Daily Devotional for January 6, 2013

Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
Don’t tremble with fear.I am your God.
I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories.

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.

I have been reminded that much of what we think is important in this life probably isn’t… and we’re wasting a lot of precious time. The young wife of my cousin JD has just been called home to heaven. She was in her early forties. Angie and JD married on January 8, 2011. Together, they preached the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the United States… particularly in Arkansas, Indiana, and recently in Florida. This beautiful, Godly woman came into my cousin’s life a few short years ago and blessed him immensely. The two of them made a formidable team for Jesus and reached countless souls for Him.

For those who don’t know – or don’t remember – JD is got involved with drug abuse and drug dealing while still in high school. He ultimately ended up in prison, where he reconnected with Jesus in a profound way. JD came back into the general population a changed man. Then in late December 2008, while working as a logger, JD was hit in the face with the full force of a tree he had just cut. Virtually every bone in his face was broken, and he didn’t wake up for 9 days. JD spent the next three weeks in the hospital, and recovery and facial reconstruction took months. Through it all, he remained faithful to God and shared the message of Jesus Christ with everyone he encountered.

Believe me… I have asked God several times already why Angie has been called to heaven. She and JD were doing such tremendous work… serving so faithfully. I have asked God to strengthen JD and his immediate family – and all of us who know and love him – in the coming weeks and months. What I do know is that Angie was ready for heaven…and she was ushered into the presence of Jesus with open arms and a jubilant celebration. I also know that the service she rendered on this earth was not in vain… and will continue. God will equip JD to continue His work…He is with him and will provide him with protection – and more victories.

Surely the hand of God is evident in my cousin’s life… even on this heartbreaking day. And just as certainly, God is protecting each of us… giving us strength and reassurance – and victories. The question is… what are we giving in return? Are we serving to the best of our ability, like Angie? Is the name of Jesus on our lips and in our hearts… and is His presence in our life evident at all times? Do we exhibit in our Christian witness and daily living something that is desirable to others for themselves? Shouldn’t we?

If God calls you home this day, what will be your legacy? Will you enter His presence with assurance that you loved Him and served Him 110%? Are you able to think of your own arrival in heaven without fear or trembling, knowing that you operated fully in God’s strength and power? Wouldn’t this be a great time to make the necessary changes in your thinking… and your actions?

Please pray for JD and his family, and for Angie’s family… and also for their church family and many friends. May God bless them all.

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 5, 2013

Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you never heard?  Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.

He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

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.

The other day, my three-year-old cousin, Owen, had a little meltdown. His mom said, “I think someone needs a nap.” Owen replied, “I don’t need a nap… I’m just tired!” Often, when Timothy is cranky, he will say, “But I did get my nap out!” In truth, this means that he did NOT have a nap… or at least a very good one!

Let us take a little rest… grab a nap for an hour or two… or get a good night’s rest, and most of us are refreshed and re-energized. But sometimes, there are circumstances that prevent us from getting a nap or plenty of rest. There are times when we do grow weary and very tired. Maybe we are studying for finals… or up half the night with a baby who is sick or refuses to sleep…or maybe a medical crisis has us sitting half the night in a hospital Emergency Room. There are times when we seem to be “running on fumes.” And honestly, there seems to be little to no explanation for how we survive without crashing in a heap in the corner of the room and falling into a much-needed sleep.

There are other times when we are mentally or emotionally drained… when stresses (both good and bad) have kept our mind racing or filled us with excitement – anxiety, anticipation, frustration, or even giddiness. Whatever has revved our motor, we can’t seem to settle down and relax… or turn off our thoughts.

In all of these circumstances, there IS a strength and power that we often fail to tap into – much less recognize… the unfailing care and nurture of Almighty God. When we are too tired to put one foot in front of the other, He gives us that little boost to take our next steps. When we think we can’t handle another challenge, God lifts us up and says, “You’re not tackling this by yourself!” When we are so worn out and frustrated that we want to throw up our hands and walk away, God says, “I will carry you for a while.”

How can we give up when we soar on wings as strong as those of eagles… when we operate under the power and strength of such a loving, everlasting God? We may be tired and need a “nap”… or even have a temporary meltdown. But at the end of the day, we need to recognize WHO is carrying us much of the time… filling us with His strength and power to endure whatever comes our way. Isn’t it time you operated in this power? Shouldn’t you embrace the strength of God and call on Him to meet your every need? Wouldn’t this a great time to begin?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 4, 2012

Genesis 22:1-3
Some years later God decided to test Abraham, so he spoke to him.

