jesus – and the privilege of spending eternity in His presence. When you start to feel the “cost” might be too high, consider Jesus. When you start to feel like you can’t part with your friends, your money, your addiction, your partying ways, your old bad habits of whatever sort and more, consider what Jesus sacrificed just so you could have a choice in the first place. Consider the concept that giving up your “old self” means gaining a new life… not necessarily an easy life or one filled with fun and excitement every minute of every day… but a blessed life in Christ. Think about your choice in terms of giving up short-term, “for-the-moment” satisfactions for the opportunity to spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty.
We have a choice… and believe it or not, we have the power. We can use it to choose life in Christ in exchange for our old nature, as God commands us to do. Or we can go our own way and choose to live for today only. We can “take the cash and run,” or choose what is behind Door #1, so to speak. The difference is that we KNOW what is “behind the door”… so why would we settle for less?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably seen the TV game show, Let’s Make a Deal. Sometimes the host will tell a contestant. “You can have what is behind Door #1… OR… I will give you $1000 cash, and you can walk away now.” Sometimes what is behind Door #1 is lousy, but often it is a great prize, worth far more than $1000 – a car, a boat, new home furnishings, a fantastic trip, or even big bucks. But the contestant must choose… instant gratification, or the possibility of something far greater. The power to make this choice is totally within their hands.
Nobody made Jesus die on the cross for us – not even God! Do you get this? Even Jesus had free will. He could have supernaturally come down off the cross at any time and said, “Nope – don’t think so – I’m not doing this!” He could have spun around and wiped out all of the Roman soldiers who abused and tortured Him. He could have knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, “Find someone else, God… I can’t do this.” But He did it. He saw that by giving His life in this manner, He not only gained it back – He also gained the salvation of those who would follow Him… for all eternity. This was the most important choice ever made… and Jesus made it for US!
We have a choice, too. We choose to “give up” our old, sinful nature. In return, we receive a new life in Christ Jesus – and the privilege of spending eternity in His presence. When you start to feel the “cost” might be too high, consider Jesus. When you start to feel like you can’t part with your friends, your money, your addiction, your partying ways, your old bad habits of whatever sort and more, consider what Jesus sacrificed just so you could have a choice in the first place. Consider the concept that giving up your “old self” means gaining a new life… not necessarily an easy life or one filled with fun and excitement every minute of every day… but a blessed life in Christ. Think about your choice in terms of giving up short-term, “for-the-moment” satisfactions for the opportunity to spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty.
We have a choice… and believe it or not, we have the power. We can use it to choose life in Christ in exchange for our old nature, as God commands us to do. Or we can go our own way and choose to live for today only. We can “take the cash and run,” or choose what is behind Door #1, so to speak. The difference is that we KNOW what is “behind the door”… so why would we settle for less?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 22, 2010
March 22 ~ Matthew 20:18-19
We are now on our way to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses. They will sentence him to death, and then they will hand him over to foreigners who will make fun of him. They will beat him and nail him to a cross. But on the third day he will rise from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” in which celebrities trace their family roots. The first episode followed actress Lisa Kudrow, of “Friends” fame, as she traveled to Poland to search for her ancestors. What she found there was heartbreaking. Her great-grandmother and other family members had been marched to their death by the Nazis in a small village called Ilya. History indicates that these Jewish men, women, and children were stripped naked and led in groups of three or four to the edge of a large concrete cellar and shot, then dumped into the cellar. Later, the bodies were burned.
Lisa was visibly shaken as she stood where her great-grandmother had stood and thought of her and the others, waiting there and knowing what was about to happen. She said, “I keep thinking of the children.” As I watched this story, I thought of the children, too. What did her great-grandmother say to them? Did she comfort them and reassure them it would be okay? Or was she visibly frightened – and did she convey that fear to the others?
I also thought of another “child” – Jesus, the Son of God. He knew what was going to happen, and He knew how horrific His torture and death would be. But He endured it anyway – for each of us. God knew that the sacrifice of His son would ensure that His children – you and I – would have eternal life. He apparently felt it was a reasonable exchange. Personally, I don’t think I could sacrifice the life of my own child…even to save the masses. But then, I don’t have God’s capacity for unconditional love, grace and mercy!
I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifices of Jesus. I am heartbroken for the horrific injustices that were inflicted upon the Jews and others throughout history. But I know a God who makes everything new… a God who holds our hand through even the most heinous experiences and says, “I’m with you. I love you. Trust me, and I will save you.” I don’t understand God’s love for us, but I don’t have to – all I have to do is accept Him. God’s love is a gift – freely given to all who will believe in Him. Are you ready to receive this love and claim victory over sin and death? Are you ready to live in Christ Jesus and look forward to spending eternity with Him? If you have not already chosen a life in Christ, today is the perfect time to do so. If you have, perhaps you need to spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving for all God has done in your life. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will return for us. Will you be ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
We are now on our way to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses. They will sentence him to death, and then they will hand him over to foreigners who will make fun of him. They will beat him and nail him to a cross. But on the third day he will rise from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” in which celebrities trace their family roots. The first episode followed actress Lisa Kudrow, of “Friends” fame, as she traveled to Poland to search for her ancestors. What she found there was heartbreaking. Her great-grandmother and other family members had been marched to their death by the Nazis in a small village called Ilya. History indicates that these Jewish men, women, and children were stripped naked and led in groups of three or four to the edge of a large concrete cellar and shot, then dumped into the cellar. Later, the bodies were burned.
