Proverbs 21:31
Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust GOD to bring victory.
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 my husband and I built our house four years ago, we created a “safe room” – a concrete block-enclosed structure built into the ground where we can retreat if a tornado or severe storm is approaching. We’ve visited that “safe room” a few times in the last four years. We’ve also seen the devastation that tornadoes and strong winds have brought to others in our area… the complete destruction of homes… and even loss of human life. So we have made sure that we are prepared to the best of our ability to escape physical harm, should a storm come our way.
In truth, we could someday emerge from our “safe room” to find that all above us is gone… that our house has been torn from its foundation, and everything we belong is gone. And yes, we could fail to get to the refuge in time and perish or be injured. But we’ve made the best preparations possible to guard against this, and we are trusting God to do the rest.
In so many areas of life, we don’t do the necessary preparation. We don’t do our best to prepare for the worst… and then we are totally devastated by what results. We don’t have a proper handle on trusting God to bring us victory… much less to see us through what we deem as “total destruction”. We don’t save any money in case an emergency arises. We don’t study like we should, and we drop out of school and have to take a job that, at best, is less than what we hoped for – and may be nothing more than a dead end that leaves us barely making ends meet. We don’t prayerfully consider our relationships with others, and we end up hanging out with people who are going nowhere and drag us down in the process. We don’t build a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father, and when crises come our way, we fall apart with no clue how to pick ourselves up and move forward.
Some who do make preparations fail to follow through on the most important key… trusting God to do what humans cannot. At the end of the day, when you have saved, studied, prayed and prepared, you still must allow God to have the final say. We must always trust that He will orchestrate the final outcomes according to His perfect will… and that we will be able to handle whatever comes our way because of this.
I don’t know what your “storms” are today. I don’t know what preparations you have – or have not – made. But I know that your worst day with God is better than your best day without Him. If you prayerfully plan for the best… and trust God to manage the details and the final outcome… you will be able handle anything. What plans have you made today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label preparation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preparation. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for June 13, 2011
Luke 23:26
As Jesus was being led away, some soldiers grabbed hold of a man from Cyrene named Simon. He was coming in from the fields, but they put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine walking home from a long day of work or school, and all of a sudden, you are surrounded by police officers or soldiers who are saying, “Come with us… we need you.” Would you be scared? Would you be worried and curious about what they wanted with you… especially knowing that you had done nothing wrong? What if they lifted a heavy wooden cross onto your shoulders and said, “Carry this up the mountain.”? Would adrenaline kick in and help you? Would you freak out and try to escape? What would you do?!
The chances of this happening to us are slim to none. But suppose someone stopped you after work or school and said, “I really need your help. My car broke down and I need a ride.” Or you got a phone call as you headed to the lake for a day of fun, and a friend or loved one said, “I’m sick. Can you watch my baby today… come walk my dog… handle closing my business?” What would you do?
I’m sure that the Simon the Cyrene had no idea when he awoke that morning that he would be expected to help Jesus carry the cross to Calvary at the day’s end. And most of us don’t wake up expecting someone to interrupt our day with a request for help. But the point is, we never know where – or when – we will be called to serve as Disciples of Christ. We won’t literally be asked to carry the cross of Jesus… but in ways great and small, we’ll be called upon to serve in His name.
We must be ready. We must wake up each day asking, “Lord, how and where will you have me serve today?” We must be alert for opportunities… and willing to accept whatever “assignment” God gives us. Some will be unpleasant or downright difficult… others will be total joy to complete. Many will interrupt our plans. But always, when Jesus pulls out of the crowd and says, “It’s your turn,” we must be ready and willing… HE will make us able! Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
As Jesus was being led away, some soldiers grabbed hold of a man from Cyrene named Simon. He was coming in from the fields, but they put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine walking home from a long day of work or school, and all of a sudden, you are surrounded by police officers or soldiers who are saying, “Come with us… we need you.” Would you be scared? Would you be worried and curious about what they wanted with you… especially knowing that you had done nothing wrong? What if they lifted a heavy wooden cross onto your shoulders and said, “Carry this up the mountain.”? Would adrenaline kick in and help you? Would you freak out and try to escape? What would you do?!
The chances of this happening to us are slim to none. But suppose someone stopped you after work or school and said, “I really need your help. My car broke down and I need a ride.” Or you got a phone call as you headed to the lake for a day of fun, and a friend or loved one said, “I’m sick. Can you watch my baby today… come walk my dog… handle closing my business?” What would you do?
I’m sure that the Simon the Cyrene had no idea when he awoke that morning that he would be expected to help Jesus carry the cross to Calvary at the day’s end. And most of us don’t wake up expecting someone to interrupt our day with a request for help. But the point is, we never know where – or when – we will be called to serve as Disciples of Christ. We won’t literally be asked to carry the cross of Jesus… but in ways great and small, we’ll be called upon to serve in His name.
We must be ready. We must wake up each day asking, “Lord, how and where will you have me serve today?” We must be alert for opportunities… and willing to accept whatever “assignment” God gives us. Some will be unpleasant or downright difficult… others will be total joy to complete. Many will interrupt our plans. But always, when Jesus pulls out of the crowd and says, “It’s your turn,” we must be ready and willing… HE will make us able! Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 11, 2011
Matthew 24:42-44
So be on your guard! You don't know when your Lord will come. Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know what it feels like to be caught unprepared? More than once, I’ve gotten a call that required I drop everything and go somewhere for some emergency. More than once I was left wishing I had gotten up that morning and put on my makeup, done my hair and put on nice clothes. But there I was, a total mess… and the emergency had come at an hour I didn’t expect!
The message of this passage is as simple as “be prepared” – for whatever arises… tests, emergencies, that unexpected encounter with a friend or someone you wish to impress, crises and surprises of all kinds. But it is more about being prepared spiritually. There is no such thing as living for today and “getting right with God tomorrow.” We’ve lost enough teens and young children in our own community to know that nobody is immune from death – expected or otherwise. This is one gamble we cannot afford to take.
I have said before that often, we hesitate to change our lives and totally surrender to God out of some semblance of fear… of the unknown, that we will have to “give up” our fun, or that we will be ostracized by family and friends or those with whom we wish to associate. The truth is that whatever you believe you will give up, God will restore to you exponentially. We truly can’t even begin to count the blessings God wants to send our way.
So in one sense, we need to drop our guard… let go of whatever is holding us back from surrendering totally to God. In the other sense, we need to prepare now for His coming. We may already be resting in His arms in heaven when He makes the glorious return to earth for His church… or He could arrive in the next thirty minutes. Either way, it’s time to spiritually “put on your good clothes, wash your face, and comb your hair” and be ready! Jesus is coming at an hour we don’t expect! In what condition will He find you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
So be on your guard! You don't know when your Lord will come. Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know what it feels like to be caught unprepared? More than once, I’ve gotten a call that required I drop everything and go somewhere for some emergency. More than once I was left wishing I had gotten up that morning and put on my makeup, done my hair and put on nice clothes. But there I was, a total mess… and the emergency had come at an hour I didn’t expect!
