Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
This passage has had
special meaning for me since the early 1980s, when my mother asked me to
design a cross-stitch pattern to include these words. I can’t remember
if she stitched it or I did, but the piece was framed and hangs above
her desk today.
This verse is a favorite for many and was even
featured in the movie, “Chariots of Fire*,” which tells the true story
of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in
Paris. Harold Abrahams – a Jew – was set to run against Eric Liddell,
known as the “Flying Scotsman,” in the 100-meter race. However, Liddell
discovered that the race was to be held on Sunday, and this conflicted
with his Christian convictions to keep the Sabbath for worship.
Arrangements
were made for Liddell to switch and run in a 400-meter race on another
day of the week…and he was given little hope of doing well in a sprint
four times the distance with which he was familiar. On the Sunday of
the 100-meter race, Liddell delivered a sermon at the Paris Church of
Scotland, in which he cited Isaiah 40:31. And the following Tuesday,
Liddell ran the race of his life, defeated all other runners in the
“400,” and won the gold medal. In the movie, a friend is shown handing
Liddell a piece of paper before the start of the race that contained a
scripture verse from 1 Samuel 2:30 and reminded him…“He that honors me, I
will honor.”
When I read Isaiah 40:31 today, I picture the
scenes in “Chariots of Fire” where Liddell is racing down the beach with
a sense of peace and complete abandon – and the victory scene when he
completes his race in the Olympic Stadium of Colombes. Now, when I read
this verse, I not only think of my mother’s needlework piece…I also
envision the runners in the 1924 Olympics – and I am reminded of the
steadfast faith and courage of Eric Liddell.
What does this mean
for you and me today? I believe that Liddell’s character in “Chariots
of Fire” said this best...” I want to compare faith to running in a
race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You
experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if
you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe
your dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say,
‘Believe, have faith,’ in the face of life's realities? I would like to
give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have
no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his
own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end?
From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If
with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’
If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a
straight race.”
We are all in a “race” today. Are you soaring
on the wings of eagles and trusting God to carry you when you are too
weak to continue? Are you honoring God by your efforts…by your
steadfast faith in Him to see you through anything and everything?
Isn’t it time you were? Will this be the day that you allow God to
power your race? Don’t you think it should be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
* Chariots of Fire - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082158/
Showing posts with label seeking God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seeking God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for September 11, 2014
Titus 3:5
He saved us because
of his mercy,
and not because
of any good things
that we have done.
God washed us by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
He gave us new birth
and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.” – Ann Voskamp ~ One Thousand Gifts*
Today, we remember the horror and heartache of a tragic event that occurred thirteen years ago. It’s probably safe to say that all of our lives were altered forever in some way because of what happened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, during those early morning hours of September 11, 2001. Through a series of events that can only be explained as a “God thing,” I became friends with a woman in Massapequa, New York, whose husband, Keith Glascoe, perished that day while serving as a firefighter for Ladder Co. 21 of the Fire Department New York (FDNY). Veronica Glascoe Squef was the mother of two boys, 2-year-old Nolan and 1-year-old Owen. Baby Keith was, as she puts it, “a little peanut in my belly.” He would enter this world in April 2002.
If you are old enough to remember “9-11”, you recall how incredibly “dirty” everything was. Not only were lives lost...they were buried beneath tons of dust and rubble. The bodies of many – including Keith Glascoe - were never recovered. Rescue crews dug for days...cleanup teams worked for months and years...and we all wondered if the area was ever going to be “presentable” again. Would we ever “see through the mess of this place” to heart-aching beauty beyond? Would we ever find God in this tragedy? Would He be able to truly restore us and decontaminate our hearts from this event?
Last week, Veronica posted a photo of her boys on their first day back to school...Nolan now a high school junior; Owen beginning high school as a freshman; and Keith starting to middle school. All three boys are healthy, thriving, and always smiling. Veronica posted a tribute to Keith on her Facebook wall that said in part...” We love you, we miss you, we think of you every day, and we will never forget.”
It is important that we remember what happened...that we are vulnerable... and yes, that bad things can – and will – happen. But more importantly, we must focus on the incredible grace, mercy and cleansing power of God Almighty. We must recognize His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit...guiding us and “cleaning up the mess” so that we can see the beauty beyond – because it does exist!
God did not leave us on September 11, 2001...He has not left us today. Whatever you are facing...wherever you are “sifting through rubble and debris” and wondering if your life will ever be neat and tidy again...know that God is with you. He is doing the heavy lifting...the Holy Spirit can mend your broken heart and strengthen you for the days to come...and the beauty of a brighter day lies just beyond the “window” of your present struggle. Veronica Squef and countless others understand the concept of “heart-aching beauty beyond”. They face it every day in the smiles of children left behind...of putting one foot in front of the other and rebuilding their lives – different, but filled with potential.
What God does – and has done – for those who suffer so much as a result of the events of 9-11, He will surely do for each of us. His desire is to wash away whatever keeps us from a deep, abiding relationship with Him and a continual communion with the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter who you are...where you are...what you have – or don’t...or what you have or haven’t done...God wants to do this for you. You may not realize it, but God’s presence and grace may truly be “the very thing that you endlessly crave.” Are you ready to find out? Will this be the day that you turn to Him and begin to trust in His cleansing power? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
He saved us because
of his mercy,
and not because
of any good things
that we have done.
