Daily Devotional for November 26, 2016

Psalm 34:1-10
I will always praise the Lord. With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name.

I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears.  Keep your eyes on the Lord! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame.

I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles. If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you.

Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.

Honor the Lord! You are his special people. No one who honors the Lord will ever be in need.

Young lions may go hungry or even starve, but if you trust the Lord, you will never miss out on anything good.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This month the 2nd-3rd graders and I have studied “the truth about angels and devils”…and learned about prayer.  Tomorrow, we will learn about heaven.  During one of the lessons, we read James 4:8…”Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” My assistant, Susan, reminded the children that when they feel the devil near them, all they have to do is “turn their back” on him and whisper the name, “Jesus!”  Jesus will come to their aid, and the devil will flee.

A few nights ago, I awoke suddenly, and my mind started racing.  I could not stop thinking about several things, and it occurred to me…”This is the devil trying to steal my sleep.”  I remembered Susan’s suggestion, and I began to repeatedly whisper, “Jesus…Jesus!”  A sense of calm and peace washed over me, and I soon felt fast asleep.  I prayed…and the LORD saved me from all of my troubles.  His angels came to protect me as I slept.

So often, we “suffer” needlessly.  We fail to reach out to God, Who is waiting to come to us and offer protection…to save us from all of our troubles and fears. Yes, we were “nobodies,” but God loved us enough to send Jesus to rescue us.  And when we call on His name, He will draw near and protect us – and meet our every need. 

Psalm 34:10 talks of “young lions”…which is often a Biblical reference to Satan and his agents. At the very name of Jesus, these enemies wither and slink away in defeat.  Isn’t it time we whispered, “Jesus!” more often?  With all my heart, I will praise Him and celebrate His great name!

Honor the LORD with me…and learn to never be in need!  Let all who are helpless listen and be glad indeed! Kick the devil and his agents to the curb! Honor and praise the LORD…this day, and always.
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 21, 2014

Matthew 18:21-22
Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?”

Jesus answered:

Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I’ll be honest...I had a hard time committing to write a devo on this scripture passage today. Let’s just say I’m not much in a forgiving mood. I’ve no desire to forgive those who beheaded an American journalist in Syria.  I am lacking in forgiveness for those who are responsible for the strife in Ferguson, Missouri – and I truly am not even sure WHO the responsible parties are!  I’m not inclined to forgive those who abuse and mistreat other people or animals.  I even have a few “brothers and sisters” against whom I’m pretty comfortable holding onto a grudge.

But here’s the thing. I can’t have it both ways. I cannot be a disciple of Jesus – and expect HIM to forgive ME – and carry these resentments. Jesus has made it incredibly clear that unforgiveness is not optional. If I want to be His disciple...if I want HIS forgiveness, mercy and grace in my own life, I have to forgive others...all.of.them!

Before you groan and roll your eyes and say, “Good for you, but I just cannot do this!”...hear what else I have to tell you.  Forgiveness of others does not equal weakness...or an endorsement of the other person’s words and actions.  Forgiveness does not make you a doormat for others’ mistreatment and/or abuse.  Forgiveness can be – and often should be – offered from a safe distance.  We can offer forgiveness (if only in our own hearts), and take as many steps away from a situation as necessary in order to be free of further injury.  But we must release the ill feelings and ask God to help us offer genuine forgiveness.

Our willingness to forgive others represents surrender to God’s will rather than ours...a faithfulness that He is in control and will mete out perfect justice.  Our acts of forgiveness signal a desire on our part to release all feelings of animosity and disdain...heartache and disappointment...and say, “LORD, I’m trusting YOU to handle this...and I am releasing it to Your care.”  This frees us to focus on the work of serving God by loving others and ministering to them in His name. 

God’s will is for us to enjoy our lives as Christians...not to be saddled by the yoke of unforgiveness!  And here’s one other thing...our inability or unwillingness to forgive is a tool of the devil – one he really, really likes!  I don’t know about you, but it makes me furious to think that I would give that old monster one more second of pleasure!

