Psalm 140:1-2
Rescue me from cruel and violent enemies, LORD! They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In William P. Young’s book, The Shack, he tells the story of a four-year-old girl named Missy who was abducted by a serial killer who preyed on young girls. He abused them physically and sexually, then killed them… always leaving behind a painted ladybug as his “signature.” The father of the little girl in the story is given a chance to visit with three characters who represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Like any normal human being, he cannot wrap his brain around how horrific this experience must have been for his precious child. And he cannot fathom how God could allow such cruelty and violence – especially toward such an innocent little girl.
What the man discovers is that God was always with the little girl. He never left her, even in the depths of the brutality committed against her. God shielded her from much of the evil and pain. He shifted her focus onto Him, and He lifted her to heaven and wiped away every memory of the indignities committed against her.
There are several important messages presented in The Shack. One is that God can rescue us from the most insipid cruelty and violence. He may not accomplish this in the way we envision, but He will do it just the same. In other words, He did not stop what happened to this little girl from taking place… but He rescued her from it by holding her hand and leading her to the eternal safety of Paradise. As my grandmother would say, “There are worse things than dying.” Sometimes our healing and rescue comes in the form of death and a home with Jesus.
There is another message that I got from this book… there comes a point when you have done all you can do – and now it’s time to let go and let God. We spend an awful lot of time trying to fix things ourselves… to fight God’s battles for Him…and this never works. I told someone recently that I am really bad about giving my burdens and problems to God… but then I pick them back up again. It’s as if I want to say, “Yeah, but did You think of this? Did You remember that? And what about such-and such?” And this is not truly letting go and letting God have control.
We will never understand why bad things happen… why people have to suffer… why our plans don’t always work out like we hoped, even when we think we’ve done everything right. This passage speaks the truth… there are evil, cruel people who are busy 24/7 thinking up plans to cause trouble. The devil never sleeps! But God doesn’t either! He will rescue us.
When we have done all we can do and we finally turn to God and say, “I need your help,” He will say, “I’ve been here all along.” Truly, God is often just waiting for us to ask Him to take over. He is waiting for us to realize that we are out of our league. Are you recognizing God’s presence in your life today? Have you asked Him to rescue you from violent and cruel enemies? Isn’t this a good time to do “let go and let God?"
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label rescue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rescue. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 20, 2011
Psalm 109:21-31
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2011
Psalm 107:19-22
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2011
Psalm 107:5-15
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
- “Brother Ostrander said, ‘We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, “You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.” We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, “Dale, open your eyes!” and his eyes opened! We thought, “Wow, there's hope!”’
- Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist. In Chad Ostrander's words: ‘God has shown us a miracle.’"
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 5, 2011
Psalm 40:11-17
You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure. I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak. Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me! Disappoint and confuse all who want me dead; turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame all of those who say, "Just look at you now!"
Our LORD, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, "The LORD is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. Please hurry and help.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but more than once I have felt like… “I have more troubles than I can count.” And recently, this has certainly been true for actor Charlie Sheen. Everyone seems to be talking about him and his situation… made worse by his television interviews and insistence that there is nothing wrong with him! The truth is, we do not know his heart… but he appears to be very sick and, as described in verse 2 of this Psalm, stuck in “a lonely pit full of mud and mire.”
Hopefully we will never find ourselves in a pit of the mud and mire of drug addiction and accompanying mental illness (if only temporarily). But when we do find ourselves in trouble, we know THE WAY out… and His name is Jesus!
I know I often say, “People are watching”… and they are. But people are also talking… sometimes about things that are not totally true – or at the very least, none of their business. I have heard more than one person say that they felt like everyone was talking about them and their “scandal” of sorts. My response is that we all only get about 15 minutes, and then people are on to the next big story of the day. More importantly, if you have squared your situation with God… if you have confessed any sins and wrongdoing on your part and asked for His forgiveness, then the talk and judgment of others does not matter.
If you have ever felt that you were in a situation where others were judging you – wrongfully, or even with some merit – you know how awful this feels. Don’t be that person for others… not even Charlie Sheen or others in the limelight. Ask God to lift them from the mud and the mire. Call on Him to place people in their path who can introduce them to THE WAY out of their troubles and set their feet on the Rock that is Jesus Christ!
