Matthew 7:13-14
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The
market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful
life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that
stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is
vigorous and requires total attention."
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’re all about a good
shortcut! From combinations of characters on our keypad that let us
make fancy symbols or print with the touch of a button…to diet
supplements that promise to burn fat while we sleep…to the lottery
tickets that bring the hope of making us instant millionaires…we welcome
any and all opportunities to do things quickly and easily. So why
would we be any different when it comes to our spiritual life?
Today
is my 59th birthday. I woke up with the same white hair…the same extra
pounds…and the same age spots and wrinkles that confirm that I’ve been
on this planet for nearly six decades! There is no magic pill to “turn
back the clock”…and that’s okay. Because today, I woke up! I was able
to stand, walk, and talk…greet my husband who has loved me for almost 45
years (and shared his last name for nearly 42 of them)…and enjoy a
cooling thundershower that moved through our area.
My Facebook
wall and e-mail account are flooded with well wishes from people who
love me. A dear friend sent me an e-card from an artist that my mother
loved. In fact, Mother sent me one of this artist’s cards nearly every
birthday in recent years…and today, my friend felt the urge to send me
TWO of them. So I feel as though I have received a “nod” from my parents
in heaven on this day. Greg has planned a special pizza dinner for me
and invited our immediate family to join us this evening.
God is
blessing me every minute…and I am working hard to pay attention! That
means that even on this day, I am studying His word…seeking His
will…spending time with Him in prayer and thanksgiving. I know that my
eternal future is secured in Heaven…but I also know that God expects big
things out of me every minute that I am alive on this earth. And He
has the same expectations for you! The promise of Heaven may be the
ultimate “winning lottery ticket”…but there won’t be any luck involved
in cashing it!
So as we celebrate the birth of our country today
(and the birthday of a few friends!), let’s remember that there are no
shortcuts with God. We can’t cut corners or use gimmicks and tricks to
get where we are going with Him and fulfill His purposes along the way.
We have to embrace life and share His abundance with others…love them
fully…forgive wrongdoings and operate in encouragement…offer a kind word
and a glimmer of hope…and demonstrate just how amazingly good God is to
each of us.
None of us are promised another day…so we must make
the most of this one! We must give God our total attention and
effort…even on a national holiday! We seem to find lots of ways to
honor our nation on the Fourth of July…but what are you doing to honor
your new life in Christ? Are you doing the hard work to serve God
today…or are you taking a few shortcuts? Isn’t it time to get this
right?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label working to build our faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label working to build our faith. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2015
Revelation 2:2-5
I know everything you have done, including your hard work and how you have endured. I know you won’t put up with anyone who is evil. When some people pretended to be apostles, you tested them and found out that they were liars. You have endured and gone through hard times because of me, and you have not given up.
But I do have something against you! And it is this: You don’t have as much love as you used to. Think about where you have fallen from, and then turn back and do as you did at first. If you don’t turn back, I will come and take away your lampstand.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve owned a guitar almost continuously since I was about 8 years old…but at best, I’ve always been a mediocre guitarist. I can strum a few tunes enough to get by…but I never fully developed the knack to play really well. So when Timothy’s kindergarten teacher asked me to bring my guitar to the classroom and sing Christmas carols, I set in to practice enough that I would not embarrass myself – or Timothy. After a few days, I felt I was ready…but my fingers were so sore.
Here’s the thing about guitar strings…they are thin wires that dig into your fingers as you press them against the fretboard to create the pitches. Until you build up calluses, it can really hurt after you play for several minutes or longer. By the time I worked on the Christmas songs for the kindergartners over several days, my sore fingers were beginning to toughen, and it didn’t hurt as badly. I could play for longer periods of time.
Then Christmas came, and I got busy with holiday dinners and other things, and I stopped playing every day…and soon, my fingers lost their calluses. The next time I picked up the guitar, it hurt again. And the longer I go between “sessions”…the more “rusty” I get. I feel certain that were I to stop altogether for a long period of time, I would probably be unable to even fake a few Christmas tunes for five-year-olds.
This is essentially what the message to the church at Ephesus conveys…you’ve worked hard – for awhile and to a point. But you’ve lost your love and passion for Christ…and your relationship with Him is not as “callused”. You’ve grown “rusty” in your faith. And if you don’t start “practicing” again soon, your relationship will be taken from you.
Christian faith is something we have to work at. Yes, the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus is freely given. But to deepen our relationship with Christ…to be strong enough to stand up to sin and the evils that Satan hurls our way…to be effective in our witness and confident in our relationship with Him…we have to practice! We have to stay connected and work at digging deeply into God’s word and what it means for our lives. We have to talk to God and share the message of Jesus Christ with others…and speak with a firsthand knowledge of these teachings and how they have applied in our own lives. We have to live our faith each and every day.
