John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the one who is called the Word. The Word was with God and was truly God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In the movie “Gasland,” a farmer in Wyoming took the movie producer into the mountains and showed him ancient drawings that still line a rock wall. The two men talked about how old this area of our country is… how thousands of years ago, water carved out the Tetons and created the rock formations that stand tall on this land today. In the same manner, we look at the Grand Canyon, and we can’t even wrap our brains around how old it is… how long it has been there.
Sometimes my husband and I watch travel shows on television about interesting, beautiful places in Europe. Many of the buildings and ruins are centuries old… and some were created almost a thousand years ago. It boggles the mind to think about how – and when – these magnificent structures were created. I can’t fathom a time when the area where rivers now flow was actually the mountainous “inverse”. I look at an old bridge that was built early in the last century – or a cool older home built around 1920, and I am amazed at the workmanship… knowing the technology and machinery we have today did not exist at that time. But then I look at an ancient monastery in the Himalayas, I can’t even comprehend how the workmen traveled to that location… much less how they carried the materials and tools necessary to create such a magnificent structure.
Then I read in the book of John about how Jesus was with God before Creation… how He has always been with God… how he IS God… a part of the “Three-in-One” – God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit… and I can barely wrap my brain around this, either. John bases this statement on a dream he describes in Revelation 19:13 and 16, where he says “The rider wore a robe that was covered with blood, and he was known as ‘The Word of God.’ On the part of the robe that covered his thigh was written, ‘KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.’”
We’ve studied the creation story in Genesis since we were very young – maybe even toddlers! We all know much of it by heart… “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” But if you are like me, you don’t stop to consider the magnitude of that this means… and most surely you haven’t thought about Jesus being present! What does say to us today? Why am I telling you this?
I believe that we need to be more aware of the continual presence of God in our lives – in all three forms. I believe there is great encouragement and hope in the knowledge that Jesus has been with us since before Creation… He sent His Holy Spirit to be with us now… and He will be waiting for us in heaven! Every one of us is going to encounter times in our lives when we have a real “gut-check.” We are going to experience challenges and times of great need… and every step of the way, Jesus will be with us. It is incredible to me to think that long before a single person was created, Jesus was there… and He will be with us in Eternity. He truly does number our steps… and know what is planned for us!
Doesn’t this make you feel better? Doesn’t it give you comfort and courage to know that the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS has always been with us… and always will be? Are you starting to “get it” that we can always call on Him… that He truly cares for our every need? His life gave us light, and Darkness (Satan) has never put Him out… and never will. Buildings will crumble and fall away… mountains can be blasted to rubble by heavy machinery… but Jesus Christ stands forever! Now that’s Good News worth celebrating! And have a glorious day with the LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label protection of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protection of God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 30, 2011
Luke 23:13-25
Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, "You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It's clear that he's done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go."
At that, the crowd went wild: "Kill him! Give us Barabbas!" (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again. But they kept shouting back, "Crucify! Crucify him!"
He tried a third time. "But for what crime? I've found nothing in him deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go." But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.
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.
The other night, our cat Mabel came in the living room while we were watching TV, and she began to pace around… and even whimper. My husband asked her, “Is your food bowl empty?” I checked… there was plenty of food. We both looked at each other and laughed. We knew that she wanted a dish of milk… a treat we have only recently begun to give our cats. Normally we give them milk right before bedtime, when we feed them for the night. But it was a couple of hours earlier, and Mabel was already begging.
Finally, we caved. I poured a small saucer of milk, and she came running to the laundry room where we feed them and began to lap at the cold treat. We had given in to her demands. And while the only consequence will be that she once again thinks she can manipulate us into doing whatever she wants, in essence, we were her “Pilate.”
Quite honestly, we are all a lot like Pilate more often than we care to admit. We cave to our peers and do things we know we shouldn’t. We give in to our own frailties and desires and fall off our diet, buy that new pair of shoes or the latest electronic gadget or computer game we can’t really afford, and cheat – just this once – on a test, our taxes, or our significant other. And if you read Luke 22, you see that Jesus’ disciples were no better. Peter denied Jesus three times after His arrest – before the rooster could even signal the dawn of a new day. We are weak souls indeed!
The Good News is that we don’t have to succumb to our weaknesses. We have Inner Strength that we cannot even comprehend… in the form of the Holy Spirit. We can call on the Holy Spirit any hour of the night or day to shore up our resolve… to give us courage to stand up to the temptation of that extra cookie, a persuasive friend, or the lure of something we know we should avoid. Pilate knew that to choose Barabbas was right… but it would bring him ridicule and/or discomfort from the people, and he did not have the necessary courage and faith to do this.
When we make the more difficult choice of doing the right thing… we can depend on God to bless the outcome of our faithfulness. When your boss says, “Lie for me, or lose your job,” the temptation may be to do what it takes to stay employed. But God will help you find another – better – place to work, if you do the right thing and your boss fires you, as threatened. When a friend or loved one says, “You think you’re too good for me. I don’t want to hang around you anymore” because you won’t do something illicit or illegal, walk away, knowing God will see you through whatever the outcome. When you think you can’t possibly exercise or do some sort of workout to get in better physical shape, God can help you take the baby steps that lead to bigger steps… and give you the strength and courage to persevere.
It all starts with one thing – a simple prayer… “Lord help me.” He can… and He will! We may have been modern-day “Pilates” in the past, but we don’t have to continue with this kind of behavior. It’s time to exercise our faith muscle… to call on the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us… and to trust God to keep His promises. How deep is your faith? How strong is your resolve? Who is guarding your heart and guiding your choices these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Then Pilate called in the high priests, rulers, and the others and said, "You brought this man to me as a disturber of the peace. I examined him in front of all of you and found there was nothing to your charge. And neither did Herod, for he has sent him back here with a clean bill of health. It's clear that he's done nothing wrong, let alone anything deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go."
At that, the crowd went wild: "Kill him! Give us Barabbas!" (Barabbas had been thrown in prison for starting a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilate still wanted to let Jesus go, and so spoke out again. But they kept shouting back, "Crucify! Crucify him!"
He tried a third time. "But for what crime? I've found nothing in him deserving death. I'm going to warn him to watch his step and let him go." But they kept at it, a shouting mob, demanding that he be crucified. And finally they shouted him down. Pilate caved in and gave them what they wanted. He released the man thrown in prison for rioting and murder, and gave them Jesus to do whatever they wanted.
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.
The other night, our cat Mabel came in the living room while we were watching TV, and she began to pace around… and even whimper. My husband asked her, “Is your food bowl empty?” I checked… there was plenty of food. We both looked at each other and laughed. We knew that she wanted a dish of milk… a treat we have only recently begun to give our cats. Normally we give them milk right before bedtime, when we feed them for the night. But it was a couple of hours earlier, and Mabel was already begging.
Finally, we caved. I poured a small saucer of milk, and she came running to the laundry room where we feed them and began to lap at the cold treat. We had given in to her demands. And while the only consequence will be that she once again thinks she can manipulate us into doing whatever she wants, in essence, we were her “Pilate.”
Quite honestly, we are all a lot like Pilate more often than we care to admit. We cave to our peers and do things we know we shouldn’t. We give in to our own frailties and desires and fall off our diet, buy that new pair of shoes or the latest electronic gadget or computer game we can’t really afford, and cheat – just this once – on a test, our taxes, or our significant other. And if you read Luke 22, you see that Jesus’ disciples were no better. Peter denied Jesus three times after His arrest – before the rooster could even signal the dawn of a new day. We are weak souls indeed!
The Good News is that we don’t have to succumb to our weaknesses. We have Inner Strength that we cannot even comprehend… in the form of the Holy Spirit. We can call on the Holy Spirit any hour of the night or day to shore up our resolve… to give us courage to stand up to the temptation of that extra cookie, a persuasive friend, or the lure of something we know we should avoid. Pilate knew that to choose Barabbas was right… but it would bring him ridicule and/or discomfort from the people, and he did not have the necessary courage and faith to do this.
When we make the more difficult choice of doing the right thing… we can depend on God to bless the outcome of our faithfulness. When your boss says, “Lie for me, or lose your job,” the temptation may be to do what it takes to stay employed. But God will help you find another – better – place to work, if you do the right thing and your boss fires you, as threatened. When a friend or loved one says, “You think you’re too good for me. I don’t want to hang around you anymore” because you won’t do something illicit or illegal, walk away, knowing God will see you through whatever the outcome. When you think you can’t possibly exercise or do some sort of workout to get in better physical shape, God can help you take the baby steps that lead to bigger steps… and give you the strength and courage to persevere.