The message of this passage is as simple as “be prepared” – for whatever arises… tests, emergencies, that unexpected encounter with a friend or someone you wish to impress, crises and surprises of all kinds. But it is more about being prepared spiritually. There is no such thing as living for today and “getting right with God tomorrow.” We’ve lost enough teens and young children in our own community to know that nobody is immune from death – expected or otherwise. This is one gamble we cannot afford to take.
I have said before that often, we hesitate to change our lives and totally surrender to God out of some semblance of fear… of the unknown, that we will have to “give up” our fun, or that we will be ostracized by family and friends or those with whom we wish to associate. The truth is that whatever you believe you will give up, God will restore to you exponentially. We truly can’t even begin to count the blessings God wants to send our way.
So in one sense, we need to drop our guard… let go of whatever is holding us back from surrendering totally to God. In the other sense, we need to prepare now for His coming. We may already be resting in His arms in heaven when He makes the glorious return to earth for His church… or He could arrive in the next thirty minutes. Either way, it’s time to spiritually “put on your good clothes, wash your face, and comb your hair” and be ready! Jesus is coming at an hour we don’t expect! In what condition will He find you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2010
Matthew 24:43-46
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2010
Acts 7:49
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 26, 2010
Acts 1:7-8
He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
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.
Black Friday… a day when the opening of the stores comes earlier each year. Some opened at midnight – others at 3 a.m. Apparently, for many Christmas shoppers, timing is everything… and the earlier the starting hour, the better. Imagine if the stores didn’t give the opening time. Imagine if they just said, “We’ll open sometime early morning.” People would probably camp out in record numbers so that they could be sure and be there when things started to happen. Everyone wants to boast about the great bargains they got… and even how early they were in line to get them!
It’s funny how we will camp out for hours to wait for a store to open for a big sale, or tickets to go on sale for a concert that is incredibly popular… but we’re far less concerned with the timing of Jesus. We don’t seem to eagerly be about preparing for His return or what He needs done… and doing the things we should to be ready. We don’t seem to recognize that God is with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, equipping us to accomplish great things in His name… and we are commissioned to do so! We’re soldiers in God’s army, and the assignment is to be His witnesses!
So while we are busy with getting ready for Christmas… buying gifts, trimming the tree and decorating our houses and yards to the hilt... sending cards and throwing parties and eating and drinking way too much of all of the holiday goodies… let’s try to remind ourselves frequently of the real reason for this season. Do not forget our mission! Remember that we don’t know the hour of Christ’s return… but we do know what we’re supposed to do in the meantime. Are you properly prepared? On Whose time do you operate?
©2010 Debbie Robus
He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
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.
Black Friday… a day when the opening of the stores comes earlier each year. Some opened at midnight – others at 3 a.m. Apparently, for many Christmas shoppers, timing is everything… and the earlier the starting hour, the better. Imagine if the stores didn’t give the opening time. Imagine if they just said, “We’ll open sometime early morning.” People would probably camp out in record numbers so that they could be sure and be there when things started to happen. Everyone wants to boast about the great bargains they got… and even how early they were in line to get them!
It’s funny how we will camp out for hours to wait for a store to open for a big sale, or tickets to go on sale for a concert that is incredibly popular… but we’re far less concerned with the timing of Jesus. We don’t seem to eagerly be about preparing for His return or what He needs done… and doing the things we should to be ready. We don’t seem to recognize that God is with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, equipping us to accomplish great things in His name… and we are commissioned to do so! We’re soldiers in God’s army, and the assignment is to be His witnesses!
So while we are busy with getting ready for Christmas… buying gifts, trimming the tree and decorating our houses and yards to the hilt... sending cards and throwing parties and eating and drinking way too much of all of the holiday goodies… let’s try to remind ourselves frequently of the real reason for this season. Do not forget our mission! Remember that we don’t know the hour of Christ’s return… but we do know what we’re supposed to do in the meantime. Are you properly prepared? On Whose time do you operate?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 1, 2010
June 1 ~ Deuteronomy 3:21-22
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Then I told Joshua, " You saw how the LORD our God helped us destroy King Sihon and King Og. So don't be afraid! Wherever you go, the LORD will fight on your side and help you destroy your enemies."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s just about summertime! We will be scattering in a zillion directions… vacations, summer camps, Boys State and Girls State, football practice, baseball and softball tournaments, swimming lessons, and much more. Some of you will be getting ready to head to college… or possibly Basic Training for the military. Some may be retiring or changing jobs… or getting married…having a baby, or moving to another city - or just to another apartment!
At every turn, our lives are filled with changes and new situations… and often, fears of the unknown. But if we stop and look around, we see that people have been going through these same things for years and doing just fine – with God’s help! Sometimes when I face something new or different and think it seems daunting, I remind myself of two things: 1) God is with me and will help me; and 2) plenty of other people have done this with His help - and so can I!
The message for today, this first day of a new month is… “You can do it… whatever ‘it’ is, because God will fight on your side and help you destroy any and all enemies.” God will see you through your challenges and obstacles - and even the new and exciting adventures that seem a little scary. Nothing is too big for God! Have a wonderful summer, and keep always Him close!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2010
March 29 ~ Romans 8:10-11
But Christ lives in you. So you are alive because God has accepted you, even though your bodies must die because of your sins. Yet God raised Jesus to life! God's Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a television show once in which a child asked his father what happens to us when we die. The dad took a glove and put it on his hand. Then he removed it and wiggled his fingers. He said, “The glove is like our body.” Pulling it off his hand, he added, “When our body dies, the soul inside still lives… just in another form.” I’ve thought about this simple analogy often – the concept of our body as a “glove” for our spirit.
Let’s think about gloves for a minute. Some gloves are heavy-duty and made of strong fabric or leather for manual labor like carpentry, farming, or working with things that are rough and dirty. We’ve all seen filthy work gloves that have been used for this purpose. And those dirty gloves are protecting the hands underneath. Once the gloves are removed, the hands inside are hopefully fairly clean, soft and free of scratches and blisters.
A few decades ago, a lady almost never left home without her gloves. She had gloves to match every outfit, and dress gloves were always worn to church! Even when dining out, a lady removed only one glove and kept it in her lap while she ate! Of course, her hands remained soft and supple inside the gloves.
The thing is… each person’s “gloves” are different. And once the gloves come off, we may each use our hands differently, but they still move and function without the gloves. This is, very simply, how our lives are with God. Some of us wear some pretty filthy gloves… caked with sin and hard living, while others wear nicer gloves. All of the gloves can get dirty from time to time – because we are all sinful. But if we accept Jesus, when the “gloves” come off, our spirit is still alive… clean and free of scratches and blemishes…ready to live forever with our Heavenly Father!
