Numbers 23:19
God is no mere human!
He doesn’t tell lies
or change his mind.
God always keeps his promises.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Timothy has a memory like an elephant! Last year after Christmas, I inadvertently erased “Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer” from our DVR. In the nearly 12-months since, he has mentioned it every time he visited… “You’re going to record Rudolph again… and you’re NOT going to erase it this time… RIGHT?” I have assured him that I would do this. So when the iconic children’s program aired last week on a local channel, I was ready! And when he visits later this week, I am quite certain that we will watch “Rudolph” more than once!
We try to keep our promises to Timothy and his siblings. But there have been times when we told them they could visit… or that we would go to the park to play…or that we would watch one more episode of a program on televisions… and things just did not work out the way we had hoped. We can’t control illness, icy weather, and other unexpected interruptions that are simply a part of mortal life.
As this scripture passage emphasizes… God is no mere human! Unexpected interruptions are not in His wheelhouse! He doesn’t change His mind or make promises He cannot – or will not – keep! So when we read in the word of God that He will hear our prayers… and answer them… we can take that to the bank! When we hear God telling us, “I am not going to desert you. I’ve got this!”… we can believe it! When Jesus tells us that He has gone to prepare a place for us…with “many mansions” and streets of gold, we who have made Him the LORD of our life can trust that this is most assuredly in our future! You may live in a shanty in this life…but Baby, you’re destined for opulence in Paradise!
Each one of us is at a totally different point today. For some, life is on an even keel and everything is seems incredibly positive and peaceful. I know people who are looking forward to a wedding in coming months… others who are anticipating the arrival of a precious new baby…and folks who just got an exciting new job, a promotion, a new house, or a clean bill of health - and a “new lease on life” in the bargain! For others, the road is rocky and uncertain. I have friends who have openly admitted on Facebook that they are reminding themselves to breathe and put one foot in front of the other. I know people who would give anything to hear that a baby is in their future, and still others who wish they would receive a “forever home”. Some wish that a serious diagnosis – or a foreclosure bill – had never been delivered. Many in our community face a plant closing the end of this year and the loss of their employment… and all of the ramifications that come with it.
Wherever you are today… whatever is happening in your life…God is with you. He is fulfilling His promises… orchestrating the outcomes…and working on your mansion! He won’t change His mind… He will not abandon you…He will never make promises and fail to keep them! I know I sound like a broken record on this sometimes, but many of us need to hear this… several times a day! We need to imprint it on our hearts and minds and remind ourselves of these words often! We need to remember to breathe and put one foot in front of the other in the hard times… to be grateful and humble in the good times…and to remember that God is with us through all of them!
This is a message of hope! God will NEVER “erase the program on the DVR” or forget to do what He has promised. God will never have an excuse…He is forever and ever the REAL DEAL! Do you trust Him? Do you believe His word over your life? Are you confident that God is working on your mansion… and numbering every step of your life in the meantime? Will this be the day that you ask Him to remind you of His hand in your life? Will you begin to live with hope and confidence? Isn’t it this a great time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2013
Micah 7:7
But me, I’m not giving up.
I’m sticking around to see what God will do.
I’m waiting for God to make things right.
I’m counting on God to listen to me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I opened a letter from a friend who lives about 3 hours away, and she said she wished we lived close to each other so that we could share coffee, tea, and conversation. I replied that maybe someday that will happen… but we will surely do so in heaven! I’ll be honest… I’ve been thinking a lot about heaven lately. Maybe it’s the sudden passing of several friends close to my age. Or perhaps it’s the posts on Facebook from friends who are grieving the loss of their husbands, siblings and parents – and trying to figure out how to move forward without them. They are wondering what to do with their confusion, loneliness and sorrow.
While I assured my friend that we surely will share coffee and conversation in heaven someday, we are charged in the meantime with doing whatever God calls us to do in order to gather as many people as possible to join us there! And that is the message of hope I glean from this passage today. I know… I know… talk is cheap. If I suddenly lost Greg or my mother or mother-in-law…or a sibling or one of the children so dear to me… would I be as hopeful? I certainly trust that I would! But at the same time, I know that we are human… suffering and grief are real! So if you are one of those who is finding it hard today to move forward or find joy, I certainly understand… and more importantly, God empathizes with your pain!
For every person who is experiencing a time of tremendous joy, there is someone who is in the middle of a desperate heartache or a time of worry and distress. You may not have enough money to give your kids a “decent” Christmas – or even put food on the table. You may be stressing over finals and afraid you have wasted the entire semester. You may be recovering from an illness or surgery…anticipating the birth of a new baby…or trying to figure out how to save your marriage or another relationship. You might be battling an addiction, struggling with obesity, or simply trying to cope with the challenges of aging. And in each of these situations, the temptation might be to throw up your hands, crawl back into bed, and hide under the covers.
Hear God’s words through Micah again… “I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right.” Call on Him to help you, and believe that He truly is listening. Trust this promise…”I’m counting on God to listen to me.” And know that there are plenty of fellow believers who stand ready, willing, and able to support you… to surround you with the love of Christ… to pray with you, encourage you, and help you rebuild your hope and confidence.
Will this be the day that you reach out to God… and to one of His disciples? Will you invite someone to “share coffee and conversation” and infuse you with courage through the hope and promises of Jesus? God is listening… He will make things right, if only you will call on Him and trust His word. Don’t give up! I pray that you will remain hopeful… and stick around to see what God does next!
©2013 Debbie Robus
But me, I’m not giving up.
I’m sticking around to see what God will do.
I’m waiting for God to make things right.
I’m counting on God to listen to me.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
This morning, I opened a letter from a friend who lives about 3 hours away, and she said she wished we lived close to each other so that we could share coffee, tea, and conversation. I replied that maybe someday that will happen… but we will surely do so in heaven! I’ll be honest… I’ve been thinking a lot about heaven lately. Maybe it’s the sudden passing of several friends close to my age. Or perhaps it’s the posts on Facebook from friends who are grieving the loss of their husbands, siblings and parents – and trying to figure out how to move forward without them. They are wondering what to do with their confusion, loneliness and sorrow.
While I assured my friend that we surely will share coffee and conversation in heaven someday, we are charged in the meantime with doing whatever God calls us to do in order to gather as many people as possible to join us there! And that is the message of hope I glean from this passage today. I know… I know… talk is cheap. If I suddenly lost Greg or my mother or mother-in-law…or a sibling or one of the children so dear to me… would I be as hopeful? I certainly trust that I would! But at the same time, I know that we are human… suffering and grief are real! So if you are one of those who is finding it hard today to move forward or find joy, I certainly understand… and more importantly, God empathizes with your pain!
For every person who is experiencing a time of tremendous joy, there is someone who is in the middle of a desperate heartache or a time of worry and distress. You may not have enough money to give your kids a “decent” Christmas – or even put food on the table. You may be stressing over finals and afraid you have wasted the entire semester. You may be recovering from an illness or surgery…anticipating the birth of a new baby…or trying to figure out how to save your marriage or another relationship. You might be battling an addiction, struggling with obesity, or simply trying to cope with the challenges of aging. And in each of these situations, the temptation might be to throw up your hands, crawl back into bed, and hide under the covers.
Hear God’s words through Micah again… “I’m not giving up. I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right.” Call on Him to help you, and believe that He truly is listening. Trust this promise…”I’m counting on God to listen to me.” And know that there are plenty of fellow believers who stand ready, willing, and able to support you… to surround you with the love of Christ… to pray with you, encourage you, and help you rebuild your hope and confidence.
Will this be the day that you reach out to God… and to one of His disciples? Will you invite someone to “share coffee and conversation” and infuse you with courage through the hope and promises of Jesus? God is listening… He will make things right, if only you will call on Him and trust His word. Don’t give up! I pray that you will remain hopeful… and stick around to see what God does next!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2013
Mark 5:35-36
While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”
But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“It ain’t over til it’s over!”* On November 30, 2013, the No. 1-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 4-ranked Auburn University Tigers met to play the “Iron Bowl”… an in-state football rivalry. With one second left on the clock, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal to win the game. The kick was a miss that Auburn Tiger Chris Davis returned 100 yards to win the game, 34-28. It was a historical finish… one that sportscasters will talk about for decades… and one that has caused many people – myself included – to recognize that there is always hope… even in a football game!
And so we come to this scripture passage from Mark where a young girl has died, and the people are essentially saying, “There is no need to turn to Jesus… it’s too late.” And the simple yet profound response from Jesus is that… “It is NEVER too late for Me!”
I have a little desktop book of quips and quotes that I flip the page each day…and for today, it said, “May the dazzling rays of the sunshine of God’s love reach through the clouds of your life and brighten up your skies.” This expression of hope truly captures the essence of Christian faith. No matter the “clouds of your life”… no matter how dismal and hopeless things appear, it is never too late with Jesus! Nothing is settled… nothing is finished…His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness – and yes, HOPE… are eternal!
Many people need to hear this today. For several - perhaps even YOU - there seems to be one second left on the clock and you are facing a seemingly insurmountable 100-yard, last-ditch effort. And I am here to tell you that because of Jesus, all hope is not lost. So won’t you spend a few minutes in prayer and communication with God… reaching out to Him and asking Him to fill you with hope where perhaps you have none? Ask God to meet you on the “playing field of life” and give you the wisdom and courage for that last-second play…to fill you with hope in your darkest hour… to reach through the clouds of your life and brighten your skies with His incredible love.
With God, anything truly is possible…if only you will trust Him. Do you have hope and faith in Him today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
*Quote attributed to Yogi Berra
While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”
But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“It ain’t over til it’s over!”* On November 30, 2013, the No. 1-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 4-ranked Auburn University Tigers met to play the “Iron Bowl”… an in-state football rivalry. With one second left on the clock, Alabama attempted a 57-yard field goal to win the game. The kick was a miss that Auburn Tiger Chris Davis returned 100 yards to win the game, 34-28. It was a historical finish… one that sportscasters will talk about for decades… and one that has caused many people – myself included – to recognize that there is always hope… even in a football game!