It all starts with one thing – a simple prayer… “Lord help me.” He can… and He will! We may have been modern-day “Pilates” in the past, but we don’t have to continue with this kind of behavior. It’s time to exercise our faith muscle… to call on the Holy Spirit to guide and protect us… and to trust God to keep His promises. How deep is your faith? How strong is your resolve? Who is guarding your heart and guiding your choices these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2011
Psalm 63:1-8
You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Death is a fact of life. And the older I get, the more funerals I seem to be attending. Many of the friends and relatives in my grandparents’ age group are gone now… along with most of the folks in my childhood neighborhood, who were “satellite grandparents” to me and my siblings. Now, people in my parents’ circle of friends are beginning to decline – and go to heaven. It’s not really a sad time… more bittersweet… because I know they are receiving a great reward for their faithfulness on this earth, and they are happy in the face-to-face company of Jesus and those who went before them.
But all the same, there is some understandable sadness for those who are left behind, because these people are missed. God understands this… and He blesses us with memories… moments to reflect on our time with these people… and hopefully a time to laugh and smile as we think about what they meant to us and events we shared.
And so it is with a man named Dickie… a friend of my parents… the son of my childhood neighbor, Mary… who passed away recently. My personal association with Dickie goes back to a time when I was probably ten or eleven years old. Every Sunday morning in the summer, Dickie would come to our house around 8:00 and pick me up, and we would drive to DamSite Park, where he and I conducted a “lakeside worship” service for campers and visitors to our area. Dickie would unpack an old blue box “pump organ” from the trunk of his car and set it up for me. I would pass out hymnals and brochures about our church. We would sing a couple of hymns while I played the organ – “Blessed Assurance” was a favorite! – and then Dickie would read Scripture and deliver a few words. It was all over in time for us to get home and dress for our own Sunday-school and church services.
I don’t know how many years we did this… but I was thinking that Dickie was probably in his forties then. I wondered how many 40-something men would be so faithful and committed these days. For as long as I can remember, Dickie has been a faithful servant of his church and his LORD… until Alzheimer’s rendered him unable to be active in recent months.
Lest you think Dickie had a cushy life that made serving God easy, let me set things straight. Dickie lost his only son, Steve, to cancer in the 1980s after a long, gut-wrenching battle and dozens of experimental treatments. He suffered more than one bout with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness and paralysis of the facial muscles. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he kept going.
He traveled with his wife and their friends… often in an RV caravan… across the country and back – frequently visiting places out West… Arizona, California, and even Alaska. He and his wife participated in “car shows” – showcasing Steve’s prized Shelby and other Mustangs that Dickie restored. And Dickie served in many capacities in his home church, including substituting as a Sunday-school teacher for a men’s class when the regular teacher would be away… sometimes for months at a time.
When I think of my friend Dickie, I think of a man of great integrity and faith… someone who paid attention to details… whether on the car he was restoring, the gas heating unit he was installing or repairing in his propane business, or the materials he carried to a campground pavilion each Sunday to bring the Good News to weekend visitors. I think of someone who knew the power and glory of God… that no matter what he endured on this earth, this God would reward him well in heaven… someone who shared his faith and trust in God with others.
Today, I celebrate the faithful service of my friend Dickie… and I recognize God’s love and strength through his model of Christian service. We would do well to look around at the shining examples among us of those who rest in God and realize their salvation comes from him. We can learn much from people like Dickie. Look around for your own models of faith and service… those who dance and praise God in the shadow of His wings. We should strive to be more like them. We, too, must stay close to God and lean on His arms for support… until He calls us home for our own reward.
©2011 Debbie Robus
You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. As long as I live, I will pray to you. I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet.
I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Death is a fact of life. And the older I get, the more funerals I seem to be attending. Many of the friends and relatives in my grandparents’ age group are gone now… along with most of the folks in my childhood neighborhood, who were “satellite grandparents” to me and my siblings. Now, people in my parents’ circle of friends are beginning to decline – and go to heaven. It’s not really a sad time… more bittersweet… because I know they are receiving a great reward for their faithfulness on this earth, and they are happy in the face-to-face company of Jesus and those who went before them.
But all the same, there is some understandable sadness for those who are left behind, because these people are missed. God understands this… and He blesses us with memories… moments to reflect on our time with these people… and hopefully a time to laugh and smile as we think about what they meant to us and events we shared.
And so it is with a man named Dickie… a friend of my parents… the son of my childhood neighbor, Mary… who passed away recently. My personal association with Dickie goes back to a time when I was probably ten or eleven years old. Every Sunday morning in the summer, Dickie would come to our house around 8:00 and pick me up, and we would drive to DamSite Park, where he and I conducted a “lakeside worship” service for campers and visitors to our area. Dickie would unpack an old blue box “pump organ” from the trunk of his car and set it up for me. I would pass out hymnals and brochures about our church. We would sing a couple of hymns while I played the organ – “Blessed Assurance” was a favorite! – and then Dickie would read Scripture and deliver a few words. It was all over in time for us to get home and dress for our own Sunday-school and church services.
I don’t know how many years we did this… but I was thinking that Dickie was probably in his forties then. I wondered how many 40-something men would be so faithful and committed these days. For as long as I can remember, Dickie has been a faithful servant of his church and his LORD… until Alzheimer’s rendered him unable to be active in recent months.
Lest you think Dickie had a cushy life that made serving God easy, let me set things straight. Dickie lost his only son, Steve, to cancer in the 1980s after a long, gut-wrenching battle and dozens of experimental treatments. He suffered more than one bout with Bell’s Palsy, a weakness and paralysis of the facial muscles. Then he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But he kept going.
He traveled with his wife and their friends… often in an RV caravan… across the country and back – frequently visiting places out West… Arizona, California, and even Alaska. He and his wife participated in “car shows” – showcasing Steve’s prized Shelby and other Mustangs that Dickie restored. And Dickie served in many capacities in his home church, including substituting as a Sunday-school teacher for a men’s class when the regular teacher would be away… sometimes for months at a time.
When I think of my friend Dickie, I think of a man of great integrity and faith… someone who paid attention to details… whether on the car he was restoring, the gas heating unit he was installing or repairing in his propane business, or the materials he carried to a campground pavilion each Sunday to bring the Good News to weekend visitors. I think of someone who knew the power and glory of God… that no matter what he endured on this earth, this God would reward him well in heaven… someone who shared his faith and trust in God with others.
Today, I celebrate the faithful service of my friend Dickie… and I recognize God’s love and strength through his model of Christian service. We would do well to look around at the shining examples among us of those who rest in God and realize their salvation comes from him. We can learn much from people like Dickie. Look around for your own models of faith and service… those who dance and praise God in the shadow of His wings. We should strive to be more like them. We, too, must stay close to God and lean on His arms for support… until He calls us home for our own reward.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2011
Psalm 68:19-20
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. You always protect us and save us from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, friends of ours purchased a house we were selling. Aside from needing more space, the couple told us that their present home was located on a busy city street, and their young 2½-year-old-son – then just a little older than our Timothy is now – was apt to dash out into the street to chase a ball or toy… or simply running with abandon. In order to keep their children safe… to protect them and save them from death… this couple made the necessary efforts to take measures to ensure their safety. The health, safety and well-being of their children was (and is) their chief concern day after day.
This is what good parents do. They put the needs of their children first… and they love them unconditionally with kindness… and protection. And as our Heavenly Father, this is what God does for each of us. He treats us with more kindness than we could ever deserve… and He protects us and keeps us safe from death. I’m not talking about physical death… although there are certainly instances where God rescues us from that, as well. But God puts obstacles… people, wisdom, discernment… angels… in our path to protect us from Spiritual death. For all of the sins we commit… for every mess we get ourselves into… God steers us away from the chance for dozens more out of His kindness and protection.
So if God is our protector, why do bad things happen? We’ve been over this! Tests and challenges lead to growth and deeper faith. They build the relationship as we learn to rely more on God’s strength and power and less upon our own. But God NEVER stops loving us… and He never stops looking out for our best interests. And for this He deserves our utmost praise.
Have you thanked God lately for all He does in your life?
©2011 Debbie Robus
We praise you, Lord God! You treat us with kindness day after day, and you rescue us. You always protect us and save us from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few years ago, friends of ours purchased a house we were selling. Aside from needing more space, the couple told us that their present home was located on a busy city street, and their young 2½-year-old-son – then just a little older than our Timothy is now – was apt to dash out into the street to chase a ball or toy… or simply running with abandon. In order to keep their children safe… to protect them and save them from death… this couple made the necessary efforts to take measures to ensure their safety. The health, safety and well-being of their children was (and is) their chief concern day after day.
This is what good parents do. They put the needs of their children first… and they love them unconditionally with kindness… and protection. And as our Heavenly Father, this is what God does for each of us. He treats us with more kindness than we could ever deserve… and He protects us and keeps us safe from death. I’m not talking about physical death… although there are certainly instances where God rescues us from that, as well. But God puts obstacles… people, wisdom, discernment… angels… in our path to protect us from Spiritual death. For all of the sins we commit… for every mess we get ourselves into… God steers us away from the chance for dozens more out of His kindness and protection.