I know this is an oversimplified illustration. But think about your life as a glove. What does it look like? Are you still wearing an old dirty work glove, caked with the grime and filth of sin? Or have you put on your fancy dress glove? When you die and the “glove” comes off, what will be underneath? Will your spirit rise to new life by God’s Spirit? Just what sort of “glove” are you wearing these days? Are you alive in Christ Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But Christ lives in you. So you are alive because God has accepted you, even though your bodies must die because of your sins. Yet God raised Jesus to life! God's Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a television show once in which a child asked his father what happens to us when we die. The dad took a glove and put it on his hand. Then he removed it and wiggled his fingers. He said, “The glove is like our body.” Pulling it off his hand, he added, “When our body dies, the soul inside still lives… just in another form.” I’ve thought about this simple analogy often – the concept of our body as a “glove” for our spirit.
Let’s think about gloves for a minute. Some gloves are heavy-duty and made of strong fabric or leather for manual labor like carpentry, farming, or working with things that are rough and dirty. We’ve all seen filthy work gloves that have been used for this purpose. And those dirty gloves are protecting the hands underneath. Once the gloves are removed, the hands inside are hopefully fairly clean, soft and free of scratches and blisters.
A few decades ago, a lady almost never left home without her gloves. She had gloves to match every outfit, and dress gloves were always worn to church! Even when dining out, a lady removed only one glove and kept it in her lap while she ate! Of course, her hands remained soft and supple inside the gloves.
The thing is… each person’s “gloves” are different. And once the gloves come off, we may each use our hands differently, but they still move and function without the gloves. This is, very simply, how our lives are with God. Some of us wear some pretty filthy gloves… caked with sin and hard living, while others wear nicer gloves. All of the gloves can get dirty from time to time – because we are all sinful. But if we accept Jesus, when the “gloves” come off, our spirit is still alive… clean and free of scratches and blemishes…ready to live forever with our Heavenly Father!
I know this is an oversimplified illustration. But think about your life as a glove. What does it look like? Are you still wearing an old dirty work glove, caked with the grime and filth of sin? Or have you put on your fancy dress glove? When you die and the “glove” comes off, what will be underneath? Will your spirit rise to new life by God’s Spirit? Just what sort of “glove” are you wearing these days? Are you alive in Christ Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 23, 2010
February 23 ~ Luke 22:39-40
Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives, as he often did, and his disciples went with him. When they got there, he told them, "Pray that you won't be tested."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have been warned to protect yourself in some way – “Be sure you wear your seatbelt,” or “Don’t do that without a helmet,” or even, “If you go in there, take a flashlight!”
In this passage, Jesus knows what is about to happen. He knows that He is going to be tortured, mocked, and crucified, and He knows that the Roman soldiers may try to trick and torture His disciples, too. So He tells them to “Pray that you won’t be tested.” In other words, He wants them to “put on the full armor of God.” He wants them to protect themselves fully by covering the hours/days ahead in prayer… asking God to watch over them and keep them from harm.
How often do you “pray that you won’t be tested?” When you get up in the morning, do you ask God to guide your day? When you go to bed at night, do you ask God to protect you as you sleep and give you a good night’s rest? Do you ask Him to help you with the answers on your test the next day? Do you ask Him to protect you as you drive to and from work or school? Are you praying so that you won’t be tempted, tested, or tormented? Are you fully protected each day against Satan and his attempts to harm you? Shouldn’t you be?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives, as he often did, and his disciples went with him. When they got there, he told them, "Pray that you won't be tested."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have been warned to protect yourself in some way – “Be sure you wear your seatbelt,” or “Don’t do that without a helmet,” or even, “If you go in there, take a flashlight!”
In this passage, Jesus knows what is about to happen. He knows that He is going to be tortured, mocked, and crucified, and He knows that the Roman soldiers may try to trick and torture His disciples, too. So He tells them to “Pray that you won’t be tested.” In other words, He wants them to “put on the full armor of God.” He wants them to protect themselves fully by covering the hours/days ahead in prayer… asking God to watch over them and keep them from harm.
How often do you “pray that you won’t be tested?” When you get up in the morning, do you ask God to guide your day? When you go to bed at night, do you ask God to protect you as you sleep and give you a good night’s rest? Do you ask Him to help you with the answers on your test the next day? Do you ask Him to protect you as you drive to and from work or school? Are you praying so that you won’t be tempted, tested, or tormented? Are you fully protected each day against Satan and his attempts to harm you? Shouldn’t you be?
©2009 Debbie Robus
January 2010 Devotionals - Week 4
January 29 ~ 2 Chronicles 1:9-10
I am supposed to rule these people, but there are as many of them as there are specks of dust on the ground. So keep the promise you made to my father and make me wise. Give me the knowledge I'll need to be the king of this great nation of yours.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When was the last time you asked God for wisdom? We ask God for specific things – “Do this for me.” “Heal me of this illness or injury.” “Bring resolution to this conflict with So-and-So.” But how often do you ask, “Lord… give me wisdom in this situation. Help me to know how to proceed, according to your will.”
Solomon was a very wise man. And yet, he knew he was helpless to rule all of the people of Israel without God’s wisdom. And if you read on in verses 11 and beyond, you will see that God told Solomon (I’m paraphrasing here), “You could have asked for anything… wealth, fame, or a long life. But you asked for wisdom, and I will give it to you. But I will also make you rich and famous!” In other words, because Solomon asked for wisdom instead of “material” things, God rewarded him with both!
Does that mean God will reward us with material blessings if we ask for wisdom? Not necessarily. But without God’s wisdom, material things will never satisfy. Without God’s wisdom, nothing else will come together like we hoped it would. The key to success lies in the wisdom of God – and asking for it in prayer. Unless you pray for wisdom, you’re probably going to spend some time spinning in circles. Ask God to give you wisdom, according to His will. Listen and pay attention for His answer. You’ll be amazed at how much better things turn out if you do.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------
January 28 ~ 1 Kings 8:35-36
Suppose your people sin against you, and you punish them by holding back the rain. If they turn toward this temple and pray in your name and stop sinning, listen from your home in heaven and forgive them. The people of Israel are your servants, so teach them to live right. And please send rain on the land you promised them forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When you go to Sonic and order lunch, you are very specific, aren’t you?! You ask for your hamburger with or without cheese. You may ask for mustard only and no onions. Or you may say, “I want that with everything.” If you don’t specify how you want your burger and whether you want tots or fries, there is no telling what you will get. And honestly, if you don’t tell the person taking the order how you want things, you have no room to complain when it isn’t right.
If we are so specific about something like a Sonic lunch order, why are we so non-specific with our prayers? Sure, God knows already what we need… but He wants us to tell Him specifically. He wants us to admit our sins, repent of them and ask forgiveness… and then He wants us to tell Him what we need. So if you have a big test that is coming up and you are worried about it, God doesn’t want you to say, “Help me in school, Lord.” He wants you to say, “Lord, I have this huge test coming up, and I really need help with studying and learning the material.” If you are sick with strep throat, God knows this. But don’t just pray, “Lord, heal me,” or “Father, make me well.” Tell him, “God, my throat is killing me. Please heal the infection there and make the antibiotics work, so that I can get well and go back to my regular routine.”
