Matthew 24:42-44
So be on your guard! You don't know when your Lord will come. Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know what it feels like to be caught unprepared? More than once, I’ve gotten a call that required I drop everything and go somewhere for some emergency. More than once I was left wishing I had gotten up that morning and put on my makeup, done my hair and put on nice clothes. But there I was, a total mess… and the emergency had come at an hour I didn’t expect!
The message of this passage is as simple as “be prepared” – for whatever arises… tests, emergencies, that unexpected encounter with a friend or someone you wish to impress, crises and surprises of all kinds. But it is more about being prepared spiritually. There is no such thing as living for today and “getting right with God tomorrow.” We’ve lost enough teens and young children in our own community to know that nobody is immune from death – expected or otherwise. This is one gamble we cannot afford to take.
I have said before that often, we hesitate to change our lives and totally surrender to God out of some semblance of fear… of the unknown, that we will have to “give up” our fun, or that we will be ostracized by family and friends or those with whom we wish to associate. The truth is that whatever you believe you will give up, God will restore to you exponentially. We truly can’t even begin to count the blessings God wants to send our way.
So in one sense, we need to drop our guard… let go of whatever is holding us back from surrendering totally to God. In the other sense, we need to prepare now for His coming. We may already be resting in His arms in heaven when He makes the glorious return to earth for His church… or He could arrive in the next thirty minutes. Either way, it’s time to spiritually “put on your good clothes, wash your face, and comb your hair” and be ready! Jesus is coming at an hour we don’t expect! In what condition will He find you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2011
Psalm 28:8-9
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 9, 2011
Exodus 15:1-15
The LORD is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me. I praise and honor the LORD -- he is my God and the God of my ancestors. The LORD is his name, and he is a warrior! He threw the chariots and army of Egypt's king into the Red Sea, and he drowned the best of the king's officers. They sank to the bottom just like stones. With the tremendous force of your right arm, our LORD, you crushed your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We never know where or when we will get an opportunity to share with someone just how powerful God is. Recently I walked in to a local office to drop off some papers, and as soon as I opened the door, I was blasted by the smell of cigarettes. I’m not talking the faint smell of smoke, as if someone snuffed a cigarette in the parking lot as they entered the building. I’m talking the smell of a dozen or more people sitting in a crowded room, all lit up and puffing away.
The cigarette smell belonged to one man who was standing at the counter, and he appeared to be in his late forties. He was talking to the receptionist about his paper work. He was animated and friendly, and when he turned and saw me standing off to the side awaiting my turn, he graciously stepped aside and gestured for me to “come on over.” I walked up to the window. Then he moved in toward me and began to chat. What did I think about the snow we’re having? Who was the man in the photo hanging on the wall? (Governor Beebe – it was a state office.) The receptionist was busy copying the man’s papers, so we had a few minutes to stand in line together.
The man then began to talk about how much we needed the snow, because the drought last summer really hurt the trees in his yard. Then he asked me, “You don’t know anyone who would like to buy a beautiful home, do you? Because I think I’m selling mine and leaving this place. There just aren’t many opportunities for a guy my age to meet someone here.” And he winked and nudged my arm. I smiled, not knowing quite what to say… and he continued, “I tried going to church, but that didn’t work, so I’m not going back.”
Very clearly, I felt my opportunity present itself… “Why would you not go back to church?” I asked. He replied, “I don’t figure God would like it too much if I came to church to find a woman.” I asked him, “How do you know? What if you thought you were only going to church to meet someone, but God was leading you to church so He could do other things for you?” He stopped and looked at me with a puzzled look, and asked, “So you’re saying I’m selling God short?” “Maybe,” I told him. “You might be underestimating the power of God… and you are surely underestimating how much He cares about you.”
The man seemed a bit caught off guard by my comments. He smiled and said, “So in other words, I should give God another chance?” “Probably,” I said with a smile… “there are a lot of wonderful churches around here… you should check them out and give God another try.” I did not invite him to my church… I planted a seed, and I thought I’d let God handle the rest. This was not a “sales pitch” for my own church.
The receptionist came back to the window and finished her business with this man. He thanked me and said, “You’ve given me a new way to look at all of this.” He smiled and walked away.
I thought about the brief encounter, and I know that the outcome was totally God’s doing. Because of the strong cigarette smell, I was maintaining a wide berth. When the man stepped aside and gestured for me to approach the window, I could have waved him off and stayed where I was, but I stepped up, signed in, and stood beside him. And when he started to talk to me and get chummy, I could have given him one-word answers, nods of the head, and generally let him know I was not interested in what he had to say. I kept reminding myself, “He’s God’s child, too… he’s God’s child, too. Get past this.”
I felt God was saying, “Okay, I’m giving you an opportunity to speak for me… what are you going to do with it?” I believe we get many of these opportunities… often several times a day. And most of the time, we either fail to recognize them… or we fail to accept them.
Later in the day, another incident reminded me of an encounter I had years ago with my cousin, J.D. Mired in all sorts of personal struggles, J.D. attended my dad’s funeral, and he tells me that I approached him at the cemetery and said, “I’m praying for you.” I have absolutely no recollection of this. I do know I was praying for J.D. – and today he is a totally new person. The road to recovery was a long, difficult one, but he now travels several states conducting worship services and tent revivals. His focus every day is living for Jesus Christ and bringing others to a relationship with Him. And in recent months, J.D. actually did meet a Christian woman at a revival service – and they were married a month ago!
I’m not saying that the man I met in the local office will find his soul mate in church - or become a minister. But what I am saying is that we do sell God short. We underestimate His love for us… and His power to make the impossible happen. I told the man yesterday that the Bible tells us, “With God, all things are possible.” I hope he understood what I was saying to him in so many words… that we are each and every one precious and incredibly important to God. He knows us… He knows our needs, our desires, our hopes and dreams – and our talents and abilities. He understands what we can accomplish – for ourselves and for His kingdom. He can free us of addictions, debt, emotional baggage, sinful attitudes and behaviors, and more. And the kicker is… He wants to do this for us!
My prayer today is that we would all start to recognize the little opportunities God provides us each day to share His message with others. I also pray that we would look past appearances, smoky jackets and overly-talkative personalities and see the person inside that God sees… and recognize that he/she has incredible value to God – just like we do!
I have to admit, I have griped and grumbled (at least to myself) every time I have had to set foot in this local office for something. But now I see that God gave me an opportunity in the very spot I didn’t want to be... and I could easily have missed it. Are you recognizing how important you are to God… and the chances He offers you to serve Him? Are you paying attention to God these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD is my strength, the reason for my song, because he has saved me. I praise and honor the LORD -- he is my God and the God of my ancestors. The LORD is his name, and he is a warrior! He threw the chariots and army of Egypt's king into the Red Sea, and he drowned the best of the king's officers. They sank to the bottom just like stones. With the tremendous force of your right arm, our LORD, you crushed your enemies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We never know where or when we will get an opportunity to share with someone just how powerful God is. Recently I walked in to a local office to drop off some papers, and as soon as I opened the door, I was blasted by the smell of cigarettes. I’m not talking the faint smell of smoke, as if someone snuffed a cigarette in the parking lot as they entered the building. I’m talking the smell of a dozen or more people sitting in a crowded room, all lit up and puffing away.
The cigarette smell belonged to one man who was standing at the counter, and he appeared to be in his late forties. He was talking to the receptionist about his paper work. He was animated and friendly, and when he turned and saw me standing off to the side awaiting my turn, he graciously stepped aside and gestured for me to “come on over.” I walked up to the window. Then he moved in toward me and began to chat. What did I think about the snow we’re having? Who was the man in the photo hanging on the wall? (Governor Beebe – it was a state office.) The receptionist was busy copying the man’s papers, so we had a few minutes to stand in line together.
The man then began to talk about how much we needed the snow, because the drought last summer really hurt the trees in his yard. Then he asked me, “You don’t know anyone who would like to buy a beautiful home, do you? Because I think I’m selling mine and leaving this place. There just aren’t many opportunities for a guy my age to meet someone here.” And he winked and nudged my arm. I smiled, not knowing quite what to say… and he continued, “I tried going to church, but that didn’t work, so I’m not going back.”
Very clearly, I felt my opportunity present itself… “Why would you not go back to church?” I asked. He replied, “I don’t figure God would like it too much if I came to church to find a woman.” I asked him, “How do you know? What if you thought you were only going to church to meet someone, but God was leading you to church so He could do other things for you?” He stopped and looked at me with a puzzled look, and asked, “So you’re saying I’m selling God short?” “Maybe,” I told him. “You might be underestimating the power of God… and you are surely underestimating how much He cares about you.”
The man seemed a bit caught off guard by my comments. He smiled and said, “So in other words, I should give God another chance?” “Probably,” I said with a smile… “there are a lot of wonderful churches around here… you should check them out and give God another try.” I did not invite him to my church… I planted a seed, and I thought I’d let God handle the rest. This was not a “sales pitch” for my own church.
The receptionist came back to the window and finished her business with this man. He thanked me and said, “You’ve given me a new way to look at all of this.” He smiled and walked away.
I thought about the brief encounter, and I know that the outcome was totally God’s doing. Because of the strong cigarette smell, I was maintaining a wide berth. When the man stepped aside and gestured for me to approach the window, I could have waved him off and stayed where I was, but I stepped up, signed in, and stood beside him. And when he started to talk to me and get chummy, I could have given him one-word answers, nods of the head, and generally let him know I was not interested in what he had to say. I kept reminding myself, “He’s God’s child, too… he’s God’s child, too. Get past this.”
I felt God was saying, “Okay, I’m giving you an opportunity to speak for me… what are you going to do with it?” I believe we get many of these opportunities… often several times a day. And most of the time, we either fail to recognize them… or we fail to accept them.
Later in the day, another incident reminded me of an encounter I had years ago with my cousin, J.D. Mired in all sorts of personal struggles, J.D. attended my dad’s funeral, and he tells me that I approached him at the cemetery and said, “I’m praying for you.” I have absolutely no recollection of this. I do know I was praying for J.D. – and today he is a totally new person. The road to recovery was a long, difficult one, but he now travels several states conducting worship services and tent revivals. His focus every day is living for Jesus Christ and bringing others to a relationship with Him. And in recent months, J.D. actually did meet a Christian woman at a revival service – and they were married a month ago!
I’m not saying that the man I met in the local office will find his soul mate in church - or become a minister. But what I am saying is that we do sell God short. We underestimate His love for us… and His power to make the impossible happen. I told the man yesterday that the Bible tells us, “With God, all things are possible.” I hope he understood what I was saying to him in so many words… that we are each and every one precious and incredibly important to God. He knows us… He knows our needs, our desires, our hopes and dreams – and our talents and abilities. He understands what we can accomplish – for ourselves and for His kingdom. He can free us of addictions, debt, emotional baggage, sinful attitudes and behaviors, and more. And the kicker is… He wants to do this for us!
My prayer today is that we would all start to recognize the little opportunities God provides us each day to share His message with others. I also pray that we would look past appearances, smoky jackets and overly-talkative personalities and see the person inside that God sees… and recognize that he/she has incredible value to God – just like we do!
I have to admit, I have griped and grumbled (at least to myself) every time I have had to set foot in this local office for something. But now I see that God gave me an opportunity in the very spot I didn’t want to be... and I could easily have missed it. Are you recognizing how important you are to God… and the chances He offers you to serve Him? Are you paying attention to God these days? Shouldn’t you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 8, 2011
Matthew 23:8-12
But none of you should be called a teacher. You have only one teacher, and all of you are like brothers and sisters. Don't call anyone on earth your father. All of you have the same Father in heaven. None of you should be called the leader. The Messiah is your only leader. Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, two women in their late eighties passed away. One lived in Iowa… the other in Arkansas. Both were mothers, wives, and grandmothers. Both were businesswomen… one of them worked for years alongside her husband in a dry cleaning business. The other was a housekeeper for several clients – and still helped her grand-daughters with ironing and dusting duties in recent months. One died at home. The other died in a skilled care nursing facility.
One woman was surrounded by children and grandchildren who visited often. The other scarcely saw her two children, who both lived on opposite ends of the country. Her only visitors were nieces and an occasional fellow church member.