So if God is our protector, why do bad things happen? We’ve been over this! Tests and challenges lead to growth and deeper faith. They build the relationship as we learn to rely more on God’s strength and power and less upon our own. But God NEVER stops loving us… and He never stops looking out for our best interests. And for this He deserves our utmost praise.
Have you thanked God lately for all He does in your life?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 23, 2011
March 23 ~ Psalm 59:16-17
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister discovered a book on my grandmother’s bookshelf titled Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson. In the preface, the author says that she “wanted to reach out, one to one, heart to heart, to help that one freshly hurt mother who felt as though no one could possibly understand the depth of her despair.” She adds that, via her own personal experiences, she understands that mother’s hurts and wanted to “model a firm grip on God’s loving promises, and then to gently nudge us back to normalcy… a place we thought we’d never see again.”
For a title to Chapter 1 of this book, Johnson chose: “Pain Is Inevitable… Misery is Optional.” Earlier in the tenth verse of this Psalm, The Message translates the words like this… “God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” David writes in this Psalm of the enemies showing up “like snarling dogs” to hurt us… but God is always there to serve as our fortress and protection in times of trouble.
Because God “has our back,” we can praise Him night and day – in times both good and bad. We can “stick a geranium in our hat and be happy” no matter what is happening to us. We can count on God to show up on time and fight our battles for us. Does this mean trouble won’t come… that we won’t have worries, fears, heartaches, suffering, and sadness? Absolutely not! Does it mean that we will be given more than we can handle? Never! We will have pain in our life… but we choose whether or not to be miserable.
In recent days, I have observed several families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges… serious health issues that have ravaged the bodies of precious young children and Godly adults. I have marveled at the ability of family members to speak positively, even when watching their babies suffer or be hooked to machines and devices that bring healing and life sustaining nutrients and medication. I’ve watched families be given the news that “the end” of this earthly life is near for a loved one… and young mothers report on Facebook about their little ones’ afflictions… RSV, pneumonia, a brain shunt for one and kidney problems… a serious infection for another.
I have seen others learn that new, seemingly inconvenient or complicated therapies or treatments will be necessary, and they take it in stride… making the necessary arrangements for appointments, equipment, and more. Always, they ask, “Please pray,” but not once have they said, “God has deserted or disappointed us.” They sing of His strength… and when even slight improvements or healings… they quickly thank God for answering and protecting them.”
Surely we can do the same. With God’s help, we can handle whatever “life” hands us. We can sing His praises, stick a flower in our hat and be happy… because we are LOVED and protected by the Most High God! He’s “large and in charge” – and He is all we need! This is GOOD NEWS! This is reason to be happy and confident. We can handle ANYTHING with God… don’t you believe this? What will you choose today – a positive outlook… or misery? Will you live like God is in control? Will others see God’s strength operating in and through you? Just what sort of “hat” are you wearing today… and will it have a flower?
©2011 Debbie Robus
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble. I will sing your praises! You are my mighty fortress, and you love me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My sister discovered a book on my grandmother’s bookshelf titled Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy by Barbara Johnson. In the preface, the author says that she “wanted to reach out, one to one, heart to heart, to help that one freshly hurt mother who felt as though no one could possibly understand the depth of her despair.” She adds that, via her own personal experiences, she understands that mother’s hurts and wanted to “model a firm grip on God’s loving promises, and then to gently nudge us back to normalcy… a place we thought we’d never see again.”
For a title to Chapter 1 of this book, Johnson chose: “Pain Is Inevitable… Misery is Optional.” Earlier in the tenth verse of this Psalm, The Message translates the words like this… “God in dependable love shows up on time, shows me my enemies in ruin.” David writes in this Psalm of the enemies showing up “like snarling dogs” to hurt us… but God is always there to serve as our fortress and protection in times of trouble.
Because God “has our back,” we can praise Him night and day – in times both good and bad. We can “stick a geranium in our hat and be happy” no matter what is happening to us. We can count on God to show up on time and fight our battles for us. Does this mean trouble won’t come… that we won’t have worries, fears, heartaches, suffering, and sadness? Absolutely not! Does it mean that we will be given more than we can handle? Never! We will have pain in our life… but we choose whether or not to be miserable.
In recent days, I have observed several families who are dealing with extraordinary challenges… serious health issues that have ravaged the bodies of precious young children and Godly adults. I have marveled at the ability of family members to speak positively, even when watching their babies suffer or be hooked to machines and devices that bring healing and life sustaining nutrients and medication. I’ve watched families be given the news that “the end” of this earthly life is near for a loved one… and young mothers report on Facebook about their little ones’ afflictions… RSV, pneumonia, a brain shunt for one and kidney problems… a serious infection for another.
I have seen others learn that new, seemingly inconvenient or complicated therapies or treatments will be necessary, and they take it in stride… making the necessary arrangements for appointments, equipment, and more. Always, they ask, “Please pray,” but not once have they said, “God has deserted or disappointed us.” They sing of His strength… and when even slight improvements or healings… they quickly thank God for answering and protecting them.”
Surely we can do the same. With God’s help, we can handle whatever “life” hands us. We can sing His praises, stick a flower in our hat and be happy… because we are LOVED and protected by the Most High God! He’s “large and in charge” – and He is all we need! This is GOOD NEWS! This is reason to be happy and confident. We can handle ANYTHING with God… don’t you believe this? What will you choose today – a positive outlook… or misery? Will you live like God is in control? Will others see God’s strength operating in and through you? Just what sort of “hat” are you wearing today… and will it have a flower?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2011
Psalm 5:11-12
Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. Our LORD, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last fall, my grandmother was involved in a vehicle collision, and she suffered a bruised sternum. After several hours in the ER, the doctors told me that she might be woozy the first night, and someone should probably stay with her. I went home with her to spend the night. I didn’t sleep much, so I was awake around 3:00 a.m. when I heard her get up and head toward her bathroom.
I rose up enough in bed to see a little white-haired streak pass through the hallway pushing a walker, as my grandmother made her way from her bedroom into the bathroom. I realized that, even shaken from her accident, she was so familiar with that route of about 10 feet that she did not falter. After 22 years of making this trek every night, she was so familiar with this path that she literally could have done it in her sleep. I lay back down, confident she was safe… for that night at least.
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that my little grandmother is declining, and we have all agreed it is not truly safe for her to live alone in her own home. We are literally days away from moving her into an assisted living facility… just waiting on the last of the paper work to be completed. In this facility, my grandmother will have her own apartment, and she will be able to retain a level of relative independence.
At the same time, she will have skilled nursing care, help with taking her medications properly, three meals a day, help with personal needs… and hopefully, more safety. She won’t have to walk outside to get her mail… she can walk in the hallways for exercise and not worry about the weather. She will have friends near her own age with whom to visit and spend time, and we all feel she will be happier. For my part, as her primary caregiver, I will sleep better at night knowing she is there receiving all of this care and attention.
God has sheltered my grandmother for 98 years. He has protected her in the midst of illnesses, accidents, and even a house fire. He has always restored her health and her well-being… and comforted her in times of grief and loss. And I have no doubt He will continue to care for her and protect her once she makes this move. As I look at what God has done for my grandmother all of these years… I recognize that in return, she has remained faithful to Him and loved Him. She has lived right, and God has blessed her. And what God does for my little grandmother, He will surely do for each of us!
For many of us, old age and assisted living facilities are not even on our radar. But changes in life will come… trials, tribulations, hard times and tragedies will befall each of us. Like my grandmother, we will not skate through life without challenges. But just like her, we can enjoy a life filled with blessings, protection, restoration and rewards. Every single day, God stands ready to care for us beyond anything we could ever imagine. The challenge for us is to recognize His power and presence… and to live as Christians like we really mean it! We must honor our commitment and sing songs of joy… and God will give us all the reason we need to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. Our LORD, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last fall, my grandmother was involved in a vehicle collision, and she suffered a bruised sternum. After several hours in the ER, the doctors told me that she might be woozy the first night, and someone should probably stay with her. I went home with her to spend the night. I didn’t sleep much, so I was awake around 3:00 a.m. when I heard her get up and head toward her bathroom.
I rose up enough in bed to see a little white-haired streak pass through the hallway pushing a walker, as my grandmother made her way from her bedroom into the bathroom. I realized that, even shaken from her accident, she was so familiar with that route of about 10 feet that she did not falter. After 22 years of making this trek every night, she was so familiar with this path that she literally could have done it in her sleep. I lay back down, confident she was safe… for that night at least.
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that my little grandmother is declining, and we have all agreed it is not truly safe for her to live alone in her own home. We are literally days away from moving her into an assisted living facility… just waiting on the last of the paper work to be completed. In this facility, my grandmother will have her own apartment, and she will be able to retain a level of relative independence.
At the same time, she will have skilled nursing care, help with taking her medications properly, three meals a day, help with personal needs… and hopefully, more safety. She won’t have to walk outside to get her mail… she can walk in the hallways for exercise and not worry about the weather. She will have friends near her own age with whom to visit and spend time, and we all feel she will be happier. For my part, as her primary caregiver, I will sleep better at night knowing she is there receiving all of this care and attention.