When we are children, we run down the litany of people in our nightly prayers… “God bless Momma and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Sue, my sister, and the dog Spot.” But as we grow and mature, God wants us to be more specific. He wants us to detail our needs to Him and ask for answers, just as Solomon asked for forgiveness for the people of Israel… and for rain! I’m not saying that God won’t answer us when we pray, “You know the needs, Lord.” Sometimes, this is all we can muster… and God understands. But there are times when we need to confess our sins, ask God to forgive us, and then “order specifically!” It works at Sonic… and it will surely work with our awesome God!
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 27 ~ 1 Kings 3:7-9
LORD God, I'm your servant, and you've made me king in my father's place. But I'm very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.
Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been asked to do something, but you felt completely inadequate? Maybe a teacher asked you to do something in class – like make a speech – and you felt you did not have what it takes to do this. Or maybe your boss asked you to head up some big project, and you felt so nervous and uncertain – and worried you might fail. Maybe you are taking a step toward a serious relationship, or even marriage, and you believe this is the right course, but you still have a little “cold feet” and even some fears. Or maybe you are facing a decision about placing your parents in the nursing home – or downsizing your own living arrangements as you age – and the future seems scary and uncertain. The first step to certainty – the way to work yourself out of anxiety and fear and nervousness – is to pray. Ask God for wisdom, just as King Solomon did. He knew that God wanted him to lead the people. But as mighty and confident as King Solomon was, he still had reservations and uncertainties – and he knew that without God’s help, everything would fail. On our own, we have every right to feel nervous and uncertain, because we are only human. But with God, all things are possible. Ask Him today to guide your steps – to give you wisdom and courage where you need it. He can make the difference in your outcome. Are you trusting Him to do this?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------
January 26 ~ Psalms 65
Our God, you deserve praise in Zion, where we keep our promises to you. Everyone will come to you because you answer prayer. Our terrible sins get us down, but you forgive us. You bless your chosen ones, and you invite them to live near you in your temple. We will enjoy your house, the sacred temple. Our God, you save us, and your fearsome deeds answer our prayers for justice!
You give hope to people everywhere on earth, even those across the sea. You are strong, and your mighty power put the mountains in place. You silence the roaring waves and the noisy shouts of the nations.
People far away marvel at your fearsome deeds, and all who live under the sun celebrate and sing because of you. You take care of the earth and send rain to help the soil grow all kinds of crops. Your rivers never run dry, and you prepare the earth to produce much grain. You water all of its fields and level the lumpy ground. You send showers of rain to soften the soil and help the plants sprout. Wherever your footsteps touch the earth, a rich harvest is gathered. Desert pastures blossom, and mountains celebrate. Meadows are filled with sheep and goats; valleys overflow with grain and echo with joyful songs.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Are you facing a dilemma… a fearful situation… a challenge? Have I got the scripture passage for you! This would be a great passage to memorize for the times when we need to remind ourselves of God’s power, grace, mercy, and love. This would be a great reminder that God answers prayers, nurtures and cares for us, and prepares a home for us - in His temple.So whatever troubles are coming your way these days… whatever challenges you are facing, remember Psalm 65. Keep it close to you, or commit it to memory and impress its words on your heart. God’s rivers never run dry…He saves us… and His fearsome deeds answer our prayers. Our God puts the mountains in place with His mighty power. What else… WHO else do we need?!
©2009 Debbie Robus
--------------------------------------------------
January 25 ~ 2 John 1:2
We love you because the truth is now in our hearts, and it will be there forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. Have you ever waited for some news, and the time seemed to drag by without end? Maybe you were waiting to find out if you got into a certain college, or whether you got a job you wanted. Maybe you were waiting for a new baby to arrive or counting the days until a big event, like a big game in which you were playing – or even your wedding day! In every case, the joy and relief and overwhelming range of emotions that filled you when the waiting ended may have been indescribable. But in many cases, the love and joy you felt probably seemed overwhelming.
It’s that way with our relationship with God. Once we know His truth… the truth of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and subsequent resurrection…we are filled with love that flows outward – love for others and love for our God who loves us so well and completely.
Here’s the thing. All of the “events” of our lives for which we wait and anticipate and enjoy are fleeting… or at least that overwhelming sense of joy and delight we experience at the outset subsides. Sure, you may revel in the big game for years to come. You may be delighted and filled with joy and love for a new spouse or a new baby. You may really love your job and enjoy going to work each day. But none of these compare with the changes in your heart that learning God’s truth can bring. The joy, peace, comfort, hope, courage and all of the emotions that flood our heart will rise and fall over time, but the truth of God’s love, grace, and mercy, will remain steadfast. Feelings come and go, but God’s truth is forever. The wait is over… God’s truth is ours…have you made a place for Him in your heart?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------
January 24 ~ 1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is truly in our hearts.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite sounds is that of wind blowing through a pine grove. I bet you know the sound. It is a little eerie… and soothing… all at once. When I was a child, I loved to visit a moss-covered creek bank across the road from my grandparents’ house. It was lined with pine trees, and I would jump the creek, climb up on that soft mossy bank, then sit and listen to the wind blowing through the trees. I felt safe, peaceful, and loved there.
If you want to get really technical, we don’t see or hear wind… we hear the effect wind has on objects that it impacts. We hear and see the rustle of leaves and tree branches. We see a field of tall grasses wave and hear the whoosh they make as they do so. We know the wind is there… the evidence of its effects is all around us.
Like the wind, we don’t actually see God, but we feel His effects. We are surrounded and filled by His love. We see and hear evidence of His presence, and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He exists. And when we love each other as God has taught us, He fills our hearts with feelings of peace, safety and love as if we were sitting and snuggling on a mossy creek bank, listening to the wind rustle through the pines.
God is the ultimate “wind beneath our wings.” Can you feel Him surrounding you and filling your heart these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 23 ~ James 4:13-16
You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!" What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, "If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things." Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a 15-year-old boy in our town collapsed and died while playing in a basketball game at his church gym. He apparently suffered a heart attack. A couple of days later, a young man in Little Rock collapsed on his gym floor of an apparent heart attack, and he survived but is still hospitalized in serious condition. I am sure neither of these young men or their families and friends even remotely imagined that this could happen to such young, seemingly healthy people. The people of Haiti could not possibly have planned for the devastating earthquake that ravaged their country in recent weeks and killed hundreds of thousands. Is this passage telling us we should not make plans? NO! But it is telling us that we need to remember how temporary our earthly life is… and how quickly our plans can change!
So what does this all mean for us? I believe God wants us to have hopes, dreams, and yes – plans. He wants us to plan to finish high school and/or college. He wants us to plan to grow old with family and friends and to have a rewarding career and a full life. He wants us to plan to serve Him in ways great and small… and to confidently anticipate the future and sharing His Good News with others. But at the same time, He wants us to know that this could be our last day on this earth. He wants us to realize that we don’t have time to waste on being silly or acting like a fool, worrying, blowing opportunities, and bragging about our great ambitions. We don’t know how much time we have, so we must make the most of every single minute!