So I’m hitting the ground...on my knees...and asking God to remove any spirit of unforgiveness that I might harbor toward anyone.  I am asking Him to give me a perspective of objectivity...and a heart of mercy and grace fueled by His mighty power.  If you are like me, there are days when you feel like you have already offered a few people more than 77 shots at forgiveness...but let’s not get hung up on the number. Let’s surrender this process to God and let Him fill us with His peace and joy.  Let’s release our negative attitudes to Him and claim that, “The LORD is my strength...He has my back...He’s got this!” 

I’m reminded of author/teacher Jen Hatmaker’s question in her book Make Over...”Monkey, who are you dancing for?”  Are we “dancing” for Jesus...or are we trying to do this under our own power?  Let’s make this the day that we ditch the lie of Satan that we are right to harbor these ill feelings.  Let’s “change dance partners” and let Jesus take the lead...once and for all.  Are you with in?

©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 22, 2014

1 John 4:17
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
Greg’s niece and her family came for a visit during Easter.  We all got together at Greg’s brother’s for a cookout one night, and as the adults sat around the fire pit and visited, 10-year-old Chase asked me to toss a football with him. Three dachshunds belonging to a couple of family members were in the back yard with us…and they do not like sudden noises or movements.  Chase got a little rambunctious at one point, and I think he squealed.  The dogs came running…barking, growling, and surrounding us.  Without a second thought, Chase screamed, turned his back to me and scooted up as closely against me as he could get…and I wrapped my arms around him tightly until the dogs moved away.
 
I honestly do not know whether those little dogs would have hurt our nephew…but I would have done all I could to prevent it…and Chase instinctively knew that.  In a moment of great fear, he knew just what to do…and where to turn.
 
There are many times in our lives when we face something frightening or unsettling.  It may not be as “at-your-heels” as three barking, growling dogs…but we all encounter situations that disturb us or cause us worry and concern.  What do you do when this happens?  Is God so ever-present in your life that you instinctively back up to Him and allow His arms to engulf you?  Do you have a pervading, often inexplicable sense of calm…even in the midst of a situation that would understandably panic most people to their core?
 
A few months ago, I met with a high school “small group” of senior girls.  I shared with them a couple of times in recent years where I had experienced some gut-wrenching events that I honestly did not think I could bear.  I related to them how I prayed and begged God to somehow prevent these things from unfolding…and how I trusted Him when I could see that they were going to happen anyway.  When the unthinkable happened…God covered me in His peace and steeled me with calm and reserve that I could not comprehend - nor fully explain.  He sheltered me from the worst of the pain and heartache, because He knew I could not handle it on my own.  I backed up against God, and He wrapped me in His arms and held on tightly.
 
Maybe you have been through a similar situation - or are experiencing one of these even now…

• You have watched as a loved one suffered and slowly inched out of this life and into the next…and there was nothing you could do to stop it.
• Someone you loved was suddenly taken from you…leaving you shocked, bewildered, and feeling totally lost.
• The “rug was pulled out from under you” at work – and you lost your job or your hours were cut.
• Bills are piling up, and you seem to be on a path to lose your home or your car, despite your best efforts to come up with the payments.
• You are failing a class or two…and no matter how hard you study, you can’t seem to grasp enough of the information to pass the tests.
• You are sick, or you have been injured and can no longer participate in a beloved sport…pick up your kids, grandkids or a precious pet…perform routine household chores or even to the things that make your life enjoyable.
• You have a relationship breakdown…and you feel a disconnect with a partner, spouse, friend, relative, or acquaintance – and a separation or division of some sorts seems imminent.
• You keep reliving events from your past, and you can’t seem to forgive those who have hurt you – much less trust them again…and you can’t forgive yourself for any of your past lapses and failings.
• Despite your best efforts to be a “good person”, your life seems to be crumbling on several levels.  You are unsettled, irritable and negative, nervous and uneasy…and there doesn’t seem to be any “light at the end of the tunnel”.

I get it…I’ve been right there with you in many of these situations.  But I as I told the girls in the “small group”, I have learned that God is always, always with me.  If I will stay close to Him and trust Him completely…He will protect me.  My fears will subside, and God’s peace and calm will cover me.  I admit…I have to remind myself of this often - or maybe GOD reminds me!  The fact is…Satan is NOT happy when we rest in the LORD and let Him have our troubles.  HE is the barking dog who nips at our heels and says, “Be afraid…be very afraid!”
 