Thank God for coming to your rescue and setting you upright again… for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. Praise Him for loving us so much… especially when we are poor and needy… and standing by to help in a hurry. There IS hope for all of us… and He stands ready to save. He will not disappoint those of us who turn to Him. Where are you looking these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, never fail to have pity on me; your love and faithfulness always keep me secure. I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak. Please show that you care and come to my rescue. Hurry and help me! Disappoint and confuse all who want me dead; turn away and disgrace all who want to hurt me. Embarrass and shame all of those who say, "Just look at you now!"
Our LORD, let your worshipers rejoice and be glad. They love you for saving them, so let them always say, "The LORD is wonderful!" I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. Please hurry and help.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I don’t know about you, but more than once I have felt like… “I have more troubles than I can count.” And recently, this has certainly been true for actor Charlie Sheen. Everyone seems to be talking about him and his situation… made worse by his television interviews and insistence that there is nothing wrong with him! The truth is, we do not know his heart… but he appears to be very sick and, as described in verse 2 of this Psalm, stuck in “a lonely pit full of mud and mire.”
Hopefully we will never find ourselves in a pit of the mud and mire of drug addiction and accompanying mental illness (if only temporarily). But when we do find ourselves in trouble, we know THE WAY out… and His name is Jesus!
I know I often say, “People are watching”… and they are. But people are also talking… sometimes about things that are not totally true – or at the very least, none of their business. I have heard more than one person say that they felt like everyone was talking about them and their “scandal” of sorts. My response is that we all only get about 15 minutes, and then people are on to the next big story of the day. More importantly, if you have squared your situation with God… if you have confessed any sins and wrongdoing on your part and asked for His forgiveness, then the talk and judgment of others does not matter.
If you have ever felt that you were in a situation where others were judging you – wrongfully, or even with some merit – you know how awful this feels. Don’t be that person for others… not even Charlie Sheen or others in the limelight. Ask God to lift them from the mud and the mire. Call on Him to place people in their path who can introduce them to THE WAY out of their troubles and set their feet on the Rock that is Jesus Christ!
Thank God for coming to your rescue and setting you upright again… for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. Praise Him for loving us so much… especially when we are poor and needy… and standing by to help in a hurry. There IS hope for all of us… and He stands ready to save. He will not disappoint those of us who turn to Him. Where are you looking these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2011
Psalm 28:8-9
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2010
Colossians 1:13
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Many years ago, some teenage boys were spelunking in the area now known as Blanchard Caverns. This was probably the late 1950’s, before the caves were developed for public exploration. These boys found themselves deep within the cave … and they got lost. As the felt around in the scary darkness - not knowing where they were, what was surrounding them, or how to escape - they felt their way along with just the tiny beams of light from their flashlights. Then the unthinkable happened … their flashlight batteries died. Now they were in total darkness.
Miraculously, help came. The boys made their way to an opening in the caves that leads to the outside world, and they were rescued. Today this opening is covered by a metal grate, so that no one can accidentally fall into what could be a world of darkness and danger.
The dark power of Satan is somewhat like that cave … full of all sorts of unknowns, holes, crevices, slick and slippery spots, and dangers at every turn. Many of us are still fumbling around in the cave of Satan’s darkness. We have not recognized that God stands ready to pull us up out of the pit and save us from all of this. He wants to bring us into the light, joy and peace that surround Jesus and give us a place of safety there – and to cover the opening with the “grate” of salvation through Jesus Christ!
For those of us who have been rescued by God, we still want to dance near the edge of the cave sometimes. We peek over the edge and dabble with the temptation and allure that lies in the dark, mysterious pit. We need to stop this! We need to recognize that the power, grace and mercy of God that saved us … the life in Christ and the blessings of His kingdom … are more than enough. We need to be done with Satan, once and for all, and rest in the joy of the awesome rescue of our Almighty God.
Where are you today? Have you managed to get far, far away from the opening to Satan’s darkness, or are you still dancing along the edge, toying with the temptation of what lies beneath? Isn’t it time you moved away once and for all? Is today the day?