I could kick myself for not picking up guitar and playing at least every few days, to keep those calluses. But here’s the thing…I CAN start again and rebuild them – and I can vow to keep them this time around. And so it is with Jesus…it’s not too late to start again…too renew and strengthen our relationship with Him…and to keep it that way. Are you ready to do this in your own “faith walk”? Isn’t today a great day to get started?!
©2015 Debbie Robus
I know everything you have done, including your hard work and how you have endured. I know you won’t put up with anyone who is evil. When some people pretended to be apostles, you tested them and found out that they were liars. You have endured and gone through hard times because of me, and you have not given up.
But I do have something against you! And it is this: You don’t have as much love as you used to. Think about where you have fallen from, and then turn back and do as you did at first. If you don’t turn back, I will come and take away your lampstand.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve owned a guitar almost continuously since I was about 8 years old…but at best, I’ve always been a mediocre guitarist. I can strum a few tunes enough to get by…but I never fully developed the knack to play really well. So when Timothy’s kindergarten teacher asked me to bring my guitar to the classroom and sing Christmas carols, I set in to practice enough that I would not embarrass myself – or Timothy. After a few days, I felt I was ready…but my fingers were so sore.
Here’s the thing about guitar strings…they are thin wires that dig into your fingers as you press them against the fretboard to create the pitches. Until you build up calluses, it can really hurt after you play for several minutes or longer. By the time I worked on the Christmas songs for the kindergartners over several days, my sore fingers were beginning to toughen, and it didn’t hurt as badly. I could play for longer periods of time.
Then Christmas came, and I got busy with holiday dinners and other things, and I stopped playing every day…and soon, my fingers lost their calluses. The next time I picked up the guitar, it hurt again. And the longer I go between “sessions”…the more “rusty” I get. I feel certain that were I to stop altogether for a long period of time, I would probably be unable to even fake a few Christmas tunes for five-year-olds.
This is essentially what the message to the church at Ephesus conveys…you’ve worked hard – for awhile and to a point. But you’ve lost your love and passion for Christ…and your relationship with Him is not as “callused”. You’ve grown “rusty” in your faith. And if you don’t start “practicing” again soon, your relationship will be taken from you.
Christian faith is something we have to work at. Yes, the gift of Salvation through the blood of Jesus is freely given. But to deepen our relationship with Christ…to be strong enough to stand up to sin and the evils that Satan hurls our way…to be effective in our witness and confident in our relationship with Him…we have to practice! We have to stay connected and work at digging deeply into God’s word and what it means for our lives. We have to talk to God and share the message of Jesus Christ with others…and speak with a firsthand knowledge of these teachings and how they have applied in our own lives. We have to live our faith each and every day.
I could kick myself for not picking up guitar and playing at least every few days, to keep those calluses. But here’s the thing…I CAN start again and rebuild them – and I can vow to keep them this time around. And so it is with Jesus…it’s not too late to start again…too renew and strengthen our relationship with Him…and to keep it that way. Are you ready to do this in your own “faith walk”? Isn’t today a great day to get started?!
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for October 2, 2013
Matthew 7:13-14
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
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.
Pinterest is a wonderful resource for clever ideas, hints, tips, recipes, information and how-to’s of all kinds. There are also plenty of “pins” for shortcuts. One that comes to mind is how to hem a garment with double-faced tape. Don’t know how to sew? Don’t worry! Just use double-faced tape… or “iron-on” tape. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Quick, easy, and neat! Except double-faced tape… and to some degree, iron-on tape… is not permanent. It doesn’t hold up for the long haul in the wash. First thing you know, you’ll be walking down the street, and part of your pant or skirt hem will be dangling… a look that is anything but neat and secure!
The only way to be sure your hem is going to stay in place and serve you well is to use a needle and thread and secure it the old-fashioned way. It takes time, practice – and maybe a little skill – but anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can manage this. Yes, you can learn to “sew on a button” or hem a pair of pants!
For many people, Christian faith is something they wish to trot out for an hour on Sunday – or maybe just at Christmas and Easter. They will tell you that they desire a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus… that they are fairly certain that God is watching over them and meeting their needs. But in truth, their bond with God amounts to little more than a strip of double-faced or iron-on mending tape! Before you know it, that “hem” will fall apart in the “wash” of life, and those who opted to take the “short-cut” to Christian faith and discipleship will be left with a tattered, dirty and daunting remnant of their life in Christ instead of a vibrant, fully-interactive association with Him.
