John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the
world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that
no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole
and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son
merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He
came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is
acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under
the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s
failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to
him.
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.
This morning, I read a harrowing
newspaper account of the confession from a man who abducted, sexually
assaulted, and murdered 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling on October 22,
1989, in a field near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The assailant recently
led authorities to the little boy’s remains, 27 years after the crime
was committed. I tried to put myself in the shoes of Jacob’s parents,
and I was moved to tears as I thought of them listening to this man’s
confession and picturing their little boy…frightened and alone as a
deranged man kidnapped and abused him, then put a gun to his head and
pulled the trigger.
Whether we are eleven or one hundred and
eleven, there will be things in life that happen to us that we cannot
control. I realize that parents - and adults who love children like
their own - cannot be with them 24/7. I understand that there will be
good AND bad things that will happen to those we love, and we won’t be
there to revel in the joys…or to protect them from dangers – and even
moments of fear and panic. If you let your mind dwell on these things,
it can become overwhelming.
Instead, I consider John 3:16-18, in
which we are promised that God loved the world so much that He allowed
HIS only Son to enter into it and be subjected to all sorts of
encounters and experiences…both incredibly good – and unimaginably bad.
But God never left Jesus. He was with Him through every single moment.
And the GOOD NEWS is that because of this, God never leaves us. He is
with us in the form of His Holy Spirit, now and forevermore.
Even
when you or I cannot be with our children (of any age), God is there.
When a loved one draws his/her last breath – and there is nothing we can
do about it – God is with them. God is with us for our highest
highs…and our lowest lows…and everything in between. He loves us SO
much that He was willing to sacrifice HIS son in order that this might
be the case. We must learn trust Him and live in His presence.
I
won’t pretend that this is an easy – or instant – “fix”…that once we
invite Jesus into our hearts, we are immediately able to surrender every
single thought, experience, and emotion to Him. And certainly, for a
child the age of Jacob Wetterling, it might be asking too much to hope
that He had the spiritual maturity to call on God in this instance. But
I have to believe that God did flood this child’s heart with a
supernatural calm and peace. I am confident that we are commissioned to
instill in others the faith and assurance that God loves us so much that
He is with us in every situation…and we must especially do this for our
children.
Many will ask, “If God loves us so much, why does He
allow suffering and the occurrence of horrific atrocities?” My honest
answer is that “I don’t know.” But I know that God does not do this to
be cruel…that He suffers with us in these things. I also know that God
rescues and redeems - and never wastes any experience.
In the
case of Jacob Wetterling, his mother became a national advocate for
missing children. And in 1994, a federal law, named after Jacob, was
enacted that requires all states to establish registries for sex
offenders. If we really begin to look at the big picture, we see how
God knits together all sorts of experiences for outcomes we couldn’t
even imagine…because of His incredible love for us.
The best gift
we will ever receive is salvation through Jesus Christ – and the
continual presence of His Holy Spirit. The best gift we can give
another person is a demonstration of this love and presence in action in
our own daily living. We must demonstrate that God is with us in each
circumstance…that He loves us SO much that He sent Jesus to take our
sins and show us how to fully live with faith and hope in His promises.
Have
you accepted God’s “love gift?” Do you live in His presence on a daily
basis? Don’t you want to? Are you ready to look for God in all
situations and trust Him to surround you with His power and peace? Will
this be the day that you get started?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label where is God when bad things happen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label where is God when bad things happen. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2016
James 1:12-15
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of ours welcomed a new grand-daughter into the world yesterday. This baby arrived early in the morning and was almost immediately whisked off to nearby Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she will undergo heart surgery within the next two days. Her parents have been aware for several months that this would happen. Still, this baby’s grandmother said that letting them take her away in an ambulance yesterday and was one of the hardest things she has ever witnessed.
I cannot explain in medical terms what is wrong with this baby’s heart. But I know that there is a hole…and some of the parts of the heart are not connected correctly. The medical team believes that all of this can be reversed in one surgery. This is probably a fairly routine procedure for them…but for us “regular folks,” it all sounds pretty daunting.
Additionally, this baby’s grandmother is just a few months out from a more-than-year-long battle with colon cancer. All indications are that she is cancer free, but what a journey she endured…surgeries, weekly chemo treatments, infections, and more! She is a walking miracle…and a testament to amazing faith in God – because hers never seemed to waver.
When troubles come in groups like this, we often tend to feel like we can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we wonder if God is punishing us. Many are tempted to walk away and say, “If God allows these things to happen to such faithful people, I don’t want any part of Him.” But oh, what a mistake this would be!
My family has experienced its own period of “faith testing” in recent months…and maybe yours has, also. I won’t even begin to diminish the pain and heartache that can come…the nagging frustrations and confusion that are possible. Sometimes there is that momentary thought…”Why bother to take care of myself…exercise and eat right…if I’m just going to have an accident or get cancer and die anyway?” We are tempted to curl up in a ball and let the world pass us by…or drown our sorrows in something – even if it’s ice cream!
But this would speak volumes about our Christian faith…or lack of it. We will all be faced with challenges…heartaches…devastating events that knock us to our knees. And God will be right there with us, whether we recognize Him or not. How well we lean into God and allow Him to shoulder the burdens will tell the tale of our faith.
When we pick ourselves up and keep going even on the days we don’t think we can – or we don’t feel up to it – God carries us. And I assure you, He blesses us in the process. It may be days/weeks/years later, but we will look back and see how He gave us everything we needed to get through this. God has done this for me and my family…and I know that He is doing this for the family of this newborn baby girl.
For a myriad of reasons, many people are blaming God for their troubles…wondering why they even try to serve and be faithful to Someone who allows these “tests” - and Satan’s temptations. And I would say to them – and to you – we cannot see how we are growing in strength and wisdom, courage and hope. We cannot fully comprehend how God is blessing us as we lean on Him and forge ahead. But we will someday…and it will all have been worth the effort. I believe this with all my heart…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God will bless you, if you don’t give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him.
Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others. We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends of ours welcomed a new grand-daughter into the world yesterday. This baby arrived early in the morning and was almost immediately whisked off to nearby Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she will undergo heart surgery within the next two days. Her parents have been aware for several months that this would happen. Still, this baby’s grandmother said that letting them take her away in an ambulance yesterday and was one of the hardest things she has ever witnessed.
I cannot explain in medical terms what is wrong with this baby’s heart. But I know that there is a hole…and some of the parts of the heart are not connected correctly. The medical team believes that all of this can be reversed in one surgery. This is probably a fairly routine procedure for them…but for us “regular folks,” it all sounds pretty daunting.
Additionally, this baby’s grandmother is just a few months out from a more-than-year-long battle with colon cancer. All indications are that she is cancer free, but what a journey she endured…surgeries, weekly chemo treatments, infections, and more! She is a walking miracle…and a testament to amazing faith in God – because hers never seemed to waver.
When troubles come in groups like this, we often tend to feel like we can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we wonder if God is punishing us. Many are tempted to walk away and say, “If God allows these things to happen to such faithful people, I don’t want any part of Him.” But oh, what a mistake this would be!
My family has experienced its own period of “faith testing” in recent months…and maybe yours has, also. I won’t even begin to diminish the pain and heartache that can come…the nagging frustrations and confusion that are possible. Sometimes there is that momentary thought…”Why bother to take care of myself…exercise and eat right…if I’m just going to have an accident or get cancer and die anyway?” We are tempted to curl up in a ball and let the world pass us by…or drown our sorrows in something – even if it’s ice cream!
But this would speak volumes about our Christian faith…or lack of it. We will all be faced with challenges…heartaches…devastating events that knock us to our knees. And God will be right there with us, whether we recognize Him or not. How well we lean into God and allow Him to shoulder the burdens will tell the tale of our faith.
When we pick ourselves up and keep going even on the days we don’t think we can – or we don’t feel up to it – God carries us. And I assure you, He blesses us in the process. It may be days/weeks/years later, but we will look back and see how He gave us everything we needed to get through this. God has done this for me and my family…and I know that He is doing this for the family of this newborn baby girl.
For a myriad of reasons, many people are blaming God for their troubles…wondering why they even try to serve and be faithful to Someone who allows these “tests” - and Satan’s temptations. And I would say to them – and to you – we cannot see how we are growing in strength and wisdom, courage and hope. We cannot fully comprehend how God is blessing us as we lean on Him and forge ahead. But we will someday…and it will all have been worth the effort. I believe this with all my heart…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 12, 2016
Romans 9:15-16
For God had said to Moses, “If I want to be kind to someone, I will. And I will take pity on anyone I want to.” And so God’s blessings are not given just because someone decides to have them or works hard to get them. They are given because God takes pity on those he wants to.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Because I said so!” If you are an adult of any age who has been around children, you’ve probably uttered this phrase! On some level, we all seem to understand this concept that grownups don’t always have to justify their decisions to youngsters. Sometimes, it is enough that the adult made the choice and subsequent pronouncement…and the child must accept and honor it.
So when we want to throw up our hands and ask God, “Why did you help Joe and not me? Why did that person live while my own loved one died? Why did you let Sue get by with ABC, while Mary was dragged through the mud for something far less significant? Why do I work so hard and scrimp and scrape to get by, while Tom and his family always seem to have more than enough and put forth very little effort?” Sometimes, the plain answer is, “Because I said so.”
Does God do this to be mean? Is He playing favorites? I don’t think so. We’ve all asked the proverbial question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”…and we’ve not always liked the answer. Sometimes, we simply just don’t get it…and we’re not supposed to. I will be honest…in the last six months, a lot of my good friends and precious loved ones have left this world for heaven. I’ve been tempted to ask God WHY He took them and left others…people who do have reached a point where they don’t even know that they are alive any longer…people who do not appear to contribute anything to the betterment of society or others in their midst…people who commit deranged and horrific acts of abuse and mistreatment toward people and animals alike. And if you are really honest, you’ve had these same thoughts. We know it is not our job to judge – or to pick and choose who lives and dies. But it is our human nature to wonder – at least silently – why these seeming “injustices” are allowed.
I try to tell myself that the reason God takes some who appear to be doing His work - and leaves others who seem to be taking up space, if not hurting others – is that He still sees potential for those in the latter group to be redeemed. Or maybe in the case of “saints” who have aged and declined to the point that they are merely existing…God speaks to others through their presence to accomplish certain plans.
But the bottom line is that it really doesn’t matter what we know about WHY God operates in this manner or that one. What matters is that we trust Him…that we acknowledge and accept that God is the Supreme Authority of perfect plans…and His choices to receive a hefty dose of grace and mercy are flawless. Additionally, consider that there might just be people who are wondering why WE receive His grace and mercy on occasion!
A big part of faith in Jesus depends on trust that His ways are not always clear to us…much less in alignment with our thoughts and desires. Just as young children do not understand why they cannot have a piece of candy – and the adult’s “because I said so” answer doesn’t satisfy – we are not ever going to fully understand all that God allows. But we must trust that He has a plan…that everything is working according to His purpose. Our job as Christian disciples is to keep putting one foot ahead of the other - and move forward to share His grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and promise of hope with others. Because God said so should be more than enough motivation for us to do this. Will it be enough for you today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
For God had said to Moses, “If I want to be kind to someone, I will. And I will take pity on anyone I want to.” And so God’s blessings are not given just because someone decides to have them or works hard to get them. They are given because God takes pity on those he wants to.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Because I said so!” If you are an adult of any age who has been around children, you’ve probably uttered this phrase! On some level, we all seem to understand this concept that grownups don’t always have to justify their decisions to youngsters. Sometimes, it is enough that the adult made the choice and subsequent pronouncement…and the child must accept and honor it.
So when we want to throw up our hands and ask God, “Why did you help Joe and not me? Why did that person live while my own loved one died? Why did you let Sue get by with ABC, while Mary was dragged through the mud for something far less significant? Why do I work so hard and scrimp and scrape to get by, while Tom and his family always seem to have more than enough and put forth very little effort?” Sometimes, the plain answer is, “Because I said so.”