Abraham answered, “Here I am, Lord.”

The Lord said, “Go get Isaac, your only son, the one you dearly love! Take him to the land of Moriah, and I will show you a mountain where you must sacrifice him to me on the fires of an altar.” So Abraham got up early the next morning and chopped wood for the fire. He put a saddle on his donkey and left with Isaac and two servants for the place where God had told him to go.

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

I was watching a story on television this week about a woman who is in prison… convicted of negligent homicide in the death of a foster child who was in her care. While a judge and jury found ample evidence to place her there, many insist she was a victim of circumstances. The woman is the biological mother of more than one child… and a former missionary who worked with special needs children. She stated in an interview for this story …“I always said, ‘LORD, I’ll go anywhere you send me.’ I just didn’t know He would send me to prison.”

I have no idea if the LORD sent this woman to prison… she may use this thought as a coping mechanism – and these words as a ploy to try to convince others of her innocence. But her comment did cause me to stop and think… “Where is God sending me?” Has it ever occurred to any of us that the little bumps in the road… or even the BIGGER ones… might be God calling us to do something difficult – testing how deeply we rely on Him for strength? When we have our life all mapped out, and we get thrown a curve ball… do we see it as an inconvenience - or an opportunity?

How profoundly would our lives change if instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we said, “Here I am!” – and meant it? What if we shifted our thinking to look at tests of our strength as chances to demonstrate God’s power and presence in our life? Isn’t this at least worth a try? Where is God sending you today… and how are you reacting?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 3, 2013

Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

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.

As an online seller, I can tell you that positive feedback is vital. I’ve worked hard to build up a base of good feedback. The trouble is… less than half of all buyers take the time to provide any response. This is really frustrating to us sellers… and it has made me more aware of the importance of providing feedback when I purchase something – especially if it was from an individual, like a seller on Etsy, eBay or from an independent retailer on Amazon.

“What’s the big deal about feedback?” you may ask. Positive feedback tells potential buyers that this person had a good experience… that the customer got what he/she paid for… that the shipping was reasonable and quick… that the overall service was good. One customer who purchased vintage earrings from me wrote, “These are beautiful! I will cherish them! Thank you so much!” Another said of an antique table runner…“Very beautiful! It’s in great vintage condition as advertised. I LOVE it! Thanks for the careful packaging and super fast shipping!”

I wonder… what sort of feedback do we give for God? Do we let others know what wonderful things He has done for us? Are we quick to point out how amazing God is… the power He brings to our life and how beautifully He orchestrates every detail? Do we sing His praises and tell the world that He is worthy of our devotion…more than enough to meet our every need… our joy and our strength? Do we give God credit for a victorious life over sin and death? Do we acknowledge that He is preparing a mansion for us in heaven, where the streets are paved with gold?

Are we like those who buy online and never bother to let anyone know whether they had a good experience or not? Do we take all that God will give us without so much as a word or a gesture to show our appreciation? Isn’t it time we stopped and took a good hard look at how we treat our Most High God? Don’t you think He deserves to be heralded… to hear our song of praise… to feel our acknowledgment? Shouldn’t we tell everyone in sight how much God has done for us and offer them a chance to experience His incredible strength in their own life?

What are you waiting for? Make this the day that you begin to give daily positive feedback to Almighty God. Make Him not only your strength, but your song… and exalt Him to the best of your ability. We can never repay God for all He does for us… for all He will do for us in the future. But we can give Him our best effort and continual feedback. God wants to hear from us… He wants us to tell others about Him. When was the last time you sang His praises?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 2, 2013

Deuteronomy 31:6
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

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.

This morning, my mother shared with me the blog post of a fellow writer. Her topic centered on Psalm 46:10, which begins… “Be still and know that I am God.” The writer referenced the recent events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut… how the reaction and outrage had ranged from a call for total gun control to one of “let’s arm everybody!” In other words, many people panicked.

This is nothing new… in ways great and small, we panic about a lot of things. We “jump the gun,” or “borrow trouble” or race to “do damage control”… when what we really need to do is “Be still.” If only we would recognize that God has gone ahead of us… that He will neither fail us nor abandon us…we might fare better.

I am as guilty as the next person of operating in panic more often than I care to admit. I race ahead, thinking I have to handle things… often wringing my hands in worry and fear. Where is my strength? What happened to my courage? Did I forget WHO is leading the way? Have YOU forgotten?