God washed us by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
He gave us new birth
and a fresh beginning.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“That which tears open our souls, those holes that splatter our sight, may actually become the thin, open places to see through the mess of this place to the heart-aching beauty beyond. To Him. To the God whom we endlessly crave.” – Ann Voskamp ~ One Thousand Gifts*
Today, we remember the horror and heartache of a tragic event that occurred thirteen years ago. It’s probably safe to say that all of our lives were altered forever in some way because of what happened in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, during those early morning hours of September 11, 2001. Through a series of events that can only be explained as a “God thing,” I became friends with a woman in Massapequa, New York, whose husband, Keith Glascoe, perished that day while serving as a firefighter for Ladder Co. 21 of the Fire Department New York (FDNY). Veronica Glascoe Squef was the mother of two boys, 2-year-old Nolan and 1-year-old Owen. Baby Keith was, as she puts it, “a little peanut in my belly.” He would enter this world in April 2002.
If you are old enough to remember “9-11”, you recall how incredibly “dirty” everything was. Not only were lives lost...they were buried beneath tons of dust and rubble. The bodies of many – including Keith Glascoe - were never recovered. Rescue crews dug for days...cleanup teams worked for months and years...and we all wondered if the area was ever going to be “presentable” again. Would we ever “see through the mess of this place” to heart-aching beauty beyond? Would we ever find God in this tragedy? Would He be able to truly restore us and decontaminate our hearts from this event?
Last week, Veronica posted a photo of her boys on their first day back to school...Nolan now a high school junior; Owen beginning high school as a freshman; and Keith starting to middle school. All three boys are healthy, thriving, and always smiling. Veronica posted a tribute to Keith on her Facebook wall that said in part...” We love you, we miss you, we think of you every day, and we will never forget.”
It is important that we remember what happened...that we are vulnerable... and yes, that bad things can – and will – happen. But more importantly, we must focus on the incredible grace, mercy and cleansing power of God Almighty. We must recognize His presence in the form of the Holy Spirit...guiding us and “cleaning up the mess” so that we can see the beauty beyond – because it does exist!
God did not leave us on September 11, 2001...He has not left us today. Whatever you are facing...wherever you are “sifting through rubble and debris” and wondering if your life will ever be neat and tidy again...know that God is with you. He is doing the heavy lifting...the Holy Spirit can mend your broken heart and strengthen you for the days to come...and the beauty of a brighter day lies just beyond the “window” of your present struggle. Veronica Squef and countless others understand the concept of “heart-aching beauty beyond”. They face it every day in the smiles of children left behind...of putting one foot in front of the other and rebuilding their lives – different, but filled with potential.
What God does – and has done – for those who suffer so much as a result of the events of 9-11, He will surely do for each of us. His desire is to wash away whatever keeps us from a deep, abiding relationship with Him and a continual communion with the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t matter who you are...where you are...what you have – or don’t...or what you have or haven’t done...God wants to do this for you. You may not realize it, but God’s presence and grace may truly be “the very thing that you endlessly crave.” Are you ready to find out? Will this be the day that you turn to Him and begin to trust in His cleansing power? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 13, 2014
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened."
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Five years ago today, my niece Jasmine gave birth to the first of her three children. Entering the world at a weight of 8 pounds, 5 ounces, with 20¾” of length, Timothy Michael was a bright-eyed bundle of delight from the very beginning. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from this little guy in the last five years. But the biggest lesson God has demonstrated to me through him is the power and truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7. In many situations, I have asked, sought, and knocked…and God has opened the door and answered my petitions.
I find it no small coincidence that just this morning, I read in Anne Graham-Lotz’s book, Just Give Me Jesus, about the night that Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He begged the disciples to stay awake and pray with Him…Jesus pled with Peter to wake up and sit with Him. When the soldiers came, and Peter realized what was happening – and how dire the situation was – he panicked and cut off the ear of the soldier, Malchus.
Lotz maintains that the real reason that Peter reacted in this way was from his failure to pray. Had Peter stayed awake with Jesus and prayed, he would have possibly had a better understanding of the unfolding events. Had he sought God’s presence and wisdom, Peter might have essentially “knocked at the door”…and God would have answered and revealed many truths to him. This would not have prevented the crucifixion, but it might have given Peter a different perspective and changed his reaction.
I also opened another devotional book today – a recent gift from my mother titled Jesus Calling. Today’s “message” was to look for areas where we need to let go and leave things in the capable hands of Jesus. Boy, do I ever need to internalize this message! If we could learn to ask, seek, knock, and receive…then “let go and let God” have control, we would see such a difference in every aspect of our lives.
Clearly, God is sending me a message…one that is appropriate for all of us. We cannot find Him if we are “asleep” or inattentive. We won’t hear from God if we don’t ask, seek, and knock. If we will pray about everything, seek God’s will, and listen for His voice, He will open the door and answer…through a newborn baby, the daily events of our life, the anointed words of a devotional or inspirational book or song, and certainly through the fervent diligence of ongoing prayer.
When we stay awake and alert for God’s voice…when we petition Him with sincerity, humility, and persistence, He “answers the door”. Better still…He takes our requests and desires to heart…sifts and sorts them to find the perfect match with His will…and answers perfectly. It sounds like a simple formula…but I can tell you firsthand that it is not. We are stubborn know-it-alls who often think we should tell God how things ought to go! But if we will surrender control… if we will ask, seek, and knock…God will open the door and answer.
