January 21 ~ Acts 22:10
"Then I said, 'What do I do now, Master?' "He said, 'Get to your feet and enter Damascus. There you'll be told everything that's been set out for you to do.' And so we entered Damascus, but nothing like the entrance I had planned—I was blind as a bat and my companions had to lead me in by the hand.”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever been at an amusement park on a ride that took you through dark tunnels? I’m thinking of “Fire-In-The-Hole,” a roller coaster ride at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The ad on SilverDollarCity.com says the ride offers “thrilling surprises around every corner.” No matter how well you think you know what will happen next, there are indeed surprises… some scary, almost all thrilling.
Paul started on the road to Damascus as Saul, a Jew born in Tarsus, who was authorized to hunt down Christians and kill them. That was his plan. But God had other plans. He caused a bright light to fall on Saul – a blinding light – and when He had Saul’s attention, He asked Saul why he was persecuting the followers of Christ. God then brought Ananias on the scene to explain His plan for Saul to transform to Paul and become one of God’s greatest witnesses for Christ.
Life is like a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs. And so often, like Saul, we trudge ahead, so sure of our plans… so sure that what we are doing is the “right thing.” And often, God has to correct us and bring us back to HIS plans for us, which are always better. He may not blind us, literally, to get our attention, but he has ways of doing that. Like the surprises and thrills of the roller coaster ride, God fills our life with surprises and thrills, and in the end, the Ride with Christ is the one we need to take.
So the next time something happens to “blind” you temporarily… the next time you are surprised by where your life ride takes you, stop and ask God, “What is your purpose? What are you planning for me? Make sure your plans line up with His, and everything will come clearly into focus once again.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 20 ~ Acts 20:7
We met on Sunday to worship and celebrate the Master's Supper. Paul addressed the congregation. Our plan was to leave first thing in the morning, but Paul talked on, way past midnight. We were meeting in a well-lighted upper room. A young man named Eutychus was sitting in an open window. As Paul went on and on, Eutychus fell sound asleep and toppled out the third-story window. When they picked him up, he was dead.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I’m learning to be flexible. It’s a good thing to make plans, but it is important to remember that plans can change. There were two things that came to mind when I read this passage. First, I was reminded of times when I made all sorts of plans, and then things happened that kept those plans from materializing. I can think of several times when I had a whole day of activities planned, and someone got sick and needed my help or a problem arose at work and I had to attend to it and abandon other projects, or even on my “day off.” Or somebody suggested we do something fun on the spur of the moment, and I was able to change my plans and go along. I can think of times when I got in a hurry and caused a spill or an accident that required attention and deflected my plans and interrupted my day – and not in a positive manner!
And that brings to mind the second thing, and that is that sometimes changes in plans are the work of God… and sometimes they are the work of the devil. Look at Eutychus. I seriously doubt he planned on falling out a window and dying! Was that God’s hand at work – or Satan’s? Was Eutychus paying attention and keeping his focus on the right things? Are we? How many times do we “fall asleep” and allow Satan an opportunity to slip in and cause us harm or change our plans and steer us off course?
I want you to remember Eutychus and what happened to him. Remind yourself that plans may change at any moment. Know that sometimes God changes our plans for His purposes, and sometimes Satan changes them for a much less favorable result. Stay alert and learn to tell the difference, and know WHO is changing your plans! If you find yourself “falling asleep” and allowing Satan to change them, ask God to help you stay focused. Keep Him at the forefront of your life, and you will do much better at staying on track!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 19 ~ Acts 16:6
They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go there either. Proceeding on through Mysia, they went down to the seaport Troas.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Has the Holy Spirit ever blocked your plans? Remember when I told you about trying to change teaching positions? I was so sure I would get the position as a fifth-grade teacher, and I was truly devastated for awhile when it didn’t work out as I had planned. But God’s plans for my future were so much better! I couldn’t see it at the time, but it is crystal clear to me that His hand was at work in everything. I have tried to envision what my life would have been like had that position been given to me, and I can think of a thousand and one reasons God wanted something else!
What is God blocking for you today? Is there something you are trying to do that just will not come together? It is as if you hit a brick wall and cannot get through it, and you don’t have a clue why this is happening. I would like to suggest that maybe your plans are not God’s plans in this area. Maybe He is “blocking the route” so that you will find His path. If you are struggling with plans and things are not working out as you had hoped, stop and ask God where HE would have you go. Open your heart and mind to the possibilities when God does the planning. I predict you will look back someday and realize His plans for your future were much better!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 18 ~ Acts 3:17
"And now, friends, I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders. But God, who through the preaching of all the prophets had said all along that his Messiah would be killed, knew exactly what you were doing and used it to fulfill his plans.”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Thank goodness we are never too old to learn! I learn new things – especially about how God works – every day. But I sure wish I had learned a few of these things in my teens and twenties… it would have made those years a lot easier in many ways. So hear me when I say again, “God can use any situation for His purposes.” Yes, there are things that we do and say that grieve God. Yes, God is heartbroken when children are mistreated and in desperate situations. Yes, God despises puppy mills and cruelty to animals. Sure, God doesn’t want his children to end up homeless and on the streets.
But God can take a disjointed, abusive childhood and create a social worker who empathizes with the plight of children in similar situations. Or He can rescue children from these situations and place them with loving parents who are praying for a child to bless. God can take a situation of animal cruelty to raise awareness about issues such as spaying and neutering or animal adoption. In our own community, a puppy mill raid resulted in the citizens coming together for a common cause and adopting over 150 puppies in just a few days. People took time from busy schedules to buy food and blankets and more to take to the animal shelter for these helpless animals. Do you see God’s hand in this?
God doesn’t want us to become homeless and destitute. But He can place His servants in soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and public assistance agencies to help those who succumb to this situation. He can use others to become activists who work to enact programs and legislation that keeps this from happening. He can use His believers to witness to those who have made a series of poor choices that led them to a life on the streets.
What have I learned as I have grown in my faith? I have learned that a lot of how I see things determines my outcome. So when I see human suffering and tragedy – in others’ lives or my own – I am learning to ask “What do you want me to do with this Lord? What is The Plan?” And that is making the difference. I encourage you to start to look at things with this mindset and ask God what “The Plan” is for your life. Try to look at things with a Godly perspective and see how God can use you for His purposes today!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 17 ~ Acts 2:22
"Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he's right by my side. I'm glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I've pitched my tent in the land of hope. I know you'll never dump me in Hades; I'll never even smell the stench of death. You've got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I don’t know about you, but when I stop and think that every minute of Jesus’ life was thought out and planned for by God, I am both humbled and amazed. God planned the wedding at Cana and the changing of water into wine. He planned the feeding of the masses with the fish and five loaves of bread. He planned Christ’s taunting and questioning of the rabbis and teachers in the synagogue. He even planned the crucifixion and the empty tomb and the resurrection of Christ.
”But wait!” you are probably thinking. Haven’t I said that I do not believe God causes bad things to happen? So why would he cause the crucifixion? The key to this answer lies in the word “cause”. I do not believe God caused these things to happen to Jesus, but He knew they would happen and He planned for them – to the extent that He planned for a way to use them for His purposes.
In the same way, God has thought out and planned for every minute of your life – and mine! So when your family moves to a new town in your senior year and you have to make a whole new set of friends, God is not punishing you. He is opening doors for you to grow as a person and expand your circle of friends and experiences. When your grandmother gets Alzheimer’s and doesn’t recognize you any more, God is not being mean. He knew this would happen, and He planned ways for you to learn patience in caring for your grandmother. And He may have given you an opportunity to become involved in groups that provide support or awareness about Alzheimer’s.
We have to start recognizing that God has plans for us… and as we learned in Jeremiah 29:11, they are good plans. So when bad things happen, or we are hurt or disappointed or a devastating tragedy occurs, we must realize that God did not cause this to happen to us, but He knew it would take place, and He made plans to use it for His purposes – and our good - if we will let Him. Jesus got this… He knew that His suffering and torturous death were necessary in order for us to have Eternal Life. He accepted God’s plan, and am I ever glad He did! In the same way, when life doesn’t go exactly as we had planned and troubles come, we must ask God, “What do I need to do with this? How will YOU use this situation? What are YOU planning?” We must ask these questions with a sincere, humble heart, and then stand back and watch God work!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 16 ~ John 15:26
"When the Friend I plan to send you from the Father comes—the Spirit of Truth issuing from the Father—he will confirm everything about me. You, too, from your side must give your confirming evidence, since you are in this with me from the start."
"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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788."
Have you ever had to say “Goodbye” to someone who was moving or going away for a long time, or maybe your loved one died? Do you remember how it felt – how empty you were and how alone you seemed and how gut-wrenchingly painful it may have been? Imagine if Jesus had died on the cross and gone to heaven and left us with nothing. Imagine how desperate and empty life would be.
But God knew this, and it was all part of His plan to send the Holy Spirit to live in our hearts and be our constant companion until Christ comes again. And the Holy Spirit is so all knowing and all powerful that He can even help to fill the gaps that are left when we are hurting over the loss of someone to earthly distance or even death.
Don’t miss this! The Holy Spirit lives within each of us, and He will never leave us. When you start to feel sad or lonely, call on the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy and peace. When you are overwhelmed and feeling helpless, ask the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you. Consider the Holy Spirit your “best friend Who lives in your heart,” and share anything and everything with Him – any time or place!
How amazing it is that God would plan so completely that He even planned for a Comforter to be with us until Christ comes again! You have a Forever Friend and He will always be with you – through thick and thin. Thank God today for sending His Holy Spirit… and throw open the doors of your heart and let Him truly live in you and guide your plans and your daily living.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 15 ~ John 15:11
"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When you have plans for something fun or exciting, you want to share them with others, don’t you? If you get engaged and plan a wedding, you want to let your friends and family know the details. If you get accepted to the college of your choice – and even better, offered scholarships – you want to share that news. If you get sick, people will ask, “what did the doctor say?” In other words… what is the plan of treatment? If you find out you are expecting a baby (or grandbaby), you want everyone to know your plans – from which doctor will handle the delivery to what color you will do the nursery to what you will name the child! If you are changing jobs or moving to a new town, you want to let people know – and they want to know your new address, how you will execute the move, whether there is anything they can do to help, and more.
Part of loving others is sharing things with them… happy AND sad events in your life, plans for the future, important decisions. Sometimes we try to bottle things up inside and handle it all ourselves. For whatever reason, we don’t let others in, and we don’t share ourselves with others – thoughts, feelings, plans, fears, discouragements, joys, desires, frustrations, and more. And this leads to feelings of loneliness, isolation, more discouragement, and sometimes a distance from the Lord.
Jesus has clearly called us to include other people in our own lives. He has called for our plans to include time and energy for sharing with others. He has set the example by sharing His thoughts, feelings and plans with us. His plans call for us to love others, to be willing to sacrifice for them, and to find joy in the friendship.
So share your life with others. Make sure that whatever you plan, you include time and energy for friendship and sharing God’s love through fellowship with others. You will be healthier, happier, and more like Him. And as an added bonus His joy will become yours!
©2008 Debbie Robus
Where Do We Go From Here? - Week 2
January 14 ~ Luke 14:33
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
This is really a tough verse to wrap our brains around. See, we want to follow Christ, but so often, we have that “Burger King” relationship – we want it our way. So if following Christ means giving up your close friendship with your best drinking buddy, you may stiffen and say, “now wait a minute here!” If following Christ means that you can no longer play violent video games that degrade women, you may ask, “why does this matter?” If following Christ means you can no longer sleep in on Sundays or you have to pass up an after-church breakfast with family and friends to teach a Sunday School class or sing in the choir, you may say, “C’mon now… that’s going too far!”
Maybe you have to sell your tricked-out sports car and buy a modest sedan in order to afford that summer mission trip you are feeling led to take. Maybe you have studied for a career in medicine, with plans to specialize and make lots of money, but God clearly opens doors for you to practice medicine in a poor rural area and live modestly.
