April 5 ~ 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20
In every church I tell the people to stay as they were when the Lord Jesus chose them and God called them to be his own. Now I say the same thing to you. So don't try to change what you were when God chose you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 2003, the lunch ladies of Holdingford, Minnesota, pooled their money to buy a lottery ticket. The ticket won, and each of the 16 school cafeteria workers walked away with approximately $2 million. Two of them subsequently retired, but the other ladies continued to come to work each day and perform the same duties as they had done before the winning ticket was confirmed… cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, and more. Just because they were transformed into millionaires overnight didn’t mean they changed into different people. They just had a little extra money for sharing with family and friends, paying off debts, sending their children to college, and taking an elderly grandma to Las Vegas on a trip!
Why do you suppose I used an illustration about the lottery for this scripture passage? I assure you I am not encouraging you to play the lottery! But I want you to notice that winning the lottery may have changed the lives of these ladies in some ways… but it did not change these ladies. And Paul is telling us that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, things will change in our lives… but we don’t have to change careers, spouses, locations and more to serve God in our newfound salvation. Sure, if we are participating in sinful activities, we need to stop. If we are associating with people who act ungodly, we probably need new friends. But quite often, as a Christian, we can stay put and serve God right where we are. We can witness to those in our workplace who may not know Him. We can bring about improvement in our relationships with spouses, family members, and friends, just by showing love, grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. We can accomplish much for God’s kingdom by demonstrating how He has transformed our own lives and attitudes.
Sometimes we all try too hard. We think we have to be something all prim and proper and buttoned-down in order to please God… and we think we have to exhibit radical transformation in order to prove to others (and ourselves?) that we have experienced salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth. God wants us to be ourselves. He wants us to demonstrate how He does extraordinary things with ordinary people. He wants us to relax, rest, and be content with who and what we are… and what He can do with us! God wants to use us to be all we can for Him… but, I repeat - He also wants us to be ourselves. Who are you trying to be these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 4, 2010
April 4 ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. `Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.
Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t think of a better day for this scripture passage. When we consider God’s love for us – a love that caused Him to send His only Son to die for our sins – this scripture passage is a fitting one. When we think of the resurrection – how the power of God was so strong that even death and the tomb could not contain Jesus – it is fitting to read these verses.
There is no way we can comprehend the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. It is all-consuming, overwhelming, incredible, amazing… and given unconditionally. God’s love is beyond anything in our capacity. But we can strive to love others more… to be patient, humble, without envy and pride, courteous, slow to anger, quick to forget, supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. We can grow up and at least try to act more like Christ and model the behavior He showed us.
We can show God our gratitude and give Him praise for loving us so well… and for sending Jesus. We can thank Him that Christ rose from the grave… and that in doing so, we are promised that we will rise to spend Eternity with Him someday. If we do not strive to love as Jesus taught, the “Easter experience” is wasted on us. If we do not have faith that God will fulfill His promises, then why did Christ die on the cross and rise from the tomb? If we do not love others, Jesus does not matter. And we all know better – Jesus does matter – nothing about Jesus is a waste!
We don’t know everything – God has not revealed all of the answers. But we have faith, hope and love… and for now, these are sufficient. Today and in days to come, give all three your heartiest workout. And toss in praise and thanksgiving to God, as well. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Praise be to God Almighty! Happy Easter… share God’s love with others today… and always!
©2010 Debbie Robus
What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. `Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.
Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t think of a better day for this scripture passage. When we consider God’s love for us – a love that caused Him to send His only Son to die for our sins – this scripture passage is a fitting one. When we think of the resurrection – how the power of God was so strong that even death and the tomb could not contain Jesus – it is fitting to read these verses.
There is no way we can comprehend the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. It is all-consuming, overwhelming, incredible, amazing… and given unconditionally. God’s love is beyond anything in our capacity. But we can strive to love others more… to be patient, humble, without envy and pride, courteous, slow to anger, quick to forget, supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. We can grow up and at least try to act more like Christ and model the behavior He showed us.
We can show God our gratitude and give Him praise for loving us so well… and for sending Jesus. We can thank Him that Christ rose from the grave… and that in doing so, we are promised that we will rise to spend Eternity with Him someday. If we do not strive to love as Jesus taught, the “Easter experience” is wasted on us. If we do not have faith that God will fulfill His promises, then why did Christ die on the cross and rise from the tomb? If we do not love others, Jesus does not matter. And we all know better – Jesus does matter – nothing about Jesus is a waste!
We don’t know everything – God has not revealed all of the answers. But we have faith, hope and love… and for now, these are sufficient. Today and in days to come, give all three your heartiest workout. And toss in praise and thanksgiving to God, as well. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Praise be to God Almighty! Happy Easter… share God’s love with others today… and always!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 3, 2010
April 3 ~ Luke 24:2-7
When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance, they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, and they did not know what to think. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, "Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you, 'The Son of Man will be handed over to sinners who will nail him to a cross. But three days later he will rise to life.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Before you toss this as a duplicate of the previous devotional, stick with me for a few minutes. We’ve all seen movie scenes where someone goes to a cemetery and stands over a tombstone and talks to the person who is buried there… and you may have done this yourself. If we are rational, we realize that the person to whom we are speaking isn’t going to answer – and probably can’t even hear what we are saying. But somehow, we are drawn to the grave. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it may be therapeutic to stop and meditate at a gravesite. But expecting any response – or to find anything other than a mound of dirt and a marker – is unreasonable.
This is what makes the account of the women who visited Jesus’ tomb so remarkable. Jesus truly was NOT there! And the significance of this contrast to the graves of mere human beings is huge. Because the tomb could not hold Jesus… because of what He did for us and God’s power… the grave is not our final resting place. Because of Jesus and the sacrifices – and victories – He experienced on our behalf, the tomb will not hold us either – at least not our souls.
Jesus was raised from physical death. And because of that, we are raised from the death of sin – if we choose to believe in Him and the power of God to work in our lives. We do have a final resting place… but it’s not in a cemetery. We who have become followers of Christ will live in Heaven with God Almighty for all of eternity! This is very good news – not only for this Easter weekend, but forever. The tomb is empty – death is not the end – Hallelujah! Celebrate new life in Christ Jesus today – and always!
©2010 Debbie Robus
When they found the stone rolled away from the entrance, they went in. But they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, and they did not know what to think. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, "Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? Jesus isn't here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you, 'The Son of Man will be handed over to sinners who will nail him to a cross. But three days later he will rise to life.' "
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Before you toss this as a duplicate of the previous devotional, stick with me for a few minutes. We’ve all seen movie scenes where someone goes to a cemetery and stands over a tombstone and talks to the person who is buried there… and you may have done this yourself. If we are rational, we realize that the person to whom we are speaking isn’t going to answer – and probably can’t even hear what we are saying. But somehow, we are drawn to the grave. There is nothing wrong with this. In fact, it may be therapeutic to stop and meditate at a gravesite. But expecting any response – or to find anything other than a mound of dirt and a marker – is unreasonable.
This is what makes the account of the women who visited Jesus’ tomb so remarkable. Jesus truly was NOT there! And the significance of this contrast to the graves of mere human beings is huge. Because the tomb could not hold Jesus… because of what He did for us and God’s power… the grave is not our final resting place. Because of Jesus and the sacrifices – and victories – He experienced on our behalf, the tomb will not hold us either – at least not our souls.
Jesus was raised from physical death. And because of that, we are raised from the death of sin – if we choose to believe in Him and the power of God to work in our lives. We do have a final resting place… but it’s not in a cemetery. We who have become followers of Christ will live in Heaven with God Almighty for all of eternity! This is very good news – not only for this Easter weekend, but forever. The tomb is empty – death is not the end – Hallelujah! Celebrate new life in Christ Jesus today – and always!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 2, 2010
April 2 ~ Matthew 28:2-7
Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.
The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Blackberry, iPhone, Kindle, iPad and more… it seems like the way we get information changes daily. Someone reporting on the new iPad said, “This is how we will read newspapers and magazines in the future.” While God can use any of these devices to speak to us or work in our lives, He frequently uses another resource… angels. And in the days following Jesus’ crucifixion, God used an angel to roll away the stone and deliver the news to Mary and the other women that Jesus was not there.
Think about it… God used an angel to tell Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son. He sent an angel in a dream to tell Joseph to go ahead with his marriage to Mary, who was already pregnant. An angel told the shepherds in the field that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem. Another angel spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from being killed by King Herod. Throughout the Bible, God used angels to deliver news. And even today, God uses angels to speak to us. They may not look as bright as lightning or wear clothes as white as snow, but if we are paying attention, angels are with us. When you are in a situation where you are afraid or lonely, angels are with you. Angels sing and celebrate good news and events with you. Angels are present when a new life begins… and angels usher you into God’s presence in heaven when you die.
