Psalm 109:21-31
Be true to your name, LORD God! Show your great kindness and rescue me. I am poor and helpless, and I have lost all hope. I am fading away like an evening shadow; I am tossed aside like a crawling insect. I have gone without eating, until my knees are weak, and my body is bony. When my enemies see me, they say cruel things and shake their heads.
Please help me, LORD God! Come and save me because of your love. Let others know that you alone have saved me. I don't care if they curse me, as long as you bless me. You will make my enemies fail when they attack, and you will make me glad to be your servant. You will cover them with shame, just as their bodies are covered with clothes. I will sing your praises and thank you, LORD, when your people meet. You help everyone in need, and you defend them when they are on trial.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I watched an episode of “Oprah” recently about a young man in Indiana named Clayton, who was locked in a 2-ft by 2-ft closet, wrapped in wire fencing material and bound with chains. Sometimes he wasn’t fed for days. Clayton was only six years old when this happened. His abusers were his own mother and stepfather. They did unbelievably cruel, horrible things to this child. Police estimate this went on for three to six months.
Clayton’s 14-year-old stepsister was kind to him. When the parents would leave, she would sometimes let him out of the closet, feed him and rub lotion on his body wounds caused by the fencing and chains. At some point, the stepsister ran away to Kentucky, and when police found her, she told them everything. An astute policeman contacted the parents and told them he had their daughter, but they must come and get her. He was hoping they would bring Clayton. They did… and the officer insisted on speaking with him privately. It was a hunch – one that paid off.
The officer in Kentucky really had no jurisdiction over a matter in Indiana. But he sat Clayton on his lap and fed him peanut butter and crackers. He said later to Clayton, “You ate a lot of peanut butter and crackers!” He realized quickly that Clayton loved his stepdad, in spite of the abuse… and even blamed himself for some of it. So the policeman said, “Your father wants you to tell me exactly what has happened.” Clayton replied, “He does?” The policeman does not regret the “white lie.” It worked. Clayton confirmed his stepsister’s story.
Clayton is now 18 years old. Since the rescue 12 years ago, he has been reared by a great-aunt, Patti, and her husband. The couple adopted Clayton and worked through the challenges of helping him overcome the nightmare of his confinement and abuse at the hands of his parents. Clayton’s stepfather and mother received the maximum sentence for their actions… four years each in prison. However, his mother only served two years and three months, and his stepfather was released from prison after 21 months. You can read more of Clayton’s story at http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Claytons-Survival-Story/7#ixzz1VXOutjdN
Clayton’s great-aunt, Patti, said she had married and moved away when Clayton was little, and she had no idea that any of this was happening. When she was told of it, she dropped to her knees in horror and despair. And I understood that completely… I can imagine how devastated I would be if something like this happened to a young child I loved. But at the same time, I began to count the ways God worked in this situation to conquer enemies and save the innocent.
God surely gave Clayton a stepsister who loved him enough to risk her own safety to let him out, tend his wounds, and feed him. I can’t help but believe that God gave that teenage girl the courage to run away and try to gain safety for herself… and for Clayton. God equipped the investigating officer with wisdom and quick thinking… and he was able to gain the confidence of the teenage sister – and then that of little Clayton. God gave Clayton to loving adoptive parents… his great-aunt Patti and her husband… and he gave them the wisdom, patience and courage to help Clayton overcome his experiences and become the productive, happy young man that he appears to be today.
Clayton has not seen his parents since he was rescued, but he has come to terms with his experiences – and grown from them. He says he tries to be especially kind to others as a result… to be better for what has happened to him. And I can’t help but believe that God orchestrated that, too.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. I don’t know what your “closet” is - or what may have caused you to lose hope. But I know Someone who can rescue you… Someone who is equipped to handle whatever you throw at Him – and He wants to do just that! I also am not going to dwell on why these horrible things happened to little Clayton. Instead, I am going to look at what God has done with this situation to bring about positive results… and how this can serve as a lesson for each of us.
Oprah first aired information about Clayton in 2000, but she didn’t use his name. She told his story, and at one point in the show, she looked into the camera and said something to the effect of, “If you or someone you know is being abused or mistreated, tell a parent. If you can’t tell a parent, go to school and tell a teacher.” A six-year-old girl who was watching did just that. She was being raped by her stepfather, and the next day, she told a teacher. The stepfather was prosecuted and sent to prison for his crime. Because of Clayton’s story – and Oprah’s sharing of it… this little girl was rescued.
My point is that God may be placing you in a situation to connect the dots about someone who is in trouble. It may not be child abuse… it could be some other form of abuse… or a struggle with alcoholism, drugs, or another addiction. Someone could be despondent or in deep trouble… desperately needing others to pick up on the signs and point them toward appropriate help. God may be counting on you to be the “stepsister in Indiana” or the “officer in Kentucky”… or you may be the “Aunt Patti.” The question is… are you paying attention? Are you tuned in to God and His calling for you? Are you ready and willing to do your part? Notice I didn’t say “able”… because if God wants you to do something, He will give you the necessary ability!
I know this message is long, but it is important that we recognize that God may be calling us to be His agents on this earth to bring about great changes… to rescue others from enemies we can’t even imagine. He may be giving us opportunities to physically demonstrate His amazing power and love… and to praise Him for the opportunity and the rescue afterward. Are you paying attention? Are you ready to do your part? Will you step up and be a rescuer in God’s name… and praise Him for the outcome?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 19, 2011
Psalm 107:19-22
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. By the power of his own word, he healed you and saved you from destruction. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us. You should celebrate by offering sacrifices and singing joyful songs to tell what he has done.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My friend John Sykes has written a great little short story called Shirley Takes the Shot, which is available for download on Amazon Kindle for only 99 cents. Now that the shameless plug is out of the way, let me say that this is a wonderful, quick story about two men who experience a backwoods hog killing for the first time. I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that the author and his “city-slicker” friend were less than comfortable in this situation, and I think it’s safe to assume that the friend probably muttered at least one prayer for rescue!
So often, we find ourselves in uncomfortable, if not troubling situations… and we mutter prayers to God and ask for a quick rescue. Many of these prayers are somewhat instinctive… spoken even subconsciously, as in “Oh, Lord, please help me.” It’s not that we don’t mean what we are asking, but we fail to recognize that these are exactly the words we need to speak… and God is indeed listening!
If we had a nickel for every time God rescues us… heals us… lifts us up out of danger and saves us from destruction… many of us would be millionaires! My point is that we take so much for granted in this life… from how bacon gets on our table for breakfast to the comforts of our homes and lifestyles – to the countless ways that God blesses and keeps us every single minute of the day.
It is time for us to be more proactive and aware of our blessings. We must start recognizing that God is watching over us and protecting us every single day. We need to be more grateful… openly and in private prayers of thanks. You often hear someone say, “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done.” In the case of our Heavenly Father, we truly cannot thank Him enough… but we can try. Are you celebrating His blessings and singing joyful praises for all He does for you? Isn’t it time you began?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 18, 2011
Psalm 107:5-15
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You were hungry and thirsty and about to give up. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. Right away he brought you to a town. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
To everyone who is thirsty, he gives something to drink; to everyone who is hungry, he gives good things to eat. Some of you were prisoners suffering in deepest darkness and bound by chains, because you had rebelled against God Most High and refused his advice.
You were worn out from working like slaves, and no one came to help. You were in serious trouble, but you prayed to the LORD, and he rescued you. He brought you out of the deepest darkness and broke your chains. You should praise the LORD for his love and for the wonderful things he does for all of us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
On August 5th, 12-year-old Charles “Dale” Ostrander was swimming off the coast of Washington state, just north of Long Beach. Dale was with a church group, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, when a riptide current pulled him under and began to sweep him out to sea. A 12-year-old girl with a surfboard tried to rescue Dale, but the current was too swift. When she made it to shore, she clung to the sand and said, “He’s dead. What am I supposed to do?” More rescuers retrieved Dale’s body from the waters, where he had been pulled underwater for 20-25 minutes. He was unconscious and limp. Nobody gave Dale much hope for survival. Dale’s fellow church members fell to their knees on the beach and prayed for him
In a blog established to chronicle this story – www.prayersfordale.blogspot.com – a post dated August 14th describes how Dale’s father, Chad, spoke to the congregation at church several days later:
- “Brother Ostrander said, ‘We didn't understand, we just accepted. I knelt by his bed and put Dale on the altar, like Abraham. I told God, “You offered your son, you know how it feels. Thank you for letting us say goodbye.” We tried to let the girls know that he wasn't coming back. That night, the doctor knelt down right by Dale's ear and said, “Dale, open your eyes!” and his eyes opened! We thought, “Wow, there's hope!”’
- Today Dale got up and walked down the hall with help from the physical therapist. In Chad Ostrander's words: ‘God has shown us a miracle.’"
Some of us are in some pretty strong currents, too. We have our own “riptides” pulling us under, and we are drowning a little every day. Others among us have “circled the drain” from time to time…yet God rescued us. Did we stop to thank Him? Did we even recognize His powerful hands reaching down and saving us?
Do we understand that we are often suffering under the chains and riptides of our own making… and God stands ready to save us, if only we will ask? Truly, the rescue of this 12-year-old boy is a miracle… and not all horrific events like this come to such a happy end. But so often, we fail to recognize that a rescue from our troubles is only a prayer away. We fail to see that we can ask God for anything… and He will answer perfectly. And often if we do ask, we fail to believe that God really heard us… and that help truly is on the way.