Does God do this to be mean? Is He playing favorites? I don’t think so. We’ve all asked the proverbial question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”…and we’ve not always liked the answer. Sometimes, we simply just don’t get it…and we’re not supposed to. I will be honest…in the last six months, a lot of my good friends and precious loved ones have left this world for heaven. I’ve been tempted to ask God WHY He took them and left others…people who do have reached a point where they don’t even know that they are alive any longer…people who do not appear to contribute anything to the betterment of society or others in their midst…people who commit deranged and horrific acts of abuse and mistreatment toward people and animals alike. And if you are really honest, you’ve had these same thoughts. We know it is not our job to judge – or to pick and choose who lives and dies. But it is our human nature to wonder – at least silently – why these seeming “injustices” are allowed.
I try to tell myself that the reason God takes some who appear to be doing His work - and leaves others who seem to be taking up space, if not hurting others – is that He still sees potential for those in the latter group to be redeemed. Or maybe in the case of “saints” who have aged and declined to the point that they are merely existing…God speaks to others through their presence to accomplish certain plans.
But the bottom line is that it really doesn’t matter what we know about WHY God operates in this manner or that one. What matters is that we trust Him…that we acknowledge and accept that God is the Supreme Authority of perfect plans…and His choices to receive a hefty dose of grace and mercy are flawless. Additionally, consider that there might just be people who are wondering why WE receive His grace and mercy on occasion!
A big part of faith in Jesus depends on trust that His ways are not always clear to us…much less in alignment with our thoughts and desires. Just as young children do not understand why they cannot have a piece of candy – and the adult’s “because I said so” answer doesn’t satisfy – we are not ever going to fully understand all that God allows. But we must trust that He has a plan…that everything is working according to His purpose. Our job as Christian disciples is to keep putting one foot ahead of the other - and move forward to share His grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, acceptance, and promise of hope with others. Because God said so should be more than enough motivation for us to do this. Will it be enough for you today?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 1, 2016
Romans 15:30-33
Will you be my prayer partners? For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and because of your love for me—given to you by the Holy Spirit—pray much with me for my work. Pray that I will be protected in Jerusalem from those who are not Christians. Pray also that the Christians there will be willing to accept the money I am bringing them. Then I will be able to come to you with a happy heart by the will of God, and we can refresh each other.
And now may our God, who gives peace, be with you all. Amen.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Sometimes, “life” has a cumulative effect…and this last few months has been no exception. We’ve been left to ask “Why?” a million times with the unexpected passing of several loved ones and friends. And now, a senseless and horrific shooting in our little community has taken yet another friend, injured his wife, and traumatized three of his five grandchildren.
There is no “good” answer for why this happened. We trust that God has a plan…but still we grieve and mourn – and scripture supports these emotions. And when we can - as we can - we pray. I will tell you that there have been countless times – sometimes for days on end – when my prayers were jumbled at best. But there’s an answer for that in scripture, too. Romans 8:26 tells us…”And in the same way—by our faith — the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.”
A lot of the time these days, I truly don’t know what to pray for…I need direction, a renewed purpose, strength, peace, comfort – and wisdom to offer encouragement and hope to others. And there doesn’t seem to be an adequate way to express all of this to God. But here’s the really cool thing…He knows anyway! God knows what we need, and when we face times like this where our words seem so inadequate – or simply will not come together in a way that makes sense – the Holy Spirit advocates for us. And God gets the message!
So will you be my prayer partner today? Will you join me in asking God to meet our needs in any and all situations, from the simplest of days to those when the whole world seems to fall apart? Will you depend on the Holy Spirit to advocate for you when words won’t come…and convey your jumbled thoughts to God in a way that they make sense and express your deepest longings, heartaches and distress?
Will you trust God to understand your grief and frustration – and to orchestrate a way to manage all of this? Will you lay it all on the line and allow God to make some sense of it all? Do you trust Him to do this? Will you pray for others who are on a similar journey and recognize that in joining with them in “corporate prayer,” we flood heaven with a clamor so loud that it must ring in God’s ears?
I know that God hears the tiniest whisper…but He can’t help but take notice of the din of our corporate petitions. This day, let’s lay bare our hearts and souls before God. If words fail you, simply say, “I’m here, LORD…and I need you.” He will know what to do. Let’s ask God to meet our needs – and the ones of those around us – according to His will. And let’s trust that the Holy Spirit will fill in the details. I am looking for Christian friends and disciples today who join in this heavenly chorus. Will YOU be my prayer partner?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Will you be my prayer partners? For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and because of your love for me—given to you by the Holy Spirit—pray much with me for my work. Pray that I will be protected in Jerusalem from those who are not Christians. Pray also that the Christians there will be willing to accept the money I am bringing them. Then I will be able to come to you with a happy heart by the will of God, and we can refresh each other.
And now may our God, who gives peace, be with you all. Amen.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Sometimes, “life” has a cumulative effect…and this last few months has been no exception. We’ve been left to ask “Why?” a million times with the unexpected passing of several loved ones and friends. And now, a senseless and horrific shooting in our little community has taken yet another friend, injured his wife, and traumatized three of his five grandchildren.
There is no “good” answer for why this happened. We trust that God has a plan…but still we grieve and mourn – and scripture supports these emotions. And when we can - as we can - we pray. I will tell you that there have been countless times – sometimes for days on end – when my prayers were jumbled at best. But there’s an answer for that in scripture, too. Romans 8:26 tells us…”And in the same way—by our faith — the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words.”
A lot of the time these days, I truly don’t know what to pray for…I need direction, a renewed purpose, strength, peace, comfort – and wisdom to offer encouragement and hope to others. And there doesn’t seem to be an adequate way to express all of this to God. But here’s the really cool thing…He knows anyway! God knows what we need, and when we face times like this where our words seem so inadequate – or simply will not come together in a way that makes sense – the Holy Spirit advocates for us. And God gets the message!
So will you be my prayer partner today? Will you join me in asking God to meet our needs in any and all situations, from the simplest of days to those when the whole world seems to fall apart? Will you depend on the Holy Spirit to advocate for you when words won’t come…and convey your jumbled thoughts to God in a way that they make sense and express your deepest longings, heartaches and distress?
Will you trust God to understand your grief and frustration – and to orchestrate a way to manage all of this? Will you lay it all on the line and allow God to make some sense of it all? Do you trust Him to do this? Will you pray for others who are on a similar journey and recognize that in joining with them in “corporate prayer,” we flood heaven with a clamor so loud that it must ring in God’s ears?
I know that God hears the tiniest whisper…but He can’t help but take notice of the din of our corporate petitions. This day, let’s lay bare our hearts and souls before God. If words fail you, simply say, “I’m here, LORD…and I need you.” He will know what to do. Let’s ask God to meet our needs – and the ones of those around us – according to His will. And let’s trust that the Holy Spirit will fill in the details. I am looking for Christian friends and disciples today who join in this heavenly chorus. Will YOU be my prayer partner?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2016
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I find it no coincidence that just yesterday, Pastor Joel Osteen preached a televised sermon about embracing our suffering and struggles – and how “it’s all good.” He pointed out that many will ask, “How can suffering be good? How can job loss, illness, business and relationship failures and more be a good thing?” More importantly, how can God allow these things?
Osteen noted that God sees a far bigger picture than we do…that we cannot see what He might be sparing us from…or preparing us to handle through these challenges. He told the story of a man who did volunteer work at a hospital. As the man parked his car one day and started into the hospital, a car sped around a corner and hit him. He was rushed inside for treatment…and x-rays and scans revealed he had a very aggressive form of cancer that needed immediate treatment. Had the car not hit the man, this cancer might never have been discovered…and the man might not have received timely treatments that ultimately saved his life.
In my own life, I know that I didn’t receive a job I desperately wanted…and God gave me a whole new career instead. My mother’s beloved dog, Spot, died last January, the day before Mother had hand surgery that would have prevented her from caring for him properly – and only months before she was diagnosed with cancer that sapped her strength and ultimately took her life. I know that after my grandmother suffered the loss of her husband, God gave her a companion who was not yet a Christian…and she demonstrated her faith and led him to surrender his heart to Jesus just a few short months before he died.
I know that when we trust Jesus, He will use our “suffering” for good. It may be hard to see…and we may never fully understand why certain things happen – to us or to others. But I fully believe that God has a perfect plan and sees a bigger picture. And when we trust Him to “drive the car,” He meets our needs and fills us with confidence, comfort and peace.
This scripture passage says to embrace suffering…it doesn’t say we have to like it! There is a difference. When we embrace suffering, we are saying, “I trust you, God…bring it on!” I doubt that any of us are fully “there” yet…but we keep working toward this level of faith. I know that this is my goal…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I find it no coincidence that just yesterday, Pastor Joel Osteen preached a televised sermon about embracing our suffering and struggles – and how “it’s all good.” He pointed out that many will ask, “How can suffering be good? How can job loss, illness, business and relationship failures and more be a good thing?” More importantly, how can God allow these things?
Osteen noted that God sees a far bigger picture than we do…that we cannot see what He might be sparing us from…or preparing us to handle through these challenges. He told the story of a man who did volunteer work at a hospital. As the man parked his car one day and started into the hospital, a car sped around a corner and hit him. He was rushed inside for treatment…and x-rays and scans revealed he had a very aggressive form of cancer that needed immediate treatment. Had the car not hit the man, this cancer might never have been discovered…and the man might not have received timely treatments that ultimately saved his life.
In my own life, I know that I didn’t receive a job I desperately wanted…and God gave me a whole new career instead. My mother’s beloved dog, Spot, died last January, the day before Mother had hand surgery that would have prevented her from caring for him properly – and only months before she was diagnosed with cancer that sapped her strength and ultimately took her life. I know that after my grandmother suffered the loss of her husband, God gave her a companion who was not yet a Christian…and she demonstrated her faith and led him to surrender his heart to Jesus just a few short months before he died.
I know that when we trust Jesus, He will use our “suffering” for good. It may be hard to see…and we may never fully understand why certain things happen – to us or to others. But I fully believe that God has a perfect plan and sees a bigger picture. And when we trust Him to “drive the car,” He meets our needs and fills us with confidence, comfort and peace.
This scripture passage says to embrace suffering…it doesn’t say we have to like it! There is a difference. When we embrace suffering, we are saying, “I trust you, God…bring it on!” I doubt that any of us are fully “there” yet…but we keep working toward this level of faith. I know that this is my goal…what about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2016
Psalms 19:7-9
The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.
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.
There was an estate sale in a neighborhood near my mother-in-law’s recently, and she found a box of Christmas ornaments there that interested her. She excitedly held up an old-looking ceramic Santa ornament and said, “Look! It says 1925!” I turned it over, and on the bottom, it said, “Made in China.”
My mother-in-law is a savvy buyer at estate sales and flea markets…she has been “in the business” for years. But even the most astute dealer can get tripped up sometimes…caught up in the moment…hopeful that this “find” is a good one that will net big profits. But in flea market/estate sale finds, there are few sure things. We have a favorite auctioneer who announces at the beginning of his sales that attendees are buying “as is, where is - no guarantees.”
Aren’t you glad that it isn’t this way with God? We may not always like the direction in which He steers us…we may not agree with His decisions. But God’s plans are always perfect…accurate “down to the nth degree”…leading us down the right road on the path to joy.
I know a lot of people who are hurting today…people who are questioning God’s plans and paths – and understandably so! It doesn’t seem “right” that a 45-year-old father of children ages 10, 8, and 4 should be taken to heaven. It doesn’t seem fair that a “Poppy” to children about to hit major milestones in their lives isn’t here to see those…or that the father of a toddler and an infant has to spend a year serving our country in the Middle East while they take first steps, lose a tooth, and learn to talk and read. It seems inconceivable to accept the ravages of war…the atrocities of torture and evil…orphans…famines…floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters…and so much more that seems to run counter to the goodness and generosity of God.