So kick the devil to the curb today.  Back up against God and allow Him to hold you close.  Give HIM your worries and fears…and every facet of your life…and see how much better things can go.  I can’t promise that you won’t have any more troubles or fearful experiences.  In fact, I almost guarantee that you will!  But with God to hold you close, you can face them with confidence…assured that He will always protect you.  And on the Day of Judgment, you will recognize His presence and protective hand as He welcomes you forever into His perfect peace.
 
When the “dogs” of the devil come nipping at your heels…where will you be standing?
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 11, 2014

1 Peter 5:8-11
Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
This morning as I enjoyed a cup of coffee on my back deck in 66-degree sunshine, I thought of the two big frozen blobs of sleet that still sit in our front flower beds.  I reminded myself that less than a week ago, we were experiencing day-time high temps in the teens and low twenties – and wind-chill factors close to zero!
 
Our house sits in a relatively wooded – and shaded – neighborhood. The home of one of my cousins has a similar setting.  She remarked to me that for several days last week, she thought the whole world was as “iced in” as she was, because she could not see beyond her neighborhood, where major streets and thoroughfares had been cleared, salted and sanded.  We felt much the same way.  Just a couple of blocks away from our house, a major highway was “passable”, while our streets and driveway were completely covered in sleet and ice.
 
So we were lulled into a sense that the world was “sleeping” for a few days until the weather cleared…while in reality, life was continuing somewhat as usual just a few yards from our doorstep!  Indeed, about a 3-hour drive east of us, motorists were stranded for as much as 48 hours on interstate highways in our state.  As most of the world carried on “as usual”, these motorists sat motionless, hungry, weary and away from family, friends, important appointments, and more.
 
This seems like the perfect analogy to demonstrate how we operate as Christians.  There are times when things happen in our lives, and we feel like the whole world has stopped…or should!  We experience illness, the death of a friend or loved one, trouble at home or in the workplace, stress at school, a pile of bills to be paid, accidents, uncontrollable weather events…and so much more.  Whether these circumstances were beyond our control, or the devil caught us napping…”life” happens!  And the thing is…this happens to all of us!
 
For every challenge and circumstance you have experienced…someone else has “been there, done that”.  This ought to give us renewed courage as we see how God has worked in the lives of others – how He has gotten them through the rough spots, put them together and set them back on their feet for good.  This also should give us courage and motivation to share with others out of our own personal witness to God’s great plans for us.  I am not diminishing the importance – or severity – of anything that has happened in your life.  In fact, I have expressed heartfelt compassion and empathy to many of you whom I know personally.  I have shared with you in these devotionals how God has “had the last word” in my life on many occasions…and how my faith has been strengthened through these experiences.
 
So my question to you today is, “What are you doing with the circumstances and events of your life?”  Are you awake and alert?  Or are you napping while the “weather” clears…or burying your head in the sand because things just seem too hard to bear?  Either one of the latter leaves you vulnerable to the devil.  And Peter is right…Satan stands ready and waiting to pounce like a cat watching a bug or a bird in the yard! Whatever you are going through…whatever has happened to you…God can use it to strengthen your faith – and to demonstrate His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and compassion to others.  Will you be one of His agents in this…or one of the devil’s victims?  The choice is totally up to you.
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 31, 2013

Titus 3:7
Jesus treated us much better than we deserve.
He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.
 
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.”
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
This morning, a friend of mine posted this on Facebook:

Ok, so here's the deal…Satan REALLY hates me. He's a thief, a liar, and the lowest of low. He'll use any of his cohorts; anxiety, imperfection, depression, oppression, regret, fear, doubt, loss, pain, apathy, indifference ...to SNUFF out my light. Be on the lookout… because if you've said “YES!” to God, you better believe he'll come for you too!

 Clearly, she is dealing with some serious challenges… as are all of us at one time or another. So these two verses… one from the New Testament and one from the Old Testament, both bring us a message of hope.  Jesus treats us much better than we deserve and makes us acceptable to God.  We have hope of Eternal Life because of Jesus.  AND…God wins victory after victory and is always with us!  God actually sings because of us and refreshes us with His love.
 
Satan cannot stand it when we give our heart to God.  He absolutely despises even the thought that we belong to God and are protected and reinvigorated by His love and care.  So he uses all of his cohorts to TRY to snuff out our light…just as my friend said.  But the all-important filled-with-hope-and-and-comfort GOOD NEWS is that Satan can never win when we belong to God!
 