Clearly this boy’s parents prayed faithfully… trusting God for a perfect outcome. They didn’t know if that would mean life for their son on this earth – or in heaven. But they prayed and believed anyway, as did the fellow church members who were with Dale Ostrander on August 5th. The question for us is… are we praying faithfully and believing God will deliver a perfect outcome? Are we thanking Him for all of the times He has rescued us already… and trusting Him to be our lifeline in the future? Isn’t it about time we stuck out our hand and let God pull us safely to shore, so to speak? Are you ready for a rescue?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 17, 2011
Psalm 107:1-3
Shout praises to the LORD! He is good to us, and his love never fails. Everyone the LORD has rescued from trouble should praise him, everyone he has brought from the east and the west, the north and the south.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My great-aunt Altha used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble.” And I will have to say, she practiced this motto fairly well. She chose not to dwell on unpleasant thoughts… and at least appeared to put them out of her mind. But for many of us, troubles are like an old security blanket that we wrestle and wallow and continually hold tightly to our chests. We know that God is faithful to answer our prayers. We know that He has rescued us from past troubles. But instead of praising Him and resting in the comfort of knowing that He will do this again, we worry and wallow!
I will admit that I have my moments. I want to pick up burdens and troubles and carry them around like an old, familiar blanket. But I’m learning more and more every day about trusting God and praising Him… especially in times of trouble. God has rescued me so many times. All I have to do is reflect a moment on how much He has loved me and cared for me in the past to realize that He is still in the business of being good to His children!
So stop and take a deep breath. Whatever you are going through today… and I mean whatever is troubling you… remind yourself that God is in control, and He is in the business of rescuing His children from trouble. Ask Him to take care of your burdens for you… your challenges, ailments, sorrows and grief - and your worries of all sorts. Thank Him in advance for handling these things for you. Then step out in confidence that all will be well.
This is not pie-in-the-sky dreams… this is the truth! It may seem like your world is crashing down around you… you may feel the walls caving in… but God is there to hold everything together and rescue you. All you have to do is let Him… believe in His power… and thank Him for His love.
Don’t borrow trouble… let God have it all. Give Him praise for His unfailing, amazing love and care… and thank Him for being so good to us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! He is good to us, and his love never fails. Everyone the LORD has rescued from trouble should praise him, everyone he has brought from the east and the west, the north and the south.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My great-aunt Altha used to say, “Don’t borrow trouble.” And I will have to say, she practiced this motto fairly well. She chose not to dwell on unpleasant thoughts… and at least appeared to put them out of her mind. But for many of us, troubles are like an old security blanket that we wrestle and wallow and continually hold tightly to our chests. We know that God is faithful to answer our prayers. We know that He has rescued us from past troubles. But instead of praising Him and resting in the comfort of knowing that He will do this again, we worry and wallow!
I will admit that I have my moments. I want to pick up burdens and troubles and carry them around like an old, familiar blanket. But I’m learning more and more every day about trusting God and praising Him… especially in times of trouble. God has rescued me so many times. All I have to do is reflect a moment on how much He has loved me and cared for me in the past to realize that He is still in the business of being good to His children!
So stop and take a deep breath. Whatever you are going through today… and I mean whatever is troubling you… remind yourself that God is in control, and He is in the business of rescuing His children from trouble. Ask Him to take care of your burdens for you… your challenges, ailments, sorrows and grief - and your worries of all sorts. Thank Him in advance for handling these things for you. Then step out in confidence that all will be well.
This is not pie-in-the-sky dreams… this is the truth! It may seem like your world is crashing down around you… you may feel the walls caving in… but God is there to hold everything together and rescue you. All you have to do is let Him… believe in His power… and thank Him for His love.
Don’t borrow trouble… let God have it all. Give Him praise for His unfailing, amazing love and care… and thank Him for being so good to us.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 16, 2011
Proverbs 18:22
Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was looking through some things in our “wedding book,” and I found a set of “recipe cards” that were written for me at a bridal shower. The cards were mostly completed by my friends who attended…all of whom were still in high school! So it was quite funny to read their advice now… 37 years later… and hear what they had to say… their “recipes” for a good marriage. Some told me to be sure to feed my husband well. Others told me to have lots of children and avoid arguments. Still others said, “If you need a place to get away, call me.” My own sister said, “It’s not too late until 7:00 p.m. on August 16th!
The advice was fun – and much of it was humorous and given with love and a laugh. But choosing a mate is not a laughing matter… and by the grace of God, I found a “good spouse.” And yes, I have a good life. I have found the favor of God, also… I see it in the many ways He blesses me every single day. And I am grateful… for His favor and blessings… and for giving me an incredible spouse.
My advice to those who are single and seeking a spouse someday would be to let God choose. Pray for wisdom and discernment… ask God to show you who He has selected to be your life mate. Trust Him to send you the perfect partner. Focus on pleasing God… and you will please your spouse in the bargain. There may still be arguments, and you may never be a gourmet cook. And yes, you may occasionally wish you could run away to a friend’s place and chill out for awhile. But overall, your life will be good… if you let God choose your mate.
If you let God have control and keep Him first, He will grant you favor and bless you in ways you and your spouse can’t begin to imagine. I will be honest… when I got married, I lacked the spiritual maturity to fully understand this. I know I felt God’s presence – and His approval of my choice – but I can’t say I truly asked God to bring me the perfect mate… the man of His choosing. Somehow I think my criteria might have been a little more “human” and selfish in nature. I’m so glad that God “had my back” anyway. I’m truly grateful that God gave me a “good spouse” who loves Him and seeks His will for himself – and for our family.
This advice is equally sound in so many other situations besides choosing a mate. And if you are already married, I pray that you have a “good spouse” who seeks God’s will and listens for His direction. I pray that you have a good life and experience the favor of God daily. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband… and I look forward to sharing in His favor upon us for many years to come.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of GOD!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I was looking through some things in our “wedding book,” and I found a set of “recipe cards” that were written for me at a bridal shower. The cards were mostly completed by my friends who attended…all of whom were still in high school! So it was quite funny to read their advice now… 37 years later… and hear what they had to say… their “recipes” for a good marriage. Some told me to be sure to feed my husband well. Others told me to have lots of children and avoid arguments. Still others said, “If you need a place to get away, call me.” My own sister said, “It’s not too late until 7:00 p.m. on August 16th!
The advice was fun – and much of it was humorous and given with love and a laugh. But choosing a mate is not a laughing matter… and by the grace of God, I found a “good spouse.” And yes, I have a good life. I have found the favor of God, also… I see it in the many ways He blesses me every single day. And I am grateful… for His favor and blessings… and for giving me an incredible spouse.
My advice to those who are single and seeking a spouse someday would be to let God choose. Pray for wisdom and discernment… ask God to show you who He has selected to be your life mate. Trust Him to send you the perfect partner. Focus on pleasing God… and you will please your spouse in the bargain. There may still be arguments, and you may never be a gourmet cook. And yes, you may occasionally wish you could run away to a friend’s place and chill out for awhile. But overall, your life will be good… if you let God choose your mate.
If you let God have control and keep Him first, He will grant you favor and bless you in ways you and your spouse can’t begin to imagine. I will be honest… when I got married, I lacked the spiritual maturity to fully understand this. I know I felt God’s presence – and His approval of my choice – but I can’t say I truly asked God to bring me the perfect mate… the man of His choosing. Somehow I think my criteria might have been a little more “human” and selfish in nature. I’m so glad that God “had my back” anyway. I’m truly grateful that God gave me a “good spouse” who loves Him and seeks His will for himself – and for our family.
This advice is equally sound in so many other situations besides choosing a mate. And if you are already married, I pray that you have a “good spouse” who seeks God’s will and listens for His direction. I pray that you have a good life and experience the favor of God daily. I thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful husband… and I look forward to sharing in His favor upon us for many years to come.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 15, 2011
Psalm 106:1-5
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
We will celebrate and praise you, LORD! You are good to us, and your love never fails. No one can praise you enough for all of the mighty things you have done. You bless those people who are honest and fair in everything they do.
Remember me, LORD, when you show kindness by saving your people. Let me prosper with the rest of your chosen ones, as they celebrate with pride because they belong to you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last few weeks, you know that we are in full “back-to-school” mode. Everywhere you turn, there are new beginnings… first days at kindergarten, middle school, junior high, high school – and college. Some are starting new teaching careers… some are spending their first “first day” of school in decades as a newly retired teacher. There is a lot to celebrate… a whole lot of history in the making… and many things for which to thank God.
At the same time, school is not anywhere near the radar of some who are facing their own “firsts”. Some are starting their life without a loved one who has begun a “new life” in Heaven. A friend of mine just kissed her mom “Goodbye” for the last time, while another is lovingly waiting with her dad as he enters his last days on this earth. A former member of our community died in a motorcycle accident… and other friends and relatives lie in hospital beds across the country, struggling to get well again and experience a “first day” of good health.
Yet in all of these things, we give thanks and celebrate. We celebrate because those who are beginning new school years have so much ahead of them. Those who are dying or have just passed into Glory belong to God and have received the ultimate blessing… a place in His physical presence. Those who are sick are under God’s care… covered by the prayers of countless faithful believers who have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and believe He will do mighty things.
What I want you to take away from this scripture today is this… even in our darkest hours, we can celebrate God. He is with us for our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. We can choose to walk with Him… or we can choose to go through life alone. I guarantee you, the “highs” won’t be as high, and the “lows” will be almost unbearable unless you make a place for God in your life.
I don’t know what you are experiencing today – where you are on the spectrum of “highs” and “lows” – but I do know that God is ready and able to do mighty things… to bless you in ways you cannot even begin to imagine! And that is worth celebrating. Have you asked God to walk with you today – and always? Have you given Him praise for His never-ending care? How will you celebrate God today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 14, 2011
Proverbs 19:27
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have been trying to teach Timothy to ride a tricycle. We’ve shown him how to put his feet on the pedals. We’ve put him on the trike and pushed him around… we’ve even shown him YouTube videos of children riding tricycles. But he still wants to do it his way… which doesn’t involve keeping his feet on the pedals and pushing!
On some of the videos, I’ve heard parents commenting, “Maybe we should tape his/her feet to the pedals!” We have opted to let Timmy flounder a while longer. After all, he is only two years old, and he has a lot of “discovering” to do.
