James 3:13-16
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.
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.
One of our niece’s high school classmates is a pediatrician at a hospital in Little Rock, where she also teaches at a university hospital. She is also a newlywed whose husband was diagnosed this summer with a very serious form of brain cancer – a highly aggressive malignancy known as glioblastoma. Through surgery, radiation and chemo treatments, this young woman has kept family and friends updated via a CaringBridge journal. In recent posts, she has noted that she doesn’t know how people without her knowledge and expertise navigate the unbelievable maze of medical jargon, paperwork, diagnoses, and treatment directives.
While this ordeal is incredibly heartbreaking, this woman also notes that she has become a better physician as a result of her experience. Many of us have been in a situation where medical staff threw big words, acronyms, numbers and data at us in rapid-fire succession – assuming we understood what they were telling us… while we wondered, “What in the world does this all mean?” – or our mind raced in a thousand other directions. Our niece’s friend writes …”I have become a more compassionate doctor for my families that turn up in the ED (Emergency Department) because they just didn't know what else to do. And while I can rarely solve their problem, I can sit and let them vent about the mess that for-profit medicine has created.”
We can’t merely point to the medical community as the only example of this, because we all act this way, to some degree. We set ourselves up on a pedestal and offer our supreme wisdom to others… often with a hefty dose of condescension or pride in our own capabilities. We lord it over others who really only needed to vent or – as this physician put it – just didn’t know what else to do. We operate in arrogance… that we are better at our job, our sport, parenting our children, being a good friend – and worst of all, being a Christian. By operating in mean-spirited ambition or superiority, we are anything but wise.
Each one of us needs to take a good look at our own life and how we act toward others. Ask yourself, “Am I operating in humility and wisdom… or arrogance and selfish ambition? Am I more concerned with how I appear and stroking my own ego… or sharing my God-given blessings with others? Do others come to me because they know I will offer humble, non-judgmental wisdom and comfort… or am I avoided because of my know-it-all attitude and hypercriticism?”
Won’t you ask God today to grant you true wisdom… and a spirit of honesty, generosity, and humility – as you interact with others? Ask God to make you a person others actually want to be around. Be the humble Christian witness who shares the love of Christ without cramming your vast Bible knowledge or “direct line” arrogance down the throats of others. Build a reputation as someone who lives well, wisely, and humbly. And while you are at it… please pray for this young woman and her husband – and their two young sons – who continue to fight “the beast,” as she describes glioblastoma.
As the adage goes…“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” What do others know about you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wisdom. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2012
1 John 2:20-27
But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven't been writing this to tell you something you don't know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn't breed lies.
So who is lying here? It's the person who denies that Jesus is the Divine Christ, that's who. This is what makes an antichrist: denying the Father, denying the Son. No one who denies the Son has any part with the Father, but affirming the Son is an embrace of the Father as well.
Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. This is exactly what Christ promised: eternal life, real life!
I've written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.
Joshua 1:8
And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed.
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.
When I was a young girl learning to sew, I was taught to do a lot of hand-basting with needle and thread before sewing seams and top-stitches on the machine. This made for neater edges, more uniform “gathers,” and a nicer garment overall. It also took a lot longer. Over the years, I became convinced by articles I read and friends who sewed that a lot of this was not necessary. A steady hand with the steam iron would press open seams. Good pinning could eliminate the need for hand-basting and speed up the process.
After ripping out several seams that were not quite straight or even… and getting a less than stellar result several times, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to stay with what I was taught from the beginning… the original message.
In so many areas of life, the “shortcuts” are actually paths to a bad end. A lot of us want to cut corners… to have the blessings of God without doing the work… to pick and choose which of His commandments we follow… to follow the “in crowd” but also belong to the body of Christ – even if the two are completely divided. In other words, we buy into the world’s insistence that God will overlook our irregular stitches and wrinkled seams… and “good enough” is, indeed, good enough.
The truth is that God gave His very best – Jesus Christ – to pay for our sins… and He wants our very best in return. We don’t have to look far to find the truth… the Bible – the “Book of the Revelation” – tells us everything we need to know about how to live as Disciples of Christ. The trouble comes when we want to cut corners… to have things our way… to follow those who would try to convince us otherwise… and still count on God to bless and anoint us with all He stands ready to give.
Inviting Jesus to be LORD of your life and asking the Holy Spirit to dwell within your heart is vital… but living deeply in both Son and Father is critical. So many people take the first step, then rest on the promise of Eternal Life. They fail to truly live deeply in the Son and Father… to serve completely and humbly as God’s servants and to minister to others in His name. And often, the results are like many of the garments I’ve sewn… less than stellar. Don’t let this happen to you. Really study the Word of God. Dig deeply and live in what you were taught. Ponder and meditate on what you have learned… and communicate with God continually to be sure you always stay on the right track.
©2012 Debbie Robus
But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven't been writing this to tell you something you don't know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn't breed lies.
So who is lying here? It's the person who denies that Jesus is the Divine Christ, that's who. This is what makes an antichrist: denying the Father, denying the Son. No one who denies the Son has any part with the Father, but affirming the Son is an embrace of the Father as well.
Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. This is exactly what Christ promised: eternal life, real life!
I've written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they're no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ's anointing, no less! You don't need any of their so-called teaching. Christ's anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught.
Joshua 1:8
And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed.
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.
When I was a young girl learning to sew, I was taught to do a lot of hand-basting with needle and thread before sewing seams and top-stitches on the machine. This made for neater edges, more uniform “gathers,” and a nicer garment overall. It also took a lot longer. Over the years, I became convinced by articles I read and friends who sewed that a lot of this was not necessary. A steady hand with the steam iron would press open seams. Good pinning could eliminate the need for hand-basting and speed up the process.
After ripping out several seams that were not quite straight or even… and getting a less than stellar result several times, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to stay with what I was taught from the beginning… the original message.
In so many areas of life, the “shortcuts” are actually paths to a bad end. A lot of us want to cut corners… to have the blessings of God without doing the work… to pick and choose which of His commandments we follow… to follow the “in crowd” but also belong to the body of Christ – even if the two are completely divided. In other words, we buy into the world’s insistence that God will overlook our irregular stitches and wrinkled seams… and “good enough” is, indeed, good enough.
The truth is that God gave His very best – Jesus Christ – to pay for our sins… and He wants our very best in return. We don’t have to look far to find the truth… the Bible – the “Book of the Revelation” – tells us everything we need to know about how to live as Disciples of Christ. The trouble comes when we want to cut corners… to have things our way… to follow those who would try to convince us otherwise… and still count on God to bless and anoint us with all He stands ready to give.
Inviting Jesus to be LORD of your life and asking the Holy Spirit to dwell within your heart is vital… but living deeply in both Son and Father is critical. So many people take the first step, then rest on the promise of Eternal Life. They fail to truly live deeply in the Son and Father… to serve completely and humbly as God’s servants and to minister to others in His name. And often, the results are like many of the garments I’ve sewn… less than stellar. Don’t let this happen to you. Really study the Word of God. Dig deeply and live in what you were taught. Ponder and meditate on what you have learned… and communicate with God continually to be sure you always stay on the right track.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2012
Ephesians 3:8-10
I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6-7
All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever looked at “magic eye” books? You know the ones where you squint and stand back a bit, and suddenly a three-dimensional image comes into focus? Or maybe you enjoyed the hidden pictures in Highlights magazine when you were a child. Even as an adult, I have fun helping Timothy find the hidden pictures in this children’s magazine. The point is… the images were there all along. They weren’t truly hidden… we just needed extra “focus” or “understanding” to find them. The same can be said of God’s wisdom.
I have been reviewing notes that I made on various sermons I’ve heard preached over the past decade. On one page, I noted… “God has not hidden wisdom from us… He has hidden wisdom for us. Proverbs are the key to wisdom.” Recently I learned that Rev. Billy Graham has said that he reads a chapter in Proverbs every day, as well as one of the Psalms. He maintains that the Psalms teach him how to get along with God, and the book of Proverbs teaches him how to get along with his “fellow man.”
So what does this mean for us with regard to our Spiritual journey? We need to realize that the wisdom of God is within our grasp… all we have to do is maintain focus. Just as the “magic eye” pictures are used by some to sharpen their vision, we can grow in God’s wisdom through Bible study and prayer. If we listen for God as we study and pray, we can gain new concepts and thoughts… ideas, interpretation, and revelation.
Proverbs 3:13 says…” God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.” Bible study and prayer will help us obtain both. By reading this devotional, you have begun to engage in Bible study. Hopefully you will be encouraged to dig deeper on your own… to get more of what God wants to give you through His word. Prayer is another vital component, and I hope you are talking with God each and every day. Make today the day you squint, focus and begin to unlock the wisdom that God is holding for you. The keys are in your hand… are you ready to use them?
©2012 Debbie Robus
I am the least important of all God's people. But God was kind and chose me to tell the Gentiles that because of Christ there are blessings that cannot be measured. God, who created everything, wanted me to help everyone understand the mysterious plan that had always been hidden in his mind. Then God would use the church to show the powers and authorities in the spiritual world that he has many different kinds of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:6-7
All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever looked at “magic eye” books? You know the ones where you squint and stand back a bit, and suddenly a three-dimensional image comes into focus? Or maybe you enjoyed the hidden pictures in Highlights magazine when you were a child. Even as an adult, I have fun helping Timothy find the hidden pictures in this children’s magazine. The point is… the images were there all along. They weren’t truly hidden… we just needed extra “focus” or “understanding” to find them. The same can be said of God’s wisdom.
I have been reviewing notes that I made on various sermons I’ve heard preached over the past decade. On one page, I noted… “God has not hidden wisdom from us… He has hidden wisdom for us. Proverbs are the key to wisdom.” Recently I learned that Rev. Billy Graham has said that he reads a chapter in Proverbs every day, as well as one of the Psalms. He maintains that the Psalms teach him how to get along with God, and the book of Proverbs teaches him how to get along with his “fellow man.”