Be honest. Is anything really too much to give up for the One Who gave up his own life for you? Is it really asking too much to expect us to be willing to drop everything – and everyone – to follow the ONLY One Who really matters?I certainly hope that Jesus never asks me to give up my family and friends to follow Him. But I hope with all that is in me that I would be willing and faithful enough to do just that if He made it clear that I should. I have plans for my future, and I pray that they are His plans. But if not, I will ditch them in a heartbeat to follow the ones He sets forth. Think of your dearest thing… the one thing (or person) who is most precious to you. If Jesus asked you to walk away from that thing or person, could you do it? Would you? How badly do you want to be His disciple? It’s a daunting question – maybe the biggest question you will ever ask yourself. But it is vital to your Spiritual future and to following the plans that God has for your life. You may never be asked to do this, but you need to know how you would answer.
Do you really want the “Burger King” relationship – or are you up for totally being a disciple of Christ?
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 13 ~ Luke 14:28
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
So often, we are shortsighted in our vision. We have “a plan,” but it’s not a very far-reaching one. When I was young and planned for my future and the possibility of having children, I never really thought of them as teenagers, much less adults. But babies do grow up! If you are in college and thinking about your future, it may include a degree, a job, and making money… but have you considered where and how you will accomplish all of this? Have you asked yourself seriously if this is what you want to do for the next twenty or thirty years? I’m not saying you have to stay in the career path you choose now, but you need a more far-reaching plan than many of us seem to make.
You may be in what you feel is an exciting, fulfilling relationship. But have you considered growing old with this person? Are you being honest with yourself – and your significant other – about where this is headed and what you see as your future together?
Are you “saving for a rainy day?” Do you have a savings account, a retirement plan, insurance? Have you considered what you would do if you suddenly became very ill and unable to work or finish school? Do you have a plan if your car breaks down and you can’t get back and forth to school or work? And when trouble comes, do you throw up your hands and throw in the towel? Do you start things you can’t finish?
It’s time for a reality check. God has a plan for our lives, but He expects us to use the intelligence and other resources He has given us to help flesh out the plan! I encourage you today to spend some time with Him and try to figure out where He is leading you. Ask yourself if you are doing your part to see His plan to fruition. Have you made the necessary preparations to ensure the plan works? God is counting on us to do our part. He will give us everything we need, but it is up to us to do the leg work!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 12 ~ Luke 8:1
He continued according to plan, traveled to town after town, village after village, preaching God's kingdom, spreading the Message. The Twelve were with him. There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; and Susanna—along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When Jesus walked from village to village teaching, preaching, and healing, He was following God’s plan for His life. The people who followed Jesus… the disciples, Mary, Joanna, Susanna and others - were following God’s plan. Did you ever stop to think about how Jesus’ ministry was funded and supported? Obviously God’s plan included people who would accompany Jesus’ group and see that their physical needs were met – food, clothing, shelter. Clearly God sent people with money to buy what was not donated – and He planned the donations, also!
Remember, God’s plan for Jesus called for Him to walk among us as a human being. Certainly Jesus could have miraculously and supernaturally fed Himself and others – and He did that in Matthew 14. But God wanted people to see Jesus as they saw themselves… with needs that HE met… accompanied by people whom HE used to minister to others. And so He planned for these people to show up and step up to the plate.
Has it really soaked in with you that there was a plan for Jesus’ life, too? God didn’t just plan our lives, but He planned the life of His Son, also. He planned the birth, the childhood, the ministry… even the crucifixion. It was all part of God’s plan for Jesus – AND for us – because ultimately, God sent Jesus for you and me! It doesn’t get more awesome and amazing – and humbling – than that!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 11 ~ Zechariah 8:14
“…Don't be afraid. And now here's what I want you to do: Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts. Don't cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. Don't do or say what isn't so. I hate all that stuff. Keep your lives simple and honest."
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Don’t cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. You are probably thinking, “oh, I would never do that! I’m not that kind of person.” And I am sure that is true. But let’s look at this in context of the other instructions – do the right thing, say and do only what is so, and tell the whole truth.
Let’s say you saw potential in a parcel of land. Maybe it was a good place for a housing subdivision or commercial shopping center. Maybe it had great timber that would be worth a lot of money. But, there was a catch – this property had a tumble-down house on it, and in that house lived an elderly lady on a fixed income. She wasn’t very well educated. You decided that you could talk to the lady and convince her to sell the property to you – for what she did not realize was well below fair market value. You promised to help her qualify for government subsidized housing, convincing her it was nicer and more comfortable than where she currently lived.
Now, suppose that you stood to make many times over what you were spending on this land and could easily have afforded to make a higher offer to this lady – even purchased her a comfortable house and provided her with money for daily living expenses while still realizing a tidy profit. But you comforted yourself that you were improving her present situation, and you convinced yourself that this was generous enough of you to sleep at night. You completed the sale and developed the property – maybe you even sold the timber – and you made a huge profit. And the lonely little lady lived on government assistance for the rest of her days.
Suppose you tell people things that aren’t exactly the truth in order to make them feel obligated one way or another to do things. I always think of those vacuum salesmen and women who knock on doors and want to give a “free demonstration” (followed by high-pressure sales tactics!). I am also reminded of an episode of Andy Griffith in which Opie wanted to sell his bicycle so he could buy another one. He extolled all of the bike’s virtues to his buddy who was interested, but he neglected to divulge the list of problems with the bike. Andy challenged Opie on this and pointed out that a full disclosure was required. Later when Andy wanted to sell his house and failed to point out to potential buyers that the house had a leak and some cracks and other damage, Opie turned the tables. It wasn’t that either one of these fellows were bad people, but they were using an unfair advantage to get what they wanted – in these cases, a sale.
You may not be the richest person in the world. Every “deal” may not be “the big one.” But God will bless your life if you do the right thing, say and do only what is true, speak the whole truth, and never take unfair advantage of others. Plan to live a simple, honest life that pleases God, and He will take care of the rest.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 10 ~ Amos 7:14
But Amos stood up to Amaziah: "I never set up to be a preacher, never had plans to be a preacher. I raised cattle and I pruned trees. Then God took me off the farm and said, 'Go preach to my people Israel.'
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
My former pastor and friend, Bro. John Miles III, used to say, “Never tell God what you plan to do, because He will change your plans!” It’s just possible that God will show you Who is really in charge of the planning process. Little girls plan a fairy tale wedding from an early age and “play house.” Little boys play with guns and balls and dream of being soldiers or pro athletes. Kids with talent and creativity aspire to be actors and actresses and big-name celebrities.
The point I got from this passage is that no matter what you are doing today, God may have other plans for your tomorrow. Just because you are on track today to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, stay-at-home mom, pro athlete, coach, or whatever you are planning doesn’t mean that God may not show you another path tomorrow. You may be in the military today, but God may be using you to witness to soldiers in preparation for missionary service in the years ahead – or to be a team leader in some business venture.
You may be planning a successful career as a prosecuting attorney, and God may want you to be a public defender in an inner city. Today you may be working at a good job and playing golf in your spare time and enjoying the simple life of a small community. Next year God may move you to a community in a colder climate where there aren’t many golf courses and give you a new hobby. Or, He may change your interests, and you may not care about golf any longer!
God may be paving the way for you to become a lay speaker for your church or to drive the van on Sundays. He may be about to move you out of the Sunday School class you love so dearly and into a new one where your Spiritual insights are needed – or where He feels you can grow more in your walk with Him. God may know that poor health – yours or someone else’s – is ahead of you, and He may be planting people and events in your life now that will strengthen you for the days ahead. He may see a huge financial turn-around on the horizon and be planning ways for you to bless others with your newfound wealth.
I guess the point I am trying to get across is that we must not get too cozy or complacent in our lives and “rest on our laurels.” We must not ever close our minds and hearts to new possibilities with God. The old adage that “when God closes a door, He opens a window” is so true. If things aren’t working out like you had planned, stop and ask God what He is planning. I promise you He does have plans for each of us. They may not be grandiose… in fact, His plans might include rest and a slower pace! Wherever God’s plans take you in life, if He makes them, they are sure to be perfect!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 9 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever made plans to do something and someone else (your parents, friends, spouse, counselor, pastor, boss, etc.) told you that they had other plans, and you must go along with theirs rather than yours? How did that make you feel? Did you trust the person who was making the plans? Did you feel their choices were right for you? Were the results better than you imagined? Were they worse?
God has plans for our lives, and they are good plans. As I’ve said before, God’s plans are not always what we envisioned, and at the time, they may even seem a little crazy! But whatever God takes you to, He will take you through! It may involve hardship. It may involve the break-up of a relationship or giving up old friends and old habits. He may use physical suffering or persecution in the workplace to strengthen you. (Notice I didn’t say God would cause this, but rather He will use it for His glory and your growth! God is not in the business of making plans that will hurt you, and He does NOT cause our misfortunes!)
Jeremiah 29:11 is a powerful verse. God knows the plans He has for your life, and they are good plans – prosperous, successful, healthy plans for a bright future, both on this earth and in Eternity. The plans of other mortals may not always be God-sent or right for you, but GOD’s plans are always on target. If God shows up through scripture, prayer, or just that little Voice that won’t stop nagging you, pay attention. See what He has in store and where He will lead you!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 8 ~ Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you:”
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When a woman finds out she is pregnant, the planning starts. Long before most babies arrive, their nursery is filled with furniture, clothing, diapers and baby products, toys, the latest gadgets in baby care, and more. And often, the parents have spent the nine expectant months conjuring up a future for their unborn child. Will he be a future president or an outstanding athlete? Will she be a beauty queen or a famous actress – or a future president? Will they grow up to be healthy, attractive, fit, and financially successful? Will they be happy and well-adjusted? Will they take care of their parents in their old age?!
Many parents will also plan for children who walk in the favor of God. And this is planning extraordinaire! Probably the best plan/hope/dream anyone could have for their child is to wish for them to grow up in the wisdom, love, grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is God’s wish for each of us. Long before we were even formed in our mother’s womb, God had planned our life. He loves us so much that He took time to plan us eons ago! He knew us even then… knew how we will “turn out.” If God loves us enough to have planned our lives so long ago, don’t you think He will help us live them?New parents may plan for their children, but they can never plan as fully – or as well – as God has planned for us. His plans are perfect… and holy… and nothing could be better than that!
©2008 Debbie Robus
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
This is really a tough verse to wrap our brains around. See, we want to follow Christ, but so often, we have that “Burger King” relationship – we want it our way. So if following Christ means giving up your close friendship with your best drinking buddy, you may stiffen and say, “now wait a minute here!” If following Christ means that you can no longer play violent video games that degrade women, you may ask, “why does this matter?” If following Christ means you can no longer sleep in on Sundays or you have to pass up an after-church breakfast with family and friends to teach a Sunday School class or sing in the choir, you may say, “C’mon now… that’s going too far!”
Maybe you have to sell your tricked-out sports car and buy a modest sedan in order to afford that summer mission trip you are feeling led to take. Maybe you have studied for a career in medicine, with plans to specialize and make lots of money, but God clearly opens doors for you to practice medicine in a poor rural area and live modestly.
Be honest. Is anything really too much to give up for the One Who gave up his own life for you? Is it really asking too much to expect us to be willing to drop everything – and everyone – to follow the ONLY One Who really matters?I certainly hope that Jesus never asks me to give up my family and friends to follow Him. But I hope with all that is in me that I would be willing and faithful enough to do just that if He made it clear that I should. I have plans for my future, and I pray that they are His plans. But if not, I will ditch them in a heartbeat to follow the ones He sets forth. Think of your dearest thing… the one thing (or person) who is most precious to you. If Jesus asked you to walk away from that thing or person, could you do it? Would you? How badly do you want to be His disciple? It’s a daunting question – maybe the biggest question you will ever ask yourself. But it is vital to your Spiritual future and to following the plans that God has for your life. You may never be asked to do this, but you need to know how you would answer.
Do you really want the “Burger King” relationship – or are you up for totally being a disciple of Christ?