Angels are real… and significant. Why else would God have used an angel to deliver such important news? An angel first reported that Jesus was raised to life. Why is this important for us today? I believe we often fail to recognize God’s presence – how He attends to us in many forms… even sending angels to surround us and see after our every need. This is just one more of the countless ways God cares for us… an extension of His loving act of sending us Jesus.
So as you go about your day, know that God is with you. Feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart… and feel the blessings of angels that surround you on God’s behalf. Listen for any word they may have for you from our Heavenly Father. That “little voice” in your head may actually be the whisper of an angel! Thank God for loving us so much that He not only lifted Jesus from the tomb, but He sent an angel to share this Great News! Don’t be afraid… Jesus is ALIVE… and God’s angels are always with you! And the best part is that you don’t need an iPhone, Blackberry, or other electronic device to hear from either of them!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Suddenly a strong earthquake struck, and the Lord's angel came down from heaven. He rolled away the stone and sat on it. The angel looked as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards shook from fear and fell down, as though they were dead.
The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was nailed to a cross. He isn't here! God has raised him to life, just as Jesus said he would. Come, see the place where his body was lying. Now hurry! Tell his disciples that he has been raised to life and is on his way to Galilee. Go there, and you will see him. That is what I came to tell you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Blackberry, iPhone, Kindle, iPad and more… it seems like the way we get information changes daily. Someone reporting on the new iPad said, “This is how we will read newspapers and magazines in the future.” While God can use any of these devices to speak to us or work in our lives, He frequently uses another resource… angels. And in the days following Jesus’ crucifixion, God used an angel to roll away the stone and deliver the news to Mary and the other women that Jesus was not there.
Think about it… God used an angel to tell Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, would bear a son. He sent an angel in a dream to tell Joseph to go ahead with his marriage to Mary, who was already pregnant. An angel told the shepherds in the field that a Savior had been born in Bethlehem. Another angel spoke to Joseph in a dream and told him to flee to Egypt to protect Jesus from being killed by King Herod. Throughout the Bible, God used angels to deliver news. And even today, God uses angels to speak to us. They may not look as bright as lightning or wear clothes as white as snow, but if we are paying attention, angels are with us. When you are in a situation where you are afraid or lonely, angels are with you. Angels sing and celebrate good news and events with you. Angels are present when a new life begins… and angels usher you into God’s presence in heaven when you die.
Angels are real… and significant. Why else would God have used an angel to deliver such important news? An angel first reported that Jesus was raised to life. Why is this important for us today? I believe we often fail to recognize God’s presence – how He attends to us in many forms… even sending angels to surround us and see after our every need. This is just one more of the countless ways God cares for us… an extension of His loving act of sending us Jesus.
So as you go about your day, know that God is with you. Feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart… and feel the blessings of angels that surround you on God’s behalf. Listen for any word they may have for you from our Heavenly Father. That “little voice” in your head may actually be the whisper of an angel! Thank God for loving us so much that He not only lifted Jesus from the tomb, but He sent an angel to share this Great News! Don’t be afraid… Jesus is ALIVE… and God’s angels are always with you! And the best part is that you don’t need an iPhone, Blackberry, or other electronic device to hear from either of them!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 1, 2010
April 1 ~ John 20:24-29
Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But Thomas said, "First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won't believe unless I do this!"
A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!"
Thomas replied, "You are my Lord and my God!" Jesus said, "Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was growing up, I heard the story of “Doubting Thomas” over and over. He was the disciple who didn’t believe that Jesus was real until he put his hand into Jesus’ side, pierced by the Roman soldier’s spear. Thomas had to see the nail scars on Jesus’ hands. He needed physical proof that Jesus was alive and real.
Several years ago, I heard a sermon in which this scripture passage was used, but the emphasis was not on Thomas and his skepticism. The pastor emphasized the second half of the passage, where Jesus says, “Stop doubting and have faith.” More importantly, He says (and I’m paraphrasing now), “Those who really have faith in me are the ones who have never seen me, but they believe I exist anyway.” Jesus is talking about you and me! We’ve “felt” Jesus’ presence, maybe… but we have never looked Him in the eye or touched His nail-scarred hands. We’ve never seen His pierced side, much less touched it! But Jesus Himself says that WE are the ones who are really blessed because we believe in Him anyway.
The New King James Version says that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Living Bible quotes Jesus as saying, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Jesus is telling Thomas that he believes because he can see Jesus… but others believe purely out of faith and a desire to know Him. This pleases Jesus… and He blesses us for our faith. This really hit home with me. Jesus loves my faith – and my faithfulness! It pleases Him! After all He has done for me, that seems like such a small thing in return… but to Him it is HUGE!
Where are you in this equation? Are you like Thomas… waiting for physical proof? Do you need a “sign” before you will really believe? Or are you willing to step out in faith and trust Jesus? The choice is yours… no one will force you to decide either way. But I can tell you that choosing to believe in Jesus can change your life… in a very good way! This is one time where we don’t need physical proof… we just need a leap of faith. Are you ready to jump?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Although Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them. So they told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But Thomas said, "First, I must see the nail scars in his hands and touch them with my finger. I must put my hand where the spear went into his side. I won't believe unless I do this!"
A week later the disciples were together again. This time, Thomas was with them. Jesus came in while the doors were still locked and stood in the middle of the group. He greeted his disciples and said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!"
Thomas replied, "You are my Lord and my God!" Jesus said, "Thomas, do you have faith because you have seen me? The people who have faith in me without seeing me are the ones who are really blessed!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was growing up, I heard the story of “Doubting Thomas” over and over. He was the disciple who didn’t believe that Jesus was real until he put his hand into Jesus’ side, pierced by the Roman soldier’s spear. Thomas had to see the nail scars on Jesus’ hands. He needed physical proof that Jesus was alive and real.
Several years ago, I heard a sermon in which this scripture passage was used, but the emphasis was not on Thomas and his skepticism. The pastor emphasized the second half of the passage, where Jesus says, “Stop doubting and have faith.” More importantly, He says (and I’m paraphrasing now), “Those who really have faith in me are the ones who have never seen me, but they believe I exist anyway.” Jesus is talking about you and me! We’ve “felt” Jesus’ presence, maybe… but we have never looked Him in the eye or touched His nail-scarred hands. We’ve never seen His pierced side, much less touched it! But Jesus Himself says that WE are the ones who are really blessed because we believe in Him anyway.
The New King James Version says that Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” The Living Bible quotes Jesus as saying, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” Jesus is telling Thomas that he believes because he can see Jesus… but others believe purely out of faith and a desire to know Him. This pleases Jesus… and He blesses us for our faith. This really hit home with me. Jesus loves my faith – and my faithfulness! It pleases Him! After all He has done for me, that seems like such a small thing in return… but to Him it is HUGE!
Where are you in this equation? Are you like Thomas… waiting for physical proof? Do you need a “sign” before you will really believe? Or are you willing to step out in faith and trust Jesus? The choice is yours… no one will force you to decide either way. But I can tell you that choosing to believe in Jesus can change your life… in a very good way! This is one time where we don’t need physical proof… we just need a leap of faith. Are you ready to jump?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 31, 2010
March 31 ~ 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say. Christ appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After this, he appeared to more than five hundred other followers. Most of them are still alive, but some have died. He also appeared to James, and then to all of the apostles. Finally, he appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at the wrong time.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The burden of proof is often a deciding factor in countless life situations, from court cases to new inventions to medical research. Everyone wants proof before they will believe something. If you weren’t drinking and driving, take a breathalyzer test and prove it in court. If this new vacuum cleaner really does pick up more than its competitor, show me in a side-by-side comparison. If this new drug really does cure cancer, I want to see results and case studies that confirm this! If Jesus really rose from the grave… I want to hear this news from people who were there!
Ah… there’s the rub… we really can’t talk to anyone who was actually there. We have to rely on the reports of Paul, the Apostles, the Disciples, and over five hundred other people who saw Jesus after the crucifixion and burial. Is that enough proof? Can we take the word of these people? Some would argue that we cannot trust these accounts. We believe the words of some people we never met who claim they were there and saw this. Don’t we demand more proof than that for even simple things, like showing ID at the grocery store?
The fact is that we are very much operating in faith that this happened. We are trusting Paul and others to tell us honestly what they saw and heard. Why would we trust them? We are such skeptical people by nature. Why do we believe this? We believe because the evidence really is overwhelming. Think about it. The story has not changed in almost 2000 years. Geologists and historians have been able to document many of the events and evidence surrounding the crucifixion. But more than this, we have learned from experience that God’s word is infallible. If we have been paying attention, we have seen that His promises play out in our own lives in so many ways every single day. If you have cultivated a relationship with God and His Holy Spirit, you already feel differently on the inside. You know that you know that you know that this is real… and that Paul’s account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is 100% accurate.