Where do you find yourself today…are you “asleep” in the garden…or are you poised at God’s door? Your answer could be life-changing. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Ask, and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened."
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Five years ago today, my niece Jasmine gave birth to the first of her three children. Entering the world at a weight of 8 pounds, 5 ounces, with 20¾” of length, Timothy Michael was a bright-eyed bundle of delight from the very beginning. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from this little guy in the last five years. But the biggest lesson God has demonstrated to me through him is the power and truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7. In many situations, I have asked, sought, and knocked…and God has opened the door and answered my petitions.
I find it no small coincidence that just this morning, I read in Anne Graham-Lotz’s book, Just Give Me Jesus, about the night that Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He begged the disciples to stay awake and pray with Him…Jesus pled with Peter to wake up and sit with Him. When the soldiers came, and Peter realized what was happening – and how dire the situation was – he panicked and cut off the ear of the soldier, Malchus.
Lotz maintains that the real reason that Peter reacted in this way was from his failure to pray. Had Peter stayed awake with Jesus and prayed, he would have possibly had a better understanding of the unfolding events. Had he sought God’s presence and wisdom, Peter might have essentially “knocked at the door”…and God would have answered and revealed many truths to him. This would not have prevented the crucifixion, but it might have given Peter a different perspective and changed his reaction.
I also opened another devotional book today – a recent gift from my mother titled Jesus Calling. Today’s “message” was to look for areas where we need to let go and leave things in the capable hands of Jesus. Boy, do I ever need to internalize this message! If we could learn to ask, seek, knock, and receive…then “let go and let God” have control, we would see such a difference in every aspect of our lives.
Clearly, God is sending me a message…one that is appropriate for all of us. We cannot find Him if we are “asleep” or inattentive. We won’t hear from God if we don’t ask, seek, and knock. If we will pray about everything, seek God’s will, and listen for His voice, He will open the door and answer…through a newborn baby, the daily events of our life, the anointed words of a devotional or inspirational book or song, and certainly through the fervent diligence of ongoing prayer.
When we stay awake and alert for God’s voice…when we petition Him with sincerity, humility, and persistence, He “answers the door”. Better still…He takes our requests and desires to heart…sifts and sorts them to find the perfect match with His will…and answers perfectly. It sounds like a simple formula…but I can tell you firsthand that it is not. We are stubborn know-it-alls who often think we should tell God how things ought to go! But if we will surrender control… if we will ask, seek, and knock…God will open the door and answer.
Where do you find yourself today…are you “asleep” in the garden…or are you poised at God’s door? Your answer could be life-changing. How will you respond?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 20, 2013
Psalm 31:24
So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Last night we attended Timothy’s pre-K Christmas program. Children from three different classes (a 3-year-old pre-K group, and two classes of 4-and-5-year-olds) offered their renditions of familiar Christmas tunes. Timothy’s group was one of the “older” ones, and they sang three tunes, “Jingle Bells”, “Christmas Colors”, and “Feliz Navidad”.
You never know what you will get with small children, and we were not disappointed. The 3-year-olds were all dressed as angels… flowing white “robes” trimmed with silver tinsel… tinsel halos on their heads. And each and every one of them sang well. There were no “melt-downs”... no one looked frightened… all performed with strength and courage.
The second group contained about a half dozen 4-and-5-year-old boys and one little girl. For the most part, they did well. But one little boy was terribly upset. He didn’t just cry… he sobbed. And thankfully, someone came to his rescue and held him on the stage until this group completed their performance.
Then it was time for Timothy’s group. We did not know what to expect, but he did well… once he located his family in the audience. We watched him walk down the aisle… searching every pew of the church sanctuary for us. He was visibly concerned when he got to the stage, and we could see him mouth, “Where is my family? I can’t find my family!” We knew it would not go well if he didn’t locate us before the songs began. And sure enough… he spotted us… and his face lit up as he smiled and waved and called out to us. Then, he lifted his eyes to the ceiling, drew in a big breath, and heaved a giant sigh of relief.
To see such palpable consolation in that little boy just made me want to cry. Timothy had put all of his hope in the love and support of his family. He trusted them to be present for him… to observe him and encourage him in his performance…and he tried very hard to be strong and courageous. And when he saw his mom, dad, grandmother, siblings… and his Aunt Debbie and Uncle Greg (who were surprise guests to him)…all of his fortitude and bravery were worth it! He sang his little heart out…smiled, waved and gave a “thumbs up”… and even bowed at the end!
What about you? Are you still seeking God as you walk down the “aisle of life”? Are you wondering if God is there to support you? Do you have hope that He is with you… meeting your needs and cheering you on? Does God undergird everything you do? Is He present in your life in a tangible, profound way? Have you exhaled that all-important sigh of relief as you inhaled God’s goodness and power over your life? Isn’t it time to do exactly that?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So be strong and courageous,
all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You never know what you will get with small children, and we were not disappointed. The 3-year-olds were all dressed as angels… flowing white “robes” trimmed with silver tinsel… tinsel halos on their heads. And each and every one of them sang well. There were no “melt-downs”... no one looked frightened… all performed with strength and courage.
The second group contained about a half dozen 4-and-5-year-old boys and one little girl. For the most part, they did well. But one little boy was terribly upset. He didn’t just cry… he sobbed. And thankfully, someone came to his rescue and held him on the stage until this group completed their performance.