The lady with the big family was eulogized and remembered at a funeral service attended by a huge contingent of family and friends. There was a visitation, a memorial service, a private burial service for family members… and even a community meal for those who attended the services. The other lady received a private burial attended by three nieces and a nephew, her pastors, and a couple who were her former neighbors and fellow church members.
Both of these ladies were Christians. Both were God’s children, saved by the blood of Jesus. Just because one of them had more attention from family and friends did not mean she was a better person… or more deserving. It did not make her more important in God’s eyes or give her a “better seat at the heavenly banquet table.” We all deserve respect… to be treated with love and dignity - even in our death. But even this doesn’t change our status with God.
I know that today, both of these dear ladies are sitting at God’s table, feasting on all of the riches of heaven. No distinction is made, and it doesn’t matter how big their funeral was or even how many people “saw after” them in their earthly life or what kind of work they did. And this should be the message for us. If you feel in any way insignificant or lowly… if someone has made you feel badly about yourself or treated you in an inferior manner… know that this is not how God sees you! In His eyes, no one is better than you. No celebrity is richer, no politician is smarter, no athlete brings Him more pride. YOU are equal to any other child of God. YOU are entitled to the same salvation, love, grace and mercy. Jesus Christ died for YOU just as equally as He did anyone else on the planet.
If you are putting yourself ahead of anyone else… in any way, shape or form, this is also a message for you to consider. Before you start to look down your nose at anyone else – or elevate your own stature… ESPECIALLY when it comes to service to God and your life as a Christian… read this passage again and think twice about what you are doing and saying.
God’s love for us is HUGE… so vast we cannot comprehend it… and far more inclusive than we often care to realize. Many of us need to take a long, hard look at our lives and how we are living for Christ… and see where we need to humble ourselves before Him. Many of us need to recognize how much He values us… how important we are in His eyes. The balance between self-worth and humility is a delicate one… but maintaining it makes all the difference. Are you in balance today? Do you need to move to one side or the other? Ask God to show you where you need to stand… and get busy making the needed adjustments to put you in perfect balance.
©2011 Debbie Robus
But none of you should be called a teacher. You have only one teacher, and all of you are like brothers and sisters. Don't call anyone on earth your father. All of you have the same Father in heaven. None of you should be called the leader. The Messiah is your only leader. Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In recent weeks, two women in their late eighties passed away. One lived in Iowa… the other in Arkansas. Both were mothers, wives, and grandmothers. Both were businesswomen… one of them worked for years alongside her husband in a dry cleaning business. The other was a housekeeper for several clients – and still helped her grand-daughters with ironing and dusting duties in recent months. One died at home. The other died in a skilled care nursing facility.
One woman was surrounded by children and grandchildren who visited often. The other scarcely saw her two children, who both lived on opposite ends of the country. Her only visitors were nieces and an occasional fellow church member.
The lady with the big family was eulogized and remembered at a funeral service attended by a huge contingent of family and friends. There was a visitation, a memorial service, a private burial service for family members… and even a community meal for those who attended the services. The other lady received a private burial attended by three nieces and a nephew, her pastors, and a couple who were her former neighbors and fellow church members.
Both of these ladies were Christians. Both were God’s children, saved by the blood of Jesus. Just because one of them had more attention from family and friends did not mean she was a better person… or more deserving. It did not make her more important in God’s eyes or give her a “better seat at the heavenly banquet table.” We all deserve respect… to be treated with love and dignity - even in our death. But even this doesn’t change our status with God.
I know that today, both of these dear ladies are sitting at God’s table, feasting on all of the riches of heaven. No distinction is made, and it doesn’t matter how big their funeral was or even how many people “saw after” them in their earthly life or what kind of work they did. And this should be the message for us. If you feel in any way insignificant or lowly… if someone has made you feel badly about yourself or treated you in an inferior manner… know that this is not how God sees you! In His eyes, no one is better than you. No celebrity is richer, no politician is smarter, no athlete brings Him more pride. YOU are equal to any other child of God. YOU are entitled to the same salvation, love, grace and mercy. Jesus Christ died for YOU just as equally as He did anyone else on the planet.
If you are putting yourself ahead of anyone else… in any way, shape or form, this is also a message for you to consider. Before you start to look down your nose at anyone else – or elevate your own stature… ESPECIALLY when it comes to service to God and your life as a Christian… read this passage again and think twice about what you are doing and saying.
God’s love for us is HUGE… so vast we cannot comprehend it… and far more inclusive than we often care to realize. Many of us need to take a long, hard look at our lives and how we are living for Christ… and see where we need to humble ourselves before Him. Many of us need to recognize how much He values us… how important we are in His eyes. The balance between self-worth and humility is a delicate one… but maintaining it makes all the difference. Are you in balance today? Do you need to move to one side or the other? Ask God to show you where you need to stand… and get busy making the needed adjustments to put you in perfect balance.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 7, 2011
Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like: Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, those who make evil plans or are quick to do wrong, those who tell lies in court or stir up trouble in a family.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several months ago, the child of a friend of mine cut her brother’s hair. When my friend asked who had done the hair cutting, the child replied, “Not me!” My friend remarked, sarcastically that “Not Me” surely seemed to show up at their house often to stir up trouble!
I think a lot of us read scripture passages like this one and react like my friend’s child… that’s Not Me! We take this passage quite literally and don’t see that a lot of the things we do are hurtful, murderous, prideful, dishonest, and yes – evil.
I sometimes wonder about some of the “Letters to the Editor” I read in newspapers… comments I see on Facebook… and things I hear coming from the mouths of people who make no secret of their supposed faith in God… or even invoke His name to justify their ugly words. When I hear late-night talk show hosts on television joke about celebrities who are in rehab or make fun of someone who has been arrested, I wonder… “Does this square well with God?”
If you try to weasel your way out of a traffic ticket or juggle the numbers on your income taxes… if you bad-mouth your instructor online or grumble about your kid’s coaches to others… does this please God? Are you one who is always griping and complaining about something or someone? Do you think God wants a kingdom of “miserable and disgruntled Christians?”
I am not passing judgment. I am guilty of plenty of offenses myself. I am saying that we need to all check our behavior and our motives… to make sure we line up with God’s will and err on the side of caution in what we say and do. If we truly want to please God and honor His gift of salvation, we will pay close attention to how we conduct every faction of our lives. Even when we think what we say and do is innocent… we may actually be hurting someone else or displeasing our Heavenly Father. Stop… look… listen… think… PRAY… examine your thoughts, words and deeds, and be a Disciple whose behaviors are those which God likes.
©2011 Debbie Robus
There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like: Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder, those who make evil plans or are quick to do wrong, those who tell lies in court or stir up trouble in a family.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Several months ago, the child of a friend of mine cut her brother’s hair. When my friend asked who had done the hair cutting, the child replied, “Not me!” My friend remarked, sarcastically that “Not Me” surely seemed to show up at their house often to stir up trouble!
I think a lot of us read scripture passages like this one and react like my friend’s child… that’s Not Me! We take this passage quite literally and don’t see that a lot of the things we do are hurtful, murderous, prideful, dishonest, and yes – evil.
I sometimes wonder about some of the “Letters to the Editor” I read in newspapers… comments I see on Facebook… and things I hear coming from the mouths of people who make no secret of their supposed faith in God… or even invoke His name to justify their ugly words. When I hear late-night talk show hosts on television joke about celebrities who are in rehab or make fun of someone who has been arrested, I wonder… “Does this square well with God?”
If you try to weasel your way out of a traffic ticket or juggle the numbers on your income taxes… if you bad-mouth your instructor online or grumble about your kid’s coaches to others… does this please God? Are you one who is always griping and complaining about something or someone? Do you think God wants a kingdom of “miserable and disgruntled Christians?”
I am not passing judgment. I am guilty of plenty of offenses myself. I am saying that we need to all check our behavior and our motives… to make sure we line up with God’s will and err on the side of caution in what we say and do. If we truly want to please God and honor His gift of salvation, we will pay close attention to how we conduct every faction of our lives. Even when we think what we say and do is innocent… we may actually be hurting someone else or displeasing our Heavenly Father. Stop… look… listen… think… PRAY… examine your thoughts, words and deeds, and be a Disciple whose behaviors are those which God likes.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 6, 2011
Matthew 19:16-26
A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments." "Which ones?" the man asked.
Jesus answered, "Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself." The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?"
Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower." When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich.
Jesus said to his disciples, "It's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, "How can anyone ever be saved?" Jesus looked straight at them and said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of The Biggest Loser, the contestants had to decide which member of a married couple to send home. The couple pleaded with the contestants to send the wife home and keep the husband on the ranch. Their rationale was that the wife knew what she needed to do to continue losing weight at home, while the husband had not come to that place in his mind and heart yet. He told the contestants that he knew if he went home now, he would not do the work he needed to lose weight and live longer to rear his young son.
One of the hardest things for us humans to grasp is complete surrender to God. We are crippled by fear (imposed by Satan, of course!), and we hesitate. Quite often, we really like our sins… they feel good to us, and we are comfortable with them. The life in Christ seems like a huge sacrifice. The truth is that there is absolutely no “sacrifice” we can ever make to come close to what Jesus has already done for each of us. When we realize this, even talking about our own “sacrifices” seems a little ridiculous, doesn’t it?!
So the question becomes… how can we ever be saved and surrender completely to God? The answer is clear…we cannot do anything, but God can do everything! Maybe the guy on The Biggest Loser needs the support of his fellow contestants and the trainers to continue on his journey. Maybe he needs to ask God for more strength and courage. I’m not judging… I’m just sayin’! But the bottom line is, we are no different in our own situations. We all pull up short every day and say, “Whoa! That’s more than I can handle!” We often get almost all the way to the Finish Line, so to speak, and then turn and step to the curb and call it quits.
It’s time to cross on over the line. It’s time we realized the power of God to do what we cannot. It’s time we understood that nothing we have or enjoy could possibly compare to what God is waiting to give us. All we have to do is to surrender to Him… to be willing to completely put Him first above everything and everyone else… to fully serve as His disciple. The results can be amazing… are you willing to see them firsthand?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments." "Which ones?" the man asked.
Jesus answered, "Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others. Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself." The young man said, "I have obeyed all of these. What else must I do?"
Jesus replied, "If you want to be perfect, go sell everything you own! Give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and be my follower." When the young man heard this, he was sad, because he was very rich.
Jesus said to his disciples, "It's terribly hard for rich people to get into the kingdom of heaven! In fact, it's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's kingdom." When the disciples heard this, they were greatly surprised and asked, "How can anyone ever be saved?" Jesus looked straight at them and said, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On a recent episode of The Biggest Loser, the contestants had to decide which member of a married couple to send home. The couple pleaded with the contestants to send the wife home and keep the husband on the ranch. Their rationale was that the wife knew what she needed to do to continue losing weight at home, while the husband had not come to that place in his mind and heart yet. He told the contestants that he knew if he went home now, he would not do the work he needed to lose weight and live longer to rear his young son.
One of the hardest things for us humans to grasp is complete surrender to God. We are crippled by fear (imposed by Satan, of course!), and we hesitate. Quite often, we really like our sins… they feel good to us, and we are comfortable with them. The life in Christ seems like a huge sacrifice. The truth is that there is absolutely no “sacrifice” we can ever make to come close to what Jesus has already done for each of us. When we realize this, even talking about our own “sacrifices” seems a little ridiculous, doesn’t it?!
So the question becomes… how can we ever be saved and surrender completely to God? The answer is clear…we cannot do anything, but God can do everything! Maybe the guy on The Biggest Loser needs the support of his fellow contestants and the trainers to continue on his journey. Maybe he needs to ask God for more strength and courage. I’m not judging… I’m just sayin’! But the bottom line is, we are no different in our own situations. We all pull up short every day and say, “Whoa! That’s more than I can handle!” We often get almost all the way to the Finish Line, so to speak, and then turn and step to the curb and call it quits.