There will be some who will not believe. There will be some who are skeptical and say that they cannot accept all of this as anything but a colorful story … the proof is just not compelling enough. But I am not among them. The proof is more than compelling to me. As we approach Easter weekend, and I think about the events of that few days, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that every second of it happened just as written. I am humbled and heartsick as I think about Jesus agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed for God to find another way, if possible. I am physically sick as I consider the torture and crucifixion… imagine each spike being driven into Christ’s hands and feet. I am incredibly numb and grief stricken as I imagine the rumble of thunder, the dark skies, and the earth trembling after Jesus says, “It is finished.” I am overcome with joy and elation to realize on the third day that the grave was empty, and Jesus overcame death! I KNOW that He now sits in heaven at the right hand of God, and He talks to God about ME every single day!
More than that, I know that Jesus talks to God about YOU each day, also. He loves us so much that, in His mind, everything that happened was worth the price. Whatever you are going through today, know this… you can handle it because of Jesus. You can get through this and “rise again” in Him. Just as God raised Jesus from the grave, He will raise you from whatever is challenging you today. We are not alone… we have a Saviour! The proof is overwhelming… can you see Him?
©2010 Debbie Robus
I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is: Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say. He was buried, and three days later he was raised to life, as the Scriptures say. Christ appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. After this, he appeared to more than five hundred other followers. Most of them are still alive, but some have died. He also appeared to James, and then to all of the apostles. Finally, he appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at the wrong time.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The burden of proof is often a deciding factor in countless life situations, from court cases to new inventions to medical research. Everyone wants proof before they will believe something. If you weren’t drinking and driving, take a breathalyzer test and prove it in court. If this new vacuum cleaner really does pick up more than its competitor, show me in a side-by-side comparison. If this new drug really does cure cancer, I want to see results and case studies that confirm this! If Jesus really rose from the grave… I want to hear this news from people who were there!
Ah… there’s the rub… we really can’t talk to anyone who was actually there. We have to rely on the reports of Paul, the Apostles, the Disciples, and over five hundred other people who saw Jesus after the crucifixion and burial. Is that enough proof? Can we take the word of these people? Some would argue that we cannot trust these accounts. We believe the words of some people we never met who claim they were there and saw this. Don’t we demand more proof than that for even simple things, like showing ID at the grocery store?
The fact is that we are very much operating in faith that this happened. We are trusting Paul and others to tell us honestly what they saw and heard. Why would we trust them? We are such skeptical people by nature. Why do we believe this? We believe because the evidence really is overwhelming. Think about it. The story has not changed in almost 2000 years. Geologists and historians have been able to document many of the events and evidence surrounding the crucifixion. But more than this, we have learned from experience that God’s word is infallible. If we have been paying attention, we have seen that His promises play out in our own lives in so many ways every single day. If you have cultivated a relationship with God and His Holy Spirit, you already feel differently on the inside. You know that you know that you know that this is real… and that Paul’s account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is 100% accurate.
There will be some who will not believe. There will be some who are skeptical and say that they cannot accept all of this as anything but a colorful story … the proof is just not compelling enough. But I am not among them. The proof is more than compelling to me. As we approach Easter weekend, and I think about the events of that few days, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that every second of it happened just as written. I am humbled and heartsick as I think about Jesus agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane as He prayed for God to find another way, if possible. I am physically sick as I consider the torture and crucifixion… imagine each spike being driven into Christ’s hands and feet. I am incredibly numb and grief stricken as I imagine the rumble of thunder, the dark skies, and the earth trembling after Jesus says, “It is finished.” I am overcome with joy and elation to realize on the third day that the grave was empty, and Jesus overcame death! I KNOW that He now sits in heaven at the right hand of God, and He talks to God about ME every single day!
More than that, I know that Jesus talks to God about YOU each day, also. He loves us so much that, in His mind, everything that happened was worth the price. Whatever you are going through today, know this… you can handle it because of Jesus. You can get through this and “rise again” in Him. Just as God raised Jesus from the grave, He will raise you from whatever is challenging you today. We are not alone… we have a Saviour! The proof is overwhelming… can you see Him?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 30, 2010
March 30 ~ Ephesians 1:19-21
I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Sometime in the last few months, you have probably lost electrical power. It may have been due to ice or snow – or high winds and thunderstorms… or simply caused by a squirrel who decided to tightrope dance across the power lines. At any rate, when we lose electrical power, we seem to lose our way for a time. Everywhere we turn, there is something we can’t do like we normally do, because we don’t have power. Flip a switch? Oh, yeah… no power. Want to go somewhere? You have to manually raise your garage door, because the electric door opener isn’t working. Need to make a phone call? Can’t use that cordless phone, can you?! You can’t use your microwave, or maybe your stove. You can’t watch television, and you have limited battery life in your cell phones and laptops! If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to use your water, either, because your well pump runs on electricity! Very quickly, you learn the might and value of “power,” and you can’t wait for it to return!
What if we lost God’s power? Hopefully, we are depending on God to wield His power for us 24/7 in ways great and small. Hopefully we trust Him to use His power to keep us healthy, safe (from worldly enemies as well as the devil), fed, clothed, and mentally sound. We trust God to bring the sunshine each day and to provide plant and animal life to feed us, water to hydrate, people who can teach us and nurture us Spiritually through His word, and more.
You may not have consciously and deliberately given God’s power in your life much thought. Much like our electricity, you may have taken God’s power for granted. Let’s start today to pay closer attention to how God’s power is evidenced in our lives. Let’s make a list – at least mentally – of where God is operating on our behalf. Let’s stop taking this for granted and realize that God’s power has gotten us to this point and will carry us into the future – well into Eternity! Without God’s power, Jesus would never have been raised from the dead. Without God’s power, we would never have salvation and the promise of heaven. Without God’s power, the lights would go out for us in more ways than one. Thank God for giving us Jesus – and for the ways He will wield His power for us in the future. Feel the power of God in your life today… and give Him praise for exercising it on your behalf.
©2010 Debbie Robus
I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Sometime in the last few months, you have probably lost electrical power. It may have been due to ice or snow – or high winds and thunderstorms… or simply caused by a squirrel who decided to tightrope dance across the power lines. At any rate, when we lose electrical power, we seem to lose our way for a time. Everywhere we turn, there is something we can’t do like we normally do, because we don’t have power. Flip a switch? Oh, yeah… no power. Want to go somewhere? You have to manually raise your garage door, because the electric door opener isn’t working. Need to make a phone call? Can’t use that cordless phone, can you?! You can’t use your microwave, or maybe your stove. You can’t watch television, and you have limited battery life in your cell phones and laptops! If you live in a rural area, you may not be able to use your water, either, because your well pump runs on electricity! Very quickly, you learn the might and value of “power,” and you can’t wait for it to return!
What if we lost God’s power? Hopefully, we are depending on God to wield His power for us 24/7 in ways great and small. Hopefully we trust Him to use His power to keep us healthy, safe (from worldly enemies as well as the devil), fed, clothed, and mentally sound. We trust God to bring the sunshine each day and to provide plant and animal life to feed us, water to hydrate, people who can teach us and nurture us Spiritually through His word, and more.
You may not have consciously and deliberately given God’s power in your life much thought. Much like our electricity, you may have taken God’s power for granted. Let’s start today to pay closer attention to how God’s power is evidenced in our lives. Let’s make a list – at least mentally – of where God is operating on our behalf. Let’s stop taking this for granted and realize that God’s power has gotten us to this point and will carry us into the future – well into Eternity! Without God’s power, Jesus would never have been raised from the dead. Without God’s power, we would never have salvation and the promise of heaven. Without God’s power, the lights would go out for us in more ways than one. Thank God for giving us Jesus – and for the ways He will wield His power for us in the future. Feel the power of God in your life today… and give Him praise for exercising it on your behalf.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 29, 2010
March 29 ~ Romans 8:10-11
But Christ lives in you. So you are alive because God has accepted you, even though your bodies must die because of your sins. Yet God raised Jesus to life! God's Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a television show once in which a child asked his father what happens to us when we die. The dad took a glove and put it on his hand. Then he removed it and wiggled his fingers. He said, “The glove is like our body.” Pulling it off his hand, he added, “When our body dies, the soul inside still lives… just in another form.” I’ve thought about this simple analogy often – the concept of our body as a “glove” for our spirit.
Let’s think about gloves for a minute. Some gloves are heavy-duty and made of strong fabric or leather for manual labor like carpentry, farming, or working with things that are rough and dirty. We’ve all seen filthy work gloves that have been used for this purpose. And those dirty gloves are protecting the hands underneath. Once the gloves are removed, the hands inside are hopefully fairly clean, soft and free of scratches and blisters.