God has sheltered my grandmother for 98 years. He has protected her in the midst of illnesses, accidents, and even a house fire. He has always restored her health and her well-being… and comforted her in times of grief and loss. And I have no doubt He will continue to care for her and protect her once she makes this move. As I look at what God has done for my grandmother all of these years… I recognize that in return, she has remained faithful to Him and loved Him. She has lived right, and God has blessed her. And what God does for my little grandmother, He will surely do for each of us!
For many of us, old age and assisted living facilities are not even on our radar. But changes in life will come… trials, tribulations, hard times and tragedies will befall each of us. Like my grandmother, we will not skate through life without challenges. But just like her, we can enjoy a life filled with blessings, protection, restoration and rewards. Every single day, God stands ready to care for us beyond anything we could ever imagine. The challenge for us is to recognize His power and presence… and to live as Christians like we really mean it! We must honor our commitment and sing songs of joy… and God will give us all the reason we need to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 11, 2011
Daniel 4:34-35
"At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever:
"His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn't add up to much, but God's heavenly army keeps everything going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Two recent events immediately came to mind when I read this scripture passage. The first was the tragic shooting that occurred in Tucson, Arizona, where a deranged young man attempted to assassinate a congresswoman and succeeded in killing six people and injuring 19 more. While there are dozens of stories from this event, one that stuck out in my mind was that of a new congressional aide who actually ran into the gunfire and protected his boss… 40-year-old Gabby Giffords. He held her against his body and applied pressure to the gunshot wound to her head. Experts say he may have quite literally saved Giffords’ life, because she lost very little blood.
The other was the death of a young man who had been involved in a car accident. His parents are devoted members of the Emmaus community and dear servants of God. This young son lay paralyzed for days from a cervical injury and exhibited little to no brain activity. He left behind a wife and two young sons. But on the day he went to heaven, his organs were harvested. Another man received a liver transplant and now has new hope for a long life.
In both instances, incredible tragedy occurred. Hearts are forever broken, and the grief is almost unbearable. But at the same time, God’s heavenly army keeps everything going. In the midst of the chaos and bedlam of a mass murder scene, God’s army sent heroes to rescue… and to subdue the assailant.
In the gut-wrenching turmoil of giving up a son, God sent his army to bolster the resolve of grieving loved ones so that they could agree to donate vital organs to others who needed them. God orchestrated medical staff… and the “match” of a suitable recipient for this young man’s liver. Because a dear friend of my mother received a new liver a few years ago, I know how incredible the timing was for all of this… nothing short of supernatural!
We cannot bring back the people who lost their lives in Tucson, or the young man who was involved in the car accident. We cannot change world events or a lot of what happens to each of us. But we can recognize that GOD never changes… and His army is always at work – even when we can’t see it – keeping things going. We can’t interrupt… we cannot change… and we wouldn’t want to if we could.
Today, I am taking on the prayer and praise of Nebuchadnezzar. I’m looking to heaven… thanking and glorifying God, Who lives forever. I’m trusting His rule and recognizing the power and promise of His army to be present in my life and make the difference. Are you with me? Will you look to heaven and offer your own prayer and praise? Are you ready to trust God’s rule for your own life?
©2010 Debbie Robus
"At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever:
"His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn't add up to much, but God's heavenly army keeps everything going. No one can interrupt his work, no one can call his rule into question.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Two recent events immediately came to mind when I read this scripture passage. The first was the tragic shooting that occurred in Tucson, Arizona, where a deranged young man attempted to assassinate a congresswoman and succeeded in killing six people and injuring 19 more. While there are dozens of stories from this event, one that stuck out in my mind was that of a new congressional aide who actually ran into the gunfire and protected his boss… 40-year-old Gabby Giffords. He held her against his body and applied pressure to the gunshot wound to her head. Experts say he may have quite literally saved Giffords’ life, because she lost very little blood.
The other was the death of a young man who had been involved in a car accident. His parents are devoted members of the Emmaus community and dear servants of God. This young son lay paralyzed for days from a cervical injury and exhibited little to no brain activity. He left behind a wife and two young sons. But on the day he went to heaven, his organs were harvested. Another man received a liver transplant and now has new hope for a long life.
In both instances, incredible tragedy occurred. Hearts are forever broken, and the grief is almost unbearable. But at the same time, God’s heavenly army keeps everything going. In the midst of the chaos and bedlam of a mass murder scene, God’s army sent heroes to rescue… and to subdue the assailant.
In the gut-wrenching turmoil of giving up a son, God sent his army to bolster the resolve of grieving loved ones so that they could agree to donate vital organs to others who needed them. God orchestrated medical staff… and the “match” of a suitable recipient for this young man’s liver. Because a dear friend of my mother received a new liver a few years ago, I know how incredible the timing was for all of this… nothing short of supernatural!
We cannot bring back the people who lost their lives in Tucson, or the young man who was involved in the car accident. We cannot change world events or a lot of what happens to each of us. But we can recognize that GOD never changes… and His army is always at work – even when we can’t see it – keeping things going. We can’t interrupt… we cannot change… and we wouldn’t want to if we could.
Today, I am taking on the prayer and praise of Nebuchadnezzar. I’m looking to heaven… thanking and glorifying God, Who lives forever. I’m trusting His rule and recognizing the power and promise of His army to be present in my life and make the difference. Are you with me? Will you look to heaven and offer your own prayer and praise? Are you ready to trust God’s rule for your own life?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2011
Jeremiah 7:5
The LORD told me to stand by the gate of the temple and to tell the people who were going in that the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said: Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country. Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you. I will keep you safe only if you change your ways. Be fair and honest with each other. Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshiping other gods. Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s all about who you know. Isn’t this how many of us operate? You get into certain organizations or events because you know “the guy” in charge… or your dad was a friend of someone who is involved. Or you vouch for someone because, “His brother is a friend of mine,” or “I know her mother.” A lot of people go through life playing the system and riding on the coat-tails of other people in this manner.
But this passage is telling us that we can’t do this with God. When it comes to our own Christianity, it doesn’t matter if our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances are all faithful disciples of Christ. It’s not enough that your parents belong to such-and-such church or your wife goes to worship every Sunday. If you want God to bless you and protect you… if you want to get into heaven and spend Eternity with your Heavenly Father... YOU have to change your ways and make a commitment to serve Him. Nobody can do this for you… and you can’t stand in for anyone else.
God sees everything we do. He hears every word we speak and knows every thought we create. He knows our heart… when we are being sincere – and when we are playing a game. But our relationship with God is no game. We cannot manipulate the Holy Spirit – or expect Him to protect us when we merely “go through the motions.”
It’s time for us to renew our commitment to God. It’s time for us to forget about invoking the name of others or expecting anyone else to serve in our place. We need to get serious about our faith and make real and lasting changes. Are you ready to do this? Haven’t you played around with your relationship with God long enough? If you are willing to make the change, He is willing to meet you more than halfway. How can you refuse such an amazing offer… and why would you? Step out in faith today. Make the needed changes and face God with confidence in His promises… and His amazing protection.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD told me to stand by the gate of the temple and to tell the people who were going in that the LORD All-Powerful, the God of Israel, had said: Pay attention, people of Judah! Change your ways and start living right, then I will let you keep on living in your own country. Don't fool yourselves! My temple is here in Jerusalem, but that doesn't mean I will protect you. I will keep you safe only if you change your ways. Be fair and honest with each other. Stop taking advantage of foreigners, orphans, and widows. Don't kill innocent people. And stop worshiping other gods. Then I will let you enjoy a long life in this land I gave your ancestors.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s all about who you know. Isn’t this how many of us operate? You get into certain organizations or events because you know “the guy” in charge… or your dad was a friend of someone who is involved. Or you vouch for someone because, “His brother is a friend of mine,” or “I know her mother.” A lot of people go through life playing the system and riding on the coat-tails of other people in this manner.
But this passage is telling us that we can’t do this with God. When it comes to our own Christianity, it doesn’t matter if our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances are all faithful disciples of Christ. It’s not enough that your parents belong to such-and-such church or your wife goes to worship every Sunday. If you want God to bless you and protect you… if you want to get into heaven and spend Eternity with your Heavenly Father... YOU have to change your ways and make a commitment to serve Him. Nobody can do this for you… and you can’t stand in for anyone else.
God sees everything we do. He hears every word we speak and knows every thought we create. He knows our heart… when we are being sincere – and when we are playing a game. But our relationship with God is no game. We cannot manipulate the Holy Spirit – or expect Him to protect us when we merely “go through the motions.”