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 13 ~ Luke 14:28
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'”
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
So often, we are shortsighted in our vision. We have “a plan,” but it’s not a very far-reaching one. When I was young and planned for my future and the possibility of having children, I never really thought of them as teenagers, much less adults. But babies do grow up! If you are in college and thinking about your future, it may include a degree, a job, and making money… but have you considered where and how you will accomplish all of this? Have you asked yourself seriously if this is what you want to do for the next twenty or thirty years? I’m not saying you have to stay in the career path you choose now, but you need a more far-reaching plan than many of us seem to make.
You may be in what you feel is an exciting, fulfilling relationship. But have you considered growing old with this person? Are you being honest with yourself – and your significant other – about where this is headed and what you see as your future together?
Are you “saving for a rainy day?” Do you have a savings account, a retirement plan, insurance? Have you considered what you would do if you suddenly became very ill and unable to work or finish school? Do you have a plan if your car breaks down and you can’t get back and forth to school or work? And when trouble comes, do you throw up your hands and throw in the towel? Do you start things you can’t finish?
It’s time for a reality check. God has a plan for our lives, but He expects us to use the intelligence and other resources He has given us to help flesh out the plan! I encourage you today to spend some time with Him and try to figure out where He is leading you. Ask yourself if you are doing your part to see His plan to fruition. Have you made the necessary preparations to ensure the plan works? God is counting on us to do our part. He will give us everything we need, but it is up to us to do the leg work!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 12 ~ Luke 8:1
He continued according to plan, traveled to town after town, village after village, preaching God's kingdom, spreading the Message. The Twelve were with him. There were also some women in their company who had been healed of various evil afflictions and illnesses: Mary, the one called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's manager; and Susanna—along with many others who used their considerable means to provide for the company.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When Jesus walked from village to village teaching, preaching, and healing, He was following God’s plan for His life. The people who followed Jesus… the disciples, Mary, Joanna, Susanna and others - were following God’s plan. Did you ever stop to think about how Jesus’ ministry was funded and supported? Obviously God’s plan included people who would accompany Jesus’ group and see that their physical needs were met – food, clothing, shelter. Clearly God sent people with money to buy what was not donated – and He planned the donations, also!
Remember, God’s plan for Jesus called for Him to walk among us as a human being. Certainly Jesus could have miraculously and supernaturally fed Himself and others – and He did that in Matthew 14. But God wanted people to see Jesus as they saw themselves… with needs that HE met… accompanied by people whom HE used to minister to others. And so He planned for these people to show up and step up to the plate.
Has it really soaked in with you that there was a plan for Jesus’ life, too? God didn’t just plan our lives, but He planned the life of His Son, also. He planned the birth, the childhood, the ministry… even the crucifixion. It was all part of God’s plan for Jesus – AND for us – because ultimately, God sent Jesus for you and me! It doesn’t get more awesome and amazing – and humbling – than that!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 11 ~ Zechariah 8:14
“…Don't be afraid. And now here's what I want you to do: Tell the truth, the whole truth, when you speak. Do the right thing by one another, both personally and in your courts. Don't cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. Don't do or say what isn't so. I hate all that stuff. Keep your lives simple and honest."
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Don’t cook up plans to take unfair advantage of others. You are probably thinking, “oh, I would never do that! I’m not that kind of person.” And I am sure that is true. But let’s look at this in context of the other instructions – do the right thing, say and do only what is so, and tell the whole truth.
Let’s say you saw potential in a parcel of land. Maybe it was a good place for a housing subdivision or commercial shopping center. Maybe it had great timber that would be worth a lot of money. But, there was a catch – this property had a tumble-down house on it, and in that house lived an elderly lady on a fixed income. She wasn’t very well educated. You decided that you could talk to the lady and convince her to sell the property to you – for what she did not realize was well below fair market value. You promised to help her qualify for government subsidized housing, convincing her it was nicer and more comfortable than where she currently lived.
Now, suppose that you stood to make many times over what you were spending on this land and could easily have afforded to make a higher offer to this lady – even purchased her a comfortable house and provided her with money for daily living expenses while still realizing a tidy profit. But you comforted yourself that you were improving her present situation, and you convinced yourself that this was generous enough of you to sleep at night. You completed the sale and developed the property – maybe you even sold the timber – and you made a huge profit. And the lonely little lady lived on government assistance for the rest of her days.
Suppose you tell people things that aren’t exactly the truth in order to make them feel obligated one way or another to do things. I always think of those vacuum salesmen and women who knock on doors and want to give a “free demonstration” (followed by high-pressure sales tactics!). I am also reminded of an episode of Andy Griffith in which Opie wanted to sell his bicycle so he could buy another one. He extolled all of the bike’s virtues to his buddy who was interested, but he neglected to divulge the list of problems with the bike. Andy challenged Opie on this and pointed out that a full disclosure was required. Later when Andy wanted to sell his house and failed to point out to potential buyers that the house had a leak and some cracks and other damage, Opie turned the tables. It wasn’t that either one of these fellows were bad people, but they were using an unfair advantage to get what they wanted – in these cases, a sale.
You may not be the richest person in the world. Every “deal” may not be “the big one.” But God will bless your life if you do the right thing, say and do only what is true, speak the whole truth, and never take unfair advantage of others. Plan to live a simple, honest life that pleases God, and He will take care of the rest.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 10 ~ Amos 7:14
But Amos stood up to Amaziah: "I never set up to be a preacher, never had plans to be a preacher. I raised cattle and I pruned trees. Then God took me off the farm and said, 'Go preach to my people Israel.'
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
My former pastor and friend, Bro. John Miles III, used to say, “Never tell God what you plan to do, because He will change your plans!” It’s just possible that God will show you Who is really in charge of the planning process. Little girls plan a fairy tale wedding from an early age and “play house.” Little boys play with guns and balls and dream of being soldiers or pro athletes. Kids with talent and creativity aspire to be actors and actresses and big-name celebrities.
The point I got from this passage is that no matter what you are doing today, God may have other plans for your tomorrow. Just because you are on track today to become a doctor, lawyer, teacher, stay-at-home mom, pro athlete, coach, or whatever you are planning doesn’t mean that God may not show you another path tomorrow. You may be in the military today, but God may be using you to witness to soldiers in preparation for missionary service in the years ahead – or to be a team leader in some business venture.
You may be planning a successful career as a prosecuting attorney, and God may want you to be a public defender in an inner city. Today you may be working at a good job and playing golf in your spare time and enjoying the simple life of a small community. Next year God may move you to a community in a colder climate where there aren’t many golf courses and give you a new hobby. Or, He may change your interests, and you may not care about golf any longer!
God may be paving the way for you to become a lay speaker for your church or to drive the van on Sundays. He may be about to move you out of the Sunday School class you love so dearly and into a new one where your Spiritual insights are needed – or where He feels you can grow more in your walk with Him. God may know that poor health – yours or someone else’s – is ahead of you, and He may be planting people and events in your life now that will strengthen you for the days ahead. He may see a huge financial turn-around on the horizon and be planning ways for you to bless others with your newfound wealth.
I guess the point I am trying to get across is that we must not get too cozy or complacent in our lives and “rest on our laurels.” We must not ever close our minds and hearts to new possibilities with God. The old adage that “when God closes a door, He opens a window” is so true. If things aren’t working out like you had planned, stop and ask God what He is planning. I promise you He does have plans for each of us. They may not be grandiose… in fact, His plans might include rest and a slower pace! Wherever God’s plans take you in life, if He makes them, they are sure to be perfect!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 9 ~ Jeremiah 29:11
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Have you ever made plans to do something and someone else (your parents, friends, spouse, counselor, pastor, boss, etc.) told you that they had other plans, and you must go along with theirs rather than yours? How did that make you feel? Did you trust the person who was making the plans? Did you feel their choices were right for you? Were the results better than you imagined? Were they worse?
God has plans for our lives, and they are good plans. As I’ve said before, God’s plans are not always what we envisioned, and at the time, they may even seem a little crazy! But whatever God takes you to, He will take you through! It may involve hardship. It may involve the break-up of a relationship or giving up old friends and old habits. He may use physical suffering or persecution in the workplace to strengthen you. (Notice I didn’t say God would cause this, but rather He will use it for His glory and your growth! God is not in the business of making plans that will hurt you, and He does NOT cause our misfortunes!)
Jeremiah 29:11 is a powerful verse. God knows the plans He has for your life, and they are good plans – prosperous, successful, healthy plans for a bright future, both on this earth and in Eternity. The plans of other mortals may not always be God-sent or right for you, but GOD’s plans are always on target. If God shows up through scripture, prayer, or just that little Voice that won’t stop nagging you, pay attention. See what He has in store and where He will lead you!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 8 ~ Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you:”
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When a woman finds out she is pregnant, the planning starts. Long before most babies arrive, their nursery is filled with furniture, clothing, diapers and baby products, toys, the latest gadgets in baby care, and more. And often, the parents have spent the nine expectant months conjuring up a future for their unborn child. Will he be a future president or an outstanding athlete? Will she be a beauty queen or a famous actress – or a future president? Will they grow up to be healthy, attractive, fit, and financially successful? Will they be happy and well-adjusted? Will they take care of their parents in their old age?!
Many parents will also plan for children who walk in the favor of God. And this is planning extraordinaire! Probably the best plan/hope/dream anyone could have for their child is to wish for them to grow up in the wisdom, love, grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is God’s wish for each of us. Long before we were even formed in our mother’s womb, God had planned our life. He loves us so much that He took time to plan us eons ago! He knew us even then… knew how we will “turn out.” If God loves us enough to have planned our lives so long ago, don’t you think He will help us live them?New parents may plan for their children, but they can never plan as fully – or as well – as God has planned for us. His plans are perfect… and holy… and nothing could be better than that!
©2008 Debbie Robus
Where Do We Go From Here? - Week 1
January 7 ~ Isaiah 25:1
God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You've done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When things work out well for you, do you stop to thank God? Or do you say to yourself (or whoever will listen) “Man, that was lucky!” Friend, luck had nothing to do with it! If something good happens in your life, God deserves the credit. If you get a miracle, God gave it to you.
So what about when bad things happen? Did God plan that, too? No! I do not believe for one minute that God is behind bad things, misfortune, illness, disease, or anything negative in your life. But…I do believe that God will take your worst experiences and turn them into blessings if you will let Him. God is in the business of blessing those who love Him, and He will make a way where none seems evident. With God, all things are possible.
I don’t know what you are going through… or what lies ahead for any of us. But I do know WHO is planning my future. And I will celebrate God and give Him praise in all things. Will you?
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 6 ~ Proverbs 16:1
Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
”Never say ‘Never!’” That’s something I say to myself from time to time, because just as sure as I say, “I will never do so-and-so,” God changes things and I end up doing just that! When my husband and I moved back to the city where we attended college, I said more than once, “I will never live in Heber Springs again!” ”Never say ‘Never!’” When I joined the church I now attend, I planned to attend 8:30 worship service, followed by a 9:30 Sunday School class, and have the rest of my Sunday to do whatever I pleased. Then one day as I left the sanctuary, the 9:30 Praise and Worship band was scrambling because their pianist had not shown up, and they had no instrumentalists, and I offered to pitch in as best I could. I’ve been with them for almost eight years now, with Sunday School classes and small group leadership thrown in at the 11:00 hour. ”Never say ‘Never!’”
We are all really good at making elaborate plans… mortal plans. But God does have the last word. And for all of the plans we make, His are far better than we could ever concoct. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing to plan. In fact, it’s a good thing, especially if you plan prayerfully. But understand that even on our best day, the plans we make may fall short of God’s plans for us, and His trump ours every time. So open your heart and mind to the possibilities that God offers, and ask Him to guide you as you make your plans.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 5 ~ Proverbs 15:22
Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them 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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Can you recall a time when you got good advice? One that comes to mind for me is my freshman English class. In high school, I took tests called the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). If you made a certain score on these tests, you could skip (or “CLEP”) college classes and receive credit for them. I was able to “CLEP” College Algebra and the first semester of freshman English. So the second semester of my freshman year, I enrolled in an English composition class. My professor, Francis Irby Gwaltney, took one look at my record and said, “My dear, why are you here? You belong in the “honors English” class.” I explained to Mr. G. that, while I had excellent instruction in high school in English grammar, I had not gotten much literature and virtually NO instruction in writing. In fact, in three years of high school, I never wrote a single composition (or “theme” as we called them in the 1970’s). I respectfully asked to stay in this composition class, and Mr. Gwaltney (a successful author and screenwriter) graciously agreed.