A few decades ago, a lady almost never left home without her gloves. She had gloves to match every outfit, and dress gloves were always worn to church! Even when dining out, a lady removed only one glove and kept it in her lap while she ate! Of course, her hands remained soft and supple inside the gloves.
The thing is… each person’s “gloves” are different. And once the gloves come off, we may each use our hands differently, but they still move and function without the gloves. This is, very simply, how our lives are with God. Some of us wear some pretty filthy gloves… caked with sin and hard living, while others wear nicer gloves. All of the gloves can get dirty from time to time – because we are all sinful. But if we accept Jesus, when the “gloves” come off, our spirit is still alive… clean and free of scratches and blemishes…ready to live forever with our Heavenly Father!
I know this is an oversimplified illustration. But think about your life as a glove. What does it look like? Are you still wearing an old dirty work glove, caked with the grime and filth of sin? Or have you put on your fancy dress glove? When you die and the “glove” comes off, what will be underneath? Will your spirit rise to new life by God’s Spirit? Just what sort of “glove” are you wearing these days? Are you alive in Christ Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But Christ lives in you. So you are alive because God has accepted you, even though your bodies must die because of your sins. Yet God raised Jesus to life! God's Spirit now lives in you, and he will raise you to life by his Spirit.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I saw a television show once in which a child asked his father what happens to us when we die. The dad took a glove and put it on his hand. Then he removed it and wiggled his fingers. He said, “The glove is like our body.” Pulling it off his hand, he added, “When our body dies, the soul inside still lives… just in another form.” I’ve thought about this simple analogy often – the concept of our body as a “glove” for our spirit.
Let’s think about gloves for a minute. Some gloves are heavy-duty and made of strong fabric or leather for manual labor like carpentry, farming, or working with things that are rough and dirty. We’ve all seen filthy work gloves that have been used for this purpose. And those dirty gloves are protecting the hands underneath. Once the gloves are removed, the hands inside are hopefully fairly clean, soft and free of scratches and blisters.
A few decades ago, a lady almost never left home without her gloves. She had gloves to match every outfit, and dress gloves were always worn to church! Even when dining out, a lady removed only one glove and kept it in her lap while she ate! Of course, her hands remained soft and supple inside the gloves.
The thing is… each person’s “gloves” are different. And once the gloves come off, we may each use our hands differently, but they still move and function without the gloves. This is, very simply, how our lives are with God. Some of us wear some pretty filthy gloves… caked with sin and hard living, while others wear nicer gloves. All of the gloves can get dirty from time to time – because we are all sinful. But if we accept Jesus, when the “gloves” come off, our spirit is still alive… clean and free of scratches and blemishes…ready to live forever with our Heavenly Father!
I know this is an oversimplified illustration. But think about your life as a glove. What does it look like? Are you still wearing an old dirty work glove, caked with the grime and filth of sin? Or have you put on your fancy dress glove? When you die and the “glove” comes off, what will be underneath? Will your spirit rise to new life by God’s Spirit? Just what sort of “glove” are you wearing these days? Are you alive in Christ Jesus?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 28, 2010
March 28 ~ Acts 13:30-35
But God raised him from death! Then for many days Jesus appeared to his followers who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Now they are telling our people about him. God made a promise to our ancestors. And we are here to tell you the good news that he has kept this promise to us. It is just as the second Psalm says about Jesus, "You are my son because today I have become your Father." God raised Jesus from death and will never let his body decay. It is just as God said, "I will make to you the same holy promise that I made to David." And in another psalm it says, "God will never let the body of his Holy One decay."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I promise.” We say that so often. We tell our babies and small children, “I promise I will be right back.” We tell family and friends, “I promise I will remember to do such-and-such for you,” or “I promise I will never lie to you, “ or even “I promise I will do better.” We tell our teachers, “I promise, the dog ate my homework!”
“I promise, I promise!” But how many of our promises are reliable? How often do we fall short of delivering on our promises? What if GOD fell short? What if He had allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, but somehow He never resurrected Jesus’ body? What if God had allowed Jesus’ body to decay? Our “Good News” wouldn’t be very good, would it?!
There’s more to consider... before we gave our hearts to Jesus, we were “dead” in sin. But Jesus bought and paid for our sins on the cross, and then He rose from the grave. Because of this, we are no longer “dead” in sin. We have risen to new life in Christ. God promised this, too! If God had failed to honor even one part of His promises, we would not be saved from sin and guaranteed an eternity with Him in heaven.
Because we are human, we often fail to honor our promises, even when our intentions are the best in the world. Thankfully, God NEVER fails to honor a promise. We can rest assured that what He has said He will do for us will be done. This is wonderful news! I promise this is true… because GOD has promised it!
2009 Debbie Robus
But God raised him from death! Then for many days Jesus appeared to his followers who had gone with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. Now they are telling our people about him. God made a promise to our ancestors. And we are here to tell you the good news that he has kept this promise to us. It is just as the second Psalm says about Jesus, "You are my son because today I have become your Father." God raised Jesus from death and will never let his body decay. It is just as God said, "I will make to you the same holy promise that I made to David." And in another psalm it says, "God will never let the body of his Holy One decay."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“I promise.” We say that so often. We tell our babies and small children, “I promise I will be right back.” We tell family and friends, “I promise I will remember to do such-and-such for you,” or “I promise I will never lie to you, “ or even “I promise I will do better.” We tell our teachers, “I promise, the dog ate my homework!”
“I promise, I promise!” But how many of our promises are reliable? How often do we fall short of delivering on our promises? What if GOD fell short? What if He had allowed Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, but somehow He never resurrected Jesus’ body? What if God had allowed Jesus’ body to decay? Our “Good News” wouldn’t be very good, would it?!
There’s more to consider... before we gave our hearts to Jesus, we were “dead” in sin. But Jesus bought and paid for our sins on the cross, and then He rose from the grave. Because of this, we are no longer “dead” in sin. We have risen to new life in Christ. God promised this, too! If God had failed to honor even one part of His promises, we would not be saved from sin and guaranteed an eternity with Him in heaven.
Because we are human, we often fail to honor our promises, even when our intentions are the best in the world. Thankfully, God NEVER fails to honor a promise. We can rest assured that what He has said He will do for us will be done. This is wonderful news! I promise this is true… because GOD has promised it!
2009 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 27, 2010
March 27 ~ Romans 8:33-34
If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God's right side, speaking to him for us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine wrote on Facebook that he would like to go back and revisit all of the books and movies that meant so much more to his parents than they did to him when he first read them – like Seabiscuit. He explained, “In any work wherein loss or illness of a child is crucial to character development, I'm sure I would connect more with that person and his or her motivations. Even "The Incredibles" got to me because by then I had a child. You understand better the meaning of the phrase "do anything it takes."
In Romans 8, we hear the Apostle Paul explaining that if God is for us, who is really against us? Paul continues that if God was willing to give up His only Son for us, won’t He give us EVERYTHING else? If God chose us, can anyone else truly reject us? I will tell you, I cannot imagine giving up a child. I’ve thought a lot about this, and I fully understand how parents save a child at the risk of their own life. Think rescuing a child who is drowning, or holding a baby out the window of a burning building for someone else to save. I get that… I would do that in a heartbeat. But to allow my child to be nailed to be tortured and nailed to a cross… even to save millions of other “children”… well, I don’t know that kind of love in human form. I would do anything it takes to save a child, but I am fairly certain I could not sacrifice them – no matter what the cause.
So given this consideration, when God says He sent Jesus to die for me, I have to believe Him. When God says that I am precious in His sight, I have to repeat those words when I feel condemned or criticized by others. When God says that what He does for me, He does for many, I have to look at each person I encounter as a His child, fully deserving of all He gives…just like I am. I have to remember that Jesus died for me, you, and everyone else who will believe in Him… and now He goes to bat for ALL of us each and every day. I am grateful that God loves enough to sacrifice HIS Son for all of us… I am grateful for His power and grace and mercy. Where I am weak, He is strong… and I praise Him for this.
Romans 8 concludes with verses that tell us nothing can separate us from God’s love. God… the ultimate Parent… loves us more than we can imagine… enough to sacrifice Jesus on the cross for our sins. How can we not serve One who loves us incredibly? If God is on our side, who can be against us?
©2010 Debbie Robus
If God says his chosen ones are acceptable to him, can anyone bring charges against them? Or can anyone condemn them? No indeed! Christ died and was raised to life, and now he is at God's right side, speaking to him for us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A friend of mine wrote on Facebook that he would like to go back and revisit all of the books and movies that meant so much more to his parents than they did to him when he first read them – like Seabiscuit. He explained, “In any work wherein loss or illness of a child is crucial to character development, I'm sure I would connect more with that person and his or her motivations. Even "The Incredibles" got to me because by then I had a child. You understand better the meaning of the phrase "do anything it takes."