There is nothing wrong with letting someone figure things out for themselves, especially when there is no danger of being harmed by wrong turns along the way. Certainly, if we saw Timothy trying to do something that could be harmful or cause a serious problem, we would intervene. But as we grow, people with more knowledge and/or life experiences often try to tell us things, and we quit listening. This is when real troubles can begin.
It’s hard to believe, but the summer break is ending for many, and a new school year is upon us. For some, college lies ahead… a time when many are on their own or becoming relatively independent – possibly for the first time. You are encouraged to think for yourself… explore new philosophies… broaden your horizons. And while “self-discovery” and expressing your own ideas and opinions is important - and a natural part of growth and maturation - you must remain awake and alert.
None of us ever outgrows God. We never get too old for Bible study, and certainly, none of us ever stops needing to communicate with God in prayer. Notice I said “communicate with God”… because we need to do more than merely talk to Him. We need to listen! This is where a lot of us fall down… we do all the talking, and we don’t hear what God is telling us. And before we know it, we’ve struck off on our own and gotten out of our depth.
As a former teacher, this time of year seems more like the “New Year” to me than January 1st. This is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for exciting experiences and growth. In large part, the key to having a successful year will lie in how you listen. If you filter all you are told and taught through communication with God, you will do well. If you decide to “wing it” without God at the helm, you are setting yourself up for potential disaster and disappointment.
My prayer is that we would all commit to making the next year a time when we put God at the forefront… a time when we don’t make a move without consulting Him first… a time when we embrace new discoveries and adventures, because we know that He is leading the way. Whether you are the mom of a child headed off to kindergarten… a college freshman… a retiree… or somewhere in between these stages… ask God to guide your steps. Listen for His wise counsel. Proceed with confidence… knowing He is leading the way. Keep God close as you “strike off on your own,” and have a great, safe, blessed year!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 13, 2011
1 Kings 3:6-14
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Solomon said, "You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just and his heart right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—and this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.
"And now here I am: GOD, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I'm too young for this, a mere child! I don't know the ropes, hardly know the 'ins' and 'outs' of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you've chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.
"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”
God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for—I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for—there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life."
Scripture quotations from The Message. ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We were sitting at the dinner table recently, and Timothy began to ask for something… but nobody understood what he was saying. He grew increasingly frustrated. We offered several options, and he would shake his little head, “No!” We could not give him what he desired, because we didn’t understand what he was saying.
So often, it’s not that God doesn’t understand what we are asking of Him… it’s more that we are asking for the wrong things! A news reporter posted the question on Facebook, “Would you give up billions of dollars so that you could marry the person you love? One woman gave up billions!” Sadly, I think many people would choose the billions over marrying the person they loved… and certainly over seeking a “God-listening heart.”
Go back and read in Genesis about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and you will see that self-centered, self-serving behavior is nothing new. But if you continue reading your Bible, you will find great examples of people who served God unconditionally… with a genuine heart for God… like David and his son, Solomon.
David and Solomon were not perfect… but God saw their hearts were pure and totally committed to Him. Do you desire a “God-listening heart” that hears His voice? Does God’s voice discern good and evil for you and help you make wise decisions? Is your eye on the life-map and God-signs? Do you listen for His leadership as you witness to others? Are you more like Solomon and David… or Adam and Eve? What – and Who – are you worshipping? Will God grant you a wise and mature heart… and more… for your faithfulness? Where is your heart these days?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 12, 2011
Psalm 105:1-5
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Let’s be honest… we’ve all been griping and complaining about the heat – and with good reason! This has been a miserable summer, with some of the highest heat indexes ever recorded. We have prayed for rain… over and again. We’ve told God what He already knows… “It’s hot and dry!” Hopefully we have also thanked Him for the rains that have come in recent days – and for cooler air that is forecasted for the week ahead.
During a couple of the recent thundershowers that came through our area, beautiful rainbows appeared in the sky… brilliantly bright and long-lasting! I took these as gentle reminders that “I am still in control. I know what you need… and when you need it!” Now, I realize that you may feel God needs a little nudge when your grass has burned up or your yard has become so dry that giant cracks begin to appear in it! But I assure you, God already knows! He decides when to send the rain, and His decisions are always fair and perfect.
I don’t know why God allows natural disasters… deadly tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sinkholes, windstorms, droughts, heat waves, and more. I don’t know why He decides to cure one person of a disease… or save them from disaster… and allows others to perish or suffer. But I believe with all my heart that God’s ways are perfect and fair… and far beyond what I can begin to comprehend. And that’s why He is GOD!
I have experienced enough of God’s miracles to know that He deserves our praise… and our devotion. I have read enough scripture to know that all of the hardships and sufferings we endure in this lifetime may seem incomprehensible… unbearable… but in context of God’s grand scheme, we can endure them. God has not forgotten us… He is not being mean. He cares for us more deeply than we can begin to imagine. And someday, we will fully understand how He has orchestrated everything for the most perfect outcome.
The rainbows of recent days have reminded me of God’s love and care for us… and His tremendous, miraculous power and perfection. He is truly worthy of our praise… have you given Him some today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 11, 2011
John 6:16-29
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 10, 2011
John 5:1-9
Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem.
Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, "Do you want to get well?"
The sick man said, "Sir, when the water is stirred, I don't have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in."
Jesus said, "Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.
That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, "It's the Sabbath. You can't carry your bedroll around. It's against the rules."
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.
You may remember seeing this scripture passage recently. I used it for a devo on July 29th. However, I recently heard Joyce Meyer preach from this passage, and her “take-away” from the scriptures was so good that I wanted to share it. See, I think God can use the same passage in scripture to speak to us in one way one day – and in another the next… according to what we need. It’s not that one “interpretation” is right and another is wrong... God uses His word to meet our needs for each day in a truly unique manner. This is why the Bible is such a rich and vital resource in successful daily living for each of us!
As Joyce Meyer explained it, this sick man had come to the pool at Bethesda every day for 38 years. Each time the water was stirred by the angels, one person was able to dip his/her foot and be healed. Apparently this man was so sick or crippled that he had never made it to the pool ahead of the others who gathered. Joyce’s comment was something to the effect of… “Surely in 38 years this man could have scooted close enough to be the first in line to dip a toe!” What she heard in this scripture was Jesus rather impatiently saying to the man, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “What have you been waiting on? Get up and get going!”
Where my message a few days ago was “be patient,” Joyce’s message was “get up and get on with it!” And both are appropriate messages. There may be a lot of us who are stuck in a rut of some sort… often of our own making… and God is telling us to get up and get going! We have all sorts of excuses… I’m too young – or too old… I need to lose 10 pounds first – or I’m not strong enough… I need to get my own life in order before I can help someone else… I don’t have enough money… I’m not smart enough or brave enough – or holy enough!
To all of these excuses… and many others… Jesus says, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “Get up and get going!” Patience is a great virtue… one most of us could use more of in a healthy dose! But there is also something to be said for picking ourselves up and putting one foot in front of the other… being proactive… stepping up and out on faith in Jesus Christ – and letting Him handle the details.
So my question today for each of us is, “Don’t we want to be well? Isn’t it time we scooted closer to the pool and stuck in our toe?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Soon another Feast came around and Jesus was back in Jerusalem.
Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there was a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, with five alcoves. Hundreds of sick people—blind, crippled, paralyzed—were in these alcoves. One man had been an invalid there for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him stretched out by the pool and knew how long he had been there, he said, "Do you want to get well?"
The sick man said, "Sir, when the water is stirred, I don't have anybody to put me in the pool. By the time I get there, somebody else is already in."
Jesus said, "Get up, take your bedroll, start walking." The man was healed on the spot. He picked up his bedroll and walked off.
That day happened to be the Sabbath. The Jews stopped the healed man and said, "It's the Sabbath. You can't carry your bedroll around. It's against the rules."
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.
You may remember seeing this scripture passage recently. I used it for a devo on July 29th. However, I recently heard Joyce Meyer preach from this passage, and her “take-away” from the scriptures was so good that I wanted to share it. See, I think God can use the same passage in scripture to speak to us in one way one day – and in another the next… according to what we need. It’s not that one “interpretation” is right and another is wrong... God uses His word to meet our needs for each day in a truly unique manner. This is why the Bible is such a rich and vital resource in successful daily living for each of us!
As Joyce Meyer explained it, this sick man had come to the pool at Bethesda every day for 38 years. Each time the water was stirred by the angels, one person was able to dip his/her foot and be healed. Apparently this man was so sick or crippled that he had never made it to the pool ahead of the others who gathered. Joyce’s comment was something to the effect of… “Surely in 38 years this man could have scooted close enough to be the first in line to dip a toe!” What she heard in this scripture was Jesus rather impatiently saying to the man, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “What have you been waiting on? Get up and get going!”
Where my message a few days ago was “be patient,” Joyce’s message was “get up and get on with it!” And both are appropriate messages. There may be a lot of us who are stuck in a rut of some sort… often of our own making… and God is telling us to get up and get going! We have all sorts of excuses… I’m too young – or too old… I need to lose 10 pounds first – or I’m not strong enough… I need to get my own life in order before I can help someone else… I don’t have enough money… I’m not smart enough or brave enough – or holy enough!
To all of these excuses… and many others… Jesus says, “Don’t you want to be well?” In other words, “Get up and get going!” Patience is a great virtue… one most of us could use more of in a healthy dose! But there is also something to be said for picking ourselves up and putting one foot in front of the other… being proactive… stepping up and out on faith in Jesus Christ – and letting Him handle the details.
So my question today for each of us is, “Don’t we want to be well? Isn’t it time we scooted closer to the pool and stuck in our toe?”