The only way to enjoy a safe, secure, solid – and shared – bond with Jesus Christ is to invest time in your relationship. Truly study God’s word and determine how it applies to your life and your present situations. Talk to Him – and listen to what He has to say in return. Develop an association with fellow believers and share insights, struggles, and blessings with them. Think about Jesus – OFTEN! Put Him at the forefront of everything you say and do. I know it sounds trite, but actually ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Better yet, ask HIM… “LORD… what would you do? What should I do?”
Just as anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can learn to sew on a button – or put in a hem – you and I can develop a vibrant, interactive, and everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. All we have to do is invest a little time and effort… He will handle the rest. Now that’s something worth “pinning”! Are you willing to devote your total attention to Jesus and do the work to develop an abiding relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
“Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
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.
Pinterest is a wonderful resource for clever ideas, hints, tips, recipes, information and how-to’s of all kinds. There are also plenty of “pins” for shortcuts. One that comes to mind is how to hem a garment with double-faced tape. Don’t know how to sew? Don’t worry! Just use double-faced tape… or “iron-on” tape. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Quick, easy, and neat! Except double-faced tape… and to some degree, iron-on tape… is not permanent. It doesn’t hold up for the long haul in the wash. First thing you know, you’ll be walking down the street, and part of your pant or skirt hem will be dangling… a look that is anything but neat and secure!
The only way to be sure your hem is going to stay in place and serve you well is to use a needle and thread and secure it the old-fashioned way. It takes time, practice – and maybe a little skill – but anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can manage this. Yes, you can learn to “sew on a button” or hem a pair of pants!
For many people, Christian faith is something they wish to trot out for an hour on Sunday – or maybe just at Christmas and Easter. They will tell you that they desire a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus… that they are fairly certain that God is watching over them and meeting their needs. But in truth, their bond with God amounts to little more than a strip of double-faced or iron-on mending tape! Before you know it, that “hem” will fall apart in the “wash” of life, and those who opted to take the “short-cut” to Christian faith and discipleship will be left with a tattered, dirty and daunting remnant of their life in Christ instead of a vibrant, fully-interactive association with Him.
The only way to enjoy a safe, secure, solid – and shared – bond with Jesus Christ is to invest time in your relationship. Truly study God’s word and determine how it applies to your life and your present situations. Talk to Him – and listen to what He has to say in return. Develop an association with fellow believers and share insights, struggles, and blessings with them. Think about Jesus – OFTEN! Put Him at the forefront of everything you say and do. I know it sounds trite, but actually ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Better yet, ask HIM… “LORD… what would you do? What should I do?”
Just as anyone of reasonable age and dexterity can learn to sew on a button – or put in a hem – you and I can develop a vibrant, interactive, and everlasting relationship with Jesus Christ. All we have to do is invest a little time and effort… He will handle the rest. Now that’s something worth “pinning”! Are you willing to devote your total attention to Jesus and do the work to develop an abiding relationship with Him? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 17, 2013
Philippians 3:15-16
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the hardest things about a diet and exercise regimen is sticking to it for the long haul. In the early stages, as you begin to drop pounds and inches – and feel better – you probably find it easy to stay focused. For one thing, the results are clearly visible. You see the number change on the scales. You notice that your clothes are now fitting loosely. You may even discover muscle tone and definition when you look at your body in the mirror.
But then the plateaus come… the weight becomes harder to lose, and your visible results seem stymied. You are still making progress, but it is as if your vision has become blurred – you just can’t see as much of an effect. This is when a lot of us “fall off the wagon” and return to our old habits. But actually, this is when the real work begins. If you thought your workouts were hard at the onset… get ready for even bigger challenges now. The exercises may seem a little easier… but the determination and perseverance may become even more of test.
Our spiritual life is much the same. When we first commit to Jesus - or even to a Bible study or a renewed pledge to be a better Disciple - we are all in, “gung-ho,” filled with determination, excitement and satisfaction at how God’s Holy Spirit is sustaining our longings and building us up with wisdom, courage and hope. But over time, our initial energy may wane. We may settle into a routine and grow weary of the day-to-day “spiritual exercise” regimen.
Maintaining the initial level of spiritual fire requires hard work… and a lot of us lack the discipline, commitment and determination for it on our own. This is not because God didn’t equip us for the journey… but rather, because we are human – and Satan is standing in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to weaken our resolve. He is perfectly content to keep us hovering on his side of the line between an all-out commitment to attaining everything that God wants to give us – and “playing Christian” when it suits our needs and whims.