In Romans 8, we hear the Apostle Paul explaining that if God is for us, who is really against us? Paul continues that if God was willing to give up His only Son for us, won’t He give us EVERYTHING else? If God chose us, can anyone else truly reject us? I will tell you, I cannot imagine giving up a child. I’ve thought a lot about this, and I fully understand how parents save a child at the risk of their own life. Think rescuing a child who is drowning, or holding a baby out the window of a burning building for someone else to save. I get that… I would do that in a heartbeat. But to allow my child to be nailed to be tortured and nailed to a cross… even to save millions of other “children”… well, I don’t know that kind of love in human form. I would do anything it takes to save a child, but I am fairly certain I could not sacrifice them – no matter what the cause.
So given this consideration, when God says He sent Jesus to die for me, I have to believe Him. When God says that I am precious in His sight, I have to repeat those words when I feel condemned or criticized by others. When God says that what He does for me, He does for many, I have to look at each person I encounter as a His child, fully deserving of all He gives…just like I am. I have to remember that Jesus died for me, you, and everyone else who will believe in Him… and now He goes to bat for ALL of us each and every day. I am grateful that God loves enough to sacrifice HIS Son for all of us… I am grateful for His power and grace and mercy. Where I am weak, He is strong… and I praise Him for this.
Romans 8 concludes with verses that tell us nothing can separate us from God’s love. God… the ultimate Parent… loves us more than we can imagine… enough to sacrifice Jesus on the cross for our sins. How can we not serve One who loves us incredibly? If God is on our side, who can be against us?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 26, 2010
March 26 ~ Romans 4:20-25
But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. So God accepted him, just as we read in the Scriptures. But these words were not written only for Abraham. They were written for us, since we will also be accepted because of our faith in God, who raised our Lord Jesus to life. God gave Jesus to die for our sins, and he raised him to life, so that we would be made acceptable to God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wish I could say I have never doubted or questioned God’s promise. But unlike Abraham, I have to admit that at times, my faith has wavered. I want to trust God fully, but let’s face it… sometimes this is really hard. When we see injustices and heartaches and hatred… disease and strife and suffering… it’s hard to smile and say, “Oh, yes, God loves us… He’s taking care of everything for us.”
But I am learning that when things seem rough and tough – when we are down and out, heartsick, disappointed, and hopeless - THIS is when God really starts to work in us. This is when we truly exercise faith and trust God to pull us through… and believe that He will do just that! We can assume from scripture that when Jesus knelt in the garden to pray before He was handed over to the Roman soldiers, He was more than a little bit scared and apprehensive. In fact, He asked God if there was not another way to accomplish the same things. But in the end, knowing the horrific events that lay ahead of Him, Jesus trusted God to know what was best.
Here’s the deal… I’m pretty sure none of us is facing anything remotely close to the torture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Our challenges may be huge, but they still pale in comparison. Yet, Jesus trusted God to make Him strong enough to face these horrors, and He gave God all the credit and glory for the outcome. Everything Jesus did was for US… so that we could trust God to meet our needs. So why does our faith waver so much? Isn’t it time we trusted God completely and for everything? What would that feel like? Are you willing to find out for yourself?
Humbly ask God to forgive your lack of faith, then do all you can to “let go and let God” in your life. Trust Him to fulfill the same promises given to Abraham in your life, and see how far faith will take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. So God accepted him, just as we read in the Scriptures. But these words were not written only for Abraham. They were written for us, since we will also be accepted because of our faith in God, who raised our Lord Jesus to life. God gave Jesus to die for our sins, and he raised him to life, so that we would be made acceptable to God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I wish I could say I have never doubted or questioned God’s promise. But unlike Abraham, I have to admit that at times, my faith has wavered. I want to trust God fully, but let’s face it… sometimes this is really hard. When we see injustices and heartaches and hatred… disease and strife and suffering… it’s hard to smile and say, “Oh, yes, God loves us… He’s taking care of everything for us.”
But I am learning that when things seem rough and tough – when we are down and out, heartsick, disappointed, and hopeless - THIS is when God really starts to work in us. This is when we truly exercise faith and trust God to pull us through… and believe that He will do just that! We can assume from scripture that when Jesus knelt in the garden to pray before He was handed over to the Roman soldiers, He was more than a little bit scared and apprehensive. In fact, He asked God if there was not another way to accomplish the same things. But in the end, knowing the horrific events that lay ahead of Him, Jesus trusted God to know what was best.
Here’s the deal… I’m pretty sure none of us is facing anything remotely close to the torture and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Our challenges may be huge, but they still pale in comparison. Yet, Jesus trusted God to make Him strong enough to face these horrors, and He gave God all the credit and glory for the outcome. Everything Jesus did was for US… so that we could trust God to meet our needs. So why does our faith waver so much? Isn’t it time we trusted God completely and for everything? What would that feel like? Are you willing to find out for yourself?
Humbly ask God to forgive your lack of faith, then do all you can to “let go and let God” in your life. Trust Him to fulfill the same promises given to Abraham in your life, and see how far faith will take you.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 25, 2010
March 25 ~ Luke 24:46-48
He told them: "The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone knew some really great news that would help you tremendously. Let’s say, for instance, that you were sick, and someone knew exactly how to make you feel better – or even cure you – but he/she kept the information from you. Let’s say you desperately needed a job, and family members and friends knew of several companies that were hiring, but they never bothered to let you know… and you did not have access to this information any other way. Or, let’s say that someone let you walk around all day with a hole in your pants or your skirt tucked into your underwear… and nobody told you about this and saved you from further embarrassment. Thankfully, most of these scenarios are unlikely today, especially given the lightning speed with which “news” travels over phone lines and Internet social networks.
Now consider if the disciples had not shared the knowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with others. Suppose that there was limited firsthand information about the crucifixion from those who observed it. Maybe the word traveled as far as nearby villages as people ventured away and spread the news. But suppose that nobody ever told about the empty grave… the rolled away stone… the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. What would have happened? Wouldn’t this negate the entire sacrifice and effort of Jesus on our behalf? If we didn’t know about Jesus… and about His sacrifices and the fact that He rose on the third day and is ALIVE… how would we ever come to know Him and believe in Him? How would we ever learn of His promises – and our promise of a home with Him for eternity?
The simple fact is that someone had to tell. Jesus commanded His disciples to tell everything that had happened… but only after He empowered them with His Holy Spirit? Why was this important? Because, as humans, we tend to color things a bit… make them fuzzy around the edges… sugarcoat the rough stuff or operate in fear instead of love. Jesus wanted to make sure that His Holy Spirit led us as we shared His story and message. But He definitely wants it to be shared! And honestly, if we can tell half the world on Facebook that someone just saw Miley Cyrus shopping in a department store, can’t we tell others about Jesus Christ and how He bought and paid for our sins on the cross and now LIVES with our Heavenly Father? Can’t we share the message of how Jesus has changed our life and will do the same for others? Can’t we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in sharing the Good News with every nation?
God has given us everything we need to accomplish this – Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, technology and communication tools galore. Now all we have to do is get up and get going. We have people to tell… Good News to share! We must tell everything that has happened and encourage everyone to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. Who have you told this news today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
He told them: "The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in Jerusalem, you must tell everything that has happened."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Suppose someone knew some really great news that would help you tremendously. Let’s say, for instance, that you were sick, and someone knew exactly how to make you feel better – or even cure you – but he/she kept the information from you. Let’s say you desperately needed a job, and family members and friends knew of several companies that were hiring, but they never bothered to let you know… and you did not have access to this information any other way. Or, let’s say that someone let you walk around all day with a hole in your pants or your skirt tucked into your underwear… and nobody told you about this and saved you from further embarrassment. Thankfully, most of these scenarios are unlikely today, especially given the lightning speed with which “news” travels over phone lines and Internet social networks.
Now consider if the disciples had not shared the knowledge of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection with others. Suppose that there was limited firsthand information about the crucifixion from those who observed it. Maybe the word traveled as far as nearby villages as people ventured away and spread the news. But suppose that nobody ever told about the empty grave… the rolled away stone… the resurrection of Jesus on the third day. What would have happened? Wouldn’t this negate the entire sacrifice and effort of Jesus on our behalf? If we didn’t know about Jesus… and about His sacrifices and the fact that He rose on the third day and is ALIVE… how would we ever come to know Him and believe in Him? How would we ever learn of His promises – and our promise of a home with Him for eternity?
The simple fact is that someone had to tell. Jesus commanded His disciples to tell everything that had happened… but only after He empowered them with His Holy Spirit? Why was this important? Because, as humans, we tend to color things a bit… make them fuzzy around the edges… sugarcoat the rough stuff or operate in fear instead of love. Jesus wanted to make sure that His Holy Spirit led us as we shared His story and message. But He definitely wants it to be shared! And honestly, if we can tell half the world on Facebook that someone just saw Miley Cyrus shopping in a department store, can’t we tell others about Jesus Christ and how He bought and paid for our sins on the cross and now LIVES with our Heavenly Father? Can’t we share the message of how Jesus has changed our life and will do the same for others? Can’t we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in sharing the Good News with every nation?
