Acts 4:11-16
While the man kept holding on to Peter and John, the whole crowd ran to them in amazement at the place known as Solomon's Porch. Peter saw that a crowd had gathered, and he said: Friends, why are you surprised at what has happened? Why are you staring at us? Do you think we have some power of our own? Do you think we were able to make this man walk because we are so religious? The God that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and our other ancestors worshiped has brought honor to his Servant Jesus. He is the one you betrayed. You turned against him when he was being tried by Pilate, even though Pilate wanted to set him free. You rejected Jesus, who was holy and good. You asked for a murderer to be set free, and you killed the one who leads people to life. But God raised him from death, and all of us can tell you what he has done. You see this man, and you know him. He put his faith in the name of Jesus and was made strong. Faith in Jesus made this man completely well while everyone was watching.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
More than once, I’ve heard someone say to another person… “I know you have a direct line to heaven, so please pray for me,” or something to that effect. And I admit, I have said that a few times to someone who I thought was a strong disciple of Christ. The trouble with this concept is that the “direct line” to God is not exclusive to a select few people. God does not give more attention to one person over another. We all have the same “line” to God… the difference is in how we utilize it.
Honestly, most people probably say this to another person as a way of paying them a compliment or acknowledging the blessings of his/her faithfulness. But we really need to be careful what we say… even with the best of intentions. What makes the prayers of certain people seem more effective is a result of their level of faith and trust in God. In truth, their prayers are not heard more often than ours… ahead of ours… or instead of ours! But their trust in God to answer may trump ours any day of the week.
People who go to church every Sunday, sing in the choir, serve in leadership roles in the church, or do mission work do not have their prayers answered - or live a problem-free life - because of their actions. Your heart… and your faith… are what matters. The most powerful, faithful, devoted servant of God may be a little old lady in the nursing home who trusts God to meet her needs and prays daily – and faithfully – for the needs of others. The soldier stationed in a foreign country who trusts God for safety and “daily bread” – in the trenches and for his/her family back at home – may receive more of God’s blessings than the deacon or church leader who is always in “high profile” for his/her latest projects, missions, or acts of service. Some of the people you consider to be “strong Christians” may actually have fairly weak faith behind their public persona.
What makes a Christian strong, confident, able and blessed is a matter of faith, not specific actions or mere talk. We can say all the right things… work in the church and serve in our community… be a “good person” and a friend to everyone we encounter… and still not operate in faith. Until we develop a deep, abiding faith in God… until we trust Him completely and operate from this foundation rather than the expectations and standards of the world… we will never truly experience all that God has for us.
Do not misunderstand me. Service is important… Jesus commanded us to love one another and to serve in His name. Corporate worship is important… we are called to fellowship with others – to come together to praise God and study His word. A positive attitude and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others is mandated by scripture. But all of these are fueled by a genuine faith in our Heavenly Father. Without a true faith in the promises of God, much of what we say and do is merely “lip service” to make us look good and feel better.
We cannot know for certain what is in another person’s heart… and we are not to judge anyway. We must cultivate our own relationship with God based entirely in faith that He will meet our every need, according to His will. We must trust Him to make us strong and well… and to always “take our calls.” People are watching… and they may see what appears to be a faith-filled Christian with a “direct line” to God. But God knows our hearts. He knows whether we are merely “religious” or truly operating in faith and trust. He hears our prayers… and more importantly, the intention behind them. What are your intentions… are you operating in faith, or merely “talking religion?”
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trust. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for October 10, 2011
John 12:24-26
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I tell you for certain that a grain of wheat that falls on the ground will never be more than one grain unless it dies. But if it dies, it will produce lots of wheat. If you love your life, you will lose it. If you give it up in this world, you will be given eternal life. If you serve me, you must go with me. My servants will be with me wherever I am. If you serve me, my Father will honor you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I was cleaning my desk this morning (those of you who know me can start laughing now), and I came across a note I had made that said, “Sidewalk Prophets – The Words I Would Say.” I Googled the phrase and found the YouTube video for this song. I had heard it on Christian radio one day and noted the names of the song and artist. This morning, I listened to it again and bookmarked it for future listening.
I had already found my scripture passage for today… the words practically leapt off the page at me. The message I received loud and clear is that life will not be easy or pleasant for us every single day just because we invite Jesus to be LORD of our life. If everything were hunky-dory every day, most of us would decide we really didn’t need a Savior, wouldn’t we?!
In order to truly prove to God that we are with Him 100%, we have to endure some bumps in the road… set our own personal agendas aside… and follow Him completely. We may have to work at a job we don’t particularly enjoy. We may have to get up at 3:00 a.m. with a sick baby or miss a party because our mom or grandma needs our help. We may have to tell our friends, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come with you,” as they get in a car and head for the liquor store and an all-nighter. We may have to speak up and share our disapproval to the person who makes unkind comments toward someone of another ethnicity, religious belief or lifestyle choice that differs from his/hers.
Recently I made the comment that I have had to do things in the past that did not make me happy… but they were the right thing to do – and I know God was guiding my steps. We don’t always get to have things our way, particularly if we are genuine Disciples of Christ. But the rewards and blessings far outweigh any momentary unhappiness we might encounter.
I encourage you to click on the video at the end of this post and listen to “The Words I Would Say.” If you don’t care to listen, take a look at the lyrics I’ve provided. Let Jesus speak to you through them today. Hear Him tell you to be strong in Him… never give up hope… don’t live life in fear and don’t forget why you are here! God’s got His hand on you… come find peace in the Father.
©2011 Debbie Robus
- The Words I Would Say
©2009 Sidewalk Prophets – These Simple Truths
http://www.sidewalkprophets.com/
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
Daily Devotional for April 20, 2011
Luke 9:62
Jesus answered, "Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn't worth a thing to God's kingdom!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother has the staff at her assisted living facility jumping through hoops to help her “make a garden.” For as long as I can remember, my grandmother has had a garden of some sort every year. When I was a child, she and my grandfather grew nearly everything they ate. Each late winter/early spring, they would get out the little wheel plow and make the rows in their garden for the various vegetables. For the deeper furrows, my Pap-pa would hitch a mule to the plow and make his rows.
Like many good farmers I knew through the years, my grandparents’ rows were always neat and orderly, and incredibly straight. Oh, they tried to teach me and my siblings to plow the rows, but ours were never straight enough, and our attention span was probably not long enough… and we most likely looked back while plowing! I can still hear my grandmother fussing about those rows… and she told me just last week that she had chastised the maintenance guy at her senior residence because “he didn’t dig his trenches deep enough.”
What does this mean in the end? What does it really hurt? Maybe not much… but then again, maybe it hurts a lot. In a relatively square garden patch, one crooked row leads to another… and another… and ultimately, besides crooked rows, you could end up without enough space for everything you wanted or needed to grow. Also, crooked rows speak to the orderliness of the gardener. And serious gardeners like my grandmother take their planting personally… and feel any flaws reflect directly on their character!
In the context of our spiritual life, Jesus is saying that we have to leave the past in the past. We can’t be continually looking back at what we did or worrying about what we didn’t finish or fix. We have to be willing to say, “Jesus has called me to serve Him now… those things no longer matter. He is more important!”
So when people say, “I’ll give my heart to Jesus tomorrow… just let me have one more wild night,” this passage is for them. When someone says, “Lightning will strike if I darken the doors of the church sanctuary,” this passage says, “That’s not true.” When people tell you, I’ve got to get my life in better order before I can serve others,” that’s stinkin’ thinkin’! I remember very clearly believing that I could not attend a Walk to Emmaus until I had resolved some “issues” in my own heart first. I thought I had to fix myself before I could allow God to work… and nothing could be further from the truth!