This is where we really have to exercise our faith muscle. This is where we have to say, “I believe in the ‘lifetime guarantee’ of God Almighty. I believe that His decisions truly are accurate down to the nth degree. I may not understand it all…but I accept that His path is the one to real joy and peace – and a life everlasting.” There will be some “raw deals” in our lives…some “genuine reproductions”…and plenty of disappointments. But “the signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.”
The life-maps of God truly are right – and show us way to joy. It is our job to hold on…to continue to trust…and to pay attention to His directions. How are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.
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.
There was an estate sale in a neighborhood near my mother-in-law’s recently, and she found a box of Christmas ornaments there that interested her. She excitedly held up an old-looking ceramic Santa ornament and said, “Look! It says 1925!” I turned it over, and on the bottom, it said, “Made in China.”
My mother-in-law is a savvy buyer at estate sales and flea markets…she has been “in the business” for years. But even the most astute dealer can get tripped up sometimes…caught up in the moment…hopeful that this “find” is a good one that will net big profits. But in flea market/estate sale finds, there are few sure things. We have a favorite auctioneer who announces at the beginning of his sales that attendees are buying “as is, where is - no guarantees.”
Aren’t you glad that it isn’t this way with God? We may not always like the direction in which He steers us…we may not agree with His decisions. But God’s plans are always perfect…accurate “down to the nth degree”…leading us down the right road on the path to joy.
I know a lot of people who are hurting today…people who are questioning God’s plans and paths – and understandably so! It doesn’t seem “right” that a 45-year-old father of children ages 10, 8, and 4 should be taken to heaven. It doesn’t seem fair that a “Poppy” to children about to hit major milestones in their lives isn’t here to see those…or that the father of a toddler and an infant has to spend a year serving our country in the Middle East while they take first steps, lose a tooth, and learn to talk and read. It seems inconceivable to accept the ravages of war…the atrocities of torture and evil…orphans…famines…floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters…and so much more that seems to run counter to the goodness and generosity of God.
This is where we really have to exercise our faith muscle. This is where we have to say, “I believe in the ‘lifetime guarantee’ of God Almighty. I believe that His decisions truly are accurate down to the nth degree. I may not understand it all…but I accept that His path is the one to real joy and peace – and a life everlasting.” There will be some “raw deals” in our lives…some “genuine reproductions”…and plenty of disappointments. But “the signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.”
The life-maps of God truly are right – and show us way to joy. It is our job to hold on…to continue to trust…and to pay attention to His directions. How are you doing these days?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2015
John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Friends, this is shaping up to be some kind of week…and it’s only Wednesday! Monday, my husband’s brother and sister-in-law were seriously injured in a car crash that resulted in the death of the other driver. For the third day in a row, Greg’s brother will undergo more surgery to repair internal injuries. Hopefully today’s procedure will resolve everything. My mother, who is battling ovarian cancer, was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday. She is receiving antibiotic treatment, and we anticipate that she will recover quickly. Through all of this, we are praising God for His love and care…and marveling at how He is watching over us.
It would be easy to throw up our hands and ask, “Where have you gone, Lord? What could possibly happen next?” But instead, we find ourselves humbly thanking God for His unconditional love and protection. We know that He has not sent these maladies to punish us. But we believe that He is using them to say, “Draw closer to Me and let Me handle everything.” And He IS doing this!
As Greg’s brother left our local hospital in an ambulance on Monday, headed for a trauma center at a Little Rock medical facility, the family gathered in the Emergency Department waiting room, held hands, and prayed. We covered him in the blood of Jesus and called on God to protect all who would travel to be with him…the medical staff who would be responsible for his care…and those who would be anxiously awaiting information. And God is delivering all of this and more, minute-by-minute.
I would dare say that a thousand people or more are praying for my mother…bringing her before God daily - and asking for His perfect healing. I know that people are praying for each of us as family members and friends who support her in this journey. I feel God’s love and care each and every day – and it is powerful and profound.
As we draw near to Christmas Eve and the celebration of God’s amazing gift of Jesus, let’s remind ourselves how much He loves us. As we wrap gifts to put under the tree, think of the significance of God’s gift to us…His Only Son, who He knew we would disrespect and mistreat and ultimately try to destroy. The Good News is that we have been totally ineffective! Jesus is ALIVE! He continues to heal us and protect us from harm. He defeated death, so that even when our physical bodies are taken, we can continue to live with Him!
This is what fuels my family these days…the confidence that we belong to the Most High God – and nothing that is hurled our way can ultimately defeat us. It is with this assurance that we prayed for healing for my brother-in-law and his wife. It is with this determination that we believe that my mother and others who are battling cancer and other illnesses and injuries will be restored. It is with complete trust that we let God determine what forms these healings and restorations will take - knowing that He loves us enough to give us perfect outcomes.
God loves you more than you can ever imagine or understand. He wants you to love Him back with everything you have, regardless of how smoothly things are going in your life. In fact, when “the chips are down,” your demonstration of steadfast love means even more to Him! What are you showing Him this week? How are you displaying your love and commitment to God – in every situation and circumstance?
A whole and lasting life is at our fingertips. With God in control, we need not fear a single thing! Are you operating in the confidence of a mutual, loving relationship with God? Isn’t this the perfect week to stop and recommit your heart to Him and start walking in His daily assurances? What does God’s “Christmas Gift” mean for you? Won’t you spend some time finding out today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Friends, this is shaping up to be some kind of week…and it’s only Wednesday! Monday, my husband’s brother and sister-in-law were seriously injured in a car crash that resulted in the death of the other driver. For the third day in a row, Greg’s brother will undergo more surgery to repair internal injuries. Hopefully today’s procedure will resolve everything. My mother, who is battling ovarian cancer, was diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday. She is receiving antibiotic treatment, and we anticipate that she will recover quickly. Through all of this, we are praising God for His love and care…and marveling at how He is watching over us.
It would be easy to throw up our hands and ask, “Where have you gone, Lord? What could possibly happen next?” But instead, we find ourselves humbly thanking God for His unconditional love and protection. We know that He has not sent these maladies to punish us. But we believe that He is using them to say, “Draw closer to Me and let Me handle everything.” And He IS doing this!
As Greg’s brother left our local hospital in an ambulance on Monday, headed for a trauma center at a Little Rock medical facility, the family gathered in the Emergency Department waiting room, held hands, and prayed. We covered him in the blood of Jesus and called on God to protect all who would travel to be with him…the medical staff who would be responsible for his care…and those who would be anxiously awaiting information. And God is delivering all of this and more, minute-by-minute.
I would dare say that a thousand people or more are praying for my mother…bringing her before God daily - and asking for His perfect healing. I know that people are praying for each of us as family members and friends who support her in this journey. I feel God’s love and care each and every day – and it is powerful and profound.
As we draw near to Christmas Eve and the celebration of God’s amazing gift of Jesus, let’s remind ourselves how much He loves us. As we wrap gifts to put under the tree, think of the significance of God’s gift to us…His Only Son, who He knew we would disrespect and mistreat and ultimately try to destroy. The Good News is that we have been totally ineffective! Jesus is ALIVE! He continues to heal us and protect us from harm. He defeated death, so that even when our physical bodies are taken, we can continue to live with Him!
This is what fuels my family these days…the confidence that we belong to the Most High God – and nothing that is hurled our way can ultimately defeat us. It is with this assurance that we prayed for healing for my brother-in-law and his wife. It is with this determination that we believe that my mother and others who are battling cancer and other illnesses and injuries will be restored. It is with complete trust that we let God determine what forms these healings and restorations will take - knowing that He loves us enough to give us perfect outcomes.
God loves you more than you can ever imagine or understand. He wants you to love Him back with everything you have, regardless of how smoothly things are going in your life. In fact, when “the chips are down,” your demonstration of steadfast love means even more to Him! What are you showing Him this week? How are you displaying your love and commitment to God – in every situation and circumstance?
A whole and lasting life is at our fingertips. With God in control, we need not fear a single thing! Are you operating in the confidence of a mutual, loving relationship with God? Isn’t this the perfect week to stop and recommit your heart to Him and start walking in His daily assurances? What does God’s “Christmas Gift” mean for you? Won’t you spend some time finding out today?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 23, 2015
James 1:13-18
And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.
So don’t be misled, dear brothers. But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we go again! An incredibly dangerous, Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on the Pacific Coast of Mexico…the strongest hurricane in recorded history. Thousands of people are stranded there, including as many as 10,000 Americans. Among them is a woman from my home town. Her friends and family are understandably worried.
I can hear the drum-beaters already…”God caused this hurricane as punishment for something (you get to choose the ‘sin’). He’s going to teach some people a lesson!” To these people, I say, “BALONEY!” I don’t know why this storm is brewing – or why God is allowing it to hit land and put people in harm’s way. But I do know that He didn’t say, “I think I will cause a potentially deadly storm and wipe out a bunch of people.” I don’t think God is punishing my mother or several other family members and friends by “giving them cancer.” I just do not serve a God who operates this way.
Yes, I’ve read the scriptures. Yes, I know that God is plenty capable of punishing with death and all sorts of tragedies and maladies. But I have also read passages like this one from James 1, in which it is clearly stated that God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. And deliberately wiping out a group of people or causing someone to suffer would be wrong.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply to concede that whatever happens is “God’s will” and we have to accept it? I don’t believe so. When “bad things happen,” I have to trust that there are just so many things about God and how He operates that I do not – and will not – understand in this lifetime. But I DO KNOW how loving He is…how precious we are to Him – each and every one of us – and I refuse to accept that He would deliberately harm us, for even one minute.
Even those of us who are “royal stinkers” are loved by God just as much as the most faith-filled Christian…and He desires that every single one of us would turn to Him and surrender – to do all within our power to serve Him obediently and willingly. And God also wants us to stop worrying.
Even in the midst of this raging monster of a storm, I refuse to be frightened for our friend who is there. I am trusting God to wrap His arms around her and those with whom she is “hunkered down” in a Puerto Vallarta convention center. I believe that He is monitoring every gust of wind…every wave of precipitation and the swells of the ocean…and every breath of those who await the storm’s landfall. We anticipate the outcome…we pray for mercy and protection…and we believe that God is in complete control of a perfect outcome. It may not look like we want it to, but God has answers that we do not…and I am trusting that His are far better than mine. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
And remember, when someone wants to do wrong it is never God who is tempting him, for God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.
So don’t be misled, dear brothers. But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow. And it was a happy day for him when he gave us our new lives through the truth of his Word, and we became, as it were, the first children in his new family.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we go again! An incredibly dangerous, Category 5 hurricane is bearing down on the Pacific Coast of Mexico…the strongest hurricane in recorded history. Thousands of people are stranded there, including as many as 10,000 Americans. Among them is a woman from my home town. Her friends and family are understandably worried.
I can hear the drum-beaters already…”God caused this hurricane as punishment for something (you get to choose the ‘sin’). He’s going to teach some people a lesson!” To these people, I say, “BALONEY!” I don’t know why this storm is brewing – or why God is allowing it to hit land and put people in harm’s way. But I do know that He didn’t say, “I think I will cause a potentially deadly storm and wipe out a bunch of people.” I don’t think God is punishing my mother or several other family members and friends by “giving them cancer.” I just do not serve a God who operates this way.
Yes, I’ve read the scriptures. Yes, I know that God is plenty capable of punishing with death and all sorts of tragedies and maladies. But I have also read passages like this one from James 1, in which it is clearly stated that God never wants to do wrong and never tempts anyone else to do it. And deliberately wiping out a group of people or causing someone to suffer would be wrong.
Where does this leave us? Are we simply to concede that whatever happens is “God’s will” and we have to accept it? I don’t believe so. When “bad things happen,” I have to trust that there are just so many things about God and how He operates that I do not – and will not – understand in this lifetime. But I DO KNOW how loving He is…how precious we are to Him – each and every one of us – and I refuse to accept that He would deliberately harm us, for even one minute.