Some of my friends have recently lost loved ones… others are sitting vigil at the deathbed of a dear family member or friend. Still others are worried about everything from finances to health scares to how they will ever resolve a myriad of conflicts. In their own way, each of these people are in a panic. How will they cope with their grief? How will they make ends meet and/or get ahead? Will they ever get along with So-and-so?

Look… life will happen. There will be challenges and moments that make us panic. And if we let him, the devil will have a field day making us crazy with all sorts of emotions and fears that serve absolutely no purpose other than to convolute and confuse us. We all need to stop and simply “BE STILL!” We need to recognize God’s presence… His strength and power… and find our courage in Him.

Where does this leave you today? Have you allowed God to personally go ahead of you? Are you strong and courageous? A lot can happen if we will simply “be still.” Aren’t you ready to find out firsthand?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 1, 2013

2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood beside me. He gave me the strength to tell his full message, so that all Gentiles would hear it. And I was kept safe from hungry lions.

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

Timothy was a lion for Halloween. I found a little “lion suit” at the consignment store, and I made him a mask out of a paper plate, some felt, fleece fringe, and scraps from my fabric bin. He told me just last week about how the lions were after him, but because he was wearing his lion suit… “they didn’t get me.” Timothy talks a lot about the lions being after him… undoubtedly the result of some movie he has watched. I always assure him that the lions cannot get him… that he is safe with us and his family… that we will protect him. In essence, we give him strength to be the happiest three-year-old boy he can be… and we keep him safe from the “hungry lions” of the world. And apparently, he has decided that his “lion suit” from Halloween has some magical power and strength in the face of his adversaries.

Can I tell you something? There are “hungry lions” after every single one of us. They are not necessarily the four-legged kind with a mane and a tail… but their “teeth” are just as menacing. The devil sends these beasts to frighten us… to nip at our heels and cause us to worry and tremble. They come in every form imaginable… from stress about classes and workloads to dissention with family members, friends and co-workers - to concerns over how to pay bills and handle the effects of the “fiscal cliff.” When you are sad over the loss of a friend or loved one, the devil can take advantage of your grief to drag you down even further and steal your joy. When you are disappointed, discouraged or frustrated, Satan steps in to say, “See, life is lousy… things never truly work out like you envisioned.”

When you are sick or injured, the devil will tell you that you are weak and don’t deserve to be well. When you find yourself in a situation that is uncertain, he will send “lions” to roar that you are not smart enough and don’t deserve to do better. When you are lonely, his “lions” will do all they can to assure you that you are not worthy of companionship.

But GOD will keep us safe from all of these “lions” and more… if only we will call on Him. He will never leave our side. God will lift us, encourage us, and assure us that by His strength and power, we can do and be anything! God will fill in the gaps and raise us out of depression, disappointment, and fear. He will embolden us to learn new things… and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

We have a choice… we can put on the “lion suit” of God’s armor and fight the devil on a more-than-level playing field… or we can let the devil’s “lions” devour us. I know which I am choosing…do you?

©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 31, 2012

1 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

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.

Here we are again… at the end of another year! No doubt, we have all encountered our own share of joys, triumphs, challenges and tribulations. Surely no one can live 365 consecutive uneventful days! There will be highs and lows for each of us. But the one thing that is indisputable is the availability of God’s spirit… His strength and power readily offered to each of us.

So often, we say, “This is so hard! I don’t know how I will make it!” We worry, fret, and operate in fear. The Apostle Paul’s words for Timothy work equally well for us. God has His hand on us…He is equipping us with fortitude and courage. With God by our side - His Holy Spirit living within us - nothing is beyond what we can handle. Because of His spirit of power, love and self-discipline, we are able to endure hardships, embrace victories… and keep a level head through all of it!

As we start a new year, I encourage you to make sure you are equipped for what lies ahead. Don’t enter 2013 without the power and strength of God to undergird you. Take some time right now to pause and ask Him to be with you every step of the way. In the words of scripture, put on the full armor of God, so that each minute of the day is as full and rich as possible.

There’s one more thing… remember to be grateful. Thank God for all He does for you… the blessings, care, power and encouragement He provides. Thank Him for giving us Jesus… and for sending His Holy Spirit to be your constant companion. And also thank God for the other people who come in and out of your life… for brief encounters and lasting relationships… for opportunities to bless and serve… and for those who enrich your life in His name.