It’s time to cross on over the line. It’s time we realized the power of God to do what we cannot. It’s time we understood that nothing we have or enjoy could possibly compare to what God is waiting to give us. All we have to do is to surrender to Him… to be willing to completely put Him first above everything and everyone else… to fully serve as His disciple. The results can be amazing… are you willing to see them firsthand?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2011
Psalm 25:17-18, 21
My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from sadness. See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins.
I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If fear is one of the devil’s biggest tools, worry is the vehicle in which he delivers it. We worry about everything – what we will wear, who likes us or doesn’t, how we will make a living and put food on the table, what will happen to us when we grow old, and so much more. And I’m sorry to say that I am right there with everyone else much of the time.
I think what makes me the maddest is understanding how much this thrills Satan. I don’t want to give him even a split second of joy. So why can’t I stop worrying? Why can’t you?
Here’s the deal… as long as we let worry have a place in our lives, we have not “let go and let God” have control. Believe me, I know it’s hard. But I am committed to making a change… to surrendering to God’s control and letting him have my worries and any resulting troubles, misery and sadness. As the Apostle Paul pointed out, this will be a “daily surrender,” but I am ready to do whatever it takes… aren’t you?
Let’s make this the year we trust God to save us and put aside our worries. Let’s obey Him with all our heart and feel the joy and peace that can come from resting in His rescue and forgiveness. I’m more than ready for this journey… are you coming with me?
©2011 Debbie Robus
My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from sadness. See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins.
I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If fear is one of the devil’s biggest tools, worry is the vehicle in which he delivers it. We worry about everything – what we will wear, who likes us or doesn’t, how we will make a living and put food on the table, what will happen to us when we grow old, and so much more. And I’m sorry to say that I am right there with everyone else much of the time.
I think what makes me the maddest is understanding how much this thrills Satan. I don’t want to give him even a split second of joy. So why can’t I stop worrying? Why can’t you?
Here’s the deal… as long as we let worry have a place in our lives, we have not “let go and let God” have control. Believe me, I know it’s hard. But I am committed to making a change… to surrendering to God’s control and letting him have my worries and any resulting troubles, misery and sadness. As the Apostle Paul pointed out, this will be a “daily surrender,” but I am ready to do whatever it takes… aren’t you?
Let’s make this the year we trust God to save us and put aside our worries. Let’s obey Him with all our heart and feel the joy and peace that can come from resting in His rescue and forgiveness. I’m more than ready for this journey… are you coming with me?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 4, 2011
Psalm 22:15, 24
My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You, God, have left me to die in the dirt.
The LORD doesn't hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I moved all of my “treasures” from one antique store to another recently, I dropped a little decorative plate. It splintered into about 5 pieces. This was not an expensive plate – I probably paid at most a couple of dollars for it at a garage sale or auction. But it was beautiful… a robin’s-egg blue scalloped edge tipped in gold, delicate pink roses and raised white dots called a “moriage” technique. It would have been a perfect accent for a shelf or display cabinet… or a nice little dish to set out with a few candies for guests.
I carefully gathered up the shards and put them in a container and brought them home. I could have dumped this plate into the trash, but instead, I got out my bottle of glue and began to reassemble the piece. I still don’t know if it will hold together – or if so, for how long – but it’s worth a shot. Once glued, this plate still has potential. It can be tucked in behind something else so that the broken parts are not readily visible. It still has purpose… beauty… value.
To God, we are the broken plates. While HE did not drop us or cause us to break, in our sin and our “humanity” we did just that. But we still have value… worth… beauty… purpose. God knows this. He stands ready to glue the pieces back together. We may not be the same. Like the plate, there may be rough edges and little cracks where a splinter or two were not recovered. But God will fill in the rough spots. He will make us whole, useful, and able to serve once again.
The key to being restored and repurposed is to acknowledge God. It may seem like He deserts us from time to time… leaves us on the scrap heap in a zillion broken shards. But this is not the case. He is waiting for us to reach up to Him and believe that He can fix us… that He can heal the broken parts and restore us to serve another day. Have you called on God lately? Are you piled up on the scrap heap, wallowing in self-pity? Or are you standing ready to be reglued… repaired… repurposed… and given another chance? The choice is yours…what will you do?
©2011 Debbie Robus
My strength has dried up like a broken clay pot, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You, God, have left me to die in the dirt.
The LORD doesn't hate or despise the helpless in all of their troubles. When I cried out, he listened and did not turn away.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I moved all of my “treasures” from one antique store to another recently, I dropped a little decorative plate. It splintered into about 5 pieces. This was not an expensive plate – I probably paid at most a couple of dollars for it at a garage sale or auction. But it was beautiful… a robin’s-egg blue scalloped edge tipped in gold, delicate pink roses and raised white dots called a “moriage” technique. It would have been a perfect accent for a shelf or display cabinet… or a nice little dish to set out with a few candies for guests.
I carefully gathered up the shards and put them in a container and brought them home. I could have dumped this plate into the trash, but instead, I got out my bottle of glue and began to reassemble the piece. I still don’t know if it will hold together – or if so, for how long – but it’s worth a shot. Once glued, this plate still has potential. It can be tucked in behind something else so that the broken parts are not readily visible. It still has purpose… beauty… value.
To God, we are the broken plates. While HE did not drop us or cause us to break, in our sin and our “humanity” we did just that. But we still have value… worth… beauty… purpose. God knows this. He stands ready to glue the pieces back together. We may not be the same. Like the plate, there may be rough edges and little cracks where a splinter or two were not recovered. But God will fill in the rough spots. He will make us whole, useful, and able to serve once again.
The key to being restored and repurposed is to acknowledge God. It may seem like He deserts us from time to time… leaves us on the scrap heap in a zillion broken shards. But this is not the case. He is waiting for us to reach up to Him and believe that He can fix us… that He can heal the broken parts and restore us to serve another day. Have you called on God lately? Are you piled up on the scrap heap, wallowing in self-pity? Or are you standing ready to be reglued… repaired… repurposed… and given another chance? The choice is yours…what will you do?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 3, 2011
Psalm 19:11-14
By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it. Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault. Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We don’t always have the whole story. Two recent events triggered an old memory for me recently. We have been seeing our high school principal at basketball games – he’s come to watch his grand-daughters cheer. Then a former classmate mentioned Home Economics class on Facebook. When I was in high school, I couldn’t take Home Economics class, because there was a schedule conflict with my band class. So I took General Science instead. This meant that I had a different class schedule - and lunch hour - than my fellow ninth graders.
One day, our principal called an assembly to announce that the campus was going to be closed during the lunch hour, meaning we could no longer leave to go out to eat or home for lunch. He gathered us all together and then said, “If you are in grades 7-9, this doesn’t involve you, so go back to class.” The upper classmen who were in my science class said, “You need to stay, since you have lunch with us.” So I did. When I returned to class, my teacher didn’t think I should have stayed for the information. Neither did the teacher in the next class, for which I arrived late, and she sent me to the principal’s office.
I explained to the principal that I did not know I had done anything wrong – and told him why I stayed for his assembly. He “forgave” me and sent me back to class. I can see why the teachers thought I shouldn’t have stayed. I truly did not believe I was doing anything wrong by staying. I realized later that I could have gotten the information from someone in my science class, but at the time, I felt that what was being said pertained to me, and I needed to hear it firsthand.
In a totally unrelated event, my dad once told me of a conversation he had with an aunt who had no children. She made some comment about child-rearing, and my dad (who was just a young boy), replied, “How would you know? You’ve never had children.” What Daddy did not know was that his aunt had lost a baby as a teenager… and she felt that loss deeply, particularly since she never gave birth to any other children. My grandmother took my dad aside and explained this to him, and he felt badly. He really loved his aunt, and he was so sad that he had hurt her feelings… albeit unknowingly.
See… we don’t always have all the information. And sometimes, we say and do things we shouldn’t because we truly do not know we have made a mistake. There are two lessons here. The first is to be more aware of what we say and how we say it… and to be more careful with our words and behaviors. The second is to understand that we all make mistakes – many of them innocent, if no less wrong or hurtful. Thankfully, we serve a God who forgives us and sets us back on our feet.
None of us is perfect… we all have faults. God understands this. It is not an excuse – or a license to sin or to behave badly. But we must look at our own lives – and the lives of others – and consider how God loves us and extends grace and mercy when we falter. I am so grateful that God cares for us this way – and with this level of understanding. But do we do this for others? Are we willing to forgive and extend compassion and encouragement to those we encounter? Are we willing to do for others what God does for us on a daily basis? Shouldn’t we?
©2011 Debbie Robus
By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded. None of us know our faults. Forgive me when I sin without knowing it. Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault. Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We don’t always have the whole story. Two recent events triggered an old memory for me recently. We have been seeing our high school principal at basketball games – he’s come to watch his grand-daughters cheer. Then a former classmate mentioned Home Economics class on Facebook. When I was in high school, I couldn’t take Home Economics class, because there was a schedule conflict with my band class. So I took General Science instead. This meant that I had a different class schedule - and lunch hour - than my fellow ninth graders.
One day, our principal called an assembly to announce that the campus was going to be closed during the lunch hour, meaning we could no longer leave to go out to eat or home for lunch. He gathered us all together and then said, “If you are in grades 7-9, this doesn’t involve you, so go back to class.” The upper classmen who were in my science class said, “You need to stay, since you have lunch with us.” So I did. When I returned to class, my teacher didn’t think I should have stayed for the information. Neither did the teacher in the next class, for which I arrived late, and she sent me to the principal’s office.
I explained to the principal that I did not know I had done anything wrong – and told him why I stayed for his assembly. He “forgave” me and sent me back to class. I can see why the teachers thought I shouldn’t have stayed. I truly did not believe I was doing anything wrong by staying. I realized later that I could have gotten the information from someone in my science class, but at the time, I felt that what was being said pertained to me, and I needed to hear it firsthand.
In a totally unrelated event, my dad once told me of a conversation he had with an aunt who had no children. She made some comment about child-rearing, and my dad (who was just a young boy), replied, “How would you know? You’ve never had children.” What Daddy did not know was that his aunt had lost a baby as a teenager… and she felt that loss deeply, particularly since she never gave birth to any other children. My grandmother took my dad aside and explained this to him, and he felt badly. He really loved his aunt, and he was so sad that he had hurt her feelings… albeit unknowingly.
See… we don’t always have all the information. And sometimes, we say and do things we shouldn’t because we truly do not know we have made a mistake. There are two lessons here. The first is to be more aware of what we say and how we say it… and to be more careful with our words and behaviors. The second is to understand that we all make mistakes – many of them innocent, if no less wrong or hurtful. Thankfully, we serve a God who forgives us and sets us back on our feet.
None of us is perfect… we all have faults. God understands this. It is not an excuse – or a license to sin or to behave badly. But we must look at our own lives – and the lives of others – and consider how God loves us and extends grace and mercy when we falter. I am so grateful that God cares for us this way – and with this level of understanding. But do we do this for others? Are we willing to forgive and extend compassion and encouragement to those we encounter? Are we willing to do for others what God does for us on a daily basis? Shouldn’t we?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 2, 2011
Psalm16:5-9
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. I praise you, LORD, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m always amazed by people who can simply “let life happen.” I would not necessarily categorize myself as a “control freak,” but I like to have a plan. Like most people, my plans do not always go as I had hoped, and I have to adjust. Some days I handle this better than others, but in recent months, I have learned to rely more on God and less on myself. And while my plans may still not go as I hope all the time, I am coping with the outcome better… much of the time. Hey, I’m still a work in progress!
Do you ever wake up in the night thinking about something… maybe what you have to do the next day, or an upcoming test or other class project, or something at work or a family issue? Does your mind start to race as you plan your strategy or review the test material? Do you toss and turn and repeatedly review the steps or thoughts like a tape loop? Do you ever ask God to help you with this?
Our fears… darkest nights… “tape loops” running through our heads… worries, frustrations and over-analyzing situations… all of these are tools of the devil. And all of these are easily handled by God. When we give over our plans to Him, things may not go exactly as we hoped, but all will be well. When we trust God to protect us and give Him our fears, our life is pleasant and bright, and our heart is filled with joy and rest. We can sleep like babies, knowing that God is “on the clock” and taking care of things for us.