When I think about all that God has in store for me, I cannot even comprehend it. I feel so blessed already. But like that last five pounds or few inches that seem so hard to lose, I know that the harder I work and the more diligent I remain, the more I will “gain.” When it comes to God’s blessings and plans for me, I’m incredibly greedy… I want it all!
On one of my workout DVDs, trainer Jillian Michaels points to one of her athletes and says, “Look at those abs! They don’t come without hard work. And I would do just about anything to have abs like that…wouldn’t you? You have to work for this!” We need to approach our life in Christ the same way! We need to be willing to do just about anything God requires of us in order to receive all He has in store for us. This includes not only spending time in His presence, studying His word and listening for His voice… but also offering others grace, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness in His name.
The trainers in the gyms and on our workout videos don’t rest on their laurels… and neither can we! In order to achieve maximum results, we are going to have to remain vigorous in our efforts to exercise and eat right… and to “work out” with God on a daily basis. How committed are you? Have you fully identified your goals… and are you focused on achieving them? Today is a great day to renew your dedication to become all that you can be… mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Focus on getting all that God has in store for you… and make every effort to do whatever it takes to get there. Let others see in you a person who has clear vision, the Holy Spirit in his/her heart, and a deep desire to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in every way. Let’s get on the right track… and stay there! Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
One of the hardest things about a diet and exercise regimen is sticking to it for the long haul. In the early stages, as you begin to drop pounds and inches – and feel better – you probably find it easy to stay focused. For one thing, the results are clearly visible. You see the number change on the scales. You notice that your clothes are now fitting loosely. You may even discover muscle tone and definition when you look at your body in the mirror.
But then the plateaus come… the weight becomes harder to lose, and your visible results seem stymied. You are still making progress, but it is as if your vision has become blurred – you just can’t see as much of an effect. This is when a lot of us “fall off the wagon” and return to our old habits. But actually, this is when the real work begins. If you thought your workouts were hard at the onset… get ready for even bigger challenges now. The exercises may seem a little easier… but the determination and perseverance may become even more of test.
Our spiritual life is much the same. When we first commit to Jesus - or even to a Bible study or a renewed pledge to be a better Disciple - we are all in, “gung-ho,” filled with determination, excitement and satisfaction at how God’s Holy Spirit is sustaining our longings and building us up with wisdom, courage and hope. But over time, our initial energy may wane. We may settle into a routine and grow weary of the day-to-day “spiritual exercise” regimen.
Maintaining the initial level of spiritual fire requires hard work… and a lot of us lack the discipline, commitment and determination for it on our own. This is not because God didn’t equip us for the journey… but rather, because we are human – and Satan is standing in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to weaken our resolve. He is perfectly content to keep us hovering on his side of the line between an all-out commitment to attaining everything that God wants to give us – and “playing Christian” when it suits our needs and whims.
When I think about all that God has in store for me, I cannot even comprehend it. I feel so blessed already. But like that last five pounds or few inches that seem so hard to lose, I know that the harder I work and the more diligent I remain, the more I will “gain.” When it comes to God’s blessings and plans for me, I’m incredibly greedy… I want it all!
On one of my workout DVDs, trainer Jillian Michaels points to one of her athletes and says, “Look at those abs! They don’t come without hard work. And I would do just about anything to have abs like that…wouldn’t you? You have to work for this!” We need to approach our life in Christ the same way! We need to be willing to do just about anything God requires of us in order to receive all He has in store for us. This includes not only spending time in His presence, studying His word and listening for His voice… but also offering others grace, mercy, love, compassion, and forgiveness in His name.
The trainers in the gyms and on our workout videos don’t rest on their laurels… and neither can we! In order to achieve maximum results, we are going to have to remain vigorous in our efforts to exercise and eat right… and to “work out” with God on a daily basis. How committed are you? Have you fully identified your goals… and are you focused on achieving them? Today is a great day to renew your dedication to become all that you can be… mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Focus on getting all that God has in store for you… and make every effort to do whatever it takes to get there. Let others see in you a person who has clear vision, the Holy Spirit in his/her heart, and a deep desire to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in every way. Let’s get on the right track… and stay there! Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 5, 2012
James 2:21-14
Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?
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.
Labor Day 2011, Timothy awoke wheezing. He could hardly catch his breath. The noise was so loud that my husband rushed from his upstairs office and said, “He’s having an asthma attack.” Thankfully, Timothy did not have asthma – just a serious allergic reaction to leaves and grass he had played in the day before. But it took a trip to our local hospital Emergency Room to determine this. And the entire event scared our little guy half to death… particularly some of the devices used to examine him, like a blood pressure cuff and a nebulizer mask applied for a “breathing treatment.”