Then it was time for Timothy’s group. We did not know what to expect, but he did well… once he located his family in the audience. We watched him walk down the aisle… searching every pew of the church sanctuary for us. He was visibly concerned when he got to the stage, and we could see him mouth, “Where is my family? I can’t find my family!” We knew it would not go well if he didn’t locate us before the songs began. And sure enough… he spotted us… and his face lit up as he smiled and waved and called out to us. Then, he lifted his eyes to the ceiling, drew in a big breath, and heaved a giant sigh of relief.
To see such palpable consolation in that little boy just made me want to cry. Timothy had put all of his hope in the love and support of his family. He trusted them to be present for him… to observe him and encourage him in his performance…and he tried very hard to be strong and courageous. And when he saw his mom, dad, grandmother, siblings… and his Aunt Debbie and Uncle Greg (who were surprise guests to him)…all of his fortitude and bravery were worth it! He sang his little heart out…smiled, waved and gave a “thumbs up”… and even bowed at the end!
What about you? Are you still seeking God as you walk down the “aisle of life”? Are you wondering if God is there to support you? Do you have hope that He is with you… meeting your needs and cheering you on? Does God undergird everything you do? Is He present in your life in a tangible, profound way? Have you exhaled that all-important sigh of relief as you inhaled God’s goodness and power over your life? Isn’t it time to do exactly that?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 3, 2013
Romans 2:3-4
Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I may have my faults, but at least I’m not as bad as So-and-So!” How many times have you heard a version of this… or uttered something similar yourself? We all tend to think we are not as bad as the next guy, when the truth is that we are ALL sinners and in need of God’s patience, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I’ll admit… I get frustrated with a few people and wonder why they cannot see things as I do. Why can’t they realize that they need Jesus? Why don’t they understand that their behaviors are giving the devil ample reasons to dance? Why won’t they change and behave better? And then I hear God’s voice asking me, “Why won’t you do the same things?” And I am embarrassed… ashamed… and humbled.
I am so thankful that God is patient with me. I’m beyond thrilled that He wants me to turn to Him. At a recent funeral, my dear pastor friend preached from Psalm 139, which says in verses 7 and 8: “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there!” He explained that in the Hebrew translation of that last verse, it says… “If I go up to heaven, YOU! If I go down to the grave, YOU!” In other words, wherever we are, GOD is THERE… waiting for us… desiring us…wanting to forgive us and set us on the right path again.
The next time you start to compare your sins and shortcomings to those of another, remember these passages in Romans and Psalms. Remind yourself that the things you judge others for are no worse than your own offenses. In this case, trying to shine a spotlight on others actually may bring your own life front and center! God shakes His head at this…and someday, He will remind us of our accusations and attempts to shift blame and focus. Don’t you want to do all you can to make His list of such misdeeds as short as possible?
Don’t you want to turn to God and spend your time in His presence… to recognize His company… to bask in His glory? When was the last time you thanked God for his patience and mercy over your life? When was the last time you acknowledged that wherever you go, He is there… and praised Him for such grace and forgiveness? Isn’t this a perfect time to tell God how much you love Him… and to thank Him for loving you? Are you ready to quit blaming others for your mistakes and fully acknowledge God? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Do you really think God won’t punish you, when you behave exactly like the people you accuse? You surely don’t think much of God’s wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I may have my faults, but at least I’m not as bad as So-and-So!” How many times have you heard a version of this… or uttered something similar yourself? We all tend to think we are not as bad as the next guy, when the truth is that we are ALL sinners and in need of God’s patience, grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I’ll admit… I get frustrated with a few people and wonder why they cannot see things as I do. Why can’t they realize that they need Jesus? Why don’t they understand that their behaviors are giving the devil ample reasons to dance? Why won’t they change and behave better? And then I hear God’s voice asking me, “Why won’t you do the same things?” And I am embarrassed… ashamed… and humbled.
I am so thankful that God is patient with me. I’m beyond thrilled that He wants me to turn to Him. At a recent funeral, my dear pastor friend preached from Psalm 139, which says in verses 7 and 8: “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there!” He explained that in the Hebrew translation of that last verse, it says… “If I go up to heaven, YOU! If I go down to the grave, YOU!” In other words, wherever we are, GOD is THERE… waiting for us… desiring us…wanting to forgive us and set us on the right path again.
The next time you start to compare your sins and shortcomings to those of another, remember these passages in Romans and Psalms. Remind yourself that the things you judge others for are no worse than your own offenses. In this case, trying to shine a spotlight on others actually may bring your own life front and center! God shakes His head at this…and someday, He will remind us of our accusations and attempts to shift blame and focus. Don’t you want to do all you can to make His list of such misdeeds as short as possible?
Don’t you want to turn to God and spend your time in His presence… to recognize His company… to bask in His glory? When was the last time you thanked God for his patience and mercy over your life? When was the last time you acknowledged that wherever you go, He is there… and praised Him for such grace and forgiveness? Isn’t this a perfect time to tell God how much you love Him… and to thank Him for loving you? Are you ready to quit blaming others for your mistakes and fully acknowledge God? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 23, 2012
James 1:9-11
Any of God’s people who are poor should be glad that he thinks so highly of them. But any who are rich should be glad when God makes them humble. Rich people will disappear like wild flowers scorched by the burning heat of the sun. The flowers lose their blossoms, and their beauty is destroyed. That is how the rich will disappear, as they go about their business.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You can learn a lot from a three-year-old boy. He could generally care less whether he has on a fancy shirt or a plain shirt – or no shirt at all. He is more amused as much by a rolled up sock being tossed above his head in a game of “keep-away” as he is by an expensive electronic gadget. He prefers a bowl of Cheerios®, dried fruit and chocolate chips to something more “gourmet”… and “swimming” in a bathtub filled with plastic toys is just as fun as going to play in an actual pool.