As we close out this year, I am sure that there have been moments of joy and peace in your life in the last twelve months.  But I am also fairly certain that many have experienced a time when you felt like the devil was coming after you.  I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, but I am resolving to put on God’s full armor this year… to remind myself often of His presence - and His unending love and care.  When Satan sends his cohorts to try to snuff out my light, I’ll stomp my foot and tell him to “Get lost!”  As the old hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness”… and I know that He is covering me in both.
 
I pray that you will end this year – and enter the next – with hope… the hope of always being acceptable to God through Jesus… the hope of God’s victory after victory – and his unending presence in your life… and the ultimate hope of Eternal Life with Him in heaven someday.  Resolve to make 2014 a year of HOPE…refreshed with God’s love and armed against Satan and every one of his cohorts.  God bless and keep you… Happy New Year!
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 21, 2013

Psalm 4:8
I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
The other night after her bath, our 2-year-old niece Zola got her favorite stuffed bear and sat down in a little wooden rocking chair… and she began to rock.  I watched her eyelids grow heavy and her head start to bob – and then she would jerk upright and start the process all over again.  I asked her, “Zola, are you getting sleepy?”  “NO!” came the instant, adamant retort!  But within a few minutes, her little head was almost in her lap, as she sank lower and lower and totally conked out in that chair.  I told Greg… “The rocking chair has done my work for me!”
 
I find it ironic that I can sit down to watch television and almost instantly fall asleep… but when I go to bed, I toss and turn for quite a while before I succumb to slumber.  Why is that?!  For a lot of us, bedtime is when we get still and quiet…but our minds continue to race.  We think of all we did… all that did not get done… what we have to do the next day/week/year…and more.  Even little children often find it hard to settle down and sleep.  In our case, they want “one more” - book, movie or TV show, glass of juice… anything that will keep them up and at ‘em a while longer.
 
For those of us who are older, the problem may also be trying to cram in one more activity before we sleep… but often, it’s more a case of some type of worry or busyness.  We are unable to shut down and relax, because the devil keeps tapping on our shoulder and saying, “HELLOOOOOOOO!!! What are you planning to do about such-and-such?”  He gets our mind reeling… and manages to keep it that way until we are so exhausted we can’t help but fall asleep… or so “wired” that sleep is completely out of the picture!
 
Can I be quite honest here?  I have actually tossed and turned at night thinking about whether I’m going to turn leftover chicken into a salad or a stew… and should I get up and check the expiration date on that package of whatever to determine if I need to use it first before I choose some other ingredient?!  I feel pretty silly the next morning when I think about it and tell myself, “There was no rush… it’s not like you were going to get up and cook a meal before you slept!”  And if you are honest, I bet you have let your mind run away with you about a thing or two at one point or another.
 
Let’s all take a collective breath and read this passage again…”I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe.”  I have found that one thing that helps me to fall asleep quickly and soundly is to pray.  I KNOW… sounds weird, huh?!  Now, I’m not saying that prayer is boring… or that talking to God puts me to sleep – in that way!  But what could be better than to fall asleep talking to God… to have conversation with Him as your last waking activity?  We say “night-time prayers” with our little ones… why do you suppose we do this?  Do you see that even without realizing it, we are preparing their hearts and minds – and their bodies – for perfect, sound sleep in the “safety” of God’s care?
 
When you think of the LORD keeping you safe as you sleep, don’t take this word so literally.  Imagine that He is handling your schedule… your worries… your frustrations and your fears.  God is the ultimate “Night Watchman” who handles everything… and knocks the devil off your shoulder… so that you can relax, refresh and renew - and REST peacefully. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty awesome to me!  Does this mean we will never toss and turn again… or that something is wrong with us if we do?  Absolutely not!  Everyone will have times when sleep eludes us… for a myriad of reasons.  But this is not God’s design - or His desire.  God wants us to experience His peace in all areas of our life… even when we are not awake.
 