God has plans for each of us, and we must stay in constant contact with Him so that we know what He wants us to do. He will give us seasons of work, play, and rest… and when His plans for us are done, He will call us to Heaven. The question we must ask God is, “Lord, what do you want me to do with my time on this earth?” Remember Who numbers your days, and plan to make each one count!
©2009 Debbie Robus
---------------------------------------------------------------
January 22 ~ Ephesians 3:1-10
Christ Jesus made me his prisoner, so that I could help you Gentiles. You have surely heard about God's kindness in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. As you read the letter, you will also find out how well I really do understand the mystery about Christ. No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets. And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises that God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body.
God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news. I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about each snowflake that falls. By themselves, they have very little impact and may not seem that important, but put them together, and you have a snowball, snowman, or a beautiful winter wonderland!There are times when each of us wonders, “Why am I here?” You may feel like you are fairly insignificant in the scheme of things. But Paul shows us in this passage that each of us has a place in God’s plans. We may not feel all that important, but to Him, we are vital! He created us for His purposes… and even when they seem small to us, they still matter to God.
Just like individual snowflakes, we are unique… and vital. We may not understand why we are here, but God knows… and that’s what counts. Ask God to show you how to serve Him. In time, He will reveal more and more of His plans to you and where you fit in them. Be patient… and content… knowing He chose you and gave you a part!
©2009 Debbie Robus
I am supposed to rule these people, but there are as many of them as there are specks of dust on the ground. So keep the promise you made to my father and make me wise. Give me the knowledge I'll need to be the king of this great nation of yours.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When was the last time you asked God for wisdom? We ask God for specific things – “Do this for me.” “Heal me of this illness or injury.” “Bring resolution to this conflict with So-and-So.” But how often do you ask, “Lord… give me wisdom in this situation. Help me to know how to proceed, according to your will.”
Solomon was a very wise man. And yet, he knew he was helpless to rule all of the people of Israel without God’s wisdom. And if you read on in verses 11 and beyond, you will see that God told Solomon (I’m paraphrasing here), “You could have asked for anything… wealth, fame, or a long life. But you asked for wisdom, and I will give it to you. But I will also make you rich and famous!” In other words, because Solomon asked for wisdom instead of “material” things, God rewarded him with both!
Does that mean God will reward us with material blessings if we ask for wisdom? Not necessarily. But without God’s wisdom, material things will never satisfy. Without God’s wisdom, nothing else will come together like we hoped it would. The key to success lies in the wisdom of God – and asking for it in prayer. Unless you pray for wisdom, you’re probably going to spend some time spinning in circles. Ask God to give you wisdom, according to His will. Listen and pay attention for His answer. You’ll be amazed at how much better things turn out if you do.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------
January 28 ~ 1 Kings 8:35-36
Suppose your people sin against you, and you punish them by holding back the rain. If they turn toward this temple and pray in your name and stop sinning, listen from your home in heaven and forgive them. The people of Israel are your servants, so teach them to live right. And please send rain on the land you promised them forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When you go to Sonic and order lunch, you are very specific, aren’t you?! You ask for your hamburger with or without cheese. You may ask for mustard only and no onions. Or you may say, “I want that with everything.” If you don’t specify how you want your burger and whether you want tots or fries, there is no telling what you will get. And honestly, if you don’t tell the person taking the order how you want things, you have no room to complain when it isn’t right.
If we are so specific about something like a Sonic lunch order, why are we so non-specific with our prayers? Sure, God knows already what we need… but He wants us to tell Him specifically. He wants us to admit our sins, repent of them and ask forgiveness… and then He wants us to tell Him what we need. So if you have a big test that is coming up and you are worried about it, God doesn’t want you to say, “Help me in school, Lord.” He wants you to say, “Lord, I have this huge test coming up, and I really need help with studying and learning the material.” If you are sick with strep throat, God knows this. But don’t just pray, “Lord, heal me,” or “Father, make me well.” Tell him, “God, my throat is killing me. Please heal the infection there and make the antibiotics work, so that I can get well and go back to my regular routine.”
When we are children, we run down the litany of people in our nightly prayers… “God bless Momma and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Sue, my sister, and the dog Spot.” But as we grow and mature, God wants us to be more specific. He wants us to detail our needs to Him and ask for answers, just as Solomon asked for forgiveness for the people of Israel… and for rain! I’m not saying that God won’t answer us when we pray, “You know the needs, Lord.” Sometimes, this is all we can muster… and God understands. But there are times when we need to confess our sins, ask God to forgive us, and then “order specifically!” It works at Sonic… and it will surely work with our awesome God!
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 27 ~ 1 Kings 3:7-9
LORD God, I'm your servant, and you've made me king in my father's place. But I'm very young and know so little about being a leader. And now I must rule your chosen people, even though there are too many of them to count.
Please make me wise and teach me the difference between right and wrong. Then I will know how to rule your people. If you don't, there is no way I could rule this great nation of yours.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been asked to do something, but you felt completely inadequate? Maybe a teacher asked you to do something in class – like make a speech – and you felt you did not have what it takes to do this. Or maybe your boss asked you to head up some big project, and you felt so nervous and uncertain – and worried you might fail. Maybe you are taking a step toward a serious relationship, or even marriage, and you believe this is the right course, but you still have a little “cold feet” and even some fears. Or maybe you are facing a decision about placing your parents in the nursing home – or downsizing your own living arrangements as you age – and the future seems scary and uncertain. The first step to certainty – the way to work yourself out of anxiety and fear and nervousness – is to pray. Ask God for wisdom, just as King Solomon did. He knew that God wanted him to lead the people. But as mighty and confident as King Solomon was, he still had reservations and uncertainties – and he knew that without God’s help, everything would fail. On our own, we have every right to feel nervous and uncertain, because we are only human. But with God, all things are possible. Ask Him today to guide your steps – to give you wisdom and courage where you need it. He can make the difference in your outcome. Are you trusting Him to do this?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------
January 26 ~ Psalms 65
Our God, you deserve praise in Zion, where we keep our promises to you. Everyone will come to you because you answer prayer. Our terrible sins get us down, but you forgive us. You bless your chosen ones, and you invite them to live near you in your temple. We will enjoy your house, the sacred temple. Our God, you save us, and your fearsome deeds answer our prayers for justice!
You give hope to people everywhere on earth, even those across the sea. You are strong, and your mighty power put the mountains in place. You silence the roaring waves and the noisy shouts of the nations.
People far away marvel at your fearsome deeds, and all who live under the sun celebrate and sing because of you. You take care of the earth and send rain to help the soil grow all kinds of crops. Your rivers never run dry, and you prepare the earth to produce much grain. You water all of its fields and level the lumpy ground. You send showers of rain to soften the soil and help the plants sprout. Wherever your footsteps touch the earth, a rich harvest is gathered. Desert pastures blossom, and mountains celebrate. Meadows are filled with sheep and goats; valleys overflow with grain and echo with joyful songs.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Are you facing a dilemma… a fearful situation… a challenge? Have I got the scripture passage for you! This would be a great passage to memorize for the times when we need to remind ourselves of God’s power, grace, mercy, and love. This would be a great reminder that God answers prayers, nurtures and cares for us, and prepares a home for us - in His temple.So whatever troubles are coming your way these days… whatever challenges you are facing, remember Psalm 65. Keep it close to you, or commit it to memory and impress its words on your heart. God’s rivers never run dry…He saves us… and His fearsome deeds answer our prayers. Our God puts the mountains in place with His mighty power. What else… WHO else do we need?!