I know that this will change. In a couple of years, these things will not be as satisfying. We teach our children to consume… and to want more… to desire to be wealthy and famous and aspire to drive fancy cars and live in big houses. All three-year-old boys want is to play and be loved… for someone to pay attention to them. And all we should desire of God is HIS love and attention.
Recently, I accompanied my husband on his daily walk down a nearby trail. In one particular stretch, we wound down a hill into a ravine. This has become one of my favorite places in any season. But this time of year, it is incredibly shady and peaceful. As we passed under the crown-canopy of this tranquil forest, I thought, “If Heaven is anything like this, I’ll be a happy camper. This is quite enough!”
I know the Bible promises that when we get to heaven, we will have a mansion. I believe that the streets are paved with gold and the opulence is more than we can imagine. And I guess all of that will be nice… I mean, I’m certainly not going to turn it down – are you?! But what I really want is to be in the physical presence of Jesus… to sit at His feet and feel His arms wrapped around me… to snuggle into His chest and truly rest there in His love.
The point of this passage is that being rich is not the goal. Wealth and possessions don’t matter. As Christians, we need to become like three-year-old boys… content with the love and attention of our Heavenly Father and unimpressed by frills and distractions. We need to focus on what is truly important. And more often than not, riches and “stuff” get in the way of this.
Regardless of what you have… your current position in life… your aspirations for more… make the central focus of your life your relationship with God. The only way to truly be content – rich or poor – is to operate in the confidence that you are pleasing God in everything. Allow Him to show you what is truly important. Learn to find joy in serving Him well with all that you have. Recognize the blessings of God’s “shady ravine” …and if He gives you more than this, consider it a bonus!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Any of God’s people who are poor should be glad that he thinks so highly of them. But any who are rich should be glad when God makes them humble. Rich people will disappear like wild flowers scorched by the burning heat of the sun. The flowers lose their blossoms, and their beauty is destroyed. That is how the rich will disappear, as they go about their business.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You can learn a lot from a three-year-old boy. He could generally care less whether he has on a fancy shirt or a plain shirt – or no shirt at all. He is more amused as much by a rolled up sock being tossed above his head in a game of “keep-away” as he is by an expensive electronic gadget. He prefers a bowl of Cheerios®, dried fruit and chocolate chips to something more “gourmet”… and “swimming” in a bathtub filled with plastic toys is just as fun as going to play in an actual pool.
I know that this will change. In a couple of years, these things will not be as satisfying. We teach our children to consume… and to want more… to desire to be wealthy and famous and aspire to drive fancy cars and live in big houses. All three-year-old boys want is to play and be loved… for someone to pay attention to them. And all we should desire of God is HIS love and attention.
Recently, I accompanied my husband on his daily walk down a nearby trail. In one particular stretch, we wound down a hill into a ravine. This has become one of my favorite places in any season. But this time of year, it is incredibly shady and peaceful. As we passed under the crown-canopy of this tranquil forest, I thought, “If Heaven is anything like this, I’ll be a happy camper. This is quite enough!”
I know the Bible promises that when we get to heaven, we will have a mansion. I believe that the streets are paved with gold and the opulence is more than we can imagine. And I guess all of that will be nice… I mean, I’m certainly not going to turn it down – are you?! But what I really want is to be in the physical presence of Jesus… to sit at His feet and feel His arms wrapped around me… to snuggle into His chest and truly rest there in His love.
The point of this passage is that being rich is not the goal. Wealth and possessions don’t matter. As Christians, we need to become like three-year-old boys… content with the love and attention of our Heavenly Father and unimpressed by frills and distractions. We need to focus on what is truly important. And more often than not, riches and “stuff” get in the way of this.
Regardless of what you have… your current position in life… your aspirations for more… make the central focus of your life your relationship with God. The only way to truly be content – rich or poor – is to operate in the confidence that you are pleasing God in everything. Allow Him to show you what is truly important. Learn to find joy in serving Him well with all that you have. Recognize the blessings of God’s “shady ravine” …and if He gives you more than this, consider it a bonus!
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 9, 2012
Psalm 90:10, 12
We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first twenty-five-plus years of my adult life, I lived and breathed by a schedule and calendar. In my years as a teacher, I planned everything around the school year and scheduled holidays. When I was not in summer school, I mapped out my summer days – to some degree - trying to get everything I felt I had to get done finished within the first week or two so I could “relax” and enjoy the rest of the break. I would frantically spend the first week or two of June doing all of my heavy house cleaning, any “summer sewing” and getting other “obligations” out of the way.
At the end of the summer break, I would allow a couple of weeks or more to get ready to go back to school… cleaning again, making meals to put in the freezer, and then actually working at school to get my room ready for the new class. I used to plan weekly menus – and stick to them! I have “to-do” lists from those years that would probably stack inches high on my desk. And yes, if you saw my laundry room filled with fabrics and crafts items waiting to become my latest project, you would say I still have “to-do” lists of sorts!