And so we come to this scripture passage from Mark where a young girl has died, and the people are essentially saying, “There is no need to turn to Jesus… it’s too late.” And the simple yet profound response from Jesus is that… “It is NEVER too late for Me!”
I have a little desktop book of quips and quotes that I flip the page each day…and for today, it said, “May the dazzling rays of the sunshine of God’s love reach through the clouds of your life and brighten up your skies.” This expression of hope truly captures the essence of Christian faith. No matter the “clouds of your life”… no matter how dismal and hopeless things appear, it is never too late with Jesus! Nothing is settled… nothing is finished…His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness – and yes, HOPE… are eternal!
Many people need to hear this today. For several - perhaps even YOU - there seems to be one second left on the clock and you are facing a seemingly insurmountable 100-yard, last-ditch effort. And I am here to tell you that because of Jesus, all hope is not lost. So won’t you spend a few minutes in prayer and communication with God… reaching out to Him and asking Him to fill you with hope where perhaps you have none? Ask God to meet you on the “playing field of life” and give you the wisdom and courage for that last-second play…to fill you with hope in your darkest hour… to reach through the clouds of your life and brighten your skies with His incredible love.
With God, anything truly is possible…if only you will trust Him. Do you have hope and faith in Him today?
©2013 Debbie Robus
*Quote attributed to Yogi Berra
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2013
Lamentations 3:24-26
Deep in my heart I say,
“The Lord is all I need;
I can depend on him!”
The Lord is kind to everyone
who trusts and obeys him.
It is good to wait patiently
for the Lord to save us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends had just arrived for a holiday get-together last night when my mother phoned to tell me that a childhood friend, Darvin, had suffered a heart attack and died. In June, we said “Goodbye” to Darvin’s brother, Donnie, who died as the result of a cancerous brain tumor. One month later, Donnie and Darvin’s cousin Kenny died unexpectedly. These three men, now in their 50s and early 60s, grew up on “my street” – within 2 blocks of my house. We played together as children… and kept up with one another into adulthood. Their parents were friends with my parents… and those still living are dear friends to all of even today.
My mother was clearly shaken as she delivered this latest news to me, and she mused aloud that she didn’t know how the brothers’ parents would survive this latest shock and the loss of two sons in six months. I assured her that these dear people are tougher than they realize. I know that at the end of the day… they depend on the LORD and wait patiently for Him to save them.
In the midst of this festive holiday season, where we are surrounded by beautiful decorations, sparkling lights, and more than enough Christmas goodies to eat… even in the middle of a fun, happy evening with friends…people are hurting and suffering. Devastating, life-changing events are occurring. Not everything is coming up roses for all people just because it is the Christmas Season. And yet, the core message of the holidays is that there is hope… that all can be well, even as life crumbles and seems to come crashing down all around us.
While my heart is broken for those I love who are suffering such agony and loss, I also am filled with peace and confidence… because I know WHO they trust to get them through this. And He will do the same for you… whatever you might be enduring. I pray that this is a season in your life that has little to no commotion… that “Life is Good” for you and filled with happiness and calm. But in reality, a lot of people are smack in the middle of situations that are anything but reassuring. They face seemingly insurmountable obstacles…devastating heartaches…incredible loneliness and/or conflict… and there are times when it seems there is no solution.
Please read these verses from Lamentations again. There IS hope in the LORD. Deep in your heart, don’t you know this? Do you have the assurance and confidence that God will save you… that He will offer you kindness and answers where you can find none? If you are not fully certain that God is in complete control… if you lack hope and faith that God is planning a future for you that is filled with joy and resolution… spend some time with Him today. Search His word and spend time in His presence. Believe that He is working out a perfect plan for you… one that offers you His peace and comfort.
Find God for yourself… and find hope even in the most hopeless of hours. God is still with us! God is still in control! He still loves you… He is still the God of Hope! Is He yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Deep in my heart I say,
“The Lord is all I need;
I can depend on him!”
The Lord is kind to everyone
who trusts and obeys him.
It is good to wait patiently
for the Lord to save us.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Friends had just arrived for a holiday get-together last night when my mother phoned to tell me that a childhood friend, Darvin, had suffered a heart attack and died. In June, we said “Goodbye” to Darvin’s brother, Donnie, who died as the result of a cancerous brain tumor. One month later, Donnie and Darvin’s cousin Kenny died unexpectedly. These three men, now in their 50s and early 60s, grew up on “my street” – within 2 blocks of my house. We played together as children… and kept up with one another into adulthood. Their parents were friends with my parents… and those still living are dear friends to all of even today.
My mother was clearly shaken as she delivered this latest news to me, and she mused aloud that she didn’t know how the brothers’ parents would survive this latest shock and the loss of two sons in six months. I assured her that these dear people are tougher than they realize. I know that at the end of the day… they depend on the LORD and wait patiently for Him to save them.
In the midst of this festive holiday season, where we are surrounded by beautiful decorations, sparkling lights, and more than enough Christmas goodies to eat… even in the middle of a fun, happy evening with friends…people are hurting and suffering. Devastating, life-changing events are occurring. Not everything is coming up roses for all people just because it is the Christmas Season. And yet, the core message of the holidays is that there is hope… that all can be well, even as life crumbles and seems to come crashing down all around us.
While my heart is broken for those I love who are suffering such agony and loss, I also am filled with peace and confidence… because I know WHO they trust to get them through this. And He will do the same for you… whatever you might be enduring. I pray that this is a season in your life that has little to no commotion… that “Life is Good” for you and filled with happiness and calm. But in reality, a lot of people are smack in the middle of situations that are anything but reassuring. They face seemingly insurmountable obstacles…devastating heartaches…incredible loneliness and/or conflict… and there are times when it seems there is no solution.
Please read these verses from Lamentations again. There IS hope in the LORD. Deep in your heart, don’t you know this? Do you have the assurance and confidence that God will save you… that He will offer you kindness and answers where you can find none? If you are not fully certain that God is in complete control… if you lack hope and faith that God is planning a future for you that is filled with joy and resolution… spend some time with Him today. Search His word and spend time in His presence. Believe that He is working out a perfect plan for you… one that offers you His peace and comfort.
Find God for yourself… and find hope even in the most hopeless of hours. God is still with us! God is still in control! He still loves you… He is still the God of Hope! Is He yours?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2013
John 4:13-14
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know that I’ve been talking for days now about the winter storm we’ve been having… but it’s a pretty big deal when your daytime high temperatures in central Arkansas for the first week of December are in the low to mid-twenties. It’s an even bigger deal when the night-time lows dip into the teens and single digits! So when I tell you it’s cold and icy here… baby, it’s cold and icy here!
A friend of ours posted a photo of her husband putting out water for the birds in their yard. Greg decided that our songbirds could probably use a drink as well… everything in sight is frozen solid as a rock! So he ventured out to the bird feeder and filled a 3-lb. plastic coffee can and a plastic lid from a large container with water. The birds flocked to these vessels and began to drink and splash. They were truly glad to have fresh water! Here’s the thing, though… that water froze pretty quickly. So Greg made more than one trip to the bird feeder yesterday to refresh the water supply for the birds.
Yes, we know that there are “heaters” you can purchase to keep the birds’ water from freezing. But we seldom have an outbreak of weather this cold for this long… and we have never gone so far as to purchase a “bird-bath heater”. If this weather trend continues into actual winter, we may have to re-think this! Meanwhile, our birds will have to make do with intermittent drinks as we manage to venture out into the cold and ice to replenish their supply.
Here’s the Good News… the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ never freezes or runs dry! We have ready access to an unending supply of His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even better, through the Holy Spirit, we can experience a continual fountain that flows from our heart and bubbles out like a freshwater spring. We can actually have more than we ever need… enough to share with everyone we encounter! This is far better than having a heater for the bird bath! Nothing compares to the Living Water of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit!
What about you? Is your fountain flowing freely with the Living Water of Jesus? Or are you frozen… hard-hearted… or even altogether empty? The choice is totally yours. Jesus offers each of us hope, courage, confidence and joy through His Living Water. He gave His very life for ours so that we can spend Eternity with Him… and enjoy His blessings in the meantime. Are you living with hope and faith in His promises? Who supplies your “water” these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I know that I’ve been talking for days now about the winter storm we’ve been having… but it’s a pretty big deal when your daytime high temperatures in central Arkansas for the first week of December are in the low to mid-twenties. It’s an even bigger deal when the night-time lows dip into the teens and single digits! So when I tell you it’s cold and icy here… baby, it’s cold and icy here!
A friend of ours posted a photo of her husband putting out water for the birds in their yard. Greg decided that our songbirds could probably use a drink as well… everything in sight is frozen solid as a rock! So he ventured out to the bird feeder and filled a 3-lb. plastic coffee can and a plastic lid from a large container with water. The birds flocked to these vessels and began to drink and splash. They were truly glad to have fresh water! Here’s the thing, though… that water froze pretty quickly. So Greg made more than one trip to the bird feeder yesterday to refresh the water supply for the birds.
Yes, we know that there are “heaters” you can purchase to keep the birds’ water from freezing. But we seldom have an outbreak of weather this cold for this long… and we have never gone so far as to purchase a “bird-bath heater”. If this weather trend continues into actual winter, we may have to re-think this! Meanwhile, our birds will have to make do with intermittent drinks as we manage to venture out into the cold and ice to replenish their supply.
Here’s the Good News… the “Living Water” of Jesus Christ never freezes or runs dry! We have ready access to an unending supply of His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. Even better, through the Holy Spirit, we can experience a continual fountain that flows from our heart and bubbles out like a freshwater spring. We can actually have more than we ever need… enough to share with everyone we encounter! This is far better than having a heater for the bird bath! Nothing compares to the Living Water of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit!