©2010 Debbie Robus
God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Many years ago, some teenage boys were spelunking in the area now known as Blanchard Caverns. This was probably the late 1950’s, before the caves were developed for public exploration. These boys found themselves deep within the cave … and they got lost. As the felt around in the scary darkness - not knowing where they were, what was surrounding them, or how to escape - they felt their way along with just the tiny beams of light from their flashlights. Then the unthinkable happened … their flashlight batteries died. Now they were in total darkness.
Miraculously, help came. The boys made their way to an opening in the caves that leads to the outside world, and they were rescued. Today this opening is covered by a metal grate, so that no one can accidentally fall into what could be a world of darkness and danger.
The dark power of Satan is somewhat like that cave … full of all sorts of unknowns, holes, crevices, slick and slippery spots, and dangers at every turn. Many of us are still fumbling around in the cave of Satan’s darkness. We have not recognized that God stands ready to pull us up out of the pit and save us from all of this. He wants to bring us into the light, joy and peace that surround Jesus and give us a place of safety there – and to cover the opening with the “grate” of salvation through Jesus Christ!
For those of us who have been rescued by God, we still want to dance near the edge of the cave sometimes. We peek over the edge and dabble with the temptation and allure that lies in the dark, mysterious pit. We need to stop this! We need to recognize that the power, grace and mercy of God that saved us … the life in Christ and the blessings of His kingdom … are more than enough. We need to be done with Satan, once and for all, and rest in the joy of the awesome rescue of our Almighty God.
Where are you today? Have you managed to get far, far away from the opening to Satan’s darkness, or are you still dancing along the edge, toying with the temptation of what lies beneath? Isn’t it time you moved away once and for all? Is today the day?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2010
1 Peter 1:18
You were rescued from the useless way of life that you learned from your ancestors. But you know that you were not rescued by such things as silver or gold that don't last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was in graduate school, I took a course in Educational Psychology, where we studied a book called Reality Therapy, written by psychologist William Glasser. The primary concept of Reality Therapy is that people have five basic psychological needs: power, love and belonging, freedom, fun, and survival. Whether we realize it or not, according to Glasser, pretty much everything we do is based on meeting these needs.
Glasser has quite a bit of evidence to prove that we do a lot of what we do to meet our needs based on our past. We repeat past history because that is what we know and feel comfortable with, and/or we blame our past for things not seeming to work out for us now. Either way, Glasser’s Reality Therapy is designed to help people move forward and take responsibility for their needs and leave the past behind.
This psychological approach helped me tremendously as a teacher, because so often, we want to say, “Oh, he/she is a product of his/her environment.” And this becomes the crutch for that person. The Bible refers to this in another way … “generational curse.” Just because someone’s parents or grandparents were alcoholics, abusive, drug addicts, lazy, overweight, poor, depressed, psychotic … you fill in the blanks … doesn’t mean the children have to be. Just because the home environment is nothing short of horrific doesn’t mean the child has a free ride to behave wildly in the classroom, at church, or anywhere else. There comes a time when everyone has to stand up and take responsibility for his/her own actions and stop playing “the blame game.”
In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been focusing for several days on how Jesus rescued us from sin and sacrificed His own life and blood to do so. Here in 1 Peter 1:18, we specifically see that JESUS represents the way out of generational curses and blaming the past. Jesus rescued us … not by posting a bond at the jail … not by getting us into a rehab … not by removing us from an undesirable situation and placing us somewhere else … not by buying us a car, clothes, food, or whatever else we wanted or needed. He did not use gold or silver or any other temporary means. Jesus bought and paid for us with His blood on the cross! Jesus Christ is truly Reality Therapy … the kind that works forever and ever and throughout Eternity!
We need to recognize the incredible importance of what Jesus did for us. We need to humble ourselves before Him and pour out our hearts in thanksgiving for such an incredible gift. Because of Jesus, the “needs” for power, love and belonging, freedom, fun, and survival are all well within our grasp. Because of His sacrifice, all things are possible. We are no longer bound by our past … we are headed for a glorious future in Him.