God wants us right where we are… now… today… this minute! He wants us to say, “I want so badly to be in Your will and serving You with every fiber of my being that I am willing to drop everything and start immediately.” He doesn’t want us to hesitate… to even look back and wave “Good-bye” to our sinful past. He just wants us to move forward, plowing the straightest, neatest row of Christian faith and trust that we possibly can. He will give us the seeds to plant. He will fertilize and nurture our “garden” and handle the harvest. All we have to do is put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.
I am so bad about hesitating. I am clearly one of those who wants to “tie up loose ends” first. I have a terribly hard time “letting go and letting God” sometimes… don’t you? But we can change! We can do better. We must learn to operate in faith and stop looking backward. Our spiritual “garden” depends on it!
During the Walk to Emmaus… we say to those who attend, “Christ is counting on you.” They reply, “And I am counting on Christ.” Are you counting on Christ today? Or are you looking backward, procrastinating, and trying to fix things yourself? Isn’t it time you started plowing forward? Can Christ count on you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus answered, "Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn't worth a thing to God's kingdom!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother has the staff at her assisted living facility jumping through hoops to help her “make a garden.” For as long as I can remember, my grandmother has had a garden of some sort every year. When I was a child, she and my grandfather grew nearly everything they ate. Each late winter/early spring, they would get out the little wheel plow and make the rows in their garden for the various vegetables. For the deeper furrows, my Pap-pa would hitch a mule to the plow and make his rows.
Like many good farmers I knew through the years, my grandparents’ rows were always neat and orderly, and incredibly straight. Oh, they tried to teach me and my siblings to plow the rows, but ours were never straight enough, and our attention span was probably not long enough… and we most likely looked back while plowing! I can still hear my grandmother fussing about those rows… and she told me just last week that she had chastised the maintenance guy at her senior residence because “he didn’t dig his trenches deep enough.”
What does this mean in the end? What does it really hurt? Maybe not much… but then again, maybe it hurts a lot. In a relatively square garden patch, one crooked row leads to another… and another… and ultimately, besides crooked rows, you could end up without enough space for everything you wanted or needed to grow. Also, crooked rows speak to the orderliness of the gardener. And serious gardeners like my grandmother take their planting personally… and feel any flaws reflect directly on their character!
In the context of our spiritual life, Jesus is saying that we have to leave the past in the past. We can’t be continually looking back at what we did or worrying about what we didn’t finish or fix. We have to be willing to say, “Jesus has called me to serve Him now… those things no longer matter. He is more important!”
So when people say, “I’ll give my heart to Jesus tomorrow… just let me have one more wild night,” this passage is for them. When someone says, “Lightning will strike if I darken the doors of the church sanctuary,” this passage says, “That’s not true.” When people tell you, I’ve got to get my life in better order before I can serve others,” that’s stinkin’ thinkin’! I remember very clearly believing that I could not attend a Walk to Emmaus until I had resolved some “issues” in my own heart first. I thought I had to fix myself before I could allow God to work… and nothing could be further from the truth!
God wants us right where we are… now… today… this minute! He wants us to say, “I want so badly to be in Your will and serving You with every fiber of my being that I am willing to drop everything and start immediately.” He doesn’t want us to hesitate… to even look back and wave “Good-bye” to our sinful past. He just wants us to move forward, plowing the straightest, neatest row of Christian faith and trust that we possibly can. He will give us the seeds to plant. He will fertilize and nurture our “garden” and handle the harvest. All we have to do is put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward.
I am so bad about hesitating. I am clearly one of those who wants to “tie up loose ends” first. I have a terribly hard time “letting go and letting God” sometimes… don’t you? But we can change! We can do better. We must learn to operate in faith and stop looking backward. Our spiritual “garden” depends on it!
During the Walk to Emmaus… we say to those who attend, “Christ is counting on you.” They reply, “And I am counting on Christ.” Are you counting on Christ today? Or are you looking backward, procrastinating, and trying to fix things yourself? Isn’t it time you started plowing forward? Can Christ count on you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2011
Psalm 62: 11-12
God said this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God." Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
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.
Have you ever been disappointed by someone? Maybe they promised to do something with you and then didn’t show up… or maybe someone said, “I’ll buy that from you,” and then never paid you the money. And maybe you have said, “Never again will I trust So-and-So,” and the next thing you knew, you were hoodwinked again. Maybe he/she played on your sympathies… or maybe they tricked you into doing something… or maybe you just wanted to believe this person might have actually changed, only to find that everything really was the same.
If you have escaped being duped by someone else… good for you! Maybe everyone in your life has always shown up on time, made good on promises, and kept commitments. Maybe all of your loans have always been repaid, and you’ve led a charmed life.
One thing is for certain… God will always make good on His promises. He always “pays a fair wage for a good day’s work,” even though I’m afraid we don’t do the same for Him. In ways great and small, we are unreliable, undependable, and untrustworthy with our Heavenly Father. Yet He strengthens us and gives us hope and courage for whatever we face. He loves us, even though we are incredibly unlovely! God’s love, grace and mercy last, yet we tend to be as fickle as the spores on a dandelion… here one second and blowing in the wind the next!
If you go back and read the first two verses of this Psalm again, you will see that it says, “God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says.” We grow so impatient… our faith and trust is so momentary. If God doesn’t answer us like we want… right away… we dismiss Him. We offer more patience to untrustworthy friends and acquaintances than we do our Heavenly Father! It’s time we realized Who really loves us. It’s time we gave our attention and devotion to The One who gives us our real strength! Who do you love? Where are you seeking strength… are you looking in the right direction?
©2011 Debbie Robus
God said this once and for all; how many times have I heard it repeated? "Strength comes straight from God." Love to you, Lord God! You pay a fair wage for a good day's work!
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.
Have you ever been disappointed by someone? Maybe they promised to do something with you and then didn’t show up… or maybe someone said, “I’ll buy that from you,” and then never paid you the money. And maybe you have said, “Never again will I trust So-and-So,” and the next thing you knew, you were hoodwinked again. Maybe he/she played on your sympathies… or maybe they tricked you into doing something… or maybe you just wanted to believe this person might have actually changed, only to find that everything really was the same.
If you have escaped being duped by someone else… good for you! Maybe everyone in your life has always shown up on time, made good on promises, and kept commitments. Maybe all of your loans have always been repaid, and you’ve led a charmed life.
One thing is for certain… God will always make good on His promises. He always “pays a fair wage for a good day’s work,” even though I’m afraid we don’t do the same for Him. In ways great and small, we are unreliable, undependable, and untrustworthy with our Heavenly Father. Yet He strengthens us and gives us hope and courage for whatever we face. He loves us, even though we are incredibly unlovely! God’s love, grace and mercy last, yet we tend to be as fickle as the spores on a dandelion… here one second and blowing in the wind the next!
If you go back and read the first two verses of this Psalm again, you will see that it says, “God, the one and only – I’ll wait as long as He says.” We grow so impatient… our faith and trust is so momentary. If God doesn’t answer us like we want… right away… we dismiss Him. We offer more patience to untrustworthy friends and acquaintances than we do our Heavenly Father! It’s time we realized Who really loves us. It’s time we gave our attention and devotion to The One who gives us our real strength! Who do you love? Where are you seeking strength… are you looking in the right direction?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 25, 2011
Psalm 62:8
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.