Mr. Gwaltney advised me that the “honors” class would look better on my transcript, but he knew that this class would consist of reading literary classics and then writing about them, and I had no background for doing this. So, he offered to go with me to visit the chairman of the English department, where he explained my situation and recommended that I be allowed to remain in his class.I know God was behind all of this, because all we did in Mr. Gwaltney’s class was write. Every Monday we were assigned a topic. Every Friday, we turned in our “theme.” Mr. Gwaltney had an incredibly entertaining but discombobulated way of teaching, but learn we did! He counted off .25 points (on a 4.00 system) for each misspelled word. And he counted off just as much for use of the word “very.” He felt this word was “very” unnecessary and redundant! It took me years to be able to use it in a sentence again!
Mr. Gwaltney laid the groundwork for a skill that has served me extremely well in the last 30 years. He took a 17-year-old “child bride” (his nickname for me) and gave me skills and advice that proved invaluable. God knew I needed Mr. Gwaltney, and He made a way for us to work together that semester. God gave Mr. G. “good counsel” to pass along, and I am so glad He gave me the wisdom to take it!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 4 ~ Job 42:1
Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was teaching, I worked for a principal who was something of a tyrant. She simply was not a nice person, and she treated the teachers in my building terribly. Job vacancies came open in another elementary school in our district, and I applied. I had taught kindergarten for eight years, and I was ready for a change, so I applied for a fifth grade teaching position at this other school. The interview went well, although this principal expressed skepticism that I could make the switch from teaching 5-year-olds to relating to 10-year-olds. I assured him that I could do it and was ready for the change.
There was one other person who applied for this job, and the word circulated back to me through fellow teachers that I had done well, and I was a shoo-in for the position. And then the call came. One morning as I taught my kindergarten class, I was summoned to the telephone, where the interviewing principal thanked me but said he had decided to hire the other teacher. I was devastated. I had put all my hopes in those rumors and talk. I had become convinced that job was mine, and I was crushed. For a couple of days, I really didn’t know what to do. I prayed for answers, but I also wallowed in the disappointment and futility of having to stay in my present situation and work for the oppressive principal.
As I looked back on these events later, I realized that God was orchestrating everything. The principal who didn’t hire me did me a favor, because I began to formulate a plan for leaving my teaching job and starting a new business. I wish now that I had been mature enough in my faith to realize that God was at work, but that came later. I was as foolish as Job, listening to others instead of staying in tune with God and trusting Him to deliver an outcome. I still would not have gotten the job, but I would have better understood why I didn’t get it, and that God was planning something bigger and better for me.
Let’s agree – you and I – to avoid muddying the water. Let’s not listen to the idle talk of others… the predictions and rumors. Let’s not run to psychics and read horoscopes and try to figure things out on our own. Let’s pray and read God’s word and listen for His voice and “be still and know” Who is in control. God can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset His plans. Let’s let Him give the answers and do the talking from now on.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 3 ~ 2 Kings 19:25
Did it never occur to you that I'm behind all this? Long, long ago I drew up the plans, and now I've gone into action,
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was in junior high, I attended a summer church camp. Caught up in the emotional hoopla of nightly church services and peer pressure, I was convinced that I was called by God to be a missionary nurse. The trouble with this was that, first and foremost, I am reduced to fainting at the sight of needles and not worth a flip when it comes to watching surgical procedures. Somehow I didn’t feel this would play very well in the medical arena. I was offered scholarships from leading state universities to study piano, and that was my next plan. But in the summer before my junior year, I conducted art and music activities for preschoolers at our church’s Vacation Bible School, and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was called to teach young children. So I became an elementary school teacher and taught first grade and kindergarten students for almost a decade.
I also assumed that I would marry and have children. I had it all mapped out… two kids, Christian and Courtney, and a nice home, summers off, and a happy life. Over 30 years later, I have had nice homes, a few summers off, and a happy life, but Christian and Courtney must belong to someone else! You see, God’s plans for me did not include children of my own, but He gave me hundreds of other children to love, plus a couple dozen nieces, nephews, and children of friends on which to dote. He also gave me time that would have been spent on rearing a family to devote to helping with the care of grandparents, relatives in need, and friends and neighbors.
God’s plans for my life included developing a magazine with my husband that would help thousands of retired travelers find work to keep their RVs on the road. His plans included turning bumps in the road into opportunities for blessings, and along the way, my relationship with my church family deepened and opportunities arose for teaching Sunday School classes and small groups… and for writing these devotionals!
I don’t really know what God has in store for me now. I hope I have many years ahead to find out! But I have come to see His hand in every step I have made… even the mis-steps – and there have been many. That is when He truly arrived and “saved the day!” And now I feel like I have grown and see the signs of His influence better and sooner. No matter what age you are, I challenge you to watch for God as he steers your life in various directions. Learn the signs and how to hear from Him, and follow His plans. They may not be what you expected, but I promise, when God is the designer, the end result is always better!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 2 ~ Exodus 25:1
God spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites that they are to set aside offerings for me. Receive the offerings from everyone who is willing to give. These are the offerings I want you to receive from them: gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats' hair; tanned rams' skins; dolphin skins; acacia wood; lamp oil; spices for anointing oils and for fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones for setting in the Ephod and the Breastpiece. Let them construct a Sanctuary for me so that I can live among them. You are to construct it following the plans I've given you, the design for The Dwelling and the design for all its furnishings.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When my husband and I decided to build a new house, we knew from experience that we were in for months of planning and preparation. We spent days sitting on our vacant lot, deciding how and where to place the rooms for maximum appeal and comfort. We spent weeks drawing the floor plan, and then working with a building designer to make sure the house would be structurally sound and feasible. We spent months gathering the hardware, fixtures and other materials needed to bring our drawings to life, so to speak, in the form of a house in which we could actually live.
In this scripture passage, God has sent plans to the Israelites for a Sanctuary. If they built it based on God’s plans, He promised to dwell there with them and live among them. God has spent time planning each of our lives, and if we follow His plans, He will dwell among us, too. But quite often, we are not as careful in the attention we pay to our life plans as we are to something as insignificant as a structure in which to live. We must realize that we are a house, of sorts – a temple for God. And as such, the most important plans we make involve including God in each decision, each piece of “hardware” and each “fixture.” We must be sure our Spiritual “house” is structurally sound. In other words, God won’t live in a Spiritual shack!
So start today - ask God to guide your steps. Ask Him to help you with each decision you make, no matter how small it seems. Ask God to be the designer of your life, and then invite Him to live with you every day. I promise, His plans for you will result in something far grander than you could ever design on your own!
©s Debbie Robus
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January 1 ~ Genesis 50:19
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Happy New Year! Here it is, a new day, a new year, a “fresh start” and “clean slate” and all of those other clichés we always hear! But truly, this can be all of these things and more, if we remember Joseph’s words. God has good plans for us this year. I don’t know what they are, exactly, but I know that God can use anything for good and for His glory.
Last year on January 1st, I had no idea that I would spend nearly three months with my leg in a cast. Maybe you had no idea you would lose your job, your marriage or relationship would fall apart, your loved ones would die, you would get sick, or you would flunk out of school… or whatever might have happened to you. You might not have known you would inherit a lot of money, win a big sports tournament, meet somebody new and wonderful, or have a baby!
I don’t know what your circumstances are, but I do know that God can turn anything around if we let him. Our illness or injury can be a time to grow closer to Him and to witness to others. Our loneliness in a failed relationship can be a chance to reach out to others who are lonely and hurting. Our victories can be a chance to share with others how God has blessed us. Our windfalls can be an opportunity to bless others and share the wealth in God’s name.
I don’t know what God has in store for us in the coming year, but I do know He will be with us. No matter what happens, God can see us through it. This month we will look at devos that ask, “Where Do We Go from Here?” We will see where God is taking us and how to figure out what lies ahead according to HIS plans for our lives. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the future? Where do we go from here? Let’s explore it together. With God by our side, I know it’s going to be a great ride!
©2008 Debbie Robus
God, you are my God. I celebrate you. I praise you. You've done your share of miracle-wonders, well-thought-out plans, solid and sure.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When things work out well for you, do you stop to thank God? Or do you say to yourself (or whoever will listen) “Man, that was lucky!” Friend, luck had nothing to do with it! If something good happens in your life, God deserves the credit. If you get a miracle, God gave it to you.
So what about when bad things happen? Did God plan that, too? No! I do not believe for one minute that God is behind bad things, misfortune, illness, disease, or anything negative in your life. But…I do believe that God will take your worst experiences and turn them into blessings if you will let Him. God is in the business of blessing those who love Him, and He will make a way where none seems evident. With God, all things are possible.
I don’t know what you are going through… or what lies ahead for any of us. But I do know WHO is planning my future. And I will celebrate God and give Him praise in all things. Will you?
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 6 ~ Proverbs 16:1
Mortals make elaborate plans, but God has the last word.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
”Never say ‘Never!’” That’s something I say to myself from time to time, because just as sure as I say, “I will never do so-and-so,” God changes things and I end up doing just that! When my husband and I moved back to the city where we attended college, I said more than once, “I will never live in Heber Springs again!” ”Never say ‘Never!’” When I joined the church I now attend, I planned to attend 8:30 worship service, followed by a 9:30 Sunday School class, and have the rest of my Sunday to do whatever I pleased. Then one day as I left the sanctuary, the 9:30 Praise and Worship band was scrambling because their pianist had not shown up, and they had no instrumentalists, and I offered to pitch in as best I could. I’ve been with them for almost eight years now, with Sunday School classes and small group leadership thrown in at the 11:00 hour. ”Never say ‘Never!’”
We are all really good at making elaborate plans… mortal plans. But God does have the last word. And for all of the plans we make, His are far better than we could ever concoct. I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing to plan. In fact, it’s a good thing, especially if you plan prayerfully. But understand that even on our best day, the plans we make may fall short of God’s plans for us, and His trump ours every time. So open your heart and mind to the possibilities that God offers, and ask Him to guide you as you make your plans.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 5 ~ Proverbs 15:22
Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them 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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Can you recall a time when you got good advice? One that comes to mind for me is my freshman English class. In high school, I took tests called the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). If you made a certain score on these tests, you could skip (or “CLEP”) college classes and receive credit for them. I was able to “CLEP” College Algebra and the first semester of freshman English. So the second semester of my freshman year, I enrolled in an English composition class. My professor, Francis Irby Gwaltney, took one look at my record and said, “My dear, why are you here? You belong in the “honors English” class.” I explained to Mr. G. that, while I had excellent instruction in high school in English grammar, I had not gotten much literature and virtually NO instruction in writing. In fact, in three years of high school, I never wrote a single composition (or “theme” as we called them in the 1970’s). I respectfully asked to stay in this composition class, and Mr. Gwaltney (a successful author and screenwriter) graciously agreed.
Mr. Gwaltney advised me that the “honors” class would look better on my transcript, but he knew that this class would consist of reading literary classics and then writing about them, and I had no background for doing this. So, he offered to go with me to visit the chairman of the English department, where he explained my situation and recommended that I be allowed to remain in his class.I know God was behind all of this, because all we did in Mr. Gwaltney’s class was write. Every Monday we were assigned a topic. Every Friday, we turned in our “theme.” Mr. Gwaltney had an incredibly entertaining but discombobulated way of teaching, but learn we did! He counted off .25 points (on a 4.00 system) for each misspelled word. And he counted off just as much for use of the word “very.” He felt this word was “very” unnecessary and redundant! It took me years to be able to use it in a sentence again!