Have you received the true Reality Therapy? Have you been rescued by the blood of Jesus? Are you ready to have all of your needs met by the One who can really do just that? The past is useless. Real knowledge and peace comes from what Jesus offers. Choose Him today, and get busy truly living for all Eternity!
©2010 Debbie Robus
You were rescued from the useless way of life that you learned from your ancestors. But you know that you were not rescued by such things as silver or gold that don't last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was in graduate school, I took a course in Educational Psychology, where we studied a book called Reality Therapy, written by psychologist William Glasser. The primary concept of Reality Therapy is that people have five basic psychological needs: power, love and belonging, freedom, fun, and survival. Whether we realize it or not, according to Glasser, pretty much everything we do is based on meeting these needs.
Glasser has quite a bit of evidence to prove that we do a lot of what we do to meet our needs based on our past. We repeat past history because that is what we know and feel comfortable with, and/or we blame our past for things not seeming to work out for us now. Either way, Glasser’s Reality Therapy is designed to help people move forward and take responsibility for their needs and leave the past behind.
This psychological approach helped me tremendously as a teacher, because so often, we want to say, “Oh, he/she is a product of his/her environment.” And this becomes the crutch for that person. The Bible refers to this in another way … “generational curse.” Just because someone’s parents or grandparents were alcoholics, abusive, drug addicts, lazy, overweight, poor, depressed, psychotic … you fill in the blanks … doesn’t mean the children have to be. Just because the home environment is nothing short of horrific doesn’t mean the child has a free ride to behave wildly in the classroom, at church, or anywhere else. There comes a time when everyone has to stand up and take responsibility for his/her own actions and stop playing “the blame game.”
In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been focusing for several days on how Jesus rescued us from sin and sacrificed His own life and blood to do so. Here in 1 Peter 1:18, we specifically see that JESUS represents the way out of generational curses and blaming the past. Jesus rescued us … not by posting a bond at the jail … not by getting us into a rehab … not by removing us from an undesirable situation and placing us somewhere else … not by buying us a car, clothes, food, or whatever else we wanted or needed. He did not use gold or silver or any other temporary means. Jesus bought and paid for us with His blood on the cross! Jesus Christ is truly Reality Therapy … the kind that works forever and ever and throughout Eternity!
We need to recognize the incredible importance of what Jesus did for us. We need to humble ourselves before Him and pour out our hearts in thanksgiving for such an incredible gift. Because of Jesus, the “needs” for power, love and belonging, freedom, fun, and survival are all well within our grasp. Because of His sacrifice, all things are possible. We are no longer bound by our past … we are headed for a glorious future in Him.
Have you received the true Reality Therapy? Have you been rescued by the blood of Jesus? Are you ready to have all of your needs met by the One who can really do just that? The past is useless. Real knowledge and peace comes from what Jesus offers. Choose Him today, and get busy truly living for all Eternity!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 28, 2010
Jonah 2:6
I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
July 22, 2010, will be a day that Lance Treankler never forgets. This resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was driving down a street on Milwaukee’s east side in his Cadillac Escalade, when the road gave way underneath him. He was unconscious for a few seconds before awaking to water rushing over him. He had fallen into a sinkhole created by massive flooding. Treankler managed to get out of his vehicle and stand on the roof, where passerby Mark Pawlik spotted him. Pawlik somehow was able to reach the man caught in the twenty-foot sinkhole. According to a report on CNN.com, Pawlik told Treankler, “"I grabbed your hand. You looked at me and said, 'Get me out of here.'"
In much the same way, God is standing before us, ready to rescue us from the pit of sin. We may not even realize how deeply we have sunk … and we may be somewhat “unconscious” to how serious our situation is. But when we awaken and recognize the seriousness of our situation, God is there… offering His hand.
The question is… are we ready to say to God, “Get me out of here!”? Have we recognized how dangerous and deadly our situation is without His rescue? Have we sunk into a pit of sin and become a prisoner there? Or have we grabbed God’s hand and held on for dear life? It’s time to get out of the pit! It’s time to recognize God’s hand and grab it with all our might. Don’t let the waters of sin cover you a second longer. Take God’s hand and get out of there!