What about you? Is your fountain flowing freely with the Living Water of Jesus? Or are you frozen… hard-hearted… or even altogether empty? The choice is totally yours. Jesus offers each of us hope, courage, confidence and joy through His Living Water. He gave His very life for ours so that we can spend Eternity with Him… and enjoy His blessings in the meantime. Are you living with hope and faith in His promises? Who supplies your “water” these days?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 7, 2013
Job 13:13-15
Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences. Yes, I will take my life in my hands and say what I really think. God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him. But this is what will save me - I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Why don’t you tell me how you really feel!” If you have not ever uttered that phrase to someone, perhaps it has been expressed to you. And truly, there are people with whom we can be brutally honest, “vent” and share our innermost thoughts… and others for whom we sugarcoat the situation. I am truly blessed to have a mate and partner with whom I can be completely honest. I don’t have to pretend to Greg that I am having a good day when I am not. I can share my greatest joys with him with confidence that he will celebrate the victories with me. I can also express my deepest frustration and pain… and he will commiserate and console. It’s a “no-holds-barred” relationship… and I truly treasure this.
I am blessed to share a similar relationship with my best friend Marla Ann… and my cousin Natalie. Because of our relationship and our “history,” we share thoughts and feelings that nobody else would understand. We are comfortable being real and raw with each other about what is happening in our lives. And like the phrase, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” we know we can be completely honest and transparent with each other… and nobody else will ever hear of it.
So here we are with Job. He is being persecuted and tortured with all sorts of afflictions. And he has decided to ask God exactly why this is happening to him. Others are warning him NOT to question God… suggesting that he will die for his audacity! But here’s the thing… Job knows that his only hope is God. It’s a risk he is willing to take.
Now remember, this all happened to Job long before Jesus came to earth and died for our sins so that we could have first-hand access to God. In Job’s day, mere mortals were not supposed to talk to God directly. They were expected to talk to a high priest who would intercede on their behalf. The nerve of Job to think he could just cry out to God and plead his case! But that is exactly what he did. And this is what we can do, as well.
God is more than our best friend… He is closer than our mate… He is always ready to hear from us - and never betrays our confidence. God wants to hear how we really feel! He can take it! This should be the best news you have had all day! This should fill each of us with hope and confidence… that God is ready, willing, and able to hear our petitions – and to answer them. We truly have nothing to lose. We are not Godless… and He will save us.
I am grateful for Greg, Marla Ann and Natalie. I am glad that God has given me earthly support in the form of these three people. But I am even more grateful for His love and care… and the promises He has made to me to meet my every need. So the question is, “Are you ready to take your life into your own hands and lay it on the line with God?” Is He your hope… your only hope? Will you be completely honest and open with Him and trust His guidance and care? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Be silent now and leave me alone. Let me speak, and I will face the consequences. Yes, I will take my life in my hands and say what I really think. God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him. But this is what will save me - I am not godless. If I were, I could not stand before him.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Why don’t you tell me how you really feel!” If you have not ever uttered that phrase to someone, perhaps it has been expressed to you. And truly, there are people with whom we can be brutally honest, “vent” and share our innermost thoughts… and others for whom we sugarcoat the situation. I am truly blessed to have a mate and partner with whom I can be completely honest. I don’t have to pretend to Greg that I am having a good day when I am not. I can share my greatest joys with him with confidence that he will celebrate the victories with me. I can also express my deepest frustration and pain… and he will commiserate and console. It’s a “no-holds-barred” relationship… and I truly treasure this.
I am blessed to share a similar relationship with my best friend Marla Ann… and my cousin Natalie. Because of our relationship and our “history,” we share thoughts and feelings that nobody else would understand. We are comfortable being real and raw with each other about what is happening in our lives. And like the phrase, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” we know we can be completely honest and transparent with each other… and nobody else will ever hear of it.
So here we are with Job. He is being persecuted and tortured with all sorts of afflictions. And he has decided to ask God exactly why this is happening to him. Others are warning him NOT to question God… suggesting that he will die for his audacity! But here’s the thing… Job knows that his only hope is God. It’s a risk he is willing to take.
Now remember, this all happened to Job long before Jesus came to earth and died for our sins so that we could have first-hand access to God. In Job’s day, mere mortals were not supposed to talk to God directly. They were expected to talk to a high priest who would intercede on their behalf. The nerve of Job to think he could just cry out to God and plead his case! But that is exactly what he did. And this is what we can do, as well.
God is more than our best friend… He is closer than our mate… He is always ready to hear from us - and never betrays our confidence. God wants to hear how we really feel! He can take it! This should be the best news you have had all day! This should fill each of us with hope and confidence… that God is ready, willing, and able to hear our petitions – and to answer them. We truly have nothing to lose. We are not Godless… and He will save us.
I am grateful for Greg, Marla Ann and Natalie. I am glad that God has given me earthly support in the form of these three people. But I am even more grateful for His love and care… and the promises He has made to me to meet my every need. So the question is, “Are you ready to take your life into your own hands and lay it on the line with God?” Is He your hope… your only hope? Will you be completely honest and open with Him and trust His guidance and care? Isn’t this a great day to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 6, 2013
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For days, all we heard from newscasters was “Get ready for the big storm.” We were told to make sure we had non-perishable food items, water, fuel, cash, flashlights, batteries and more… in case we were iced in for several days and lost power. We were warned to run any errands and make preparations to stay at home for a while. I saw people in Wal-Mart who were gathering games and other activities to occupy their kiddos over the weekend – especially things that wouldn’t require electrical power. I helped a couple of bewildered husbands find the candles their wives had sent them to purchase.
The ice came, and some areas lost power. Those who didn’t have a plan in place must take personal responsibility, because we were all given ample time and warning to face this storm with hope for a positive outcome.
Anyone who knows me very well can tell you that I am one of those people who like to have a plan. I don’t function well in the realm of “whatever comes along”. I can be spontaneous, and I can adjust on the fly… but I really like to know what’s on the agenda. Of course, there are always unknowns. We can’t always prepare for trees that fall on our house… cars that spin out of control on an icy driveway…or power outages that last far longer than we expected. We can’t know that we will get sick…that certain events will have to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, and more. In short… we truly don’t know for certain what our future holds… at least not 100 percent!
The GOOD NEWS is that God knows exactly what’s in store for us. His plans are perfect. He knows what will be cancelled, what obstacles we will face… and even if the power will go out – and for how long! If we trust God’s plans for our lives… if we have faith and confidence that He will work things out for good and not for disaster… we can live with hope that our future is bright. We still won’t know what is going to happen at any given moment… but we know that God is working things out perfectly. In other words, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future.
Because of this promise, I can handle the “surprises” that come my way… both the happy ones and those that are not so pleasant. I know that God is planning every minute of my future…and it is indeed a good one. Because I believe in God… because I trust His promises are true…I have hope - and I pray that the same can be said for you. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For days, all we heard from newscasters was “Get ready for the big storm.” We were told to make sure we had non-perishable food items, water, fuel, cash, flashlights, batteries and more… in case we were iced in for several days and lost power. We were warned to run any errands and make preparations to stay at home for a while. I saw people in Wal-Mart who were gathering games and other activities to occupy their kiddos over the weekend – especially things that wouldn’t require electrical power. I helped a couple of bewildered husbands find the candles their wives had sent them to purchase.
The ice came, and some areas lost power. Those who didn’t have a plan in place must take personal responsibility, because we were all given ample time and warning to face this storm with hope for a positive outcome.
Anyone who knows me very well can tell you that I am one of those people who like to have a plan. I don’t function well in the realm of “whatever comes along”. I can be spontaneous, and I can adjust on the fly… but I really like to know what’s on the agenda. Of course, there are always unknowns. We can’t always prepare for trees that fall on our house… cars that spin out of control on an icy driveway…or power outages that last far longer than we expected. We can’t know that we will get sick…that certain events will have to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, and more. In short… we truly don’t know for certain what our future holds… at least not 100 percent!
The GOOD NEWS is that God knows exactly what’s in store for us. His plans are perfect. He knows what will be cancelled, what obstacles we will face… and even if the power will go out – and for how long! If we trust God’s plans for our lives… if we have faith and confidence that He will work things out for good and not for disaster… we can live with hope that our future is bright. We still won’t know what is going to happen at any given moment… but we know that God is working things out perfectly. In other words, we don’t know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future.
Because of this promise, I can handle the “surprises” that come my way… both the happy ones and those that are not so pleasant. I know that God is planning every minute of my future…and it is indeed a good one. Because I believe in God… because I trust His promises are true…I have hope - and I pray that the same can be said for you. Are you with me?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 5, 2013
If you do not hear from me again for a few days, it will be because of the ice storm we are expecting - and a loss of Internet service and/or power. God bless and keep you ... stay safe and warm!
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December 5 ~ Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If you live anywhere in the “Ark-La-Tex”, you probably know that weather forecasters are predicting that we will experience a major winter storm in the next several days… with the primary culprits being freezing rain and ice accumulation…and pipe-freezing cold temperatures (lows in single digits several nights). We have been warned for days to prepare… to get plenty of food, water, cash (in case there is no power for the ATMs), and gasoline for our vehicles. People have polished and serviced their generators and kerosene heaters…tree limbs have been trimmed away from power lines in many areas… road crews are already pre-treating certain areas…and the bread shelves at the local supermarkets look like the Apocolypse is approaching!
This morning when I awoke, I began to think about all of the “issues” we would have if we lost power. We have a gas range, but our heat requires electricity. We could huddle around a wood fireplace, but if we get the single digit temps that are forecast, that would not provide much warmth. Greg’s mother is elderly and lives alone… what if she lost power, too? My niece and her husband have three small children… what if they lost power? As I wrote in my prayer journal, I expressed my concerns to God… but I also told Him that I trust Him to handle these things and the other concerns I have.
Greg awoke early this morning and began to think about the winter storm. He researched portable generators and kerosene heaters…then he left home as soon as he thought stores were open to do a little shopping. When I realized he was doing this, I thanked God for taking care of my needs almost before I spoke of them! I thanked Him for giving me perfect peace. I know the storm is coming. I realize that we very well may still lose power. But God has provided for us… and He will continue to do so. I don’t think it is any accident that Greg purchased the last kerosene heater at one store… or that an ample supply of the very portable generator he preferred was available at another.