So what does this mean for us with regard to our Spiritual journey? We need to realize that the wisdom of God is within our grasp… all we have to do is maintain focus. Just as the “magic eye” pictures are used by some to sharpen their vision, we can grow in God’s wisdom through Bible study and prayer. If we listen for God as we study and pray, we can gain new concepts and thoughts… ideas, interpretation, and revelation.
Proverbs 3:13 says…” God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.” Bible study and prayer will help us obtain both. By reading this devotional, you have begun to engage in Bible study. Hopefully you will be encouraged to dig deeper on your own… to get more of what God wants to give you through His word. Prayer is another vital component, and I hope you are talking with God each and every day. Make today the day you squint, focus and begin to unlock the wisdom that God is holding for you. The keys are in your hand… are you ready to use them?
- Thank You, LORD, for your incredible wisdom. Today I pray that You will speak to us through Your word… that we will truly listen for Your voice… and that You will release all that You hold in store for us, according to Your will and what You determine we are able to handle. We praise You, LORD, for Your incredible gifts… Your grace, mercy and love. Amen.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 18, 2011
Proverbs 22:3
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Timothy is tall for his age… nearly three feet in height at just 29 months. So when he started learning to walk and run, he would often pass near my piano or sofa table and wince. Sometimes he would actually bump into them, but he would make that “this is gonna hurt” face before he actually made contact. It was as if he knew he should duck or move away, but the circuit to complete that message from brain to body was not yet fully developed.
Even though most of us are a long way past two years of age, we still do this in so many ways. We get ourselves into some pretty big messes, knowing full well that we’re gonna get clobbered… yet we forge ahead anyway. We know we shouldn’t go to a party where there will be drinking and drugs. We understand on many levels the foolishness of speeding and/or drinking when driving. We often know we that we shouldn’t open our mouths and spark World War III. We are totally aware that we “don’t have a dog in the hunt,” but we stick our noses in where they don’t belong, say things that are hurtful or inappropriate… or fail to act when we know we should.
I will be the first to admit that I “open mouth, insert foot” more times than I care to count. I am often impulsive and reactionary. And yes, I often get clobbered! But I’m learning to stop and consult God first… to take a breath… count to ten… say a quick prayer… and let God lead me. Is it easy? Not always. Often I want to say, “But, God…” Yes, I am the “Burger King Christian” sometimes… I want to have things MY way. But I do get that trying to tell God how to run things is nothing short of ridiculous and absurd… and I’m working on this. Are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 31, 2011
Proverbs 20:29
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Young people take pride in their strength, but the gray hairs of wisdom are even more beautiful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Someone paid me a compliment recently, and in thanking them, I said, “I have had some great role models.” From my grandmother and her peers, to my mother and mother-in-law and many of their friends, to dear ladies (and gentlemen) I know who attend our church and the church in which I grew up… I am surrounded by Godly influences. Many, like my grandmother, have aged to a point where the tables have turned in terms of strength. I am now more able bodied and help her with things that are no longer easily accomplished… from driving, to paying bills and balancing the checkbook, to shopping and more.
By keeping Timothy so often – and caring for my grandmother – I recognize that many of the things I do for him are things she and my mother did for me not so long ago. Now I am repaying them, somewhat, by paying it forward. And this is where you come in... it is your turn to start sharing your blessings and wisdom with others in your own path.
As you go about your day, I assure you that people are watching… from the little kid down the street who sees you in the driveway and observes your demeanor to the older folks who meet you in the grocery store or the aisle at church. They notice when you are polite… and when you are not. They see your body language and your overall appearance… they hear the language that comes out of your mouth… they determine what sort of person you are by how you conduct yourself – even in the privacy of your own yard! For those of us who are older and (supposedly) wiser, we can easily become discouraged when we see that the kindness and “sage wisdom” we impart to younger people seems to be ignored. We can get upset and feel like those we tried to nurture have failed to live up to our expectations – or even brought us major disappointment.
This is rotten thinking on our part. Our job is not to love others with any expectations or desired outcomes. That’s why it’s called unconditional love. We are to nurture others… to live as an example of the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus Christ… and leave the outcomes to God Almighty. While I occasionally may think to myself, “What would So-and-so think if he/she saw me now?”… for the most part, I never give a second thought to the opinions of my role models. I know that they love me me no matter what. They might disapprove of my methods or actions once in awhile… and yes, a few have voiced their opinions from time to time in that regard… but mostly, they just go about the business of living a life that reflects their love and devotion to Jesus.
I told you about my hero, Geraldine “MawMac” McCurry, and how she influenced me so much. What I didn’t tell you was that MawMac had a set of “internal rules” by which she lived. I can’t tell you what all of them were, but I know there were certain things that she felt simply were not done. For instance, after one of her falls, she was unable to wear her high-heeled pumps and a dress to church – and for awhile, she had to wear slacks and sandals (which meant she could not wear stockings). She considered this terribly inappropriate for church attendance. I have to tell you, as I sat at a funeral in her church’s sanctuary lately on a 100+ degree day, wearing sandals and bear legs with my dress, I thought, “MawMac would not approve!” In her honor, I will wear stockings with my dress to her funeral… even if the temperatures are scorching!
Now this may seem like a minor, silly thing… but it is only one small example of how we are influenced by our elders – and how what we do matters to those around us. We may never see the “fruits of our labor”… it may seem like we are not making a difference at all. But in truth, our wisdom and influence matters greatly. I have 40-year-old first graders who still talk about their “guitar-playing first grade teacher” on a regular basis. I had no clue that singing songs in a crowded classroom would make such an impact… and you have no clue what you are saying and doing that is influencing others, too!
Check your attitudes… your behaviors… your appearance and demeanor. Make sure that you are exhibiting the traits of a Disciple of Christ. Share wisdom and Christian behavior for others on a daily basis… and be a good role model – even if those gray hairs are still years away.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2011
Proverbs 19:27
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
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 have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
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 have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 14, 2010
Psalm 119:130-133
Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. I honestly want to know everything you teach. Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. Keep your promise and don't let me stumble or let sin control my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How many times have you had a “light bulb moment,” where you truly “got it”? Maybe you realized just how much sugar and fat you had in your diet and made a concerted effort to change. Or maybe you realized that the person you thought was a good friend was really someone who was dragging you down the wrong path – or just dragging you down, period!
Maybe you finally understood fully that your parents or another influential adult in your life were not the “monsters” you and your friends had made them out to be. Or maybe you finally saw that the teacher who was so hard on you was really the one who cared the most about you and your future. There are lots of “light bulb moments” in our lives, hopefully… and each one is a growth lesson.
But the most important “light bulb moment” is when we finally recognize God’s word and the impact of His will for our lives. When we ordinary people start to truly “get” God, the lights go on and things really start to happen! This is good news! I hope you are earnestly seeking this time in your life… this level of understanding and communication where God speaks to you through the everyday circumstances of life… and you clearly hear His voice!
Just as importantly, once the lights go on in your relationship with God, I pray you don’t get complacent. Never take God for granted. Never assume you have all the bases covered and start to get cocky. You’ll get into trouble for sure… Satan would love nothing more than to trip us up and catch us feeling a little smug in our faith. Stay grounded. Stay hungry and seeking God, and always keep the lines of communication wide open. I pray the “Lights are on” in your heart… and God is changing your life daily from “ordinary” to totally amazing as a result!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Understanding your word brings light to the minds of ordinary people. I honestly want to know everything you teach. Think about me and be kind, just as you are to everyone who loves your name. Keep your promise and don't let me stumble or let sin control my life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
How many times have you had a “light bulb moment,” where you truly “got it”? Maybe you realized just how much sugar and fat you had in your diet and made a concerted effort to change. Or maybe you realized that the person you thought was a good friend was really someone who was dragging you down the wrong path – or just dragging you down, period!
Maybe you finally understood fully that your parents or another influential adult in your life were not the “monsters” you and your friends had made them out to be. Or maybe you finally saw that the teacher who was so hard on you was really the one who cared the most about you and your future. There are lots of “light bulb moments” in our lives, hopefully… and each one is a growth lesson.
But the most important “light bulb moment” is when we finally recognize God’s word and the impact of His will for our lives. When we ordinary people start to truly “get” God, the lights go on and things really start to happen! This is good news! I hope you are earnestly seeking this time in your life… this level of understanding and communication where God speaks to you through the everyday circumstances of life… and you clearly hear His voice!
Just as importantly, once the lights go on in your relationship with God, I pray you don’t get complacent. Never take God for granted. Never assume you have all the bases covered and start to get cocky. You’ll get into trouble for sure… Satan would love nothing more than to trip us up and catch us feeling a little smug in our faith. Stay grounded. Stay hungry and seeking God, and always keep the lines of communication wide open. I pray the “Lights are on” in your heart… and God is changing your life daily from “ordinary” to totally amazing as a result!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 30, 2010
Proverbs 23:19
Listen to me, my children! Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently some former schoolmates of mine were having a discussion on Facebook about climbing Sugar Loaf. One of them said she had never made the climb, and she had heard it is quite dangerous. The rest of us remarked that yes, the climb could possibly be dangerous if you took the wrong path or tried to ascend to the top in the wrong divide in the rocks.
Honestly, the path is pretty clear. There is very little room for error… until you get to the rock outcropping. If you venture too far, you’ll find yourself at a crevice that is too steep and treacherous to climb… and there is a faint path that leads in this direction (probably from those who have so frequently gone too far!). We suggested to this friend that she take someone with her who is familiar with the mountain and has made the climb… a seasoned guide who can “show her the ropes.”