The doctor ordered a chest x-ray, and the technician came to our exam room to get us. Timothy was terrified and did not want to cooperate. He most certainly did not want to let go of me. In frustration, the technician finally ordered us to leave the x-ray lab. We did NOT want to do this, but nurses and the respiratory therapist assured me that they would not leave Timothy… and that he would be in good hands. So my husband and I reluctantly stepped out of the room and left our little guy sitting on the x-ray table, screaming at the top of his lungs. I told my husband, “They have five minutes.” Some three minutes and one decent x-ray later, we were allowed to return.
I don’t begin to compare this experience to that of Abraham placing Isaac on the altar and preparing to kill him in sacrifice. But I have a glimpse of how hard it is to entrust your child to others who are assuring you that “this is the right thing to do,” and “it will be okay,” when your gut is telling you something completely different. I have a little clearer picture of operating in faith. I knew that we needed the x-ray. I knew some of these nurses and trusted them to take care of Timothy. The doctor had explained that he had to rule out pneumonia… and this was the least invasive procedure they offered. But I still hear the screams and terror in my nephew’s voice. Nobody ever said being a “parent” was easy… and certainly no one ever said walking in faith with Jesus would be simple, either.
My point is that we often realize that what God is calling us to do is going to be difficult… or at best, something we really don’t want to do. Other times, we are simply a little lazy. God is requiring effort on our part that we do not want to provide. Regardless of the reason, there will be times when walking in faith is incredibly hard… but extremely vital. As the scripture states, that “mesh of believing and acting” is what brings the results we so desperately seek… the relationship with God that creates the genuine “friendship.”
As Christians, there will be many times in our lives when God calls upon us to demonstrate incredible faith in Him and the promises He has given us. The word “demonstrate” is not passive… it is a call to action! This may mean actively getting up and getting busy – or it may simply mean behaving in a manner that exudes a positive, hopeful attitude. Whatever and wherever God calls us, we must be ready to do what is required… even if it means temporarily leaving our child in the care of trained medical staff members who are trying to help. Are you up for the challenges of living in Christian faith? Where do you need to make necessary adjustments – in your actions and your attitude? Are you ready to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?
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.
Labor Day 2011, Timothy awoke wheezing. He could hardly catch his breath. The noise was so loud that my husband rushed from his upstairs office and said, “He’s having an asthma attack.” Thankfully, Timothy did not have asthma – just a serious allergic reaction to leaves and grass he had played in the day before. But it took a trip to our local hospital Emergency Room to determine this. And the entire event scared our little guy half to death… particularly some of the devices used to examine him, like a blood pressure cuff and a nebulizer mask applied for a “breathing treatment.”
The doctor ordered a chest x-ray, and the technician came to our exam room to get us. Timothy was terrified and did not want to cooperate. He most certainly did not want to let go of me. In frustration, the technician finally ordered us to leave the x-ray lab. We did NOT want to do this, but nurses and the respiratory therapist assured me that they would not leave Timothy… and that he would be in good hands. So my husband and I reluctantly stepped out of the room and left our little guy sitting on the x-ray table, screaming at the top of his lungs. I told my husband, “They have five minutes.” Some three minutes and one decent x-ray later, we were allowed to return.
I don’t begin to compare this experience to that of Abraham placing Isaac on the altar and preparing to kill him in sacrifice. But I have a glimpse of how hard it is to entrust your child to others who are assuring you that “this is the right thing to do,” and “it will be okay,” when your gut is telling you something completely different. I have a little clearer picture of operating in faith. I knew that we needed the x-ray. I knew some of these nurses and trusted them to take care of Timothy. The doctor had explained that he had to rule out pneumonia… and this was the least invasive procedure they offered. But I still hear the screams and terror in my nephew’s voice. Nobody ever said being a “parent” was easy… and certainly no one ever said walking in faith with Jesus would be simple, either.
My point is that we often realize that what God is calling us to do is going to be difficult… or at best, something we really don’t want to do. Other times, we are simply a little lazy. God is requiring effort on our part that we do not want to provide. Regardless of the reason, there will be times when walking in faith is incredibly hard… but extremely vital. As the scripture states, that “mesh of believing and acting” is what brings the results we so desperately seek… the relationship with God that creates the genuine “friendship.”