This is hard to do sometimes… I get that. But the more we practice, the easier it becomes. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to cast all of our cares upon the Lord, because He cares for us… and nothing could be more accurate or more comforting. God does His most powerful work in us when we surrender and walk in faith… when we truly cast our cares upon Him.
Who is carrying your burdens today? Are you trying to shoulder your cares alone – or worse yet, with the constant “encouragement” of the devil? Isn’t it time we celebrated God’s great love for us, gave Him our cares… and rested?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. I praise you, LORD, for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. With all my heart, I will celebrate, and I can safely rest.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’m always amazed by people who can simply “let life happen.” I would not necessarily categorize myself as a “control freak,” but I like to have a plan. Like most people, my plans do not always go as I had hoped, and I have to adjust. Some days I handle this better than others, but in recent months, I have learned to rely more on God and less on myself. And while my plans may still not go as I hope all the time, I am coping with the outcome better… much of the time. Hey, I’m still a work in progress!
Do you ever wake up in the night thinking about something… maybe what you have to do the next day, or an upcoming test or other class project, or something at work or a family issue? Does your mind start to race as you plan your strategy or review the test material? Do you toss and turn and repeatedly review the steps or thoughts like a tape loop? Do you ever ask God to help you with this?
Our fears… darkest nights… “tape loops” running through our heads… worries, frustrations and over-analyzing situations… all of these are tools of the devil. And all of these are easily handled by God. When we give over our plans to Him, things may not go exactly as we hoped, but all will be well. When we trust God to protect us and give Him our fears, our life is pleasant and bright, and our heart is filled with joy and rest. We can sleep like babies, knowing that God is “on the clock” and taking care of things for us.
This is hard to do sometimes… I get that. But the more we practice, the easier it becomes. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to cast all of our cares upon the Lord, because He cares for us… and nothing could be more accurate or more comforting. God does His most powerful work in us when we surrender and walk in faith… when we truly cast our cares upon Him.
Who is carrying your burdens today? Are you trying to shoulder your cares alone – or worse yet, with the constant “encouragement” of the devil? Isn’t it time we celebrated God’s great love for us, gave Him our cares… and rested?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 1, 2011
Exodus 4:10-12
Moses replied, " I have never been a good speaker. I wasn't one before you spoke to me, and I'm not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say."
But the LORD answered, " Who makes people able to speak or makes them deaf or unable to speak? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Don't you know that I am the one who does these things? Now go! When you speak, I will be with you and give you the words to say."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1994, one of my classmates, Sandra, died of breast cancer. While Sandra was really never part of my “circle” in school, I became a friend of her mother’s after I graduated from college. She shared the upsetting news with me when Sandra had a biopsy that revealed cancer. We talked often as Sandra underwent surgery and treatments. I began to send cards of encouragement to Sandra, and in the weeks just before she died, I visited her in her parents’ home. I saw her for the last time in a Little Rock hospital, just hours before she died.
I was strongly impacted by Sandra’s death. Why had this single mother of two young boys been taken from them? Why not a childless person like myself? Why would God take her and leave me? Of course, I have come to understand that God has reasons we will never understand… and someday we will see that these were perfect plans. I’ve also come to understand how much God has used Sandra to change my attitudes and develop my heart for others.
In my grief and confusion over Sandra’s death, I will admit that I became almost angry with some of my friends and others who would say, “Oh, that is just so sad… but I could never go visit the family. I just don’t know what to say.” In many situations since, I’ve seen people almost literally freeze in their tracks, paralyzed with fear about what to say or do in similar situations. And while I have wonderful friends and family members who have rushed to my side when I’ve been in crisis, I’ve been on the receiving end when others did nothing.
I’m left to wonder… what do others in similar situations think? Do they automatically understand that people are frozen in fear and don’t know what to say or do? Or do they take it as a personal offense… a sign of unkindness and disrespect? When we don’t step out in faith and trust God to give us the words to speak, what do others think about our Christian witness… and worse yet, what does God think about our level of faith?
If you read the next few chapters of Exodus, you will see that God did indeed give Moses the words to say. Moses shared them with his brother Aaron, who apparently didn’t stutter and served as the family spokesman. But Moses and Aaron did what God asked them to do. The question is… are YOU doing what God asks? Are you reaching out to others and speaking on God’s behalf, trusting Him to give you the words and the courage to share them? What God did for Moses and Aaron, He stands ready to do for each of us. All we have to do is make the first move… step out in faith and reach out to those God puts in our path. Are you ready? Here we go…
©2011 Debbie Robus
Moses replied, " I have never been a good speaker. I wasn't one before you spoke to me, and I'm not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say."
But the LORD answered, " Who makes people able to speak or makes them deaf or unable to speak? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Don't you know that I am the one who does these things? Now go! When you speak, I will be with you and give you the words to say."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1994, one of my classmates, Sandra, died of breast cancer. While Sandra was really never part of my “circle” in school, I became a friend of her mother’s after I graduated from college. She shared the upsetting news with me when Sandra had a biopsy that revealed cancer. We talked often as Sandra underwent surgery and treatments. I began to send cards of encouragement to Sandra, and in the weeks just before she died, I visited her in her parents’ home. I saw her for the last time in a Little Rock hospital, just hours before she died.
I was strongly impacted by Sandra’s death. Why had this single mother of two young boys been taken from them? Why not a childless person like myself? Why would God take her and leave me? Of course, I have come to understand that God has reasons we will never understand… and someday we will see that these were perfect plans. I’ve also come to understand how much God has used Sandra to change my attitudes and develop my heart for others.
In my grief and confusion over Sandra’s death, I will admit that I became almost angry with some of my friends and others who would say, “Oh, that is just so sad… but I could never go visit the family. I just don’t know what to say.” In many situations since, I’ve seen people almost literally freeze in their tracks, paralyzed with fear about what to say or do in similar situations. And while I have wonderful friends and family members who have rushed to my side when I’ve been in crisis, I’ve been on the receiving end when others did nothing.
I’m left to wonder… what do others in similar situations think? Do they automatically understand that people are frozen in fear and don’t know what to say or do? Or do they take it as a personal offense… a sign of unkindness and disrespect? When we don’t step out in faith and trust God to give us the words to speak, what do others think about our Christian witness… and worse yet, what does God think about our level of faith?
If you read the next few chapters of Exodus, you will see that God did indeed give Moses the words to say. Moses shared them with his brother Aaron, who apparently didn’t stutter and served as the family spokesman. But Moses and Aaron did what God asked them to do. The question is… are YOU doing what God asks? Are you reaching out to others and speaking on God’s behalf, trusting Him to give you the words and the courage to share them? What God did for Moses and Aaron, He stands ready to do for each of us. All we have to do is make the first move… step out in faith and reach out to those God puts in our path. Are you ready? Here we go…
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 31, 2011
Matthew 6:19-21
Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have begun sorting my grandmother’s clothes in preparation for her move to an assisted living facility… hopefully within the next week or so. My grandmother’s house is very small… but like most people, she has made very good use of her space! I remarked after paring down the clothing in three closets to one that “Mam-ma has more clothes than I have… and I have too many!” The interesting thing was how many of these items of clothing I have never seen her wear. She has beautiful suits… nice matching outfits that have a jacket, pants and a blouse… probably a dozen coats… and much more.
Several items of clothing looked as if they had never been worn… and truly, they might have been worn two or three times. Again, like many of us, my grandmother wears a few items of clothing over and over again. She has “good clothes” and “everyday clothes”… “work clothes” and “clothes I wear to the beauty shop” (clothing that can get wet or survive a hair product spill). She has her “regular pajamas,” and her pajamas she keeps tucked away in a drawer… “in case I have to go to the hospital.”
As we sorted, she mumbled to me that she hated to wear such nice things at the assisted living facility. I laughed and said, somewhat sarcastically, “Are you afraid you will be putting on airs or something?” She retorted, “Well, yes!” I assured her she would be just fine, and now was the time to be wearing her nicer things. As my cousin put it later… “This is her time to shine!”
For the record, my grandmother is not a materialistic person. Many of the beautiful clothing pieces she has were given to her as Christmas and birthday gifts or as a treat from some cousins who visit and always take her shopping. She is one of the most frugal… and generous… people I know. But we all know people who spend hours and days and weeks searching for just the right outfit… those who have to have the newest sneakers or the latest gadget. We know people who get on a waiting list for the next best electronic or computerized thing to come down the pike… tossing aside what they already own like yesterday’s garbage.
The more I go to estate auctions and sales… and yes, sort through my grandmother’s belongings… the more I am struck by how “it’s all just stuff.” Remember, everything my grandmother owned burned to the ground in 1981. She has accumulated everything she now has in the last thirty years. Think of those who have been amassing “stuff” for a lifetime that spans a half dozen decades or more! Hopefully, they are like my grandmother and realize that all of it can vaporize in a matter of minutes. Hopefully, we are learning that what matters is accumulating blessings, time spent serving God, good friends, loving our family and those around us, and truly building a reserve of “Disciple moments”.
There is nothing wrong with having nice things. There is no shame in dressing well or enjoying the latest computer gadget. But when we put these things ahead of our work for the Kingdom of God… when we value tangible things more than relationships with Him and His children…we’re in serious trouble. What we value really does speak about our heart. What do you value? Where is your heart? Are you packing away “stuff” in your closets and drawers for a “special occasion?” Or are you “wearing your good clothes” today as you serve God with your very best?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Don't store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have begun sorting my grandmother’s clothes in preparation for her move to an assisted living facility… hopefully within the next week or so. My grandmother’s house is very small… but like most people, she has made very good use of her space! I remarked after paring down the clothing in three closets to one that “Mam-ma has more clothes than I have… and I have too many!” The interesting thing was how many of these items of clothing I have never seen her wear. She has beautiful suits… nice matching outfits that have a jacket, pants and a blouse… probably a dozen coats… and much more.
Several items of clothing looked as if they had never been worn… and truly, they might have been worn two or three times. Again, like many of us, my grandmother wears a few items of clothing over and over again. She has “good clothes” and “everyday clothes”… “work clothes” and “clothes I wear to the beauty shop” (clothing that can get wet or survive a hair product spill). She has her “regular pajamas,” and her pajamas she keeps tucked away in a drawer… “in case I have to go to the hospital.”
As we sorted, she mumbled to me that she hated to wear such nice things at the assisted living facility. I laughed and said, somewhat sarcastically, “Are you afraid you will be putting on airs or something?” She retorted, “Well, yes!” I assured her she would be just fine, and now was the time to be wearing her nicer things. As my cousin put it later… “This is her time to shine!”
For the record, my grandmother is not a materialistic person. Many of the beautiful clothing pieces she has were given to her as Christmas and birthday gifts or as a treat from some cousins who visit and always take her shopping. She is one of the most frugal… and generous… people I know. But we all know people who spend hours and days and weeks searching for just the right outfit… those who have to have the newest sneakers or the latest gadget. We know people who get on a waiting list for the next best electronic or computerized thing to come down the pike… tossing aside what they already own like yesterday’s garbage.
The more I go to estate auctions and sales… and yes, sort through my grandmother’s belongings… the more I am struck by how “it’s all just stuff.” Remember, everything my grandmother owned burned to the ground in 1981. She has accumulated everything she now has in the last thirty years. Think of those who have been amassing “stuff” for a lifetime that spans a half dozen decades or more! Hopefully, they are like my grandmother and realize that all of it can vaporize in a matter of minutes. Hopefully, we are learning that what matters is accumulating blessings, time spent serving God, good friends, loving our family and those around us, and truly building a reserve of “Disciple moments”.
There is nothing wrong with having nice things. There is no shame in dressing well or enjoying the latest computer gadget. But when we put these things ahead of our work for the Kingdom of God… when we value tangible things more than relationships with Him and His children…we’re in serious trouble. What we value really does speak about our heart. What do you value? Where is your heart? Are you packing away “stuff” in your closets and drawers for a “special occasion?” Or are you “wearing your good clothes” today as you serve God with your very best?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 30, 2011
Matthew 5:33-37
"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I tried a few years ago to read the whole Bible in one year by following a study guide… a passage from both the Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs each day. I made it quite a few months before “life” got in the way and I fell short. I am determined once again to do this… and after nearly a month, I am finding that I actually look forward to this time each day and seeing what God will reveal to me through His word.