It’s time for us to renew our commitment to God. It’s time for us to forget about invoking the name of others or expecting anyone else to serve in our place. We need to get serious about our faith and make real and lasting changes. Are you ready to do this? Haven’t you played around with your relationship with God long enough? If you are willing to make the change, He is willing to meet you more than halfway. How can you refuse such an amazing offer… and why would you? Step out in faith today. Make the needed changes and face God with confidence in His promises… and His amazing protection.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 5, 2011
Psalm 7:12
Whenever your enemies refuse to change their ways, you sharpen your sword and string your bow.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever asked someone why they were putting up with a situation that was hurtful, frustrating… or even potentially dangerous… and the reply was, “It’s just easier to go along than to make waves.”? This is how people become the “doormat” for others… or tolerate abuse…or get themselves into messy situations that seem to have no solution.
Maybe you find yourself in one of these situations. Maybe you have decided that things will never change… and there is nothing you can do. And you would be partly right – there is nothing you can do! But GOD can do plenty!
Today, we need to give our hopeless – and helpless – situations to God. We need to recognize that other people and/or the situations themselves are not the enemy… their driving force is Satan! HE is the one who is wreaking havoc in so many lives, and we must “sharpen our sword and string our bow” in the name of the Lord against him.
How do we do this? Prayer… and lots of it… is our first line of defense. As we make hard choices and step out in faith – and away from the offending situation or behavior(s) – is daunting… but not impossible if we earnestly seek God’s power and protection. Believing that things can change by the power and grace of God may test the level of our faith… but we are up to the challenge!
We must not let the devil have his way. We can’t keep cowering in the corner like a trapped animal. It’s time to shore up our arsenal of tools to combat Satan’s efforts… and to call on God to defeat him. Are you ready to roll?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Whenever your enemies refuse to change their ways, you sharpen your sword and string your bow.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever asked someone why they were putting up with a situation that was hurtful, frustrating… or even potentially dangerous… and the reply was, “It’s just easier to go along than to make waves.”? This is how people become the “doormat” for others… or tolerate abuse…or get themselves into messy situations that seem to have no solution.
Maybe you find yourself in one of these situations. Maybe you have decided that things will never change… and there is nothing you can do. And you would be partly right – there is nothing you can do! But GOD can do plenty!
Today, we need to give our hopeless – and helpless – situations to God. We need to recognize that other people and/or the situations themselves are not the enemy… their driving force is Satan! HE is the one who is wreaking havoc in so many lives, and we must “sharpen our sword and string our bow” in the name of the Lord against him.
How do we do this? Prayer… and lots of it… is our first line of defense. As we make hard choices and step out in faith – and away from the offending situation or behavior(s) – is daunting… but not impossible if we earnestly seek God’s power and protection. Believing that things can change by the power and grace of God may test the level of our faith… but we are up to the challenge!
We must not let the devil have his way. We can’t keep cowering in the corner like a trapped animal. It’s time to shore up our arsenal of tools to combat Satan’s efforts… and to call on God to defeat him. Are you ready to roll?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 24, 2010
Psalm 59:16
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Around 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve 1997, we were awakened by a phone call from my mom. She and my brother were taking my dad to the ER. He was having trouble breathing. My dad was already very ill, having suffered kidney failure following an arteriogram to test for vascular blockage in October of that year. My husband and I rushed to the hospital, where doctors eventually determined that my dad needed to be transported by ambulance to Little Rock. We had planned a huge “open house” at our home for Christmas Eve afternoon… lots of food, fun and visits with family and friends. But none of that mattered now… we needed to get my mom to Little Rock and see about my dad.
Mom had other ideas. “You are to stay here,” she insisted. “I’ll go home and gather some things and be on my way… I won’t be far behind the ambulance. You are to go ahead with your open house as planned… that’s what your dad and I want. You don’t need to worry about me… I’ll be fine.” My mother inherited her dad’s stubborn streak, and it was shining brightly at the moment! Standing in her raincoat, her curly white hair peeking from the hood, my mother looked small, but determined. And on this Christmas Eve morning, I was immediately reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Historians say that Mary was very young – possibly no more than thirteen when Jesus was born. Yet we know nothing of the parents of Mary and Joseph. We do know that Mary had a cousin named Elizabeth. And Scripture tells us that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was pregnant, she trusted this information and accepted it on faith, even though she was a virgin.
So I can imagine that a very pregnant Mary said to her parents, “Don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine.” I can just see her hugging her parents and telling them good-bye, then climbing atop Joseph’s donkey to make the trip to Bethlehem. And her parents must have been equally faithful… confident that letting their daughter go off with her fiancé to a foreign land in this condition – as crazy as it seemed - was exactly what was supposed to happen!
We went ahead with our “open house”. My dad was released from the hospital a few days later, and he and my mom returned home. We celebrated Christmas as a family on New Year’s weekend. And just as she had said, my mom made it safely to Little Rock and back. I can’t say she was “fine,” because I know she spent a lonely, difficult Christmas in that hospital by my dad’s bedside. I’m sure she was worried for him and homesick for us. But God gave her the strength, courage and resolve to make it through this and many other challenging situations.
I saw God do the same thing for the wife of my cousin a few years later, when she traveled alone in the dark of night back and forth between Heber Springs and Memphis, where her husband was hospitalized. She told her children the same thing, “I’ll be fine.” And because she and my mother share the same kind of abiding, unwavering faith, I knew in reason she would be. I was able to reassure them with confidence – and experience – that this was the case.
You and I have quite a legacy of faith… not to mention the protection of God. So often we panic and wring our hands and forget that He promised long, long ago to take care of us… and He’s still in the business of doing so today. Just as God was a fortress for Joseph and Mary, and millions of other people through the ages, He is our fortress today.
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know if you are facing scary things this Christmas Eve… the prospect of being alone for the holidays… or huge challenges that loom in the future. But I know that with God, all things are possible. With God as your fortress, you can handle anything. You can put your trust in Him to walk with you and offer you protection and guidance every step of the way… and you can rest in the faith that He will do this.
God’s word was good enough for Mary and Joseph… it was good enough for my mom and countless others through the centuries… and it’s good enough for us! Are we faithful enough to believe it? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Around 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve 1997, we were awakened by a phone call from my mom. She and my brother were taking my dad to the ER. He was having trouble breathing. My dad was already very ill, having suffered kidney failure following an arteriogram to test for vascular blockage in October of that year. My husband and I rushed to the hospital, where doctors eventually determined that my dad needed to be transported by ambulance to Little Rock. We had planned a huge “open house” at our home for Christmas Eve afternoon… lots of food, fun and visits with family and friends. But none of that mattered now… we needed to get my mom to Little Rock and see about my dad.
Mom had other ideas. “You are to stay here,” she insisted. “I’ll go home and gather some things and be on my way… I won’t be far behind the ambulance. You are to go ahead with your open house as planned… that’s what your dad and I want. You don’t need to worry about me… I’ll be fine.” My mother inherited her dad’s stubborn streak, and it was shining brightly at the moment! Standing in her raincoat, her curly white hair peeking from the hood, my mother looked small, but determined. And on this Christmas Eve morning, I was immediately reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Historians say that Mary was very young – possibly no more than thirteen when Jesus was born. Yet we know nothing of the parents of Mary and Joseph. We do know that Mary had a cousin named Elizabeth. And Scripture tells us that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was pregnant, she trusted this information and accepted it on faith, even though she was a virgin.
So I can imagine that a very pregnant Mary said to her parents, “Don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine.” I can just see her hugging her parents and telling them good-bye, then climbing atop Joseph’s donkey to make the trip to Bethlehem. And her parents must have been equally faithful… confident that letting their daughter go off with her fiancé to a foreign land in this condition – as crazy as it seemed - was exactly what was supposed to happen!
We went ahead with our “open house”. My dad was released from the hospital a few days later, and he and my mom returned home. We celebrated Christmas as a family on New Year’s weekend. And just as she had said, my mom made it safely to Little Rock and back. I can’t say she was “fine,” because I know she spent a lonely, difficult Christmas in that hospital by my dad’s bedside. I’m sure she was worried for him and homesick for us. But God gave her the strength, courage and resolve to make it through this and many other challenging situations.
I saw God do the same thing for the wife of my cousin a few years later, when she traveled alone in the dark of night back and forth between Heber Springs and Memphis, where her husband was hospitalized. She told her children the same thing, “I’ll be fine.” And because she and my mother share the same kind of abiding, unwavering faith, I knew in reason she would be. I was able to reassure them with confidence – and experience – that this was the case.
You and I have quite a legacy of faith… not to mention the protection of God. So often we panic and wring our hands and forget that He promised long, long ago to take care of us… and He’s still in the business of doing so today. Just as God was a fortress for Joseph and Mary, and millions of other people through the ages, He is our fortress today.
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know if you are facing scary things this Christmas Eve… the prospect of being alone for the holidays… or huge challenges that loom in the future. But I know that with God, all things are possible. With God as your fortress, you can handle anything. You can put your trust in Him to walk with you and offer you protection and guidance every step of the way… and you can rest in the faith that He will do this.