This is just one more reminder for me to trust in God… to keep my thoughts fixed on Him… to relax a little and rest in the knowledge and peace of knowing that He is meeting my every need. There are times when things look like they are falling to pieces. But honestly, this is when God truly “shows out” and does His best work in my life. I am learning more every day about living in God’s perfect peace. He is my strength… He most certainly fills me with hope! What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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December 5 ~ Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If you live anywhere in the “Ark-La-Tex”, you probably know that weather forecasters are predicting that we will experience a major winter storm in the next several days… with the primary culprits being freezing rain and ice accumulation…and pipe-freezing cold temperatures (lows in single digits several nights). We have been warned for days to prepare… to get plenty of food, water, cash (in case there is no power for the ATMs), and gasoline for our vehicles. People have polished and serviced their generators and kerosene heaters…tree limbs have been trimmed away from power lines in many areas… road crews are already pre-treating certain areas…and the bread shelves at the local supermarkets look like the Apocolypse is approaching!
This morning when I awoke, I began to think about all of the “issues” we would have if we lost power. We have a gas range, but our heat requires electricity. We could huddle around a wood fireplace, but if we get the single digit temps that are forecast, that would not provide much warmth. Greg’s mother is elderly and lives alone… what if she lost power, too? My niece and her husband have three small children… what if they lost power? As I wrote in my prayer journal, I expressed my concerns to God… but I also told Him that I trust Him to handle these things and the other concerns I have.
Greg awoke early this morning and began to think about the winter storm. He researched portable generators and kerosene heaters…then he left home as soon as he thought stores were open to do a little shopping. When I realized he was doing this, I thanked God for taking care of my needs almost before I spoke of them! I thanked Him for giving me perfect peace. I know the storm is coming. I realize that we very well may still lose power. But God has provided for us… and He will continue to do so. I don’t think it is any accident that Greg purchased the last kerosene heater at one store… or that an ample supply of the very portable generator he preferred was available at another.
This is just one more reminder for me to trust in God… to keep my thoughts fixed on Him… to relax a little and rest in the knowledge and peace of knowing that He is meeting my every need. There are times when things look like they are falling to pieces. But honestly, this is when God truly “shows out” and does His best work in my life. I am learning more every day about living in God’s perfect peace. He is my strength… He most certainly fills me with hope! What about you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 4, 2013
Hebrews 6:13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Nearly 35 years ago, Greg and I were living north of Russellville, Arkansas, in a rural area known as Linker Mountain. I had taken up jogging, and I would go for my daily run in the evenings after work. My route was along the road in front of our house… a seldom-traveled stretch that climbed up the “mountain” and looped around. I scaled a couple of pretty steep stretches before turning around and descending. It was a really good workout!
One evening I got a somewhat late start, and darkness began to settle in as I neared my last peak. A car came along and passed me… then the driver stopped and began to back up toward me. I am sure that this person probably wanted to ask if I was okay, but it really spooked me…and I just froze. I wanted to yell… tried to yell…but nothing came out of my mouth. And then I began to run… no, SPRINT… toward home. In my mind, I was running for my very life toward the safety and sanctuary of our house… and Greg.
The people in the car didn’t know where I lived. They didn’t know that I had someone waiting for me inside one of the handful of homes scattered along that road. But I knew that I could run straight through the door of our house to the shelter of a husband who would protect me! As I ran away from the car, the driver changed course and headed on up the hill and away from me… and ultimately, all was well.
I should have been a little better prepared. Because I was so close to home, I was overly confident. This was before cell phones were popular. I should have had a whistle or some other security devise with me – at least a flashlight, maybe. I trusted the safety and security of my home and Greg… but at the exact instant this happened, neither were within reach!
I’m sure I overreacted, but I was truly shaken. And if you are honest, there have been at least a few times when you have experienced something that shook you… rattled your cage… knocked you off balance. Where did you turn? Who did you trust? Even today, do you have an unbreakable spiritual lifeline with God? Do you have His promised hope and the assurance that gives you every reason to run for your very life toward God, grab Him with both hands and never let go? Are you truly prepared for whatever life throws your way?
This is not just idle talk. A lot of people SAY they have this kind of relationship with God… an unbreakable hope in His promises. But talk is cheap and doesn’t get you very far in a faith walk. You have to have some meat and muscle behind it. You have to know that you know that you KNOW that God’s promises concerning your life… and His power and authority over it… are rock-solid and above reproach! Sadly, many won’t truly know this until they are tested in some way… and for some of us, this can be a painful and costly lesson.
I hope you are not one of those who has to “learn by example.” I pray that you can truly grasp the integrity and power of God’s promises… that you can sincerely and wholeheartedly put your hope and trust in Him NOW… once and for all… that you are already hanging on with both hands to God and will never let Him go… that you are truly prepared for whatever “life” and the devil try to toss in your direction. Otherwise, you are pretty well running uphill in the dark… and subject to whatever potential troubles may come along.
It doesn’t have to be this way. God cannot lie. He has vowed to protect us… and to bless us. Since God does not lie, He cannot break these vows. There is no other about whom you can truly say the same. So what are you waiting for? Grab hold of God with both hands and NEVER EVER let Him go. Cling to His spiritual lifeline and operate each and every day in the hope of His love and care.
©2013 Debbie Robus
When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line. He said, “I promise that I’ll bless you with everything I have—bless and bless and bless!” Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him. When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they’ll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable.
We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Nearly 35 years ago, Greg and I were living north of Russellville, Arkansas, in a rural area known as Linker Mountain. I had taken up jogging, and I would go for my daily run in the evenings after work. My route was along the road in front of our house… a seldom-traveled stretch that climbed up the “mountain” and looped around. I scaled a couple of pretty steep stretches before turning around and descending. It was a really good workout!
One evening I got a somewhat late start, and darkness began to settle in as I neared my last peak. A car came along and passed me… then the driver stopped and began to back up toward me. I am sure that this person probably wanted to ask if I was okay, but it really spooked me…and I just froze. I wanted to yell… tried to yell…but nothing came out of my mouth. And then I began to run… no, SPRINT… toward home. In my mind, I was running for my very life toward the safety and sanctuary of our house… and Greg.
The people in the car didn’t know where I lived. They didn’t know that I had someone waiting for me inside one of the handful of homes scattered along that road. But I knew that I could run straight through the door of our house to the shelter of a husband who would protect me! As I ran away from the car, the driver changed course and headed on up the hill and away from me… and ultimately, all was well.
I should have been a little better prepared. Because I was so close to home, I was overly confident. This was before cell phones were popular. I should have had a whistle or some other security devise with me – at least a flashlight, maybe. I trusted the safety and security of my home and Greg… but at the exact instant this happened, neither were within reach!
I’m sure I overreacted, but I was truly shaken. And if you are honest, there have been at least a few times when you have experienced something that shook you… rattled your cage… knocked you off balance. Where did you turn? Who did you trust? Even today, do you have an unbreakable spiritual lifeline with God? Do you have His promised hope and the assurance that gives you every reason to run for your very life toward God, grab Him with both hands and never let go? Are you truly prepared for whatever life throws your way?
This is not just idle talk. A lot of people SAY they have this kind of relationship with God… an unbreakable hope in His promises. But talk is cheap and doesn’t get you very far in a faith walk. You have to have some meat and muscle behind it. You have to know that you know that you KNOW that God’s promises concerning your life… and His power and authority over it… are rock-solid and above reproach! Sadly, many won’t truly know this until they are tested in some way… and for some of us, this can be a painful and costly lesson.
I hope you are not one of those who has to “learn by example.” I pray that you can truly grasp the integrity and power of God’s promises… that you can sincerely and wholeheartedly put your hope and trust in Him NOW… once and for all… that you are already hanging on with both hands to God and will never let Him go… that you are truly prepared for whatever “life” and the devil try to toss in your direction. Otherwise, you are pretty well running uphill in the dark… and subject to whatever potential troubles may come along.
It doesn’t have to be this way. God cannot lie. He has vowed to protect us… and to bless us. Since God does not lie, He cannot break these vows. There is no other about whom you can truly say the same. So what are you waiting for? Grab hold of God with both hands and NEVER EVER let Him go. Cling to His spiritual lifeline and operate each and every day in the hope of His love and care.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 3, 2013
Hebrews 6:10-12
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have ever watched small children in a group setting, you have probably noticed that there is always at least one child who is eager to greet the others. This child wants to welcome the other children with hugs… wants them to come and play with him/her… wants to “hang out” with them. And often, at least a few of the children will bristle and resist these loving gestures. Some might even be downright rude in their rejection. It’s interesting to watch what happens next. Sometimes the loving, caring child will be upset and even lament to an adult… or pout. But most of the time, he/she simply moves on to another child – or another activity – and continues to happily dole out love and a positive attitude.
Have you ever been in a situation where no matter how much you do for someone… how much you love them and give of your time and energy to them… they seem to take every opportunity to kick you, put you down, and trample on your heart? In essence, you stick out your hand to greet them and say, “Come and play with me”… and their answer is a resounding – and sometimes ugly – “NO!” What do you do with this? How do you react?
I believe that we can learn a lot from the example of the children I described. I believe that this is exactly what God is telling us to do in this scripture passage… “Move forward… keep loving and giving. You may have to pick an alternate recipient, and/or you may have to grow a thicker skin toward those who reject and rebuke your efforts… but never lose confidence in God’s promises… and NEVER stop demonstrating your hope and faith to others in His name.”
It’s a tall order… especially when your feelings are raw and your heart is breaking. But God will not fail you… He will not leave you to suffer and flounder under the weight of insults and burdens. He will show you how and where to concentrate your efforts… where you can do the most good in His name. And He will BLESS YOU for your obedience and perseverance! Keep loving… keep doing things for others… and keep hoping and believing in God’s fairness and His promises. He will not forget the love you have shown His people…and they won’t either!