Even those of us who are “royal stinkers” are loved by God just as much as the most faith-filled Christian…and He desires that every single one of us would turn to Him and surrender – to do all within our power to serve Him obediently and willingly. And God also wants us to stop worrying.
Even in the midst of this raging monster of a storm, I refuse to be frightened for our friend who is there. I am trusting God to wrap His arms around her and those with whom she is “hunkered down” in a Puerto Vallarta convention center. I believe that He is monitoring every gust of wind…every wave of precipitation and the swells of the ocean…and every breath of those who await the storm’s landfall. We anticipate the outcome…we pray for mercy and protection…and we believe that God is in complete control of a perfect outcome. It may not look like we want it to, but God has answers that we do not…and I am trusting that His are far better than mine. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 9, 2015
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood friend, Becky, battled breast cancer for more than five years before it claimed her life. She told me often, “People want to ask, ‘Why me?’ I say to them, ‘Why not me?’” Becky had a very practical and faith-filled attitude about the “beast” that would ultimately deplete her strength and end her earthly existence. ABC television broadcaster Robin Roberts wrote a book about her own journey with breast cancer… a rare blood disease that resulted…and the death of her mother. The title is Everybody’s Got Something.
The point is that everybody has got something…but what will we do with it? Will we wallow in self-pity…and succumb to the devil’s desire that we turn our back on God and/or blame Him for our troubles? Will our illness, grief, sadness, injury, or challenge of any sort be what defines us? Will we use it as a crutch and an excuse for everything from laziness to complacency to out-and-out misbehaving?
Or will we say, “You know what? I can handle anything with God. He is all I need. His power shows up best in weak people…so I must be one of His most shining examples!” God does not “cause” bad things to happen to us to break our spirit and drag us down into the pit. He “allows” these things to fortify us in His strength. Because of this, when “bad things happen to good people,” we can say with confidence…”Why not me? God’s got this!”
I know that there are days and situations for all of us where we fall to our knees and say, “You’ve got me this time, LORD. This is simply TOO MUCH!” But I’m here to remind all of us today – myself included – that it is NEVER too much for God!
Whatever your “thorn in the side” today, consider it a reminder from God that He is in complete control. Trust Him to manage this for you…and glorify Him as a living demonstration of Christ’s power. Depend on God for everything, full of confidence that He’s got this…and YOU…because He truly has.
©2015 Debbie Robus
I will say this: because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me and prick my pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again.
Each time he said, “No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.” Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite happy about “the thorn,” and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong—the less I have, the more I depend on him.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My childhood friend, Becky, battled breast cancer for more than five years before it claimed her life. She told me often, “People want to ask, ‘Why me?’ I say to them, ‘Why not me?’” Becky had a very practical and faith-filled attitude about the “beast” that would ultimately deplete her strength and end her earthly existence. ABC television broadcaster Robin Roberts wrote a book about her own journey with breast cancer… a rare blood disease that resulted…and the death of her mother. The title is Everybody’s Got Something.
The point is that everybody has got something…but what will we do with it? Will we wallow in self-pity…and succumb to the devil’s desire that we turn our back on God and/or blame Him for our troubles? Will our illness, grief, sadness, injury, or challenge of any sort be what defines us? Will we use it as a crutch and an excuse for everything from laziness to complacency to out-and-out misbehaving?
Or will we say, “You know what? I can handle anything with God. He is all I need. His power shows up best in weak people…so I must be one of His most shining examples!” God does not “cause” bad things to happen to us to break our spirit and drag us down into the pit. He “allows” these things to fortify us in His strength. Because of this, when “bad things happen to good people,” we can say with confidence…”Why not me? God’s got this!”
I know that there are days and situations for all of us where we fall to our knees and say, “You’ve got me this time, LORD. This is simply TOO MUCH!” But I’m here to remind all of us today – myself included – that it is NEVER too much for God!
Whatever your “thorn in the side” today, consider it a reminder from God that He is in complete control. Trust Him to manage this for you…and glorify Him as a living demonstration of Christ’s power. Depend on God for everything, full of confidence that He’s got this…and YOU…because He truly has.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 8, 2015
Hebrews 11:32-40
What else can I say? There isn’t enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.
All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Why do children (of any age) get cancer? Why was 33-year-old Kathryn Steinle randomly gunned down while out for an evening stroll with her dad in San Francisco last week? Why did so many college athletes work incredibly hard for a shot at a pro career…only to be overlooked in the draft? Why can college graduates not find a job in their field? Why was a young couple in Sandusky, Ohio, involved in a car crash last October that left the groom dead and the bride seriously injured? Why do we have orphans, physical abuse, and animal cruelty? Why DO bad things happen to good people?
There is no “good” answer to this question…at least not one that we can readily wrap our brains around and accept. But let’s look at the last two sentences in this scripture passage again…”This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.” What on earth does this mean?
It would seem that OUR faith is tied to the faith of those who have gone before us. God does indeed have better things in store for us, but in order to fully embrace this concept, we have to look at the examples of those who worked hard, served well, and maybe even seemed to do everything right – or at least to do what they believed God was calling them to do. And yet, they never fully realized all of their earthly hopes and dreams. Maybe they never experienced all that they felt God had promised them in this lifetime.
I don’t know about you, but I have had a hard time with this idea more than once…the TRUST that God really does have something better in store for you and me. But I must believe this…because nothing else makes sense. Surely there is more! God is too big for this earthly life to be “it”…don’t you think? And so I study the stories in scripture of those who served and suffered for their faith…and I am strengthened and encouraged in my own relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I trust that God knows best…that He does have far better things in store for each of us in Heaven…and this gives me hope and fortitude for my daily journey on this earth. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
What else can I say? There isn’t enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground.
All of them pleased God because of their faith! But still they died without being given what had been promised. This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Why do children (of any age) get cancer? Why was 33-year-old Kathryn Steinle randomly gunned down while out for an evening stroll with her dad in San Francisco last week? Why did so many college athletes work incredibly hard for a shot at a pro career…only to be overlooked in the draft? Why can college graduates not find a job in their field? Why was a young couple in Sandusky, Ohio, involved in a car crash last October that left the groom dead and the bride seriously injured? Why do we have orphans, physical abuse, and animal cruelty? Why DO bad things happen to good people?
There is no “good” answer to this question…at least not one that we can readily wrap our brains around and accept. But let’s look at the last two sentences in this scripture passage again…”This was because God had something better in store for us. And he did not want them to reach the goal of their faith without us.” What on earth does this mean?
It would seem that OUR faith is tied to the faith of those who have gone before us. God does indeed have better things in store for us, but in order to fully embrace this concept, we have to look at the examples of those who worked hard, served well, and maybe even seemed to do everything right – or at least to do what they believed God was calling them to do. And yet, they never fully realized all of their earthly hopes and dreams. Maybe they never experienced all that they felt God had promised them in this lifetime.
I don’t know about you, but I have had a hard time with this idea more than once…the TRUST that God really does have something better in store for you and me. But I must believe this…because nothing else makes sense. Surely there is more! God is too big for this earthly life to be “it”…don’t you think? And so I study the stories in scripture of those who served and suffered for their faith…and I am strengthened and encouraged in my own relationship with my Heavenly Father.
I trust that God knows best…that He does have far better things in store for each of us in Heaven…and this gives me hope and fortitude for my daily journey on this earth. What about you?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 17, 2015
Jude 1:3-4
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth that God gave once for all to his people to keep without change through the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God’s punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I often hear some form of this question …”If God loves me, and I am now saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, why on earth would He ever let anything ‘bad’ happen to me?” The query is understandable, and the short answer is that God does love us…and we Christians are His forever – ultimately “safe from all harm.” But God is still our Heavenly Father – and as such, He corrects us when we get in the weeds. He reins us in…and sometimes, to protect us from ourselves – or from the snares of the devil and any harm that we might cause others – God takes us out…maybe even LITERALLY! Often, those seemingly “bad” things that God allows to happen may minister to others…possibly in a way that we will never see for ourselves. But God uses us - and these events - to serve His purpose, all the same.
I don’t say this to scare anyone – or to turn you away from God. Too many folks claim they cannot serve a God who “lets bad things happen to good people.” And maybe you don’t want to be a “martyr” for Jesus. (Do you see the irony here?!) But I tell you this to explain that we cannot give our hearts to Jesus and then expect to go on our merry way - doing as we please – and counting on God to pat us on the head, smile and say…“It’s all good!”
I know this is a hard concept to grasp, but when we accept Salvation through Jesus – freely given, freely received – God promises to care, protect and bless us according to His will…for all Eternity. This is binding…God will not renege on this promise! Salvation does not come with conditions, per se…but it should come with a willing obligation on our part to please God. We should desire to love Him, serve Him in all things, and represent the love and teachings of Jesus at every turn. This should not be done out of fear of retaliation…but out of a tremendous love and respect for The One who gave EVERYTHING – and then some – for us and our sins.
As this scripture passage indicates, there will be plenty of people who think giving their heart to Jesus is the “Golden Ticket”…to heaven - and to do as they please in the meantime. You and I know better…don’t we? When you get to a point where you truly know God and walk in His will and ways, you better understand His purposes. I don’t know about you, but the more I see His perfect orchestration of all events…good AND bad…and how He weaves everything together so beautifully, the more I want to be a part of His endeavors (and the less I care about the “old me!”).
I’m reminded once again of the little boy at Timothy’s kindergarten “Water Day” who was standing in line for the water slides…wearing his swimsuit…and dry as a bone. He declared that “water is really not my thing” as he continually moved to the back of the line. He had a “ticket to ride”…but he never cashed it. What about you? Where do you land in relationship to God and Salvation through Jesus? Are you “all in”…or have you “purchased the ticket” and stepped to the back of the line? Isn’t it time you “got wet” and enjoyed all that God has to offer by accepting His commission on your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Dearly loved friends, I had been planning to write you some thoughts about the salvation God has given us, but now I find I must write of something else instead, urging you to stoutly defend the truth that God gave once for all to his people to keep without change through the years. I say this because some godless teachers have wormed their way in among you, saying that after we become Christians we can do just as we like without fear of God’s punishment. The fate of such people was written long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I often hear some form of this question …”If God loves me, and I am now saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, why on earth would He ever let anything ‘bad’ happen to me?” The query is understandable, and the short answer is that God does love us…and we Christians are His forever – ultimately “safe from all harm.” But God is still our Heavenly Father – and as such, He corrects us when we get in the weeds. He reins us in…and sometimes, to protect us from ourselves – or from the snares of the devil and any harm that we might cause others – God takes us out…maybe even LITERALLY! Often, those seemingly “bad” things that God allows to happen may minister to others…possibly in a way that we will never see for ourselves. But God uses us - and these events - to serve His purpose, all the same.
I don’t say this to scare anyone – or to turn you away from God. Too many folks claim they cannot serve a God who “lets bad things happen to good people.” And maybe you don’t want to be a “martyr” for Jesus. (Do you see the irony here?!) But I tell you this to explain that we cannot give our hearts to Jesus and then expect to go on our merry way - doing as we please – and counting on God to pat us on the head, smile and say…“It’s all good!”
I know this is a hard concept to grasp, but when we accept Salvation through Jesus – freely given, freely received – God promises to care, protect and bless us according to His will…for all Eternity. This is binding…God will not renege on this promise! Salvation does not come with conditions, per se…but it should come with a willing obligation on our part to please God. We should desire to love Him, serve Him in all things, and represent the love and teachings of Jesus at every turn. This should not be done out of fear of retaliation…but out of a tremendous love and respect for The One who gave EVERYTHING – and then some – for us and our sins.
As this scripture passage indicates, there will be plenty of people who think giving their heart to Jesus is the “Golden Ticket”…to heaven - and to do as they please in the meantime. You and I know better…don’t we? When you get to a point where you truly know God and walk in His will and ways, you better understand His purposes. I don’t know about you, but the more I see His perfect orchestration of all events…good AND bad…and how He weaves everything together so beautifully, the more I want to be a part of His endeavors (and the less I care about the “old me!”).