I know you see where I’m going with this. The path to living for Jesus is pretty clear, but there are times we need a Guide to help us with the more difficult areas or to keep us on the right course… and we have One! All we have to do is listen to God… to follow His lead and stay on the path He shows us, and we will “ascend to the top” safely and with relative ease. But so often, we are not sensible. We listen to the voice of the devil whispering in our ear that “our way is better, or more fun, faster, or easier.” And the next thing you know, we’ve made a huge mess of things.
We need to learn to listen to God. We need to pay attention to His guidance and stick to His pathway. He will NEVER steer us wrong. He will ALWAYS keep us safe. And as a bonus, the “views at the Top” are amazing! Who are you listening to these days? Do you have enough sense to follow the right path?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Listen to me, my children! Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently some former schoolmates of mine were having a discussion on Facebook about climbing Sugar Loaf. One of them said she had never made the climb, and she had heard it is quite dangerous. The rest of us remarked that yes, the climb could possibly be dangerous if you took the wrong path or tried to ascend to the top in the wrong divide in the rocks.
Honestly, the path is pretty clear. There is very little room for error… until you get to the rock outcropping. If you venture too far, you’ll find yourself at a crevice that is too steep and treacherous to climb… and there is a faint path that leads in this direction (probably from those who have so frequently gone too far!). We suggested to this friend that she take someone with her who is familiar with the mountain and has made the climb… a seasoned guide who can “show her the ropes.”
I know you see where I’m going with this. The path to living for Jesus is pretty clear, but there are times we need a Guide to help us with the more difficult areas or to keep us on the right course… and we have One! All we have to do is listen to God… to follow His lead and stay on the path He shows us, and we will “ascend to the top” safely and with relative ease. But so often, we are not sensible. We listen to the voice of the devil whispering in our ear that “our way is better, or more fun, faster, or easier.” And the next thing you know, we’ve made a huge mess of things.
We need to learn to listen to God. We need to pay attention to His guidance and stick to His pathway. He will NEVER steer us wrong. He will ALWAYS keep us safe. And as a bonus, the “views at the Top” are amazing! Who are you listening to these days? Do you have enough sense to follow the right path?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 28, 2010
Proverbs 23:15-16
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.
I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.
God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.
It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!
This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.
My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy, and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Watching a child master something you have taught him/her is incredibly rewarding. I remember countless times when I was teaching kindergarten and first grade students and a child would master a task or skill… learning to tie his/her shoes, being able to write his/her name legibly, counting to twenty or more, reading a passage in a book and understanding the meaning… so many accomplishments. Each one was a victory for the child… but also for me as I watched this child grow and develop with my guidance.
I related to someone recently how my husband and I have observed the little boy we sponsor through Compassion International go from drawing self-portraits that consisted of a circle with two big eyes and a smile and stick arms and legs protruding to intricately detailed drawings of himself, cars, buildings, and more… all in the span of four years. We can physically see the growth and development that is occurring in Kodjo, and we are proud of all he is accomplishing.
God takes the same kind of pride in seeing us grow… mentally, physically, and spiritually. And as we develop a deeper relationship with Him and truly start to “get it,” He is delighted. But the real joy comes when we begin to share His truths with others… and to genuinely walk in them and speak them.
It’s one thing to love God and want to serve Him, but it’s quite another to cultivate a deep, abiding relationship with Him… one where He is front and center, and the focus of your very being is to serve Him truthfully in everything you say and do. Imagine the joy you can experience, knowing that you are pleasing God. Envision His joy and pride in you, as you serve Him truthfully, with good sense!
This should be our goal as Christian disciples. Once we get to a point (or closer to it) where we operate totally from a desire to please God… to always use good sense and speak His truths… doors open, opportunities to serve Him even more appear, and blessings flow. Ask God to show you how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you common sense and the wisdom to always speak His truths. He will be glad you asked… and so will you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about Compassion, International - or to sponsor your own child - visit www.compassion.com.
Daily Devotional for October 26, 2010
Proverbs 19:20
Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It doesn’t matter what age we are, many of us would rather learn the hard way than take advice or correction from someone else. Toddlers are told, “You’re going to pinch your fingers in that door,” and until they do, they will probably keep sticking them there. Teenagers and young adults are told, “We aren’t trying to run your lives, but we’ve ‘been there, done that,’ and this is what happens,” yet they sometimes have to discover for themselves that this is the outcome Older adults are told, “If you don’t slow down and take it easy, you are going to fall and end up breaking a hip,” and they continue trying to do things just as they did them twenty years earlier… and often end up having hip replacement surgery and rehab – or going to a nursing home.
It seems that our definition of “sensibly” is often something far different from the other guy’s – and certainly that of scripture. So it’s no wonder that we are no more willing to take the advice and correction found in the Bible, is it?!
The trouble with this logic is that the advice and correction of other humans may help us short-term, but the teachings of the Bible have ramifications for Eternity. Yes, God wants us to live sensibly on this earth, but He is far more concerned with what we are building for our heavenly future. If we are spinning our wheels making one mistake after another, we are not honoring God and serving Him as we should… and it’s possible we may miss the mark completely and fail to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ. In turn, this could mean that we do not receive the gift of Eternal Life – and the promise of a future in heaven.
I’m not saying this is where you are today, but we humans are stubborn know-it-alls sometimes… especially in our spiritual walk. Are you sure you are listening to God and paying attention to His advice and correction? Are you merely assuming your friends and relatives have accepted Jesus and will join you in heaven someday? Have you made sure that those in your “circle” have had exposure to the scriptures and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ? Have you shared the advice of God and His Holy Word with others?
Is it time for us to have a talk with God and ask for His advice and correction, so that we “get it together”? Just how sensibly are we living these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It doesn’t matter what age we are, many of us would rather learn the hard way than take advice or correction from someone else. Toddlers are told, “You’re going to pinch your fingers in that door,” and until they do, they will probably keep sticking them there. Teenagers and young adults are told, “We aren’t trying to run your lives, but we’ve ‘been there, done that,’ and this is what happens,” yet they sometimes have to discover for themselves that this is the outcome Older adults are told, “If you don’t slow down and take it easy, you are going to fall and end up breaking a hip,” and they continue trying to do things just as they did them twenty years earlier… and often end up having hip replacement surgery and rehab – or going to a nursing home.
It seems that our definition of “sensibly” is often something far different from the other guy’s – and certainly that of scripture. So it’s no wonder that we are no more willing to take the advice and correction found in the Bible, is it?!
The trouble with this logic is that the advice and correction of other humans may help us short-term, but the teachings of the Bible have ramifications for Eternity. Yes, God wants us to live sensibly on this earth, but He is far more concerned with what we are building for our heavenly future. If we are spinning our wheels making one mistake after another, we are not honoring God and serving Him as we should… and it’s possible we may miss the mark completely and fail to accept the salvation of Jesus Christ. In turn, this could mean that we do not receive the gift of Eternal Life – and the promise of a future in heaven.
I’m not saying this is where you are today, but we humans are stubborn know-it-alls sometimes… especially in our spiritual walk. Are you sure you are listening to God and paying attention to His advice and correction? Are you merely assuming your friends and relatives have accepted Jesus and will join you in heaven someday? Have you made sure that those in your “circle” have had exposure to the scriptures and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ? Have you shared the advice of God and His Holy Word with others?
Is it time for us to have a talk with God and ask for His advice and correction, so that we “get it together”? Just how sensibly are we living these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 22, 2010
Proverbs 3:21-24
My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. You will walk safely and never stumble; you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Insomnia has become a huge problem in recent years for many people. Or maybe we are just more aware of how widespread this problem is for a number of people. In any case, there are now a lot of medications that are reputed to help with insomnia… from Ambien to Lunesta to over-the-counter solutions like Tylenol P.M. and more. Who knew that perhaps one of the best “cures” for insomnia could be found in Proverbs 3 … and why are we surprised?!
“But you don’t have any idea how many worries and stresses I have,” you may be saying. “When my head hits the pillow at night, my mind just races.” I do know… I’ve been there myself.
Proverbs 3:21-24 and scripture passages such as Psalm 127:2, which says in the King James Version…”It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep,” tell us clearly that God wants us to clear our mind, to give our worries and cares to HIM, and to sleep and rest soundly. I know this is hard… and I’m not saying some of us don’t need a little something to help us over the hump with this from time to time.
I do believe that we often fail to give our worries and burdens, stresses and “busyness” completely to God. We give Him our troubles to hold for a few minutes – and then we pick them back up again. As for common sense and sound judgment, I know firsthand that I make the mistake of failing to consult God often enough… in all situations. How hard would it be to stop and take five seconds to say, “Lord, help me to say the right things,” or to ask, “Lord, what should I do?” Even if you have to put down the phone, or raise your hand and say to someone, “Excuse me for a second,” then close your eyes and silently pray for guidance… imagine how this could affect the outcome!
If we spent more time involving God in our lives and consulting Him about even the smallest choices and decisions, our sleep might be more restful and sound… and come more easily. Our life would most certainly be more beautiful and peaceful, and we would stumble far less often.
My prayer for all of us is that we would commit to involving God more completely in our day-to-day living, and that we would experience more rest and peace in our sleep… and more safety, comfort, and blessings in our very lives. Do you have a few seconds to spare to communicate with God? Are you willing to see what a difference it can make?
©2010 Debbie Robus
My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind. They will help you to live a long and beautiful life. You will walk safely and never stumble; you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Insomnia has become a huge problem in recent years for many people. Or maybe we are just more aware of how widespread this problem is for a number of people. In any case, there are now a lot of medications that are reputed to help with insomnia… from Ambien to Lunesta to over-the-counter solutions like Tylenol P.M. and more. Who knew that perhaps one of the best “cures” for insomnia could be found in Proverbs 3 … and why are we surprised?!