©2009 Debbie Robus
--------------------------------------------------
January 25 ~ 2 John 1:2
We love you because the truth is now in our hearts, and it will be there forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission. Have you ever waited for some news, and the time seemed to drag by without end? Maybe you were waiting to find out if you got into a certain college, or whether you got a job you wanted. Maybe you were waiting for a new baby to arrive or counting the days until a big event, like a big game in which you were playing – or even your wedding day! In every case, the joy and relief and overwhelming range of emotions that filled you when the waiting ended may have been indescribable. But in many cases, the love and joy you felt probably seemed overwhelming.
It’s that way with our relationship with God. Once we know His truth… the truth of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins and subsequent resurrection…we are filled with love that flows outward – love for others and love for our God who loves us so well and completely.
Here’s the thing. All of the “events” of our lives for which we wait and anticipate and enjoy are fleeting… or at least that overwhelming sense of joy and delight we experience at the outset subsides. Sure, you may revel in the big game for years to come. You may be delighted and filled with joy and love for a new spouse or a new baby. You may really love your job and enjoy going to work each day. But none of these compare with the changes in your heart that learning God’s truth can bring. The joy, peace, comfort, hope, courage and all of the emotions that flood our heart will rise and fall over time, but the truth of God’s love, grace, and mercy, will remain steadfast. Feelings come and go, but God’s truth is forever. The wait is over… God’s truth is ours…have you made a place for Him in your heart?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------
January 24 ~ 1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is truly in our hearts.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite sounds is that of wind blowing through a pine grove. I bet you know the sound. It is a little eerie… and soothing… all at once. When I was a child, I loved to visit a moss-covered creek bank across the road from my grandparents’ house. It was lined with pine trees, and I would jump the creek, climb up on that soft mossy bank, then sit and listen to the wind blowing through the trees. I felt safe, peaceful, and loved there.
If you want to get really technical, we don’t see or hear wind… we hear the effect wind has on objects that it impacts. We hear and see the rustle of leaves and tree branches. We see a field of tall grasses wave and hear the whoosh they make as they do so. We know the wind is there… the evidence of its effects is all around us.
Like the wind, we don’t actually see God, but we feel His effects. We are surrounded and filled by His love. We see and hear evidence of His presence, and we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He exists. And when we love each other as God has taught us, He fills our hearts with feelings of peace, safety and love as if we were sitting and snuggling on a mossy creek bank, listening to the wind rustle through the pines.
God is the ultimate “wind beneath our wings.” Can you feel Him surrounding you and filling your heart these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 23 ~ James 4:13-16
You should know better than to say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to the city. We will do business there for a year and make a lot of money!" What do you know about tomorrow? How can you be so sure about your life? It is nothing more than mist that appears for only a little while before it disappears. You should say, "If the Lord lets us live, we will do these things." Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, a 15-year-old boy in our town collapsed and died while playing in a basketball game at his church gym. He apparently suffered a heart attack. A couple of days later, a young man in Little Rock collapsed on his gym floor of an apparent heart attack, and he survived but is still hospitalized in serious condition. I am sure neither of these young men or their families and friends even remotely imagined that this could happen to such young, seemingly healthy people. The people of Haiti could not possibly have planned for the devastating earthquake that ravaged their country in recent weeks and killed hundreds of thousands. Is this passage telling us we should not make plans? NO! But it is telling us that we need to remember how temporary our earthly life is… and how quickly our plans can change!
So what does this all mean for us? I believe God wants us to have hopes, dreams, and yes – plans. He wants us to plan to finish high school and/or college. He wants us to plan to grow old with family and friends and to have a rewarding career and a full life. He wants us to plan to serve Him in ways great and small… and to confidently anticipate the future and sharing His Good News with others. But at the same time, He wants us to know that this could be our last day on this earth. He wants us to realize that we don’t have time to waste on being silly or acting like a fool, worrying, blowing opportunities, and bragging about our great ambitions. We don’t know how much time we have, so we must make the most of every single minute!
God has plans for each of us, and we must stay in constant contact with Him so that we know what He wants us to do. He will give us seasons of work, play, and rest… and when His plans for us are done, He will call us to Heaven. The question we must ask God is, “Lord, what do you want me to do with my time on this earth?” Remember Who numbers your days, and plan to make each one count!
©2009 Debbie Robus
---------------------------------------------------------------
January 22 ~ Ephesians 3:1-10
Christ Jesus made me his prisoner, so that I could help you Gentiles. You have surely heard about God's kindness in choosing me to help you. In fact, this letter tells you a little about how God has shown me his mysterious ways. As you read the letter, you will also find out how well I really do understand the mystery about Christ. No one knew about this mystery until God's Spirit told it to his holy apostles and prophets. And the mystery is this: Because of Christ Jesus, the good news has given the Gentiles a share in the promises that God gave to the Jews. God has also let the Gentiles be part of the same body.
God treated me with kindness. His power worked in me, and it became my job to spread the good news. I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about each snowflake that falls. By themselves, they have very little impact and may not seem that important, but put them together, and you have a snowball, snowman, or a beautiful winter wonderland!There are times when each of us wonders, “Why am I here?” You may feel like you are fairly insignificant in the scheme of things. But Paul shows us in this passage that each of us has a place in God’s plans. We may not feel all that important, but to Him, we are vital! He created us for His purposes… and even when they seem small to us, they still matter to God.
Just like individual snowflakes, we are unique… and vital. We may not understand why we are here, but God knows… and that’s what counts. Ask God to show you how to serve Him. In time, He will reveal more and more of His plans to you and where you fit in them. Be patient… and content… knowing He chose you and gave you a part!
©2009 Debbie Robus
January 2010 Devotionals - Week 3
January 21 ~ Ephesians 1:3-10
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God. Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding,and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One year for my birthday, my husband said, “Pack a bag… we’re going somewhere for the weekend.” He would not tell me where we were going… just that I needed casual clothes, one nice outfit, and a swimsuit. I later learned that he had told ONE person our plans, in case of emergency, but otherwise, he kept our destination a secret… and a surprise. I didn’t know where we were going until we exited the Interstate at a certain point, and then I knew in reason we were headed to Hot Springs. Careful planner that he was, my husband had reserved a room for us in the hotel where we spent our honeymoon some twenty years earlier. Knowing if he did this near our actual anniversary, I might figure out the surprise, he arranged this weekend a month earlier around my birthday. And that did throw me off track for quite some time! He had also carefully planned the weekend and the events we would enjoy while returning to Hot Springs… and we really had a good time there. We even watched a Fourth of July fireworks display from our hotel balcony… although my husband had to admit that was a surprise even to him!