I’m reminded once again of the little boy at Timothy’s kindergarten “Water Day” who was standing in line for the water slides…wearing his swimsuit…and dry as a bone. He declared that “water is really not my thing” as he continually moved to the back of the line. He had a “ticket to ride”…but he never cashed it. What about you? Where do you land in relationship to God and Salvation through Jesus? Are you “all in”…or have you “purchased the ticket” and stepped to the back of the line? Isn’t it time you “got wet” and enjoyed all that God has to offer by accepting His commission on your life? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 16, 2015
John 3:30
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My women’s Bible study session this morning included a discussion about Noah and Job. The question that was posed with regard to both men was…“Why did God allow this?” Why did He allow everyone except Noah’s family and the animals he placed in the ark to be drowned and destroyed? Why did God allow the devil to persecute Job, kill his children, and do everything short of killing him? We talked about several thoughts…that God’s ways are not our ways, and there are things we will never understand until we get to heaven…that sometimes, God uses these things for a purpose that we cannot see or understand…that God does not cause these things – but often, He does allow them for reasons that are perfect, if not understandable.
So when I read this verse in the Book of John, I was reminded of the morning discussion. I thought about how we noted that this is where unbelievers, children, and those new in their faith walk get stuck. How can a loving, powerful, all-knowing God allow tragedies, human suffering, and disasters of all kinds? Why doesn’t God just fix everything? And in this single sentence in John 3, I believe we see at least part of the answer.
We must become less and less as God becomes greater and greater. In other words, we must trust more and worry less. We must learn to say, “God, whatever you deem to be the right decision is okay with me,” even when every fiber of our being is screaming, “Noooooo!” I don’t know what you are going through – or what you have endured already, but I know that God is with you. I know that when we say to God, “Less of me…more of You,” He hears us.
I will not lie to you…amazing things do not necessarily happen in the universe…all of your problems are not instantly dissolved…and life on this earth may not be grand in any way/shape/form. But when we surrender ourselves and focus more on God and less on our own thoughts, feelings, and situations…things are somehow better. And I can only attribute this to God’s incredible and perfect love and care. It’s the only answer that makes sense.
We read over and over in God’s word that we are to seek more of Him and less of ourselves. We see countless examples of those who sought God above everything and everyone else…and how He blessed them. I’m not going to tell you that giving God more and more of your time, attention and heart will get you out of debt - or trouble. It won’t cure cancer and other diseases…prevent persecution…or ensure that your child will grow up to be the next President. And if you are sick, you may still die. But just like Noah and Job, when we make God greater and greater…and we become less and less…God handles the rest. He fills in the gaps and knits everything together perfectly. And others take notice.
Are you a living example of God’s greatness? Have you allowed Him to “drive the car,” so to speak…or do you still insist on running the show? When others look at you, are they encouraged and uplifted because of the evidence of God’s hand in your life? Are you making a point…or is God making a difference in and through you? Isn’t it time you figured this out and got it right? Are you ready to get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My women’s Bible study session this morning included a discussion about Noah and Job. The question that was posed with regard to both men was…“Why did God allow this?” Why did He allow everyone except Noah’s family and the animals he placed in the ark to be drowned and destroyed? Why did God allow the devil to persecute Job, kill his children, and do everything short of killing him? We talked about several thoughts…that God’s ways are not our ways, and there are things we will never understand until we get to heaven…that sometimes, God uses these things for a purpose that we cannot see or understand…that God does not cause these things – but often, He does allow them for reasons that are perfect, if not understandable.
So when I read this verse in the Book of John, I was reminded of the morning discussion. I thought about how we noted that this is where unbelievers, children, and those new in their faith walk get stuck. How can a loving, powerful, all-knowing God allow tragedies, human suffering, and disasters of all kinds? Why doesn’t God just fix everything? And in this single sentence in John 3, I believe we see at least part of the answer.
We must become less and less as God becomes greater and greater. In other words, we must trust more and worry less. We must learn to say, “God, whatever you deem to be the right decision is okay with me,” even when every fiber of our being is screaming, “Noooooo!” I don’t know what you are going through – or what you have endured already, but I know that God is with you. I know that when we say to God, “Less of me…more of You,” He hears us.
I will not lie to you…amazing things do not necessarily happen in the universe…all of your problems are not instantly dissolved…and life on this earth may not be grand in any way/shape/form. But when we surrender ourselves and focus more on God and less on our own thoughts, feelings, and situations…things are somehow better. And I can only attribute this to God’s incredible and perfect love and care. It’s the only answer that makes sense.
We read over and over in God’s word that we are to seek more of Him and less of ourselves. We see countless examples of those who sought God above everything and everyone else…and how He blessed them. I’m not going to tell you that giving God more and more of your time, attention and heart will get you out of debt - or trouble. It won’t cure cancer and other diseases…prevent persecution…or ensure that your child will grow up to be the next President. And if you are sick, you may still die. But just like Noah and Job, when we make God greater and greater…and we become less and less…God handles the rest. He fills in the gaps and knits everything together perfectly. And others take notice.
Are you a living example of God’s greatness? Have you allowed Him to “drive the car,” so to speak…or do you still insist on running the show? When others look at you, are they encouraged and uplifted because of the evidence of God’s hand in your life? Are you making a point…or is God making a difference in and through you? Isn’t it time you figured this out and got it right? Are you ready to get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2015
Luke 19:35-44
They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.
Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:
Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!
Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”
But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”
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.
What a difference one week can make! In the course of seven days, Jesus was heralded as a hero, arrested, interrogated, beaten to a pulp, crucified…and He rose from the grave. Now that’s a week!
Our pastor likes to say that “you cannot travel from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without considering the cross.” And he is correct! But you also cannot safely and successfully travel a single step of many of “life’s journeys” unless you “recognize and welcome God’s personal visit”. Trials, physical abuse and executions were common in Jesus’ day. Believe me…the mere mortals who were convicted and crucified did not rise from the dead! And many of those who were so eager and anxious to laud Jesus as the Messiah on one Sunday were nowhere to be found by “Good Friday”.
Ours is not a solitary journey. We cannot base our faith on one happy day…or one devastating experience. We must embrace life as a whole...and trust God in every minute of it. We must “recognize and welcome God’s personal visit” in each and every aspect of our life…”the good, the bad, and the ugly”…and believe that He will lead us “from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday” - and see us through what lies in between.
As difficult as life seems some days, it can never compare to what Jesus endured for us on the cross. How can we ignore the One who did so much for us - for even one minute? Isn’t it time we welcomed God to reign in our lives and dwell in our hearts…each and every minute of the day? Will this be the Palm Sunday that you herald His presence…and give Him a permanent “home”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.
Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:
Blessed is he who comes,
the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
Glory in the high places!
Some Pharisees from the crowd told him, “Teacher, get your disciples under control!”
But he said, “If they kept quiet, the stones would do it for them, shouting praise.”
When the city came into view, he wept over it. “If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late. In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side. They’ll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn’t recognize and welcome God’s personal visit.”
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.
What a difference one week can make! In the course of seven days, Jesus was heralded as a hero, arrested, interrogated, beaten to a pulp, crucified…and He rose from the grave. Now that’s a week!
Our pastor likes to say that “you cannot travel from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday without considering the cross.” And he is correct! But you also cannot safely and successfully travel a single step of many of “life’s journeys” unless you “recognize and welcome God’s personal visit”. Trials, physical abuse and executions were common in Jesus’ day. Believe me…the mere mortals who were convicted and crucified did not rise from the dead! And many of those who were so eager and anxious to laud Jesus as the Messiah on one Sunday were nowhere to be found by “Good Friday”.
Ours is not a solitary journey. We cannot base our faith on one happy day…or one devastating experience. We must embrace life as a whole...and trust God in every minute of it. We must “recognize and welcome God’s personal visit” in each and every aspect of our life…”the good, the bad, and the ugly”…and believe that He will lead us “from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday” - and see us through what lies in between.
As difficult as life seems some days, it can never compare to what Jesus endured for us on the cross. How can we ignore the One who did so much for us - for even one minute? Isn’t it time we welcomed God to reign in our lives and dwell in our hearts…each and every minute of the day? Will this be the Palm Sunday that you herald His presence…and give Him a permanent “home”?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 24, 2015
Revelation 2:14-16
But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there. When he comes back, he will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer all else everywhere.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
December 11, 2007, is a date I remember vividly. A few of you who have followed my daily devotionals for many years know that several years ago, I learned of a little boy from Bigelow, Arkansas - Job McCully - who totally stole my heart. Job was diagnosed in July 2002 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He was four. He underwent chemotherapy…and radiation…in preparation for a bone marrow transplant.
During Job’s hospital stays, his family was incredibly supportive…his parents, Rob and Tina…big sister Nicole, Aunt Tammy – and his maternal grandmother, Glenda, who had lived with Job’s family since he was born. One night as Glenda lay with Job, he asked her to stay close to him. Then Job said, "Don't cry for me grandma". She wasn't crying or sad at the time and probably did not understand why Job said this. But over the next several years, there would be plenty of times when tears flowed - for both Job and his grandmother.
Job received a bone marrow transplant in October 2002. During his hospital stay, Grandma Glenda was often with him as a caregiver…and she was a source of strength for everyone. In 2003, Job battled RSV pneumonia, the flu, and Broncholitios Obliterans, which caused his lungs to deteriorate…and he was hospitalized many times. Grandma Glenda was always there with his parents to offer care and support. Then in 2006, Grandma Glenda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her philosophy was [paraphrasing]…”if Job can endure all of these treatments, so can I”. And she did.
Job was hospitalized pretty much all of the year 2007…first at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, then in Houston…and finally in St. Louis. By September 2007, it did not look like this little guy – now all of nine years – would make it. The doctors encouraged Job’s mother to sign a DNR – Do Not Resucitate – order. They explained how dire Job’s situation was, and that there was not much left for them to do. Tina McCully wrote in Job’s *CaringBridge journal…”They wanted me to sign it. Anyway, I just stood there and listened to them, smiled and said thank you, and walked away. The only way I'm signing that paper is if God Himself tells me to, and He's not going to do that because He is too busy HEALING JOB.” And God did heal Job.
On December 11, 2007, Job McCully received a double lung transplant. And on February 21, 2008 – the one-year anniversary of his hospitalization, Job was released. The family stayed in the St. Louis area for a few days to make sure that all was well. In early March, the McCully family came home to a “hero’s welcome” in Bigelow, Arkansas - complete with a parade! In the months and years since then, Job has survived histoplasmosis, CMV, Adenovirus, and diabetes. For his 16th birthday in May 2014, he received a shiny, new red pickup truck. Job is now enjoying his junior year of high school life.
Grandma Glenda survived breast cancer…but the beast returned in her kidneys. And in the last few weeks, she was hospitalized once again. Doctors gave her six months to live two days ago…and God called her home this morning. This remarkable woman can now fully attest that “our homeland is Heaven”…because I am sure that she is there!
If you visit Job’s CaringBridge page and read the posts, you will see that this family walks in some of the most powerful faith I have ever witnessed. Whatever challenges or devastating news they have been given, their trust in Jesus remains strong. They never doubted His presence…and they have clung to His promises. And I know that this will not change now.
There will be times when God heals us on this earth…and times when we are given glorious bodies for all Eternity. Our job is to never doubt His mighty power and presence in all circumstances. The McCullys demonstrate this beautifully…and I have been incredibly inspired and encouraged by their faith and discipleship. I can only hope that I represent Jesus even half as well.
What about you? Do you trust in the mighty power of God in all situations and circumstances? Are you able to say, “the only way I’m going to do XYZ is if GOD tells me to”? Do you confidence in God’s presence in your life…and His ability to manage anything and everything? Don’t you want to?