God has given us everything we need to accomplish this – Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, technology and communication tools galore. Now all we have to do is get up and get going. We have people to tell… Good News to share! We must tell everything that has happened and encourage everyone to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. Who have you told this news today?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 24, 2010
March 24 ~ John 10:17-18
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably seen the TV game show, Let’s Make a Deal. Sometimes the host will tell a contestant. “You can have what is behind Door #1… OR… I will give you $1000 cash, and you can walk away now.” Sometimes what is behind Door #1 is lousy, but often it is a great prize, worth far more than $1000 – a car, a boat, new home furnishings, a fantastic trip, or even big bucks. But the contestant must choose… instant gratification, or the possibility of something far greater. The power to make this choice is totally within their hands.
Nobody made Jesus die on the cross for us – not even God! Do you get this? Even Jesus had free will. He could have supernaturally come down off the cross at any time and said, “Nope – don’t think so – I’m not doing this!” He could have spun around and wiped out all of the Roman soldiers who abused and tortured Him. He could have knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, “Find someone else, God… I can’t do this.” But He did it. He saw that by giving His life in this manner, He not only gained it back – He also gained the salvation of those who would follow Him… for all eternity. This was the most important choice ever made… and Jesus made it for US!
We have a choice, too. We choose to “give up” our old, sinful nature. In return, we receive a new life in Christ Jesus – and the privilege of spending eternity in His presence. When you start to feel the “cost” might be too high, consider Jesus. When you start to feel like you can’t part with your friends, your money, your addiction, your partying ways, your old bad habits of whatever sort and more, consider what Jesus sacrificed just so you could have a choice in the first place. Consider the concept that giving up your “old self” means gaining a new life… not necessarily an easy life or one filled with fun and excitement every minute of every day… but a blessed life in Christ. Think about your choice in terms of giving up short-term, “for-the-moment” satisfactions for the opportunity to spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty.
We have a choice… and believe it or not, we have the power. We can use it to choose life in Christ in exchange for our old nature, as God commands us to do. Or we can go our own way and choose to live for today only. We can “take the cash and run,” or choose what is behind Door #1, so to speak. The difference is that we KNOW what is “behind the door”… so why would we settle for less?
©2010 Debbie Robus
The Father loves me, because I give up my life, so that I may receive it back again. No one takes my life from me. I give it up willingly! I have the power to give it up and the power to receive it back again, just as my Father commanded me to do.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
You’ve probably seen the TV game show, Let’s Make a Deal. Sometimes the host will tell a contestant. “You can have what is behind Door #1… OR… I will give you $1000 cash, and you can walk away now.” Sometimes what is behind Door #1 is lousy, but often it is a great prize, worth far more than $1000 – a car, a boat, new home furnishings, a fantastic trip, or even big bucks. But the contestant must choose… instant gratification, or the possibility of something far greater. The power to make this choice is totally within their hands.
Nobody made Jesus die on the cross for us – not even God! Do you get this? Even Jesus had free will. He could have supernaturally come down off the cross at any time and said, “Nope – don’t think so – I’m not doing this!” He could have spun around and wiped out all of the Roman soldiers who abused and tortured Him. He could have knelt in the Garden of Gethsemane and said, “Find someone else, God… I can’t do this.” But He did it. He saw that by giving His life in this manner, He not only gained it back – He also gained the salvation of those who would follow Him… for all eternity. This was the most important choice ever made… and Jesus made it for US!
We have a choice, too. We choose to “give up” our old, sinful nature. In return, we receive a new life in Christ Jesus – and the privilege of spending eternity in His presence. When you start to feel the “cost” might be too high, consider Jesus. When you start to feel like you can’t part with your friends, your money, your addiction, your partying ways, your old bad habits of whatever sort and more, consider what Jesus sacrificed just so you could have a choice in the first place. Consider the concept that giving up your “old self” means gaining a new life… not necessarily an easy life or one filled with fun and excitement every minute of every day… but a blessed life in Christ. Think about your choice in terms of giving up short-term, “for-the-moment” satisfactions for the opportunity to spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty.
We have a choice… and believe it or not, we have the power. We can use it to choose life in Christ in exchange for our old nature, as God commands us to do. Or we can go our own way and choose to live for today only. We can “take the cash and run,” or choose what is behind Door #1, so to speak. The difference is that we KNOW what is “behind the door”… so why would we settle for less?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 23, 2010
March 23 ~ Mark 14:27-28
Jesus said to his disciples, "All of you will reject me, as the Scriptures say, `I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised to life, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, a friend of mine wrote to say that “Not Me” had cut the hair of one of her young sons. She said that “Not Me” visits often, along with “I Don’t Know.” Since no one would own up to cutting the little boy’s hair, all three of her children had to go to their rooms. Soon one of the children said, “MAYBE I know something about this.” It’s a funny story, if one that is too familiar to parents and teachers. It seems like “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” must live in a lot of houses from time to time!
What isn’t funny is that “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” also live among adults, quite often. We are quick to pass the buck, place blame on others, or claim, “The devil made me do it.” And in many cases, the devil surely did make us do things we should not - but in the offing, we frequently deny Jesus Christ. Oh, we don’t out-and-out say, “I don’t know Him.” We’re more subtle about it. But the end result is the same. We are just like Peter and the others… we don’t know Him.
See, we can’t say we know Jesus and lie, cheat and steal. We can’t say we know Jesus and mistreat others. We can’t say we know Jesus and use His name as a curse word – or ride the fence about such things as whether there is one God and one way to know Him. We can’t pick and choose when and how we serve Him, and we can’t live for the moment and expect God to save us later. We must learn from Peter and Judas and the other disciples. We must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions – and we must be very careful to live a life that honors God and does not disappoint or disrespect Him.
We have been given the greatest gift ever in Christ Jesus. We must acknowledge Jesus and His great love, grace and mercy by welcoming Him into our hearts and lives and giving Him “the best seat in the house.” “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” should never be welcome… it’s time to kick them - and the devil - to the curb for good!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Jesus said to his disciples, "All of you will reject me, as the Scriptures say, `I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I am raised to life, I will go ahead of you to Galilee."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A few months ago, a friend of mine wrote to say that “Not Me” had cut the hair of one of her young sons. She said that “Not Me” visits often, along with “I Don’t Know.” Since no one would own up to cutting the little boy’s hair, all three of her children had to go to their rooms. Soon one of the children said, “MAYBE I know something about this.” It’s a funny story, if one that is too familiar to parents and teachers. It seems like “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” must live in a lot of houses from time to time!
What isn’t funny is that “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” also live among adults, quite often. We are quick to pass the buck, place blame on others, or claim, “The devil made me do it.” And in many cases, the devil surely did make us do things we should not - but in the offing, we frequently deny Jesus Christ. Oh, we don’t out-and-out say, “I don’t know Him.” We’re more subtle about it. But the end result is the same. We are just like Peter and the others… we don’t know Him.
See, we can’t say we know Jesus and lie, cheat and steal. We can’t say we know Jesus and mistreat others. We can’t say we know Jesus and use His name as a curse word – or ride the fence about such things as whether there is one God and one way to know Him. We can’t pick and choose when and how we serve Him, and we can’t live for the moment and expect God to save us later. We must learn from Peter and Judas and the other disciples. We must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions – and we must be very careful to live a life that honors God and does not disappoint or disrespect Him.
We have been given the greatest gift ever in Christ Jesus. We must acknowledge Jesus and His great love, grace and mercy by welcoming Him into our hearts and lives and giving Him “the best seat in the house.” “Not Me” and “I Don’t Know” should never be welcome… it’s time to kick them - and the devil - to the curb for good!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 22, 2010
March 22 ~ Matthew 20:18-19
We are now on our way to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses. They will sentence him to death, and then they will hand him over to foreigners who will make fun of him. They will beat him and nail him to a cross. But on the third day he will rise from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” in which celebrities trace their family roots. The first episode followed actress Lisa Kudrow, of “Friends” fame, as she traveled to Poland to search for her ancestors. What she found there was heartbreaking. Her great-grandmother and other family members had been marched to their death by the Nazis in a small village called Ilya. History indicates that these Jewish men, women, and children were stripped naked and led in groups of three or four to the edge of a large concrete cellar and shot, then dumped into the cellar. Later, the bodies were burned.
Lisa was visibly shaken as she stood where her great-grandmother had stood and thought of her and the others, waiting there and knowing what was about to happen. She said, “I keep thinking of the children.” As I watched this story, I thought of the children, too. What did her great-grandmother say to them? Did she comfort them and reassure them it would be okay? Or was she visibly frightened – and did she convey that fear to the others?