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 9, 2011
John 6:1-6
Jesus crossed Lake Galilee, which was also known as Lake Tiberias. A large crowd had seen him work miracles to heal the sick, and those people went with him. It was almost time for the Jewish festival of Passover, and Jesus went up on a mountain with his disciples and sat down. When Jesus saw the large crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where will we get enough food to feed all these people?" He said this to test Philip, since he already knew what he was going to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a dilemma, and you prayed, “LORD, what is going to happen?” You asked this question in a state of worry… as in, “How will I ever get out of this mess?” or “How can there possibly be a good outcome in this situation?” Now let me ask you this… later, when you looked back at how well things actually did come together… and how beautifully God orchestrated it all… weren’t you a little embarrassed at your lack of faith? Didn’t you feel a little foolish for wringing your hands and being so doubtful?
I think that God sometimes allows us to behave like this. I think that He often plants these questions in our heads just to see how we will react… and whether our faith is strong. I believe He teaches us in these moments… and yes, embarrasses us a bit, so that the next time around, we’ll remember how generous He is to us. Hopefully, we will remember that God is faithful to keep His promises and meet our every need.
I also find it funny that in this particular instance, God not only fed all of the people… he provided leftovers. That’s how God operates… in abundance. Not only do we look back and see that He met our needs and answered our prayers… in many instances, He exceeded what was promised and expected!
My challenge today is for us to begin to operate more in faith… to be able to answer the “test questions” with confidence that “all will be well - with God in control.” We say we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us… now it’s time to really prove it. When Jesus asks you a test question, will you give the right answer?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus crossed Lake Galilee, which was also known as Lake Tiberias. A large crowd had seen him work miracles to heal the sick, and those people went with him. It was almost time for the Jewish festival of Passover, and Jesus went up on a mountain with his disciples and sat down. When Jesus saw the large crowd coming toward him, he asked Philip, "Where will we get enough food to feed all these people?" He said this to test Philip, since he already knew what he was going to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you ever been in a dilemma, and you prayed, “LORD, what is going to happen?” You asked this question in a state of worry… as in, “How will I ever get out of this mess?” or “How can there possibly be a good outcome in this situation?” Now let me ask you this… later, when you looked back at how well things actually did come together… and how beautifully God orchestrated it all… weren’t you a little embarrassed at your lack of faith? Didn’t you feel a little foolish for wringing your hands and being so doubtful?
I think that God sometimes allows us to behave like this. I think that He often plants these questions in our heads just to see how we will react… and whether our faith is strong. I believe He teaches us in these moments… and yes, embarrasses us a bit, so that the next time around, we’ll remember how generous He is to us. Hopefully, we will remember that God is faithful to keep His promises and meet our every need.
I also find it funny that in this particular instance, God not only fed all of the people… he provided leftovers. That’s how God operates… in abundance. Not only do we look back and see that He met our needs and answered our prayers… in many instances, He exceeded what was promised and expected!
My challenge today is for us to begin to operate more in faith… to be able to answer the “test questions” with confidence that “all will be well - with God in control.” We say we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us… now it’s time to really prove it. When Jesus asks you a test question, will you give the right answer?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 8, 2011
John 5:41-44
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I'm not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God's love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Turn on the television, and you will find countless programs where people are clamoring to “be Somebody!” From the winner of Survivor to The Biggest Loser to the writer of the next Platinum Hit or HGTV’s Design Star and more… people want to be on top. Turn on a sports channel, and you will find athletes hoping to be a first-round draft pick or the winner of this award or that… or a whole team wanting to come out on top in the championship. Clearly, we are wired for crowd approval.
The sad thing is that we are so hungry for human approval… yet the approval that matters gets kicked to the curb. And I believe this is why so many human beings are discontent at best… and downright miserable in many cases. A few years ago, I wrote a song that I titled “I Am a Child of God.” In one of the verses, I said, “I used to care what others thought of me… it mattered that they liked me and approved. I wanted the assurance that in me, they could see something that was acceptable… something that was good.” Later, a verse says, “I tried to do the things that I thought would please others. But in the end, no one was pleased, and everything went wrong.” Do you relate to these phrases?
When I learned to focus on pleasing only God, everything else started to fall into place. When I realized that the most important Being in the room was my Heavenly Father, and He was the only One who truly mattered…a huge weight was lifted. As long as we recognize – and welcome – God into our day, He will take care of the rest. If you have focused on giving God top priority… First Place… you can rest assured that He will meet your every need.
Doors will open… “championships” (of God’s choosing) will come. You will find a “position” in life – the one God chooses for you… and it will be exactly right. Will you win a sweepstakes or be elected to high office? Will people be rushing to your side and vying for your friendship and affection? Only if this is what fits into God’s grand plan. Will it matter if it doesn’t happen? Not one bit! What will matter is what God thinks… and He thinks you are the most important thing ever! What God brings to you is what counts… not the approval and accolades of the world.
So what will you do with the rest of your life? Will you spend it wandering aimlessly, so to speak… seeking the recognition and approval of mere mortals… the fleeting rewards and temporary thrills of feeling important to other human beings who are seeking the same sort of recognition and acceptance? Or will you focus on pleasing God… welcome Him with open arms and place your fate and your future in His hands? Will you bask in the glory of being His precious child? Will you make God most important in your life and focus on His love? He can make you a true champion… God can give you what you’ve been looking for all along. Are you ready to turn around and greet Him?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 7, 2011
Psalm 103:17-22
The LORD is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants who faithfully obey him. God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation. All of you mighty angels, who obey God's commands, come and praise your LORD! All of you thousands who serve and obey God, come and praise your LORD! All of God's creation and all that he rules, come and praise your LORD! With all my heart I praise the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A new “craze” has developed on Facebook, as people across the country are starting pages for their hometown… like “You know you’re from Heber Springs, Arkansas, when…” People post their memories, and others comment and add to them. So far, it’s been a lot of fun… and truly heartwarming. As a fifth-generation resident of this county, my “roots” run deep. I’ll admit, when someone speaks less than favorably about my home town… especially if something particularly critical or unkind is said… I bristle and get a little cranky!
I’m sure many could say the same thing about other “home towns,” but mine has served my family well. I feel a rich heritage here… my father-in-law and grandfather were both mayors of Heber Springs. My great-great-great-grandfather operated a general store near Wilburn well over 100 years ago… a great-grandfather was a barber in a downtown shop, and a second-great-uncle ran the local livery (all important businesses in their day!). My grandmother drove one of the three school buses in our district for about 12 years… before and after serving as a chair-side assistant to one of our town’s two or three dentists. I can’t begin to count how many people know my mother as “’Miss Arline,’ the woman who taught me piano, voice, and organ – or was my kindergarten teacher!”
More than this, I can scarcely go to Wal-Mart or a funeral in this town without seeing someone who was a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, or mentor to me in some way. I grew up in a time when every adult nurtured all the town’s children, to some extent. And in that regard, countless people modeled for me a faithful worship of our Heavenly Father. I certainly didn’t realize this at the time… and maybe they didn’t, either. But God was at work, building a legacy in the children of my home town through the adults who resided here. And as many of us grew into faith-filled Christians, God’s kindnesses and promises continued to us… and hopefully beyond to those in our own paths.
I am thankful to have grown up in such a wonderful, nurturing community. My home town was far from perfect, but the love for one another – and the abiding faith in God and His promises – was constant in ways both obvious and subtle. People are nostalgic for their home town in cities of all sizes. And surely God has worked in major urban metropolises and the smallest “holes in the road.” But I am grateful He chose to plant me in this location… and I am humbled to think that I have an opportunity to continue a legacy here… both in the community, and in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Are you a good steward of all God has given you? Are you building a legacy for your descendants… one that shows respect for your community and God’s Kingdom? Are you one who gripes and complains… or someone who praises and elevates - both the people in your circle and your community at large? Are you serving God with faith, obedience, and praise? When people reminisce about your community in years to come, will they recall the people and places God used to bless and nurture them… and will you be among them? Will you have helped to continue a legacy of faith and obedience that resulted in fulfilled promises and kindness from the LORD?
Take time today to thank God for planting you where He did… for giving you the opportunity to serve Him wherever you are… and to add to a foundation of faith and kindness – blessings and promises… for generations to come. Commit to being the best citizen of God’s kingdom – and your local community – that you can possibly become. And in all things… with all your heart… come and praise your LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
The LORD is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants who faithfully obey him. God has set up his kingdom in heaven, and he rules the whole creation. All of you mighty angels, who obey God's commands, come and praise your LORD! All of you thousands who serve and obey God, come and praise your LORD! All of God's creation and all that he rules, come and praise your LORD! With all my heart I praise the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A new “craze” has developed on Facebook, as people across the country are starting pages for their hometown… like “You know you’re from Heber Springs, Arkansas, when…” People post their memories, and others comment and add to them. So far, it’s been a lot of fun… and truly heartwarming. As a fifth-generation resident of this county, my “roots” run deep. I’ll admit, when someone speaks less than favorably about my home town… especially if something particularly critical or unkind is said… I bristle and get a little cranky!
I’m sure many could say the same thing about other “home towns,” but mine has served my family well. I feel a rich heritage here… my father-in-law and grandfather were both mayors of Heber Springs. My great-great-great-grandfather operated a general store near Wilburn well over 100 years ago… a great-grandfather was a barber in a downtown shop, and a second-great-uncle ran the local livery (all important businesses in their day!). My grandmother drove one of the three school buses in our district for about 12 years… before and after serving as a chair-side assistant to one of our town’s two or three dentists. I can’t begin to count how many people know my mother as “’Miss Arline,’ the woman who taught me piano, voice, and organ – or was my kindergarten teacher!”
More than this, I can scarcely go to Wal-Mart or a funeral in this town without seeing someone who was a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, or mentor to me in some way. I grew up in a time when every adult nurtured all the town’s children, to some extent. And in that regard, countless people modeled for me a faithful worship of our Heavenly Father. I certainly didn’t realize this at the time… and maybe they didn’t, either. But God was at work, building a legacy in the children of my home town through the adults who resided here. And as many of us grew into faith-filled Christians, God’s kindnesses and promises continued to us… and hopefully beyond to those in our own paths.