One of the neatest things about this study is discovering how verses in these various sections of the Bible work together. The passage in the Old Testament is often referenced in some way in the Psalms or the New Testament scriptures. And so it was when I read in recent days about Moses confronting Pharaoh (at God’s instruction) and asking him to release the Israelites so that they could move from Egypt. Moses did several things to prove to Pharaoh that this was God’s doing, not his own. And each time, Pharaoh would say, “Okay… you can go.” And then he would turn right around and change his mind.
With God’s power, Moses and his brother Aaron turned walking sticks into snakes, brought plagues of gnats, frogs, and flies upon the land. They turned all of the water in the Nile and every river, pond, stream – even the water in the pots and pans in the houses – into blood. After several of these demonstrations, Pharaoh could not deny that God was behind them, but still his heart was hardened. Pharaoh’s word was no good. He made promises and did not keep them. And in the end, he and his people suffered for this.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is reminding us that our words are important. When we tell someone we are going to do something – it matters. Whether you promise to pick someone up and give them a ride and then never show or you say, “I’ll pray for you,” and never do so… your words matter. When you tell someone you’ll call them tomorrow, call them. When you say, “Yes, I’ll help you move,” you had better show up on moving day! When you tell someone you are coming for dinner, be there… and be on time! When you tell someone, “I will do this for you for such-and-such price” – don’t change the amount later. When you borrow something and promise to pay back the lender, be sure you do just that! When you promise to do something for someone else, don’t let them down – do the job, and do it to the best of your ability.
More importantly, do not fall short on your promises to God. When you tell Him you are ready to serve, do what He asks. Let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No” – as Jesus says in Matthew 5. If you are asked to do something or make a commitment you know you cannot honor, it’s better to tell the person who is asking, “No” than to fail to come through on the promise. There really are situations where the appropriate response is a “No” or to say, “I’m sorry, but I just cannot do this” or “I am simply unable to serve at this time.”
Our words and commitments do have value – and consequences. We know we can count on God to keep His word to us… can He count on us to do the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I tried a few years ago to read the whole Bible in one year by following a study guide… a passage from both the Old and New Testaments, Psalms and Proverbs each day. I made it quite a few months before “life” got in the way and I fell short. I am determined once again to do this… and after nearly a month, I am finding that I actually look forward to this time each day and seeing what God will reveal to me through His word.
One of the neatest things about this study is discovering how verses in these various sections of the Bible work together. The passage in the Old Testament is often referenced in some way in the Psalms or the New Testament scriptures. And so it was when I read in recent days about Moses confronting Pharaoh (at God’s instruction) and asking him to release the Israelites so that they could move from Egypt. Moses did several things to prove to Pharaoh that this was God’s doing, not his own. And each time, Pharaoh would say, “Okay… you can go.” And then he would turn right around and change his mind.
With God’s power, Moses and his brother Aaron turned walking sticks into snakes, brought plagues of gnats, frogs, and flies upon the land. They turned all of the water in the Nile and every river, pond, stream – even the water in the pots and pans in the houses – into blood. After several of these demonstrations, Pharaoh could not deny that God was behind them, but still his heart was hardened. Pharaoh’s word was no good. He made promises and did not keep them. And in the end, he and his people suffered for this.
In Matthew 5, Jesus is reminding us that our words are important. When we tell someone we are going to do something – it matters. Whether you promise to pick someone up and give them a ride and then never show or you say, “I’ll pray for you,” and never do so… your words matter. When you tell someone you’ll call them tomorrow, call them. When you say, “Yes, I’ll help you move,” you had better show up on moving day! When you tell someone you are coming for dinner, be there… and be on time! When you tell someone, “I will do this for you for such-and-such price” – don’t change the amount later. When you borrow something and promise to pay back the lender, be sure you do just that! When you promise to do something for someone else, don’t let them down – do the job, and do it to the best of your ability.
More importantly, do not fall short on your promises to God. When you tell Him you are ready to serve, do what He asks. Let your “Yes” be “Yes” and your “No” be “No” – as Jesus says in Matthew 5. If you are asked to do something or make a commitment you know you cannot honor, it’s better to tell the person who is asking, “No” than to fail to come through on the promise. There really are situations where the appropriate response is a “No” or to say, “I’m sorry, but I just cannot do this” or “I am simply unable to serve at this time.”
Our words and commitments do have value – and consequences. We know we can count on God to keep His word to us… can He count on us to do the same?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 29, 2011
Matthew 5:13
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We hear a lot these days about watching our salt intake. Doctors who report on television news stations – or have their own TV shows – are warning us to greatly reduce the amount of salt in our diet. On the other hand, professionals who are evaluating the work of chefs and “would-be chefs” on a number of cooking shows routinely mention salt. There is a delicate balance… not enough, and the dish is bland and lacks flavor. Add too much, and all you taste is salt.
Few people really enjoy bland food… or food that lacks enough salt. Most people detest a dish that is too salty! And this analogy in Matthew 5 for salt directly applies to our Christian life.
Jesus has told us that we are the salt. How we conduct ourselves… the things we say and do… enhance the “flavor” of His work. In other words, when people see us living in joy… gladly doing for others… speaking kindly and holding our tongue when many would lash out or say something ugly… they see the goodness of God through us. When we “take the high road” and quietly work behind the scenes to make life better for others… when we show compassion… and most especially, when we demonstrate faith in the midst of challenges… people see the power, grace, mercy and love of God in action.
At the same time, when we add “too much salt,” we have a negative effect. When we behave badly, then claim to be Disciples of Christ… people notice. When we go on and on about how active we are in ministries… give people the impression that the Sunday School class to which we belong, the Bible study we attend, and our mission work and generous spirit are what define our Christian life, we have “over-salted” – and it often leaves a foul taste with others. I’m not saying we can’t ever tell someone we will pray for them (if we indeed pray for them afterward), or that it is in any way wrong to attend a Bible study or Sunday School… or to do missions work. But the delicate “seasoning” comes in how we present our lives to others… how well we balance the “salt.”
Salt is a subtle flavoring. When there is not enough of it in a dish, people notice – and miss it! When there is too much salt, people notice, also… and for many, the dish is ruined. If we over-salt our Christian witness with too much outward show of how wonderful we are… how faithfully we serve… what martyrs we are for Jesus… we may do more harm than good for the kingdom of God. If we are careful and attentive with our “salt,” God can use us to bring out the very best flavor of a life in Christ… and others will take notice and want more for themselves.
We all know people who are “heavy-handed with the salt shaker”… and I’m betting you know a few who are on the bland side… literally, and in their daily Christian living. It’s time for us to take a hard look at our Christian “salt shaker” and see where we should correct the balance. Have you checked your “salt” lately?
©2011 Debbie Robus
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We hear a lot these days about watching our salt intake. Doctors who report on television news stations – or have their own TV shows – are warning us to greatly reduce the amount of salt in our diet. On the other hand, professionals who are evaluating the work of chefs and “would-be chefs” on a number of cooking shows routinely mention salt. There is a delicate balance… not enough, and the dish is bland and lacks flavor. Add too much, and all you taste is salt.
Few people really enjoy bland food… or food that lacks enough salt. Most people detest a dish that is too salty! And this analogy in Matthew 5 for salt directly applies to our Christian life.
Jesus has told us that we are the salt. How we conduct ourselves… the things we say and do… enhance the “flavor” of His work. In other words, when people see us living in joy… gladly doing for others… speaking kindly and holding our tongue when many would lash out or say something ugly… they see the goodness of God through us. When we “take the high road” and quietly work behind the scenes to make life better for others… when we show compassion… and most especially, when we demonstrate faith in the midst of challenges… people see the power, grace, mercy and love of God in action.
At the same time, when we add “too much salt,” we have a negative effect. When we behave badly, then claim to be Disciples of Christ… people notice. When we go on and on about how active we are in ministries… give people the impression that the Sunday School class to which we belong, the Bible study we attend, and our mission work and generous spirit are what define our Christian life, we have “over-salted” – and it often leaves a foul taste with others. I’m not saying we can’t ever tell someone we will pray for them (if we indeed pray for them afterward), or that it is in any way wrong to attend a Bible study or Sunday School… or to do missions work. But the delicate “seasoning” comes in how we present our lives to others… how well we balance the “salt.”
Salt is a subtle flavoring. When there is not enough of it in a dish, people notice – and miss it! When there is too much salt, people notice, also… and for many, the dish is ruined. If we over-salt our Christian witness with too much outward show of how wonderful we are… how faithfully we serve… what martyrs we are for Jesus… we may do more harm than good for the kingdom of God. If we are careful and attentive with our “salt,” God can use us to bring out the very best flavor of a life in Christ… and others will take notice and want more for themselves.
We all know people who are “heavy-handed with the salt shaker”… and I’m betting you know a few who are on the bland side… literally, and in their daily Christian living. It’s time for us to take a hard look at our Christian “salt shaker” and see where we should correct the balance. Have you checked your “salt” lately?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 28, 2011
Psalm 10:16-18
Our LORD, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth. You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help. You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared with us recently that her daughter laughed at those who so eagerly share photos of their children on Facebook… until she had her own baby. She said, “Now I get it.” And truly, until we have walked in others’ shoes, we often don’t understand their thinking… the things that make them happy, sad, proud, embarrassed, encouraged or defeated.
But God always understands. He knows the heartache of orphans who long for a home and someone to love them. He understands the fears and disappointment of those who are abused by a parent, spouse, or someone else. He sees the child who is bullied, and His heart is grieved. He “gets it” when someone we love is sick and we are unable to help heal.
I remember feeling so helpless when my brother was ill and slipping away from us. There was nothing we could do to restore his health this side of heaven. I know the frustration of holding a screaming child who can’t tell me where he hurts or what is wrong… and wondering what on earth I can possibly do to soothe him. But GOD knows exactly what to do. He hears everything… feels the pain and suffering… understands the heartache and sorrow… and HE can fix what we mere mortals cannot.
It may seem like small consolation to think that God knows what is happening when you are being abused or mistreated… when you are sick and/or suffering. You may be wondering… “If God knows this is happening, why doesn’t He DO something about it?” The answer is complicated, but here’s the “nuts and bolts” of it… God does see our needs, and He IS meeting them. What we have to understand is that God’s timing may not align with ours. Also, we must learn to stay faithful and close to God even when we feel He is not hearing our cries… the times we feel He is not listening… much less answering.
We will never fully understand how God operates in this lifetime. But we must stay faithful that He is “on the clock” on our behalf. He will always rule… He will always have our back… and He will always be right on time. Our job is to believe this… stay strong in our faith… and not resort to criticism of God’s timing. Someday, just like my friend’s daughter, we will “get it.” For now, let it be enough to know that God is always working in your behalf… for the perfect outcome when the time is right.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our LORD, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth. You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help. You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend shared with us recently that her daughter laughed at those who so eagerly share photos of their children on Facebook… until she had her own baby. She said, “Now I get it.” And truly, until we have walked in others’ shoes, we often don’t understand their thinking… the things that make them happy, sad, proud, embarrassed, encouraged or defeated.
But God always understands. He knows the heartache of orphans who long for a home and someone to love them. He understands the fears and disappointment of those who are abused by a parent, spouse, or someone else. He sees the child who is bullied, and His heart is grieved. He “gets it” when someone we love is sick and we are unable to help heal.
I remember feeling so helpless when my brother was ill and slipping away from us. There was nothing we could do to restore his health this side of heaven. I know the frustration of holding a screaming child who can’t tell me where he hurts or what is wrong… and wondering what on earth I can possibly do to soothe him. But GOD knows exactly what to do. He hears everything… feels the pain and suffering… understands the heartache and sorrow… and HE can fix what we mere mortals cannot.
It may seem like small consolation to think that God knows what is happening when you are being abused or mistreated… when you are sick and/or suffering. You may be wondering… “If God knows this is happening, why doesn’t He DO something about it?” The answer is complicated, but here’s the “nuts and bolts” of it… God does see our needs, and He IS meeting them. What we have to understand is that God’s timing may not align with ours. Also, we must learn to stay faithful and close to God even when we feel He is not hearing our cries… the times we feel He is not listening… much less answering.