As Christians, there will be many times in our lives when God calls upon us to demonstrate incredible faith in Him and the promises He has given us. The word “demonstrate” is not passive… it is a call to action! This may mean actively getting up and getting busy – or it may simply mean behaving in a manner that exudes a positive, hopeful attitude. Whatever and wherever God calls us, we must be ready to do what is required… even if it means temporarily leaving our child in the care of trained medical staff members who are trying to help. Are you up for the challenges of living in Christian faith? Where do you need to make necessary adjustments – in your actions and your attitude? Are you ready to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 14, 2012
Nehemiah 1:5-11
Lord God of heaven, you are great and fearsome. And you faithfully keep your promises to everyone who loves you and obeys your commands. I am your servant, so please have mercy on me and answer the prayer that I make day and night for these people of Israel who serve you. I, my family, and the rest of your people have sinned by choosing to disobey you and the laws and teachings you gave to your servant Moses.
Please remember the promise you made to Moses. You told him that if we were unfaithful, you would scatter us among foreign nations. But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshiped.
Our Lord, I am praying for your servants - those you rescued by your great strength and mighty power. Please answer my prayer and the prayer of your other servants who gladly honor your name. When I serve the king his wine today, make him pleased with me and have him do what I ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For several weeks now, I’ve been seeing ads for a new 90-day workout plan devised by my favorite fitness trainer. Honestly, I’ve been ready to push the button several times and order these DVDs… but I’ve yet to do so. For one thing, I am not sure I am fully committed to this level of physical exertion. I am also not sure exactly how much of it I could actually accomplish! So for now, I opted to order a less intense – yet still strenuous – workout tape to add to my library.
Let me be clear… I’ve got quite a few workout tapes that have probably become brittle in their box. Having the tools at your disposal to become physically fit does not automatically ensure results! You have to USE them! And I have actually used the last few I’ve purchased… with surprisingly good results. I feel more confident… healthier, and much better physically and mentally.
I’m no athlete, but I’ve learned that when I work at it, I can actually do things I never dreamed possible… like pushups and lifting weights while balancing on one foot! The trainer pushes me to do things I feel inadequate to perform… she knows better than I that I have the “stuff” to do this. She will say things like “I’ve got 400-lb. people who can do this… and so can you!” And she is right!
So often, we lack confidence in our faith walk. We have the God-given tools for success… He has given us the “stuff”… but we fail to put this to work in our own lives. It’s not that we lack confidence in GOD… we lack confidence in ourselves. God would not allow us to go through some of the things that challenge us if he didn’t know we what it takes to accomplish them and persevere. He may be telling us and showing us that we have what it takes to get surmount our problems and obstacles, but we have to believe Him and become people of action!
In this passage, we learn about one man, one prayer, and one cup. In the King James Version, Verse eleven ends with “For I was the king’s cup bearer.” Nehemiah recognizes he is only one man – and a mere servant at that! But with God’s power behind him, he knows that he can accomplish the work of many. And so he asks God to forgive him and his people for their sin, lack of faith and failure to be bold people of action. He reminds God of His promise to step in and care for His children as soon as they turn back to Him. And then He asked God for His help… to answer His prayers and meet his needs – and to make the King receptive to his requests.
Can I tell you something? We are a lot stronger than we think we are… mentally, physically, and spiritually. Never underestimate your abilities in any arena… most certainly when God is in the mix. If God allows you to have a workout of any kind, trust that things will work out! Recognize that even though you are one person, God can use you to accomplish big things… starting with your own health and wellbeing! You may be “just a cup-bearer”… but in God’s eyes, you have the capacity for great things.
What is your confidence level? Do you believe in yourself? More importantly, do you believe in God’s ability to use you to accomplish whatever He desires…in your own life and the lives of others? Remember… one man, one prayer, one cup. Examine your own life today and see where God is applying this principle. Are you rising to the occasion?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Lord God of heaven, you are great and fearsome. And you faithfully keep your promises to everyone who loves you and obeys your commands. I am your servant, so please have mercy on me and answer the prayer that I make day and night for these people of Israel who serve you. I, my family, and the rest of your people have sinned by choosing to disobey you and the laws and teachings you gave to your servant Moses.
Please remember the promise you made to Moses. You told him that if we were unfaithful, you would scatter us among foreign nations. But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshiped.
Our Lord, I am praying for your servants - those you rescued by your great strength and mighty power. Please answer my prayer and the prayer of your other servants who gladly honor your name. When I serve the king his wine today, make him pleased with me and have him do what I ask.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For several weeks now, I’ve been seeing ads for a new 90-day workout plan devised by my favorite fitness trainer. Honestly, I’ve been ready to push the button several times and order these DVDs… but I’ve yet to do so. For one thing, I am not sure I am fully committed to this level of physical exertion. I am also not sure exactly how much of it I could actually accomplish! So for now, I opted to order a less intense – yet still strenuous – workout tape to add to my library.