Make this year the one you truly live with purpose. Realize your full potential with God as the driving force within you. Operate humbly under His power, and remember to be grateful in all circumstances. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating… with God’s power behind us, we are stronger than we think! Make 2013 the year you fully embrace this thought… and live by example. Happy New Year’s Eve… and God bless you!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 30, 2012

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

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.

I am in an extraordinary position these days. On one hand, I am watching the last days and weeks of my grandmother’s life unfold. Her body is wearing out, her ability to speak is virtually gone, and her mind is foggy at best. She doesn’t have many good days, but she can still smile beautifully when someone greets her. And I know my grandmother… she is already looking ahead to her heavenly celebration, which will be lavish and exciting. Of course, none of us have ever seen heaven firsthand, but she and I have talked about how wonderful it will be. We know it will last forever and make us forget any troubles or unhappiness we ever experienced…and my grandmother looks forward to this.

At the same time, I am watching my niece’s three children grow and develop. Every day is new when you are 3½, 19 months and 5 months old. Each day I see these children grow and develop… and I am shown God in action, making new life. As He allows them to learn new things and demonstrate acquired skills, I am blessed. The sleepless nights with baby Timothy have given way to a darling toddler who has the most vivid imagination I’ve ever seen…and wakes us early in the morning to “tell you something very important!” The baby girl who could only point and squeal a few weeks ago now runs to us with arms open wide and says, “Bye?” (meaning, “Can I come with you?”). The tiny baby who slept most of the time is now sitting upright, gurgling and laughing… and all too soon he will be crawling and getting into everything!

The minute we are born, we start our trek toward heaven. We may be granted 100 years or 1 day here, but heaven will last forever. Every life is filled with ups and downs. There are cycles of good times, and often there are incredible challenges and heartaches along the way. But through it all, God is granting us grace and strength for the journey. I pray that you trust Him for all of your needs. I hope you recognize His presence in even the smallest thing… a hug from a child, the beauty of a snowfall, or even a smile from an aging grandparent. Learn to recognize the rhythms and grace of God in your life… and to rely on His strength for your daily living.

We’re not giving up… how could we?! God is with us, meeting our every need and preparing us for a glorious eternity with Him in heaven. Whatever challenges we face in this life really are “small potatoes” compared to the coming good times. This is great news for all who believe in Jesus Christ and have asked Him to forgive our sins and be LORD of our lives. We can enjoy every minute of the day, regardless of what it brings, because GOD is on our side!

Are you trusting God for the things you cannot see… believing in a lavish celebration and a forever life in heaven? Who gives you strength? Who holds your future? Are you ready to “let go and let God?” Isn’t this a good day to begin?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 29, 2012

1 Samuel 30:6
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

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.

My husband’s oldest brother spent Christmas at his mother-in-law’s, in a city 150+ miles from his home in Little Rock, Arkansas. While he and his wife were away, the epic Christmas Day snowstorm ravaged much of our state, leaving their neighborhood looking like a war zone. Downed trees now weigh down power lines. Streets and driveways are impassable because of fallen tree limbs. Utility workers are vigilantly trying to restore electrical power to cold, hungry residents who are anxious to take a hot shower and get out of the dark.

This is the third time that my brother-in-law and his wife have experienced devastating power outages… twice to ice and snow, and once after residual high winds from a hurricane. They are weary and understandably frustrated. I am sure that they – and many of those who have been without power for at least four days now - have felt a little like David… vulnerable and downhearted… discouraged and miserable. But help is arriving. All throughout our state, those who can are rallying to assist others. Those who cannot physically help are sending money to organizations like the American Red Cross… and countless numbers are praying for those in need.

The strength of the LORD comes in many forms. My husband and his middle brother drove to Little Rock to help clear trees and unblock their older brother’s driveway. I am sure that this was of great comfort to him… and served as a reminder that God is still in control… still recognizing his needs – and meeting them. I know that his family, friends and church family are all praying for them as they face a huge cleanup and restoration project in coming weeks… and this must encourage them tremendously.

Thankfully, few of us will ever face something as daunting as the potential to be stoned by our peers. But we may endure hardships that feel just as formidable. Let us remember that God is with us. He is strengthening us for whatever obstacles and challenges we face, and He will equip us to meet them head-on.