©2010 Debbie Robus
I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
July 22, 2010, will be a day that Lance Treankler never forgets. This resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was driving down a street on Milwaukee’s east side in his Cadillac Escalade, when the road gave way underneath him. He was unconscious for a few seconds before awaking to water rushing over him. He had fallen into a sinkhole created by massive flooding. Treankler managed to get out of his vehicle and stand on the roof, where passerby Mark Pawlik spotted him. Pawlik somehow was able to reach the man caught in the twenty-foot sinkhole. According to a report on CNN.com, Pawlik told Treankler, “"I grabbed your hand. You looked at me and said, 'Get me out of here.'"
In much the same way, God is standing before us, ready to rescue us from the pit of sin. We may not even realize how deeply we have sunk … and we may be somewhat “unconscious” to how serious our situation is. But when we awaken and recognize the seriousness of our situation, God is there… offering His hand.
The question is… are we ready to say to God, “Get me out of here!”? Have we recognized how dangerous and deadly our situation is without His rescue? Have we sunk into a pit of sin and become a prisoner there? Or have we grabbed God’s hand and held on for dear life? It’s time to get out of the pit! It’s time to recognize God’s hand and grab it with all our might. Don’t let the waters of sin cover you a second longer. Take God’s hand and get out of there!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 27, 2010
Lamentations 3:58
You rescued me and saved my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those television shows where an “intervention” occurs? The family and friends gather to confront someone they love about a problem – an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, hoarding, or an eating disorder… whatever is causing this person tremendous problems in life. The intervention is often a “last-ditch effort” to rescue someone who is spiraling downward. In some cases, the intervention may quite literally save the person’s life.
In the beginning, the person for whom the intervention is staged may be furious. They may feel ambushed and singled out unfairly. At the very least, they are probably very defensive. And aren’t we sometimes like that with God? He is trying to rescue us… to show us that we are on the wrong path or there is a better way – and we are kicking and screaming and in total denial.
In the end, the person for whom an intervention is held will hopefully realize that the people involved acted out of love and concern… and the rescue may very well save their lives. Our “spiritual intervention” may not be as dramatic, but the end result may be even more profound. God’s rescue saves our soul for all Eternity. He sent Jesus to “intervene” for each of us … and this is the most important event of our entire lives.
I pray that you have recognized God’s intervention in your life through Jesus. I pray that you have heard His message and accepted His offer… His blood on the cross in exchange for your sin – and the assurance of life with Him in Paradise. If you are still the person in the circle, kicking and screaming, I pray that you will recognize the profound, incredible love God has for you and His desire to save your life. “You rescued me and saved my life.” What an amazing scripture verse! What an amazing God we serve! Have you had your “intervention” yet? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You rescued me and saved my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those television shows where an “intervention” occurs? The family and friends gather to confront someone they love about a problem – an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, hoarding, or an eating disorder… whatever is causing this person tremendous problems in life. The intervention is often a “last-ditch effort” to rescue someone who is spiraling downward. In some cases, the intervention may quite literally save the person’s life.
In the beginning, the person for whom the intervention is staged may be furious. They may feel ambushed and singled out unfairly. At the very least, they are probably very defensive. And aren’t we sometimes like that with God? He is trying to rescue us… to show us that we are on the wrong path or there is a better way – and we are kicking and screaming and in total denial.
In the end, the person for whom an intervention is held will hopefully realize that the people involved acted out of love and concern… and the rescue may very well save their lives. Our “spiritual intervention” may not be as dramatic, but the end result may be even more profound. God’s rescue saves our soul for all Eternity. He sent Jesus to “intervene” for each of us … and this is the most important event of our entire lives.
I pray that you have recognized God’s intervention in your life through Jesus. I pray that you have heard His message and accepted His offer… His blood on the cross in exchange for your sin – and the assurance of life with Him in Paradise. If you are still the person in the circle, kicking and screaming, I pray that you will recognize the profound, incredible love God has for you and His desire to save your life. “You rescued me and saved my life.” What an amazing scripture verse! What an amazing God we serve! Have you had your “intervention” yet? Isn’t it time you did?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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