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 2, 2013
Hebrews 3:1-6
My friends, God has chosen you to be his holy people. So think about Jesus, the one we call our apostle and high priest! Jesus was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in serving all of God’s people. But Jesus deserves more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves more honor than the house. Of course, every house is built by someone, and God is really the one who built everything.
Moses was a faithful servant and told God’s people what would be said in the future. But Christ is the Son in charge of God’s people. And we are those people, if we keep on being brave and don’t lose hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 39+ years of marriage, Greg and I have moved more than ten times. Two of those moves were into new houses that were constructed for us by the same builder… and another was a house he remodeled for us. It would be safe to say that we are partial to Willie Stone Construction Co. This father/son duo and crew have built a reputation in our area for creating beautiful homes and doing quality work.
We’ve added our “touch” to every house in which we have lived. Some were created by reputable builders who put quality work into every board and nail. Others were less than they appeared and required constant upkeep and repairs. So while we always made them look nice, the understructure was not always top notch! We learned through experience and careful observation that who you choose as your builder matters! We also learned that it matters who is in charge of the crew. Some sub-contractors worked very hard day in and out… while others worked far harder and faster when the boss was on the scene! In the end, the house will only be as good as its designer and builder… only as sound as those who actually did the work and the person(s) who supervised them and checked the work.
So what does this have to do with our spiritual life and living with hope? Why was this analogy even used in scripture to present this message? Here’s how I see it. God is the builder… Jesus is the supervising contractor… and we are the house. We were designed and created by God. Jesus came to earth to show us how to live in the house God built for us… to “supervise” our growth and development as His disciples and to actually give us life through His death on the cross… and our lives as Christians are the end result. If we pay attention, listen well, and live with hope and confidence in Jesus, our “structure” will be sound – and last into Eternity. If we play fast and loose and allow shoddy workmanship in the form of sin and the devil’s tricks to factor into our lives, we’ll always need upkeep and repairs… our lives might very well crumble and fall into disrepair… and they might even become “uninhabitable.”
We must stay strong. We must make wise choices. We must seek the best “Builder” for our life (God) and put our faith in a “Supervisor” (Jesus Christ) who will create in us a quality product. We must be on the lookout and guard our hearts against shoddy workmanship and shortcuts. We must truly stay strong and selective and say, “I will only be a house built by God Almighty!” We must claim that “on Christ the solid rock I stand,” as the old hymn says…and have hope and confidence that He will build nothing but the best in us.
Who have you chosen as your Ultimate Builder? How firm is your foundation? Are YOU built to last into Eternity? Don’t you want to be? Isn’t it time you chose Jesus as your “supervisor” and placed your hope in Him? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
My friends, God has chosen you to be his holy people. So think about Jesus, the one we call our apostle and high priest! Jesus was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in serving all of God’s people. But Jesus deserves more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves more honor than the house. Of course, every house is built by someone, and God is really the one who built everything.
Moses was a faithful servant and told God’s people what would be said in the future. But Christ is the Son in charge of God’s people. And we are those people, if we keep on being brave and don’t lose hope.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 39+ years of marriage, Greg and I have moved more than ten times. Two of those moves were into new houses that were constructed for us by the same builder… and another was a house he remodeled for us. It would be safe to say that we are partial to Willie Stone Construction Co. This father/son duo and crew have built a reputation in our area for creating beautiful homes and doing quality work.
We’ve added our “touch” to every house in which we have lived. Some were created by reputable builders who put quality work into every board and nail. Others were less than they appeared and required constant upkeep and repairs. So while we always made them look nice, the understructure was not always top notch! We learned through experience and careful observation that who you choose as your builder matters! We also learned that it matters who is in charge of the crew. Some sub-contractors worked very hard day in and out… while others worked far harder and faster when the boss was on the scene! In the end, the house will only be as good as its designer and builder… only as sound as those who actually did the work and the person(s) who supervised them and checked the work.
So what does this have to do with our spiritual life and living with hope? Why was this analogy even used in scripture to present this message? Here’s how I see it. God is the builder… Jesus is the supervising contractor… and we are the house. We were designed and created by God. Jesus came to earth to show us how to live in the house God built for us… to “supervise” our growth and development as His disciples and to actually give us life through His death on the cross… and our lives as Christians are the end result. If we pay attention, listen well, and live with hope and confidence in Jesus, our “structure” will be sound – and last into Eternity. If we play fast and loose and allow shoddy workmanship in the form of sin and the devil’s tricks to factor into our lives, we’ll always need upkeep and repairs… our lives might very well crumble and fall into disrepair… and they might even become “uninhabitable.”
We must stay strong. We must make wise choices. We must seek the best “Builder” for our life (God) and put our faith in a “Supervisor” (Jesus Christ) who will create in us a quality product. We must be on the lookout and guard our hearts against shoddy workmanship and shortcuts. We must truly stay strong and selective and say, “I will only be a house built by God Almighty!” We must claim that “on Christ the solid rock I stand,” as the old hymn says…and have hope and confidence that He will build nothing but the best in us.
Who have you chosen as your Ultimate Builder? How firm is your foundation? Are YOU built to last into Eternity? Don’t you want to be? Isn’t it time you chose Jesus as your “supervisor” and placed your hope in Him? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 1, 2013
Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, the Facebook post of a friend reminded me that I had a few more Christmas decorations that I had not yet placed on display. I know…hard to imagine, for those who know me… but I opened a drawer upstairs and found the miniature tree with “nativity” ornaments… a few decorations for Greg’s office… and one more item - a golden school bus ornament. Last Christmas, my Mam-ma Polly’s pastor, Bro. JR – who was like a grandson to her – gave her a painted glass “school bus” ornament. My grandmother was a school bus driver in our community for eleven years. That bus was a nod to days when she was vibrant and active – and in my mind – able to do virtually anything!
When Mam-ma died in March, we placed the school bus with her until after the funeral… and I brought it home to hang on our tree… fulfilling a promise I made to her last Christmas that I would hang it each year and think of her. And hang it I did – this morning, alongside the handmade doily ornament that holds a photograph of my grandparents and my dad when he was a boy.
This was a bittersweet moment for me… but also one filled with hope. Because I believe in the promises of God… because I operate fully in the faith that Jesus came to earth to live and die for me – and that I will be with Him forever in Heaven someday… because I know that my Mam-ma Polly and countless others who believed wait there for me… I can have hope. I can anticipate a time that I truly cannot “see”… but most certainly am assured will happen. And this fills me with joy.
We all know the “let-down” of realizing that another Christmas season has come and gone. For many of us, the anticipation of Christmas Day will build over the next twenty-five days… until many of us are in nothing short of a total frenzy. And by December 31st, Christmas will all but be a distant memory for most. Decorations will come down, the gifts will be put away, diets will commence, and we will be “over it” and on to the next big event.
We can anticipate another holiday season in eleven months. But ultimately, Christmas Days will cease for each of us – at least in the earthly sense. I will admit that I am a big kid when it comes to Christmas. Truthfully, I’m hanging my hopes and dreams on a “Christmas” that never ends… the promise I have been given of endless days in the presence of Jesus – celebrating Him with family members, friends, and “brothers and sisters in Christ” who will join me at His feet again and again. I cannot see/touch/feel this… but I believe in it all the same.
Until my earthly days are over, I will celebrate Christmas in the traditional manner. I will hang the school bus ornament and others…decorate for the holidays… bake and shop, wrap gifts, send cards, and sing Christmas carols. And I will do my best to live in a manner that honors the promises of Jesus… the incredible sacrifices He has made for me. I will share His Good News with others and encourage them to share in my confidence that an eternity in Jesus’ presence is a part of our future. In essence, I will try to live like each earthly Christmas might be my last… and I say this without sorrow or trepidation.
I have faith that heaven awaits me…hope that it will actually happen… and assurance about my eternal future. Do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
This morning, the Facebook post of a friend reminded me that I had a few more Christmas decorations that I had not yet placed on display. I know…hard to imagine, for those who know me… but I opened a drawer upstairs and found the miniature tree with “nativity” ornaments… a few decorations for Greg’s office… and one more item - a golden school bus ornament. Last Christmas, my Mam-ma Polly’s pastor, Bro. JR – who was like a grandson to her – gave her a painted glass “school bus” ornament. My grandmother was a school bus driver in our community for eleven years. That bus was a nod to days when she was vibrant and active – and in my mind – able to do virtually anything!
When Mam-ma died in March, we placed the school bus with her until after the funeral… and I brought it home to hang on our tree… fulfilling a promise I made to her last Christmas that I would hang it each year and think of her. And hang it I did – this morning, alongside the handmade doily ornament that holds a photograph of my grandparents and my dad when he was a boy.
This was a bittersweet moment for me… but also one filled with hope. Because I believe in the promises of God… because I operate fully in the faith that Jesus came to earth to live and die for me – and that I will be with Him forever in Heaven someday… because I know that my Mam-ma Polly and countless others who believed wait there for me… I can have hope. I can anticipate a time that I truly cannot “see”… but most certainly am assured will happen. And this fills me with joy.
We all know the “let-down” of realizing that another Christmas season has come and gone. For many of us, the anticipation of Christmas Day will build over the next twenty-five days… until many of us are in nothing short of a total frenzy. And by December 31st, Christmas will all but be a distant memory for most. Decorations will come down, the gifts will be put away, diets will commence, and we will be “over it” and on to the next big event.
We can anticipate another holiday season in eleven months. But ultimately, Christmas Days will cease for each of us – at least in the earthly sense. I will admit that I am a big kid when it comes to Christmas. Truthfully, I’m hanging my hopes and dreams on a “Christmas” that never ends… the promise I have been given of endless days in the presence of Jesus – celebrating Him with family members, friends, and “brothers and sisters in Christ” who will join me at His feet again and again. I cannot see/touch/feel this… but I believe in it all the same.