Are you calling on God for strength today? Do you feel His presence and His power? When you face difficult times, where do you turn? Take heart… God is with you… find strength in the LORD your God!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 28, 2012

1 Peter 4:11
Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

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.

Today, many in our state are without power, following an epic Christmas Day blizzard. These folks are staying with friends or family members… huddled around a space heater powered by a generator… or bundled up in layers of clothing and blankets trying to stay warm in a freezing cold house. Thousands of support people are working diligently throughout the area to provide safety, emergency medical services, transportation, a warm meal, and whatever assistance is needed. Men and women from our state and those around us are making every effort to clear downed trees and power lines and restore electrical connections.

Whether they realize it or not, all of these people are exercising their gifts and calling on the strength and energy that God supplies to accomplish vital tasks. You may have never considered that providing a warm meal or a place to stay for a needy neighbor or relative was your gift… but it certainly can be! You may not have thought about those who work for utility companies or soldiers in the National Guard as people who are answering God’s call on their life… but this very well may be the case. As I spent a snowy day doing laundry in my warm, cozy house, I thought about the clothes I washed, dried and folded. Believe it or not, keeping a clean, well-run household… and yes, even doing laundry, can bring glory to God when done right! These simple tasks show others that you care about them - and their comfort and appearance.

Cleaning your room and holding up your end of the household bargain, being a good student and doing your best in school, caring for family pets, doing your best as a parent and/or spouse, and working hard at your job can all be considered gifts. When done to the best of our ability, whatever we do can be strengthened and energized by God. And when we give Him our best, He magnifies and multiplies our efforts.

So the next time you start to think of the things you do in a day as routine, mundane or unimportant, ask yourself how well you are performing the task… and whether you have given an effort that God cares to bless and strengthen. Are you using your gifts to glorify Him? Are you giving Him your best at all times? Isn’t it time you did?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 27, 2012

1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

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.

My husband and I watched Ken Burn’s documentary, The Dust Bowl, about the tragic situation man created in the Great Plains of America in the 1930s by turning the grasslands into wheat farms. When a drought ensued, huge storm clouds of dust were created as the winds whipped across the Plains. Much of the land in four or five states was buried beneath the soil. Cattle, crops and homes were destroyed and/or buried. Families gave up and moved away… many to California. Still others stayed and toughed it out… some became so despondent that they committed suicide. One woman who was interviewed told of her mother walking away one day and never returning. The woman was just a tiny girl at the time. That was the last time she ever saw her mother.

Burns interviewed a number of survivors who experienced the Dust Bowl as small children. The pervading story they told was one of perseverance… and of faith. One man told of being at church with his sister when a particular storm hit. Others spoke of parents and grandparents who were “religious sorts” or had a strong faith [in God] that sustained them.

What struck me profoundly as I watched this film was that all of the troubles and tribulations we face today are certainly nothing new… financial woes, sick and hungry children and family members, natural disasters, loss of jobs and relationships, homelessness, depression and despondency. I was reminded that God never left the people of the Great Plains… and He will never leave us. Sure, many succumbed to temptations… or lost their lives to such things as dust pneumonia, getting buried in a dust storm – or even suicide. But many hung on and survived. And I have to believe that a good number of them recognized God’s presence by their side.

I don’t know what you are facing today. I don’t know what tempts or troubles you. I have no idea what challenges you face each day… or whether you feel discouraged – or even hopeless. But I am here to tell you that God is still with you. He has not left… and He will not desert you. If you will only call on Him, you can feel Him lifting you out of the dirt and saying, “I’m gonna help you… we’ve got this!” You are not alone… you are not experiencing anything that God has not helped countless others survive already… and He will do the same for you. Have you asked Him to help? Isn’t it time you did?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 26, 2012

1 Chronicles 16:11
Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

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.

This afternoon, I spent quite a while standing in front of one of our big windows with my camera and tripod in front of me. I photographed birds that came to dine at our feeder this snowy day. I was mesmerized by the little feathered creatures… especially the purple finches. I wanted to get the perfect picture of one of them. So I stood there… continually seeking an opportunity for just the right photo op!

I got quite a few nice pictures… but I’m not sure any of them are “perfect.” So I will have to try again another time. Still, I learned some things while standing in the window. I discovered that the female finches are feisty… they will peck at the males and make them move, so that they can get to the seeds! I noticed that these birds are persistent. If they get knocked off their perch, they fly right back and try again. I also observed that when a bigger bird approaches the feeder, the others take a step back - maybe not so much out of respect for the bird as for his/her size - but they do move!