Now that I have the luxury of retirement and don’t have to plan my life around a work schedule, I can enjoy “going with the flow” more. There are many days when I say to myself – or anyone within earshot, “I got so much more done when I was working!” But at the same time, I have to ask myself if I really made every day count in the bargain.
In my notes, I have written that “the value of dying is that it makes us aware of how limited time is. Our days are numbered! Make every day count for God!” I have learned the hard way that a lot of what we think is important – or makes us happy – is more about appearances and pleasing others than satisfying ourselves… much less God.
So here are a few things I have learned along the way...
I suggest that we start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a new day. Ask God to show you what He has planned for your day… and work your own “to-do” list around His! Our days are numbered, but God can show us how to make every single one count. Are you wisely using all the time that you have?
©2012 Debbie Robus
We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the first twenty-five-plus years of my adult life, I lived and breathed by a schedule and calendar. In my years as a teacher, I planned everything around the school year and scheduled holidays. When I was not in summer school, I mapped out my summer days – to some degree - trying to get everything I felt I had to get done finished within the first week or two so I could “relax” and enjoy the rest of the break. I would frantically spend the first week or two of June doing all of my heavy house cleaning, any “summer sewing” and getting other “obligations” out of the way.
At the end of the summer break, I would allow a couple of weeks or more to get ready to go back to school… cleaning again, making meals to put in the freezer, and then actually working at school to get my room ready for the new class. I used to plan weekly menus – and stick to them! I have “to-do” lists from those years that would probably stack inches high on my desk. And yes, if you saw my laundry room filled with fabrics and crafts items waiting to become my latest project, you would say I still have “to-do” lists of sorts!
Now that I have the luxury of retirement and don’t have to plan my life around a work schedule, I can enjoy “going with the flow” more. There are many days when I say to myself – or anyone within earshot, “I got so much more done when I was working!” But at the same time, I have to ask myself if I really made every day count in the bargain.
In my notes, I have written that “the value of dying is that it makes us aware of how limited time is. Our days are numbered! Make every day count for God!” I have learned the hard way that a lot of what we think is important – or makes us happy – is more about appearances and pleasing others than satisfying ourselves… much less God.
So here are a few things I have learned along the way...
- It is okay to pick and choose. I have opted to spend time with my grandmother instead of attending the funeral of one of her friends. I have learned to say “No!” rather than stretch myself too thinly. A dear “other-mother” friend of mine told a mutual friend once, “’No!’ can be a holy answer!” My former pastor told me that “’No!” is a complete sentence!”
- Spending time on my own health and fitness benefits everyone… not just me. If I don’t take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually, I cannot help those who need me… not to mention that God wants me to be the best “me” possible. (see point #1)
- If I get to the end of a busy, productive day and didn’t plan a meal for dinner, there is always peanut butter – or carry-out!
- “To-do” lists are great things… we should have goals. But just because something is on “the list” doesn’t mean the world will crash down around you if it doesn’t get done!
- Relationships are more important than crossing something off the list. A walk in the park with my husband trumps a clean floor any day. Ditto for time spent with our little ones, a phone conversation with a friend or family member, and dropping everything to comfort someone who is in need.
I suggest that we start each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of a new day. Ask God to show you what He has planned for your day… and work your own “to-do” list around His! Our days are numbered, but God can show us how to make every single one count. Are you wisely using all the time that you have?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 5, 2012
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won't bring you to ruin, he won't forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them.
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.
In the movie Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the lead character, Oskar (played by Thomas Horn) searches for the lock that matches a mysterious key he finds after his father (played by Tom Hanks) perishes in the Twin Towers on 9-11. One of the clues Oskar has is a newspaper clipping from his dad that contains the words “never stop looking” circled in red… or so it appears.
I won’t give away the story line, in case you haven’t seen the movie. But suffice it to say that Oskar looks with his whole heart and soul for the lock to this key. In the terrible, awful tragedy of losing his dad in such a horrific manner, Oskar draws strength from the lessons his father taught him… how to examine and investigate mysteries… how to “read” the clues and follow the signs to find what he is seeking… and how his dad is always with him every step of the way – even if he can’t physically see or touch him.
There are a lot of parallels in this movie to our life in Christ. We are often the scared, frail, flawed little boy who seeks answers to life’s questions and mysteries. We are mired in grief and confusion, heartaches and disappointments… and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. And God is with us every step of the way. He is protecting us and leading us in the right direction. He is giving us all kinds of nurture that we cannot even imagine… much less see.
We often have a little pity party and feel downright sorry for ourselves. We imagine that we are all alone in this big wide world, and that God has abandoned us. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we knew all of the things that God protects us from each and every day, we would be astounded. We tend to deal only in what we can tangibly see, hear, and touch. Yet God is always with us… often working in the background… but working all the same on our behalf.
Our job is to seek God - not just in the logical places… but also in the intangible. We must open our eyes and ears to His clues and guidance… and never stop looking for Him. We must trust – and expect – Him to always be with us… and to honor His commitment to protect us with grace, mercy, and abiding love. God has given us the “key” to unlock all that He has in store for us. Our job is to never stop looking. Are you searching for Him with your whole heart? How serious are you about finding Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
But even there, if you seek God, your God, you'll be able to find him if you're serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul. When troubles come and all these awful things happen to you, in future days you will come back to God, your God, and listen obediently to what he says. God, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won't bring you to ruin, he won't forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them.