Have you ever told someone something in confidence, and practically before you could turn around, that person told another? Maybe it wasn’t even something all that big or private… but you had trusted this person to be your “personal sounding board,” and he/she had blabbed to someone else. Sometimes you may feel like there is no one on this earth whom you can trust. I don’t think this is quite right, but there are probably fewer trustworthy people in your “circle” than you think. And it only takes getting “burned” once to feel disheartened.
Additionally, many do not realize that things posted on social networks (even in private) and sent via e-mail are subject to being broadcast for the world to see. I have received countless forwarded e-mail messages that were sent to someone else who felt it was his/her obligation and/or privilege to share that information with me. And maybe this was done in total innocence – commenting on top of a message from someone else and not realizing their words were included. But we need to be careful about our sharing of information that was not intended for others. The Internet is wonderful… but often it is anything but secure or private.
Having said this… there IS a totally secure Source! We can share our innermost thoughts and feelings – our deepest, darkest secrets, hurts, fears, ideas, and more… with Almighty God. He will never blab. He will never share our information via e-mail or post it on some website or social network. He will never judge us or condemn us… even when we question His work and will.
For years, I thought it was absolutely sinful to question God … about ANYTHING. Then I read in Exodus 32:12-14 where Moses did just that… he asked God (paraphrased), “Are you sure you want to do this to your people?” And God changed his mind!
I’m not saying that God will change His mind when we question Him… or that He will like everything we say to Him. But He IS our rock and our salvation… our hope and our refuge… and we can trust Him at all times. Who are you sharing your heart with these days? God really wants to be the major portion of your “inner circle.” Have you included Him in yours?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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.
Have you ever told someone something in confidence, and practically before you could turn around, that person told another? Maybe it wasn’t even something all that big or private… but you had trusted this person to be your “personal sounding board,” and he/she had blabbed to someone else. Sometimes you may feel like there is no one on this earth whom you can trust. I don’t think this is quite right, but there are probably fewer trustworthy people in your “circle” than you think. And it only takes getting “burned” once to feel disheartened.
Additionally, many do not realize that things posted on social networks (even in private) and sent via e-mail are subject to being broadcast for the world to see. I have received countless forwarded e-mail messages that were sent to someone else who felt it was his/her obligation and/or privilege to share that information with me. And maybe this was done in total innocence – commenting on top of a message from someone else and not realizing their words were included. But we need to be careful about our sharing of information that was not intended for others. The Internet is wonderful… but often it is anything but secure or private.
Having said this… there IS a totally secure Source! We can share our innermost thoughts and feelings – our deepest, darkest secrets, hurts, fears, ideas, and more… with Almighty God. He will never blab. He will never share our information via e-mail or post it on some website or social network. He will never judge us or condemn us… even when we question His work and will.
For years, I thought it was absolutely sinful to question God … about ANYTHING. Then I read in Exodus 32:12-14 where Moses did just that… he asked God (paraphrased), “Are you sure you want to do this to your people?” And God changed his mind!
I’m not saying that God will change His mind when we question Him… or that He will like everything we say to Him. But He IS our rock and our salvation… our hope and our refuge… and we can trust Him at all times. Who are you sharing your heart with these days? God really wants to be the major portion of your “inner circle.” Have you included Him in yours?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 15, 2011
Matthew 11:29-30
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. For some, I’m sure this is a great relief. Not everyone enjoys Valentine’s Day. Movies have been made about it… there are “I Hate Valentine’s” parties, and more. I’ll admit, Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday… and not because I have no one with whom to share it.
As a teenager, I remember the contrast of how it felt to have a special someone to give you a Valentine’s gift – and how it felt when others got them and you didn’t have anyone. When my grandfather died… and again when my father-in-law passed… I felt badly on Valentine’s Day for my grandmother and mother-in-law. My grandfather was not one to send cards, candy and such, but he had his way of showing love for his Valentine. My father-in-law was the card and candy type of guy, and I am sure my mother-in-law received both on many Valentine’s Days.
The year before my dad died, he was very sick and unable to shop for anything for my mom. But he wanted to remember his Valentine. He asked me to “get something for Momma” for Valentine’s Day. I don’t remember everything I got her, but I do remember a book I found that contained copies of love letters that famous people had written throughout history. My mother is a writer and a lover of old books and history. This was perfect for her. I showed it to my dad, and he approved. It’s probably not something he would have chosen if he had done the shopping, but the whole idea was more about the gesture than the gift itself at this point.
You may be thinking, “This devo is really sad,” and in some ways, it is. But I’m telling you all of this to make a point. Not everyone has a “significant other” or even a grandma or great-aunt or uncle or friend to share a Valentine gift with them. But we all have Someone who loves us more than we can imagine, and HE can comfort us even on our saddest, loneliest day. Jesus was the Ultimate Valentine. He died on the cross for us long before we were ever even born… and He loves us more than anyone else ever can or will.
When we are lonely… when we have nobody on Valentine’s Day, the day after, or any other day… we still have Jesus, and nobody else truly matters. Jesus is more than enough. His yoke – what He asks of us – is easy compared to everything else. He will carry our burdens, sorrows and sadness. He will give us peace and joy in return. There may be a bump in the road once in awhile… and Valentine’s Day may still be a groaner for some… but with Jesus, everybody gets a Valentine… the very best One of all.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 31, 2010
Job 8:11-13
Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, and if the water dries up, they die sooner than grass. Such is the hopeless future of all who turn from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever picked a flower or a leaf out in the yard, brought it inside, and forgotten about it for a few hours? Most likely when you found it again, it had withered, shriveled, and begun to dry up and die. Had you put the flower or leaf in water right away, it might still be beautiful and healthy … filled out and flourishing. And maybe, if you were fortunate, you could revive the withered flower or leaf by giving it a big dose of sustenance in the form of water – and possibly other plant nutrients.
It’s amazing how quickly we begin to wither, fade and falter when we step away from God’s Living Waters. When we turn our backs on Him and decide we know more about how to run our lives than He does, we start having problems very quickly. And pretty soon, we are like the flower and leaf – or the papyrus reeds in a swamp that has gone dry… we are weak and dried up - done in, hopeless and helpless.
The good news for us is that we can rejuvenate and restore ourselves by returning to right relationship with God. He stands ready to revive us with His Living Water… to give us His sustenance and nutrients in the form of His Holy Word. Communication with God through prayer, Bible study, and spending time with His disciples will soon have us nourished, healthy, and standing tall and sturdy in the winds of life.
Where are you these days? Are you withering like a flower or leaf left on the kitchen counter? Or are you thriving and healthy, enjoying the joys of a life that is filled with the light of our Heavenly Father? Are you serving the One who gives us daily sustenance that feeds our body and our soul? Or have you stepped out of the Water? The choice is ours… and the solution is an easy one. Where are you standing today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, and if the water dries up, they die sooner than grass. Such is the hopeless future of all who turn from God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever picked a flower or a leaf out in the yard, brought it inside, and forgotten about it for a few hours? Most likely when you found it again, it had withered, shriveled, and begun to dry up and die. Had you put the flower or leaf in water right away, it might still be beautiful and healthy … filled out and flourishing. And maybe, if you were fortunate, you could revive the withered flower or leaf by giving it a big dose of sustenance in the form of water – and possibly other plant nutrients.
It’s amazing how quickly we begin to wither, fade and falter when we step away from God’s Living Waters. When we turn our backs on Him and decide we know more about how to run our lives than He does, we start having problems very quickly. And pretty soon, we are like the flower and leaf – or the papyrus reeds in a swamp that has gone dry… we are weak and dried up - done in, hopeless and helpless.
The good news for us is that we can rejuvenate and restore ourselves by returning to right relationship with God. He stands ready to revive us with His Living Water… to give us His sustenance and nutrients in the form of His Holy Word. Communication with God through prayer, Bible study, and spending time with His disciples will soon have us nourished, healthy, and standing tall and sturdy in the winds of life.