Until my earthly days are over, I will celebrate Christmas in the traditional manner. I will hang the school bus ornament and others…decorate for the holidays… bake and shop, wrap gifts, send cards, and sing Christmas carols. And I will do my best to live in a manner that honors the promises of Jesus… the incredible sacrifices He has made for me. I will share His Good News with others and encourage them to share in my confidence that an eternity in Jesus’ presence is a part of our future. In essence, I will try to live like each earthly Christmas might be my last… and I say this without sorrow or trepidation.
I have faith that heaven awaits me…hope that it will actually happen… and assurance about my eternal future. Do you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 30, 2013
Hebrews 10:22-25
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Every year of our 39+-year marriage – except maybe two of them – we’ve decorated our house for Christmas. One year I had surgery right before Thanksgiving, and I don’t think we even put up a tree. Another year, we were moving, and everything was in boxes. But aside from that, I think we have put up at least a small tree and gotten out some lights and decorations every single year… even in years when we truly weren’t in the mood.
I can tell you… decorating for Christmas is a lot of work… especially at our house! (HUGE nod to Greg for carrying most of the heavy boxes and our big tree down the stairs!) But it is also an act of love… for each other and for others who will visit our home this holiday season. Call it a way of making ourselves “presentable inside and out”…because there is a whole lot more going on with Christmas decorating and festivities than putting up a tree and getting out some decorations.
My friend John Birdsong noted last night how he and his family had spent the day decorating… and reminiscing. Each decoration held some memory or personal meaning for them. His wife Belinda - a school teacher far longer than I was - hung ornaments she had been given by former students. They put out nativities that they had purchased when the kids were little. And they laughed and smiled and remembered the hows/wheres/whens of these precious mementos that warm their home and encourage love and goodwill. And we’ve been doing the same thing.
There are sweet memories attached to many of our pieces. And even some of the newer ones are taking on a special meaning. As I sat out an inexpensive wooden snowman yesterday, I remembered how Timothy has loved to play with it these last few Christmases. It was one of several decorations that I knew he couldn’t break and would enjoy, so I set them on a low shelf for him to reach. I hung plastic and non-breakable ornaments on a little fiber-optic tree that twinkles and blinks. I picked it up at an estate sale for a dollar… so it’s nothing special. But when I remember how it makes the children’s eyes dance with delight, that tree is worth 100 times what I paid - or more.
There are ornaments on our tree that my Mam-ma Polly made – her felt birds, quilted “pillows” made from Santa faces I cross-stitched the Christmas my grandparents’ house burned, and a crocheted “doily” ornament that holds a picture of my grandparents and my dad when he was about four or five. There are nativities I have collected over the years... several given to me by loved ones, and others purchased at estate sales of friends I knew and loved. There is the trunk that belonged to Greg’s grandfather… laden with Christmas needlework I have done, vintage Santas, and a little ceramic Christmas tree that twinkles in the corner. And before Christmas Eve, Greg will put out twinkling “reindeer” in the front yard… a gift to me one Christmas - now a promise to the children that the reindeer who “went back to the North Pole” would return again at Christmas time. He’ll also set out a large plywood Santa that his dad cut out for us more than two decades ago. We painted the features to create a replica of the Santa that stood in the Robus family’s yard when Greg was a child.
I could continue my description of holiday traditions that we will continue. We could also just say, “Forget it!” and not do them! But Christmas is the season of hope… and in that spirit, we decorate and celebrate all over again each year. As we enter into the days of Advent, hear this message…Christmas is not the end, but the beginning… the reminder many of us need to keep putting one foot ahead of the other and moving forward. We were given a tremendous gift when Jesus Christ was born. While the true meaning of His life on earth is revealed in the story of Easter and His resurrection…it starts with His birth. God’s gift of Jesus on that starry night represents the promise of eternal salvation. That’s enough to keep me going… wouldn’t you agree?
Moreover, we have an incredible opportunity in the coming days to practice demonstrating Christ’s love to others… being the “real deal” for Jesus inside and out…worshipping together… and being inventive as we encourage others and help them. Then we can spend the other eleven months of the year putting our “practice” to good use. Maybe… just maybe… we can keep a spirit of hope in Jesus Christ alive past our earthly “Big Day”! Because you see… this is not where the story ends… it’s where it begins. The ultimate BIG DAY still lies ahead… when we meet Jesus face-to-face and spend the rest of eternity with Him.
So let’s decorate… let’s celebrate… let’s encourage and assist and demonstrate Christ’s love with gusto! Let’s operate in hope on the inside and outside… and make it as natural to our lives as breathing. Pour a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea…put on your Christmas music…and get busy spreading hope in Jesus Christ as you “decorate” your life for the BIG DAY! He is coming… will you be ready?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Every year of our 39+-year marriage – except maybe two of them – we’ve decorated our house for Christmas. One year I had surgery right before Thanksgiving, and I don’t think we even put up a tree. Another year, we were moving, and everything was in boxes. But aside from that, I think we have put up at least a small tree and gotten out some lights and decorations every single year… even in years when we truly weren’t in the mood.
I can tell you… decorating for Christmas is a lot of work… especially at our house! (HUGE nod to Greg for carrying most of the heavy boxes and our big tree down the stairs!) But it is also an act of love… for each other and for others who will visit our home this holiday season. Call it a way of making ourselves “presentable inside and out”…because there is a whole lot more going on with Christmas decorating and festivities than putting up a tree and getting out some decorations.
My friend John Birdsong noted last night how he and his family had spent the day decorating… and reminiscing. Each decoration held some memory or personal meaning for them. His wife Belinda - a school teacher far longer than I was - hung ornaments she had been given by former students. They put out nativities that they had purchased when the kids were little. And they laughed and smiled and remembered the hows/wheres/whens of these precious mementos that warm their home and encourage love and goodwill. And we’ve been doing the same thing.
There are sweet memories attached to many of our pieces. And even some of the newer ones are taking on a special meaning. As I sat out an inexpensive wooden snowman yesterday, I remembered how Timothy has loved to play with it these last few Christmases. It was one of several decorations that I knew he couldn’t break and would enjoy, so I set them on a low shelf for him to reach. I hung plastic and non-breakable ornaments on a little fiber-optic tree that twinkles and blinks. I picked it up at an estate sale for a dollar… so it’s nothing special. But when I remember how it makes the children’s eyes dance with delight, that tree is worth 100 times what I paid - or more.
There are ornaments on our tree that my Mam-ma Polly made – her felt birds, quilted “pillows” made from Santa faces I cross-stitched the Christmas my grandparents’ house burned, and a crocheted “doily” ornament that holds a picture of my grandparents and my dad when he was about four or five. There are nativities I have collected over the years... several given to me by loved ones, and others purchased at estate sales of friends I knew and loved. There is the trunk that belonged to Greg’s grandfather… laden with Christmas needlework I have done, vintage Santas, and a little ceramic Christmas tree that twinkles in the corner. And before Christmas Eve, Greg will put out twinkling “reindeer” in the front yard… a gift to me one Christmas - now a promise to the children that the reindeer who “went back to the North Pole” would return again at Christmas time. He’ll also set out a large plywood Santa that his dad cut out for us more than two decades ago. We painted the features to create a replica of the Santa that stood in the Robus family’s yard when Greg was a child.
I could continue my description of holiday traditions that we will continue. We could also just say, “Forget it!” and not do them! But Christmas is the season of hope… and in that spirit, we decorate and celebrate all over again each year. As we enter into the days of Advent, hear this message…Christmas is not the end, but the beginning… the reminder many of us need to keep putting one foot ahead of the other and moving forward. We were given a tremendous gift when Jesus Christ was born. While the true meaning of His life on earth is revealed in the story of Easter and His resurrection…it starts with His birth. God’s gift of Jesus on that starry night represents the promise of eternal salvation. That’s enough to keep me going… wouldn’t you agree?
Moreover, we have an incredible opportunity in the coming days to practice demonstrating Christ’s love to others… being the “real deal” for Jesus inside and out…worshipping together… and being inventive as we encourage others and help them. Then we can spend the other eleven months of the year putting our “practice” to good use. Maybe… just maybe… we can keep a spirit of hope in Jesus Christ alive past our earthly “Big Day”! Because you see… this is not where the story ends… it’s where it begins. The ultimate BIG DAY still lies ahead… when we meet Jesus face-to-face and spend the rest of eternity with Him.
So let’s decorate… let’s celebrate… let’s encourage and assist and demonstrate Christ’s love with gusto! Let’s operate in hope on the inside and outside… and make it as natural to our lives as breathing. Pour a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea…put on your Christmas music…and get busy spreading hope in Jesus Christ as you “decorate” your life for the BIG DAY! He is coming… will you be ready?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 29, 2013
Ephesians 4:4-6
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
For those of us known as Arkansas Razorback fans, this has been a difficult season. We didn’t win a single Southeastern Conference game this year. In fact, our overall record was 3 wins and 9 losses. In the heartbreaking loss to LSU today, I think we fans experienced every emotion possible. There were moments of frustration, trepidation, hope, sheer joy and delight, and an ultimate sense of outward and inward defeat. But all good Razorback fans know that we win together… we lose together… and we STICK together! The Razorbacks will take the field again next season! And fans will fill the stadium and turn on their televisions and radios to cheer them on in their efforts. We’ll hope and dream of victories…and we’ll celebrate together when we get them!
I wish we were all as hopeful about our Christian faith as we are about football teams. We Christians all serve the same God… we believe in one baptism…one way to Salvation… and an eternity in Heaven with Jesus. We encourage each other in both joys and sorrows… we pray for one another and say that we trust God’s promises to meet our every need. But we often operate in a state of hopelessness. At the first “fumble” or “interception”, we panic… and in any defeat that we are handed, we completely crumble.
Is our faith really so fragile that we fall apart with the first challenge? Are we so insecure in our relationship with God that we cannot grasp how connected we are… to Him and to fellow believers? We are never alone! God is always available to us, and Christ’s disciples are all around us… ready, willing and able to lend us a hand. All we have to do is trust God and call on Him for help…and He will supply whoever and whatever we need!