Mr. Gwaltney laid the groundwork for a skill that has served me extremely well in the last 30 years. He took a 17-year-old “child bride” (his nickname for me) and gave me skills and advice that proved invaluable. God knew I needed Mr. Gwaltney, and He made a way for us to work together that semester. God gave Mr. G. “good counsel” to pass along, and I am so glad He gave me the wisdom to take it!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 4 ~ Job 42:1
Job answered God: "I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?' I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.' I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise! I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was teaching, I worked for a principal who was something of a tyrant. She simply was not a nice person, and she treated the teachers in my building terribly. Job vacancies came open in another elementary school in our district, and I applied. I had taught kindergarten for eight years, and I was ready for a change, so I applied for a fifth grade teaching position at this other school. The interview went well, although this principal expressed skepticism that I could make the switch from teaching 5-year-olds to relating to 10-year-olds. I assured him that I could do it and was ready for the change.
There was one other person who applied for this job, and the word circulated back to me through fellow teachers that I had done well, and I was a shoo-in for the position. And then the call came. One morning as I taught my kindergarten class, I was summoned to the telephone, where the interviewing principal thanked me but said he had decided to hire the other teacher. I was devastated. I had put all my hopes in those rumors and talk. I had become convinced that job was mine, and I was crushed. For a couple of days, I really didn’t know what to do. I prayed for answers, but I also wallowed in the disappointment and futility of having to stay in my present situation and work for the oppressive principal.
As I looked back on these events later, I realized that God was orchestrating everything. The principal who didn’t hire me did me a favor, because I began to formulate a plan for leaving my teaching job and starting a new business. I wish now that I had been mature enough in my faith to realize that God was at work, but that came later. I was as foolish as Job, listening to others instead of staying in tune with God and trusting Him to deliver an outcome. I still would not have gotten the job, but I would have better understood why I didn’t get it, and that God was planning something bigger and better for me.
Let’s agree – you and I – to avoid muddying the water. Let’s not listen to the idle talk of others… the predictions and rumors. Let’s not run to psychics and read horoscopes and try to figure things out on our own. Let’s pray and read God’s word and listen for His voice and “be still and know” Who is in control. God can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset His plans. Let’s let Him give the answers and do the talking from now on.
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 3 ~ 2 Kings 19:25
Did it never occur to you that I'm behind all this? Long, long ago I drew up the plans, and now I've gone into action,
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I was in junior high, I attended a summer church camp. Caught up in the emotional hoopla of nightly church services and peer pressure, I was convinced that I was called by God to be a missionary nurse. The trouble with this was that, first and foremost, I am reduced to fainting at the sight of needles and not worth a flip when it comes to watching surgical procedures. Somehow I didn’t feel this would play very well in the medical arena. I was offered scholarships from leading state universities to study piano, and that was my next plan. But in the summer before my junior year, I conducted art and music activities for preschoolers at our church’s Vacation Bible School, and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was called to teach young children. So I became an elementary school teacher and taught first grade and kindergarten students for almost a decade.
I also assumed that I would marry and have children. I had it all mapped out… two kids, Christian and Courtney, and a nice home, summers off, and a happy life. Over 30 years later, I have had nice homes, a few summers off, and a happy life, but Christian and Courtney must belong to someone else! You see, God’s plans for me did not include children of my own, but He gave me hundreds of other children to love, plus a couple dozen nieces, nephews, and children of friends on which to dote. He also gave me time that would have been spent on rearing a family to devote to helping with the care of grandparents, relatives in need, and friends and neighbors.
God’s plans for my life included developing a magazine with my husband that would help thousands of retired travelers find work to keep their RVs on the road. His plans included turning bumps in the road into opportunities for blessings, and along the way, my relationship with my church family deepened and opportunities arose for teaching Sunday School classes and small groups… and for writing these devotionals!
I don’t really know what God has in store for me now. I hope I have many years ahead to find out! But I have come to see His hand in every step I have made… even the mis-steps – and there have been many. That is when He truly arrived and “saved the day!” And now I feel like I have grown and see the signs of His influence better and sooner. No matter what age you are, I challenge you to watch for God as he steers your life in various directions. Learn the signs and how to hear from Him, and follow His plans. They may not be what you expected, but I promise, when God is the designer, the end result is always better!
©2008 Debbie Robus
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January 2 ~ Exodus 25:1
God spoke to Moses: "Tell the Israelites that they are to set aside offerings for me. Receive the offerings from everyone who is willing to give. These are the offerings I want you to receive from them: gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet material; fine linen; goats' hair; tanned rams' skins; dolphin skins; acacia wood; lamp oil; spices for anointing oils and for fragrant incense; onyx stones and other stones for setting in the Ephod and the Breastpiece. Let them construct a Sanctuary for me so that I can live among them. You are to construct it following the plans I've given you, the design for The Dwelling and the design for all its furnishings.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When my husband and I decided to build a new house, we knew from experience that we were in for months of planning and preparation. We spent days sitting on our vacant lot, deciding how and where to place the rooms for maximum appeal and comfort. We spent weeks drawing the floor plan, and then working with a building designer to make sure the house would be structurally sound and feasible. We spent months gathering the hardware, fixtures and other materials needed to bring our drawings to life, so to speak, in the form of a house in which we could actually live.
In this scripture passage, God has sent plans to the Israelites for a Sanctuary. If they built it based on God’s plans, He promised to dwell there with them and live among them. God has spent time planning each of our lives, and if we follow His plans, He will dwell among us, too. But quite often, we are not as careful in the attention we pay to our life plans as we are to something as insignificant as a structure in which to live. We must realize that we are a house, of sorts – a temple for God. And as such, the most important plans we make involve including God in each decision, each piece of “hardware” and each “fixture.” We must be sure our Spiritual “house” is structurally sound. In other words, God won’t live in a Spiritual shack!
So start today - ask God to guide your steps. Ask Him to help you with each decision you make, no matter how small it seems. Ask God to be the designer of your life, and then invite Him to live with you every day. I promise, His plans for you will result in something far grander than you could ever design on your own!
©s Debbie Robus
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January 1 ~ Genesis 50:19
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Happy New Year! Here it is, a new day, a new year, a “fresh start” and “clean slate” and all of those other clichés we always hear! But truly, this can be all of these things and more, if we remember Joseph’s words. God has good plans for us this year. I don’t know what they are, exactly, but I know that God can use anything for good and for His glory.
Last year on January 1st, I had no idea that I would spend nearly three months with my leg in a cast. Maybe you had no idea you would lose your job, your marriage or relationship would fall apart, your loved ones would die, you would get sick, or you would flunk out of school… or whatever might have happened to you. You might not have known you would inherit a lot of money, win a big sports tournament, meet somebody new and wonderful, or have a baby!
I don’t know what your circumstances are, but I do know that God can turn anything around if we let him. Our illness or injury can be a time to grow closer to Him and to witness to others. Our loneliness in a failed relationship can be a chance to reach out to others who are lonely and hurting. Our victories can be a chance to share with others how God has blessed us. Our windfalls can be an opportunity to bless others and share the wealth in God’s name.
I don’t know what God has in store for us in the coming year, but I do know He will be with us. No matter what happens, God can see us through it. This month we will look at devos that ask, “Where Do We Go from Here?” We will see where God is taking us and how to figure out what lies ahead according to HIS plans for our lives. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the future? Where do we go from here? Let’s explore it together. With God by our side, I know it’s going to be a great ride!
©2008 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotionals on Joy - Week 4
December 31 ~ Psalm 106:4
Remember me, God, when you enjoy your people; include me when you save them; I want to see your chosen succeed, celebrate with your celebrating nation, join the Hallelujahs of your pride and joy!
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
For days – maybe even weeks now – people have been asking, “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” These three words… New Year’s Eve… evoke memories as unique as each individual. Remember the year 2000? We watched on television as city after city around the world celebrated the New Millenium with fireworks and revelry. Some people shoot fireworks each year. Some celebrate at parties. Some go to bed and forget about the hoopla! Millions watch “the ball” drop in Times Square, New York City. We celebrate July 4th as a nation, but on December 31st at midnight, the whole world celebrates. And what, exactly, are we celebrating? That, too, varies. But many people are celebrating the “survival” of another year, and more importantly, the onset of a new year… a clean slate… a fresh start.This New Year’s Eve, however you celebrate, and whatever you consider as you look ahead to the coming year, I ask you to consider your Spiritual future. Take a few minutes to thank God for where He has brought you and where He will lead you this next year. Revel in the blessings He has given you, and celebrate the potential for growth in your walk with Him in the days and weeks ahead. God celebrates His children and He enjoys us… especially when we please Him and spend time in His presence. So celebrate this New Year’s Eve (wisely, please!), and look forward to the New Year. With God by your side, anticipate a year of success, many blessings, and days filled with joy. Happy New Year!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 30 ~ Psalm 86:11
Train me, God, to walk straight; then I'll follow your true path. Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord; I've never kept secret what you're up to. You've always been great toward me—what love! You snatched me from the brink of disaster! God, these bullies have reared their heads! A gang of thugs is after me— and they don't care a thing about you. But you, O God, are both tender and kind, not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. So look me in the eye and show kindness, give your servant the strength to go on, save your dear, dear child! Make a show of how much you love me so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed, As you, God, gently and powerfully put me back on my feet.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
When I read this scripture passage, two things came to mind… one was a toy punching bag that was around when I was a kid. It seems like most of them had a clown on them or some other goofy something, and when you punched it, the inflated bag with the weighted bottom fell backward, then bounced toward you. The other was a tether ball. You could hit the ball, which was tied to a rope on a pole, and it would swing around the pole and come back to you to be hit again.
The key to both of these things was their anchor. For the punching bag, it was sand or some sort of other heavy material that weighted the bottom and held it securely in place. For the tether ball, it was the pole and rope. Without these strongholds, neither one would work… they would go flying off into oblivion, or fall down and stay down!
This is how it is with God. HE is our anchor… our stronghold. With Him to hold us, no matter what comes our way, we can bounce back or swing around again. He gives us the strength, security and confidence to “keep on keepin’ on!” I sincerely hope you don’t keep this wonderful news a secret. I hope you share it with others… that it is a part of the fabric of your daily life to show and tell others how vital God is to your existence! God never quits…do you?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 28 ~ Psalm 19:7
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime guarantee. The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I have to tell you, I am terrible with maps. I get so turned around… is this east or west? How far is it to this town or that? Which way do you turn? And I am near-sighted (meaning I have trouble seeing at a distance), so even with my eye glasses, sometimes I can’t read the road signs soon enough to help a driver successfully negotiate through traffic. I so admire people like my husband, who can study a map prior to a trip and drive us around a major city as if he has lived there all of his life. For him, road maps are “plain and easy on the eyes.”
Thankfully, the life-maps of God are right, and they do point the way to joy. God’s directions, through scripture, prayer, and a growing relationship with the Holy Spirit, are always right on target. Occasionally I struggle with the “map” and veer a little off course, but that is my bad, not God’s. I know that His decisions, His plans, and His directions are 100% accurate. So it’s easy to get back on course… all I have to do is jump back into the scripture and prayer, and I am headed toward joy once again.
How are your map reading skills? Are you able to find your way? What about your Spiritual map? Does it point the way to joy? If you have veered off course, You’ll be headed in the right direction again in no time.
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 27 ~ Psalm 9:1
I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders. I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
In the next few days, a lot of people will start to write out a list of New Year’s resolutions. They may not end up keeping them, but more than a few of us will write them… or list them in our heads and vow to do things in the New Year like lose weight, exercise more, stop a bad habit, start some good habits, study harder, relax more… well, you get the picture.
Today I want to challenge us to make a different list. I want us to list the wonders of God in our life. I want us to think about the things God does for us, and through us, that bring us joy. And then I want us to resolve to pay closer attention this next year to God’s perfect gifts and how often we receive them. I want us to make a resolution to be more joyful, more grateful, and to operate out of a more full heart.
I will be the first to admit that sometimes I don’t see the big picture. Sometimes I get so caught up in the small things that I don’t remember to forgive those who have offended, to thank those who have helped, to ignore gossip and deplore foul language and to compliment those who do well and encourage those who are struggling. I am far from the person I want to be, and so I am resolving to be better, to study harder, pray more often, and especially to listen more closely to the Holy Spirit and His instruction for my life.