I am thankful to have grown up in such a wonderful, nurturing community. My home town was far from perfect, but the love for one another – and the abiding faith in God and His promises – was constant in ways both obvious and subtle. People are nostalgic for their home town in cities of all sizes. And surely God has worked in major urban metropolises and the smallest “holes in the road.” But I am grateful He chose to plant me in this location… and I am humbled to think that I have an opportunity to continue a legacy here… both in the community, and in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Are you a good steward of all God has given you? Are you building a legacy for your descendants… one that shows respect for your community and God’s Kingdom? Are you one who gripes and complains… or someone who praises and elevates - both the people in your circle and your community at large? Are you serving God with faith, obedience, and praise? When people reminisce about your community in years to come, will they recall the people and places God used to bless and nurture them… and will you be among them? Will you have helped to continue a legacy of faith and obedience that resulted in fulfilled promises and kindness from the LORD?
Take time today to thank God for planting you where He did… for giving you the opportunity to serve Him wherever you are… and to add to a foundation of faith and kindness – blessings and promises… for generations to come. Commit to being the best citizen of God’s kingdom – and your local community – that you can possibly become. And in all things… with all your heart… come and praise your LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 6, 2011
Psalm 103:12-16
How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, because he knows we are made of dust. We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite songs is “East to West,” performed by Casting Crowns. Based on this passage from Psalm 103, the chorus says, “Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west…'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest… 'cause You know just how far the east is from the west - from one scarred hand to the other”. I think of outstretched arms of Jesus… and an area more vast than the arms can encompass… and that still isn’t big enough to cover how far God has scattered my sin! Amazing, isn’t it?!
To think that our all-knowing, all-powerful, Almighty God loves us enough to scatter these sins like a burned up flower that has turned to dust not only amazes me… it humbles me, as well. We’ve all picked up a dandelion and blown the spores and watched them scatter. We’ve all put two dirty, dusty hands together and swiped them back and forth as the sandy particles disappeared. But to think that God does that with our sins and mercifully, graciously sets us upright to live another day is something I have a hard time understanding... but I’ll take it!
Where are your sins today? Are you holding onto them, carrying them like a heavy burden? Or have you handed them to God and let him blow them from east to west like the spores of a dandelion? Has He taken your transgressions and dusted them from His hands and set you back on the path to righteousness? Have you left your failures and shortcomings at the foot of the cross and let Jesus wash them away with His very blood? How long are you going to resist? How long are you going to wallow in sin and sorrow?
“East to west” is one of the most joyful phrases I know. It reminds me that God loves me more than I can ever begin to understand. And the good news is that our understanding of the depth of His love is not necessary. All we have to do is give God our burdens and sins, and ask Him to forgive us. He will handle the dusting and scattering… "from one scarred hand to the other."
©2011 Debbie Robus
“East to West” – Casting Crowns – The Altar and the Door - ©2007
How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! Just as parents are kind to their children, the LORD is kind to all who worship him, because he knows we are made of dust. We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of my favorite songs is “East to West,” performed by Casting Crowns. Based on this passage from Psalm 103, the chorus says, “Jesus, can You show me just how far the east is from the west…'cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again. In the arms of Your mercy I find rest… 'cause You know just how far the east is from the west - from one scarred hand to the other”. I think of outstretched arms of Jesus… and an area more vast than the arms can encompass… and that still isn’t big enough to cover how far God has scattered my sin! Amazing, isn’t it?!
To think that our all-knowing, all-powerful, Almighty God loves us enough to scatter these sins like a burned up flower that has turned to dust not only amazes me… it humbles me, as well. We’ve all picked up a dandelion and blown the spores and watched them scatter. We’ve all put two dirty, dusty hands together and swiped them back and forth as the sandy particles disappeared. But to think that God does that with our sins and mercifully, graciously sets us upright to live another day is something I have a hard time understanding... but I’ll take it!
Where are your sins today? Are you holding onto them, carrying them like a heavy burden? Or have you handed them to God and let him blow them from east to west like the spores of a dandelion? Has He taken your transgressions and dusted them from His hands and set you back on the path to righteousness? Have you left your failures and shortcomings at the foot of the cross and let Jesus wash them away with His very blood? How long are you going to resist? How long are you going to wallow in sin and sorrow?
“East to west” is one of the most joyful phrases I know. It reminds me that God loves me more than I can ever begin to understand. And the good news is that our understanding of the depth of His love is not necessary. All we have to do is give God our burdens and sins, and ask Him to forgive us. He will handle the dusting and scattering… "from one scarred hand to the other."
©2011 Debbie Robus
“East to West” – Casting Crowns – The Altar and the Door - ©2007
Daily Devotional for August 5, 2011
Psalm 103:3-6
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am on the list to receive prayer requests from my mother’s church, my Emmaus community, and my own church. I also see needs expressed on Facebook and receive requests from friends and family members as special prayer concerns arise. Some days, the list of expressed needs is quite lengthy, and the burdens can become rather daunting. So many people are hurting in one way or another… illness… grief and loss…the challenges of aging…the challenges of youth and being a teenager, heading off to college or becoming an adult…economic woes… sin… we all have a laundry list of things to talk with God about each and every day. And then we turn on the television and hear the news of incomprehensible suffering in Third World countries… and we can’t help but be overwhelmed at times.
The GOOD NEWS is that God has answers! Many of them are outlined in Psalm 103…and I really love how this translation enumerates them. He heals diseases… every one of them! He saves you from hell… wraps you in goodness…renews your youth. Best of all, He makes everything right! I don’t know about you... but for me, this is fantastic news! I am moved to tears to think of this incredible love and protection… to know that God really is listening to my prayers and meeting my needs.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. You may be ill or have family members who are sick… you may be facing major challenges, such as a new school, a new job, or moving to a new city. You may have suffered a major loss – a loved one, a relationship change, or even the death of a beloved pet. You may feel old and tired… discouraged, depressed, or disappointed. You may have a heavy burden of sin that you are carrying like a backpack filled with rocks. But all of this and so much more matters to God… and He is ready to make things right.
Will you get instant relief? Possibly… although God’s timing is not always as quick as we would like. Will you feel God’s presence? Yes… if you maintain close contact with Him and truly seek Him on a regular basis. Will things get better? Absolutely! It may take awhile…but keep praying and believing. Keep trusting God to meet your every need. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow believers to pray for you – and with you. It is an honor and a blessing to pray for others, and there is tremendous power in corporate prayer. Flood the “airwaves” today with prayer and praise… let God set you back on your feet – and make things right for you and those you love.
©2011 Debbie Robus
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am on the list to receive prayer requests from my mother’s church, my Emmaus community, and my own church. I also see needs expressed on Facebook and receive requests from friends and family members as special prayer concerns arise. Some days, the list of expressed needs is quite lengthy, and the burdens can become rather daunting. So many people are hurting in one way or another… illness… grief and loss…the challenges of aging…the challenges of youth and being a teenager, heading off to college or becoming an adult…economic woes… sin… we all have a laundry list of things to talk with God about each and every day. And then we turn on the television and hear the news of incomprehensible suffering in Third World countries… and we can’t help but be overwhelmed at times.
The GOOD NEWS is that God has answers! Many of them are outlined in Psalm 103…and I really love how this translation enumerates them. He heals diseases… every one of them! He saves you from hell… wraps you in goodness…renews your youth. Best of all, He makes everything right! I don’t know about you... but for me, this is fantastic news! I am moved to tears to think of this incredible love and protection… to know that God really is listening to my prayers and meeting my needs.
I don’t know what you are enduring today. You may be ill or have family members who are sick… you may be facing major challenges, such as a new school, a new job, or moving to a new city. You may have suffered a major loss – a loved one, a relationship change, or even the death of a beloved pet. You may feel old and tired… discouraged, depressed, or disappointed. You may have a heavy burden of sin that you are carrying like a backpack filled with rocks. But all of this and so much more matters to God… and He is ready to make things right.
Will you get instant relief? Possibly… although God’s timing is not always as quick as we would like. Will you feel God’s presence? Yes… if you maintain close contact with Him and truly seek Him on a regular basis. Will things get better? Absolutely! It may take awhile…but keep praying and believing. Keep trusting God to meet your every need. Don’t hesitate to ask fellow believers to pray for you – and with you. It is an honor and a blessing to pray for others, and there is tremendous power in corporate prayer. Flood the “airwaves” today with prayer and praise… let God set you back on your feet – and make things right for you and those you love.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 4, 2011
Psalm 103:1-2
With all my heart I praise the LORD, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget how kind he has been.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all have experiences we will never forget...where we were on 9-11 (or if you are old enough, the day that President Kennedy was assassinated). Every January 28th, I’m reminded of the Space Shuttle Challenger that exploded in mid-air upon takeoff in 1986. Others will never forget experiencing a tornado, flood, earthquake, or some sort of natural disaster.
While we all can recall major events such as these with vivid detail, I bet you can also recall a kindness done toward you at some point in your life. Perhaps someone said something profound to you that you’ve never forgotten. Maybe you remember how somebody gave you a loan when you really needed one… or another person showed love and compassion toward you when you were really down and in need. Perhaps you’ve never forgotten a teacher who took special interest in you or someone in your church or community who nurtured you… an aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend who gave good advice and was always available when you needed them. Maybe a stranger helped you out of a real jam.
My math teacher, Mrs. Berry, took a special interest in me in junior high school. She really listened to me and showed concern for my feelings. I remember my guidance counselor, Mrs. Crabtree, who encouraged me when others said my plan to go to college early would never work! My freshman English professor, Francis Irby Gwaltney, nurtured me, taught me to write down my thoughts in a way that made sense… and declared that my new husband was “a keeper.” I will never forget Pastor Dooley Fowler, who sat with me on my Walk to Emmaus and reminded me that I had placed all of my burdens at the foot of the cross… and I needed to leave them there.