Today, the starting quarterback for LSU was injured late in the game. Arkansas was ahead as a back-up freshman quarterback for LSU took the field. Arkansas forced LSU to their one-yard line, with mere minutes remaining in the game. And the quarterback steadily drove the ball down the field before throwing a 49-yard pass that was caught for the winning touchdown. Clearly, this team never lost hope. They kept working together for a common goal…and the end result was a victory.
Don’t you think that God will allow this same principle to apply in your spiritual life? Do you see that there is always hope - and victory - with God? Even in the waning minutes of a dire situation – or even your very life… when you are at the end of your rope and it seems you are out of time and options… God is still there – ready, willing, and able to help you turn things around.
So take a look at the situations you are facing – and your life in general. Where have you given up and accepted defeat? Where have you said, “There is no way out of this” or “This is just the way things are” and thrown in the towel? Are you like a “fair weather fan” who only supports the team when they are winning? Or do you trust God to handle whatever comes your way? Are you operating in faith and hope… believing that you can do all things in the strength of Christ Jesus? Is everything you think and do permeated with Oneness? Isn’t it time it was?
©2013 Debbie Robus
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
For those of us known as Arkansas Razorback fans, this has been a difficult season. We didn’t win a single Southeastern Conference game this year. In fact, our overall record was 3 wins and 9 losses. In the heartbreaking loss to LSU today, I think we fans experienced every emotion possible. There were moments of frustration, trepidation, hope, sheer joy and delight, and an ultimate sense of outward and inward defeat. But all good Razorback fans know that we win together… we lose together… and we STICK together! The Razorbacks will take the field again next season! And fans will fill the stadium and turn on their televisions and radios to cheer them on in their efforts. We’ll hope and dream of victories…and we’ll celebrate together when we get them!
I wish we were all as hopeful about our Christian faith as we are about football teams. We Christians all serve the same God… we believe in one baptism…one way to Salvation… and an eternity in Heaven with Jesus. We encourage each other in both joys and sorrows… we pray for one another and say that we trust God’s promises to meet our every need. But we often operate in a state of hopelessness. At the first “fumble” or “interception”, we panic… and in any defeat that we are handed, we completely crumble.
Is our faith really so fragile that we fall apart with the first challenge? Are we so insecure in our relationship with God that we cannot grasp how connected we are… to Him and to fellow believers? We are never alone! God is always available to us, and Christ’s disciples are all around us… ready, willing and able to lend us a hand. All we have to do is trust God and call on Him for help…and He will supply whoever and whatever we need!
Today, the starting quarterback for LSU was injured late in the game. Arkansas was ahead as a back-up freshman quarterback for LSU took the field. Arkansas forced LSU to their one-yard line, with mere minutes remaining in the game. And the quarterback steadily drove the ball down the field before throwing a 49-yard pass that was caught for the winning touchdown. Clearly, this team never lost hope. They kept working together for a common goal…and the end result was a victory.
Don’t you think that God will allow this same principle to apply in your spiritual life? Do you see that there is always hope - and victory - with God? Even in the waning minutes of a dire situation – or even your very life… when you are at the end of your rope and it seems you are out of time and options… God is still there – ready, willing, and able to help you turn things around.
So take a look at the situations you are facing – and your life in general. Where have you given up and accepted defeat? Where have you said, “There is no way out of this” or “This is just the way things are” and thrown in the towel? Are you like a “fair weather fan” who only supports the team when they are winning? Or do you trust God to handle whatever comes your way? Are you operating in faith and hope… believing that you can do all things in the strength of Christ Jesus? Is everything you think and do permeated with Oneness? Isn’t it time it was?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 28, 2013
Ephesians 1:18
My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Many people face some pretty big decisions today. For some, it may be whether they should eat that second piece of pie…while for others, the choice may be far more significant – even life changing! For far too many people, today is more a day of uncertainty than a day of thanksgiving. For them, the only thing they know for sure is how to get through this day… and then they will begin to worry about tomorrow. I have several friends who are experiencing grief and loss this holiday season… and for these precious souls, it’s all about putting one foot in front of the other at the moment. Others have just welcomed new babies into their families, and the future seems full of hope and aspirations for these little ones and those who love them. In any given year, you and I could be standing in either pair of shoes… filled with extreme sadness… or overflowing with great joy.
The common thread that we all have today is how much God loves us… that He chose us to belong to Him and made tremendous sacrifices so that in return, we could choose to live with Him forever. Whatever we are experiencing… wherever we happen to be today in this journey called “life”… we can have hope because of God’s gift of Jesus. He stands ready and able to give us “glorious blessings”. He has the strength, wisdom and power to make a way where we see none at all. He can heal broken hearts in grownups and kids alike…and orchestrate amazing futures for “babies” of all ages.
Whatever you need… wherever you are…there is hope today in Jesus Christ. Let His light flood your heart…embrace this prospect. Run and leap with joy if you can… and at the very least, put one foot in front of the other. Celebrate God’s goodness with those around you… or find someone with whom to share His Good News. And never lose faith in God’s promises… they give us more than enough reasons to be thankful today. Wouldn’t you agree?
©2013 Debbie Robus
My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Many people face some pretty big decisions today. For some, it may be whether they should eat that second piece of pie…while for others, the choice may be far more significant – even life changing! For far too many people, today is more a day of uncertainty than a day of thanksgiving. For them, the only thing they know for sure is how to get through this day… and then they will begin to worry about tomorrow. I have several friends who are experiencing grief and loss this holiday season… and for these precious souls, it’s all about putting one foot in front of the other at the moment. Others have just welcomed new babies into their families, and the future seems full of hope and aspirations for these little ones and those who love them. In any given year, you and I could be standing in either pair of shoes… filled with extreme sadness… or overflowing with great joy.
The common thread that we all have today is how much God loves us… that He chose us to belong to Him and made tremendous sacrifices so that in return, we could choose to live with Him forever. Whatever we are experiencing… wherever we happen to be today in this journey called “life”… we can have hope because of God’s gift of Jesus. He stands ready and able to give us “glorious blessings”. He has the strength, wisdom and power to make a way where we see none at all. He can heal broken hearts in grownups and kids alike…and orchestrate amazing futures for “babies” of all ages.
Whatever you need… wherever you are…there is hope today in Jesus Christ. Let His light flood your heart…embrace this prospect. Run and leap with joy if you can… and at the very least, put one foot in front of the other. Celebrate God’s goodness with those around you… or find someone with whom to share His Good News. And never lose faith in God’s promises… they give us more than enough reasons to be thankful today. Wouldn’t you agree?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 27, 2013
Ephesians 1:11-12
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we were in high school, there was a big pep rally and bonfire the night before one of the football games. I was a freshman… and a majorette in the marching band. Greg was a senior…and a student assistant for the football team. He says he spotted me in the firelight… and that after that night, he had his eye on me. That was forty-two years ago! I knew Greg’s name and who he was… I’d seen him at school and riding his motorcycle around town. But I didn’t really know anything about him. A few weeks later, we had our first date…and after that, we were pretty much inseparable.
I find it amazingly wonderful that long before we were even aware of each other, God was orchestrating our life together…that He had designs for “glorious living” for us as a couple. Even more incredible is the realization that long before I was born, God had “designs for glorious living” for me… and an overall purpose that He was working out in everything and everyone around me. And the coolest part of all is that He was doing the same things for you and countless others as well! As this scripture tells us, long before we ever even were born - certainly well before we first heard about Jesus - He was thinking of us… planning for our future… orchestrating everything perfectly.
When you think about your relationship to Jesus in this manner, doesn’t it make sense to live with hope? When you realize that long before you were even born God had His eye on you - was planning for your glorious living - does it give you a reason to face whatever challenges and struggles you may be given… with confidence that He will work out everything for His overall perfect purpose? Don’t you feel energized and encouraged to know that you are loved and cared for so deeply? Doesn’t this give you hope for the future?
The God who can orchestrate the firelight so that the face of a 14-year-old girl catches the eye of a 17-year-old boy can surely shine a light on your future and the steps you need to take to accomplish His purpose. The God who can plan so carefully for every aspect of your life… Who can even set your future mate in your path…can certainly line up the events of your days and show you the right choices to make. The God who loved you enough to send Jesus Christ to earth to live and die for your sins close to 2000 years before you were born can surely handle whatever “life” tosses your way today… and in the days ahead.
This is GOOD NEWS… HOPEFUL news! Do you know who you are and what you are living for in Jesus Christ? Isn’t it time you figured it out? Are you ready to face the future with hope and confidence that He has your back? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When we were in high school, there was a big pep rally and bonfire the night before one of the football games. I was a freshman… and a majorette in the marching band. Greg was a senior…and a student assistant for the football team. He says he spotted me in the firelight… and that after that night, he had his eye on me. That was forty-two years ago! I knew Greg’s name and who he was… I’d seen him at school and riding his motorcycle around town. But I didn’t really know anything about him. A few weeks later, we had our first date…and after that, we were pretty much inseparable.
I find it amazingly wonderful that long before we were even aware of each other, God was orchestrating our life together…that He had designs for “glorious living” for us as a couple. Even more incredible is the realization that long before I was born, God had “designs for glorious living” for me… and an overall purpose that He was working out in everything and everyone around me. And the coolest part of all is that He was doing the same things for you and countless others as well! As this scripture tells us, long before we ever even were born - certainly well before we first heard about Jesus - He was thinking of us… planning for our future… orchestrating everything perfectly.
When you think about your relationship to Jesus in this manner, doesn’t it make sense to live with hope? When you realize that long before you were even born God had His eye on you - was planning for your glorious living - does it give you a reason to face whatever challenges and struggles you may be given… with confidence that He will work out everything for His overall perfect purpose? Don’t you feel energized and encouraged to know that you are loved and cared for so deeply? Doesn’t this give you hope for the future?