What does this have to do with the strength of the LORD? Well, for starters, the God who cares about these tiny feathered foul is the same God who cares incredibly about every detail of our lives. The God who makes sure that these tiny creatures are scrappy and strong enough to survive will give us all of the strength we need to face every minute of our day. The Heavenly Father who took time to give the purple finches a beautiful ruddy red breast, the cardinals their brilliant hue, and the big fat dove the detailed black and brown speckled covering will surely care about every aspect of our being.

Additionally, I realized that persistence pays. I had quite a few pictures to cull… those that were out of focus or not well-composed. And in life, we will have some things that don’t work out so well. But if we continually seek God… if we persist in our desire to follow His will and hear His voice… He will answer. God will equip us with strength and courage for our journey… from the best day to our worst.

Are you searching for the LORD in your daily living? Are you continually seeking God and expecting Him to show up in your life? Where do you gather strength? Are you sure you are looking in the right places? Isn’t it time you did?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 21, 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 11, 2012

December 11 ~ Philippians 4:13
Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

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 his book, Become a Better You, Joel Osteen admonishes us to quit putting ourselves down… that doesn’t do us any good. Forget the past… it’s over and done and can’t be changed. If we continue feel guilty about the past, we will lack the strength to live victoriously today – and beyond.” I’m paraphrasing here, but Pastor Osteen makes a very important point.

While Christ gives us the strength to face anything, a lot of us are pretty busy counteracting that strength at every turn by living in the past, wallowing in guilt and shame over something that happened ten years ago, or blaming our childhood for the mistakes we make today! We need to recognize that we are all human. We all have moments that we regret… something we said that was not so kind, a poorly made choice. Who among us hasn’t said (if only to ourselves), “You didn’t do your best on that test… you should have studied more,” or “You should pray more… longer… harder…” or “I can’t believe you gave such a lousy performance – on the court, the field, or in the concert. You should have practiced more”… or even “You are a lousy mom/dad/grandparent/friend. How could you treat this person so badly”?

You can fill in the blanks with your own litany of criticisms. But the point is that we are wasting valuable time living in guilt, shame and resentment and frustration instead of saying, “LORD, I have all of the strength I need because of You… help me to focus my thoughts and actions in a positive direction. Forgive me for the things I’ve done… and help me to do better.” This is what God asks of us… that we humbly admit our shortcomings and disappointments – then try to do better moving forward.

We must remember that God knows what flawed creatures we are… and He loves us anyway. He wants us to succeed… to be happy, productive, hopeful servants. And He has equipped us with everything we need. OUR JOB is to recognize His power within us… and to embrace it!

I’m not suggesting that we limp along in life, make mistakes, then throw up our hands and say, “Oh, well!” We must take responsibility for our actions… and our faults. But we serve a God who stands ready to pick us up and deliver us into a better day… if only we will receive His gifts of wisdom, hope, forgiveness – and strength.

We have a choice today… we can continue to wallow in the past and let the devil remind us about the mistakes we have made – or we can invite Christ Jesus to fill us with His Holy Spirit and give us all the strength we will ever need… and more. We can stay stuck in our rut… or we can let Jesus propel us into a hopeful, productive future. Which way will you decide to go?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 29, 2012

Joshua 1:9
I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

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

If you ever start to feel discouraged or have a pity party, go to your local hospital and sit in the outpatient waiting area for a while. There you will get a real slice of life… patients waiting for chemo treatments…elderly persons who have a myriad of ailments… loved ones waiting in the surgery area while doctors operate on family members and friends…people who are depending on walkers, canes, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, and more. Listen to the chatter as these people talk – often candidly – about their treatments, countless visits to doctors and therapists, and the worries and concerns of their day.

Talk about some “Joshua 1:9 ambassadors!” You will hear stories of bravery and strength that will knock your socks off… and probably humble you to your core. I know this is always my reaction. I have waited in this area for doctor visits… and also as an advocate for loved ones. Each time, I come away thinking, “My problems seem so small and insignificant. More importantly, God is handling them for me. I have nothing to fear… no need to be discouraged.”

This very morning, I had allowed some things to pile up on me. I was starting to feel pretty low. Then I opened my outline file of scriptures about frustration and discouragement, and the one I had designated for today was Joshua 1:9. How is that for being brought up short by God?! He very quickly reminded me WHO is in charge here… and it ain’t me!