The point is that we could probably list a half dozen or more events that have affected us deeply – and at least a handful of people who have said or done something we will never forget (hopefully in a positive manner). We are forever changed because of these people and events. But do you realize that every kindness that has been shown to you by someone else was orchestrated by God? In essence, He was pouring out His kindness on you through the words and actions of others.
See, God is always “on the clock” on our behalf! So the things you say you will “never forget” that someone said to you – or did for you – were really kindnesses from God! There will be times in your life when you ask God for something… guidance, help, blessings, a specific outcome… and you feel His direct answer. Other times, He will answer and work through various individuals and events. But all of this combines to give us even more reason to praise Him with our whole heart.
I encourage you to write down a list of kindnesses that have occurred in your life… even those you feel you will “never forget.” The next time you are tempted to question God… the next time you wonder where He is hiding or start to feel sorry for yourself, take out the list and read over them. Remind yourself of the many ways God has shown you kindness in the past… and be assured He has more to offer. Thank Him for all of this… praise Him with your whole heart… and never forget how much He loves you – now and forever!
©2011 Debbie Robus
With all my heart I praise the LORD, and with all that I am I praise his holy name! With all my heart I praise the LORD! I will never forget how kind he has been.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We all have experiences we will never forget...where we were on 9-11 (or if you are old enough, the day that President Kennedy was assassinated). Every January 28th, I’m reminded of the Space Shuttle Challenger that exploded in mid-air upon takeoff in 1986. Others will never forget experiencing a tornado, flood, earthquake, or some sort of natural disaster.
While we all can recall major events such as these with vivid detail, I bet you can also recall a kindness done toward you at some point in your life. Perhaps someone said something profound to you that you’ve never forgotten. Maybe you remember how somebody gave you a loan when you really needed one… or another person showed love and compassion toward you when you were really down and in need. Perhaps you’ve never forgotten a teacher who took special interest in you or someone in your church or community who nurtured you… an aunt, uncle, grandparent or friend who gave good advice and was always available when you needed them. Maybe a stranger helped you out of a real jam.
My math teacher, Mrs. Berry, took a special interest in me in junior high school. She really listened to me and showed concern for my feelings. I remember my guidance counselor, Mrs. Crabtree, who encouraged me when others said my plan to go to college early would never work! My freshman English professor, Francis Irby Gwaltney, nurtured me, taught me to write down my thoughts in a way that made sense… and declared that my new husband was “a keeper.” I will never forget Pastor Dooley Fowler, who sat with me on my Walk to Emmaus and reminded me that I had placed all of my burdens at the foot of the cross… and I needed to leave them there.
The point is that we could probably list a half dozen or more events that have affected us deeply – and at least a handful of people who have said or done something we will never forget (hopefully in a positive manner). We are forever changed because of these people and events. But do you realize that every kindness that has been shown to you by someone else was orchestrated by God? In essence, He was pouring out His kindness on you through the words and actions of others.
See, God is always “on the clock” on our behalf! So the things you say you will “never forget” that someone said to you – or did for you – were really kindnesses from God! There will be times in your life when you ask God for something… guidance, help, blessings, a specific outcome… and you feel His direct answer. Other times, He will answer and work through various individuals and events. But all of this combines to give us even more reason to praise Him with our whole heart.
I encourage you to write down a list of kindnesses that have occurred in your life… even those you feel you will “never forget.” The next time you are tempted to question God… the next time you wonder where He is hiding or start to feel sorry for yourself, take out the list and read over them. Remind yourself of the many ways God has shown you kindness in the past… and be assured He has more to offer. Thank Him for all of this… praise Him with your whole heart… and never forget how much He loves you – now and forever!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 3, 2011
Psalm 102:1-5
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen. Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer. My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somehow a scripture passage about burning as though in a furnace seems amazingly appropriate for such a hot day as this one! Temperatures in our state are reaching as high as 113+, with a heat index as high as 120 or more! Even if you sit inside all day in air conditioning, you are probably noticing that you feel some effects of the heat… and maybe your appetite has been suppressed lately because of it.
Our “misery,” while physically palpable… especially for those who have to be outside right now… is somewhat temporary. We don’t have to look very far to see people whose genuine misery is on a scale that, thankfully, we cannot even comprehend. Our present heat wave may be making us uncomfortable, but it can’t hold a candle to the drought that is ravaging the Horn of Africa and starving countless people there… including more than 2 million children in Somalia alone. Truly their groaning never stops, and their bones are seen through the skin.
I have asked myself, “Has God hidden Himself from the people of Somalia and others who are suffering around the world… even in our own back yard? How can we assure others that God loves them and is watching over them, when all they know is starvation, dehydration, pain and sadness? How do we trust in God when our days disappear like smoke?”
The answer is complicated… and requires tremendous faith. If we read further in the 102nd Psalm, we see that verses 16-17 say, “…Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.” I believe that God is with us in our heat wave… and I believe He is with the starving children of Africa and others who are suffering around the world. When our children fall and bump their heads, we scoop them into our arms and cuddle them… kiss their “owies” and assure them that all will be well again. I believe that God did this for Jesus at Calvary… and He is holding each of us closely now – especially those who suffer.
God is working in these dire situations. We have heard the reports on our local news stations of relief centers opening to house those in need… the admonitions to check on the elderly and our pets… the “Good Samaritan” features on people who are delivering fans to those with no air conditioning - and cold water to those who need extra hydration. We know that agents of such organizations as UNICEF are at work in the Horn of Africa and other areas throughout the world… providing food, water, medical care, and a hug to those who so desperately need one – and our donations and prayers fuel these efforts. In these ways and more, God is showing up each day… saying, “I’m right here with you. I care deeply about you.”
I encourage you to pray today for all who are suffering… from the heat, famine, illness and disease, and more. Ask God to reveal Himself to each of us in a profound and unique way. Ask Him to scoop us into His arms and sooth our “owies”… and to give us courage and faith for the challenges of these next few days… and beyond. Then be sure to thank God for loving us so well… for answering our prayers and meeting our needs according to His perfect plan.
This is a great time to stay inside where it’s cool and spend some time meditating on all of the blessings of our amazing God. Find a few minutes today to sit in the shadow of the Almighty and give Him praise. Ask Him to show you how you can help others... through this present heat wave and into the coming seasons.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I pray to you, LORD! Please listen. Don't hide from me in my time of trouble. Pay attention to my prayer and quickly give an answer. My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. I am wasting away like grass, and my appetite is gone. My groaning never stops, and my bones can be seen through my skin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Somehow a scripture passage about burning as though in a furnace seems amazingly appropriate for such a hot day as this one! Temperatures in our state are reaching as high as 113+, with a heat index as high as 120 or more! Even if you sit inside all day in air conditioning, you are probably noticing that you feel some effects of the heat… and maybe your appetite has been suppressed lately because of it.
Our “misery,” while physically palpable… especially for those who have to be outside right now… is somewhat temporary. We don’t have to look very far to see people whose genuine misery is on a scale that, thankfully, we cannot even comprehend. Our present heat wave may be making us uncomfortable, but it can’t hold a candle to the drought that is ravaging the Horn of Africa and starving countless people there… including more than 2 million children in Somalia alone. Truly their groaning never stops, and their bones are seen through the skin.
I have asked myself, “Has God hidden Himself from the people of Somalia and others who are suffering around the world… even in our own back yard? How can we assure others that God loves them and is watching over them, when all they know is starvation, dehydration, pain and sadness? How do we trust in God when our days disappear like smoke?”
The answer is complicated… and requires tremendous faith. If we read further in the 102nd Psalm, we see that verses 16-17 say, “…Your glory will be seen, and the prayers of the homeless will be answered.” I believe that God is with us in our heat wave… and I believe He is with the starving children of Africa and others who are suffering around the world. When our children fall and bump their heads, we scoop them into our arms and cuddle them… kiss their “owies” and assure them that all will be well again. I believe that God did this for Jesus at Calvary… and He is holding each of us closely now – especially those who suffer.
God is working in these dire situations. We have heard the reports on our local news stations of relief centers opening to house those in need… the admonitions to check on the elderly and our pets… the “Good Samaritan” features on people who are delivering fans to those with no air conditioning - and cold water to those who need extra hydration. We know that agents of such organizations as UNICEF are at work in the Horn of Africa and other areas throughout the world… providing food, water, medical care, and a hug to those who so desperately need one – and our donations and prayers fuel these efforts. In these ways and more, God is showing up each day… saying, “I’m right here with you. I care deeply about you.”
I encourage you to pray today for all who are suffering… from the heat, famine, illness and disease, and more. Ask God to reveal Himself to each of us in a profound and unique way. Ask Him to scoop us into His arms and sooth our “owies”… and to give us courage and faith for the challenges of these next few days… and beyond. Then be sure to thank God for loving us so well… for answering our prayers and meeting our needs according to His perfect plan.
This is a great time to stay inside where it’s cool and spend some time meditating on all of the blessings of our amazing God. Find a few minutes today to sit in the shadow of the Almighty and give Him praise. Ask Him to show you how you can help others... through this present heat wave and into the coming seasons.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 2, 2011
Psalm 101:1-2
I will sing to you, LORD! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been listening to all of the talk from Washington about our federal budget, and I’ve done my fair share of grumbling about waste, overspending, and more. As I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, I’ve seen several opportunities for individuals and agencies to “do the right thing.” Instead, it appears many chose to behave differently. This is not a political commentary, but rather a personal observation.