I may need to lose weight, exercise more and give up bad habits… and hopefully I can do all of these things and more! But more importantly, I need to resolve to do more for my Spiritual health, and to operate from a heart filled with joy and songs of praise for the Most High God. So what are your New Year’s resolutions?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 26 ~ Psalm 4:4-8
4-5 Complain if you must, but don't lash out.
Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
6-7 Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.
"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day
7-8 Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Do you know what day it is? It’s the day after Christmas… the day when Wal-Mart and other stores will open bright and early with their “after-Christmas” clearance sales. It’s the day when people will be rushing to stores to exchange the gifts they got for Christmas that didn’t fit or they didn’t like or to spend the gift money/cards that were given. It’s all about the shopping for many.
Others will rush to take down the tree today and box up the decorations and erase every shred of evidence that just a day before it was Christmas and everyone was celebrating. Still others will nap and rest, tired from all of the festivities and activities of a busy month of “season’s greetings.”
I don’t know if any of these scenarios describe your life. You may still be celebrating Christmas with family and friends today. Or you may be in “chill” mode – just taking a break between celebrations. Whatever your situation, take just a few minutes today to sit still and think about God. Meditate on what He does for you each and every day – and not just at Christmas time. Think about the fact that the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, is a daily gift and not just something to embrace on December 25th. Feel the joy of knowing that, beyond all of the tinsel and glitter and carols and cookies and packages under the tree, God’s extraordinary, every day gift of Jesus is more than enough. The joy of a daily relationship with Christ makes every day Christmas. On this ordinary day, stop to thank God for His Gift – the one that truly matters.
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 25 ~ 1 John 1:2-4
From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in—we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we're telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: The infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.
We saw it, we heard it, and now we're telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Imagine it… on this day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, consider that “the infinite Life of God himself took shape before us.” God took on the form of a tiny baby and came to earth and walked and lived among human beings as one of us. He loved us so much that He wanted to experience things exactly as we humans do… it doesn’t get any more real than that! And being “one of us” so to speak and doing this for us gave God great joy. I honestly don’t think I can ever grasp that level of love… but I surely want to try!
All I know is this… God sent Jesus Christ to live on this earth among us and to suffer and die for my sins. If I don’t get to heaven before Christ returns, He will come for me and take me home someday to live with Him. The thought of that much love for me astounds me, overwhelms me, humbles me, and fills me with more joy than I can explain. The knowledge that the Holy Spirit is with me all the time and I can call on Him more easily than I can pick up a phone and call my mom or my best friend fills me with tremendous peace and joy. And I want everyone I know and love to experience that same level of peace and joy – and even more – for themselves. Nothing… nothing would thrill me more than to know that every person I know and care for truly has a personal, day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ and holds the Holy Spirit in their heart – to truly “get it” and to see them live in the joy of that relationship.
If you are searching today for a life that satisfies beyond your wildest dreams… if you are a Christian, but you have doubts or insecurities or just a gnawing sense that there is more… I invite you to sit still and ask the Holy Spirit to come. Ask the Holy Spirit to live within your heart and guide you daily. Be still, and know the peace and joy of being filled with the Holy Spirit. He truly does desire to be your constant companion, but He will wait patiently for you to invite Him. Make this the day. Make this the best Christmas ever. Feel the joy increase within you… then share it with others and watch it multiply. May the Lord of all Creation be YOUR Lord and Savior today, and I pray the Holy Spirit will fill you and grant you joy and peace. Merry Christmas!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 24 ~ Hebrews 13:17
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
You probably think this is a pretty odd scripture for Christmas Eve. But let’s look more closely at the message it contains. God sent Jesus to lead us… to be the ultimate Pastor. Consider what made Jesus joyful… little children, healing others, worshipping God in the temple and discussing Him with the elders there, helping his parents, showing others how to live in the joy of obedience to God. Demanding people, people with weakened faith, those who disrespected God and God’s temple, and those who doubted and betrayed Him made His life harder.
Now think of your own pastor or leader. God has ordained him or her to service. How can you contribute to the joy of their leadership? You can be joyful in your own service to God. You can attend worship and small group or Sunday School or youth night or Bible study and be attentive, encouraging, and happy. Your pastor or leader needs to look at you and see a smiling face, not a blank stare. I’m not saying you have to fake it and be happy when you are not, but we are called to encourage those whom God has called to serve as leaders. And when your pastor or leader asks you to serve in some capacity, if it is within your ability to do it, and you prayerfully feel this is what God desires of you, then you should agree to serve. You should be respectful of your leader’s authority and listen to their advice.
God blessed us with grace and mercy through the gift of His only Son, Who showed us how to live and then died for our sins. Based on the scriptures, I would say that there were plenty of times in Christ’s life on earth that were less than joyful and harder than they needed to be, thanks to the people who surrounded him and were in some cases supposed to be His followers. Yet he continued to serve us. In the same way, God has blessed us with leaders today to help us strengthen our faith… to comfort, encourage, and guide us. How will we treat them? Will we honor the birth of Jesus Christ by contributing to the joy of our present-day leadership? Let’s make this a Christmas gift to our pastor and leaders… let’s help dispel the drudgery and make their service joyful… in Jesus’ name. Amen!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 23 ~ 2 Timothy 1:3
Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
As you read this passage today, some of you are home for Christmas break. Maybe you had to say “good-bye” to a boyfriend or girlfriend as he/she went home to family and friends in another city. Maybe your family lives in another state and you don’t get to see them very often. Maybe your loved ones have already gone to heaven.
Regardless of your situation, we can probably all relate at one time or another to the feelings Paul has for Timothy. We can remind ourselves to pray for those we care about who are separated from us for whatever reason. And we can look forward to the day when we will see them again. We can be joyful at the thought of that reunion and how happy we will be to get together again.
Meanwhile, I challenge you to look around you. It’s almost Christmas. There are people right here where you are who are alone and feeling lonely. They are missing loved ones. They may be looking forward to a reunion soon… or they may be holding on for the day they will see their loved ones again in Heaven. Either way, they could use a friend. They could use a smile and maybe a hug and most certainly a word or two of encouragement… and of course, your prayers.
This is a season of great joy. Won’t you share some today with someone else? I’m betting it will make Christmas brighter for both of you!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 22 ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:9
What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you? We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I’ll be the first to admit that there are people in this world who can never be satisfied. No matter how much others do for them, they will still grumble and complain and want others to do more for them. And frankly, it is a sometimes a struggle to be joyful around these people – quite often, they are not very pleasant to be around, period!
On the other hand, think of people who are constantly joy-filled. Think of people you know who appreciate even the least little thing someone does for them, and they are very quick to express their gratitude. Or you do something for them that is really no big deal, and they act like you have done them a huge favor or given them a tremendous gift. In other words, doing things for these people gives you great joy. You honestly can’t wait for another opportunity to see them and do nice things for them again. Theirs is an attitude of gratitude.
When I read this scripture, it hit me that I am not always thankful enough to God for the joy-filled people. I need to thank Him more often for the people He puts in my path who fill me with such delight. I need to be reminded how blessed I am by the gift of these people, and when I encounter one of the “grumps” I need to be encouraged by the remembrance of the happy people God has given me.
What is truly adequate thanksgiving to God for the people who make our day brighter, strengthen our faith and bring us joy in the Lord? That is hard to say, but I think it starts with a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. After that, we should probably look for ways to bless these wonderful folks in some small measure – and to receive encouragement and blessings in the bargain.
Ultimately, we should always strive to be a blessing and a joy ourselves. As an employer used to say in my magazine’s “Help Wanted” ads… “Grumps need not apply!” This goes double for God’s servants!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotionals on Joy - Week 3
December 21 ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:5
You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I was visiting with my former pastor, and I mentioned someone to him who was facing tremendous hardships. I commented that I was amazed by this person’s strength and determination – and joy – in the midst of such turmoil. I also said I was glad that I was not faced with the same situation. His reply was that he felt I would do fine in the middle of a crisis, and I had demonstrated this during the time my dad and brother were so ill. That was quite a compliment, but it was also a challenge.
See, it’s easy to let the troubles of the world get us down. We struggle with our classes and projects and finals. We have money problems – or rather, “lack-of-money” problems! We have relationship troubles, health issues, pressures at work, road rage, impatience with others, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, ulcers, and chaos, not to mention wars, threats of terrorism, natural disasters, car wrecks, accidents, and even “happy” stressors. And through it all, we are called to imitate Jesus and continue to be joyful. Some days that is a really tough call!
So how do we do this? We ask the Holy Spirit to live in our heart… to stay with us through thick and thin, and to take our troubles and help us to work through them with a joyful attitude. It CAN be done. In a way, it’s all a matter of attitude… either you have an attitude of welcome toward the Holy Spirit and lean on Him to help you, or you have an attitude of despair and succumb to the worries of the day. I really don’t like the last option… for me it is NOT an option. What about you? Will you choose the trouble… or the joy?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 20 ~ Philippians 4:1
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Do you have people in your life who fill you with great joy? I can think of several, but two in particular came to mind as soon as I read this passage. The first was my cousin Natalie. She is so much more to me than just a cousin. She almost always makes me laugh with her wit and her funny stories and her joy-filled perspective on life. She fills me with pride as I see what a wonderful teacher and mother she has become. But more than that, I see what a Godly woman she is, and how she is growing in her faith, and that thrills me to the bone. Just like Paul says about the Corinthians, I love her so much and want the very best for her always.
The other person who brings me great joy is a former student of mine, Stephen. He is always cheerful, always going a mile a minute, and always delighting everyone he meets. And I have proudly watched him grow into a Godly husband and father who is working daily to increase his wisdom in the Lord and build his faith. His witness to others fills me with joy that makes me want to burst, and I am so very proud of him.
Just thinking of Stephen and my cousin Natalie makes me smile. It gives me great joy to encourage these two wonderful people, and many others, to stay the course, keep the faith, and always study to add God’s wisdom and strength to their daily lives. Do you know such people? If you do, are you encouraging them and sharing the joy of your relationship with Jesus with them? And if you don’t know such people, what can you do to change this? Even more than that, are you striving to be a person so filled with joy and so steadfast in your faith that others want to be around YOU? I challenge you today to look at your circle of friends and how you relate to them, and see if you can find areas to work toward being stronger, unwavering, on track, and steady in God… and in turn filled with even more joy!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 19 ~ Philippians 1:22
As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
For so many of you, going to Heaven seems light years away. But we only have to think of little Job McCully and his brush with death to realize that even children sometimes die and go to be with Jesus. So while I hope none of you is Heaven-bound any time soon, if you are a Christian, it would not be an altogether sad situation. And I can honestly say that I have reached a stage in my own Spiritual life where I truly do not fear death. I know that when God is ready for me, He will call me home, and my reunion with Him and loved ones who are there will be incredibly joyful.
Meanwhile, every day I am left on this earth, I figure I have work to do here… joy to share, people to encourage and help however I can… in other words, I’ve got things to do and people to see! Because I know that THIS is where God wants me for now, I can be joyful and enjoy my earthly life and those who share it with me.I don’t have a “death wish,” and I certainly hope you don’t either. But as my grandmother says, “there are worse things than death,” and certainly for Christians this is the case.
So be joyful and enjoy your earthly life. Share joy with others as you serve Christ on this earth. And look forward to Heaven, where Joy reigns supreme, and every day is Christmas!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 18 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:29
I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple —in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I am not sure I can say this any better than this translation does. “There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily.” And what better time is there than just before Christmas to be reminded of this! We try to cram so much into the month of December… we have to visit every relative, and if we are home from college, we have to see every friend from high school! We have to shop for exactly the right gift for every person on our list. We have to go to every party and event, and we have to find time to squeeze in a workout to keep away the extra pounds we pack on eating all the holiday goodies. We have to help with pageants and plays and musicals at church. There are finals to take and parades and dance recitals to attend and food drives for the needy, and of course, lots and lots of shopping to do! And the first thing you know, we’ve gone so fast and done so much that we are either sick and tired – or sick and tired of going and doing! And all of our “Christmas joy” has just been drained right out of us.