Please pray for the McCully family in the days to come…and for others who are sick, suffering, and grieving the passing of loved ones. Thank God for His amazing power and presence…His compassion, mercy, and healing. And ask God to give you the ability to recognize His presence in your life on an hourly basis… to walk in His wisdom and care - always and in all ways.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://caringbridgeclassic.org/ar/job/index.htm
But our homeland is in heaven, where our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is; and we are looking forward to his return from there. When he comes back, he will take these dying bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer all else everywhere.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
December 11, 2007, is a date I remember vividly. A few of you who have followed my daily devotionals for many years know that several years ago, I learned of a little boy from Bigelow, Arkansas - Job McCully - who totally stole my heart. Job was diagnosed in July 2002 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). He was four. He underwent chemotherapy…and radiation…in preparation for a bone marrow transplant.
During Job’s hospital stays, his family was incredibly supportive…his parents, Rob and Tina…big sister Nicole, Aunt Tammy – and his maternal grandmother, Glenda, who had lived with Job’s family since he was born. One night as Glenda lay with Job, he asked her to stay close to him. Then Job said, "Don't cry for me grandma". She wasn't crying or sad at the time and probably did not understand why Job said this. But over the next several years, there would be plenty of times when tears flowed - for both Job and his grandmother.
Job received a bone marrow transplant in October 2002. During his hospital stay, Grandma Glenda was often with him as a caregiver…and she was a source of strength for everyone. In 2003, Job battled RSV pneumonia, the flu, and Broncholitios Obliterans, which caused his lungs to deteriorate…and he was hospitalized many times. Grandma Glenda was always there with his parents to offer care and support. Then in 2006, Grandma Glenda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her philosophy was [paraphrasing]…”if Job can endure all of these treatments, so can I”. And she did.
Job was hospitalized pretty much all of the year 2007…first at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, then in Houston…and finally in St. Louis. By September 2007, it did not look like this little guy – now all of nine years – would make it. The doctors encouraged Job’s mother to sign a DNR – Do Not Resucitate – order. They explained how dire Job’s situation was, and that there was not much left for them to do. Tina McCully wrote in Job’s *CaringBridge journal…”They wanted me to sign it. Anyway, I just stood there and listened to them, smiled and said thank you, and walked away. The only way I'm signing that paper is if God Himself tells me to, and He's not going to do that because He is too busy HEALING JOB.” And God did heal Job.
On December 11, 2007, Job McCully received a double lung transplant. And on February 21, 2008 – the one-year anniversary of his hospitalization, Job was released. The family stayed in the St. Louis area for a few days to make sure that all was well. In early March, the McCully family came home to a “hero’s welcome” in Bigelow, Arkansas - complete with a parade! In the months and years since then, Job has survived histoplasmosis, CMV, Adenovirus, and diabetes. For his 16th birthday in May 2014, he received a shiny, new red pickup truck. Job is now enjoying his junior year of high school life.
Grandma Glenda survived breast cancer…but the beast returned in her kidneys. And in the last few weeks, she was hospitalized once again. Doctors gave her six months to live two days ago…and God called her home this morning. This remarkable woman can now fully attest that “our homeland is Heaven”…because I am sure that she is there!
If you visit Job’s CaringBridge page and read the posts, you will see that this family walks in some of the most powerful faith I have ever witnessed. Whatever challenges or devastating news they have been given, their trust in Jesus remains strong. They never doubted His presence…and they have clung to His promises. And I know that this will not change now.
There will be times when God heals us on this earth…and times when we are given glorious bodies for all Eternity. Our job is to never doubt His mighty power and presence in all circumstances. The McCullys demonstrate this beautifully…and I have been incredibly inspired and encouraged by their faith and discipleship. I can only hope that I represent Jesus even half as well.
What about you? Do you trust in the mighty power of God in all situations and circumstances? Are you able to say, “the only way I’m going to do XYZ is if GOD tells me to”? Do you confidence in God’s presence in your life…and His ability to manage anything and everything? Don’t you want to?
Please pray for the McCully family in the days to come…and for others who are sick, suffering, and grieving the passing of loved ones. Thank God for His amazing power and presence…His compassion, mercy, and healing. And ask God to give you the ability to recognize His presence in your life on an hourly basis… to walk in His wisdom and care - always and in all ways.
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://caringbridgeclassic.org/ar/job/index.htm
Daily Devotional for March 7, 2015
Job 12:7-10
If you want to learn,
then go and ask
the wild animals and the birds,
the flowers and the fish.
Any of them can tell you
what the Lord has done.
Every living creature
is in the hands of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday, Greg and I had to say “Goodbye” to our beloved tuxedo cat, Lucy. We were blessed to be her “humans” for almost 16 years…having acquired her and her litter mate, Mabel – a calico – in April 1999. Based on papers we received at the local animal shelter, we “counted backward” and declared their birthday to be March 1st.
We knew that Lucy had been in declining health in recent months. The once plump cat with the beautiful sleek and shiny coat of LONG black and white hair had become a virtual skeleton covered in a dull blanket of fur. Yet she ate well, drank lots of water, purred and delighted in our affection – and she even chased a bird that made its way inside our house just two nights before she died. (She actually caught the bird briefly…but without front claws, she could not contain it in her grip.)
Greg and I had prayed over and over that Lucy would just slip away from us – that we would awaken one morning and find her “sleeping with the angels”. She and Mabel never really acclimated to humans – other than us – and all of these years, we have kept them completely indoors and fairly isolated. They have not visited a veterinary clinic since they were spayed as kittens. We did not want to have to put either of them through the trauma of a final visit to a vet for euthanasia. So we prayed for God to spare them – and us – this situation. And in Lucy’s case at least, He did just that.
We sat with our precious “baby” all through the night as she struggled through the stages of death. We made her a pallet in the floor atop her heating pad (yes, our cats have “pet heating pads”) – and we lay beside her and stroked her as she steadily grew weaker. We prayed over her…and we thanked God that - in the scheme of things - He allowed her such a peaceful passing. And shortly after noon yesterday, her breaths slowed…and then the angels came for her.
If you think that God doesn’t care about animals and our beloved pets…read this scripture passage from Job again. And if you think that a God who cares so much for animals of all sizes and species doesn’t care as much – or more – for you, then hear the words of Matthew 10:29-31…”Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.”
As gut-wrenching as these last few days have been for us, we have felt God’s presence. We know that there is a place for animals in heaven…and that SOME DAY, we will see our precious tuxedo cat and our other beloved pets once again. We know that we serve a God who is amazing, almighty, powerful…and compassionate…a God who loves two lowly sparrows – and dearly-loved kitty cats - and cares just as deeply about what happens to them as He does to us. We know that God will sustain us - that He will fill the empty places in our hearts with His peace…and flood our thoughts with happy memories of the hundreds of days we enjoyed with this furry feline.
Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you call on God…make Him a part of your life NOW, so that He is “at the ready” for whatever you encounter in life. We are so glad that God was with us…that He IS with us…and we know that He has safely guided our Lucy over the “Rainbow Bridge” and into His loving care forever and ever. He is sustaining us and filling us with hope and courage until we see her again.
The God who can comfort us in the loss of our pet can also meet any and all of your needs. Our God can do ANYTHING! I cannot imagine surviving without Him. And I’m so glad that I don’t have to try. God is with us…today…tomorrow…and always. Do you feel His presence? Have you asked Him to come near and be with you? Isn’t it about time that you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
If you want to learn,
then go and ask
the wild animals and the birds,
the flowers and the fish.
Any of them can tell you
what the Lord has done.
Every living creature
is in the hands of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Yesterday, Greg and I had to say “Goodbye” to our beloved tuxedo cat, Lucy. We were blessed to be her “humans” for almost 16 years…having acquired her and her litter mate, Mabel – a calico – in April 1999. Based on papers we received at the local animal shelter, we “counted backward” and declared their birthday to be March 1st.
We knew that Lucy had been in declining health in recent months. The once plump cat with the beautiful sleek and shiny coat of LONG black and white hair had become a virtual skeleton covered in a dull blanket of fur. Yet she ate well, drank lots of water, purred and delighted in our affection – and she even chased a bird that made its way inside our house just two nights before she died. (She actually caught the bird briefly…but without front claws, she could not contain it in her grip.)
Greg and I had prayed over and over that Lucy would just slip away from us – that we would awaken one morning and find her “sleeping with the angels”. She and Mabel never really acclimated to humans – other than us – and all of these years, we have kept them completely indoors and fairly isolated. They have not visited a veterinary clinic since they were spayed as kittens. We did not want to have to put either of them through the trauma of a final visit to a vet for euthanasia. So we prayed for God to spare them – and us – this situation. And in Lucy’s case at least, He did just that.
We sat with our precious “baby” all through the night as she struggled through the stages of death. We made her a pallet in the floor atop her heating pad (yes, our cats have “pet heating pads”) – and we lay beside her and stroked her as she steadily grew weaker. We prayed over her…and we thanked God that - in the scheme of things - He allowed her such a peaceful passing. And shortly after noon yesterday, her breaths slowed…and then the angels came for her.
If you think that God doesn’t care about animals and our beloved pets…read this scripture passage from Job again. And if you think that a God who cares so much for animals of all sizes and species doesn’t care as much – or more – for you, then hear the words of Matthew 10:29-31…”Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.”
As gut-wrenching as these last few days have been for us, we have felt God’s presence. We know that there is a place for animals in heaven…and that SOME DAY, we will see our precious tuxedo cat and our other beloved pets once again. We know that we serve a God who is amazing, almighty, powerful…and compassionate…a God who loves two lowly sparrows – and dearly-loved kitty cats - and cares just as deeply about what happens to them as He does to us. We know that God will sustain us - that He will fill the empty places in our hearts with His peace…and flood our thoughts with happy memories of the hundreds of days we enjoyed with this furry feline.
Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you call on God…make Him a part of your life NOW, so that He is “at the ready” for whatever you encounter in life. We are so glad that God was with us…that He IS with us…and we know that He has safely guided our Lucy over the “Rainbow Bridge” and into His loving care forever and ever. He is sustaining us and filling us with hope and courage until we see her again.
The God who can comfort us in the loss of our pet can also meet any and all of your needs. Our God can do ANYTHING! I cannot imagine surviving without Him. And I’m so glad that I don’t have to try. God is with us…today…tomorrow…and always. Do you feel His presence? Have you asked Him to come near and be with you? Isn’t it about time that you did?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 2, 2015
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, Greg and I observed the release of a mature bald eagle at a federal fish hatchery located near our house. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas officials believe this bird was hit by a car, and they were able to nurse it through the injury and release it back into the wild. Watching that majestic eagle step from the kennel and soar into the trees was a sight to behold. The bird perched in the tree for several minutes, then flew down river and disappeared from sight.
Today, I looked out the window in time to see an eagle soaring over the river behind our house. Of course, I cannot say whether this is the same mature bald eagle we watched return to its natural habitat a few weeks ago…but I like to think maybe it was. The bird soared on currents and wove back and forth for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the trees up river.
I couldn’t help but think about today’s scripture verse. Some “force” nearly cost this bird its life. I don’t know what caused a bald eagle to collide with a car…but I do know that mean-spirited people actually shoot and/or maim these birds – apparently for sport – which is a federal offense. And yet, through the efforts of projects such as Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, many injured and/or sick birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many of those that cannot be released are well cared for and utilized in the presentation of educational programs around the state.
These birds are “given life in all its fullness”. And surely, the God who offers such a second chance to birds of prey will do the same for us. Maybe you’ve been kicked around, knocked down, injured or struck by illness of some kind. Maybe your hurts are of a more personal nature…and maybe you have felt like “someone” was out to cause you harm – that their purpose was to steal, kill and destroy. And you’ve wondered why God has deserted you. The answer is that God has never left.
You may not see it…you may not “feel” God’s hand in the circumstances of your life…but like the loving folks who carefully rehab a bird of prey, God stands ready to restore you and give you purpose. Things may not be like they once were – you may not soar to the heights you once enjoyed. But God may show you another course…He may redirect your path and give you new objectives. Your job is to open your heart and mind to the possibilities that He presents.