Where are you these days? Are you withering like a flower or leaf left on the kitchen counter? Or are you thriving and healthy, enjoying the joys of a life that is filled with the light of our Heavenly Father? Are you serving the One who gives us daily sustenance that feeds our body and our soul? Or have you stepped out of the Water? The choice is ours… and the solution is an easy one. Where are you standing today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2010
Proverbs 23:15-16
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.
I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.
God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.
It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!
This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.
I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.
God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.
It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!
This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.
Daily Devotional for October 27, 2010
Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been watching episodes of CBS’s Undercover Boss. Inevitably, the “boss” will go undercover and be paired with an employee who has a job that is either incredibly hard, boring, physically or mentally challenging, or a combination of all of these. Yet the employee does the work with a smile, enthusiasm, and a great attitude.
More than once, the “boss” has discovered that this cheerful employee also had a lot to be unhappy or unpleasant about away from the job. As if his/her work wasn’t difficult enough, the employee had to go home to a child or spouse with an illness, a sub-standard living situation or several hungry children, or some other challenge. One 26-year-old motel clerk with a 10-year-old son said her mom kicked her out of the house the day she announced she was pregnant. The “boss” asked, “Where did you live?” She replied, “For quite a while, I lived in my car.”
Similar stories are prevalent on other television shows. And we wonder, “How do these people continue to live such lives of joy, enthusiasm, positive energy, and determination in the midst of these incredible odds?” Could it be that these folks have tapped into the power of Philippians 2:14-16?
Maybe these people have learned, like the Apostle Paul, to be content in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Maybe they have figured out that the worst day with Jesus is better than the best day without Him. Maybe they understand that we are called to serve Jesus Christ… to go into the world and share His message with others… to set the example for truly living in Him.
Every one of us has days when we don’t really want to get up and “do it all over again.” We all have times when there are things we would rather not do… like work, school, housekeeping, yard maintenance, and other chores. There are moments when life is boring at best, or downright drudgery. There are events we don’t want to attend, people we don’t want to be around, and choices we don’t want to have to make.
But in the life of a Christian, grumbling and arguing, complaining and misbehaving are really not part of the deal. If we want to truly make Jesus proud… if we honestly want to bring Him joy and honor His sacrifice… we must shine as lights among the other people in this world, as we hold firmly to His message of salvation and Eternal Life. Living this way isn’t easy, for sure. But the “stakes” are high – and the reward is great. And the more we begin to operate in joy and contentment - “no matter our circumstances”… the more we begin to focus on pleasing and serving Jesus, the easier it gets.
Isn’t it worth a shot? Don’t you want to honor Jesus and make Him proud? Are you willing to try? If Jesus is your “Undercover Boss”… are you working for Him with a smile and a “can-do” attitude?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been watching episodes of CBS’s Undercover Boss. Inevitably, the “boss” will go undercover and be paired with an employee who has a job that is either incredibly hard, boring, physically or mentally challenging, or a combination of all of these. Yet the employee does the work with a smile, enthusiasm, and a great attitude.
More than once, the “boss” has discovered that this cheerful employee also had a lot to be unhappy or unpleasant about away from the job. As if his/her work wasn’t difficult enough, the employee had to go home to a child or spouse with an illness, a sub-standard living situation or several hungry children, or some other challenge. One 26-year-old motel clerk with a 10-year-old son said her mom kicked her out of the house the day she announced she was pregnant. The “boss” asked, “Where did you live?” She replied, “For quite a while, I lived in my car.”
Similar stories are prevalent on other television shows. And we wonder, “How do these people continue to live such lives of joy, enthusiasm, positive energy, and determination in the midst of these incredible odds?” Could it be that these folks have tapped into the power of Philippians 2:14-16?
Maybe these people have learned, like the Apostle Paul, to be content in whatever circumstances they find themselves. Maybe they have figured out that the worst day with Jesus is better than the best day without Him. Maybe they understand that we are called to serve Jesus Christ… to go into the world and share His message with others… to set the example for truly living in Him.
Every one of us has days when we don’t really want to get up and “do it all over again.” We all have times when there are things we would rather not do… like work, school, housekeeping, yard maintenance, and other chores. There are moments when life is boring at best, or downright drudgery. There are events we don’t want to attend, people we don’t want to be around, and choices we don’t want to have to make.
But in the life of a Christian, grumbling and arguing, complaining and misbehaving are really not part of the deal. If we want to truly make Jesus proud… if we honestly want to bring Him joy and honor His sacrifice… we must shine as lights among the other people in this world, as we hold firmly to His message of salvation and Eternal Life. Living this way isn’t easy, for sure. But the “stakes” are high – and the reward is great. And the more we begin to operate in joy and contentment - “no matter our circumstances”… the more we begin to focus on pleasing and serving Jesus, the easier it gets.
Isn’t it worth a shot? Don’t you want to honor Jesus and make Him proud? Are you willing to try? If Jesus is your “Undercover Boss”… are you working for Him with a smile and a “can-do” attitude?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 19, 2010
Proverbs 4:13
Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If I have learned one thing in recent months, it’s that God is continually teaching us… and we’d better be paying attention! And most recently, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to my mind more than once as I struggled with some really tough decisions. In the King James Version, it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The teaching of these two verses alone can make all the difference in the world in our lives. These words truly can mean life for us. And there are many other examples of scriptural teaching that can give us life skills and wisdom that can make a huge difference.
At the end of a recent sermon, our pastor commented that “there’s a heartache on every pew this morning.” And he’s right. Each of us has struggles and challenges every single day. And while some are bigger than others, if they are ours, they seem pretty large, don’t they?!
This leads me back to our passage for today – a message that we are to hold firmly to the teaching of the Lord and never let it go. As I have faced some challenges the last few weeks, I have found that God has impressed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart and into my mind more than once. I am not often good at recalling scripture verses, but these were given to me with such clarity. I “remembered” every word… and I meditated on them and clung to their promise. And you know what? God has led me over many hurdles and through several decisions… and He has granted me peace and joy, even when some of the choices I had to make were difficult and/or unpleasant.
During a worship service, we sang, “Jesus conquered the grave.” I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit saying to me, “If I can conquer the grave, surely I can manage your needs. If I can conquer the grave, I can heal bodies, broken hearts, and downtrodden spirits. If I can conquer the grave, I can bring nations together and resolve conflicts.”
This is my teaching for the moment. My God is mighty to save, and He will meet all of my needs according to His will. This is the life-giving instruction I am clinging to for now. Maybe it is yours… or maybe God is showing you another set of scriptures - or speaking to you through prayer, an experience, a fellow believer, or some other format. Whatever teaching you are receiving, hold firmly to it and never let go. Recognize the life-giving essence of God’s instruction, and trust in His power to guide your steps perfectly.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If I have learned one thing in recent months, it’s that God is continually teaching us… and we’d better be paying attention! And most recently, Proverbs 3:5-6 has come to my mind more than once as I struggled with some really tough decisions. In the King James Version, it reads, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
The teaching of these two verses alone can make all the difference in the world in our lives. These words truly can mean life for us. And there are many other examples of scriptural teaching that can give us life skills and wisdom that can make a huge difference.
At the end of a recent sermon, our pastor commented that “there’s a heartache on every pew this morning.” And he’s right. Each of us has struggles and challenges every single day. And while some are bigger than others, if they are ours, they seem pretty large, don’t they?!