We will never fully understand how God operates in this lifetime. But we must stay faithful that He is “on the clock” on our behalf. He will always rule… He will always have our back… and He will always be right on time. Our job is to believe this… stay strong in our faith… and not resort to criticism of God’s timing. Someday, just like my friend’s daughter, we will “get it.” For now, let it be enough to know that God is always working in your behalf… for the perfect outcome when the time is right.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 27, 2011
Psalm 8:3-9
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I often think of the heavens your hands have made, and of the moon and stars you put in place. Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" You made us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor. You let us rule everything your hands have made. And you put all of it under our power-- the sheep and the cattle, and every wild animal, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and all ocean creatures. Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have not watched the movie Temple Grandin, you need to rent it! The true story of a woman with autism, this film tells not only about the life and work of Temple Grandin and how she struggled with her condition… it is also about the incredible work she has done in the area of humane treatment of cattle.
The movie is a little hard to watch in spots, because inhumane treatment of cattle is depicted. But as you will see in the movie, Temple Grandin champions the care of both horses and cattle… and her dedication serves to remind us that something as “lowly” as a cow is valuable to God and deserves to be treated kindly.
I’ve thought about this movie a lot since we viewed it, and I have come to recognize even more strongly the incredible work God has done in and through Temple Grandin. God used her to provide care and a change in the way cattle are treated today in many corners of our country. God used Temple Grandin to show others so much about autism. I don’t want to give away the movie, but let’s just say that I don’t think you can watch this movie without being struck by how much God has used her… and the fact that God can use each of us in extraordinary ways, if we will open our hearts to Him.
We all have doubts from time to time… but hear me clearly… the same God who created the moon and stars… the same God who cares about cattle and horses, bugs and birds… the same God who can accomplish miraculous things through someone with autism… this God loves you dearly. You are precious to Him, and He values you more than you realize. When you start to feel down or discourage, remember that the God of the Universe thinks you are amazing. He values you above all other of His creatures. He’s got your back! How can we not honor Him? How can we help but sing His praise and serve Him with our whole heart? How can we ever feel useless?
The same God who used Temple Grandin to accomplish incredible things wants to bless you, too. What’s holding you back… have you acknowledged Him in your life? Are you giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 26, 2011
Psalm 5:11-12
Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. Our LORD, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last fall, my grandmother was involved in a vehicle collision, and she suffered a bruised sternum. After several hours in the ER, the doctors told me that she might be woozy the first night, and someone should probably stay with her. I went home with her to spend the night. I didn’t sleep much, so I was awake around 3:00 a.m. when I heard her get up and head toward her bathroom.
I rose up enough in bed to see a little white-haired streak pass through the hallway pushing a walker, as my grandmother made her way from her bedroom into the bathroom. I realized that, even shaken from her accident, she was so familiar with that route of about 10 feet that she did not falter. After 22 years of making this trek every night, she was so familiar with this path that she literally could have done it in her sleep. I lay back down, confident she was safe… for that night at least.
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that my little grandmother is declining, and we have all agreed it is not truly safe for her to live alone in her own home. We are literally days away from moving her into an assisted living facility… just waiting on the last of the paper work to be completed. In this facility, my grandmother will have her own apartment, and she will be able to retain a level of relative independence.
At the same time, she will have skilled nursing care, help with taking her medications properly, three meals a day, help with personal needs… and hopefully, more safety. She won’t have to walk outside to get her mail… she can walk in the hallways for exercise and not worry about the weather. She will have friends near her own age with whom to visit and spend time, and we all feel she will be happier. For my part, as her primary caregiver, I will sleep better at night knowing she is there receiving all of this care and attention.
God has sheltered my grandmother for 98 years. He has protected her in the midst of illnesses, accidents, and even a house fire. He has always restored her health and her well-being… and comforted her in times of grief and loss. And I have no doubt He will continue to care for her and protect her once she makes this move. As I look at what God has done for my grandmother all of these years… I recognize that in return, she has remained faithful to Him and loved Him. She has lived right, and God has blessed her. And what God does for my little grandmother, He will surely do for each of us!
For many of us, old age and assisted living facilities are not even on our radar. But changes in life will come… trials, tribulations, hard times and tragedies will befall each of us. Like my grandmother, we will not skate through life without challenges. But just like her, we can enjoy a life filled with blessings, protection, restoration and rewards. Every single day, God stands ready to care for us beyond anything we could ever imagine. The challenge for us is to recognize His power and presence… and to live as Christians like we really mean it! We must honor our commitment and sing songs of joy… and God will give us all the reason we need to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Let all who run to you for protection always sing joyful songs. Provide shelter for those who truly love you and let them rejoice. Our LORD, you bless those who live right, and you shield them with your kindness.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last fall, my grandmother was involved in a vehicle collision, and she suffered a bruised sternum. After several hours in the ER, the doctors told me that she might be woozy the first night, and someone should probably stay with her. I went home with her to spend the night. I didn’t sleep much, so I was awake around 3:00 a.m. when I heard her get up and head toward her bathroom.
I rose up enough in bed to see a little white-haired streak pass through the hallway pushing a walker, as my grandmother made her way from her bedroom into the bathroom. I realized that, even shaken from her accident, she was so familiar with that route of about 10 feet that she did not falter. After 22 years of making this trek every night, she was so familiar with this path that she literally could have done it in her sleep. I lay back down, confident she was safe… for that night at least.
In recent weeks, it has become apparent that my little grandmother is declining, and we have all agreed it is not truly safe for her to live alone in her own home. We are literally days away from moving her into an assisted living facility… just waiting on the last of the paper work to be completed. In this facility, my grandmother will have her own apartment, and she will be able to retain a level of relative independence.
At the same time, she will have skilled nursing care, help with taking her medications properly, three meals a day, help with personal needs… and hopefully, more safety. She won’t have to walk outside to get her mail… she can walk in the hallways for exercise and not worry about the weather. She will have friends near her own age with whom to visit and spend time, and we all feel she will be happier. For my part, as her primary caregiver, I will sleep better at night knowing she is there receiving all of this care and attention.
God has sheltered my grandmother for 98 years. He has protected her in the midst of illnesses, accidents, and even a house fire. He has always restored her health and her well-being… and comforted her in times of grief and loss. And I have no doubt He will continue to care for her and protect her once she makes this move. As I look at what God has done for my grandmother all of these years… I recognize that in return, she has remained faithful to Him and loved Him. She has lived right, and God has blessed her. And what God does for my little grandmother, He will surely do for each of us!
For many of us, old age and assisted living facilities are not even on our radar. But changes in life will come… trials, tribulations, hard times and tragedies will befall each of us. Like my grandmother, we will not skate through life without challenges. But just like her, we can enjoy a life filled with blessings, protection, restoration and rewards. Every single day, God stands ready to care for us beyond anything we could ever imagine. The challenge for us is to recognize His power and presence… and to live as Christians like we really mean it! We must honor our commitment and sing songs of joy… and God will give us all the reason we need to do so.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 25, 2011
Matthew 10:21-23
When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the book of Genesis, the story is told of Joseph being left for dead in an abandoned well. Years later the brothers find themselves in great need… and their families in danger of starving. They travel to Egypt, where they meet a man who gives them food. They do not recognize their long-lost brother, Joseph, and when he reveals his identity, they are nearly scared to death! They figure Joseph is going to enact some sort of revenge on them for their dastardly deeds.
But Joseph tells his brothers that they need not fear. He explains that he feels God orchestrated all of this for a greater good… namely so that he would be in a position to offer the families food throughout a five-year famine. What these men intended for evil, God used for the greater good. The beauty is that Joseph recognized God – and His hand in all of this.
So often, we feel we are “victims of circumstances” – and we may quite literally feel the wrath of our family members and friends… particularly if they do not agree with our stance. It’s tough to stand up for our faith sometimes. It’s hard to tell your parents that their comments around the dinner table about someone of another race or lifestyle are unkind and ungodly. Choosing to help someone in need when your spouse is telling you not to spend the money can be difficult. Helping family members or friends who are in dire straits when everyone around you says, “You’re wasting your time, energy… and money,” takes guts.
Standing up and saying, “I’m not going to that party… and I wish you wouldn’t go, either,” may make you the butt of ridicule and jokes, but you still may have no business caving in and going to the party. Taking a friend’s keys and telling him/her, “You will not drive after you’ve been drinking” may take a lot of nerve, but it’s the right call. Choosing to foster children in your home because God led you to this decision… even when people are questioning your sanity… will lead to honor and blessings in the end. I think you get my point.
God never called us to an easy life… although when we rest in Him and let Him have our burdens, the load does lighten. Many times, choosing to follow the lead of our Heavenly Father will seem to “cost us” in this earthly realm. And often, the very people who claim to be followers of Jesus are the ones who hate and spew the most anger and venom. This is not because they don’t love you… or even that they don’t approve of what you are doing. Often it is because these people fear choosing for themselves what you have discovered to be true life in Christ!
I have often been amazed at how people who claim to love God and desire an abiding relationship with Him can be so negative, angry, bigoted, unkind, jealous, and narrow-minded. While I don’t mean to judge, I’ve about decided many of them either caved in to the pressure from others… or what they believe they have with God is far more superficial than they realize.
Don’t let this happen to you. Be a survivor. “Stand up, stand up for Jesus,” as the hymn says. Listen to God and follow His lead. Rest in his arms and the comfort of knowing you are honoring Him with your choices. Figure out where you need to become more like Him, and make the necessary changes. Remember Joseph… remember how God turned his situation around. Be assured that God is on your side, as well. Keep your faith, and remember that serving well will all be worth it in the end.
©2011 Debbie Robus
When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don't quit. Don't cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you've run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
In the book of Genesis, the story is told of Joseph being left for dead in an abandoned well. Years later the brothers find themselves in great need… and their families in danger of starving. They travel to Egypt, where they meet a man who gives them food. They do not recognize their long-lost brother, Joseph, and when he reveals his identity, they are nearly scared to death! They figure Joseph is going to enact some sort of revenge on them for their dastardly deeds.
But Joseph tells his brothers that they need not fear. He explains that he feels God orchestrated all of this for a greater good… namely so that he would be in a position to offer the families food throughout a five-year famine. What these men intended for evil, God used for the greater good. The beauty is that Joseph recognized God – and His hand in all of this.
So often, we feel we are “victims of circumstances” – and we may quite literally feel the wrath of our family members and friends… particularly if they do not agree with our stance. It’s tough to stand up for our faith sometimes. It’s hard to tell your parents that their comments around the dinner table about someone of another race or lifestyle are unkind and ungodly. Choosing to help someone in need when your spouse is telling you not to spend the money can be difficult. Helping family members or friends who are in dire straits when everyone around you says, “You’re wasting your time, energy… and money,” takes guts.
Standing up and saying, “I’m not going to that party… and I wish you wouldn’t go, either,” may make you the butt of ridicule and jokes, but you still may have no business caving in and going to the party. Taking a friend’s keys and telling him/her, “You will not drive after you’ve been drinking” may take a lot of nerve, but it’s the right call. Choosing to foster children in your home because God led you to this decision… even when people are questioning your sanity… will lead to honor and blessings in the end. I think you get my point.
God never called us to an easy life… although when we rest in Him and let Him have our burdens, the load does lighten. Many times, choosing to follow the lead of our Heavenly Father will seem to “cost us” in this earthly realm. And often, the very people who claim to be followers of Jesus are the ones who hate and spew the most anger and venom. This is not because they don’t love you… or even that they don’t approve of what you are doing. Often it is because these people fear choosing for themselves what you have discovered to be true life in Christ!
I have often been amazed at how people who claim to love God and desire an abiding relationship with Him can be so negative, angry, bigoted, unkind, jealous, and narrow-minded. While I don’t mean to judge, I’ve about decided many of them either caved in to the pressure from others… or what they believe they have with God is far more superficial than they realize.