So what will you choose? Will you wallow in the destruction of the “enemy”…or will you allow God to rehab you – and “soar with the eagles”? The choice is yours…and God is right beside you waiting for an answer. How will you respond?
©2015 Debbie Robus
http://www.rrca-raptors.org/
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, Greg and I observed the release of a mature bald eagle at a federal fish hatchery located near our house. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas officials believe this bird was hit by a car, and they were able to nurse it through the injury and release it back into the wild. Watching that majestic eagle step from the kennel and soar into the trees was a sight to behold. The bird perched in the tree for several minutes, then flew down river and disappeared from sight.
Today, I looked out the window in time to see an eagle soaring over the river behind our house. Of course, I cannot say whether this is the same mature bald eagle we watched return to its natural habitat a few weeks ago…but I like to think maybe it was. The bird soared on currents and wove back and forth for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the trees up river.
I couldn’t help but think about today’s scripture verse. Some “force” nearly cost this bird its life. I don’t know what caused a bald eagle to collide with a car…but I do know that mean-spirited people actually shoot and/or maim these birds – apparently for sport – which is a federal offense. And yet, through the efforts of projects such as Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, many injured and/or sick birds are rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many of those that cannot be released are well cared for and utilized in the presentation of educational programs around the state.
These birds are “given life in all its fullness”. And surely, the God who offers such a second chance to birds of prey will do the same for us. Maybe you’ve been kicked around, knocked down, injured or struck by illness of some kind. Maybe your hurts are of a more personal nature…and maybe you have felt like “someone” was out to cause you harm – that their purpose was to steal, kill and destroy. And you’ve wondered why God has deserted you. The answer is that God has never left.
You may not see it…you may not “feel” God’s hand in the circumstances of your life…but like the loving folks who carefully rehab a bird of prey, God stands ready to restore you and give you purpose. Things may not be like they once were – you may not soar to the heights you once enjoyed. But God may show you another course…He may redirect your path and give you new objectives. Your job is to open your heart and mind to the possibilities that He presents.
So what will you choose? Will you wallow in the destruction of the “enemy”…or will you allow God to rehab you – and “soar with the eagles”? The choice is yours…and God is right beside you waiting for an answer. How will you respond?
©2015 Debbie Robus
http://www.rrca-raptors.org/
Daily Devotional for February 23, 2015
James 4:7-10
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
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.
Do you know someone who has “hit bottom” in a particular area of his/her life? For some, this is a dramatic, earth-shaking experience…the doctor tells you that you will die if you don’t stop smoking or drinking – immediately! You find yourself in an abusive relationship and realize that your very life might be in danger if you don’t seek help - and quickly! Someone you love dearly dies, and you are left feeling abandoned and empty – and wondering which direction to go and what to do next. You lose your job due to downsizing and/or outsourcing – or you fail that all-important college entrance exam or final licensing test. You lose a long-awaited baby…or the doctor tells you that you will never give birth to the child you long for so desperately.
Any of these experiences can rattle even the most solid Christian…and those whose faith wavers on a good day might experience some real challenges. But I know from personal experience with “hitting bottom” encounters that God can use these to reconnect with us…to grow our faith and fellowship with Him…and to push the devil farther away. Because, you see, when we “hit bottom,” this delights Satan. He would love nothing more than to see us stay there and wallow…to pull away from God and say, “If He really loved me and cared about me, God would NEVER allow this to happen!” And God says, “Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m right here with you…just take my hand and I will pull you to safety.”
You may be in a “hitting bottom” situation today…or things may actually be running along pretty smoothly for the moment. Either way, this is the perfect time to “draw near to God”, as the scriptures remind us…to reinforce your fellowship with Him by spending some time in prayer and reflection. Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you…sit quietly and listen for His voice…feel His presence and His profound love and care. Push the devil to the curb…and leave him there as you move closer to God.
Make this a day when you get down on your knees and then rise to your feet with a renewed courage and hope. Say a quiet “Yes” to God today…and feel Him work His will in you.
©2015 Debbie Robus
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
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.
Do you know someone who has “hit bottom” in a particular area of his/her life? For some, this is a dramatic, earth-shaking experience…the doctor tells you that you will die if you don’t stop smoking or drinking – immediately! You find yourself in an abusive relationship and realize that your very life might be in danger if you don’t seek help - and quickly! Someone you love dearly dies, and you are left feeling abandoned and empty – and wondering which direction to go and what to do next. You lose your job due to downsizing and/or outsourcing – or you fail that all-important college entrance exam or final licensing test. You lose a long-awaited baby…or the doctor tells you that you will never give birth to the child you long for so desperately.
Any of these experiences can rattle even the most solid Christian…and those whose faith wavers on a good day might experience some real challenges. But I know from personal experience with “hitting bottom” encounters that God can use these to reconnect with us…to grow our faith and fellowship with Him…and to push the devil farther away. Because, you see, when we “hit bottom,” this delights Satan. He would love nothing more than to see us stay there and wallow…to pull away from God and say, “If He really loved me and cared about me, God would NEVER allow this to happen!” And God says, “Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m right here with you…just take my hand and I will pull you to safety.”
You may be in a “hitting bottom” situation today…or things may actually be running along pretty smoothly for the moment. Either way, this is the perfect time to “draw near to God”, as the scriptures remind us…to reinforce your fellowship with Him by spending some time in prayer and reflection. Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you…sit quietly and listen for His voice…feel His presence and His profound love and care. Push the devil to the curb…and leave him there as you move closer to God.
Make this a day when you get down on your knees and then rise to your feet with a renewed courage and hope. Say a quiet “Yes” to God today…and feel Him work His will in you.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2015
2 Timothy 1:7-10
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
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.
A dear friend posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of two darling young children…a twin brother and sister who appeared to be sharing a secret. These children were her nephew and niece, who celebrated their 50th birthdays in June. In late August, my friend’s nephew suffered a heart attack and died. Shortly before Thanksgiving, his sister was diagnosed with cancer…and she joined him in heaven on February 3rd. My friend lost her own son almost 20 years ago when he was only 17. She told me… “I know how much it hurt to lose one...CAN.NOT.IMAGINE losing two [children] within 5 months!”
I know that others understand this grief, as well…my thoughts went immediately to the family of two sons in their 60s who died last year within six months of each other. I’ve seen the toll these losses took on their mother, father, sister and others. And I know that in both families, many must be asking where God could possibly be found amidst such heartache.
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell, where he was no doubt subjected to countless indignities – if not outright torture. He reminds Timothy of the anguish of Jesus on our behalf and suggests that we must “take our share of the suffering” as His children. In other words, the world will be watching to see how we handle tragedy and heartache…and God will be right beside us to help us handle every minute of it. Paul does not discount how difficult or challenging this will be for us…but he does remind us that Jesus undergirds our efforts with Supernatural strength to “suffer” all things.
I am so proud of how my friends in both of these families are handling the tremendous grief and heartache that has befallen them. They have not turned their backs on God…they have embraced Him all the more as they seek His strength and comfort. I know that their demonstration of His power and presence has influenced countless onlookers - including me!
God never leaves us! He understands when we cry out to Him and ask for His help…when we admit that we are heartbroken and/or suffering. He hears our petitions…and He meets us wherever we happen to be at any particular moment. OUR JOB is to speak up…to demonstrate our faith and confidence in God’s power to handle all circumstances...and to recognize His presence in every situation.
Are you wondering where God is today? My guess is that He is standing right beside you – or holding you securely in His arms - ready to minister to your every need with perfection. Will this be the day that you give Him a chance to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.
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.
A dear friend posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of two darling young children…a twin brother and sister who appeared to be sharing a secret. These children were her nephew and niece, who celebrated their 50th birthdays in June. In late August, my friend’s nephew suffered a heart attack and died. Shortly before Thanksgiving, his sister was diagnosed with cancer…and she joined him in heaven on February 3rd. My friend lost her own son almost 20 years ago when he was only 17. She told me… “I know how much it hurt to lose one...CAN.NOT.IMAGINE losing two [children] within 5 months!”
I know that others understand this grief, as well…my thoughts went immediately to the family of two sons in their 60s who died last year within six months of each other. I’ve seen the toll these losses took on their mother, father, sister and others. And I know that in both families, many must be asking where God could possibly be found amidst such heartache.
The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy from a prison cell, where he was no doubt subjected to countless indignities – if not outright torture. He reminds Timothy of the anguish of Jesus on our behalf and suggests that we must “take our share of the suffering” as His children. In other words, the world will be watching to see how we handle tragedy and heartache…and God will be right beside us to help us handle every minute of it. Paul does not discount how difficult or challenging this will be for us…but he does remind us that Jesus undergirds our efforts with Supernatural strength to “suffer” all things.
I am so proud of how my friends in both of these families are handling the tremendous grief and heartache that has befallen them. They have not turned their backs on God…they have embraced Him all the more as they seek His strength and comfort. I know that their demonstration of His power and presence has influenced countless onlookers - including me!
God never leaves us! He understands when we cry out to Him and ask for His help…when we admit that we are heartbroken and/or suffering. He hears our petitions…and He meets us wherever we happen to be at any particular moment. OUR JOB is to speak up…to demonstrate our faith and confidence in God’s power to handle all circumstances...and to recognize His presence in every situation.
Are you wondering where God is today? My guess is that He is standing right beside you – or holding you securely in His arms - ready to minister to your every need with perfection. Will this be the day that you give Him a chance to do so?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 3, 2014
Jeremiah 33:2-3
“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’”
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.
People often tell me, “I don’t know how you come up with these daily devotionals.” I’ll be honest…I don’t know either. Well, okay…that’s not exactly true. Several years ago, I switched from trying to write several devotionals – like as much as a few weeks’ worth – in one sitting…and I started writing them each day. The first step is to ask God to show me what topic is timely (and you would be amazed at how well this works!)…and then I search online for scripture references that match this theme.
I continue to be amazed each day at how the scripture passage coincides so well with what is happening – in my life, and in the world at large. I consider this a “marvelous and wondrous thing” that I could never figure out on my own. God cares so much about me and those who read these “daily devos” that He meticulously orchestrates the themes and the scripture passages. He points me in the direction of appropriate analogies to drive home the point and make it relevant. There are days when I read something online or hear a story on the news and think, “Why on earth am I giving this my time and attention?” When I open my devotional outline and begin to study the scripture passage for that day, the answer often becomes abundantly clear!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, my “theme” for the most recent devotionals has been “finding God”. This was brought to my attention by the Facebook post of a friend who said he had known about God all of his life…but on Easter Sunday while attending a service at a church in our community, he truly “found God” – maybe for the first time ever. And some of us are still searching for God. We’ve known who He is and what He is about for a long, long time…but we still haven’t quite found Him. We don’t see His hand in everyday, trivial circumstances - much less the unpleasant events of our lives. We don’t think to ask, “LORD, what do you want me to do with this information…or that instance?” We don’t understand that all we have to do is call to God…and He will answer.
Today, I read a story online about a woman whose son was killed in the April 27th tornado in Vilonia. Only 22 years old, Jeffrey Turner, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, knew that he was in the direct path of the tornado when he texted his mother, “Mama, I’m so scared.” Jeffrey lived with his father and stepmother, who were both injured. Jeffrey died as a result of his injuries in the category EF-4 twister. His last text messages to his mother read, “Good-bye, mama…It’s heading right for me.”
I grappled with this…I still do. What if that were one of my beloved “children”…one of my nieces or nephews, cousins or precious friends who are like my own? How would I stand it? Jeffrey’s mother, Regina Wood, was helplessly texting from 20 miles away in Beebe, Arkansas, “Are you okay?” Today, she says she is comforted that in his last moments, Jeffrey thought to tell her “Good-bye” – and that he loved her.