Lisa was visibly shaken as she stood where her great-grandmother had stood and thought of her and the others, waiting there and knowing what was about to happen. She said, “I keep thinking of the children.” As I watched this story, I thought of the children, too. What did her great-grandmother say to them? Did she comfort them and reassure them it would be okay? Or was she visibly frightened – and did she convey that fear to the others?
I also thought of another “child” – Jesus, the Son of God. He knew what was going to happen, and He knew how horrific His torture and death would be. But He endured it anyway – for each of us. God knew that the sacrifice of His son would ensure that His children – you and I – would have eternal life. He apparently felt it was a reasonable exchange. Personally, I don’t think I could sacrifice the life of my own child…even to save the masses. But then, I don’t have God’s capacity for unconditional love, grace and mercy!
I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifices of Jesus. I am heartbroken for the horrific injustices that were inflicted upon the Jews and others throughout history. But I know a God who makes everything new… a God who holds our hand through even the most heinous experiences and says, “I’m with you. I love you. Trust me, and I will save you.” I don’t understand God’s love for us, but I don’t have to – all I have to do is accept Him. God’s love is a gift – freely given to all who will believe in Him. Are you ready to receive this love and claim victory over sin and death? Are you ready to live in Christ Jesus and look forward to spending eternity with Him? If you have not already chosen a life in Christ, today is the perfect time to do so. If you have, perhaps you need to spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving for all God has done in your life. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will return for us. Will you be ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 9, 2010
March 9 ~ Jeremiah 17:7
But I will bless those who trust me. They will be like trees growing beside a stream -- trees with roots that reach down to the water, and with leaves that are always green. They bear fruit every year and are never worried by a lack of rain.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I took a long walk on a recent warm, sunny day, I counted my blessings. I remembered a day three years ago this week when I stepped off a 4-foot porch and crashed to the ground, breaking my ankle and tearing many ligaments in my foot. As I hobbled on crutches, sat on the couch for weeks and did daily therapy to recover, I trusted God to allow me to walk again… and now I can trek several miles without any trouble. A couple of years ago, I bent over to pick up a plate from the dishwasher, and my back went into excruciating spasms. For the next week, I lay in bed trying to find a comfortable position, and trusting God to heal me and allow me to stand up again. Today, I almost never think about my back. I lift and carry our baby nephew, Timothy, who weighs over 22 lbs. I bend and stretch and walk – and even unload the dishwasher(!), because God blessed me.
When the doctor told me that my brother would either respond to antibiotics or be dead in a week from an infection, I trusted God for the outcome, and we were blessed with six more months together. When we became weary from working night and day in our business, my husband and I trusted God to bring us a solution – and He sent us a buyer. Knowing we would not entrust our “baby” to just anyone, God chose buyers who were our friends – people we knew would care deeply for our business. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
When you are worried or even mildly concerned over the outcome for your health situation, trust God and be blessed. When you need to sell your house, and buyers are not coming forward quickly, trust God for His timing… and a blessed result. When too much rain – or not enough – affects your crops, yard, business, or leisure activities… trust God to rectify the situation in the best manner. When you are facing a difficult test or some challenge that seems insurmountable, trust God and see how well He orchestrates things. When you are struggling in a relationship and things just don’t ever seem to even out, trust God to do the smoothing… and watch His blessings flow.
We need to “stop and smell the roses.” We need to trust God and believe Him for the situations in our lives. And when He delivers - and blesses – we need to notice! Are you trusting God to meet your needs and to bless your life? Have you thanked Him today for blessings you have already received? Are you “letting go and letting God” have authority over your life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2009 Debbie Robus
But I will bless those who trust me. They will be like trees growing beside a stream -- trees with roots that reach down to the water, and with leaves that are always green. They bear fruit every year and are never worried by a lack of rain.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I took a long walk on a recent warm, sunny day, I counted my blessings. I remembered a day three years ago this week when I stepped off a 4-foot porch and crashed to the ground, breaking my ankle and tearing many ligaments in my foot. As I hobbled on crutches, sat on the couch for weeks and did daily therapy to recover, I trusted God to allow me to walk again… and now I can trek several miles without any trouble. A couple of years ago, I bent over to pick up a plate from the dishwasher, and my back went into excruciating spasms. For the next week, I lay in bed trying to find a comfortable position, and trusting God to heal me and allow me to stand up again. Today, I almost never think about my back. I lift and carry our baby nephew, Timothy, who weighs over 22 lbs. I bend and stretch and walk – and even unload the dishwasher(!), because God blessed me.