Paul is saying that we all get so focused on the things of this world that we get caught up in the “busyness”, when what we really need to do is to slow down, remember what – and Who – is important, and restructure our priorities. Bro. John Miles once told me that “’No!’ is a complete sentence,” and that was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.
Many of you are at a stage in your life where you are trying to do it all, experience it all, and “be all things to all people.” I encourage you to listen to Paul’s words in this passage and to keep your focus on Jesus, keep your priorities straight, keep your life simple, and don’t listen to what the world tells you that you should be doing with your time and talents. If you keep your eyes on Christ and simply live in a way that honors HIM, you will be joyful, relaxed, and probably even healthier! Just say ”NO!” and feel the joy it can bring!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 17 ~ Romans 14:17
God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
We are in the middle of a season where people tend to become more than a little self-centered. What do I want for Christmas? Will I be invited to So-and-so’s party? I sure hope we have a White Christmas. I wonder if So-and-so will get me a gift this year. More than that, we live in a culture where the first question is usually, “What is in it for me?” Too many of us are looking for our joy in the wrong places!
As Paul is saying in this passage, when you start to give your life completely to Christ, you not only are filled with incomparable joy, but you pass that joy on to others. A friend recently shared with me that she had a very early college class that often left her grumbling about having to get up and out at 7:30 a.m. She started talking to God as she walked to her class… looking at the beauty of His creations along the way – listening to birds chirping, admiring trees and flowers, and telling God how awesome these things were. By the time she got to her class, she was filled with joy and in such a good mood that others took notice. “What is wrong with you? Why are you so cheerful at this early hour?” they would ask. And that opened the door for her to share the Source of her joy… to tell them about God’s power and magnificence and how He had blessed her. She said she realized that her small experience of talking to God as she walked to class had HUGE results and a ripple effect of blessing others and inspiring them to feel joyful.
You may not walk to a class and talk to God each morning. But as we each draw closer to God in various ways, we learn to surrender more completely to Him. How do you do this? Try reading the Bible and books that challenge and encourage you Spiritually, talk and share about God in small groups, pray, worship, and just sit still and listen for God to speak to you. As we learn to make God the total focus of each thing we do, and as we begin to single-mindedly focus on Him, we are filled with joy. And others will notice!
This Christmas season I challenge you to find at least three ways to take the focus off of YOU and put it on Jesus. This may mean sharing some of your holiday treats with an elderly neighbor, inviting someone you know will be alone for Christmas to join you at your family gathering or a Christmas Eve church service, or buying Christmas gifts for needy children. It could mean giving up something you were going to buy for yourself to spend the money on someone less fortunate. I can feel the joy already! You are in for such a treat, and so are countless others! Start with Christmas – spread a little joy. I’m betting you will like the feeling so much you will want to make it last all year long!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 16 ~ John 16:23
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
My husband and I live near the Little Red River. Almost every day – and sometimes more than once a day – the horn at the power house is sounded, signaling the release of water through the dam’s electric turbines… the generators. The horn is to warn those downstream of rapidly rising water. Sometimes not much water is released. Other times, a gushing white foam signals a major release of water and the rising of the riverbanks.
Joy is a lot like that. Sometimes, we get a little burst of joy over something that happens, and we smile or laugh and are temporarily amused. Maybe we hear a joke or see a funny commercial or think of something fun or funny that happened to us. Other times, the floodgates are opened wide, and the joy wells up in us to the point we feel like we might burst! This might happen when you think about scoring that winning touchdown in your high school championship game or being crowned as a beauty queen or the first time you see your bride or groom or when you see your baby for the first time. It might happen when you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time… like a friend who has been fighting the war in Iraq or your cousin who has moved across the country and you haven’t seen them in five years.
Jesus tells us that answered prayers produce joy like that of the generators. When you pray to God and ask for His help – according to His will – God will answer. And His answer will bring you the kind of joy that lasts… overflowing joy… bursting in your heart joy. Do you experience this kind of joy? Are you praying for God’s will in the matters of your life? Are the floodgates of your joy open wide today?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 15 ~ Luke John 16:21
"When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Women love to talk about the birth of their children. They can tell you how many hours they were in labor, the length and weight of their children, and how well their husbands/childbirth coaches held up! And almost all of them say that once they hold the baby, all of the “bad” stuff just fades away, and they are filled with joy. In this passage, Jesus is talking to His disciples about ascending into heaven. He is telling them that His departure will make them sad for a little while, but when they see Him again, the joy will be indescribable!
I don’t know if I will be on earth when Jesus comes again or not. If I am not, I have every confidence that I will have already seen Him in heaven. Either way, that is an exciting thought to me. I can’t even begin to put into words the joy I imagine I will feel when I first see His face. All of my questions will have answers. Nothing else will matter except keeping my eyes on Jesus. In the meantime, I’m going to try on some of that joy here in this life. I’m going to focus on Him and trust that I will see Him someday face-to-face. I’m going to operate in joy instead of sadness as much as I possibly can, with His help, and I’m going to let the sadness and the questions fade.
In this holiday season, you don’t have to look very far to see people who are extremely joyful… AND those who are extremely sad. My challenge to you is to share your joy – and the joy of a life with Christ – with others, especially those who seem to need a little boost. Tell them about a little baby boy Who came so long ago and changed the world forever. Tell them about God’s incredible love for them, no matter what they are experiencing. Help them to see how to rise above their sadness and discouragement this Christmas and operate in a spirit of joy. You will be both a blessing and blessed for your efforts!
©2007 Debbie Robus
You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I was visiting with my former pastor, and I mentioned someone to him who was facing tremendous hardships. I commented that I was amazed by this person’s strength and determination – and joy – in the midst of such turmoil. I also said I was glad that I was not faced with the same situation. His reply was that he felt I would do fine in the middle of a crisis, and I had demonstrated this during the time my dad and brother were so ill. That was quite a compliment, but it was also a challenge.
See, it’s easy to let the troubles of the world get us down. We struggle with our classes and projects and finals. We have money problems – or rather, “lack-of-money” problems! We have relationship troubles, health issues, pressures at work, road rage, impatience with others, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, ulcers, and chaos, not to mention wars, threats of terrorism, natural disasters, car wrecks, accidents, and even “happy” stressors. And through it all, we are called to imitate Jesus and continue to be joyful. Some days that is a really tough call!
So how do we do this? We ask the Holy Spirit to live in our heart… to stay with us through thick and thin, and to take our troubles and help us to work through them with a joyful attitude. It CAN be done. In a way, it’s all a matter of attitude… either you have an attitude of welcome toward the Holy Spirit and lean on Him to help you, or you have an attitude of despair and succumb to the worries of the day. I really don’t like the last option… for me it is NOT an option. What about you? Will you choose the trouble… or the joy?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 20 ~ Philippians 4:1
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Do you have people in your life who fill you with great joy? I can think of several, but two in particular came to mind as soon as I read this passage. The first was my cousin Natalie. She is so much more to me than just a cousin. She almost always makes me laugh with her wit and her funny stories and her joy-filled perspective on life. She fills me with pride as I see what a wonderful teacher and mother she has become. But more than that, I see what a Godly woman she is, and how she is growing in her faith, and that thrills me to the bone. Just like Paul says about the Corinthians, I love her so much and want the very best for her always.
The other person who brings me great joy is a former student of mine, Stephen. He is always cheerful, always going a mile a minute, and always delighting everyone he meets. And I have proudly watched him grow into a Godly husband and father who is working daily to increase his wisdom in the Lord and build his faith. His witness to others fills me with joy that makes me want to burst, and I am so very proud of him.
Just thinking of Stephen and my cousin Natalie makes me smile. It gives me great joy to encourage these two wonderful people, and many others, to stay the course, keep the faith, and always study to add God’s wisdom and strength to their daily lives. Do you know such people? If you do, are you encouraging them and sharing the joy of your relationship with Jesus with them? And if you don’t know such people, what can you do to change this? Even more than that, are you striving to be a person so filled with joy and so steadfast in your faith that others want to be around YOU? I challenge you today to look at your circle of friends and how you relate to them, and see if you can find areas to work toward being stronger, unwavering, on track, and steady in God… and in turn filled with even more joy!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 19 ~ Philippians 1:22
As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do. If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose. Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here. So I plan to be around awhile, companion to you as your growth and joy in this life of trusting God continues. You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
For so many of you, going to Heaven seems light years away. But we only have to think of little Job McCully and his brush with death to realize that even children sometimes die and go to be with Jesus. So while I hope none of you is Heaven-bound any time soon, if you are a Christian, it would not be an altogether sad situation. And I can honestly say that I have reached a stage in my own Spiritual life where I truly do not fear death. I know that when God is ready for me, He will call me home, and my reunion with Him and loved ones who are there will be incredibly joyful.
Meanwhile, every day I am left on this earth, I figure I have work to do here… joy to share, people to encourage and help however I can… in other words, I’ve got things to do and people to see! Because I know that THIS is where God wants me for now, I can be joyful and enjoy my earthly life and those who share it with me.I don’t have a “death wish,” and I certainly hope you don’t either. But as my grandmother says, “there are worse things than death,” and certainly for Christians this is the case.
So be joyful and enjoy your earthly life. Share joy with others as you serve Christ on this earth. And look forward to Heaven, where Joy reigns supreme, and every day is Christmas!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 18 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:29
I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple —in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I am not sure I can say this any better than this translation does. “There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily.” And what better time is there than just before Christmas to be reminded of this! We try to cram so much into the month of December… we have to visit every relative, and if we are home from college, we have to see every friend from high school! We have to shop for exactly the right gift for every person on our list. We have to go to every party and event, and we have to find time to squeeze in a workout to keep away the extra pounds we pack on eating all the holiday goodies. We have to help with pageants and plays and musicals at church. There are finals to take and parades and dance recitals to attend and food drives for the needy, and of course, lots and lots of shopping to do! And the first thing you know, we’ve gone so fast and done so much that we are either sick and tired – or sick and tired of going and doing! And all of our “Christmas joy” has just been drained right out of us.
Paul is saying that we all get so focused on the things of this world that we get caught up in the “busyness”, when what we really need to do is to slow down, remember what – and Who – is important, and restructure our priorities. Bro. John Miles once told me that “’No!’ is a complete sentence,” and that was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.
Many of you are at a stage in your life where you are trying to do it all, experience it all, and “be all things to all people.” I encourage you to listen to Paul’s words in this passage and to keep your focus on Jesus, keep your priorities straight, keep your life simple, and don’t listen to what the world tells you that you should be doing with your time and talents. If you keep your eyes on Christ and simply live in a way that honors HIM, you will be joyful, relaxed, and probably even healthier! Just say ”NO!” and feel the joy it can bring!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 17 ~ Romans 14:17
God's kingdom isn't a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness' sake. It's what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
We are in the middle of a season where people tend to become more than a little self-centered. What do I want for Christmas? Will I be invited to So-and-so’s party? I sure hope we have a White Christmas. I wonder if So-and-so will get me a gift this year. More than that, we live in a culture where the first question is usually, “What is in it for me?” Too many of us are looking for our joy in the wrong places!
As Paul is saying in this passage, when you start to give your life completely to Christ, you not only are filled with incomparable joy, but you pass that joy on to others. A friend recently shared with me that she had a very early college class that often left her grumbling about having to get up and out at 7:30 a.m. She started talking to God as she walked to her class… looking at the beauty of His creations along the way – listening to birds chirping, admiring trees and flowers, and telling God how awesome these things were. By the time she got to her class, she was filled with joy and in such a good mood that others took notice. “What is wrong with you? Why are you so cheerful at this early hour?” they would ask. And that opened the door for her to share the Source of her joy… to tell them about God’s power and magnificence and how He had blessed her. She said she realized that her small experience of talking to God as she walked to class had HUGE results and a ripple effect of blessing others and inspiring them to feel joyful.