Let me be clear… I’ve got quite a few workout tapes that have probably become brittle in their box. Having the tools at your disposal to become physically fit does not automatically ensure results! You have to USE them! And I have actually used the last few I’ve purchased… with surprisingly good results. I feel more confident… healthier, and much better physically and mentally.
I’m no athlete, but I’ve learned that when I work at it, I can actually do things I never dreamed possible… like pushups and lifting weights while balancing on one foot! The trainer pushes me to do things I feel inadequate to perform… she knows better than I that I have the “stuff” to do this. She will say things like “I’ve got 400-lb. people who can do this… and so can you!” And she is right!
So often, we lack confidence in our faith walk. We have the God-given tools for success… He has given us the “stuff”… but we fail to put this to work in our own lives. It’s not that we lack confidence in GOD… we lack confidence in ourselves. God would not allow us to go through some of the things that challenge us if he didn’t know we what it takes to accomplish them and persevere. He may be telling us and showing us that we have what it takes to get surmount our problems and obstacles, but we have to believe Him and become people of action!
In this passage, we learn about one man, one prayer, and one cup. In the King James Version, Verse eleven ends with “For I was the king’s cup bearer.” Nehemiah recognizes he is only one man – and a mere servant at that! But with God’s power behind him, he knows that he can accomplish the work of many. And so he asks God to forgive him and his people for their sin, lack of faith and failure to be bold people of action. He reminds God of His promise to step in and care for His children as soon as they turn back to Him. And then He asked God for His help… to answer His prayers and meet his needs – and to make the King receptive to his requests.
Can I tell you something? We are a lot stronger than we think we are… mentally, physically, and spiritually. Never underestimate your abilities in any arena… most certainly when God is in the mix. If God allows you to have a workout of any kind, trust that things will work out! Recognize that even though you are one person, God can use you to accomplish big things… starting with your own health and wellbeing! You may be “just a cup-bearer”… but in God’s eyes, you have the capacity for great things.
What is your confidence level? Do you believe in yourself? More importantly, do you believe in God’s ability to use you to accomplish whatever He desires…in your own life and the lives of others? Remember… one man, one prayer, one cup. Examine your own life today and see where God is applying this principle. Are you rising to the occasion?
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2012
Genesis 15:1-6
After all these things, this word of God came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand!" Abram said, "God, Master, what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?" Abram continued, "See, you've given me no children, and now a mere house servant is going to get it all."
Then God's Message came: "Don't worry, he won't be your heir; a son from your body will be your heir." Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!" And he believed! Believed God! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God."
Romans 4:17-18
We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In October 2010, I bought a workout video and told myself that I would do this… I would get in shape and become more healthy. The first day, I put the DVD in the machine and did as much of the workout as I could… and I honestly thought I might die. My legs shook like jelly for about an hour. I could not get my breath, my heart pounded, and I hurt – everywhere. The trainer on the DVD said, “If you are on Day Six or Seven, these exercises are probably already a little easier than on Day One.” Yeah, right! I wondered if I would ever even see Day Six or Seven. But her words encouraged me, and I took a giant leap of faith and trusted that in time, I truly would be able to do the workout routine… and hopefully I would become healthier and more fit.
More than a year later, I am able to do things I never dreamed I could do –pushups, jogging and weight lifting. I can balance and flex in ways I never thought possible at my age, and I’ve lowered my cholesterol and other “numbers” while becoming more fit and healthy. I listened to the trainer and kept the faith that she would deliver on her promises of strength and stamina. Now, when I face an exercise that seems daunting – or impossible – I look at how far I have come, and I realize that maybe I can actually do this! I know it is at least worth my best shot!
So often in life, we consider the problem… and not the promise. We look at the obstacles in our life… age, heritage, home life, health, economic status, race, level of education, and more… and we say, “There’s no way I can overcome this. I can never do what God is asking of me. I can never be what He thinks I can be. This is totally hopeless.” In truth, whatever God desires for you is entirely possible… from serving others in His name to serving on a committee at church or in your community to being a leader in your community, state, or country.
If God wants you to be a parent, head a major corporation, or serve as a missionary in a foreign land… He will equip you for the task. If He wants you to be able to purchase your own home and vehicle, overcome an addiction, or even lose a few pounds and get in shape, He can help you accomplish this. Our job is to focus on the promise… not the problem. Satan will try to trip us up at every turn by telling us that we are not good enough… that our situation is hopeless… that the promises are too grand, out of our league, and completely unattainable.