My husband carefully planned this weekend for us because he loves me. He is always thinking up ways to surprise me and make me smile… he blesses me each and every day. But I know that my husband is only human. As much as I love him and as well as he cares for me, God blesses and cares for me in ways I can’t even begin to express. He plans for my daily needs. He knows how He will help me overcome challenges. He numbers my steps and guides my plans… and after all of that, He has more surprises planned.
As amazing as my surprise weekend in Hot Springs was, I’m pretty sure God’s surprises are going to be far more impressive. Like most people, I have questions I want Him to answer – and He will someday. I have mysteries I want Him to unlock – and I know He can. I dream about what Heaven will be like, but I know it will be so much more than I could ever begin to imagine. God has surprises on the horizon… and plans that will astound us… and love for us we cannot begin to measure. We must praise Him every day for this! We must thank Him over and over for sending Jesus… and for the plans yet to be realized… the surprises yet to come for His children. When we serve such a loving and generous God, how can we not be grateful? Anything less than our very best for Him is an insult to One who is so giving and merciful. I am surprised by God every day… and I praise Him for it. Do you?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 5:35-39
Then he said to the council: People of Israel, be careful what you do with these men. Not long ago Theudas claimed to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered, and that was the end of that.
Later, when the people of our nation were being counted, Judas from Galilee showed up. A lot of people followed him, but he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
So I advise you to stay away from these men. Leave them alone. If what they are planning is something of their own doing, it will fail. But if God is behind it, you cannot stop it anyway, unless you want to fight against God.
The council members agreed with what he said...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you noticed that from time to time, people rise to a place of prominence in the Christian faith – either as an evangelist, a worship leader, or maybe a new sound/face in Christian music – and people jump on the bandwagon and start to support this person’s ministry. We hear a lot about this new “wave” in Christianity… for a season… and then the noise dies down and people seem to drift away or worship elsewhere and in a different fashion. I can think of several movements by “televangelists” that exploded for a while but now seem to be withering on the vine. And when reports start to surface in the news about these people and their wealthy lifestyles and opulence – and the generous “gifts” they receive from their church members and “partners” - you have to wonder whether their true plan was to serve Jesus or to get rich and famous!
But it’s not just televangelists and the money hungry… some are in it to feed their ego… and that’s just as bad. We can probably all think of someone who feels that their thoughts and ideas are bigger and better than ours, and we know how much we dislike this. So why is it that Christians are so ready to fall in line with the teachings and Scripture interpretation of just one person and believe exactly as he/she does about everything from morality to politics? My humble opinion is that we do this because something is lacking in us. We have drifted away from communication with God through prayer and Bible study, and we are seeking someone or something to fill us and restore us.
In this passage, Peter is telling the church – and us – that God gave us a brain! He gave us His word – and the ability to read it for ourselves and discern what He has to say to us. God has ordained countless people to guide us as we grow in our faith. But He also gives us wisdom – and the tools of prayer and Bible study – to figure out who is serving Him as a leader… and who is in it for themselves. And this applies to ALL areas of life, not just our church leaders. If we pay close attention, we will be able to see who is serving in God’s will… and who is not. And if you find yourself hanging with people who have an agenda (or plans) that do not line up with God’s plans and His word… the Bible tells us to run like the wind in the opposite direction.
God has blessed us with faithful, loyal disciples to lead us as we grow and develop in our own Christian faith… and you may even be one of them! But there are a lot of “wannabes” who are planning for their own prosperity and growth… not the Lord’s. With God’s help, we can tell the difference! Ask God to show you how to worship and serve Him effectively… follow Him and those who humbly serve, and He will always bless your plans.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 2:22-28
Now, listen to what I have to say about Jesus from Nazareth. God proved that he sent Jesus to you by having him work miracles, wonders, and signs. All of you know this. God had already planned and decided that Jesus would be handed over to you. So you took him and had evil men put him to death on a cross.
Death could not hold him in its power. What David said are really the words of Jesus, "I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at my right side. Because of this, my heart will be glad, my words will be joyful, and I will live in hope. The Lord won't leave me in the grave. I am his holy one, and he won't let my body decay. He has shown me the path to life, and he makes me glad by being near me."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You probably have heard of Bill Engvall, the “Blue Collar Comedy” guy who says, “Here’s your sign.” This passage could be labeled the “Here’s Your Sign” passage… because in it we see that God has clearly given us a “sign” – hope for our future, even when “bad things happen to good people.” We will never suffer anything remotely close to what happened to Jesus… but trials and challenges will come our way. And some of them may seem pretty horrific at the time. We may wonder how we will ever survive them.
But clearly, David has given us the road map for survival. He has told us that death could not hold Jesus. He saw His Father near him at all times. And we must do that, too… because He truly IS always with us. God will not leave us in the pits… that is not His plan for us. He may allow us to wallow there a while until we really figure out that He is still in charge and guiding our every step. But He will always be there with us… and He does have a plan for us that is positive and filled with hope – and blessings.
So, “Here’s your sign!” God sent Jesus to walk among men and then die on the cross – but also to rise from the grave – as a sign to us that He will never leave us. Even in our darkest hour, He has a plan in place to restore us. This is great news! This is a plan that should thrill each and every one of us. This is the ultimate “sign.” Are you paying attention?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were walking along with Jesus, when he turned and said: You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot come with me unless you love me more than you love your own life.
You cannot be my disciple unless you carry your own cross and come with me.
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. What is the first thing you will do? Won't you sit down and figure out how much it will cost and if you have enough money to pay for it? Otherwise, you will start building the tower, but not be able to finish. Then everyone who sees what is happening will laugh at you. They will say, "You started building, but could not finish the job."
What will a king do if he has only ten thousand soldiers to defend himself against a king who is about to attack him with twenty thousand soldiers? Before he goes out to battle, won't he first sit down and decide if he can win? If he thinks he won't be able to defend himself, he will send messengers and ask for peace while the other king is still a long way off. So then, you cannot be my disciple unless you give away everything you own.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The Food Network has this show called “Chopped” in which four chefs compete to create tasty dishes using “mystery ingredients” contained in a black wicker basket. The four chefs are given three to four ingredients and told to create an appetizer. The ingredients are always a little odd and not things you would normally combine for a food dish. But the chefs are given twenty minutes to use other foods and ingredients in the pantry to create their most tasty – and beautiful dish. After the presentation, the judges “chop” one of the chefs whose dish is deemed least tasty and attractive. The other three continue to create an entrée in thirty minutes, then another chef is “chopped,” and the final two chefs face off to create a dessert.
In a recent episode, the “dessert basket” contained ripe plantains (which resemble bananas), bacon, a white wine, and candied ginger. Both chefs worked frenetically for twenty minutes to create their most incredible dessert. One of the chefs decided to bake some sort of little cakes and use the requisite four ingredients to create sauces to top the cake. In the allotted twenty minutes, the cakes didn’t get done. The chef panicked and tried to turn the cake batter out onto a skillet and make pancakes, but even that failed. He ended up serving the judges his sauces without any cake. He admitted… “I did not plan well.” The other chef took what he was given and used it to create dishes considered delicious and beautiful.