So talk to God… thank Him for His amazing love and protection – and for the blessing of being able to sleep soundly in complete peace.  Like the little wooden rocking chair that swayed our 2-year-old Zola to sleep, God will take away our every burden and concern – and rock us gently in His arms.  Call on Him to do this.  Make your last words of the night a prayer to God.  Awaken refreshed, energized, calm and peaceful knowing that He heard you…that He guarded your every breath… and He is ready to help you face whatever the day will bring.  Rest well in the LORD… and sleep like His baby, because you are!
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 21, 2012

Psalm 46:1-3
God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble. And so, we won’t be afraid!

Let the earth tremble and the mountains tumble into the deepest sea.

Let the ocean roar and foam, and its raging waves shake the mountains.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Today was the day we were all supposed to die. Many interpreted calculations on a Mayan calendar to indicate that the world would end today… December 21, 2012. But here we are! Matthew 24:36 tells us… “No one knows the day or hour. The angels in heaven don’t know, and the Son himself doesn’t know. Only the Father knows.” That’s good enough for me… what about you?

See, I believe the words of Psalm 46:1-3. I believe that God will help in times of trouble. I trust His mighty strength… He is my fortress. So I say, “Bring it!” Let the mountains tumble and the oceans roar. Let the earth tremble! There has not been a single thing in my life to this day that I could not handle with God’s help. There has yet to be any obstacle too big for Him to overcome… a problem He could not solve.

Did I always like the outcome? Was everything easy, pleasant and “ooey-gooey” nice? Absolutely not! Were there heartaches and difficulties? Most definitely! Was I left alone to figure out how to manage by myself? Never!

I do not dwell on the end of the world – or the end of my life. Either way, I plan to wake up in heaven! I hope you will be there with me someday. I pray that you are trusting God as your mighty fortress… ready to help in times of trouble. I trust that you do not live in fear of the temptations and struggles the devil throws your way. Our God is awesome, amazing, strong and powerful. He never leaves our side.

I don’t know what tomorrow holds… but I know WHO holds tomorrow. I am counting on God to always be my fortress and my strength in all situations. Are you?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 22, 2012

Psalm 121:27-28
God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.

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.

Imagine life in our nation’s White House, surrounded by Secret Service officials. Everywhere you go, someone is watching you – even if you don’t realize it. You are guarded when you go to school, to church, to a movie, or out for dinner. Your car is followed everywhere. You are protected as you sleep. Someone knows your whereabouts every minute of the night and day. Honestly, I’m not sure I would enjoy such scrutiny!

But in the case of my Heavenly Father, I welcome such close and comprehensive care. To think that I am continually guarded from evil…that God cares about me so much that I am always protected…is amazing, comforting, and almost beyond description. And the best part of all is that this same care and protection is extended to my family and friends… and my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as all of those for whom I pray.

It takes a whole team of Secret Service agents to guard the First Family and others who are entitled to this level of protection. But all you and I need is Almighty God. He is more than enough to defend and protect us. And He is on the clock twenty-four/seven on our behalf! When was the last time you stopped and thought about how soundly you sleep at night – how blessed your days are – because God is guarding you? When was the last time you thanked Him for this? Isn’t this a perfect time to stop and do so? Aren’t you glad that God’s “Secret Service” detail is on duty in your life?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 12, 2012

Luke 10:17-20
When the seventy-two followers returned, they were excited and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed when we spoke in your name!” Jesus told them: I saw Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. I have given you the power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to defeat the power of your enemy Satan. Nothing can harm you. But don’t be happy because evil spirits obey you. Be happy that your names are written in heaven!

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

More than once, an actor or entertainer has stood before a crowd to accept an award and thanked numerous people… only to realize later they forgot to thank their spouse, family, parents, or someone else who was vital to their success. The excuse is always that they got caught up in the excitement of the moment. But the fact remains they failed to give credit where it was due.

As Christians, we do this a lot. We get so caught up in the “power trip” that we forget to credit the Power Source! We overcome a temptation or an addiction and we revel in our success. We praise God for His deliverance from difficult situations, trials and tribulations… and we should. But how often do we simply say, “LORD, thank You for saving me. Thank You for writing my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Thank You for preparing a place in Your kingdom for me for all Eternity!”?