You may not walk to a class and talk to God each morning. But as we each draw closer to God in various ways, we learn to surrender more completely to Him. How do you do this? Try reading the Bible and books that challenge and encourage you Spiritually, talk and share about God in small groups, pray, worship, and just sit still and listen for God to speak to you. As we learn to make God the total focus of each thing we do, and as we begin to single-mindedly focus on Him, we are filled with joy. And others will notice!
This Christmas season I challenge you to find at least three ways to take the focus off of YOU and put it on Jesus. This may mean sharing some of your holiday treats with an elderly neighbor, inviting someone you know will be alone for Christmas to join you at your family gathering or a Christmas Eve church service, or buying Christmas gifts for needy children. It could mean giving up something you were going to buy for yourself to spend the money on someone less fortunate. I can feel the joy already! You are in for such a treat, and so are countless others! Start with Christmas – spread a little joy. I’m betting you will like the feeling so much you will want to make it last all year long!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 16 ~ John 16:23
"This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
My husband and I live near the Little Red River. Almost every day – and sometimes more than once a day – the horn at the power house is sounded, signaling the release of water through the dam’s electric turbines… the generators. The horn is to warn those downstream of rapidly rising water. Sometimes not much water is released. Other times, a gushing white foam signals a major release of water and the rising of the riverbanks.
Joy is a lot like that. Sometimes, we get a little burst of joy over something that happens, and we smile or laugh and are temporarily amused. Maybe we hear a joke or see a funny commercial or think of something fun or funny that happened to us. Other times, the floodgates are opened wide, and the joy wells up in us to the point we feel like we might burst! This might happen when you think about scoring that winning touchdown in your high school championship game or being crowned as a beauty queen or the first time you see your bride or groom or when you see your baby for the first time. It might happen when you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time… like a friend who has been fighting the war in Iraq or your cousin who has moved across the country and you haven’t seen them in five years.
Jesus tells us that answered prayers produce joy like that of the generators. When you pray to God and ask for His help – according to His will – God will answer. And His answer will bring you the kind of joy that lasts… overflowing joy… bursting in your heart joy. Do you experience this kind of joy? Are you praying for God’s will in the matters of your life? Are the floodgates of your joy open wide today?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 15 ~ Luke John 16:21
"When a woman gives birth, she has a hard time, there's no getting around it. But when the baby is born, there is joy in the birth. This new life in the world wipes out memory of the pain. The sadness you have right now is similar to that pain, but the coming joy is also similar. When I see you again, you'll be full of joy, and it will be a joy no one can rob from you. You'll no longer be so full of questions.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Women love to talk about the birth of their children. They can tell you how many hours they were in labor, the length and weight of their children, and how well their husbands/childbirth coaches held up! And almost all of them say that once they hold the baby, all of the “bad” stuff just fades away, and they are filled with joy. In this passage, Jesus is talking to His disciples about ascending into heaven. He is telling them that His departure will make them sad for a little while, but when they see Him again, the joy will be indescribable!
I don’t know if I will be on earth when Jesus comes again or not. If I am not, I have every confidence that I will have already seen Him in heaven. Either way, that is an exciting thought to me. I can’t even begin to put into words the joy I imagine I will feel when I first see His face. All of my questions will have answers. Nothing else will matter except keeping my eyes on Jesus. In the meantime, I’m going to try on some of that joy here in this life. I’m going to focus on Him and trust that I will see Him someday face-to-face. I’m going to operate in joy instead of sadness as much as I possibly can, with His help, and I’m going to let the sadness and the questions fade.
In this holiday season, you don’t have to look very far to see people who are extremely joyful… AND those who are extremely sad. My challenge to you is to share your joy – and the joy of a life with Christ – with others, especially those who seem to need a little boost. Tell them about a little baby boy Who came so long ago and changed the world forever. Tell them about God’s incredible love for them, no matter what they are experiencing. Help them to see how to rise above their sadness and discouragement this Christmas and operate in a spirit of joy. You will be both a blessing and blessed for your efforts!
©2007 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotionals on Joy - Week 2
December 14 ~ John 15:11
"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
I don’t know about you, but I have no servants in my life. I have people who perform services for me… wait staff at restaurants, the woman who cuts my hair, the clerks in the stores… but they are not my servants. In many instances, they are my friends. I know them. I know about them. I know their family, where they go to church, what they like and dislike, and where they live. I care about them, and when I see them, it gives me joy.
I know of people who see these folks and others like them as “servants,” and I find that very sad. These people miss out on the joy of getting to know those people as people – of recognizing them as someone who has a job to do and who probably does it very well. They miss out on the joy of caring about another person who shares part of their life… if only to “serve” them in some way.
Jesus has called us to love one another. He didn’t say “Love some people… but keep some as servants.” No! He said make friends of ALL people you encounter and love them as He has loved us. I am so thankful that Jesus loves me and calls me His friend. I truly am His servant, but He doesn’t treat me that way. And that fills me with joy. I hope others can see my joy in Christ … can they see yours?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 13 ~ John 8:27
They still didn't get it, didn't realize that he was referring to the Father. So Jesus tried again. "When you raise up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am—that I'm not making this up, but speaking only what the Father taught me. The One who sent me stays with me. He doesn't abandon me. He sees how much joy I take in pleasing him."
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
Jesus came to earth knowing that He would one day be crucified – nailed to a cross and raised into the air to hang until He died. In order to please God, Jesus knew that He would have to see this through and die on that cross. He knew that, in pleasing God, He would be filled with joy.
I am so thankful that we don’t have to physically be nailed to a cross and hung in the air to pay for our sins. I am forever grateful to Jesus for doing this for me. I know that, hard as it seems to imagine, Jesus was filled with joy to do this for each of us and fulfill God’s plan for His life.
God has a plan for our lives, too. It doesn’t involve crucifixion, but it does involve following Him, doing what He teaches and asks, and walking with Him each day. In doing so, we please God and bring Him great joy. We also find our own joy… more than we can possibly imagine. So what will you do this day? Will you please your heavenly Father and find joy? Do you get it?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 12 ~ Luke 24:52
And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
On November 23, the Arkansas Razorbacks traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to play the LSU Tigers in a football game. The Razorbacks were not nationally ranked… LSU was ranked #1 in the nation. Three overtimes and several hours later, the Arkansas Razorbacks had beaten LSU, 50-48. Everyone in “Razorback Nation” was elated. Everyone in the bayou of Louisiana was crushed. It was so quiet outside Tiger Stadium you could almost hear a pin drop. Inside the stadium, as always, the football team sang the Arkansas fight song to their adoring fans, and for that moment, there was joy and mutual adoration between players and spectators. Not since 1981 had Arkansas beaten the number one team in the nation (Univ. of Texas… 42-11…I was THERE!) I can tell you from experience that the joy of that moment is incredible! It is a moment you remember forever… and a feeling you treasure.
How is it that we can feel such joy over a few hours of football, and yet we sometimes struggle to muster even half this much joy over Jesus? In this passage from Luke, the disciples have just seen Jesus ascend into heaven. Jesus has explained that everything has happened as prophesied, and that He is sending His Holy Spirit to live in their hearts and be with them always. This filled the disciples with tremendous joy. But you know what? The Holy Spirit is available to US, too! He can live in our hearts and be with us always. That news trumps winning a football game any day! It should fill us with joy beyond any we would feel after beating the national football champs – or any other big event in our life. This is an amazing, incredible, ETERNAL gift. The Holy Spirit is always with us. Sing the fight song! Wave a flag! Victory in Jesus is ours! Experience the joy!!!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 11 ~ Luke 18:15
People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw it, they shooed them off. Jesus called them back. "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in."
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
One of the best gifts of the Christmas season is our church’s annual children’s Christmas program. To see nearly 50 children dressed as shepherds, angels, stable animals and the Holy family, singing their little hearts out for their family and friends just fills one with joy. You can’t help but smile, and quite often one little “angel” will pull some antic to make you chuckle, if not laugh out loud.
But underneath all of the costumes, the practices, the frazzled nerves of moms and dads, the props and scenery, and the laughter of a children’s program is a much bigger, more important point. These are God’s precious children, acting out the birth of Jesus in the simplest of productions that has a far more significant impact on each of us. Through the laughter and joy of a child, we learn about One Who came to earth as a Child so that He could live among us and die for our sins. When you think about it, having children tell His story is most appropriate, isn’t it?
For the rest of the Christmas season, when you see a child filled with joy, remember Jesus, Who came to us as a child. Remember all He has done for each of us, and be filled with your own joy. We make everything way too complicated. It’s really very simple… Christ came to earth to live among us and died on the cross for our sins. Our job is simply to invite Him into our hearts and serve Him the rest of our lives. “Joy to the World! The Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!”
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 10 ~ Luke 15:4
"Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn't you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, 'Celebrate with me! I've found my lost sheep!' Count on it—there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
This passage reminds me of that line in the Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” where they say, “Teacher says that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings!” We don’t think much about the joy in heaven, do we? That seems light years away for most of us. And I guess most of us figure that those in heaven are busy doing “heavenly” things and don’t concern themselves with what is happening on earth. But the Bible tells us that heaven rejoices over even one rescued sinner.
Imagine it! When you gave your life to Christ, heaven rejoiced! Maybe a bell didn’t ring, and maybe you didn’t get any wings, but you can be assured, the angels in heaven sang with joy! Now doesn’t that give YOU joy to know you were sung about by angels? Doesn’t it give you joy to know how special you are to God and others? Celebrate with me and be joyful… we have made heaven sing!
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 9 ~ Luke 6:17
Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke: You're blessed when you've lost it all. God's kingdom is there for the finding. You're blessed when you're ravenously hungry. Then you're ready for the Messianic meal. You're blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning.
(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. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
What is this? “ You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all.” How can this be?! Read the next sentence again… “God’s kingdom is there for the finding.” When my brother died, I was just beginning to truly receive the Holy Spirit into my life. God was becoming more real than ever to me, and He helped me through some very dark days. He understood my grief and loneliness… my stress at juggling a business, my home and family, my brother’s death, and my father’s serious illness.
By the time my father died a year later, I was so deeply attuned to the presence of the Holy Spirit that I was honestly able to look at my situation with a sense of joy. It’s not that I didn’t grieve. It’s not that the death of my dad didn’t leave a huge hole in my heart – it did - and that hole is still there in many ways. It’s not that I wanted him to die, or that I was happy about the fact that he did.
My joy came from seeing God at work in the situation – and in the people involved in it. My joy came from seeing how our family and friends rallied to comfort and care for us over a period of several months… even a year or more. My joy was in discovering Hospice and the loving, caring people who worked there. My joy was in imagining my dad and brother in Heaven – pain free, whole, able-bodied and doing the things they loved, like fishing, cooking, and visiting with others. My joy was in knowing that God was still with me, and that He will NEVER leave me. My joy was in knowing that I can honor my dad and brother and other loved ones by sharing joy and God’s love with others.
Life is not filled with 100% joy. You ARE blessed when tears flow freely, and believe me, I’ve shed my share! But you are also blessed when “joy comes with the morning” and I can tell you, the joy does come – IF – you open your heart to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in your life. I don’t know what you are going through today, but I know God is going through it with you… and that gives me joy and peace. Do YOU feel it?
©2007 Debbie Robus
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December 8 ~ Luke 1:13
But the angel reassured him, "Don't fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You're going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you - many will delight in his birth. He'll achieve great stature with God.
(Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. For copies of The Message call (800) 366-7788.)
What are you going through today? Is this finals week? Do you have a test that is staring you in the face and causing you stress? Are you facing health issues and doctor visits and treatments? Are you in financial trouble or short on cash? Have you lost a loved one and you feel alone and vulnerable? Do you feel Spiritually empty?
No matter what your day has brought you, God has a word for you in this passage… “Don’t fear. Your prayer has been heard. You are going to leap like a gazelle for joy.” God’s promise of joy was not just for Zachariah and Elizabeth. God’s promise of joy is for anyone who will call on Him and ask. God will fill you with joy beyond your comprehension – but you have to give your heart to Him and trust Him in every situation. So get busy trusting and calling on Him… “don’t fear. Your prayer has been heard. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy.”
©2007 Debbie Robus
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