This leads me back to our passage for today – a message that we are to hold firmly to the teaching of the Lord and never let it go. As I have faced some challenges the last few weeks, I have found that God has impressed the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 on my heart and into my mind more than once. I am not often good at recalling scripture verses, but these were given to me with such clarity. I “remembered” every word… and I meditated on them and clung to their promise. And you know what? God has led me over many hurdles and through several decisions… and He has granted me peace and joy, even when some of the choices I had to make were difficult and/or unpleasant.
During a worship service, we sang, “Jesus conquered the grave.” I distinctly felt the Holy Spirit saying to me, “If I can conquer the grave, surely I can manage your needs. If I can conquer the grave, I can heal bodies, broken hearts, and downtrodden spirits. If I can conquer the grave, I can bring nations together and resolve conflicts.”
This is my teaching for the moment. My God is mighty to save, and He will meet all of my needs according to His will. This is the life-giving instruction I am clinging to for now. Maybe it is yours… or maybe God is showing you another set of scriptures - or speaking to you through prayer, an experience, a fellow believer, or some other format. Whatever teaching you are receiving, hold firmly to it and never let go. Recognize the life-giving essence of God’s instruction, and trust in His power to guide your steps perfectly.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 4, 2010
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.
I am so thankful for contemporary translation of the scriptures. When I learned scripture as a child from the King James version of the Bible, the Holy Spirit was referred to as the “Holy Ghost.” There was a cartoon show, “Casper the Friendly Ghost,” and I loved this character. Since this was my point of reference, the “Holy Ghost” in my mind was this wispy, ghost-like spirit that floated around and came in and out of our lives. We could “call on the Holy Ghost” and he would come to us. But I have to tell you, this seemed more scary than comforting. So quite honestly, I tended just to push any consideration of the Holy Ghost aside and not think about Him.
Through study of contemporary scripture translations … and in-depth Bible study in general … I came to understand the Holy Spirit and how God operates within us in this form. I realized that salvation through Jesus Christ is not the end … it’s the beginning! When we accept Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and rework us from the inside out.
The sad fact is that many Christians have never recognized the Holy Spirit within themselves. They have never tapped into His power. They have never felt His presence and understood the LIFE He brings to our daily walk as a Christian. If you truly recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, you can’t help but feel differently. And I believe that this will radiate from you. Others will notice a change – if only subtly – and you will feel differently about your relationship with God.
I accepted Jesus Christ when I was seven years old. I recognized the Holy Spirit in my heart when I was almost 40. For over thirty years, I knew God and trusted Him. I called on Him in prayer … usually when I needed something! I believed that God was in control, and I had faith that He would take care of me. But when I acknowledged the power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of me, everything changed. I realized I have a constant companion Who is blessing me and interceding for me with God throughout each day.
I now recognize that I have an active relationship with God, via the Holy Spirit. I always believed that I was not alone – that God was with me – but now I know it’s more than this. The Holy Spirit permeates my heart and soul and truly never leaves me. I can tap into His power any time I want or need. And because of this, I feel a love like I have never felt before – for God, for others, and for myself.
I realize that acknowledging the Holy Spirit may seem daunting – or even scary. I understand that we are sensory creatures who need something tangible to touch, see and hear. But I am telling you, the Holy Spirit is real. If you have accepted Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside you, waiting for you to open the door of your heart and unleash His power. Start with a simple invitation. Sit quietly by yourself and sincerely say, “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me.” Keep saying this until you begin to experience the release of your self and feel His presence. Make this day the day of new birth and a fresh beginning. Welcome the Holy Spirit, and keep Him close from this day forward.
©2010 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.
I am so thankful for contemporary translation of the scriptures. When I learned scripture as a child from the King James version of the Bible, the Holy Spirit was referred to as the “Holy Ghost.” There was a cartoon show, “Casper the Friendly Ghost,” and I loved this character. Since this was my point of reference, the “Holy Ghost” in my mind was this wispy, ghost-like spirit that floated around and came in and out of our lives. We could “call on the Holy Ghost” and he would come to us. But I have to tell you, this seemed more scary than comforting. So quite honestly, I tended just to push any consideration of the Holy Ghost aside and not think about Him.
Through study of contemporary scripture translations … and in-depth Bible study in general … I came to understand the Holy Spirit and how God operates within us in this form. I realized that salvation through Jesus Christ is not the end … it’s the beginning! When we accept Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts and rework us from the inside out.
The sad fact is that many Christians have never recognized the Holy Spirit within themselves. They have never tapped into His power. They have never felt His presence and understood the LIFE He brings to our daily walk as a Christian. If you truly recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, you can’t help but feel differently. And I believe that this will radiate from you. Others will notice a change – if only subtly – and you will feel differently about your relationship with God.
I accepted Jesus Christ when I was seven years old. I recognized the Holy Spirit in my heart when I was almost 40. For over thirty years, I knew God and trusted Him. I called on Him in prayer … usually when I needed something! I believed that God was in control, and I had faith that He would take care of me. But when I acknowledged the power of the Holy Spirit on the inside of me, everything changed. I realized I have a constant companion Who is blessing me and interceding for me with God throughout each day.
I now recognize that I have an active relationship with God, via the Holy Spirit. I always believed that I was not alone – that God was with me – but now I know it’s more than this. The Holy Spirit permeates my heart and soul and truly never leaves me. I can tap into His power any time I want or need. And because of this, I feel a love like I have never felt before – for God, for others, and for myself.
I realize that acknowledging the Holy Spirit may seem daunting – or even scary. I understand that we are sensory creatures who need something tangible to touch, see and hear. But I am telling you, the Holy Spirit is real. If you have accepted Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is living inside you, waiting for you to open the door of your heart and unleash His power. Start with a simple invitation. Sit quietly by yourself and sincerely say, “Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me.” Keep saying this until you begin to experience the release of your self and feel His presence. Make this day the day of new birth and a fresh beginning. Welcome the Holy Spirit, and keep Him close from this day forward.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 24, 2010
1 Samuel 17:3
The LORD has rescued me from the claws of lions and bears, and he will keep me safe from the hands of this Philistine. "All right," Saul answered, "go ahead and fight him. And I hope the LORD will help you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have been working on a project to organize our family photos in chronological order and digitize all of them. Daunting task? You bet! And there’s more… in looking back through all of the photos, we’ve experienced an incredible range of emotions … joy in seeing the pictures – especially the babies, kittens, puppies, children and other pets … laughter at hairstyles and what-were-we-thinking clothing options … and profound sorrow for the loss of loved ones, homes, and more. The “emotional rollercoaster ride” is something for which we weren’t prepared.
But there’s more. In looking back over decades of photos – ours and those of our parents – we realized just how much we have accomplished, endured, and overcome. We’ve had our share of “claws of lions and bears and hands of the Philistines!” But God has carried us through them. We’ve survived … grown … become much stronger … and the LORD has helped us indeed!
Sometimes it’s a good idea to stop and take inventory of where you have been and how far you have come … to see what God has done in your life and to recognize the amazing things you have been able to manage/accomplish/endure in His name. There will always be “Sauls” who will say, “prove it.” The good news is that with God guiding our steps, we can do just that!