Failure to plan well and work with what was provided in this competition cost three of the four chefs a $10,000 prize. Failure to plan or walk with Jesus has more far-reaching effects. This passage is not about literally giving up your relationship with your parents and other family members… or your belongings… to follow Jesus. Think of them as your “Food Network pantry” – resources that might possibly be available – and helpful – to you, but not always present… or necessary. Often all you will have is what is “in the black wicker basket.” Sometimes God will open the door for you to minister in a certain situation in which you may feel you have very little to offer – or with which to work. But HE will fill the gaps. You have to be willing to trust God… and to follow His plans. You have to plan to succeed with Him… and pay attention to all of the details. Otherwise, when the day is done, you will end up with “sauces and no cake.”
What are you creating? How well have you planned? What baggage to you need to unload? Can you work with what is in God’s “basket” and use it to create an atmosphere in which He can work? Our discipleship often falls short, because we either don’t plan well, or we rely too much on external resources and distractions, such as family, friends, and stuff, instead of asking God, “What are your plans, and where do You want me to serve? What do you want me to make of this?” While our walk with Christ is not a competition, we are God’s “chefs” – creating opportunities for others to hear the Good News – showing them His beauty and all that a life in Jesus has to offer. How well are you serving the Lord these days?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought to trial in the Jewish meeting places or before rulers or officials, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say. At that time the Holy Spirit will tell you what to say.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine you are on a beach and you see a young child bobbing in the water, obviously in distress, or possibly drowning. You would jump in and try to save the child, right? Would you stop to think, “Oh, wait! I’m not wearing a swimsuit,” or “I’m wearing my good shoes and my watch isn’t waterproof!” No, you would dash into the water and make every effort to save the child.
So often, we have a chance to speak to someone else about our faith… to offer hope and encouragement… and we clam up and say nothing. It’s as if we stand “frozen on the beach.” Why? Because we often feel we don’t know what to say – that we might say the wrong thing. We feel inadequate to try to tell someone else about God’s love, grace and mercy. Or maybe we feel that the person will ask questions we can’t answer… that they will attack us for our faith and make us feel like we really don’t know what we are talking about!
The truth is, God gives us “beachside opportunities” every day. We may never be literally called upon to rescue a drowning child on a beach, but people are “drowning” to know more about God every day… and we are the rescue squad. He will use us to reach these people and bring them to shore – to Him, so that He can save them. And the best part of all is that God will equip us for this mission! We don’t have to plan what we will say to others… God will give us the words. We don’t have to schedule time to share our faith… we can be spontaneous, knowing that God will give us everything we need, through His Holy Spirit, to say and do exactly what He wishes.
It’s time to “get off the beach and into the water.” It is time to start being bold in your faith, confident that God has planned and prepared for your witness. It is time to trust that the Holy Spirit is alive in you and will guide you through uncertain situations. Look around and see where God is leading you. Don’t stop to worry about how your witness will be received… just do it, and trust God to handle the details.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ Matthew 6:25-34
I tell you not to worry about your life. Don't worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn't life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don't plant or harvest. They don't even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren't you worth more than birds? Can worry make you live longer? Why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow. They don't work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn't as well clothed as one of them.
God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. He will surely do even more for you! Why do you have such little faith? Don't worry and ask yourselves, "Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?" Only people who don't know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. But more than anything else, put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well.
Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine having an arm or leg trapped in something and being unable to free yourself. What if the only option was to amputate the arm or leg, and that could possibly cause you to bleed to death? Do you think you would be thinking about what you were going to wear to school or work tomorrow? Would you really care if your friend called you back or you got your tax refund check in the mail? Would it matter if you were having a bad hair day?
We waste a lot of time and energy worrying needlessly. It may seem important that we look nice and have a full stomach, plenty of friends, and money in our pocket. But a lot of us (myself included) wait until our arm or leg is trapped and we can’t get free (so to speak) before we turn to God and ask for His help. We would rather wring our hands and worry about what we have and don’t have instead of trusting that God already knows our needs and how to meet them.
If we would trust God more, if we would focus on serving Him and less on ourselves, then when real worries come our way, we would know where to turn and have hope for a solution from the One who can give it to us. God has wonderful plans for us… and they include meeting our needs according to His will. Are you willing to trust Him to deliver?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I will bless you with a future filled with hope--a future of success, not of suffering.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The January 12th earthquake in Haiti has ravaged this Caribbean country. People have lost their homes, their belongings, and their very lives. This event of nature was no respecter of persons… rich, poor, young, and old alike are suffering. And some have tried to claim, in the name of Christianity, that all of this happened to Haiti as punishment from God because the Haitians “made a deal with the devil” decades ago. It does seem that the Haitians have had more than their share of misfortune in recent years, but I don’t believe for a minute that God is punishing them, much less that this entire nation “made a deal with the devil” or any other such nonsense.
There was other sad news this week. Candice, the young Kansas mother of two little girls that I talked about a few days ago, lost her battle with cancer and ran into the arms of Jesus.
So why does God allow bad things to happen? If this scripture in Jeremiah says that God has plans to bless us and give us hope and success, not suffering, why are there so many who suffer? Here’s what I think… God sees the tragedy in Haiti, and He sees millions of opportunities for people to minister in His name. He sees opportunities for orphans to be rescued, and for people to be fed, clothed, housed, and treated medically. He sees countless chances for those who have much to give to those who have nothing. God sees two little girls and a grandmother in Kansas who need everything from comfort and a hug to school lunch money and a ride to Girl Scouts… and He already knows who will step up to meet those needs!
God sees hope where we see none. He sees opportunities to bless where all we can see is tragedy and despair. He sees countless options, and immeasurable blessings. It can start with something as small as a donation to the The Friends of the World Food Program (http://www.wfp.org/), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/), or Compassion International (http://www.compassion.com/) – or some other charitable relief organization. Or, it could be that you are ready to do more… to organize a local food or clothing drive… volunteer at a local service organization like Cleburne County Care, or deliver Meals on Wheels. Maybe you are ready to become a foster parent to a needy child… or even to adopt an orphan from a country such as Haiti. God knows the needs… and He knows how you can fill them. He brings hope in hopeless situations… not destruction. He has plans for us… plans for our own hope and success – and plans for us to help those less fortunate.
I pray that today you will ask God to reveal to you His plans for your own life… how – and where - He wants you to serve others. Ask God to show you where you can offer hope and success to someone else… and find your own in the bargain. It may be that God moves you out of your comfort zone a bit. It may be that His plans are for you to give up some of your time, energy, and/or money in order to do what needs to be done. But I promise, you will never regret it… nor will you miss anything you “sacrifice.” God has plans for His children – plans to give us hope and success beyond anything we could ever imagine… are you ready to get on board?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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