When the doctor told me that my brother would either respond to antibiotics or be dead in a week from an infection, I trusted God for the outcome, and we were blessed with six more months together. When we became weary from working night and day in our business, my husband and I trusted God to bring us a solution – and He sent us a buyer. Knowing we would not entrust our “baby” to just anyone, God chose buyers who were our friends – people we knew would care deeply for our business. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
When you are worried or even mildly concerned over the outcome for your health situation, trust God and be blessed. When you need to sell your house, and buyers are not coming forward quickly, trust God for His timing… and a blessed result. When too much rain – or not enough – affects your crops, yard, business, or leisure activities… trust God to rectify the situation in the best manner. When you are facing a difficult test or some challenge that seems insurmountable, trust God and see how well He orchestrates things. When you are struggling in a relationship and things just don’t ever seem to even out, trust God to do the smoothing… and watch His blessings flow.
We need to “stop and smell the roses.” We need to trust God and believe Him for the situations in our lives. And when He delivers - and blesses – we need to notice! Are you trusting God to meet your needs and to bless your life? Have you thanked Him today for blessings you have already received? Are you “letting go and letting God” have authority over your life? Isn’t it time you did?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2010
March 5 ~ Psalms 86:2
Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you have someone who depends on you? Maybe it’s a child or a spouse - or if you are a young person, it might be a pet. But you are responsible for the care, feeding, and basic nurture of this living being. I know that our two cats trust us to always have fresh food for them and plenty of water to drink. They look to us for love and affection, physical exercise and play. When Lucy cries at the sink, she trusts that I will come refresh the water. When Mabel leads us to the empty food bowl, she trusts that we will refill it. When our nephew Timothy is with us, he trusts us completely for food, dry diapers and clean clothes, a bath, safety as he explores new things, entertainment and attention. Timothy trusts that when he cries, we will do something. He trusts that we will protect him from falling and getting hurt… and he knows that wherever he crawls, we will be there with him.
With our pets and our nephew, it doesn’t matter if we are sick, injured, busy, or just having a bad day – they still need us, and they trust us to be there for them! We are always “on the clock.” And they thank us with cuddles and hugs, kisses (from the baby) - licks and purrs (from the kitties)! They love us, and we know it!
God is always “on the clock” for us. He is continually meeting all of our needs and watching over us. He never takes a holiday! We can depend on Him to care for us, protect us, nurture and love us… we can trust Him. The question is… do we? Do we honestly trust God to do these things – and thank Him for doing so? Or more to the point, do we take this care and protection for granted? Do we just assume God will do this? There IS a difference… gratitude. If you read all of Psalm 86, you will see that David, the psalmist, recognized God’s power and blessings in His life, and he acknowledged God as His master and himself as the servant.
We can’t earn God’s love and care, but we can certainly thank Him for it. We can earnestly trust Him to meet our needs – and thank Him when He does. Are you God’s faithful servant? Are you trusting Him… and then giving Him the praise He deserves?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Protect me and save me because you are my God. I am your faithful servant, and I trust you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you have someone who depends on you? Maybe it’s a child or a spouse - or if you are a young person, it might be a pet. But you are responsible for the care, feeding, and basic nurture of this living being. I know that our two cats trust us to always have fresh food for them and plenty of water to drink. They look to us for love and affection, physical exercise and play. When Lucy cries at the sink, she trusts that I will come refresh the water. When Mabel leads us to the empty food bowl, she trusts that we will refill it. When our nephew Timothy is with us, he trusts us completely for food, dry diapers and clean clothes, a bath, safety as he explores new things, entertainment and attention. Timothy trusts that when he cries, we will do something. He trusts that we will protect him from falling and getting hurt… and he knows that wherever he crawls, we will be there with him.
With our pets and our nephew, it doesn’t matter if we are sick, injured, busy, or just having a bad day – they still need us, and they trust us to be there for them! We are always “on the clock.” And they thank us with cuddles and hugs, kisses (from the baby) - licks and purrs (from the kitties)! They love us, and we know it!
God is always “on the clock” for us. He is continually meeting all of our needs and watching over us. He never takes a holiday! We can depend on Him to care for us, protect us, nurture and love us… we can trust Him. The question is… do we? Do we honestly trust God to do these things – and thank Him for doing so? Or more to the point, do we take this care and protection for granted? Do we just assume God will do this? There IS a difference… gratitude. If you read all of Psalm 86, you will see that David, the psalmist, recognized God’s power and blessings in His life, and he acknowledged God as His master and himself as the servant.
We can’t earn God’s love and care, but we can certainly thank Him for it. We can earnestly trust Him to meet our needs – and thank Him when He does. Are you God’s faithful servant? Are you trusting Him… and then giving Him the praise He deserves?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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