In recent days, I’ve actually had more than one encounter with a service or repair person who offered to “take a look” at my problem for no charge. This is impressive… such offers are becoming a rarity in our society. Even “looking,” seems to come at a cost. And more than once, I’ve seen charges for a “referral” to another person or agency, when nothing more than the click of a button or the tap of a computer key occurred. Did this really merit a hefty charge? Does flipping a switch to connect a service honestly deserve a “hookup fee?” Are we to the point where we truly never do anything for someone else without some sort of payment involved
More importantly, how often are we “charging” others in God’s name? If we do something kind for someone, do we expect favors in return? Do we make promises we can’t keep? Do we say we will call or show up, then fail to do so? Do we only do something for others when we think we will be rewarded? Do we give God lip service… tell Him we will serve Him with all we have in us… then go about the business of doing as we please?
Think about the people in your circle… those you know well in your community, school and business circles, and your church family. When you think of these people in terms of integrity, what names come to mind? Do you readily picture people who operate in honesty and fairness… both in their daily living and their Christian service? Do you see that these people have studied the kindness and justice of God… and carried it over into their own lives? Don’t you want to be more like these people? Isn’t this how we should all be operating?
I have no illusions of being able to change how others behave… or getting them to stop making unnecessary and exorbitant charges. These folks will have to answer to God for this at some point. But I can do my very best to operate fully in kindness, fairness, justice and integrity… to honor God with my most upright behavior in every arena of life. And so can you! It’s a start… and we might just be able to influence others by doing the right thing ourselves.
Thank God for being so just and fair toward us. Ask Him to show you how to live a life of kindness and justice. Do the right thing… always… as you serve to further God’s Kingdom – and in your own daily living, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will sing to you, LORD! I will celebrate your kindness and your justice. Please help me learn to do the right thing, and I will be honest and fair in my own kingdom.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve been listening to all of the talk from Washington about our federal budget, and I’ve done my fair share of grumbling about waste, overspending, and more. As I handle my grandmother’s business affairs, I’ve seen several opportunities for individuals and agencies to “do the right thing.” Instead, it appears many chose to behave differently. This is not a political commentary, but rather a personal observation.
In recent days, I’ve actually had more than one encounter with a service or repair person who offered to “take a look” at my problem for no charge. This is impressive… such offers are becoming a rarity in our society. Even “looking,” seems to come at a cost. And more than once, I’ve seen charges for a “referral” to another person or agency, when nothing more than the click of a button or the tap of a computer key occurred. Did this really merit a hefty charge? Does flipping a switch to connect a service honestly deserve a “hookup fee?” Are we to the point where we truly never do anything for someone else without some sort of payment involved
More importantly, how often are we “charging” others in God’s name? If we do something kind for someone, do we expect favors in return? Do we make promises we can’t keep? Do we say we will call or show up, then fail to do so? Do we only do something for others when we think we will be rewarded? Do we give God lip service… tell Him we will serve Him with all we have in us… then go about the business of doing as we please?
Think about the people in your circle… those you know well in your community, school and business circles, and your church family. When you think of these people in terms of integrity, what names come to mind? Do you readily picture people who operate in honesty and fairness… both in their daily living and their Christian service? Do you see that these people have studied the kindness and justice of God… and carried it over into their own lives? Don’t you want to be more like these people? Isn’t this how we should all be operating?
I have no illusions of being able to change how others behave… or getting them to stop making unnecessary and exorbitant charges. These folks will have to answer to God for this at some point. But I can do my very best to operate fully in kindness, fairness, justice and integrity… to honor God with my most upright behavior in every arena of life. And so can you! It’s a start… and we might just be able to influence others by doing the right thing ourselves.
Thank God for being so just and fair toward us. Ask Him to show you how to live a life of kindness and justice. Do the right thing… always… as you serve to further God’s Kingdom – and in your own daily living, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for August 1, 2011
Psalm 100
Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD! You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I visited my grandmother at the retirement center where she now lives. It was time for lunch, and I visited with the ladies at her table while they waited to be served… all women I’ve known most, if not all, of my life. The ladies were all excited about their lunch – chicken livers! But when the meals were served, they each had a boneless chicken breast… and they were not happy. It seems that they had misunderstood… they were served the “daily lunch special.” Chicken livers was an option for those who didn’t want the “special.” But the ladies got it backwards… and they were very disappointed.
The food the ladies were served looked delicious, and I encouraged them to give it a try. And later, when I phoned my grandmother, we talked about how fortunate these seniors are to have such a wonderful, comfortable, safe place to live… a place where they have great care, delicious food, air conditioning in summer and heat in winter… and so much more. And I began to think about how often we are so busy complaining about something that is wrong that we fail to recognize all that is right!
It should be enough that we belong to God… that we are His people and the sheep in His pasture. Just knowing that we belong to God and He is caring for our every need should fill us with joy and make us want to “shout praises to the LORD!” But we – and I am right smack in the middle of this group – tend to find the glass half empty and stew about the things that are wrong in our little worlds. We should be busy listing our blessings and thanking God for all He does for us.
There is an e-mail message that circulates from time to time that starts off: "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.” I do not know who to credit for these comments. But they are great thoughts.
We have so many reasons to be thankful and to give God praise… and truly, so very little about which to complain. Yet we are often far more eager to tell anyone who will ask what is wrong with our lives than what is right. It’s time to change this! We need to be busy counting our blessings and praising God for all He does for us.
We need to be thankful for the house that needs cleaning… the less-than-restful night of sleep in a clean, warm bed and the clothing on our backs that may have come from a thrift store… because even when things are not up to our “standards” or desires, we are still incredibly blessed. And when we finally get our “chicken liver dinner,”… as the ladies at the retirement center did the next day… we need to thank God for blessing us even when we gripe!
What has been your “chicken liver dinner” lately? What will you praise God for today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD, everyone on this earth. Be joyful and sing as you come in to worship the LORD! You know the LORD is God! He created us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep in his pasture. Be thankful and praise the LORD as you enter his temple. The LORD is good! His love and faithfulness will last forever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently I visited my grandmother at the retirement center where she now lives. It was time for lunch, and I visited with the ladies at her table while they waited to be served… all women I’ve known most, if not all, of my life. The ladies were all excited about their lunch – chicken livers! But when the meals were served, they each had a boneless chicken breast… and they were not happy. It seems that they had misunderstood… they were served the “daily lunch special.” Chicken livers was an option for those who didn’t want the “special.” But the ladies got it backwards… and they were very disappointed.
The food the ladies were served looked delicious, and I encouraged them to give it a try. And later, when I phoned my grandmother, we talked about how fortunate these seniors are to have such a wonderful, comfortable, safe place to live… a place where they have great care, delicious food, air conditioning in summer and heat in winter… and so much more. And I began to think about how often we are so busy complaining about something that is wrong that we fail to recognize all that is right!
It should be enough that we belong to God… that we are His people and the sheep in His pasture. Just knowing that we belong to God and He is caring for our every need should fill us with joy and make us want to “shout praises to the LORD!” But we – and I am right smack in the middle of this group – tend to find the glass half empty and stew about the things that are wrong in our little worlds. We should be busy listing our blessings and thanking God for all He does for us.
There is an e-mail message that circulates from time to time that starts off: "If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy. If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.” I do not know who to credit for these comments. But they are great thoughts.
We have so many reasons to be thankful and to give God praise… and truly, so very little about which to complain. Yet we are often far more eager to tell anyone who will ask what is wrong with our lives than what is right. It’s time to change this! We need to be busy counting our blessings and praising God for all He does for us.
We need to be thankful for the house that needs cleaning… the less-than-restful night of sleep in a clean, warm bed and the clothing on our backs that may have come from a thrift store… because even when things are not up to our “standards” or desires, we are still incredibly blessed. And when we finally get our “chicken liver dinner,”… as the ladies at the retirement center did the next day… we need to thank God for blessing us even when we gripe!
What has been your “chicken liver dinner” lately? What will you praise God for today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 31, 2011
July 31 ~ John 5:37-40
The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really love a good cookbook. I can sit and read the recipes for hours and dream of creating wonderful casseroles and soups… rich, calorie-laden desserts… delicious, fragrant breads… and even something light, healthy, and tasty. But most of the time, I slide the cookbook back onto the shelf and cook the same old standards in my “culinary repertoire.” This is partly because I don’t want to expend the time and effort required to create these dishes. But there is also a part of me that fears a poor result – a part that lacks faith and confidence in my ability to deliver the outcome promised in the cookbook!
Let’s be honest. Watching cooking shows on TV, buying the fancy knives and utensils, and reading recipes does not make one a great cook! There is a commitment involved… a determination to accept the challenge, do the work, and step out in faith that the delicious dishes detailed and photographed in the cookbooks can indeed be accomplished by a “regular Joe or Jane”.
I’m afraid we are a often a lot like that in our Spiritual life. We read the scriptures and give ourselves a pep talk… “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He’s got the answers. We really ought to follow Him and share His Good News with others.” Or we read the Psalms and think, “LORD, this surely sounds good… You are our rock… You can handle all of our cares.” We read the stories of courage and faith in the Old Testament and the incredibly sound advice of the Proverbs… we read the letters of the Apostle Paul and hear Him encouraging us to live for Jesus.
Then we shelve our Bible, say a quick prayer and go back to life as usual. We never fully commit to the cross. We never leave our old, sinful, burdened life at the feet of Jesus and let His blood wash over them. We talk a good talk… but we never fully embrace the walk. In part, we are afraid and lacking in faith. In part, we are just plain stubborn and lazy! But in total, we are totally missing out on all that Jesus offers… and some of us are even risking the opportunity to spend Eternity with Him in heaven.
Our life in Christ is no recipe, and the Bible is no cookbook. This is serious business, and operating in faith is critical. It’s time we “hitched up our britches” and stepped up and out toward Jesus. It’s time we completely acknowledged that we truly can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We may have never seen Him in the flesh, but He is completely with us… even in the air we breathe… and His message is, “Come to Me. Open your heart and let me inside… I will give you peace, comfort – and Eternal Life!”