So why did people die and suffer so much damage? How did one person survive while another right next door did not? Why were people, animals and belongings hurled as much as 2 miles from their initial location? We’re wasting our breath, time and energy asking most of these things, because we will never know the answer. The only question that makes any sense is the this one…”Where was God on April 27th?” And the answer? He was there…in Vilonia, Mayflower, Center Hill, El Paso, Paron, and other Arkansas cities that were devastated by this killer storm. He is there now…in every hug, every prayer, every pair of hands that help to clean up the debris and rebuild, every dollar and supply that is donated. God is there…and countless people are calling out to Him - and finding Him. They are realizing that there are marvelous and wonderful things happening all around them, even as their hearts break - things they will never fully understand or comprehend.
God is there. God is with you…and me. He is with those who are celebrating and filled with great joy today…and those who are hurting so badly they think they cannot bear the pain for one more second. He understands every single emotion that we experience…and He has a plan. I don’t know how…when…or where God will reveal Himself to you – or to me. But I plan call on Him…and to be watching and waiting. Will you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’”
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.
People often tell me, “I don’t know how you come up with these daily devotionals.” I’ll be honest…I don’t know either. Well, okay…that’s not exactly true. Several years ago, I switched from trying to write several devotionals – like as much as a few weeks’ worth – in one sitting…and I started writing them each day. The first step is to ask God to show me what topic is timely (and you would be amazed at how well this works!)…and then I search online for scripture references that match this theme.
I continue to be amazed each day at how the scripture passage coincides so well with what is happening – in my life, and in the world at large. I consider this a “marvelous and wondrous thing” that I could never figure out on my own. God cares so much about me and those who read these “daily devos” that He meticulously orchestrates the themes and the scripture passages. He points me in the direction of appropriate analogies to drive home the point and make it relevant. There are days when I read something online or hear a story on the news and think, “Why on earth am I giving this my time and attention?” When I open my devotional outline and begin to study the scripture passage for that day, the answer often becomes abundantly clear!
If you haven’t figured it out by now, my “theme” for the most recent devotionals has been “finding God”. This was brought to my attention by the Facebook post of a friend who said he had known about God all of his life…but on Easter Sunday while attending a service at a church in our community, he truly “found God” – maybe for the first time ever. And some of us are still searching for God. We’ve known who He is and what He is about for a long, long time…but we still haven’t quite found Him. We don’t see His hand in everyday, trivial circumstances - much less the unpleasant events of our lives. We don’t think to ask, “LORD, what do you want me to do with this information…or that instance?” We don’t understand that all we have to do is call to God…and He will answer.
Today, I read a story online about a woman whose son was killed in the April 27th tornado in Vilonia. Only 22 years old, Jeffrey Turner, a senior at the University of Central Arkansas, knew that he was in the direct path of the tornado when he texted his mother, “Mama, I’m so scared.” Jeffrey lived with his father and stepmother, who were both injured. Jeffrey died as a result of his injuries in the category EF-4 twister. His last text messages to his mother read, “Good-bye, mama…It’s heading right for me.”
I grappled with this…I still do. What if that were one of my beloved “children”…one of my nieces or nephews, cousins or precious friends who are like my own? How would I stand it? Jeffrey’s mother, Regina Wood, was helplessly texting from 20 miles away in Beebe, Arkansas, “Are you okay?” Today, she says she is comforted that in his last moments, Jeffrey thought to tell her “Good-bye” – and that he loved her.
So why did people die and suffer so much damage? How did one person survive while another right next door did not? Why were people, animals and belongings hurled as much as 2 miles from their initial location? We’re wasting our breath, time and energy asking most of these things, because we will never know the answer. The only question that makes any sense is the this one…”Where was God on April 27th?” And the answer? He was there…in Vilonia, Mayflower, Center Hill, El Paso, Paron, and other Arkansas cities that were devastated by this killer storm. He is there now…in every hug, every prayer, every pair of hands that help to clean up the debris and rebuild, every dollar and supply that is donated. God is there…and countless people are calling out to Him - and finding Him. They are realizing that there are marvelous and wonderful things happening all around them, even as their hearts break - things they will never fully understand or comprehend.
God is there. God is with you…and me. He is with those who are celebrating and filled with great joy today…and those who are hurting so badly they think they cannot bear the pain for one more second. He understands every single emotion that we experience…and He has a plan. I don’t know how…when…or where God will reveal Himself to you – or to me. But I plan call on Him…and to be watching and waiting. Will you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 28, 2014
Ephesians 5:8-10
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were warned for days. Every forecaster talked about the serious tornado threat for our area – up to a week beforehand. The danger from impending tornadoes was the lead story on the national news broadcasts on Saturday evening…even though the storms were not expected for another 24 hours or so. I sat in church Sunday morning and prayed for safety for everyone in Arkansas. A line of thunderstorms with hail had come through earlier, and a soft rain fell. I asked, “LORD…who won’t be here this evening? What structures will be missing? Will our area be hit? Is this, quite literally, the ‘calm before the storm’?” It seemed surreal…and nebulous. “Maybe the storms will miss us,” we commented hopefully.
The storms did miss our community…but not those 40-50 miles to our south, with the cities of Mayflower and Vilonia, Arkansas, being hit the worst. Storm debris, photos and papers from these areas have even been found near my neighborhood. Lives have been taken. Homes are destroyed. The devastation defies description in a swath as much as a mile wide and spanning some 90 miles in distance. This massive, violent storm was on the ground for a long, long time. And worse yet, the tornado’s path was the same as one that emaciated much of this very area only three years ago. Some people lost their homes – or suffered thousands of dollars in damage – in 2011…and now those refurbished or reconstructed homes are gone once again. The death toll is 16…and climbing…as family and friends search for missing loved ones.
So today, as the sun tries to peek through the clouds and we step up out of our safe rooms and “hidey holes”…as we pull ourselves out of the murk and the darkness into the bright light of day and the truth of this horrific scene, we are left to ask a lot of questions…”WHY, LORD? And…WHY the same area once again? Why were two cities who have endured much hardship in recent years – including natural disasters and a man-made one – revisited with tragedy and incredible hardships? What on earth do we do now? Where do we turn?”
A couple of years ago, I watched incredible cable news footage of a tornado destroying homes in rural Oklahoma. A photographer aboard a nearby helicopter captured the horrific scene, and the news station aired it live. Once the storm passed, people began to emerge from underneath the rubble. Where only the foundations of houses remained, doors to “safe rooms” in the ground opened, and entire families stepped up and out into the light of day. They wandered…and stumbled…and appeared to be understandably dazed and confused. And many are in that same condition today.
I watched an interview this morning with one young father whose house is gone – for the second time in three years. He told the reporter, “We are still here by the grace of God.” I know it is easy for me to say this from a safe distance…but the hand of God is evident in this tragic event – even now. People are sharing harrowing stories of survival. Many who lost everything they own are thanking God for keeping them physically safe. Rescue and recovery efforts are organizing all over the state and nation. People are praying. And even in circumstances where loved ones have lost their lives, God is at work. These deaths will not be in vain. We cannot see it, but God is orchestrating the events of this storm – and its clean-up. He is touching the hearts and lives of all who observe this devastation, and people are pulling together in restoration efforts.
People are figuring out what to do to please Christ…even as they grieve and struggle. They are turning to Him for guidance as they stumble…because honestly, they don’t have a clue what to do of their own accord. And Jesus is answering. As we look to Him for wisdom and direction, He is walking with us. If we will prayerfully move forward, He will guide our steps. Our Heavenly Father will make sense of all of this for us in the daylight hours. He will show us what is good…right…true…and equip us to do these things!
Where is God in this tragedy? He is here…right smack dab in the middle of it! He is holding our hand, picking up a shovel and scooping debris, and orchestrating rescue and restoration efforts. He is soothing the broken hearts of the grieving, healing the injured, and touching the hearts and minds of His people. He is saying, “Step into the light of Christ. Walk with Him…and when you can’t put one foot in front of another, let Him carry you. We will get through this!”
Christ’s bright light is making the way plain. Have you come out of the darkness and found God? This is the day to get busy doing what is good, right, and true – even in the midst of this horrific, devastating storm…to figure out what will please Christ, and then do it! Are you with me?
©2014 Debbie Robus
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You’re out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were warned for days. Every forecaster talked about the serious tornado threat for our area – up to a week beforehand. The danger from impending tornadoes was the lead story on the national news broadcasts on Saturday evening…even though the storms were not expected for another 24 hours or so. I sat in church Sunday morning and prayed for safety for everyone in Arkansas. A line of thunderstorms with hail had come through earlier, and a soft rain fell. I asked, “LORD…who won’t be here this evening? What structures will be missing? Will our area be hit? Is this, quite literally, the ‘calm before the storm’?” It seemed surreal…and nebulous. “Maybe the storms will miss us,” we commented hopefully.
The storms did miss our community…but not those 40-50 miles to our south, with the cities of Mayflower and Vilonia, Arkansas, being hit the worst. Storm debris, photos and papers from these areas have even been found near my neighborhood. Lives have been taken. Homes are destroyed. The devastation defies description in a swath as much as a mile wide and spanning some 90 miles in distance. This massive, violent storm was on the ground for a long, long time. And worse yet, the tornado’s path was the same as one that emaciated much of this very area only three years ago. Some people lost their homes – or suffered thousands of dollars in damage – in 2011…and now those refurbished or reconstructed homes are gone once again. The death toll is 16…and climbing…as family and friends search for missing loved ones.
So today, as the sun tries to peek through the clouds and we step up out of our safe rooms and “hidey holes”…as we pull ourselves out of the murk and the darkness into the bright light of day and the truth of this horrific scene, we are left to ask a lot of questions…”WHY, LORD? And…WHY the same area once again? Why were two cities who have endured much hardship in recent years – including natural disasters and a man-made one – revisited with tragedy and incredible hardships? What on earth do we do now? Where do we turn?”
A couple of years ago, I watched incredible cable news footage of a tornado destroying homes in rural Oklahoma. A photographer aboard a nearby helicopter captured the horrific scene, and the news station aired it live. Once the storm passed, people began to emerge from underneath the rubble. Where only the foundations of houses remained, doors to “safe rooms” in the ground opened, and entire families stepped up and out into the light of day. They wandered…and stumbled…and appeared to be understandably dazed and confused. And many are in that same condition today.
I watched an interview this morning with one young father whose house is gone – for the second time in three years. He told the reporter, “We are still here by the grace of God.” I know it is easy for me to say this from a safe distance…but the hand of God is evident in this tragic event – even now. People are sharing harrowing stories of survival. Many who lost everything they own are thanking God for keeping them physically safe. Rescue and recovery efforts are organizing all over the state and nation. People are praying. And even in circumstances where loved ones have lost their lives, God is at work. These deaths will not be in vain. We cannot see it, but God is orchestrating the events of this storm – and its clean-up. He is touching the hearts and lives of all who observe this devastation, and people are pulling together in restoration efforts.
People are figuring out what to do to please Christ…even as they grieve and struggle. They are turning to Him for guidance as they stumble…because honestly, they don’t have a clue what to do of their own accord. And Jesus is answering. As we look to Him for wisdom and direction, He is walking with us. If we will prayerfully move forward, He will guide our steps. Our Heavenly Father will make sense of all of this for us in the daylight hours. He will show us what is good…right…true…and equip us to do these things!
Where is God in this tragedy? He is here…right smack dab in the middle of it! He is holding our hand, picking up a shovel and scooping debris, and orchestrating rescue and restoration efforts. He is soothing the broken hearts of the grieving, healing the injured, and touching the hearts and minds of His people. He is saying, “Step into the light of Christ. Walk with Him…and when you can’t put one foot in front of another, let Him carry you. We will get through this!”
Christ’s bright light is making the way plain. Have you come out of the darkness and found God? This is the day to get busy doing what is good, right, and true – even in the midst of this horrific, devastating storm…to figure out what will please Christ, and then do it! Are you with me?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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