God’s word was good enough for Mary and Joseph… it was good enough for my mom and countless others through the centuries… and it’s good enough for us! Are we faithful enough to believe it? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 29, 2010
Jeremiah 2:19
Your own sins will punish you, because it was a bitter mistake for you to reject me without fear of punishment. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” contestants sometimes make crazy choices. This is a game, so a contestant may weigh the pros and cons of choosing to participate in a “challenge” where the participants have to eat a lot of calorie-laden sweets to have a chance at “immunity.” Or… a contestant may deliberately attempt to keep from losing weight in an effort to “throw” the results of the weigh-in at the end of each show. In all cases, the trainers inevitably come back to these contestants with one question… “Was it worth it?”
Very seldom do these choices work out well. One contestant had a “extra weight” card that he could use any week he chose. This card would allow him to add pounds to his weight-loss total for the week, and it increased exponentially with each passing week. He opted not to use the card at a weigh-in, and his weight loss was not all that great. He could have used another 3-pound loss to stay in the game. As it was, he lost… and his fellow contestants voted him off and sent him home.
I know that “The Biggest Loser” is just a game… and these people are hoping to win up to $250,000 at the end of the season. But they are also risking their lives, in a sense, because these are morbidly obese people with serious health issues. Losing this weight could also mean the difference between life and death for them.
“But I’m not overweight,” you may be saying… “and I’m certainly not morbidly obese… what does this have to do with me?” We are no different from the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” when it comes to life decisions. We gamble every day with all sorts of choices that affect our relationship with God… choices that could have Eternal consequences.
Just like thinking we will eat cupcakes today and worry about the weight tomorrow, we decide we will “live for today,” and worry about our salvation later. We choose to “sow wild oats” and, in our mind, enjoy our life on our own terms, with little to no regard for the long-term effect on our lives, the lives of those around us… and our Eternal life.
The question of “The Biggest Loser” trainers applies to this situation, as well… “Was it worth it?” What are we thinking to turn our back on God for even one second? None of us are promised tomorrow… a second chance. Like the contestant on the show who gambled with his “bonus card” and lost, we risk losing something far more important… our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Let’s take a look at our lives today and see where we are “living outside the box” and excluding God in the process. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to make changes and better choices - and re-align ourselves with His plan. Let’s make sure we are “winners” where it really matters – not for $250,000 or the title of “The Biggest Loser” – but in the race to the cross, where we find the ultimate Prize… life everlasting with our Heavenly Father.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your own sins will punish you, because it was a bitter mistake for you to reject me without fear of punishment. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On TV’s “The Biggest Loser,” contestants sometimes make crazy choices. This is a game, so a contestant may weigh the pros and cons of choosing to participate in a “challenge” where the participants have to eat a lot of calorie-laden sweets to have a chance at “immunity.” Or… a contestant may deliberately attempt to keep from losing weight in an effort to “throw” the results of the weigh-in at the end of each show. In all cases, the trainers inevitably come back to these contestants with one question… “Was it worth it?”
Very seldom do these choices work out well. One contestant had a “extra weight” card that he could use any week he chose. This card would allow him to add pounds to his weight-loss total for the week, and it increased exponentially with each passing week. He opted not to use the card at a weigh-in, and his weight loss was not all that great. He could have used another 3-pound loss to stay in the game. As it was, he lost… and his fellow contestants voted him off and sent him home.
I know that “The Biggest Loser” is just a game… and these people are hoping to win up to $250,000 at the end of the season. But they are also risking their lives, in a sense, because these are morbidly obese people with serious health issues. Losing this weight could also mean the difference between life and death for them.
“But I’m not overweight,” you may be saying… “and I’m certainly not morbidly obese… what does this have to do with me?” We are no different from the contestants on “The Biggest Loser” when it comes to life decisions. We gamble every day with all sorts of choices that affect our relationship with God… choices that could have Eternal consequences.
Just like thinking we will eat cupcakes today and worry about the weight tomorrow, we decide we will “live for today,” and worry about our salvation later. We choose to “sow wild oats” and, in our mind, enjoy our life on our own terms, with little to no regard for the long-term effect on our lives, the lives of those around us… and our Eternal life.
The question of “The Biggest Loser” trainers applies to this situation, as well… “Was it worth it?” What are we thinking to turn our back on God for even one second? None of us are promised tomorrow… a second chance. Like the contestant on the show who gambled with his “bonus card” and lost, we risk losing something far more important… our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Let’s take a look at our lives today and see where we are “living outside the box” and excluding God in the process. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to make changes and better choices - and re-align ourselves with His plan. Let’s make sure we are “winners” where it really matters – not for $250,000 or the title of “The Biggest Loser” – but in the race to the cross, where we find the ultimate Prize… life everlasting with our Heavenly Father.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2010
Proverbs 6:20-22
Obey the teaching of your parents -- always keep it in mind and never forget it. Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother was involved in a car accident, and she was treated at our local hospital emergency room for a bruised sternum. This was not a life-threatening injury, but at her age, the ER staff told me she would be woozy the first night and needed someone to stay with her. So I went home with her and spent the night.
My grandmother keeps a very warm house, and I was anything but chilly. However, the next morning, she got up and said, “I woke up in the night and thought… ‘I bet that kid is cold.’” At 53, I scarcely consider myself a kid, but I guess I still am to someone who is 98! And I had to laugh that, at my age, she is still worried about me with a motherly instinct… even when I sleep!
As we watch our baby Timothy learn to walk and run and talk… and we stand over him as he sleeps to make sure he is warm and cozy and safe… I find myself thinking about our Heavenly Parent – our Father God – and how He is constantly looking out for us. He is always teaching us… always talking with us and walking with us … even when we sleep.
Doesn’t this make everything better? Doesn’t it give you a laugh to think that the God of the Universe still considers you His kid and cares about the smallest details of your life? Doesn’t this make you want to live smarter, walk and talk better, and represent Him with honor and glory at every turn?
My prayer today is that we would recognize how God is monitoring our every breath … that we would remember His teachings and strive to continually grow closer to Him in every aspect of our daily living. Always keep God in your mind, and never forget Him. He will never leave your side… even when you sleep… and you will always be His kid.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Obey the teaching of your parents -- always keep it in mind and never forget it. Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother was involved in a car accident, and she was treated at our local hospital emergency room for a bruised sternum. This was not a life-threatening injury, but at her age, the ER staff told me she would be woozy the first night and needed someone to stay with her. So I went home with her and spent the night.
My grandmother keeps a very warm house, and I was anything but chilly. However, the next morning, she got up and said, “I woke up in the night and thought… ‘I bet that kid is cold.’” At 53, I scarcely consider myself a kid, but I guess I still am to someone who is 98! And I had to laugh that, at my age, she is still worried about me with a motherly instinct… even when I sleep!
As we watch our baby Timothy learn to walk and run and talk… and we stand over him as he sleeps to make sure he is warm and cozy and safe… I find myself thinking about our Heavenly Parent – our Father God – and how He is constantly looking out for us. He is always teaching us… always talking with us and walking with us … even when we sleep.
Doesn’t this make everything better? Doesn’t it give you a laugh to think that the God of the Universe still considers you His kid and cares about the smallest details of your life? Doesn’t this make you want to live smarter, walk and talk better, and represent Him with honor and glory at every turn?
My prayer today is that we would recognize how God is monitoring our every breath … that we would remember His teachings and strive to continually grow closer to Him in every aspect of our daily living. Always keep God in your mind, and never forget Him. He will never leave your side… even when you sleep… and you will always be His kid.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2010
Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 7, 2010
Isaiah 43:1
Descendants of Jacob, I, the LORD, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I was watching episodes of TLC’s Cake Boss. A man from Italy came into the shop and asked Buddy, the “Cake Boss,” to make an authentic Italian tiramisu cake for his parents, who were coming from Italy for a visit. Buddy made the cake, following a family recipe his own father had used, and he created a beautiful tiramisu for this man. He also made an extra cake in a small container. When the man and his wife came to collect their cake, Buddy passed out spoons and invited them to taste the smaller tiramisu. Buddy took the first bite and proudly showed off his skills as a baker.
Why is this important… and why did the baker take the first bite? It goes back to an old adage among good cooks… “Never serve your guests something you would not eat yourself.” And in some instances, kings and rulers even had tasters who “tested” food for them to make sure it was safe for them to eat!
You may be wondering what on earth this has to do with Isaiah 43:1. My point is that God has created us… He’s done all the prep work AND the sampling, and we are His pride and joy – His beautiful creation. We belong to Him, and He has put His “stamp” on each of us. So we truly have nothing to fear. This is the ultimate endorsement. Whatever we face, God is there with us… guarding His prized possessions and clearing the way for us.