The God who can orchestrate the firelight so that the face of a 14-year-old girl catches the eye of a 17-year-old boy can surely shine a light on your future and the steps you need to take to accomplish His purpose. The God who can plan so carefully for every aspect of your life… Who can even set your future mate in your path…can certainly line up the events of your days and show you the right choices to make. The God who loved you enough to send Jesus Christ to earth to live and die for your sins close to 2000 years before you were born can surely handle whatever “life” tosses your way today… and in the days ahead.
This is GOOD NEWS… HOPEFUL news! Do you know who you are and what you are living for in Jesus Christ? Isn’t it time you figured it out? Are you ready to face the future with hope and confidence that He has your back? Will this be the day you begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 26, 2013
Acts 24:14-15
“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If you go to Acts 14 and start reading forward, you will see that the Apostle Paul had been brought to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix. He was accused of being a leader in the "Nazarene cult". And while Paul pled his case with Felix – and actually gained some ground – Felix ultimately deferred to others and chose to leave Paul in prison. Imagine how Paul must have felt. He knew where he stood… he was confident in his beliefs – hopeful and faithful that God would sustain him. And he also knew that deep down in their souls, Felix and others knew the truth, too. Still, they chose to allow Paul to be persecuted and imprisoned.
Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? Do you know what it’s like to plead your case with others and get nowhere… to know that you both know the truth…but everything continues to go painfully wrong? My church’s bishop, Gary Mueller, posted this timely note today on Facebook. Hear his words and let them soak deeply into your soul…
©2013 Debbie Robus
“But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.
I have the same hope in God that these men have, that he will raise both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
If you go to Acts 14 and start reading forward, you will see that the Apostle Paul had been brought to Caesarea to stand trial before Governor Felix. He was accused of being a leader in the "Nazarene cult". And while Paul pled his case with Felix – and actually gained some ground – Felix ultimately deferred to others and chose to leave Paul in prison. Imagine how Paul must have felt. He knew where he stood… he was confident in his beliefs – hopeful and faithful that God would sustain him. And he also knew that deep down in their souls, Felix and others knew the truth, too. Still, they chose to allow Paul to be persecuted and imprisoned.
Haven’t you felt that way at one time or another? Do you know what it’s like to plead your case with others and get nowhere… to know that you both know the truth…but everything continues to go painfully wrong? My church’s bishop, Gary Mueller, posted this timely note today on Facebook. Hear his words and let them soak deeply into your soul…
“There’s probably something going on in your life right now so broken and painful you’re just not sure how things are going to work out. In fact, you’re not even sure if they are going to work out. All you know is that you would do almost anything to make things better. But you’ve already done everything you know how to do. And nothing’s worked – nothing at all.I cannot say it any better. We have the Biblical example of Paul’s faith, hope and perseverance. We have these words of encouragement… and we know deep in our hearts that they are true. God is at work right now… all will be well… we can count on Him to bring something new out of what is going on. And we know that the outcome will be perfect! Are you operating in God’s real hope today? Isn’t it time you did?
Don’t lose hope…because you can claim hope even in your moment of deepest despair. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky, God’s-going-to-miraculously-fix-it-and-everything’s-exactly-the-way-God-wants-it hope. It’s God’s real hope…in real life…for real people. It’s based on the reality that nothing will ever separate you from God’s love. That God is at work right now bringing something new out of what’s going on…and that all will be well.
So claim God’s hope right now. Hang onto it. And never let go.” ©2013 ~ Bishop Gary Mueller ~ http://www.arumc.org
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 25, 2013
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
I don’t think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody’s walking around complacently, congratulating each other—“We’ve sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!”—suddenly everything will fall apart. It’s going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.
But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still remember the afternoon that our doorbell rang, and there stood my grandmother and two of my dad’s cousins from Texas. They had come to visit… and their timing could not have been worse. That didn’t faze my grandmother – or the cousins. They marched right into the house and proceeded to stay for more than an hour. I laughingly told them that I was not “dressed to receive guests”… I was getting ready to work out, had on grubby clothes and no makeup. Greg was equally busy and not “cleaned up” for company, either. I had nothing prepared to offer them…a pitcher of iced tea or a soft drink. This didn’t seem to bother our guests… but it bothered us. We had been “taken off guard”!
I am sure you can name countless times that someone dropped in unexpectedly. And if you are like me, you’ve probably caught others unprepared to “receive guests” as well. Let’s be honest, if the worst that ever happens is that someone drops by to visit and catches you looking a little grubby or disheveled, this is certainly not the end of the world. But in the spiritual realm, the last thing we ever want is for Jesus to find us unprepared.
Look at it this way… if you are told that “the cable guy” is coming to your house “somewhere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.”…you will sit at home and wait on him – right? You’ll get up early and dress and prepare for his arrival… and you will wait – sometimes all day long – in anticipation of his visit. Why would you prepare any less for Jesus’ return? The “cable guy” may fix your television reception… but Jesus is offering us Eternal Life! How could we ever fail to prepare for the day we meet Him face-to-face?
The bottom line is that those of us who truly believe in Jesus Christ…who have given our hearts to Him and promised to serve as His disciples…have no excuse for operating in anything less than “preparedness mode.” We have the hope of salvation and an eternity in Heaven on our side. Isn’t this worth guarding?
How ready are you to meet Jesus in person? Are you on guard…”dressed up”… awake… alert? Do you have faith, hope and confidence that you will meet Him someday? We cannot possibly know what hour or day that will happen. So the question is…”Are you ready to receive Him?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
I don’t think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody’s walking around complacently, congratulating each other—“We’ve sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!”—suddenly everything will fall apart. It’s going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.
But friends, you’re not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You’re sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we’re creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I still remember the afternoon that our doorbell rang, and there stood my grandmother and two of my dad’s cousins from Texas. They had come to visit… and their timing could not have been worse. That didn’t faze my grandmother – or the cousins. They marched right into the house and proceeded to stay for more than an hour. I laughingly told them that I was not “dressed to receive guests”… I was getting ready to work out, had on grubby clothes and no makeup. Greg was equally busy and not “cleaned up” for company, either. I had nothing prepared to offer them…a pitcher of iced tea or a soft drink. This didn’t seem to bother our guests… but it bothered us. We had been “taken off guard”!
I am sure you can name countless times that someone dropped in unexpectedly. And if you are like me, you’ve probably caught others unprepared to “receive guests” as well. Let’s be honest, if the worst that ever happens is that someone drops by to visit and catches you looking a little grubby or disheveled, this is certainly not the end of the world. But in the spiritual realm, the last thing we ever want is for Jesus to find us unprepared.
Look at it this way… if you are told that “the cable guy” is coming to your house “somewhere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.”…you will sit at home and wait on him – right? You’ll get up early and dress and prepare for his arrival… and you will wait – sometimes all day long – in anticipation of his visit. Why would you prepare any less for Jesus’ return? The “cable guy” may fix your television reception… but Jesus is offering us Eternal Life! How could we ever fail to prepare for the day we meet Him face-to-face?
The bottom line is that those of us who truly believe in Jesus Christ…who have given our hearts to Him and promised to serve as His disciples…have no excuse for operating in anything less than “preparedness mode.” We have the hope of salvation and an eternity in Heaven on our side. Isn’t this worth guarding?
How ready are you to meet Jesus in person? Are you on guard…”dressed up”… awake… alert? Do you have faith, hope and confidence that you will meet Him someday? We cannot possibly know what hour or day that will happen. So the question is…”Are you ready to receive Him?”
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 24, 2013
1 Peter 1:13-16
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The Arkansas Razorbacks football team is not having a good year. In fact, they have suffered a school-record eight straight losses. This is the result of a number of things…including the residual fallout from an almost-two-year-old scandal that stood the athletic department on its ear for a while. If you follow college football in general, you know that many fans are somewhat “rabid”… they love their team and want to win at all costs. So it will come as no surprise that some would choose to go back to the “winning” program of a few years ago, headed by a dishonest and deceptive coach, rather than persevere to build something that has integrity and excellence over the long haul.
Let’s be honest… aren’t there times when we all want to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point? Why am I even trying?” Every one of us has times in our life when the old ways of doing just what we feel like doing sounds pretty good in comparison to the struggles and challenges of developing a life shaped by God’s life. Nobody ever said being holy would be easy!
Hear the word of God from 1 Peter 2:18-26:
Remember… in the end, God wins! If we want to win with Him, we have to remain hopeful and holy. The choice is ours… what will you do?
©2013 Debbie Robus
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
The Arkansas Razorbacks football team is not having a good year. In fact, they have suffered a school-record eight straight losses. This is the result of a number of things…including the residual fallout from an almost-two-year-old scandal that stood the athletic department on its ear for a while. If you follow college football in general, you know that many fans are somewhat “rabid”… they love their team and want to win at all costs. So it will come as no surprise that some would choose to go back to the “winning” program of a few years ago, headed by a dishonest and deceptive coach, rather than persevere to build something that has integrity and excellence over the long haul.
Let’s be honest… aren’t there times when we all want to throw up our hands and ask, “What’s the point? Why am I even trying?” Every one of us has times in our life when the old ways of doing just what we feel like doing sounds pretty good in comparison to the struggles and challenges of developing a life shaped by God’s life. Nobody ever said being holy would be easy!
Hear the word of God from 1 Peter 2:18-26:
You who are servants, be good servants to your masters—not just to good masters, but also to bad ones. What counts is that you put up with it for God’s sake when you’re treated badly for no good reason. There’s no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you’re treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God.This should give us great hope. Because of Jesus, who has done so much for us, we can remain faithful…and filled with hope. Surely we can persevere. We.Can.Do.This! We can keep working through all challenges and disappointments… and help build the Kingdom of Heaven. We can strive to become more holy every single day… and in doing so, we can anticipate a life “energized and blazed with holiness” and blessings.
This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step.
He never did one thing wrong,
Not once said anything amiss.
They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you’re named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Remember… in the end, God wins! If we want to win with Him, we have to remain hopeful and holy. The choice is ours… what will you do?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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