In this very simple, yet powerful way, God reminded me that I must be strong and brave… never afraid or discouraged. HE is in charge… HE is with me wherever I go… and HE will handle all of my concerns and meet every need. How awesome is that?!

I don’t know what is “on your plate” today. I have no clue what issues trouble or challenge you… what worries and concerns may be weighing you down and bringing you sorrow or alarm. But I do know that this makes the devil very happy to see you so low… and at the same time, it saddens God. He is standing right in front of us saying, “HERE I AM! You have nothing to fear! Pick yourself up and get going. Fill yourself with the comfort and joy of knowing that I have your back… and we’ve.got.this!”

I encourage you to be strong and brave this day… and in the days ahead. Know that God is with you wherever you go… and remember to smile! “This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad!” Psalm 128:24

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2012

Psalm 62:5-8
Only God gives inward peace,and I depend on him.

God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe,and he is the fortress

God saves me and honors me.

He is that mighty rock where I find safety.

Trust God, my friends, and always tell him each one of your concerns.

God is our place of safety.

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

Today I visited my grandmother at her Assisted Living Facility. I have to admit, it’s getting harder and harder to visit with her. Most days, she can barely manage to speak a few words, and you have to guess at what she is trying to say. She sits and looks at her lap and fidgets. She is restless…and lately, she has been grumpy. She can’t tell us what is wrong, but I suspect she is just tired of this world.

Today there were more words than usual, though broken and scattered. But as I tried to think of things to tell her, I shared how Timothy was frustrated and did not want to go to bed. I said, “It’s tough to be three sometimes… just like it’s tough to be one hundred.” My grandmother began to cry. She reached out and grabbed my hand with one of hers, and with the other, she reached for my face and cupped my chin. Then she said, “I wish you would come more often.” If I stayed with my grandmother 24/7, she would still say this. And I had to laugh to myself at the thought that when I do visit, she spends our time together complaining… usually that I don’t come often or stay long enough.

But this day, she managed to add, “I am so lonesome.” She also was able to tell me she doesn’t begrudge (her word) that I have other obligations and must balance my time… and that “I’ve tried to explain that I’m working on it.” I asked her what she was working on, and she replied, “Being lonesome.” I attempted to assure my grandmother that we are all lonesome from time to time. And I reminded her that she is surrounded by people all day long. But I also understand that for a woman of her age who is limited by speech, hearing, vision, and limited mobility… and a forgetful mind… life can be quite isolating.

If I let myself, these thoughts could drive me batty… wouldn’t the devil love that?! Instead, I have chosen to share my concerns with God. Oh, He already knows them… but He loves it when we come before Him and pour out our hearts. I know that my grandmother must do this, too… in whatever way she can these days – and that she has given God her worries and frustrations for decades.

I do have an inner peace. I know that God has a reason for keeping my grandmother on this earth. I’ve told Him that I believe she deserves to get to go to heaven, where every tear will be wiped away and she will speak and dance again. And I’ve very clearly felt God telling me, “I hear you… and I’ve got this!” Believe me, I have not held back! I’ve shared concerns and frustrations and requests aplenty about all sorts of issues and challengescl and each time I have felt His strength and a sense of inner calm. If not, I’ve kept talking to Him until that feeling washed over me!

Your frustrations, worries and concerns are probably far different than mine. You most likely don’t have a 100-year-old grandmother. But you may have trials and situations that I cannot even fathom. And our God is big enough to handle all of them! He can blanket you in strength and inner peace. He can be your rock and place of safety, just as surely as He is mine and my grandmother’s.

God can fill the loneliest heart with joy and peace and still the mind of anyone Satan tries to trouble. All you have to do is trust Him - and tell Him each and every one of your concerns. When was the last time you really “came clean” with God and told Him everything? How much inner calm do you have? Isn’t it time to give your burdens and frustrations to God and start operating in His safety and peace? Won’t you share what’s on your heart with Him today?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 17, 2012

Isaiah 41:9-10
I pulled you in from all over the world,
called you in from every dark corner of the earth,

Telling you, ‘You’re my servant, serving on my side.
I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’

Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.

I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

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.

Timothy has been learning how to deal with frustration. Sometimes he will stack up his blocks in a “tower” that is not structurally sound. He puts little blocks near the bottom and bigger, heavier ones near the top. When this configuration collapses and falls to the floor, Timmy also falls apart. So we have been trying to teach him to remain calm, to recognize that all is not lost… we are here to help him, and we will show him how to build a better, more sound configuration.