The question for us becomes… “Are we living up to this honor?” None of us deserve it, but we can do all in our power to show our honor and respect to God for this gift by operating in confidence and courage. Are you courageous today? No matter what you are facing, have you put your trust in your Creator to guide your steps? Thank God for choosing you, and honor Him in the way you live each day. Do all you can to be a person of courage and faith… and believe in God to do the rest.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Descendants of Jacob, I, the LORD, created you and formed your nation. Israel, don't be afraid. I have rescued you. I have called you by name; now you belong to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I was watching episodes of TLC’s Cake Boss. A man from Italy came into the shop and asked Buddy, the “Cake Boss,” to make an authentic Italian tiramisu cake for his parents, who were coming from Italy for a visit. Buddy made the cake, following a family recipe his own father had used, and he created a beautiful tiramisu for this man. He also made an extra cake in a small container. When the man and his wife came to collect their cake, Buddy passed out spoons and invited them to taste the smaller tiramisu. Buddy took the first bite and proudly showed off his skills as a baker.
Why is this important… and why did the baker take the first bite? It goes back to an old adage among good cooks… “Never serve your guests something you would not eat yourself.” And in some instances, kings and rulers even had tasters who “tested” food for them to make sure it was safe for them to eat!
You may be wondering what on earth this has to do with Isaiah 43:1. My point is that God has created us… He’s done all the prep work AND the sampling, and we are His pride and joy – His beautiful creation. We belong to Him, and He has put His “stamp” on each of us. So we truly have nothing to fear. This is the ultimate endorsement. Whatever we face, God is there with us… guarding His prized possessions and clearing the way for us.
The question for us becomes… “Are we living up to this honor?” None of us deserve it, but we can do all in our power to show our honor and respect to God for this gift by operating in confidence and courage. Are you courageous today? No matter what you are facing, have you put your trust in your Creator to guide your steps? Thank God for choosing you, and honor Him in the way you live each day. Do all you can to be a person of courage and faith… and believe in God to do the rest.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2010
June 29 ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone were robbing you, and they said, “Give me all your money,” would you keep a little in your back pocket? Probably not! You would give this complete stranger everything you could think of – and quickly – hoping the robber wasn’t going to harm you! So why is it that we withhold some of our worries and cares from God, when we know that He is going to take care of us? Why do we doubt God so readily, which is exactly what we do when we withhold our concerns and burdens from Him?
I could go into my ideas on why we do this… but they really don’t matter. What matters is that we need to STOP! We need to give all our cares to God… from the small, seemingly silly ones all the way to the gigantic ones that seem insurmountable.
The lyrics to “Cast All Your Cares,” a song by Christian artist Gary Oliver, say, “When troubles come… all you have to do is call Him. When sickness comes… call Him… for He cares for you, and He knows what you’re going through. Why don’t you cast all your cares upon the Lord.” If you want to listen to the song, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxABJT59Vhk and hear this song in its entirety. Then make an effort to cast all your cares upon the Lord. God even wants those you feel would be small and ridiculous to anyone else. Those you feel there is no way they can be resolved… God wants them, too! Let’s give our cares to God and expect Him to handle them, according to His will. I believe we will be amazed, astounded, and totally blown away by His grace and mercy – and how well He truly does care for us in every way! What have you got to lose? Cast all your cares upon the Lord today, and watch what happens!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If someone were robbing you, and they said, “Give me all your money,” would you keep a little in your back pocket? Probably not! You would give this complete stranger everything you could think of – and quickly – hoping the robber wasn’t going to harm you! So why is it that we withhold some of our worries and cares from God, when we know that He is going to take care of us? Why do we doubt God so readily, which is exactly what we do when we withhold our concerns and burdens from Him?
I could go into my ideas on why we do this… but they really don’t matter. What matters is that we need to STOP! We need to give all our cares to God… from the small, seemingly silly ones all the way to the gigantic ones that seem insurmountable.
The lyrics to “Cast All Your Cares,” a song by Christian artist Gary Oliver, say, “When troubles come… all you have to do is call Him. When sickness comes… call Him… for He cares for you, and He knows what you’re going through. Why don’t you cast all your cares upon the Lord.” If you want to listen to the song, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxABJT59Vhk and hear this song in its entirety. Then make an effort to cast all your cares upon the Lord. God even wants those you feel would be small and ridiculous to anyone else. Those you feel there is no way they can be resolved… God wants them, too! Let’s give our cares to God and expect Him to handle them, according to His will. I believe we will be amazed, astounded, and totally blown away by His grace and mercy – and how well He truly does care for us in every way! What have you got to lose? Cast all your cares upon the Lord today, and watch what happens!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 27, 2010
June 27 ~ Hebrews 13:6
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
That should make you feel like saying, "The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You may have heard of “tough love.” This is a behavior modification model that utilizes hard decisions and choices in order to force the other person to change his/her behavior. Examples would be parents who tell a son or daughter who is using drugs or drinking that he/she has to move out of their home until this behavior ceases. Or, a coach may be really stern with his/her players… forcing them to work hard, and using strong language and berating them with criticism on the court or field… but showing them much love and affection otherwise. Sometimes human beings get carried away with this approach, and their “tough love” becomes something far different.
We could argue that God operates in “tough love” sometimes – allowing us to go through things that are not all that pleasant for us – or maybe they challenge us greatly. In the end, they build our faith and strengthen us… and the bottom line is that God never left us… He was there to help us every step of the way. And this is important… because sometimes we go through situations where we have to risk our relationship with other people. We have to say to our friend or loved one, “I am concerned about how you are living. You are making poor choices, and it’s affecting everyone around you. Your behaviors are inappropriate. You need to grow up.” The other person may not appreciate your “concern” or your comments. This person may alienate you, try to discredit you to others, and/or lash out at you and try to hurt you. But if you feel God leading you to confront someone with “tough love,” you must do so.
We see in Hebrews 13:6 that “tough love” practiced under God’s guidance will carry God’s protection. In other words, if God tells you to be bold in your faith about anything toward anyone or any situation, He’s got your back! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel 1000% better! I know that backlash, retribution, and alienation may still come… at least temporarily… but that’s where the faith comes into play. If we step out for God in faith, He will help us… no weapon formed against us will prosper… and ultimately, we will have nothing to fear.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 25, 2010
June 25 ~ Romans 8:15
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about television fathers of the fifties and sixties (or for some of you, from today’s reruns on TV Land). Consider Andy Griffith, or Fred McMurray’s character on “My Three Sons,” or even Ward Cleaver on “Leave it to Beaver.” These men were “large and in charge” and commanded respect. But when their sons misbehaved or made a mistake, they had nothing to fear. Sure, there were consequences, and sometimes the dads were disappointed or upset. But these fathers lovingly showed their sons their mistakes and how to correct them… and how to avoid repeating them in the future. The sons respected their fathers. Oh, sure, Beaver acted like he was afraid of his dad at times, but he wasn’t really… and he never felt like his slave.
In my mind, God is the same kind of Father as Andy Griffith – only super-sized and far more powerful. God takes things in stride… enjoys my successes, cries when I’m sad, and is disappointed and upset with me when I disobey Him or make wrong choices. But He is not a “slave-owner,” and He is not waiting to beat me into submission… or keep score of every time I’ve failed Him. At the day’s end, I am still His child, and He loves me. He wants me to have the very best He can provide – and to be all that I can be. Like most fathers, He wants me to live up to my full potential as His child – and to get all I can out of life on this earth… and my life in Him. If we are honest, we all want to please our parents. We want to feel that they are proud of us, and that we lived up to their expectations. And God is no exception to this.
If you view God as anything besides loving, just, fair, and taking your best interests to heart, you’ve misunderstood Him. If you think of God as a fierce judge who is waiting with a list of your infractions and a whip and chain to beat you into submission and correction, you are dead wrong. God loves us. He may correct us from time to time or allow us to suffer consequences of our actions, but He does not want us to serve Him out of fear. If you have any feelings toward God other than love and a healthy respect and reverence, I encourage you to spend some time reading His word and getting to really know him. Go to www.biblegateway.com and do a keyword search for “God’s love,” or “love of God” or other phrases about our Father and His love. See for yourself how deeply He cares. Discover Him in a new way, and serve Him joyfully as His child… and not a slave. God wants us to serve Him willingly and out of a deep joy and love. He’s worthy of that, and more. Find out why… and get busy being His child.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 22, 2010
June 22 ~ Matthew 10:31
Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, the talk of our neighborhood has been wild “critters” that are tearing up our yards and eating our flowers. We’ve got deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, chipmunks, and more! At a recent neighborhood luncheon, methods of protecting vegetation and dealing with “pests” were discussed. And while I am not happy about animals tearing up the expensive new sod we just laid this summer, I thought about these animals and how much I enjoy watching them play and run through our yard.
One morning last week, I looked up and three small birds – maybe wrens or sparrows? – were buzzing around the hanging flower baskets and perched on our back porch ceiling fan. My first thought was… they are looking for a nesting spot! So I went out and clapped my hands and sent them packing! Later, I thought about how important all of these backyard “critters” are to God. He knows every single one of them by name! We don’t know their names, but God does. He numbers the hairs on their body… the feathers on a sparrow’s wing… the flutters of a hummingbird’s wings as it gathers nectar from my petunias.