I also thought of another “child” – Jesus, the Son of God. He knew what was going to happen, and He knew how horrific His torture and death would be. But He endured it anyway – for each of us. God knew that the sacrifice of His son would ensure that His children – you and I – would have eternal life. He apparently felt it was a reasonable exchange. Personally, I don’t think I could sacrifice the life of my own child…even to save the masses. But then, I don’t have God’s capacity for unconditional love, grace and mercy!
I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifices of Jesus. I am heartbroken for the horrific injustices that were inflicted upon the Jews and others throughout history. But I know a God who makes everything new… a God who holds our hand through even the most heinous experiences and says, “I’m with you. I love you. Trust me, and I will save you.” I don’t understand God’s love for us, but I don’t have to – all I have to do is accept Him. God’s love is a gift – freely given to all who will believe in Him. Are you ready to receive this love and claim victory over sin and death? Are you ready to live in Christ Jesus and look forward to spending eternity with Him? If you have not already chosen a life in Christ, today is the perfect time to do so. If you have, perhaps you need to spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving for all God has done in your life. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will return for us. Will you be ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
We are now on our way to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law of Moses. They will sentence him to death, and then they will hand him over to foreigners who will make fun of him. They will beat him and nail him to a cross. But on the third day he will rise from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There is a new show on NBC called “Who Do You Think You Are?” in which celebrities trace their family roots. The first episode followed actress Lisa Kudrow, of “Friends” fame, as she traveled to Poland to search for her ancestors. What she found there was heartbreaking. Her great-grandmother and other family members had been marched to their death by the Nazis in a small village called Ilya. History indicates that these Jewish men, women, and children were stripped naked and led in groups of three or four to the edge of a large concrete cellar and shot, then dumped into the cellar. Later, the bodies were burned.
Lisa was visibly shaken as she stood where her great-grandmother had stood and thought of her and the others, waiting there and knowing what was about to happen. She said, “I keep thinking of the children.” As I watched this story, I thought of the children, too. What did her great-grandmother say to them? Did she comfort them and reassure them it would be okay? Or was she visibly frightened – and did she convey that fear to the others?
I also thought of another “child” – Jesus, the Son of God. He knew what was going to happen, and He knew how horrific His torture and death would be. But He endured it anyway – for each of us. God knew that the sacrifice of His son would ensure that His children – you and I – would have eternal life. He apparently felt it was a reasonable exchange. Personally, I don’t think I could sacrifice the life of my own child…even to save the masses. But then, I don’t have God’s capacity for unconditional love, grace and mercy!
I am so humbled and grateful for the sacrifices of Jesus. I am heartbroken for the horrific injustices that were inflicted upon the Jews and others throughout history. But I know a God who makes everything new… a God who holds our hand through even the most heinous experiences and says, “I’m with you. I love you. Trust me, and I will save you.” I don’t understand God’s love for us, but I don’t have to – all I have to do is accept Him. God’s love is a gift – freely given to all who will believe in Him. Are you ready to receive this love and claim victory over sin and death? Are you ready to live in Christ Jesus and look forward to spending eternity with Him? If you have not already chosen a life in Christ, today is the perfect time to do so. If you have, perhaps you need to spend some time in prayer and thanksgiving for all God has done in your life. Jesus Christ rose from the dead and will return for us. Will you be ready?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 21, 2010
March 21 ~ Isaiah 26:19
Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late February and early March, the landscape around our area gets about as bare as bare can get! It almost looks like everything is dead except for the green of the pine and cedar trees. Then, almost overnight, things start to burst open with buds and color. Little flowers dot the yards, and jonquils, crocus and hyacinth rise and bloom and brighten what had been a dreary scene. Yellow forsythia and red-pink japonica bushes remind us that spring has sprung, and plant life is reborn before our very eyes. People come out of their houses and work in their yards, play ball, and start a new exercise routine. The doldrums of winter are over, and we all get a burst of rejuvenation and refreshment!
In Isaiah, we read about people rising from their graves to new life, refreshed like morning dew. This refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven to reign forever. It also refers to us – how we have a new life in Christ. Our old, sinful lives are dead, but a new life has risen. Just like the jonquils and the forsythia, we bloom and are called to brighten the day with the light of Christ!
Spring is a great time to regroup – to shake off the winter doldrums and revive ourselves. It is a great time to evaluate our Spiritual lives and see where we need a rebirth… and to ask Jesus to refresh us. Rise from your grave and celebrate with shouts! Because of Jesus, we have LIFE everlasting! Be filled with joy and new energy, and share His Good News with everyone you meet. Jesus is alive… and so are we who believe in Him! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In late February and early March, the landscape around our area gets about as bare as bare can get! It almost looks like everything is dead except for the green of the pine and cedar trees. Then, almost overnight, things start to burst open with buds and color. Little flowers dot the yards, and jonquils, crocus and hyacinth rise and bloom and brighten what had been a dreary scene. Yellow forsythia and red-pink japonica bushes remind us that spring has sprung, and plant life is reborn before our very eyes. People come out of their houses and work in their yards, play ball, and start a new exercise routine. The doldrums of winter are over, and we all get a burst of rejuvenation and refreshment!
In Isaiah, we read about people rising from their graves to new life, refreshed like morning dew. This refers to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Who rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven to reign forever. It also refers to us – how we have a new life in Christ. Our old, sinful lives are dead, but a new life has risen. Just like the jonquils and the forsythia, we bloom and are called to brighten the day with the light of Christ!
Spring is a great time to regroup – to shake off the winter doldrums and revive ourselves. It is a great time to evaluate our Spiritual lives and see where we need a rebirth… and to ask Jesus to refresh us. Rise from your grave and celebrate with shouts! Because of Jesus, we have LIFE everlasting! Be filled with joy and new energy, and share His Good News with everyone you meet. Jesus is alive… and so are we who believe in Him! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 20, 2010
March 20 ~ Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother-in-law took a Mississippi River cruise several years ago with her aunt. Along the way, they saw a gingko tree, and my mother-in-law picked up a seed, brought it home, and planted it. Today, she has a beautiful tree in her front yard. She has carefully nurtured this gingko tree, and it stands almost two stories high now and produces leaves that turn a vivid yellow-gold in the fall. Recently, she asked my husband to prune a “second trunk” that was developing to give it an even nicer shape. As long as she is able, she will love and care for this tree, and it will thrive and continue to grow.
As crazy as this sounds, God cares about this gingko tree, too, just as He cares for all of His creations. But more importantly, as much as God cares about this tree, He cares for us even more. He “planted” us and has nurtured us along the way, and we can count on His love forever and ever at every stage of our journey. I know this is not NEWS to you, but think about this carefully for a while. God has nurtured you since even before you were a “seed” planted in your mother’s womb. He has planned for you, seen that your every need was met, and provided you with all you need to grow into the person He planned you to be. He sometimes “prunes” us for better growth by allowing us to go through a few things. And He LOVES you – forever and ever.
Don’t you feel a little more special today? Isn’t it wonderful to remind yourself just how much God loves you? Do you have a better understanding of how and why you can trust Him to always want the best for you? I don’t know about you, but I am pretty humbled by this. And when I see the beauty and perfection in even a yellow-leafed gingko tree and how carefully God planned for it, I am excited about what He has in store for me! Thank God today for loving you so well. Trust Him to continue to nurture you and care for you in the days to come – and to love you forever and ever.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But I am like an olive tree growing in God's house, and I can count on his love forever and ever.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mother-in-law took a Mississippi River cruise several years ago with her aunt. Along the way, they saw a gingko tree, and my mother-in-law picked up a seed, brought it home, and planted it. Today, she has a beautiful tree in her front yard. She has carefully nurtured this gingko tree, and it stands almost two stories high now and produces leaves that turn a vivid yellow-gold in the fall. Recently, she asked my husband to prune a “second trunk” that was developing to give it an even nicer shape. As long as she is able, she will love and care for this tree, and it will thrive and continue to grow.
As crazy as this sounds, God cares about this gingko tree, too, just as He cares for all of His creations. But more importantly, as much as God cares about this tree, He cares for us even more. He “planted” us and has nurtured us along the way, and we can count on His love forever and ever at every stage of our journey. I know this is not NEWS to you, but think about this carefully for a while. God has nurtured you since even before you were a “seed” planted in your mother’s womb. He has planned for you, seen that your every need was met, and provided you with all you need to grow into the person He planned you to be. He sometimes “prunes” us for better growth by allowing us to go through a few things. And He LOVES you – forever and ever.