Don’t let this happen to you. Be a survivor. “Stand up, stand up for Jesus,” as the hymn says. Listen to God and follow His lead. Rest in his arms and the comfort of knowing you are honoring Him with your choices. Figure out where you need to become more like Him, and make the necessary changes. Remember Joseph… remember how God turned his situation around. Be assured that God is on your side, as well. Keep your faith, and remember that serving well will all be worth it in the end.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 24, 2011
Matthew 12:35-37
A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am utilizing a Bible study guide designed to help me read the entire Bible in one year. Each day, I read a passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Recently, this passage from Matthew 12 was accompanied by scripture from Genesis 37 and 38. In Chapter 37, the story of Joseph is told – how his father made him a beautiful coat that caused great jealousy among his brothers. They captured Joseph and ripped off his beautiful coat, tossed him into a dry well, and left him to die. The brothers bloodied the coat with an animal carcass. When they returned home, they showed it to their father and let him assume that animals attacked Joseph and killed him.
I’ll let you read Genesis 38 and the story of Judah for yourself, but suffice it to say it’s pretty dicey reading… and a good example of someone who gave their word and kept it – albeit for a stiff price! If you want to read it in Contemporary English Version and don’t have a copy of this translation, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2038&version=CEV.
The point is, our words mean something… but we’ve gotten pretty fast and loose with them. We are quick to judge others… and to publicly condemn. We casually commit to one relationship after another. And while Genesis 38 points out that having sex with someone and getting them pregnant is nothing new, stepping up to the plate and owning responsibility for our actions – keeping our word – has become much less commonplace. We lie when it suits our purpose. We are all too quick to act like Joseph’s brothers – to do one thing and say another… and never give it a second thought.
My mother and I have been having a conversation lately about some things that have taken place where people said one thing and did another, and how frustrating it can be if you are on the “receiving end.” I made the comment that the people who make promises and do not keep their word will have to answer for this someday. As long as I know that I am doing what is right and pleases God, I cannot worry about what the other guy chooses to do. She replied that my dad used to say, “If they can live with it… so can I.”
This is well and good if you are living right… if your word truly is your bond. But some of us have taken the position that we can live with half-truths and saying things we don’t mean… and we will deal with the fallout as it comes – or sometime down the road. The trouble is… while we may be okay with this, God is not. He will hold us accountable for what we said… for promises and commitments made… for lies and misdeeds. And as this passage so eloquently expresses… careless words will come back to haunt you.
It’s time for us to take a long, hard look at our lives… to see where we need to make serious changes. We must assess how well we are lined up with the word – and will – of God. The time for becoming a person who chooses words carefully and honors commitments – whose word is a solid bond – is now! If each of us will do our part to make sure that we produce good deeds and words, season after season, we will be amazed at the ripple effect.
We need to live in such a way that we know we can live with what we have said and done because it pleases God. We need to set the bar high – and to be a good example for others. Who knows… maybe they will be impressed enough with our integrity and example that they want to make these changes in their own lives. Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2011 Debbie Robus
A good person produces good deeds and words season after season. An evil person is a blight on the orchard. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I am utilizing a Bible study guide designed to help me read the entire Bible in one year. Each day, I read a passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. Recently, this passage from Matthew 12 was accompanied by scripture from Genesis 37 and 38. In Chapter 37, the story of Joseph is told – how his father made him a beautiful coat that caused great jealousy among his brothers. They captured Joseph and ripped off his beautiful coat, tossed him into a dry well, and left him to die. The brothers bloodied the coat with an animal carcass. When they returned home, they showed it to their father and let him assume that animals attacked Joseph and killed him.
I’ll let you read Genesis 38 and the story of Judah for yourself, but suffice it to say it’s pretty dicey reading… and a good example of someone who gave their word and kept it – albeit for a stiff price! If you want to read it in Contemporary English Version and don’t have a copy of this translation, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2038&version=CEV.
The point is, our words mean something… but we’ve gotten pretty fast and loose with them. We are quick to judge others… and to publicly condemn. We casually commit to one relationship after another. And while Genesis 38 points out that having sex with someone and getting them pregnant is nothing new, stepping up to the plate and owning responsibility for our actions – keeping our word – has become much less commonplace. We lie when it suits our purpose. We are all too quick to act like Joseph’s brothers – to do one thing and say another… and never give it a second thought.
My mother and I have been having a conversation lately about some things that have taken place where people said one thing and did another, and how frustrating it can be if you are on the “receiving end.” I made the comment that the people who make promises and do not keep their word will have to answer for this someday. As long as I know that I am doing what is right and pleases God, I cannot worry about what the other guy chooses to do. She replied that my dad used to say, “If they can live with it… so can I.”
This is well and good if you are living right… if your word truly is your bond. But some of us have taken the position that we can live with half-truths and saying things we don’t mean… and we will deal with the fallout as it comes – or sometime down the road. The trouble is… while we may be okay with this, God is not. He will hold us accountable for what we said… for promises and commitments made… for lies and misdeeds. And as this passage so eloquently expresses… careless words will come back to haunt you.
It’s time for us to take a long, hard look at our lives… to see where we need to make serious changes. We must assess how well we are lined up with the word – and will – of God. The time for becoming a person who chooses words carefully and honors commitments – whose word is a solid bond – is now! If each of us will do our part to make sure that we produce good deeds and words, season after season, we will be amazed at the ripple effect.
We need to live in such a way that we know we can live with what we have said and done because it pleases God. We need to set the bar high – and to be a good example for others. Who knows… maybe they will be impressed enough with our integrity and example that they want to make these changes in their own lives. Isn’t it worth a shot?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 23, 2011
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we sometimes have trouble planning too many things because of our weather. One day it’s sunny and in the upper 40s or low 50s, and the next, we have four or five inches of snow on the ground and our streets are icy. The weather can change quickly. I’ve seen tornadoes come through one evening, and a big snow follow the next day. We preface a lot of our plans with, “If it snows…” or “If the roads don’t get icy.” Let’s face it, weather is ever changing, and we have to adjust our own lives accordingly.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God doesn’t change like the weather? Don’t you find comfort in knowing that you can always count on God to be the same… yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The only thing that really changes is how we respond and react to Him. When we pull away, it feels like God changed… but in truth, we were the ones who moved. When everything seems to be going very well in our lives, we are right there to thank God for the changes.
What we have to recognize is that changes in our life may be orchestrated or influenced by God and/or our relationship with Him. But HE never, ever, ever changes. God is always with us. God is always guiding us and working things together for His good. God is always ready to help us and make a way, even where we see none. God’s love never fails… never falters… never hesitates. His care never ceases.
If you sense a change, examine your life and see where and how YOU moved. If the change was positive, thank God for helping you to find your way toward that outcome. If the change was not a good one, ask God for help to restore you on the right path. Thank God for being constant… for never changing or waffling in our lives. Give Him glory for his steadfast love and care… and ask Him to keep you on the right path, so that all of your changes are ones that draw you closer to Him. Check your “Spiritual weather” today and make sure the forecast is one that reflects clear skies and a God-filled relationship.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we sometimes have trouble planning too many things because of our weather. One day it’s sunny and in the upper 40s or low 50s, and the next, we have four or five inches of snow on the ground and our streets are icy. The weather can change quickly. I’ve seen tornadoes come through one evening, and a big snow follow the next day. We preface a lot of our plans with, “If it snows…” or “If the roads don’t get icy.” Let’s face it, weather is ever changing, and we have to adjust our own lives accordingly.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that God doesn’t change like the weather? Don’t you find comfort in knowing that you can always count on God to be the same… yesterday, today, and tomorrow. The only thing that really changes is how we respond and react to Him. When we pull away, it feels like God changed… but in truth, we were the ones who moved. When everything seems to be going very well in our lives, we are right there to thank God for the changes.
What we have to recognize is that changes in our life may be orchestrated or influenced by God and/or our relationship with Him. But HE never, ever, ever changes. God is always with us. God is always guiding us and working things together for His good. God is always ready to help us and make a way, even where we see none. God’s love never fails… never falters… never hesitates. His care never ceases.
If you sense a change, examine your life and see where and how YOU moved. If the change was positive, thank God for helping you to find your way toward that outcome. If the change was not a good one, ask God for help to restore you on the right path. Thank God for being constant… for never changing or waffling in our lives. Give Him glory for his steadfast love and care… and ask Him to keep you on the right path, so that all of your changes are ones that draw you closer to Him. Check your “Spiritual weather” today and make sure the forecast is one that reflects clear skies and a God-filled relationship.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 22, 2011
Hebrews 6:18
God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine how you would feel if you were a young person waiting for your mom or dad to pick you up somewhere… say after school… and they never came for you. What if they told you, “I promise I will be at your ballgame, play, band concert…” or another event… and they didn’t make it. It’s bad enough that other people lie and don’t keep promises and vows, but when we think about our own mother or father, we expect things to be different. These are the people to whom we have hopefully run for safety, encouragement, and assurance that everything will be okay.
The truth of the matter is that, sadly, there are parents who break promises and vows to their children every day – about issues that are both great and small. There are parents who flatly lie to their children. For some, there is no safety, encouragement, or assurance to be found in the arms of a parent. As heartbreaking as this seems, it is reality for far too many.
The GOOD NEWS is that our HEAVENLY FATHER will never lie to us. He will never break a promise or a vow. What God has told us He will do for us is 100% the truth – guaranteed. His arms are open to receive us, and we can run to Him for safety any time. He is always available to encourage us and reassure us that everything will be okay, if we just stick close to Him.
God offers us hope when no one else can. If you are fortunate enough to have – or to have had – parents who were honest and dependable, thank God for such a blessing… and thank them for honoring their responsibility to God as a parent. If you have experienced disappointment from mere humans, remember that you can always count on God. He never changes or disappoints. I promise!
©2011 Debbie Robus
God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Imagine how you would feel if you were a young person waiting for your mom or dad to pick you up somewhere… say after school… and they never came for you. What if they told you, “I promise I will be at your ballgame, play, band concert…” or another event… and they didn’t make it. It’s bad enough that other people lie and don’t keep promises and vows, but when we think about our own mother or father, we expect things to be different. These are the people to whom we have hopefully run for safety, encouragement, and assurance that everything will be okay.
The truth of the matter is that, sadly, there are parents who break promises and vows to their children every day – about issues that are both great and small. There are parents who flatly lie to their children. For some, there is no safety, encouragement, or assurance to be found in the arms of a parent. As heartbreaking as this seems, it is reality for far too many.
The GOOD NEWS is that our HEAVENLY FATHER will never lie to us. He will never break a promise or a vow. What God has told us He will do for us is 100% the truth – guaranteed. His arms are open to receive us, and we can run to Him for safety any time. He is always available to encourage us and reassure us that everything will be okay, if we just stick close to Him.
God offers us hope when no one else can. If you are fortunate enough to have – or to have had – parents who were honest and dependable, thank God for such a blessing… and thank them for honoring their responsibility to God as a parent. If you have experienced disappointment from mere humans, remember that you can always count on God. He never changes or disappoints. I promise!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2011
Ephesians 4:20-24
But that isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Change is hard… even when we know it is good for us. We know that exercising and eating right will help us live a healthier life – and give us a slimmer, more toned physique. But knowing this and actually doing the work are two different things. Often, overeating and lack of exercise become habits, and any habit can be hard to break. But equally as often, once we get in the groove and change the habit, we wonder what took us so long to make the change. Haven’t you ever known a smoker who said, “I’ll never smoke again!” – or someone who lost a lot of weight and maybe took up running or some other form of exercise and said, “I can’t believe I was ever like that!”?
The same can be said of our Christian faith. There are a lot of factors that keep us from being all we can be and changing into a new person… fear, laziness, procrastination, and more. And if we are honest, we will admit that all of these boil down to listening to the devil. HE plants these doubts, fears and excuses in our mind.
If we can just call upon the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill us… to change our heart and mind… to help us to be more like God… He will do so. And over time, with careful attention, dedication, and determination, we will begin to lose the old habits that hold us back and keep us in the dark. We will become more sure of our “new self,” and we’ll be saying, “What was I thinking?!” We will struggle to recognize the old person and find it easier and easier to leave him/her in the dust.