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you stopped merely reading and talking about your Christian faith and took action? Isn’t it time to truly come to Jesus and believe in Him completely? Your future depends on how you choose… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
The Father who sent me also speaks for me, but you have never heard his voice or seen him face to face. You have not believed his message, because you refused to have faith in the one he sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you will find eternal life in them. The Scriptures tell about me, but you refuse to come to me for eternal life.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I really love a good cookbook. I can sit and read the recipes for hours and dream of creating wonderful casseroles and soups… rich, calorie-laden desserts… delicious, fragrant breads… and even something light, healthy, and tasty. But most of the time, I slide the cookbook back onto the shelf and cook the same old standards in my “culinary repertoire.” This is partly because I don’t want to expend the time and effort required to create these dishes. But there is also a part of me that fears a poor result – a part that lacks faith and confidence in my ability to deliver the outcome promised in the cookbook!
Let’s be honest. Watching cooking shows on TV, buying the fancy knives and utensils, and reading recipes does not make one a great cook! There is a commitment involved… a determination to accept the challenge, do the work, and step out in faith that the delicious dishes detailed and photographed in the cookbooks can indeed be accomplished by a “regular Joe or Jane”.
I’m afraid we are a often a lot like that in our Spiritual life. We read the scriptures and give ourselves a pep talk… “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! He’s got the answers. We really ought to follow Him and share His Good News with others.” Or we read the Psalms and think, “LORD, this surely sounds good… You are our rock… You can handle all of our cares.” We read the stories of courage and faith in the Old Testament and the incredibly sound advice of the Proverbs… we read the letters of the Apostle Paul and hear Him encouraging us to live for Jesus.
Then we shelve our Bible, say a quick prayer and go back to life as usual. We never fully commit to the cross. We never leave our old, sinful, burdened life at the feet of Jesus and let His blood wash over them. We talk a good talk… but we never fully embrace the walk. In part, we are afraid and lacking in faith. In part, we are just plain stubborn and lazy! But in total, we are totally missing out on all that Jesus offers… and some of us are even risking the opportunity to spend Eternity with Him in heaven.
Our life in Christ is no recipe, and the Bible is no cookbook. This is serious business, and operating in faith is critical. It’s time we “hitched up our britches” and stepped up and out toward Jesus. It’s time we completely acknowledged that we truly can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. We may have never seen Him in the flesh, but He is completely with us… even in the air we breathe… and His message is, “Come to Me. Open your heart and let me inside… I will give you peace, comfort – and Eternal Life!”
What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you stopped merely reading and talking about your Christian faith and took action? Isn’t it time to truly come to Jesus and believe in Him completely? Your future depends on how you choose… what will you decide?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 30, 2011
July 30 ~ John 5:30
I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the term, “play God.” Most likely, we all know someone who at least likes to think that the general rules do not apply to him/her. These people are only concerned with pleasing themselves. If we are honest, we must admit that the person who drinks or takes drugs and then drives is “playing God.” He/she is taking the risk of harming others in the name of feeling good. The person who hacks into your computer and steals your credit card number is “playing God.” He/she is not thinking about anyone else… how you will pay your bills and feed your kids.
The person who spreads gossip and tarnishes the reputation of others is “playing God.” This person doesn’t care about anything but looking good… big… important… and tearing down others is the chosen method to accomplish this. The person who picks out who they will love in the name of Jesus… only those who are of a certain race, socio-economic bracket, sexual orientation, level of intellect, and good looking are acceptable… is essentially “playing God.” Those who fall outside these parameters – borders of the individual’s own making – are given the brush-off… judged inferior and unpleasant.
The point is… even JESUS said, “I cannot do anything on my own.” Even our LORD and Savior recognized that all power and authority comes from God… and only from God. Unless He is telling us what to think… who to judge… how to behave – and we are listening carefully – we are pretty well operating on our own.
How do we know when we are hearing from God and operating under His authority? A good “litmus test” is to ask yourself two questions: 1) Is this what I really want to do… and was that my primary motivation? and… 2) What does the Bible say about this? What has God shown me in scripture and prayer about these situations? The odds are pretty good that you know the correct answers… and the true will of God in these instances. The question then becomes… upon whose authority will you act…your own, or that of our Heavenly Father?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I cannot do anything on my own. The Father sent me, and he is the one who told me how to judge. I judge with fairness, because I obey him, and I don’t just try to please myself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all heard the term, “play God.” Most likely, we all know someone who at least likes to think that the general rules do not apply to him/her. These people are only concerned with pleasing themselves. If we are honest, we must admit that the person who drinks or takes drugs and then drives is “playing God.” He/she is taking the risk of harming others in the name of feeling good. The person who hacks into your computer and steals your credit card number is “playing God.” He/she is not thinking about anyone else… how you will pay your bills and feed your kids.
The person who spreads gossip and tarnishes the reputation of others is “playing God.” This person doesn’t care about anything but looking good… big… important… and tearing down others is the chosen method to accomplish this. The person who picks out who they will love in the name of Jesus… only those who are of a certain race, socio-economic bracket, sexual orientation, level of intellect, and good looking are acceptable… is essentially “playing God.” Those who fall outside these parameters – borders of the individual’s own making – are given the brush-off… judged inferior and unpleasant.
The point is… even JESUS said, “I cannot do anything on my own.” Even our LORD and Savior recognized that all power and authority comes from God… and only from God. Unless He is telling us what to think… who to judge… how to behave – and we are listening carefully – we are pretty well operating on our own.
How do we know when we are hearing from God and operating under His authority? A good “litmus test” is to ask yourself two questions: 1) Is this what I really want to do… and was that my primary motivation? and… 2) What does the Bible say about this? What has God shown me in scripture and prayer about these situations? The odds are pretty good that you know the correct answers… and the true will of God in these instances. The question then becomes… upon whose authority will you act…your own, or that of our Heavenly Father?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 29, 2011
July 29 ~ John 5:1-9
Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for another Jewish festival. In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. Many sick, blind, lame, and crippled people were lying close to the pool. Beside the pool was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
The man answered, "Lord, I don't have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. I try to get in, but someone else always gets there first."
Jesus told him, "Pick up your mat and walk!" Right then the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking around. The day on which this happened was a Sabbath.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I come from a fairly long line of impatient people. All of my life, my grandmother telephoned to summon us for some chore, and by the time we got to her house, she had done it herself! “Well, I decided y’all weren’t coming!” she would say, whether we arrived in three hours or thirty minutes! I grew up around a number of people who could not wait for much of anything. So it is no surprise that I often gave Christmas and birthday gifts ahead of the date, because I couldn’t wait. I grew terribly impatient as time drew near for our wedding, anxiously marking off each day on a giant multi-month calendar I had made.
When I had surgery years ago – and again when I broke my ankle – I couldn’t sit back and just chill out for the required multi-week recovery period. I tried to speed up the process… I fidgeted and fumed… and I felt like time was standing still and I would never be well again!
So when I read about a man who waited at a “healing pool” for thirty-eight years, I am truly impressed. I am amazed at his patience… and his confidence that one day, his turn would come. I am also humbled by this lesson, because as I read this passage, I clearly heard God saying, “Be patient. Trust my timing. My answers really are on the way.” And I know this… I’ve seen it over and again. If I wait – as patiently as is possible for me! – and remain faithful and fervent in asking God to answer… and trusting that He will… He does exactly that. And often, I am caught off-guard… but in the very best way!
Do we have the faith and patience of the man at the pool of Bethzatha? Or are we fidgeting and fuming and trying to hurry things along on our own timetable? When will we realize that this makes no sense – and doesn’t have any effect on God’s timetable? It’s time to learn to remain faithful and patient… and to believe that our time in the “healing pool” will surely arrive. And everything about it will be perfect!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Later, Jesus went to Jerusalem for another Jewish festival. In the city near the sheep gate was a pool with five porches, and its name in Hebrew was Bethzatha. Many sick, blind, lame, and crippled people were lying close to the pool. Beside the pool was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw the man and realized that he had been crippled for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be healed?"
The man answered, "Lord, I don't have anyone to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. I try to get in, but someone else always gets there first."
Jesus told him, "Pick up your mat and walk!" Right then the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking around. The day on which this happened was a Sabbath.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I come from a fairly long line of impatient people. All of my life, my grandmother telephoned to summon us for some chore, and by the time we got to her house, she had done it herself! “Well, I decided y’all weren’t coming!” she would say, whether we arrived in three hours or thirty minutes! I grew up around a number of people who could not wait for much of anything. So it is no surprise that I often gave Christmas and birthday gifts ahead of the date, because I couldn’t wait. I grew terribly impatient as time drew near for our wedding, anxiously marking off each day on a giant multi-month calendar I had made.
When I had surgery years ago – and again when I broke my ankle – I couldn’t sit back and just chill out for the required multi-week recovery period. I tried to speed up the process… I fidgeted and fumed… and I felt like time was standing still and I would never be well again!
So when I read about a man who waited at a “healing pool” for thirty-eight years, I am truly impressed. I am amazed at his patience… and his confidence that one day, his turn would come. I am also humbled by this lesson, because as I read this passage, I clearly heard God saying, “Be patient. Trust my timing. My answers really are on the way.” And I know this… I’ve seen it over and again. If I wait – as patiently as is possible for me! – and remain faithful and fervent in asking God to answer… and trusting that He will… He does exactly that. And often, I am caught off-guard… but in the very best way!
Do we have the faith and patience of the man at the pool of Bethzatha? Or are we fidgeting and fuming and trying to hurry things along on our own timetable? When will we realize that this makes no sense – and doesn’t have any effect on God’s timetable? It’s time to learn to remain faithful and patient… and to believe that our time in the “healing pool” will surely arrive. And everything about it will be perfect!
©2011 Debbie Robus
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