God has created a covenant partnership with us, as believers in Jesus Christ. He has promised that all things are possible, according to His will, when we trust Him. God NEVER defaults on a promise. The best thing we can do is continue to trust God even when we can’t see how things are going to come together. Just as it took several weeks of huffing and puffing and only being able to do small portions of the daily workout routine before I began to see any results, we often have to huff and puff along with God for a while before we catch a glimmer of the work He is doing in our lives.
We must not stagger… we must not backslide… and we most certainly must not give up! Have faith that God will deliver on His promises… keep plugging away at whatever path He has placed before you. Live on the basis of what God has said He will do… not what you can’t accomplish on your own. Pay attention to the small gains you make along the way, and stop to thank God for even small victories. When everything looks hopeless, listen for God’s voice… and keep going. Strengthen your faith as you grow in God’s promises. Focus on the potential for days when your “workout” will become easier… and all that you strived to accomplish has been delivered.
©2012 Debbie Robus
After all these things, this word of God came to Abram in a vision: "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand!" Abram said, "God, Master, what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless and Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?" Abram continued, "See, you've given me no children, and now a mere house servant is going to get it all."
Then God's Message came: "Don't worry, he won't be your heir; a son from your body will be your heir." Then he took him outside and said, "Look at the sky. Count the stars. Can you do it? Count your descendants! You're going to have a big family, Abram!" And he believed! Believed God! God declared him "Set-Right-with-God."
Romans 4:17-18
We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"? Abraham was first named "father" and then became a father because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life, with a word make something out of nothing. When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said he would do. And so he was made father of a multitude of peoples. God himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In October 2010, I bought a workout video and told myself that I would do this… I would get in shape and become more healthy. The first day, I put the DVD in the machine and did as much of the workout as I could… and I honestly thought I might die. My legs shook like jelly for about an hour. I could not get my breath, my heart pounded, and I hurt – everywhere. The trainer on the DVD said, “If you are on Day Six or Seven, these exercises are probably already a little easier than on Day One.” Yeah, right! I wondered if I would ever even see Day Six or Seven. But her words encouraged me, and I took a giant leap of faith and trusted that in time, I truly would be able to do the workout routine… and hopefully I would become healthier and more fit.
More than a year later, I am able to do things I never dreamed I could do –pushups, jogging and weight lifting. I can balance and flex in ways I never thought possible at my age, and I’ve lowered my cholesterol and other “numbers” while becoming more fit and healthy. I listened to the trainer and kept the faith that she would deliver on her promises of strength and stamina. Now, when I face an exercise that seems daunting – or impossible – I look at how far I have come, and I realize that maybe I can actually do this! I know it is at least worth my best shot!
So often in life, we consider the problem… and not the promise. We look at the obstacles in our life… age, heritage, home life, health, economic status, race, level of education, and more… and we say, “There’s no way I can overcome this. I can never do what God is asking of me. I can never be what He thinks I can be. This is totally hopeless.” In truth, whatever God desires for you is entirely possible… from serving others in His name to serving on a committee at church or in your community to being a leader in your community, state, or country.
If God wants you to be a parent, head a major corporation, or serve as a missionary in a foreign land… He will equip you for the task. If He wants you to be able to purchase your own home and vehicle, overcome an addiction, or even lose a few pounds and get in shape, He can help you accomplish this. Our job is to focus on the promise… not the problem. Satan will try to trip us up at every turn by telling us that we are not good enough… that our situation is hopeless… that the promises are too grand, out of our league, and completely unattainable.
God has created a covenant partnership with us, as believers in Jesus Christ. He has promised that all things are possible, according to His will, when we trust Him. God NEVER defaults on a promise. The best thing we can do is continue to trust God even when we can’t see how things are going to come together. Just as it took several weeks of huffing and puffing and only being able to do small portions of the daily workout routine before I began to see any results, we often have to huff and puff along with God for a while before we catch a glimmer of the work He is doing in our lives.
We must not stagger… we must not backslide… and we most certainly must not give up! Have faith that God will deliver on His promises… keep plugging away at whatever path He has placed before you. Live on the basis of what God has said He will do… not what you can’t accomplish on your own. Pay attention to the small gains you make along the way, and stop to thank God for even small victories. When everything looks hopeless, listen for God’s voice… and keep going. Strengthen your faith as you grow in God’s promises. Focus on the potential for days when your “workout” will become easier… and all that you strived to accomplish has been delivered.
©2012 Debbie Robus
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