“But you don’t have any idea how many worries and stresses I have,” you may be saying. “When my head hits the pillow at night, my mind just races.” I do know… I’ve been there myself.
Proverbs 3:21-24 and scripture passages such as Psalm 127:2, which says in the King James Version…”It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep,” tell us clearly that God wants us to clear our mind, to give our worries and cares to HIM, and to sleep and rest soundly. I know this is hard… and I’m not saying some of us don’t need a little something to help us over the hump with this from time to time.
I do believe that we often fail to give our worries and burdens, stresses and “busyness” completely to God. We give Him our troubles to hold for a few minutes – and then we pick them back up again. As for common sense and sound judgment, I know firsthand that I make the mistake of failing to consult God often enough… in all situations. How hard would it be to stop and take five seconds to say, “Lord, help me to say the right things,” or to ask, “Lord, what should I do?” Even if you have to put down the phone, or raise your hand and say to someone, “Excuse me for a second,” then close your eyes and silently pray for guidance… imagine how this could affect the outcome!
If we spent more time involving God in our lives and consulting Him about even the smallest choices and decisions, our sleep might be more restful and sound… and come more easily. Our life would most certainly be more beautiful and peaceful, and we would stumble far less often.
My prayer for all of us is that we would commit to involving God more completely in our day-to-day living, and that we would experience more rest and peace in our sleep… and more safety, comfort, and blessings in our very lives. Do you have a few seconds to spare to communicate with God? Are you willing to see what a difference it can make?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 14, 2010
Proverbs 12:6
Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever trapped a “critter” – even a mouse, you know that one of the key components of a successful trap is good bait. Raw bacon works particularly well for several varmints, because it is enticing, yet slippery and hard to grab without getting caught. Contrast the image of a trap for a pesky critter with the pen or cage in which you keep your pet, perhaps to keep him/her safe from other animals (even the two-legged kind!) outside. Maybe you even have a dog house or shed that serves as a shield for your pet against the elements of everyday weather … sun, rain, heat, cold, and more.
Now think about receiving bad advice – and acting on it versus the benefits of good advice - and how it affects your life. If you have ever received – and taken – bad advice, you know it can affect you as seriously as a deadly trap and may cause you mental, emotional, and/or physical ruin. Good advice, though, can protect you from making costly mistakes. Good advice can bring you blessings and joy and positive outcomes and shield you from the hardships of life.
Learning to recognize whether advice is good or bad often comes with experience and maturity. But praying about advice – before you give it or take it – can make a huge difference. Asking yourself if the advice lines up with the word of God also helps. Asking God to guide your steps and give you wisdom and discernment is another vital component.
Often, bad advice looks good on the surface. Sometimes we want to take bad advice, even when we know we shouldn’t … like when a friend says, “C’mon … go to the party… what can it hurt?” or your boss says, “If anybody asks, you don’t know anything about this,” or even when someone tells you, “Trust me … I’ll take care of everything,” and you know this is really never going to happen.
We must learn to analyze advice based on wisdom and discernment – and prayerful guidance from God … not the whims and desires of our heart. This is the “bacon” in Satan’s traps … and it will get us caught in a life of disappointment, misery, and possibly serious trouble. Whether we are taking advice from someone else – or doling it out ourselves – we need to prayerfully consider every angle and make sure that God is in the details … and shielding us all the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever trapped a “critter” – even a mouse, you know that one of the key components of a successful trap is good bait. Raw bacon works particularly well for several varmints, because it is enticing, yet slippery and hard to grab without getting caught. Contrast the image of a trap for a pesky critter with the pen or cage in which you keep your pet, perhaps to keep him/her safe from other animals (even the two-legged kind!) outside. Maybe you even have a dog house or shed that serves as a shield for your pet against the elements of everyday weather … sun, rain, heat, cold, and more.
Now think about receiving bad advice – and acting on it versus the benefits of good advice - and how it affects your life. If you have ever received – and taken – bad advice, you know it can affect you as seriously as a deadly trap and may cause you mental, emotional, and/or physical ruin. Good advice, though, can protect you from making costly mistakes. Good advice can bring you blessings and joy and positive outcomes and shield you from the hardships of life.
Learning to recognize whether advice is good or bad often comes with experience and maturity. But praying about advice – before you give it or take it – can make a huge difference. Asking yourself if the advice lines up with the word of God also helps. Asking God to guide your steps and give you wisdom and discernment is another vital component.
Often, bad advice looks good on the surface. Sometimes we want to take bad advice, even when we know we shouldn’t … like when a friend says, “C’mon … go to the party… what can it hurt?” or your boss says, “If anybody asks, you don’t know anything about this,” or even when someone tells you, “Trust me … I’ll take care of everything,” and you know this is really never going to happen.
We must learn to analyze advice based on wisdom and discernment – and prayerful guidance from God … not the whims and desires of our heart. This is the “bacon” in Satan’s traps … and it will get us caught in a life of disappointment, misery, and possibly serious trouble. Whether we are taking advice from someone else – or doling it out ourselves – we need to prayerfully consider every angle and make sure that God is in the details … and shielding us all the way.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 30, 2010
Proverbs 10:21
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you are like most people, at least once in your life you have gotten a new appliance or device, opened the package, and tried to use the gizmo without reading the instruction manual first. Think of the old adage, “When all else fails, read the instructions!”
I’ll admit, I’ve had instruction manuals that might as well have been written in Greek. I’ve also had instruction manuals that gave almost zero instruction, leaving me scratching my head and wondering what in the world I was supposed to do to operate the device.
Thankfully, God’s instruction is neither “Greek” nor lacking. The Bible gives us clear details on how to gain salvation through Jesus Christ – and how to conduct our lives afterward. Scripture tells us how to be disciples of Christ, what happens when we follow His teachings … and what happens when we don’t! It’s all there!
So we really have no excuses. I would venture to say that everyone reading this devotional has heard the word of God and received these instructions … probably many times! Yet we seem to think we know it all. We fail to consult the “manual” by ignoring the scriptures, forgetting to pray, and not taking advantage of opportunities to fellowship with other Christians who can strengthen and encourage us.
It’s time for a reality check. We do not have all the answers. We are not capable of navigating life as a Christian on our own … with no instruction! To try to do so will get us “killed” by our own stupidity in the form of failures, sorrow, disappointments, and all types of destruction. Failure to follow God’s instruction manual can even lead to an eternity without Christ for those who never invite Him into their hearts and accept His salvation.
Read the “Manual.” Listen to God’s instructions. In fact, seek them before you make a single move. Make sure you have all of the information and instruction necessary before you do anything else. You’ll be amazed how much more smoothly things operate.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 26, 2010
Proverbs 12:14
We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read an article recently about a young man in our area who died of a drug overdose, and now his mother wants the friends who were with him to be held accountable – perhaps even legally – for his death. I have to believe that this young man’s friends are suffering greatly already. To think that something you said or did might have led to the death of a friend would be incredibly horrific.
I’ve heard more than one person say, “Oh, I wish I had said such-and-such,” or “I wish I had done this or that, and now it’s too late.” And we all deeply regret certain things we have said and done. So what are we to do? How does God want us to manage such things?
In The Message, this scripture passage says, “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.” It seems to me that God wants us to strive to choose well-spoken words and well-done work. We know that we will fail in these areas from time to time, and that’s where the blood of Jesus comes into play – covering us when we make mistakes, admit them, and ask for forgiveness and redemption.
But we can all work harder at choosing our words and deeds wisely. We can all look for more opportunities to encourage, bless, support and serve. We can ask God to show us how to handle difficult situations – and how and when to step in and offer a hand or an opinion to someone else. There have been times when I so wanted to stay at home and ignore what was happening – to skip a funeral or visiting someone who was sick or in need. There have been times when I wanted to tell someone just how I felt – or to “set them straight” on a few things. And there have been times when I plunged ahead and realized later, “I should have talked to God about that first!”
Don’t let this be said of you. Talk to God … ask Him to guide your steps and your words. In challenging situations, always consult Him before proceeding … especially when you feel God is telling you to say or do something difficult or outside of your comfort zone. If you feel He is in the lead, it’s the right choice. To follow Him will lead to rewards you can’t even imagine, and to choose to go it alone will most certainly bring consequences. Ask God to lead you in the direction of well-chosen words and deeds. And thank Him for His grace and mercy when you momentarily lose your way.
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.
©2010 Debbie Robus
We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I read an article recently about a young man in our area who died of a drug overdose, and now his mother wants the friends who were with him to be held accountable – perhaps even legally – for his death. I have to believe that this young man’s friends are suffering greatly already. To think that something you said or did might have led to the death of a friend would be incredibly horrific.
I’ve heard more than one person say, “Oh, I wish I had said such-and-such,” or “I wish I had done this or that, and now it’s too late.” And we all deeply regret certain things we have said and done. So what are we to do? How does God want us to manage such things?
In The Message, this scripture passage says, “Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.” It seems to me that God wants us to strive to choose well-spoken words and well-done work. We know that we will fail in these areas from time to time, and that’s where the blood of Jesus comes into play – covering us when we make mistakes, admit them, and ask for forgiveness and redemption.
But we can all work harder at choosing our words and deeds wisely. We can all look for more opportunities to encourage, bless, support and serve. We can ask God to show us how to handle difficult situations – and how and when to step in and offer a hand or an opinion to someone else. There have been times when I so wanted to stay at home and ignore what was happening – to skip a funeral or visiting someone who was sick or in need. There have been times when I wanted to tell someone just how I felt – or to “set them straight” on a few things. And there have been times when I plunged ahead and realized later, “I should have talked to God about that first!”
Don’t let this be said of you. Talk to God … ask Him to guide your steps and your words. In challenging situations, always consult Him before proceeding … especially when you feel God is telling you to say or do something difficult or outside of your comfort zone. If you feel He is in the lead, it’s the right choice. To follow Him will lead to rewards you can’t even imagine, and to choose to go it alone will most certainly bring consequences. Ask God to lead you in the direction of well-chosen words and deeds. And thank Him for His grace and mercy when you momentarily lose your way.