Don’t you feel a little more special today? Isn’t it wonderful to remind yourself just how much God loves you? Do you have a better understanding of how and why you can trust Him to always want the best for you? I don’t know about you, but I am pretty humbled by this. And when I see the beauty and perfection in even a yellow-leafed gingko tree and how carefully God planned for it, I am excited about what He has in store for me! Thank God today for loving you so well. Trust Him to continue to nurture you and care for you in the days to come – and to love you forever and ever.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 19, 2010
March 19 ~ Psalm 143:8
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Babies are so fun when they first awaken in the morning. They are usually rested and fresh, and it’s as if they are starting all over – another day, new discoveries, and new adventures. The first hour in the morning with Timothy is often filled with giggles and gurgles, smiles and laughs, and anticipation of a big day ahead. He looks at us as if to say, “What are you going to show me today?”
Do you realize that we are God’s babies… and to Him, we awaken each morning new, fresh, and ready for guidance, adventure and discovery? What if we asked God each morning, “What are You going to show me today?” Do we trust Him to teach us more? We surely don’t know it all… and we never will. But have we really asked God to teach us each day? Have we trusted Him to have new things in store for us and to reveal them to us according to His will?
Let’s start with today. Let’s ask God, “What are you going to show me today?” Let’s trust Him to teach us new things and to reveal more of Himself to us. Let’s keep an open mind and heart – and pay attention! It’s going to be a wonderful day, because TODAY we are going to learn more about God’s love and trust Him. Are you ready to get started?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Babies are so fun when they first awaken in the morning. They are usually rested and fresh, and it’s as if they are starting all over – another day, new discoveries, and new adventures. The first hour in the morning with Timothy is often filled with giggles and gurgles, smiles and laughs, and anticipation of a big day ahead. He looks at us as if to say, “What are you going to show me today?”
Do you realize that we are God’s babies… and to Him, we awaken each morning new, fresh, and ready for guidance, adventure and discovery? What if we asked God each morning, “What are You going to show me today?” Do we trust Him to teach us more? We surely don’t know it all… and we never will. But have we really asked God to teach us each day? Have we trusted Him to have new things in store for us and to reveal them to us according to His will?
Let’s start with today. Let’s ask God, “What are you going to show me today?” Let’s trust Him to teach us new things and to reveal more of Himself to us. Let’s keep an open mind and heart – and pay attention! It’s going to be a wonderful day, because TODAY we are going to learn more about God’s love and trust Him. Are you ready to get started?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 18, 2010
March 18 ~ Psalm 37:3-8
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you stopped to notice lately how many celebrities are hitting rock bottom? Addictions of all sorts plague them… long term relationships are almost non-existent… they end up in bankruptcy court and some even fall so far they take their own life – or lose it because of carelessness and the activities that consume them. So why do we sometimes aspire to be like these people? Why do we look at them and say, “Well THEY are doing it and getting rich, or THEY have all the luck.” Really?
We don’t often hear the “real-life stories” of those who are living right and trusting the Lord and how He delivered them, but I assure you, they are out there. And “Spiritual success stories” exist in your own community. Maybe you know someone who made a difficult choice and passed up what seemed like a great deal, lots of money, or the “chance of a lifetime.” But their prayerful consideration led them to believe God wanted them to do something else. I know a teacher who was once a successful sales manager for several states, but he felt God calling him to the classroom. I know others who sold their home, packed up their belongings, and moved into a small apartment in another city to start an urban ministry, because they felt God calling them to do so. I know people who gave up their vacation to do mission work in Costa Rica and other areas of need. They could have chosen to go to the beach and relax for a week, but instead, they chose to spend the time building needed facilities for a poor community and sharing God’s love with its people.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When we trust in God, and live right, even when it isn’t easy or fun, He blesses us. It may seem like the “sinners” have all the fun, but I assure you, they do not… and certainly not for the long haul. We’re heading into spring break for many. It is a time when there is always a lot of temptation to party all week and sorta go nuts. It’s all in good fun, right? It’s just one week, right? Let me tell you – a lot can happen in a week – both good and bad. Trust God to show you how to spend your spring break. If He tells you to go to the beach with your friends, ask Him how you should conduct yourself while you are there… and live right.
Whatever challenges and choices you face in life, be patient. This spring break – and beyond - don’t be angry with those who choose to do things you do not… and don’t be critical. Just stand firm, trust God, and stay safe, knowing that in the end, God will bless you and your efforts. The land will be yours, and God will show you that you made the right choices.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Trust the LORD and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. Do what the LORD wants, and he will give you your heart's desire. Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right. Be patient and trust the LORD. Don't let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things. Don't be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Have you stopped to notice lately how many celebrities are hitting rock bottom? Addictions of all sorts plague them… long term relationships are almost non-existent… they end up in bankruptcy court and some even fall so far they take their own life – or lose it because of carelessness and the activities that consume them. So why do we sometimes aspire to be like these people? Why do we look at them and say, “Well THEY are doing it and getting rich, or THEY have all the luck.” Really?
We don’t often hear the “real-life stories” of those who are living right and trusting the Lord and how He delivered them, but I assure you, they are out there. And “Spiritual success stories” exist in your own community. Maybe you know someone who made a difficult choice and passed up what seemed like a great deal, lots of money, or the “chance of a lifetime.” But their prayerful consideration led them to believe God wanted them to do something else. I know a teacher who was once a successful sales manager for several states, but he felt God calling him to the classroom. I know others who sold their home, packed up their belongings, and moved into a small apartment in another city to start an urban ministry, because they felt God calling them to do so. I know people who gave up their vacation to do mission work in Costa Rica and other areas of need. They could have chosen to go to the beach and relax for a week, but instead, they chose to spend the time building needed facilities for a poor community and sharing God’s love with its people.
I could go on, but you get the picture. When we trust in God, and live right, even when it isn’t easy or fun, He blesses us. It may seem like the “sinners” have all the fun, but I assure you, they do not… and certainly not for the long haul. We’re heading into spring break for many. It is a time when there is always a lot of temptation to party all week and sorta go nuts. It’s all in good fun, right? It’s just one week, right? Let me tell you – a lot can happen in a week – both good and bad. Trust God to show you how to spend your spring break. If He tells you to go to the beach with your friends, ask Him how you should conduct yourself while you are there… and live right.
Whatever challenges and choices you face in life, be patient. This spring break – and beyond - don’t be angry with those who choose to do things you do not… and don’t be critical. Just stand firm, trust God, and stay safe, knowing that in the end, God will bless you and your efforts. The land will be yours, and God will show you that you made the right choices.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for March 17, 2010
March 17 ~ Psalm 33:18-21
But the LORD watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness. He protects them from death and starvation. We depend on you, LORD, to help and protect us. You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God. Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about all of the people on whom you depend. If you are still living at home, you depend on your parents for food, clothing, and shelter – at least in part. You depend on your teachers to impart knowledge to you and help you learn. You depend on firefighters and law enforcement personnel to keep you safe. You depend on doctors to help you heal and stay well, the mail carrier to deliver your mail, and the banker to hold onto your money until you need it!
If any one of these people let you down, things start to go wrong in your life in a hurry! But we all know that people have limitations, and somewhere down the line, someone you are counting on for something will let you down, drop the ball, or totally fail you.
Aren’t you glad this is not the case with Jesus? Aren’t you glad we serve a God who protects us from death and starvation – both literally and Spiritually? Take comfort in knowing that the LORD watches over us and protects us. The next time you are fearful, worried, in need of some kind, overwhelmed, or some human being has let you down, think of Jesus. Remember that HE is always with us. Jesus never fails or disappoints. Honor Him and thank Him for loving us so well, and trust His kindness. Rest in the knowledge that you can always depend on Jesus to meet all of your needs!
©2010 Debbie Robus
But the LORD watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness. He protects them from death and starvation. We depend on you, LORD, to help and protect us. You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God. Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Think about all of the people on whom you depend. If you are still living at home, you depend on your parents for food, clothing, and shelter – at least in part. You depend on your teachers to impart knowledge to you and help you learn. You depend on firefighters and law enforcement personnel to keep you safe. You depend on doctors to help you heal and stay well, the mail carrier to deliver your mail, and the banker to hold onto your money until you need it!
If any one of these people let you down, things start to go wrong in your life in a hurry! But we all know that people have limitations, and somewhere down the line, someone you are counting on for something will let you down, drop the ball, or totally fail you.
Aren’t you glad this is not the case with Jesus? Aren’t you glad we serve a God who protects us from death and starvation – both literally and Spiritually? Take comfort in knowing that the LORD watches over us and protects us. The next time you are fearful, worried, in need of some kind, overwhelmed, or some human being has let you down, think of Jesus. Remember that HE is always with us. Jesus never fails or disappoints. Honor Him and thank Him for loving us so well, and trust His kindness. Rest in the knowledge that you can always depend on Jesus to meet all of your needs!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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