Take some time to think over the events of your life and how God has cared for you, nurtured you, and blessed you along the way. Recognize the times He has saved you from “lions, bears and Philistines,” and acknowledge that He still has your back. Create an arsenal of examples to share with others that will encourage and bless them and serve as proof that the LORD does help each of us. And while you are at it, start to acknowledge the ways He helps you every day. Be humble and thankful, and trust Him always. The LORD is indeed our help – and it’s time we recognized Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD has rescued me from the claws of lions and bears, and he will keep me safe from the hands of this Philistine. "All right," Saul answered, "go ahead and fight him. And I hope the LORD will help you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have been working on a project to organize our family photos in chronological order and digitize all of them. Daunting task? You bet! And there’s more… in looking back through all of the photos, we’ve experienced an incredible range of emotions … joy in seeing the pictures – especially the babies, kittens, puppies, children and other pets … laughter at hairstyles and what-were-we-thinking clothing options … and profound sorrow for the loss of loved ones, homes, and more. The “emotional rollercoaster ride” is something for which we weren’t prepared.
But there’s more. In looking back over decades of photos – ours and those of our parents – we realized just how much we have accomplished, endured, and overcome. We’ve had our share of “claws of lions and bears and hands of the Philistines!” But God has carried us through them. We’ve survived … grown … become much stronger … and the LORD has helped us indeed!
Sometimes it’s a good idea to stop and take inventory of where you have been and how far you have come … to see what God has done in your life and to recognize the amazing things you have been able to manage/accomplish/endure in His name. There will always be “Sauls” who will say, “prove it.” The good news is that with God guiding our steps, we can do just that!
Take some time to think over the events of your life and how God has cared for you, nurtured you, and blessed you along the way. Recognize the times He has saved you from “lions, bears and Philistines,” and acknowledge that He still has your back. Create an arsenal of examples to share with others that will encourage and bless them and serve as proof that the LORD does help each of us. And while you are at it, start to acknowledge the ways He helps you every day. Be humble and thankful, and trust Him always. The LORD is indeed our help – and it’s time we recognized Him!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 23, 2010
Leviticus 26:13
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I am the LORD your God, and I rescued you from Egypt, so that you would never again be slaves. I have set you free; now walk with your heads held high.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I still remember January 20, 1981… when fifty-two hostages were released following 444 days of captivity in Iran. I can see them stepping off the plane… thin, shaken, but still holding their heads high. The hostages were captured at the American Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, by a group of Islamic students who were supporting the Iranian Revolution. You can Google more information about this, or go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_hostage_crisis.
Thankfully, most of us will never know the devastation, agony and horror of being held captive. We will never be enslaved and forced to do anything against our will. But many of us are slaves to sin. We are driven by the forces of such things as gluttony, greed, drugs, alcohol, money, and much more. We are slaves to social pressure. And far too many Christians walk around with their heads slung low, encumbered by burdens they shouldn’t be carrying but can’t seem to release.
If this describes you in any way, I encourage you to reflect on this passage from Leviticus. God has rescued us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. We do not have to be held hostage… we do not have to live in slavery. We are free to live as Christ’s chosen people… and if we stay on course with Him and in His will, we don’t have to worry or wonder about pleasing others or conforming to any confines of society. It’s time for us to walk off the plane, so to speak… holding our heads high… and say, “I am a child of God. He loves me as I am, and I am free in Him. I have been rescued from sin… and it feels great! I’ll never be a slave again because of Jesus!”
Where are you in this equation? Are you still a hostage… or have you been rescued? How proudly are you walking today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 9, 2010
Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No matter what you have experienced, I guarantee you the Apostle Paul endured worse. Yet he boldly acknowledged that Christ gave him strength to face anything. Don’t you believe that God will do the same for you? If you have studied Paul’s life, you know that he was not always so faithful. You know that once, he was an enemy of Jesus… and may have even been present at the crucifixion, known then as Saul.
I know some of you have endured incredible hardships and challenges. I know some of you face tremendous uncertainties, heartaches, and disappointments. But I also know that what God did for Saul/Paul, He will most certainly do for us. And we can all face anything if we put our trust in Jesus Christ.
Regardless of who you are or where you are in life… no matter what you are facing… God’s grace and strength are sufficient for each of us. Step out in faith and ask Him to guide you. Put Christ at the forefront of your thoughts, and focus on Him as you tackle any and all challenges… from the tiniest issue to those that seem insurmountable. See how well He cares for you… how He strengthens you each day. I hope we never have to endure the trials and tribulations that Paul faced. But I know that Christ Jesus will give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. Do you believe this?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2010
2 Kings 6:16
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Don't be afraid," Elisha answered. "There are more troops on our side than on theirs."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all been there… we’ve all had a time when we felt like “the deck was stacked against us.” The obstacles seemed too large… we couldn’t see how we could overcome such huge odds. But we learn in this passage that “there are more troops on our side than theirs.”
Still not convinced? Consider this… with God on our side, we don’t need large armies. We don’t need huge odds in our favor… we’ve already got the overwhelming “Majority Vote!” Once again, we underestimate our God! We fail to recognize that He can defeat any and all enemies… and He can do it single-handedly.
It’s time we recognized God’s power in our life. It’s time we started to humbly seek His will, then act courageously as He leads us. We’ve been meek, timid and fearful long enough. Now it’s time to act like God’s children… and to begin to really live for Him! Don’t be afraid… with God on our side, we have all the “troops” we need!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2010
July 6 ~ Isaiah 40:29-31
The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. Even young people get tired, then stumble and fall. But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 5, 2010
Psalm 37:28
The LORD loves justice, and he won't ever desert his faithful people. He always protects them, but destroys the children of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For my birthday, my mom gave me some really pretty note cards that feature the work of a Christian artist, Jack E. Dawson. I make mention of the fact that Dawson is a Christian because he incorporates a lot of references to his faith in his paintings. One set of cards is called “Reviewing the Troops,” and it features an image of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Superimposed on the wall are images of soldiers from various wars, a Vietnamese woman and baby, and George Washington atop a white horse in front of an American flag. It appears at first glance that Washington is “reviewing the troops.” Behind Washington are faint images of helicopters, and in the trees, the leaves create an image of Jesus, looking down on the entire scene.
The notes on the back of the cards say that in this picture, “it is the Lord who is truly ‘reviewing the troops.’ We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He is reviewing our lives. The ultimate question is, ‘Do I recognize and trust Him?’” And that is the question for us. Are we faithful and courageous? Do we recognize God and trust Him? When He “reviews the troops” – meaning us – is He pleased? The artist notes that the real key to his painting is the image of Jesus… and the implication of His review of us. We must be sure that we are faithful and just… and living in a way that is honorable. Are our lives worthy of His approval – and His protection? Are there areas where we need to make changes… and if so, shouldn’t we get busy doing so?
For more on the work of Jack E. Dawson, visit http://www.bittersweetgallery.com/.
©2010 Debbie Robus
The LORD loves justice, and he won't ever desert his faithful people. He always protects them, but destroys the children of the wicked.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For my birthday, my mom gave me some really pretty note cards that feature the work of a Christian artist, Jack E. Dawson. I make mention of the fact that Dawson is a Christian because he incorporates a lot of references to his faith in his paintings. One set of cards is called “Reviewing the Troops,” and it features an image of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Superimposed on the wall are images of soldiers from various wars, a Vietnamese woman and baby, and George Washington atop a white horse in front of an American flag. It appears at first glance that Washington is “reviewing the troops.” Behind Washington are faint images of helicopters, and in the trees, the leaves create an image of Jesus, looking down on the entire scene.
The notes on the back of the cards say that in this picture, “it is the Lord who is truly ‘reviewing the troops.’ We are to be counted as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. He is reviewing our lives. The ultimate question is, ‘Do I recognize and trust Him?’” And that is the question for us. Are we faithful and courageous? Do we recognize God and trust Him? When He “reviews the troops” – meaning us – is He pleased? The artist notes that the real key to his painting is the image of Jesus… and the implication of His review of us. We must be sure that we are faithful and just… and living in a way that is honorable. Are our lives worthy of His approval – and His protection? Are there areas where we need to make changes… and if so, shouldn’t we get busy doing so?