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.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 24, 2010
Proverbs 13:3
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve had to shake my head at some of the posts on Facebook, particularly from teens and young adults. “Joe 123 is in a relationship,” followed a few days later by “Joe 123 is single.” Or “Sue ABC is ‘it’s complicated.’” We’ve had some fun with a few folks who have been married for years but never filled out their personal profile info until lately, and then all of a sudden, “Jim XYZ is married!” Old news … Jim has been married for 30 years!
The thing is … Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets have become tremendous vehicles for gossip. There is so much room for interpretation – or mis-interpretation. There is room for things to become twisted and distorted in epic proportions. And more than ever, there is room for misunderstanding and misery. We’ve all come to understand TMI – too much information – and there truly is plenty to go around.
So our lesson for today is to put a lid on it! If more people were less eager to announce that they were in a relationship after the first glance, the relationship might have a chance to actually develop into something that could last! If we didn’t share all of our deepest thoughts and information with every “friend” we have, we might have smoother sailing in life. People love to talk, so the “friend who would never tell,” very well may tell another “friend who would never tell.” Do you see what I mean?
Think about what you are saying and sharing - everywhere - not just on social media networks. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing someone was standing up in a crowded room and telling everyone what you are about to say, then don’t share it with even your “closest friends.” If there is even a remote chance that what you are saying about someone could get back to them, you had better be 100% sure they would be okay with it. The better policy is to never repeat personal information or “news” to others. And while you are at it, think about what you are posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. If you couldn’t tell the same things to your grandmother in person, they probably are not suitable for posting!
God wants us to be good stewards of our mouths. He wants us to spend time sharing His love, grace, mercy and Good News … not the latest gossip or unkind talk and opinions. Before we speak, let’s stop, take a breath … maybe even try the sentence out in our heads … and then ask ourselves if what we are about to say would be pleasing to God. This should determine how we proceed. It’s a tough order, but to do otherwise could have serious consequences. Keep what you know to yourself … please God … and preserve your reputation and your conscience!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 23, 2010
Proverbs 10:11
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.
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.
Hype. Dictionary.com defines hype as “exaggerated publicity; hoopla … an ingenious or questionable claim, method, etc., used in advertising, promotion, or publicity to intensify the effect … a swindle, deception, or trick.” We hear a lot these days about hype … and there’s a whole lot of hype about a whole lot of issues. Frankly, a lot of the hype is a mask for evil words of the wicked.
More and more in our society, we are bombarded through all kinds of media with outlandish claims and statements – hype - that sound just true enough to reel us in and catch us off guard. We’ve bought into everything from “reality TV” to tabloid journalism to political spin. And the lines between truth and fiction have become so blurry that often no one is sure of anything.
Hype about the Razorbacks and how good they are predicted to be this year may be one thing. Hype that is designed to scare us into believing one way or another about serious social and religious issues is totally different. We need to all take a deep breath, stop and think about what we are seeing and hearing, and ask ourselves if it lines up with the word of God. We need to surround ourselves with people who are level-headed, spend time in prayer and Bible study, and listen to our Heavenly Father … not the “spin doctors” on television and in the media or some of those who like to share letters and opinions in our local newspaper. We need to use our head … and check things out on websites like www.urbanlegends.com and www.snopes.com.
Be informed – do some digging and get to the heart of what people are saying. Choose your friends and your role models carefully. Ask God to give you discernment in all things, and remember that He does not operate in fear. Sadly, there are people who will invoke the Lord’s name as they spew untruths, and yes … evil poison. There are “Christians” who operate in fear and threats. Think of e-mails that say… “If you love Jesus, you will forward this e-mail” or even “Send this to six friends and get six blessings … nine friends and get nine blessings.” We can’t bargain with God for His favor!
On Facebook, I’m blessed to be “friends” with a young woman who posts frequent messages of hope and encouragement … prayer requests for those in need … uplifting scriptures, mentions of specific needs in our community, and praise for her church and the work God is doing there. I sometimes see posts from a few “friends” who want to spew hype … most of it negative. Sadly, some of them invoke their faith as they do so … and honestly, I have to hide them – or even block them completely. I’m learning that I cannot be surrounded by such thoughts and words. The more I remove the “hype” from my life and my heart, the more room I have for the life-giving words of God Almighty.
And that’s what it’s all about. We need plenty of room in our daily lives for the life-giving well of good words from good people. If you find that your life is getting cluttered with hype, it may be time for a good old-fashioned cleaning. Ask God to help you with this. Ask Him to surround you with good people who speak truthfully. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to sift through the hype and get to His truths. It’s time for us to all make a little extra room in our hearts for the good stuff!
©2010 Debbie Robus
The mouth of a good person is a deep, life-giving well, but the mouth of the wicked is a dark cave of abuse.
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.
Hype. Dictionary.com defines hype as “exaggerated publicity; hoopla … an ingenious or questionable claim, method, etc., used in advertising, promotion, or publicity to intensify the effect … a swindle, deception, or trick.” We hear a lot these days about hype … and there’s a whole lot of hype about a whole lot of issues. Frankly, a lot of the hype is a mask for evil words of the wicked.
More and more in our society, we are bombarded through all kinds of media with outlandish claims and statements – hype - that sound just true enough to reel us in and catch us off guard. We’ve bought into everything from “reality TV” to tabloid journalism to political spin. And the lines between truth and fiction have become so blurry that often no one is sure of anything.
Hype about the Razorbacks and how good they are predicted to be this year may be one thing. Hype that is designed to scare us into believing one way or another about serious social and religious issues is totally different. We need to all take a deep breath, stop and think about what we are seeing and hearing, and ask ourselves if it lines up with the word of God. We need to surround ourselves with people who are level-headed, spend time in prayer and Bible study, and listen to our Heavenly Father … not the “spin doctors” on television and in the media or some of those who like to share letters and opinions in our local newspaper. We need to use our head … and check things out on websites like www.urbanlegends.com and www.snopes.com.
Be informed – do some digging and get to the heart of what people are saying. Choose your friends and your role models carefully. Ask God to give you discernment in all things, and remember that He does not operate in fear. Sadly, there are people who will invoke the Lord’s name as they spew untruths, and yes … evil poison. There are “Christians” who operate in fear and threats. Think of e-mails that say… “If you love Jesus, you will forward this e-mail” or even “Send this to six friends and get six blessings … nine friends and get nine blessings.” We can’t bargain with God for His favor!
On Facebook, I’m blessed to be “friends” with a young woman who posts frequent messages of hope and encouragement … prayer requests for those in need … uplifting scriptures, mentions of specific needs in our community, and praise for her church and the work God is doing there. I sometimes see posts from a few “friends” who want to spew hype … most of it negative. Sadly, some of them invoke their faith as they do so … and honestly, I have to hide them – or even block them completely. I’m learning that I cannot be surrounded by such thoughts and words. The more I remove the “hype” from my life and my heart, the more room I have for the life-giving words of God Almighty.
And that’s what it’s all about. We need plenty of room in our daily lives for the life-giving well of good words from good people. If you find that your life is getting cluttered with hype, it may be time for a good old-fashioned cleaning. Ask God to help you with this. Ask Him to surround you with good people who speak truthfully. Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment to sift through the hype and get to His truths. It’s time for us to all make a little extra room in our hearts for the good stuff!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 5, 2010
April 5 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you. So don't try to change what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2003, the lunch ladies of Holdingford, Minnesota, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket. The ticket won, and each of the 16 school cafeteria workers walked away with approximately $2 million. Two of them subsequently retired, but the other ladies continued to come to work each day and perform the same duties as they had done before the winning ticket was confirmed… cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and more. Just because they were transformed into millionaires overnight didn’t mean they changed into different people. They just had a little extra money for sharing with family and friends, paying off debts, sending their children to college, and taking an elderly grandma to Las Vegas on a trip!
Why do you suppose I used an illustration about the lottery for this scripture passage? I assure you I am not encouraging you to play the lottery! But I want you to notice that winning the lottery may have changed the lives of these ladies in some ways… but it did not change these ladies. And Paul is telling us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, things will change in our lives… but we don’t have to change careers, spouses, locations and more to serve God in our newfound salvation. Sure, if we are participating in sinful activities, we need to stop. If we are associating with people who act ungodly, we probably need new friends. But quite often, as a Christian, we can stay put and serve God right where we are. We can witness to those in our workplace who may not know Him. We can bring about improvement in our relationships with spouses, family members, and friends, just by showing love, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. We can accomplish much for God’s kingdom by demonstrating how He has transformed our own lives and attitudes.
Sometimes we all try too hard. We think we have to be something all prim and proper and buttoned-down in order to please God… and we think we have to exhibit radical transformation in order to prove to others (and ourselves?) that we have experienced salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to demonstrate how He does extraordinary things with ordinary people. He wants us to relax, rest, and be content with who and what we are… and what He can do with us! God wants to use us to be all we can for Him… but, I repeat - He also wants us to be ourselves. Who are you trying to be these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you. So don't try to change what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2003, the lunch ladies of Holdingford, Minnesota, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket. The ticket won, and each of the 16 school cafeteria workers walked away with approximately $2 million. Two of them subsequently retired, but the other ladies continued to come to work each day and perform the same duties as they had done before the winning ticket was confirmed… cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and more. Just because they were transformed into millionaires overnight didn’t mean they changed into different people. They just had a little extra money for sharing with family and friends, paying off debts, sending their children to college, and taking an elderly grandma to Las Vegas on a trip!