Stop and think about this… the same God who sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross also knows how many feathers are on a sparrow – and how many hairs are on your head. The same God who moves mountains and created oceans and the universe knows each of us not only by name – He also knows every miniscule thought we ever have! He has the power to change oceans to dry deserts – and to handle our silliest of problems. And He is willing to do whatever we need in order to keep us safe and in line with His will.
So why is it we find trusting Him to be so hard? Why are we so fearful, knowing Who has our back? Why do we value ourselves in God’s eyes as less than even a sparrow? Isn’t it time we changed our attitude and realized our true value? Isn’t it time to let go – and let God have control? Is today the day we start living in, through, and for Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, the talk of our neighborhood has been wild “critters” that are tearing up our yards and eating our flowers. We’ve got deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums, armadillos, squirrels, chipmunks, and more! At a recent neighborhood luncheon, methods of protecting vegetation and dealing with “pests” were discussed. And while I am not happy about animals tearing up the expensive new sod we just laid this summer, I thought about these animals and how much I enjoy watching them play and run through our yard.
One morning last week, I looked up and three small birds – maybe wrens or sparrows? – were buzzing around the hanging flower baskets and perched on our back porch ceiling fan. My first thought was… they are looking for a nesting spot! So I went out and clapped my hands and sent them packing! Later, I thought about how important all of these backyard “critters” are to God. He knows every single one of them by name! We don’t know their names, but God does. He numbers the hairs on their body… the feathers on a sparrow’s wing… the flutters of a hummingbird’s wings as it gathers nectar from my petunias.
Stop and think about this… the same God who sent His only son, Jesus, to die on the cross also knows how many feathers are on a sparrow – and how many hairs are on your head. The same God who moves mountains and created oceans and the universe knows each of us not only by name – He also knows every miniscule thought we ever have! He has the power to change oceans to dry deserts – and to handle our silliest of problems. And He is willing to do whatever we need in order to keep us safe and in line with His will.
So why is it we find trusting Him to be so hard? Why are we so fearful, knowing Who has our back? Why do we value ourselves in God’s eyes as less than even a sparrow? Isn’t it time we changed our attitude and realized our true value? Isn’t it time to let go – and let God have control? Is today the day we start living in, through, and for Him? Shouldn’t it be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 18, 2010
June 18 ~ Daniel 10:19
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The angel touched me a second time and said, "Don't be frightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends this for your good, so be brave and strong."
At this, I regained my strength and replied, "Please speak! You have already made me feel much better."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a news story recently about Mary Bargiel, a young mother in Conway, Arkansas, who was broadsided at an intersection by a police officer on his way to answer an emergency call. The light was green as Bargiel moved into the intersection. The officer approached from the side, lights flashing and sirens blaring, but Mary did not see or hear him. The intersection has since been reworked. Both Mary Bargiel and the police officer were injured badly, especially Mary, whose injuries included a broken hand and ribs, a collapsed lung, serious brain, spinal and eye injuries, and more. The officer, who suffered a broken neck, has recovered and returned to work. Mary Bargiel has recovered enough to return home to her family, but she still has a lot of struggles - including a rod in her leg, shoe lifts to even out her body, double vision, ongoing back pain, and she may never fully regain brain function and be able to move and live as she once did.
I don’t know the prior circumstances of this Mary Bargiel’s life, but she stated in the news story that the accident probably saved her life in many ways. After the accident, she became a Christian, and her husband attested to the validity of her claims that she is a changed woman… quite literally a new person in Christ. What seemed like the most horrific event at the time has become a tremendous turning point for this woman and her family. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good.
I hope it doesn’t take a car crash at a major intersection – even figuratively – to get our attention. I hope God doesn’t have to use frightening events to show us His power – and His love – and to capture our hearts. I pray that we can stop and look around and see how blessed we are… and how much God loves us. I pray that we would trust Him to get us through the calamities and scary times in our lives… the times when we wonder and worry… and that looking back, we would say, “Yep, there He was, right beside us all along.”
How brave and strong are we? I’m ashamed to say that I have moments when I am neither. But I am determined to do better. I am convinced that God thinks highly of me and wants only the best for my life. And that is the case for each one of us. Do you see this in your own life? Are you brave and strong and recognizing God’s desire for good in your life? Start believing this today. Look around and see how God has blessed you and rescued you already. Regain your strength and feel much better. God is our refuge and our strength… feel His love and blessings…and BELIEVE in Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2010
June 17 ~ Isaiah 54:14
You will be built on fairness with no fears of injustice; every one of your worries will be taken far from you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A young cousin of mine recently received a nasty telephone message on the family’s answering machine. It turned out to be a jealous little girl who posed as my cousin’s friend and said some really ugly things to her. But it had all of the makings of a potential bullying situation. In talking with my cousin’s mother, we both shared how a bully had hurt us as young girls and teenagers, and the mother said, “It all came back to me in a flood.”
Clearly, from what I know of this woman, she has risen above any torment and torture that her childhood bully tried to inflict. If the bully meant to tear her apart for life, she failed miserably. And the girl who bullied me didn’t ruin my life, either. I wish I could say the same for some young teens whose stories have been in the news lately. For them, the only rescue they felt viable was suicide.
Especially when we are young, we are so vulnerable. Satan has an easy task of making life hard for us… and bullies are really difficult to ignore. We pray for God to take the burden away, but sometimes, in certain circumstances, we can’t escape our worries and injustice. Maybe those children didn’t have an attentive mother like my cousin’s, who jumped right on this situation and got to the bottom of it. Maybe these young people felt they should be able to handle this on their own and didn’t tell anyone – especially an adult. Or maybe they didn’t live in a home where everyone practiced faith in God to deliver them from all forms of weaponry, even the attacks of a bully.
My point is that Satan starts early. He has been trying to tear each of us away from God since the day we were born, and he will stop at nothing to achieve this. But we serve a God who is far more powerful… far more faithful… loving and kind, yet strong and mighty. And if we will stay focused on Him… hang on and hang in there – He will help us overcome all obstacles. He will send attentive mothers and fathers and empathetic teachers and counselors. He will give us wisdom and courage to fight the enemies of Satan, and every one of our worries will be taken far from us!
I’ll be the first to tell you that I come from a long line of worry warts. I learned from some of the best… and I got pretty good at it. And I’ll admit, I still worry about things that I cannot control from time to time. But I am learning to “let go and let God” – and I see evidence every day of how much better He handles these worries than I ever could. I see proof that He has had a protective hand on me for all of my years… and I know He is not letting go. Who has you in his hands – Satan, the biggest bully of all time - or the Great Protector, God Almighty? Who is doing your worrying these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You will be built on fairness with no fears of injustice; every one of your worries will be taken far from you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A young cousin of mine recently received a nasty telephone message on the family’s answering machine. It turned out to be a jealous little girl who posed as my cousin’s friend and said some really ugly things to her. But it had all of the makings of a potential bullying situation. In talking with my cousin’s mother, we both shared how a bully had hurt us as young girls and teenagers, and the mother said, “It all came back to me in a flood.”
Clearly, from what I know of this woman, she has risen above any torment and torture that her childhood bully tried to inflict. If the bully meant to tear her apart for life, she failed miserably. And the girl who bullied me didn’t ruin my life, either. I wish I could say the same for some young teens whose stories have been in the news lately. For them, the only rescue they felt viable was suicide.
Especially when we are young, we are so vulnerable. Satan has an easy task of making life hard for us… and bullies are really difficult to ignore. We pray for God to take the burden away, but sometimes, in certain circumstances, we can’t escape our worries and injustice. Maybe those children didn’t have an attentive mother like my cousin’s, who jumped right on this situation and got to the bottom of it. Maybe these young people felt they should be able to handle this on their own and didn’t tell anyone – especially an adult. Or maybe they didn’t live in a home where everyone practiced faith in God to deliver them from all forms of weaponry, even the attacks of a bully.
My point is that Satan starts early. He has been trying to tear each of us away from God since the day we were born, and he will stop at nothing to achieve this. But we serve a God who is far more powerful… far more faithful… loving and kind, yet strong and mighty. And if we will stay focused on Him… hang on and hang in there – He will help us overcome all obstacles. He will send attentive mothers and fathers and empathetic teachers and counselors. He will give us wisdom and courage to fight the enemies of Satan, and every one of our worries will be taken far from us!
I’ll be the first to tell you that I come from a long line of worry warts. I learned from some of the best… and I got pretty good at it. And I’ll admit, I still worry about things that I cannot control from time to time. But I am learning to “let go and let God” – and I see evidence every day of how much better He handles these worries than I ever could. I see proof that He has had a protective hand on me for all of my years… and I know He is not letting go. Who has you in his hands – Satan, the biggest bully of all time - or the Great Protector, God Almighty? Who is doing your worrying these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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