For more on the work of Jack E. Dawson, visit http://www.bittersweetgallery.com/.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 4, 2010
Psalm 37:3
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wonder if our forefathers read this passage when they were signing the Declaration of Independence! Before you start pointing fingers and saying, “But we’re not always safe, and this land is not always ours,” let’s take a closer look at this Psalm. If we go back to Verse 1, it says “Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don’t envy them.” When you put this together with Verse 3 and “trust the LORD and live right,” we get a bigger picture. Rather than get bogged down in our aggravation, we must strive to make changes, and we must begin by “taking the high road.”
Have you ever been in a situation where you were felt you were unwelcome – and perhaps intimidated to the point where you were maybe even a little afraid? Perhaps you were in a crowd or in an unfamiliar area of a large city, and you felt like you stuck out like a sore thumb to the “natives.” It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?! At that moment, we have to dig deep and trust God to keep us safe and tamp down our unsettled feelings.
I was shopping in Wal-Mart on Friday, and the place was a madhouse. Every check-out line was long and crowded… except for one self-check aisle. The register wasn’t closed or malfunctioning… but there were two somewhat scruffy looking men checking out there… and behind them were two tall, very dark black teenage boys. The boys were standing so far back in line that I honestly could not tell if they were in line behind the “scruffy” men or not. I assumed they were being polite and not crowding the man who was checking his groceries. But I did observe more than a couple of people cutting these boys a wide berth. They were looking at them as if to ask, “What are YOU doing here?” The boys were dressed nicely in almost head-to-toe Nike apparel. They were buying a swimsuit and some flip flops, and I saw people who appeared to be tourists in other lines glaring at them, in what I interpreted as, “Surely you are not going to swim in the lake we drove here to enjoy, are you?!” It was disgusting.
I touched the arm of one of the young men and asked, “Are you in line to check out?” He said he was, and I quickly moved in line behind him. The other boy needed help getting his debit card to work properly, and I offered some suggestions, since I was familiar with this register and know it is cantankerous on a good day. The young man was very grateful and thanked me profusely for helping him.
Over lunch, I told my husband about this, and I said, “Those boys could not have helped but feel the glares of others. They must think this is the most hateful place.” He replied something to the effect of… “Yes, but one nice lady helped them.” That took me aback… because I had not considered my actions anything but the right thing to do. Since when did this become just “our” land? Are we so unloving and sinful that we would make anyone feel unwelcome – much less frightened – in our community… particularly a young person? I was reminded all too poignantly that many in our own country still do not feel safe, or welcome. I pray that their faith is strong, and that they truly do trust in God to help them “take the high road” and live right, believing that God will do the rest.
Meanwhile, we must pray that, on this day of all days, people throughout our nation humble themselves before God and ask forgiveness for times when they have not recognized the equality of their fellow countrymen and women. We must ask God to help us all to be more embracing and less judgmental… and to celebrate the victory of our Declaration of Independence and the subsequent tenets of freedom on which this country was founded. In our Pledge of Allegiance, we vow to strive for “liberty and justice for all,” and that begins with something as seemingly insignificant as dropping the attitudes towards others in our local Wal-Mart.
I certainly don’t envy those who gave the ugly stares, and I’m working on overcoming my annoyance with them. But at the same time, I am praying that God works in their hearts to bring about change… and that He strengthens those who are mistreated, if only with unkind stares. We are so blessed… not only to live in America… but to be called God’s children. It’s time we honored Him and our country by behaving better. I can’t think of a more perfect day to start than this one. Happy Birthday, America… may God bless and strengthen you and your people… and may He always keep us safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wonder if our forefathers read this passage when they were signing the Declaration of Independence! Before you start pointing fingers and saying, “But we’re not always safe, and this land is not always ours,” let’s take a closer look at this Psalm. If we go back to Verse 1, it says “Don’t be annoyed by anyone who does wrong, and don’t envy them.” When you put this together with Verse 3 and “trust the LORD and live right,” we get a bigger picture. Rather than get bogged down in our aggravation, we must strive to make changes, and we must begin by “taking the high road.”
Have you ever been in a situation where you were felt you were unwelcome – and perhaps intimidated to the point where you were maybe even a little afraid? Perhaps you were in a crowd or in an unfamiliar area of a large city, and you felt like you stuck out like a sore thumb to the “natives.” It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?! At that moment, we have to dig deep and trust God to keep us safe and tamp down our unsettled feelings.
I was shopping in Wal-Mart on Friday, and the place was a madhouse. Every check-out line was long and crowded… except for one self-check aisle. The register wasn’t closed or malfunctioning… but there were two somewhat scruffy looking men checking out there… and behind them were two tall, very dark black teenage boys. The boys were standing so far back in line that I honestly could not tell if they were in line behind the “scruffy” men or not. I assumed they were being polite and not crowding the man who was checking his groceries. But I did observe more than a couple of people cutting these boys a wide berth. They were looking at them as if to ask, “What are YOU doing here?” The boys were dressed nicely in almost head-to-toe Nike apparel. They were buying a swimsuit and some flip flops, and I saw people who appeared to be tourists in other lines glaring at them, in what I interpreted as, “Surely you are not going to swim in the lake we drove here to enjoy, are you?!” It was disgusting.
I touched the arm of one of the young men and asked, “Are you in line to check out?” He said he was, and I quickly moved in line behind him. The other boy needed help getting his debit card to work properly, and I offered some suggestions, since I was familiar with this register and know it is cantankerous on a good day. The young man was very grateful and thanked me profusely for helping him.
Over lunch, I told my husband about this, and I said, “Those boys could not have helped but feel the glares of others. They must think this is the most hateful place.” He replied something to the effect of… “Yes, but one nice lady helped them.” That took me aback… because I had not considered my actions anything but the right thing to do. Since when did this become just “our” land? Are we so unloving and sinful that we would make anyone feel unwelcome – much less frightened – in our community… particularly a young person? I was reminded all too poignantly that many in our own country still do not feel safe, or welcome. I pray that their faith is strong, and that they truly do trust in God to help them “take the high road” and live right, believing that God will do the rest.
Meanwhile, we must pray that, on this day of all days, people throughout our nation humble themselves before God and ask forgiveness for times when they have not recognized the equality of their fellow countrymen and women. We must ask God to help us all to be more embracing and less judgmental… and to celebrate the victory of our Declaration of Independence and the subsequent tenets of freedom on which this country was founded. In our Pledge of Allegiance, we vow to strive for “liberty and justice for all,” and that begins with something as seemingly insignificant as dropping the attitudes towards others in our local Wal-Mart.
I certainly don’t envy those who gave the ugly stares, and I’m working on overcoming my annoyance with them. But at the same time, I am praying that God works in their hearts to bring about change… and that He strengthens those who are mistreated, if only with unkind stares. We are so blessed… not only to live in America… but to be called God’s children. It’s time we honored Him and our country by behaving better. I can’t think of a more perfect day to start than this one. Happy Birthday, America… may God bless and strengthen you and your people… and may He always keep us safe.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 3, 2010
Psalm 31:24
All who trust the LORD, be cheerful and strong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is life getting you down these days? Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes to keep going? Then you need to hear about Charlsie Baldridge Little, a woman who had plenty of reasons to give up and let life get her down. Mrs. Little died on June 30, at the age of 102. She was a single mother and a "career woman" long before either of those terms was commonly applied to women. On “Pearl Harbor Day” – December 7, 1941 - her husband James was helping fight a fire at the GEM theater in Heber Springs, when a wall collapsed. James was critically injured and died, leaving Charlsie with two young sons to rear alone. She was a school teacher, and her salary was only $100 a month.