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.
In the movie Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the lead character, Oskar (played by Thomas Horn) searches for the lock that matches a mysterious key he finds after his father (played by Tom Hanks) perishes in the Twin Towers on 9-11. One of the clues Oskar has is a newspaper clipping from his dad that contains the words “never stop looking” circled in red… or so it appears.
I won’t give away the story line, in case you haven’t seen the movie. But suffice it to say that Oskar looks with his whole heart and soul for the lock to this key. In the terrible, awful tragedy of losing his dad in such a horrific manner, Oskar draws strength from the lessons his father taught him… how to examine and investigate mysteries… how to “read” the clues and follow the signs to find what he is seeking… and how his dad is always with him every step of the way – even if he can’t physically see or touch him.
There are a lot of parallels in this movie to our life in Christ. We are often the scared, frail, flawed little boy who seeks answers to life’s questions and mysteries. We are mired in grief and confusion, heartaches and disappointments… and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. And God is with us every step of the way. He is protecting us and leading us in the right direction. He is giving us all kinds of nurture that we cannot even imagine… much less see.
We often have a little pity party and feel downright sorry for ourselves. We imagine that we are all alone in this big wide world, and that God has abandoned us. Nothing could be further from the truth. If we knew all of the things that God protects us from each and every day, we would be astounded. We tend to deal only in what we can tangibly see, hear, and touch. Yet God is always with us… often working in the background… but working all the same on our behalf.
Our job is to seek God - not just in the logical places… but also in the intangible. We must open our eyes and ears to His clues and guidance… and never stop looking for Him. We must trust – and expect – Him to always be with us… and to honor His commitment to protect us with grace, mercy, and abiding love. God has given us the “key” to unlock all that He has in store for us. Our job is to never stop looking. Are you searching for Him with your whole heart? How serious are you about finding Him?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 4, 2012
Philippians 3:7-11
But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How do you measure success? When I was a little girl, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. (I didn’t realize that I don’t do well with needles – shots, IVs, etc.) My grandmother said, “If you’re going to be a nurse, become a doctor instead… they make more money!” My other grandmother said, “Marry a rich man!” To a large extent, both women viewed success in terms of dollars and cents. And that is not an uncommon opinion. Just turn on the television and look at how success is portrayed… fancy houses, sports cars, diamonds and designer clothes, jobs that pay six figures, and a high public profile.
Did it ever occur to you that when we talk to someone about his/her goals in life, we don’t encourage them to “Be the most humble, faithful servant of Christ you can be” – as if that were a noble calling? We may toss it casually into the conversation along with, “You need to get a college degree,” and “Pick a career that has good earning potential.” We don’t encourage others to pursue a degree or career in an area that will serve others – unless it pays well. We don’t look at what God might be able to do with a coach or teacher in a low-paying position… the social worker who works for the local welfare office or juvenile court… or the nurses’ aides who care for the elderly in a skilled care facility. When we go on vacation, we want our hotel room to be spotlessly clean, but we don’t consider the people who will make sure this is how we find it… or the wait staff who serves us at our favorite restaurant! We often fail to recognize the importance of stay-at-home moms or the daycare workers who nurture our children.
Maybe… just maybe… the people who serve others in low-paying, thankless jobs are right where God wanted them to be. Maybe they have discovered that the things the world thinks are important are like garbage compared to the joy of seeking and serving Christ in all things. Is it possible that the most successful people on earth are not necessarily those with tons of money… but rather, those who spend their time and energy getting closer to God and belonging totally to Him? It’s that old adage, “Bloom where you are planted” in action, coupled with a hefty challenge to get our priorities straight!
This is not to say that everyone in a low-paying, or blue collar job is there because he/she wants to be – or feels that this is where God wants them to serve. This also doesn’t mean you can’t get close to God and be well-educated, highly paid, popular, and prestigious. But wealth and status should not be the ultimate goals of a Christian disciple who has humbly committed himself/herself to Jesus and His service.
Regardless of your stage and station in life, it is never too late to stop and take stock… to re-evaluate your goals and aspirations. You may find that you have lost your passion for the things that once held such allure and excitement for you. If you are ready to really serve Jesus and be more like Him, you will probably find that your priorities are changing. And this could be the beginning of a total redefinition of your idea of success… one with Eternal and everlasting results. Make Jesus your passion… serve Him first and foremost… and see where He takes you. Get ready to be amazed at how “successful” you truly are.
©2012 Debbie Robus
But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ and to know that I belong to him. I could not make myself acceptable to God by obeying the Law of Moses. God accepted me simply because of my faith in Christ. All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised him to life. I want to suffer and die as he did, so that somehow I also may be raised to life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How do you measure success? When I was a little girl, I thought I wanted to be a nurse. (I didn’t realize that I don’t do well with needles – shots, IVs, etc.) My grandmother said, “If you’re going to be a nurse, become a doctor instead… they make more money!” My other grandmother said, “Marry a rich man!” To a large extent, both women viewed success in terms of dollars and cents. And that is not an uncommon opinion. Just turn on the television and look at how success is portrayed… fancy houses, sports cars, diamonds and designer clothes, jobs that pay six figures, and a high public profile.