I have to tell you, I am often not far behind my three-year-old nephew in the “Frustration Department!” We all have challenges and “towers” in life that are not structurally sound. And when they crash and burn… so do we, much of the time. I really need this passage to remind me that there is no need for panic or fear. God is with me, holding me steady and keeping a firm grip on me. If I will calm down and trust Him, God will give me strength and show me how to build a firmer foundation and find better solutions to whatever challenges I face. And He will do the same for you!

We all have frustrations. But we also have a “cure for what ails us” – a Heavenly Father who is right beside us. God picked us… He has not dropped us and will never fail to meet our needs or answer our calls. All we have to do is take the first step… to move closer and ask Him to help.

When a wobbly structure falls, we’ve tried to teach Timmy to say, “Oops!” and start over… to realize that all is not lost. It’s much the same with God and the “wobbly structures” in our own lives. We need to learn to say, “Uh-oh, God… I’m in trouble here… can you help?”... then trust Him to do exactly that. Where can you apply this to your own life? What “towers” have crashed and need fixing? Are you ready to call out to God and feel His grip tighten? Isn’t it time to say “Oops?”

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 29, 2012

1 Corinthians 10:13
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

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 newspaper today, I saw a photograph of a woman kneeling at a grave site in a military cemetery. She was placing an American flag on one of the graves… and she appeared to be crying. I wondered if this was the grave of her husband… father…mother… or a son or daughter. I imagined how she must be remembering the sad events surrounding this person’s death… and reliving them. I thought of my own loved ones – and how I would feel were I the person in the picture. And I also considered how this woman is one of thousands all over the world who are mourning the loss of a dear loved one lost to one war or another.

Yesterday was Memorial Day in our country, and many of my Facebook “friends” posted photos of their loved ones who served in a branch of our armed forces. Some of these men and women perished during their tour of duty. But as the survivors posted their picture and reminded us of their sacrifice and service, I have to believe they also found comfort in the knowledge that they were not alone. They had to sense that others understood how they felt… and that ALL of them had managed to somehow come through this. More than few credited God with giving them the strength to endure the pain and grief… the heartache and loss. And just as surely as He has done this… He has also steered the paths people in similar situations in the same direction in order to bolster one another with empathy and encouragement.

A friend told me recently, “I sometimes feel like I am all alone on an island.” We all feel this way at times. But look around you. I’m betting you don’t have to look very far to find someone who is going through something very similar to your own experiences… or something far worse. Does this discount or diminish your feelings? Absolutely not! But the same God who is helping the other guy get through his/her test or temptation will help you. And maybe God wants you to help each other!

Let’s be honest… even the youngest among us has been through some “stuff!” And the older we get, the broader our experience base becomes. I don’t believe this is an accident. God doesn’t waste opportunities any more than He gives us more than we can handle. Perhaps instead of asking, “Why me, LORD?” we should be asking “What are You showing me… and how will You use this – and me – for Your glory?” My dear friend Becky, who lost her battle to breast cancer several years ago, always asked, “Why NOT me?” Now that’s FAITH in action!

We need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and buckle on the full armor of God. We need to say to ourselves… and to others… “With God, all things are possible. He will never let me down.” We need to leave the devil’s pity party and the negative enabling that is in steady supply and move over to the LORD’s table. We’ll be among friends there... support and encouragement will be the “Daily Special.” We will feast on the profusion of God’s strength and blessings… abundance that enables us to handle anything and everything that comes our way.

The choice is ours. We can decide which “party” to attend – and what kind of “support” we will seek. Whose table are you sitting at these days?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for February 21, 2012

Ephesians 3:14-19
My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of 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.

My cousin shared this sweet story with me recently:

A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly,  "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

When I read this joke, I was reminded of my friend – and former pastor – John Miles, II, who used so say very much the same thing. If you can’t remember any other scripture passage, remember Psalm 23:1. When we embrace all that this scripture promises… when we truly live in the confidence and power of these words, we can truly… ”Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

I challenge you to start to live in the fullness and strength of Psalm 23:1. I pray that you will thank God for all that He promises in this passage… and live as if you really believe He will supply all of your needs. “The LORD is my Shepherd… I shall not want.” Can you say the same? Embrace all that God offers you, and live in the power of His blessings and glory. The LORD is our Shepherd…what more could we possibly desire?

©2012 Debbie Robus