Mrs. Little managed to save enough money from her meager salary to take the boys on summer vacations and to attend cultural events, such as operas and plays. Her son Jack tells of traveling by bus to Little Rock to hear his first opera at the Robinson Auditorium when he was a small boy. In the summers, Mrs. Little left her boys with their grandparents, while she attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained a Master’s Degree in education. She taught in schools throughout the state of Arkansas and ultimately became an elementary principal and college supervisor of teachers before she retired in 1973. But Mrs. Little did not retire from education completely. She helped to establish the Cleburne County Historical Society and served as the editor of its member publication. Later, she wrote a book, Upon this Rock, chronicling the history of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. For this she traveled to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia to gather information.
Throughout all of her life, Mrs. Little was pragmatic – always sensible and strong. She trusted God to see her through every trial and difficulty, and she met them head-on. Her daughter-in-law, Barbara, described her as “a force to be reckoned with” – and indeed, she was, in her matter-of-fact, no-nonsense manner. In recent years, she buried her son, Jim, who died suddenly of a heart attack, and after that, grandson Aaron, who had cancer. She endured the loss of brothers and other family members. And anyone who lives 102 years just sees a lot of challenges and hardships along the way. But Mrs. Little met them with dignity and courage, and she served as a tremendous influence and role model for countless people, particularly women. At her funeral, the pastor said, “Charlsie showed young women that they can have a career and be successful.” She also modeled strength and faith in God for each person she encountered.
Hardships and struggles are nothing new. Ours just seem worse because they are our own! But the God who met Charlsie Little’s needs is the same God who can carry our burdens and give us new joys. With God, all things are possible – even those that seem so very hard. Trust Him… be strong and of good cheer. Take a good look at faithful men and women like Charlsie Little, and be encouraged and inspired… and keep trying. At Mrs. Charlsie’s funeral, we sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” In the latter hymn, the chorus says in part, “Morning by morning new mercies I see… All I have needed Thy hand hath provided… Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.” This is a good “mantra” for all of us… all that we need God HAS provided… and his faithfulness toward us is indeed great.
©2010 Debbie Robus
All who trust the LORD, be cheerful and strong.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Is life getting you down these days? Do you feel like you don’t have what it takes to keep going? Then you need to hear about Charlsie Baldridge Little, a woman who had plenty of reasons to give up and let life get her down. Mrs. Little died on June 30, at the age of 102. She was a single mother and a "career woman" long before either of those terms was commonly applied to women. On “Pearl Harbor Day” – December 7, 1941 - her husband James was helping fight a fire at the GEM theater in Heber Springs, when a wall collapsed. James was critically injured and died, leaving Charlsie with two young sons to rear alone. She was a school teacher, and her salary was only $100 a month.
Mrs. Little managed to save enough money from her meager salary to take the boys on summer vacations and to attend cultural events, such as operas and plays. Her son Jack tells of traveling by bus to Little Rock to hear his first opera at the Robinson Auditorium when he was a small boy. In the summers, Mrs. Little left her boys with their grandparents, while she attended Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee, and obtained a Master’s Degree in education. She taught in schools throughout the state of Arkansas and ultimately became an elementary principal and college supervisor of teachers before she retired in 1973. But Mrs. Little did not retire from education completely. She helped to establish the Cleburne County Historical Society and served as the editor of its member publication. Later, she wrote a book, Upon this Rock, chronicling the history of the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs. For this she traveled to Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia to gather information.
Throughout all of her life, Mrs. Little was pragmatic – always sensible and strong. She trusted God to see her through every trial and difficulty, and she met them head-on. Her daughter-in-law, Barbara, described her as “a force to be reckoned with” – and indeed, she was, in her matter-of-fact, no-nonsense manner. In recent years, she buried her son, Jim, who died suddenly of a heart attack, and after that, grandson Aaron, who had cancer. She endured the loss of brothers and other family members. And anyone who lives 102 years just sees a lot of challenges and hardships along the way. But Mrs. Little met them with dignity and courage, and she served as a tremendous influence and role model for countless people, particularly women. At her funeral, the pastor said, “Charlsie showed young women that they can have a career and be successful.” She also modeled strength and faith in God for each person she encountered.
Hardships and struggles are nothing new. Ours just seem worse because they are our own! But the God who met Charlsie Little’s needs is the same God who can carry our burdens and give us new joys. With God, all things are possible – even those that seem so very hard. Trust Him… be strong and of good cheer. Take a good look at faithful men and women like Charlsie Little, and be encouraged and inspired… and keep trying. At Mrs. Charlsie’s funeral, we sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” In the latter hymn, the chorus says in part, “Morning by morning new mercies I see… All I have needed Thy hand hath provided… Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.” This is a good “mantra” for all of us… all that we need God HAS provided… and his faithfulness toward us is indeed great.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 2, 2010
Psalm 27:7-10; 14
Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer. My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, so don’t hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don’t reject or desert me. Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me.
Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew Timothy has started covering his eyes with his hands and then pulling them away – a version of “Where’s Timmy?” that we started with blankets and cloth diapers several months ago. When he removes his little fists, he just laughs and growls and is quite proud of himself. This is partly because of the fun of the game itself… and partly because he is certain we will still be sitting right there with him when he moves his hands. We are not hiding from him, and we would never desert him. Even at almost fourteen months, this baby has learned a lot about trust… and the peace it brings.
When it comes to our faith in God, we could take a page from the book of a small child. We aggravate, frustrate, and anger God all day long… yet we still expect Him to be right there when we call on Him. And because of His grace and mercy, that’s exactly where we find God… waiting for us, ready to help and never deserting us.
Knowing how much God loves us… and how faithful He is to us… why do we doubt? Why do we test His limits and question His motives – and His timing? Don’t we get it? Don’t we know by now that God will take care of us even when it seems like everyone else has left the building? Our hearts do indeed tell us to pray, because this is the right thing to do. But there is more… we have to believe! We have to trust that God will hear our prayers – and answer. How brave and strong are you today? How much peace is in your heart? Are you trusting the Lord to take care of you? Shouldn’t you be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Please listen when I pray! Have pity. Answer my prayer. My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see your face, so don’t hide from me. I am your servant, and you have helped me. Don’t turn from me in anger. You alone keep me safe. Don’t reject or desert me. Even if my father and mother should desert me, you will take care of me.
Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our little nephew Timothy has started covering his eyes with his hands and then pulling them away – a version of “Where’s Timmy?” that we started with blankets and cloth diapers several months ago. When he removes his little fists, he just laughs and growls and is quite proud of himself. This is partly because of the fun of the game itself… and partly because he is certain we will still be sitting right there with him when he moves his hands. We are not hiding from him, and we would never desert him. Even at almost fourteen months, this baby has learned a lot about trust… and the peace it brings.
When it comes to our faith in God, we could take a page from the book of a small child. We aggravate, frustrate, and anger God all day long… yet we still expect Him to be right there when we call on Him. And because of His grace and mercy, that’s exactly where we find God… waiting for us, ready to help and never deserting us.
Knowing how much God loves us… and how faithful He is to us… why do we doubt? Why do we test His limits and question His motives – and His timing? Don’t we get it? Don’t we know by now that God will take care of us even when it seems like everyone else has left the building? Our hearts do indeed tell us to pray, because this is the right thing to do. But there is more… we have to believe! We have to trust that God will hear our prayers – and answer. How brave and strong are you today? How much peace is in your heart? Are you trusting the Lord to take care of you? Shouldn’t you be?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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