We were created for so much more. We were created by God to be like Him… to please Him and be truly holy. And God sent His Holy Spirit to change our way of thinking and help us become this new person. Have you recognized the Holy Spirit in your life? Have you acknowledged Him and called on Him for help to become the new you? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
But that isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Change is hard… even when we know it is good for us. We know that exercising and eating right will help us live a healthier life – and give us a slimmer, more toned physique. But knowing this and actually doing the work are two different things. Often, overeating and lack of exercise become habits, and any habit can be hard to break. But equally as often, once we get in the groove and change the habit, we wonder what took us so long to make the change. Haven’t you ever known a smoker who said, “I’ll never smoke again!” – or someone who lost a lot of weight and maybe took up running or some other form of exercise and said, “I can’t believe I was ever like that!”?
The same can be said of our Christian faith. There are a lot of factors that keep us from being all we can be and changing into a new person… fear, laziness, procrastination, and more. And if we are honest, we will admit that all of these boil down to listening to the devil. HE plants these doubts, fears and excuses in our mind.
If we can just call upon the Holy Spirit and ask Him to fill us… to change our heart and mind… to help us to be more like God… He will do so. And over time, with careful attention, dedication, and determination, we will begin to lose the old habits that hold us back and keep us in the dark. We will become more sure of our “new self,” and we’ll be saying, “What was I thinking?!” We will struggle to recognize the old person and find it easier and easier to leave him/her in the dust.
We were created for so much more. We were created by God to be like Him… to please Him and be truly holy. And God sent His Holy Spirit to change our way of thinking and help us become this new person. Have you recognized the Holy Spirit in your life? Have you acknowledged Him and called on Him for help to become the new you? Isn’t it about time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 20, 2011
Galatians 5:9
You were doing so well until someone made you turn from the truth. And that person was certainly not sent by the one who chose you. A little yeast can change a whole batch of dough, but you belong to the Lord. That makes me certain that you will do what I say, instead of what someone else tells you to do. Whoever is causing trouble for you will be punished.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As someone who has made her fair share of bread, I can tell you that it’s all about the yeast. Without it, the bread won’t rise. And even if you do remember to put in the yeast, you have to “jump-start” it with water that is heated to the correct temperature. Water that is too cool will keep the yeast from activating. Water that is too hot will “kill” it and have the same result.
There is another factor to yeast… it has to be fresh, because it is a living organism that ferments when mixed with water… and this produces carbon dioxide and the bubbles that give bread its texture. In the world of bread making, it matters when you add the yeast to the bread mixture. If you don’t ferment it with water first, the salt in the dough will kill it and your bread will be dense and flat. So you can see that yeast plays an important role.
In this passage, I believe Paul is telling the Galatians that “yeast” is the devil or his agents. He is saying that when we allow negative influences into our lives, the results can affect not only us… but also those around us. In other words, when we listen to Satan or his agents, the “whole batch” of dough can be affected.
I also believe we can look at this in a positive light. Yeast is a catalyst. It makes things happen. If we take care of the “yeast” – if we nurture it, mix it with water that is the right temperature, and use it while it’s fresh, we can have a really wonderful loaf of bread. So it would follow that if we look at our relationship with God in this manner – if we treat our Christian faith as “good yeast” and give it the right attention and care in the form of listening to God and following His will for our lives… serving Him well – we can have great results. By keeping our relationship with God fresh… continually nurturing our faith through prayer and Bible study, fellowship with other believers, service and surrender of self, we can affect not only our own life, but the lives of those around us, too… the “whole batch!”
I have been taken to task before by some who are adamant that Biblical references to yeast always represent the devil. But I believe that this is a prime example of God’s word being relevant for our lives in one way at one time… and in another on a different day. I haven’t changed God’s word… or His intention… by saying this. I have indicated that God’s word is right for us all the time… in all circumstances. The bottom line is that outside influences (yeast) can affect the whole batch of bread (our lives and the lives of those around us). The challenge for us is to be discerning… to recognize “good yeast” and “bad yeast”… and to act accordingly.
The end result will either be light, fluffy, warm bread… a life that glorifies Jesus – the Bread of Life… or a dense, flat piece of leathery dough… a life swayed by the devil and his agents that weighs us down and steals our joy. What are you doing with the “yeast” in your life? Do you know how to tell “good yeast” from bad? What sort of “bread” are YOU baking?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were doing so well until someone made you turn from the truth. And that person was certainly not sent by the one who chose you. A little yeast can change a whole batch of dough, but you belong to the Lord. That makes me certain that you will do what I say, instead of what someone else tells you to do. Whoever is causing trouble for you will be punished.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
As someone who has made her fair share of bread, I can tell you that it’s all about the yeast. Without it, the bread won’t rise. And even if you do remember to put in the yeast, you have to “jump-start” it with water that is heated to the correct temperature. Water that is too cool will keep the yeast from activating. Water that is too hot will “kill” it and have the same result.
There is another factor to yeast… it has to be fresh, because it is a living organism that ferments when mixed with water… and this produces carbon dioxide and the bubbles that give bread its texture. In the world of bread making, it matters when you add the yeast to the bread mixture. If you don’t ferment it with water first, the salt in the dough will kill it and your bread will be dense and flat. So you can see that yeast plays an important role.
In this passage, I believe Paul is telling the Galatians that “yeast” is the devil or his agents. He is saying that when we allow negative influences into our lives, the results can affect not only us… but also those around us. In other words, when we listen to Satan or his agents, the “whole batch” of dough can be affected.
I also believe we can look at this in a positive light. Yeast is a catalyst. It makes things happen. If we take care of the “yeast” – if we nurture it, mix it with water that is the right temperature, and use it while it’s fresh, we can have a really wonderful loaf of bread. So it would follow that if we look at our relationship with God in this manner – if we treat our Christian faith as “good yeast” and give it the right attention and care in the form of listening to God and following His will for our lives… serving Him well – we can have great results. By keeping our relationship with God fresh… continually nurturing our faith through prayer and Bible study, fellowship with other believers, service and surrender of self, we can affect not only our own life, but the lives of those around us, too… the “whole batch!”
I have been taken to task before by some who are adamant that Biblical references to yeast always represent the devil. But I believe that this is a prime example of God’s word being relevant for our lives in one way at one time… and in another on a different day. I haven’t changed God’s word… or His intention… by saying this. I have indicated that God’s word is right for us all the time… in all circumstances. The bottom line is that outside influences (yeast) can affect the whole batch of bread (our lives and the lives of those around us). The challenge for us is to be discerning… to recognize “good yeast” and “bad yeast”… and to act accordingly.
The end result will either be light, fluffy, warm bread… a life that glorifies Jesus – the Bread of Life… or a dense, flat piece of leathery dough… a life swayed by the devil and his agents that weighs us down and steals our joy. What are you doing with the “yeast” in your life? Do you know how to tell “good yeast” from bad? What sort of “bread” are YOU baking?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 19, 2011
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked.
These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it. So always be cheerful!
As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. But we live by faith, not by what we see. We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him. After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a child, there was a series of books that I loved about “The Boxcar Children”… described on Wikipedia.org as “the story of four orphaned children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. They had been staying at a bakery but ran away when they heard the baker's wife say she will take all of them in but Benny, leaving Benny with no option but to go back to the orphanage. They create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest.” I was reminded of these books as I watched an episode of Undercover Boss in which a woman who was clearly filled with joy told her boss, the undercover executive, how she had once been homeless. She had actually lived in a boxcar as a child, and she said her grandmother cared for her and siblings there… boiling water for their baths and other needs and keeping them warm and safe… until she was about 7 years of age.
Life has been hard for this woman. She now works as a part of a cleaning crew for a company that does home restoration after a fire, flood, or wind storm. The particular day this episode was filmed, the woman and her undercover boss were cleaning the smoke damage left from a kitchen fire at the home of an elderly woman. Later, when the boss revealed his true identity to this woman - who admitted to being uneducated and “not talking right” - he told her [paraphrasing]… “Don’t ever change. Always be the kind, loving, joy-filled person you are now.” He recognized that this woman was not who she appeared to be “on the outside.” Her appearance, language, demeanor and circumstances were all just the outward “tent.” The real person was within… and she radiated positive energy and love for her family, her life, other people. And while she didn’t speak it on camera, I suspect she has a deep abiding faith in God, as well.
While living in a boxcar as a child most assuredly affected this woman, she didn’t let it define her. She didn’t let her lack of education, the fact she was about to lose her home to foreclosure, or any other negative influences control her life. She is living now like she is already clothed by her heavenly home.
How are we living? Are we groaning from the heavy burden of our “earthly tents?” Have we let the circumstances of our lives get us down and make us less than we should be for Jesus? Do we lean on these circumstances like a crutch and say, “I would do better if it weren’t for this … or that… or something else.” Do we blame our childhood, our level of education, lack of income, where we live, or other outside factors for how we are serving (or not) in God’s army? What defines us… our “earthly tents” or our Heavenly home?
How we answer matters. If we are living only for Heaven and the day when we get “new clothes,” we’re missing the whole point. God wants us to do all we can in His name while we are alive. He wants us to be cheerful because of what lies ahead… and to share this joy and His Good News with other. For Christians, our life on earth is not the end… but we shouldn’t be just marking time, either. Our “earthly tent” may have some rips and tatters, but people should see joy, hope and faith inside. What do others see inside your “tent”?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked.
These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it. So always be cheerful!
As long as we are in these bodies, we are away from the Lord. But we live by faith, not by what we see. We should be cheerful, because we would rather leave these bodies and be at home with the Lord. But whether we are at home with the Lord or away from him, we still try our best to please him. After all, Christ will judge each of us for the good or the bad that we do while living in these bodies.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a child, there was a series of books that I loved about “The Boxcar Children”… described on Wikipedia.org as “the story of four orphaned children, Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny. They had been staying at a bakery but ran away when they heard the baker's wife say she will take all of them in but Benny, leaving Benny with no option but to go back to the orphanage. They create a home for themselves in an abandoned boxcar in the forest.” I was reminded of these books as I watched an episode of Undercover Boss in which a woman who was clearly filled with joy told her boss, the undercover executive, how she had once been homeless. She had actually lived in a boxcar as a child, and she said her grandmother cared for her and siblings there… boiling water for their baths and other needs and keeping them warm and safe… until she was about 7 years of age.
Life has been hard for this woman. She now works as a part of a cleaning crew for a company that does home restoration after a fire, flood, or wind storm. The particular day this episode was filmed, the woman and her undercover boss were cleaning the smoke damage left from a kitchen fire at the home of an elderly woman. Later, when the boss revealed his true identity to this woman - who admitted to being uneducated and “not talking right” - he told her [paraphrasing]… “Don’t ever change. Always be the kind, loving, joy-filled person you are now.” He recognized that this woman was not who she appeared to be “on the outside.” Her appearance, language, demeanor and circumstances were all just the outward “tent.” The real person was within… and she radiated positive energy and love for her family, her life, other people. And while she didn’t speak it on camera, I suspect she has a deep abiding faith in God, as well.
While living in a boxcar as a child most assuredly affected this woman, she didn’t let it define her. She didn’t let her lack of education, the fact she was about to lose her home to foreclosure, or any other negative influences control her life. She is living now like she is already clothed by her heavenly home.
How are we living? Are we groaning from the heavy burden of our “earthly tents?” Have we let the circumstances of our lives get us down and make us less than we should be for Jesus? Do we lean on these circumstances like a crutch and say, “I would do better if it weren’t for this … or that… or something else.” Do we blame our childhood, our level of education, lack of income, where we live, or other outside factors for how we are serving (or not) in God’s army? What defines us… our “earthly tents” or our Heavenly home?
How we answer matters. If we are living only for Heaven and the day when we get “new clothes,” we’re missing the whole point. God wants us to do all we can in His name while we are alive. He wants us to be cheerful because of what lies ahead… and to share this joy and His Good News with other. For Christians, our life on earth is not the end… but we shouldn’t be just marking time, either. Our “earthly tent” may have some rips and tatters, but people should see joy, hope and faith inside. What do others see inside your “tent”?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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