Did it ever occur to you that when we talk to someone about his/her goals in life, we don’t encourage them to “Be the most humble, faithful servant of Christ you can be” – as if that were a noble calling? We may toss it casually into the conversation along with, “You need to get a college degree,” and “Pick a career that has good earning potential.” We don’t encourage others to pursue a degree or career in an area that will serve others – unless it pays well. We don’t look at what God might be able to do with a coach or teacher in a low-paying position… the social worker who works for the local welfare office or juvenile court… or the nurses’ aides who care for the elderly in a skilled care facility. When we go on vacation, we want our hotel room to be spotlessly clean, but we don’t consider the people who will make sure this is how we find it… or the wait staff who serves us at our favorite restaurant! We often fail to recognize the importance of stay-at-home moms or the daycare workers who nurture our children.
Maybe… just maybe… the people who serve others in low-paying, thankless jobs are right where God wanted them to be. Maybe they have discovered that the things the world thinks are important are like garbage compared to the joy of seeking and serving Christ in all things. Is it possible that the most successful people on earth are not necessarily those with tons of money… but rather, those who spend their time and energy getting closer to God and belonging totally to Him? It’s that old adage, “Bloom where you are planted” in action, coupled with a hefty challenge to get our priorities straight!
This is not to say that everyone in a low-paying, or blue collar job is there because he/she wants to be – or feels that this is where God wants them to serve. This also doesn’t mean you can’t get close to God and be well-educated, highly paid, popular, and prestigious. But wealth and status should not be the ultimate goals of a Christian disciple who has humbly committed himself/herself to Jesus and His service.
Regardless of your stage and station in life, it is never too late to stop and take stock… to re-evaluate your goals and aspirations. You may find that you have lost your passion for the things that once held such allure and excitement for you. If you are ready to really serve Jesus and be more like Him, you will probably find that your priorities are changing. And this could be the beginning of a total redefinition of your idea of success… one with Eternal and everlasting results. Make Jesus your passion… serve Him first and foremost… and see where He takes you. Get ready to be amazed at how “successful” you truly are.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 24, 2011
Psalm 119:32
I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew, Timothy, spent the weekend with us, and he was sick with an upset stomach. He did not understand what was happening, and as he threw up, he would whimper and say, “DebDeb?” I tried to assure him that everything was okay… but I’m not sure he was convinced! Afterward, he asked for milk, and I could not explain why this was not a good beverage choice. I gave him a sippy cup with 7-Up instead, and he seemed satisfied. But the next morning, he awoke and asked for pizza! If you want a good lesson in “understanding,” try reasoning with a two-year-old. I managed to distract him… but the following morning, when he was feeling better and asked for ice cream, I had no good argument!
A lot of times, we are frightened, and we call out to God. We don’t understand what is happening to us, but He assures us that everything will be okay, and we trust this! I will admit, I trust Him more now than I did a few years ago… or even last week. It’s a learning process… and for some of us, the going is pretty slow!
As Timothy learns more words and phrases… as he grows in experience and using his imagination to understand things he cannot physically see and touch… he understands more and more… and he trusts us to tell him the truth and give him good instruction. And he is eager to learn.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had the hunger and eagerness of a toddler for the things of God?! What if we approached God with the attitude that anything was possible… even ice cream at 6:30 a.m.! What if we allowed Him to show us what we could and could not do… and why… and trusted His choices and rules! Why aren’t we hungrier for the things of God? Isn’t it time we looked at this passage and made it our prayer for the day… a sincere desire to learn all that God wants us to do… and a request for help to do exactly that?
What are you waiting for? What is keeping you from becoming all that you can be in your walk with God? Are you growing daily in His knowledge and wisdom… eager to learn more about Him and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew, Timothy, spent the weekend with us, and he was sick with an upset stomach. He did not understand what was happening, and as he threw up, he would whimper and say, “DebDeb?” I tried to assure him that everything was okay… but I’m not sure he was convinced! Afterward, he asked for milk, and I could not explain why this was not a good beverage choice. I gave him a sippy cup with 7-Up instead, and he seemed satisfied. But the next morning, he awoke and asked for pizza! If you want a good lesson in “understanding,” try reasoning with a two-year-old. I managed to distract him… but the following morning, when he was feeling better and asked for ice cream, I had no good argument!
A lot of times, we are frightened, and we call out to God. We don’t understand what is happening to us, but He assures us that everything will be okay, and we trust this! I will admit, I trust Him more now than I did a few years ago… or even last week. It’s a learning process… and for some of us, the going is pretty slow!
As Timothy learns more words and phrases… as he grows in experience and using his imagination to understand things he cannot physically see and touch… he understands more and more… and he trusts us to tell him the truth and give him good instruction. And he is eager to learn.
Wouldn’t it be great if we had the hunger and eagerness of a toddler for the things of God?! What if we approached God with the attitude that anything was possible… even ice cream at 6:30 a.m.! What if we allowed Him to show us what we could and could not do… and why… and trusted His choices and rules! Why aren’t we hungrier for the things of God? Isn’t it time we looked at this passage and made it our prayer for the day… a sincere desire to learn all that God wants us to do… and a request for help to do exactly that?
What are you waiting for? What is keeping you from becoming all that you can be in your walk with God? Are you growing daily in His knowledge and wisdom… eager to learn more about Him and His plan for your life? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2011
John 5:41-44
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
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.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
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.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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