Why do you suppose I used an illustration about the lottery for this scripture passage? I assure you I am not encouraging you to play the lottery! But I want you to notice that winning the lottery may have changed the lives of these ladies in some ways… but it did not change these ladies. And Paul is telling us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, things will change in our lives… but we don’t have to change careers, spouses, locations and more to serve God in our newfound salvation. Sure, if we are participating in sinful activities, we need to stop. If we are associating with people who act ungodly, we probably need new friends. But quite often, as a Christian, we can stay put and serve God right where we are. We can witness to those in our workplace who may not know Him. We can bring about improvement in our relationships with spouses, family members, and friends, just by showing love, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. We can accomplish much for God’s kingdom by demonstrating how He has transformed our own lives and attitudes.
Sometimes we all try too hard. We think we have to be something all prim and proper and buttoned-down in order to please God… and we think we have to exhibit radical transformation in order to prove to others (and ourselves?) that we have experienced salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to demonstrate how He does extraordinary things with ordinary people. He wants us to relax, rest, and be content with who and what we are… and what He can do with us! God wants to use us to be all we can for Him… but, I repeat - He also wants us to be ourselves. Who are you trying to be these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2010
February 2 ~ Zechariah 10:1
I, the LORD, am the one who sends storm clouds and showers of rain to make fields produce. So when the crops need rain, you should pray to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
None of us has all of the answers. From time to time, we need some help or advice. One time, I was struggling with an issue that I did not know how to handle. Thankfully, I realized that, as a mere human, this situation was beyond my abilities. I asked God specifically to direct me to a person I could talk to who: 1) would have experience with this situation and wisdom about how to handle it; 2) would keep this confidential and not discuss it with others, and 3) was a Christian who relied on God and would advise me in this context. I thought and thought about WHO could help me. “Where was this person, God?”
Not long afterward, and quite out of the blue, a wonderful Christian friend of mine left a message on my answering machine. She needed to talk to me… but more importantly, I needed to talk to HER! I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that God sent her. By the time we actually spoke, the question she had for me had already been answered. But her counsel for me was timely and right on target!
Now here’s the thing. I am not always so humble and smart about such things. Sometimes I try to fix problems myself, or I consult the Internet or an “expert” who wrote a book or an article that I read in some magazine. What I really need to be doing is asking God to lead me to the right answers about everything. So when you have a tough decision to make, talk to God first… not everyone else. If you need strength and courage, don’t turn to a bottle or a pill… or even your best friend. They can’t give you what God can! When you need “rain” for your “crops,” go to the One who sends the storm clouds and showers. Pray – talk to God first… ask Him to show you how to proceed in all situations, and know for certain you are headed in the right direction.
©2009 Debbie Robus
I, the LORD, am the one who sends storm clouds and showers of rain to make fields produce. So when the crops need rain, you should pray to me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
None of us has all of the answers. From time to time, we need some help or advice. One time, I was struggling with an issue that I did not know how to handle. Thankfully, I realized that, as a mere human, this situation was beyond my abilities. I asked God specifically to direct me to a person I could talk to who: 1) would have experience with this situation and wisdom about how to handle it; 2) would keep this confidential and not discuss it with others, and 3) was a Christian who relied on God and would advise me in this context. I thought and thought about WHO could help me. “Where was this person, God?”
Not long afterward, and quite out of the blue, a wonderful Christian friend of mine left a message on my answering machine. She needed to talk to me… but more importantly, I needed to talk to HER! I know beyond any shadow of a doubt that God sent her. By the time we actually spoke, the question she had for me had already been answered. But her counsel for me was timely and right on target!
Now here’s the thing. I am not always so humble and smart about such things. Sometimes I try to fix problems myself, or I consult the Internet or an “expert” who wrote a book or an article that I read in some magazine. What I really need to be doing is asking God to lead me to the right answers about everything. So when you have a tough decision to make, talk to God first… not everyone else. If you need strength and courage, don’t turn to a bottle or a pill… or even your best friend. They can’t give you what God can! When you need “rain” for your “crops,” go to the One who sends the storm clouds and showers. Pray – talk to God first… ask Him to show you how to proceed in all situations, and know for certain you are headed in the right direction.
©2009 Debbie Robus
January 2010 Devotionals - Week 2
January 14 ~ Isaiah 32:7-8
Cruel people tell lies-- they do evil things, and make cruel plans to destroy the poor and needy, even when they beg for justice.
But helpful people can always be trusted to make helpful plans.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
What a contrast I saw on Facebook today! On one hand, some of my “friends” are being contacted by another supposed “friend” who claims to be stranded in London and needs money wired to them immediately. It’s a scam… these Facebook “friends” have been hacked. This particular scam has gone around for a few months now, and some people (no one I know personally) have actually sent the money. Trust me, NOBODY is stranded in London and needing your help, much less your money!
On the same day on Facebook, the United Methodist Church announced that plans are already in place through their relief program, UMCOR, to help those in Haiti who have been devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
These are excellent examples of cruel people telling lies and doing evil things to try and destroy others versus helpful people who are making helpful plans. And these are two isolated examples. Every day, we have the chance to make helpful plans in ways great and small. And nearly every day, we have opportunities to make choices and plans that are less noble, if not downright cruel and/or evil. It comes down to a choice.
How will you spend your days? Will you look for ways to help others and to plan helpful activities? Or will you fold and follow a less noble path – even for a day or two? The choice is pretty clear in my mind. Remember John Wesley’s admonition to do all the good you can in all the places you can for all the people you can for as long as you can (I’m paraphrasing). God expects no less from His children… how are you doing so far?
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 13 ~ Isaiah 25:1
You, LORD, are my God! I will praise you for doing the wonderful things you had planned and promised since ancient times.
|Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I’ve spent some time sitting at the window watching the songbirds feast on black sunflower seeds from our feeders. I have become fascinated with how intricate the color patterns are on their feathers… how each feather has to sit just right aside another in order to create the stripes, dots, and distinct markings. And more than that, every single bluejay has the same feathers in exactly the same places. Each hairy woodpecker has the same white dots on a black back and the exact same pattern of red across the back of his head! Each female cardinal is a muddy mix of browns and reds, in contrast to her bright red male counterpart. And God took time to plan all of these details “in the beginning.”
When I think of the many things God planned… down to the details in the feathers of birds or how a “walking stick” insect really does look like a walking stick and all babies develop on approximately the same timeline for their particular species – and much more… I can’t help but be astounded. I can’t help but stop and thank God for being so detail oriented… so thoughtful… so careful and caring toward all of his creatures.
As bad and destructive as the recent heavy rains and flooding were for some people, did you stop to think that God promised in Genesis that He would never again wipe out the entire earth with a flood? In Hebrews 4:16, God promises to be there whenever we need Him. In Psalm 23, God promises to be with us even in the shadow of death. God promised to send a Savior… and He did! God promises those of us who believe in Him that we will spend Eternity in His presence!
If we stop and think for a while, we can all list ways God has fulfilled His promises in our own lives. But so often, we fail to take time to thank Him and praise Him for such intricate, detailed plans – and His power to work them out for each of us. So today, thank God for His perfect plans. Praise Him for the details and how intricate and incredible they are. Tell Him how astounded you are by the amazing love He must have for us that He would be so careful about even the smallest details, such as freckles on our noses and feathers on a woodpecker’s back! Acknowledge God’s power – and His grace for those of us who often take Him for granted. Promise to do better! Promise to pay closer attention to God’s plans for your life… and ask for His sgrace and mercy in the process.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 12 ~ 2 Isaiah 14:24
The LORD All-Powerful has made this promise: Everything I have planned will happen just as I said.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about the plans we make every day. How many of them get changed? Maybe you plan to go somewhere with friends, and you wake up feeling sick and have to stay home instead. My husband and I once drew up house plans and were within a week of breaking ground when a flooding rainstorm occurred, and we realized that the water runoff would all go right through our garage! We had to start over and totally redesign our house plans to accommodate potential heavy rains. More than one of us has “planned” one career, only to end up doing something totally different. And almost all of us have had to change seemingly less significant plans at one time or another.
One of the biggest lessons of life is that nothing is certain, and we must learn to be flexible with our plans. If we set everything in concrete, we are going to be disappointed. And often, this is because our plans don’t line up with God’s! I cannot stress enough that His ways are perfect and sure… ours are not. Because we are human – and because Satan is always busy working on us – we have a really hard time accepting this.
Don’t misunderstand me… when you wake up sick and unable to do what you planned that day, God didn’t make you sick. But He may have allowed you to miss out on your plans in order to prepare you for what He has in store. God is not in the business of causing wars, failed marriages and relationships, illness, job loss, destruction, and heartache. That’s the devil’s domain! But God will take circumstances and changes in plans and work them into His plans. If God had not shown my husband the results of the flooding rains that were washing across our yard, we would have built a house that could have been a frequent source of problems and headaches.
Lately, I asked God, “Why on earth did you let certain things happen in my life? And how can you bless me so much after the ways I disappoint you?” I was amazed by His answer. First, He reminded me that it is okay to question Him… to ask Him anything that is on our mind or in our heart. Beyond that, He showed me that He uses my failings and misgivings for His glory. He turns the mistakes and shortcomings around and uses them to draw me closer to Him – to deepen our relationship, and to witness to others. We plan for the short-term; God plans for Eternity. He knows how everything will work throughout our lives, according to His purposes.
So when our short-term plans are changed, we would do well to ask God, “What do you have in store for me? What are you trying to tell me?” We should ask, “Where did my plan not fit in with yours?” God’s plans are exciting… because they are perfect. I’m learning rest in that…confident that whenever He changes my plans, it is for my benefit. And just maybe, something bigger and better is around the corner! Are you resting in God’s plans for your life?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------
January 11 ~ Proverbs 24:27
Get your fields ready and plant your crops before starting a home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have moved several times in 35 years and sold more than one house in the process. One of the things we learned is how important it is to get your house ready to sell before you advertise. This isn’t always fun – it may take a while, and it often requires minor (or major) repairs, possibly some paint and improvements, and certainly a lot of cleaning and scrubbing. But getting the house in tip-top shape for potential buyers and doing the necessary “field work” is essential.