I am as happy as anyone that the devil has no authority over me. He is a wannabe God, and he cannot hurt me. The devil is the last person I will fear or respect. And Satan is most certainly not the object of my focus! Offense is the devil’s number one tool… and distraction… and I am working diligently to remove all evidence of this menace from my life. At the same time, I am renewing my determination to totally live in Christ… to wake up every day grateful for what He has done for me… to recognize His beauty and blessings that surround me. Call it focusing on the positive more than the negative, if you will.

We have no trouble running to God when there is trouble or we are in need. But how often do we run to Him “just because?” Isn’t it time we focused more on what God does for us each and every day? Let’s acknowledge God’s power over the devil and his agents. But let’s leave the bragging and bravado behind in favor of a focus on genuine praise and appreciation for all that He has given us. Let’s concentrate on less on our victory over Satan and more on the promise of Heaven… and all that is yet to come!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 5, 2012

May 5 ~ Matthew 4:1-11
Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread." Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth."

For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone." Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God."

For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, "They're yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours." Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness."

The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs.

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.

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like to be pampered? Everyone likes a little TLC… and when you are sick or injured, the care and “ministry” of others is even more important. I have watched my grandmother’s whole demeanor change after a bath. I’ve seen her relax and even smile after she was put back into a clean bed. The difference in her entire appearance and reactions when she is pain-free is striking. Surely angels have been surrounding her and giving her care in these last few days.

Just as importantly, angels have surrounded my grandmother and my family mentally, emotionally, and Spiritually… and protected us from as much as a stubbed toe. There have been moments when the devil tried to slip in… a sense of doubt here… little mis-steps there… but each time, I’ve felt God saying, “Beat it, Satan!” And I have to tell you, I’ve even said this out loud myself a time or two! Each time, I’ve felt like God’s angels came and took care of us… and drove the devil away in the process.

Wherever you are today… whatever Satan is trying to do to you… however you are tempted to give in to challenges and the devil’s little voice that pokes at you and fills you with doubt… stay close to God and trust His word. Continue to worship Him and rest in His care and protection. Serve God with absolute single-heartedness and tell Satan to “take a hike!”

I am a strong believer in angels and their power. I have seen evidence of God’s protection… and I’ve met several of His “angels” along the way. You may even be one of them! Have faith in God… let a steady stream of His words guide and comfort you. Believe with all your heart that He will keep you safe from even as much as a stubbed toe… and do your part by trusting and believing His promises.

May 4th was National Star Wars Day, and I saw more than one Facebook post that said, “May the Fourth be with you!”… a cute play on words, of course. Today is Cinco de Mayo… a celebration of freedom and democracy… and I am saying, “May God’s angels be with you. May you feel the freedom of a life in His care surround you today – and always.” Have a blessed, angel-filled day!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 4, 2012

Job1:6-12
One day, when the angels had gathered around the Lord, and Satan was there with them, the Lord asked, “Satan, where have you been?” Satan replied, “I have been going all over the earth.” Then the Lord asked, “What do you think of my servant Job? No one on earth is like him—he is a truly good person, who respects me and refuses to do evil.”

“Why shouldn’t he respect you?” Satan remarked. “You are like a wall protecting not only him, but his entire family and all his property. You make him successful in whatever he does, and his flocks and herds are everywhere. Try taking away everything he owns, and he will curse you to your face.”

The Lord replied, “All right, Satan, do what you want with anything that belongs to him, but don’t harm Job.” Then Satan left.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

This has been a challenging week. But as many have pointed out, God is in control. All I have to do is rest in Him. And I really am trying to do that… hopefully pretty well! I know that God has a wall of protection around me, my grandmother, and my family. He has shown me this over and again. He can take away lots of material things. He can allow challenges and temporary setbacks. But ultimately, I believe He has said to Satan, “Do what you want with anything that belongs to her, but do not harm HER or her family!”

I believe that Satan knows who he can and cannot touch. And when God tells the devil to leave someone alone, I believe there is a covenant in place between them for this to happen. So I want to be extra certain that I operate within the wall of protection that God offers. I want to respect God and refuse to do evil. I want to serve Him – and serve well!

I’m not being arrogant when I say that I believe the devil can’t touch me! If you trust God, serve Him and respect Him - and seek His will - I think you can say the very same thing. I find this incredibly comforting… and I am at peace with so many decisions and outcomes that I have experienced – especially in the last few days. God has my back! Does He have yours?

©2012 Debbie Robus