By the same token, we have built a few houses, and this process cannot be hurried, either. The temptation is there to skip a few steps… to go ahead and move in before the painting is all finished or the exterior covering (like brick or siding) are all attached. In our last home, my husband and I had to delay our move for a week or so until the concrete finishers could pour our driveway. For a lot of reasons, it made no sense to move in before this was completed.
Life offers us lots of situations where we must “prepare our fields” before we move into the home. If you are a student, you probably wish school were over and you could get on with your life. But the “field work” is important – and necessary. If you are starting a new relationship, you may feel like this person is “the one!” But it takes time to get to know someone well enough to make a long-term commitment. Preparing for a career takes time, education and training... and maybe an internship or two!
We are always in a hurry. We don’t like waiting and saving for everything from a new car to a family vacation or new home furnishings. We always want instant results, from transitioning out of school and into a career to healing from an illness or injury. We don’t have time for study, physical therapy, saving our money, or getting to know someone. But all of this “field work” is incredibly essential… and we all have seen examples of what happens when people rush through this process.
In our Spiritual life, there is also “field work” to be done. While Salvation is immediate when we give our heart to Jesus, becoming a faithful, committed disciple of Christ takes time and effort. If we want to be effective in serving God, we must study His word, spend time in prayer and meditation, and put our faith into practice by sharing the Good News with others. We can’t rush Heaven – our ultimate home as Christians. There is “field work” to be done first – there are “crops” to plant in the form of sharing the love of Christ with others.
The preparation is always worth the effort… in even the seemingly “small” things like saving for a new car or painting the house before you advertise it for sale. How well are you planning? Have you carefully prepared your “fields and crops?”
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 10 ~ Proverbs 24:8-9
No one but troublemakers think up trouble. Everyone hates senseless fools who think up ways to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I thought about this passage and looked at it in other translations, I was reminded over and over of recent political and current events and how so many have schemed and planned to “bring down” the other party (on both sides of the aisle) or its members. Truly, many in this country and around the world lie awake at night thinking of ways to harm those who do not agree with them politically. I read posts on Facebook from those who are joining groups to “get rid” of politicians, and while I am not against political activism – or standing up for one’s convictions – I think we often skew the lines to suit our personal feelings rather than acting as responsible citizens, much less Christians.
John Wesley is quoted as saying… "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." Somehow, I don’t see anything in that quote about forwarding unkind e-mails, providing links to vicious propaganda on the Internet about this politician or that political group. I don’t see anything that says it’s okay to make your living as a comedian by joking about the killing of Al Qaeda leaders or their families… or the downfall of the latest celebrity. These jokes, e-mails, links and more don’t just happen – someone plans and prepares them!
And we’re not immune on a local level, either. Even if you are not sending out these e-mails or joining the groups on Facebook or writing vile letters to your newspaper editor, you may be passing on the latest rumor in your town or school about the person down the street. “Did you hear about So-and-so?” is another form of trouble-making… and we are all guilty of the sin of gossip from time to time.
I’ve said many times that people are always watching – and taking notice of how we conduct ourselves. Do we want to be known as troublemakers who are always planning ways to perpetuate sin? Or do we want to be true disciples of Christ who follow the guidelines of John Wesley and do all the good we can wherever and whenever we can? Rise above troublemaking… ask God to help you do this. Honor Him by “taking the high road.” Voice your political opinion with your vote, not venom. Stop paying attention to celebrity – or even local – gossip, and for goodness’ sake, don’t share it with others! Live by positive example, not by causing trouble… and let others see the love and light of Christ in you.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 9 ~ Proverbs 21:5
If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those cable television shows about people who won the lottery? If so, you may have noticed that many of them rose quickly and fell almost as fast. They ran through the money like water through a sieve, and soon they were worse off than before they ever purchased a ticket. Or consider the Camden, Arkansas, man who won $1000 in the Arkansas lottery recently, only to lose his SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits because he was now making money. He was granted a $20 “general exclusion,” but he lost $980 in benefits. His attempt to turn a few dollars for a scratch-off ticket into a fortune backfired.
I have heard people say, “Joe What’s-his-name is so lucky. He just always seems to do well.” Luck has nothing to do with it! Most likely, Joe plans well (and prayerfully) and works hard! I have seen countless people spend hours, days and weeks on “get-rich-quick” schemes, only to have their dreams dashed by the reality that there is no such thing. I’ve seen the pictures of boats and cars and fancy houses taped to refrigerators… and big “commission” checks waved in front of others with the assurance that “this is so easy – and you can make big money, too.”
Do not fall for this. Think about the wealthy celebrities we see in the news frequently. How many of them appear to be truly happy or successful? They can’t seem to get things right in their marriages and relationships. They develop dependencies on everything from alcohol and drugs to gambling and sex. They flit from one religion to another. This is not success!
I want you to remember two things… 1) money doesn’t always equal success or happiness; and 2) there is no substitute for a good plan and hard work. You can’t hurry success, but with God’s help, you can achieve it. You may never live in a big house or drive a fancy car. You may always live paycheck to paycheck. But if you are honest, caring, faithful, and serve God with your whole heart, you will be one of the most successful people in the world. Some of the poorest people I know have more money than they could ever spend. And some of the most successful barely get by each month, but somehow they always have plenty.
Where do you fit in this group? Are you working hard and planning well? Or are you looking for a quick and easy path to success? Plan to live well by planning to work hard and serve God with everything you have… and you will always have more than enough.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8 ~ Proverbs 16:9
We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, my husband and I built our “dream home” on forty acres east of town. We had purchased the land from my dad (who purchased it from his parents), and our home-based business was located there, also. We thought we would live on “the family farm” forever, so we really made the house special. And it was! We loved that home and the land on which it sat. Life there was great, and we have many fond memories of time spent with family and friends on that property!
But then a series of life-changing events occurred, and we realized that God was showing us another plan. He was moving us, even if we went somewhat kicking and screaming. Over time, we realized that we needed to leave our “dream home” and move to another. Now, two homes and a business sale later, we see how God has orchestrated every single detail of our lives – and our moves. And… we have learned that all of our plans are temporary… and must be flexible.
Do not misunderstand me… we need to make plans for our lives (with God’s help, of course). But we need to understand that God may change our plans at any time… and if/when He does, it will be the right move. Our plans are just a small part of God’s bigger plan! God may show us that we need to go in a different direction, but failure to follow through will almost always result in a missed blessing. Take it from one who knows… plans are important, as long as we keep an open mind (and open eyes and ears) toward God’s leadership. If you feel Him steering you in a different direction, pay attention! His plans are perfect, and His decisions are always the right ones.
©2009 Debbie Robus
Cruel people tell lies-- they do evil things, and make cruel plans to destroy the poor and needy, even when they beg for justice.
But helpful people can always be trusted to make helpful plans.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
What a contrast I saw on Facebook today! On one hand, some of my “friends” are being contacted by another supposed “friend” who claims to be stranded in London and needs money wired to them immediately. It’s a scam… these Facebook “friends” have been hacked. This particular scam has gone around for a few months now, and some people (no one I know personally) have actually sent the money. Trust me, NOBODY is stranded in London and needing your help, much less your money!
On the same day on Facebook, the United Methodist Church announced that plans are already in place through their relief program, UMCOR, to help those in Haiti who have been devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.
These are excellent examples of cruel people telling lies and doing evil things to try and destroy others versus helpful people who are making helpful plans. And these are two isolated examples. Every day, we have the chance to make helpful plans in ways great and small. And nearly every day, we have opportunities to make choices and plans that are less noble, if not downright cruel and/or evil. It comes down to a choice.
How will you spend your days? Will you look for ways to help others and to plan helpful activities? Or will you fold and follow a less noble path – even for a day or two? The choice is pretty clear in my mind. Remember John Wesley’s admonition to do all the good you can in all the places you can for all the people you can for as long as you can (I’m paraphrasing). God expects no less from His children… how are you doing so far?
©2009 Debbie Robus
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 13 ~ Isaiah 25:1
You, LORD, are my God! I will praise you for doing the wonderful things you had planned and promised since ancient times.
|Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Lately, I’ve spent some time sitting at the window watching the songbirds feast on black sunflower seeds from our feeders. I have become fascinated with how intricate the color patterns are on their feathers… how each feather has to sit just right aside another in order to create the stripes, dots, and distinct markings. And more than that, every single bluejay has the same feathers in exactly the same places. Each hairy woodpecker has the same white dots on a black back and the exact same pattern of red across the back of his head! Each female cardinal is a muddy mix of browns and reds, in contrast to her bright red male counterpart. And God took time to plan all of these details “in the beginning.”
When I think of the many things God planned… down to the details in the feathers of birds or how a “walking stick” insect really does look like a walking stick and all babies develop on approximately the same timeline for their particular species – and much more… I can’t help but be astounded. I can’t help but stop and thank God for being so detail oriented… so thoughtful… so careful and caring toward all of his creatures.
As bad and destructive as the recent heavy rains and flooding were for some people, did you stop to think that God promised in Genesis that He would never again wipe out the entire earth with a flood? In Hebrews 4:16, God promises to be there whenever we need Him. In Psalm 23, God promises to be with us even in the shadow of death. God promised to send a Savior… and He did! God promises those of us who believe in Him that we will spend Eternity in His presence!
If we stop and think for a while, we can all list ways God has fulfilled His promises in our own lives. But so often, we fail to take time to thank Him and praise Him for such intricate, detailed plans – and His power to work them out for each of us. So today, thank God for His perfect plans. Praise Him for the details and how intricate and incredible they are. Tell Him how astounded you are by the amazing love He must have for us that He would be so careful about even the smallest details, such as freckles on our noses and feathers on a woodpecker’s back! Acknowledge God’s power – and His grace for those of us who often take Him for granted. Promise to do better! Promise to pay closer attention to God’s plans for your life… and ask for His sgrace and mercy in the process.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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January 12 ~ 2 Isaiah 14:24
The LORD All-Powerful has made this promise: Everything I have planned will happen just as I said.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about the plans we make every day. How many of them get changed? Maybe you plan to go somewhere with friends, and you wake up feeling sick and have to stay home instead. My husband and I once drew up house plans and were within a week of breaking ground when a flooding rainstorm occurred, and we realized that the water runoff would all go right through our garage! We had to start over and totally redesign our house plans to accommodate potential heavy rains. More than one of us has “planned” one career, only to end up doing something totally different. And almost all of us have had to change seemingly less significant plans at one time or another.
One of the biggest lessons of life is that nothing is certain, and we must learn to be flexible with our plans. If we set everything in concrete, we are going to be disappointed. And often, this is because our plans don’t line up with God’s! I cannot stress enough that His ways are perfect and sure… ours are not. Because we are human – and because Satan is always busy working on us – we have a really hard time accepting this.
Don’t misunderstand me… when you wake up sick and unable to do what you planned that day, God didn’t make you sick. But He may have allowed you to miss out on your plans in order to prepare you for what He has in store. God is not in the business of causing wars, failed marriages and relationships, illness, job loss, destruction, and heartache. That’s the devil’s domain! But God will take circumstances and changes in plans and work them into His plans. If God had not shown my husband the results of the flooding rains that were washing across our yard, we would have built a house that could have been a frequent source of problems and headaches.
Lately, I asked God, “Why on earth did you let certain things happen in my life? And how can you bless me so much after the ways I disappoint you?” I was amazed by His answer. First, He reminded me that it is okay to question Him… to ask Him anything that is on our mind or in our heart. Beyond that, He showed me that He uses my failings and misgivings for His glory. He turns the mistakes and shortcomings around and uses them to draw me closer to Him – to deepen our relationship, and to witness to others. We plan for the short-term; God plans for Eternity. He knows how everything will work throughout our lives, according to His purposes.
So when our short-term plans are changed, we would do well to ask God, “What do you have in store for me? What are you trying to tell me?” We should ask, “Where did my plan not fit in with yours?” God’s plans are exciting… because they are perfect. I’m learning rest in that…confident that whenever He changes my plans, it is for my benefit. And just maybe, something bigger and better is around the corner! Are you resting in God’s plans for your life?
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------
January 11 ~ Proverbs 24:27
Get your fields ready and plant your crops before starting a home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My husband and I have moved several times in 35 years and sold more than one house in the process. One of the things we learned is how important it is to get your house ready to sell before you advertise. This isn’t always fun – it may take a while, and it often requires minor (or major) repairs, possibly some paint and improvements, and certainly a lot of cleaning and scrubbing. But getting the house in tip-top shape for potential buyers and doing the necessary “field work” is essential.
By the same token, we have built a few houses, and this process cannot be hurried, either. The temptation is there to skip a few steps… to go ahead and move in before the painting is all finished or the exterior covering (like brick or siding) are all attached. In our last home, my husband and I had to delay our move for a week or so until the concrete finishers could pour our driveway. For a lot of reasons, it made no sense to move in before this was completed.
Life offers us lots of situations where we must “prepare our fields” before we move into the home. If you are a student, you probably wish school were over and you could get on with your life. But the “field work” is important – and necessary. If you are starting a new relationship, you may feel like this person is “the one!” But it takes time to get to know someone well enough to make a long-term commitment. Preparing for a career takes time, education and training... and maybe an internship or two!
We are always in a hurry. We don’t like waiting and saving for everything from a new car to a family vacation or new home furnishings. We always want instant results, from transitioning out of school and into a career to healing from an illness or injury. We don’t have time for study, physical therapy, saving our money, or getting to know someone. But all of this “field work” is incredibly essential… and we all have seen examples of what happens when people rush through this process.
In our Spiritual life, there is also “field work” to be done. While Salvation is immediate when we give our heart to Jesus, becoming a faithful, committed disciple of Christ takes time and effort. If we want to be effective in serving God, we must study His word, spend time in prayer and meditation, and put our faith into practice by sharing the Good News with others. We can’t rush Heaven – our ultimate home as Christians. There is “field work” to be done first – there are “crops” to plant in the form of sharing the love of Christ with others.
The preparation is always worth the effort… in even the seemingly “small” things like saving for a new car or painting the house before you advertise it for sale. How well are you planning? Have you carefully prepared your “fields and crops?”
©2009 Debbie Robus
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 10 ~ Proverbs 24:8-9
No one but troublemakers think up trouble. Everyone hates senseless fools who think up ways to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As I thought about this passage and looked at it in other translations, I was reminded over and over of recent political and current events and how so many have schemed and planned to “bring down” the other party (on both sides of the aisle) or its members. Truly, many in this country and around the world lie awake at night thinking of ways to harm those who do not agree with them politically. I read posts on Facebook from those who are joining groups to “get rid” of politicians, and while I am not against political activism – or standing up for one’s convictions – I think we often skew the lines to suit our personal feelings rather than acting as responsible citizens, much less Christians.
John Wesley is quoted as saying… "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." Somehow, I don’t see anything in that quote about forwarding unkind e-mails, providing links to vicious propaganda on the Internet about this politician or that political group. I don’t see anything that says it’s okay to make your living as a comedian by joking about the killing of Al Qaeda leaders or their families… or the downfall of the latest celebrity. These jokes, e-mails, links and more don’t just happen – someone plans and prepares them!
And we’re not immune on a local level, either. Even if you are not sending out these e-mails or joining the groups on Facebook or writing vile letters to your newspaper editor, you may be passing on the latest rumor in your town or school about the person down the street. “Did you hear about So-and-so?” is another form of trouble-making… and we are all guilty of the sin of gossip from time to time.
I’ve said many times that people are always watching – and taking notice of how we conduct ourselves. Do we want to be known as troublemakers who are always planning ways to perpetuate sin? Or do we want to be true disciples of Christ who follow the guidelines of John Wesley and do all the good we can wherever and whenever we can? Rise above troublemaking… ask God to help you do this. Honor Him by “taking the high road.” Voice your political opinion with your vote, not venom. Stop paying attention to celebrity – or even local – gossip, and for goodness’ sake, don’t share it with others! Live by positive example, not by causing trouble… and let others see the love and light of Christ in you.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 9 ~ Proverbs 21:5
If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever watched one of those cable television shows about people who won the lottery? If so, you may have noticed that many of them rose quickly and fell almost as fast. They ran through the money like water through a sieve, and soon they were worse off than before they ever purchased a ticket. Or consider the Camden, Arkansas, man who won $1000 in the Arkansas lottery recently, only to lose his SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits because he was now making money. He was granted a $20 “general exclusion,” but he lost $980 in benefits. His attempt to turn a few dollars for a scratch-off ticket into a fortune backfired.
I have heard people say, “Joe What’s-his-name is so lucky. He just always seems to do well.” Luck has nothing to do with it! Most likely, Joe plans well (and prayerfully) and works hard! I have seen countless people spend hours, days and weeks on “get-rich-quick” schemes, only to have their dreams dashed by the reality that there is no such thing. I’ve seen the pictures of boats and cars and fancy houses taped to refrigerators… and big “commission” checks waved in front of others with the assurance that “this is so easy – and you can make big money, too.”
Do not fall for this. Think about the wealthy celebrities we see in the news frequently. How many of them appear to be truly happy or successful? They can’t seem to get things right in their marriages and relationships. They develop dependencies on everything from alcohol and drugs to gambling and sex. They flit from one religion to another. This is not success!
I want you to remember two things… 1) money doesn’t always equal success or happiness; and 2) there is no substitute for a good plan and hard work. You can’t hurry success, but with God’s help, you can achieve it. You may never live in a big house or drive a fancy car. You may always live paycheck to paycheck. But if you are honest, caring, faithful, and serve God with your whole heart, you will be one of the most successful people in the world. Some of the poorest people I know have more money than they could ever spend. And some of the most successful barely get by each month, but somehow they always have plenty.
Where do you fit in this group? Are you working hard and planning well? Or are you looking for a quick and easy path to success? Plan to live well by planning to work hard and serve God with everything you have… and you will always have more than enough.
©2009 Debbie Robus
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8 ~ Proverbs 16:9
We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several years ago, my husband and I built our “dream home” on forty acres east of town. We had purchased the land from my dad (who purchased it from his parents), and our home-based business was located there, also. We thought we would live on “the family farm” forever, so we really made the house special. And it was! We loved that home and the land on which it sat. Life there was great, and we have many fond memories of time spent with family and friends on that property!
But then a series of life-changing events occurred, and we realized that God was showing us another plan. He was moving us, even if we went somewhat kicking and screaming. Over time, we realized that we needed to leave our “dream home” and move to another. Now, two homes and a business sale later, we see how God has orchestrated every single detail of our lives – and our moves. And… we have learned that all of our plans are temporary… and must be flexible.
Do not misunderstand me… we need to make plans for our lives (with God’s help, of course). But we need to understand that God may change our plans at any time… and if/when He does, it will be the right move. Our plans are just a small part of God’s bigger plan! God may show us that we need to go in a different direction, but failure to follow through will almost always result in a missed blessing. Take it from one who knows… plans are important, as long as we keep an open mind (and open eyes and ears) toward God’s leadership. If you feel Him steering you in a different direction, pay attention! His plans are perfect, and His decisions are always the right ones.
©2009 Debbie Robus
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