Daily Devotional for November 3, 2016

Matthew 6:16-18
“When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don’t make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won’t make you a saint. If you ‘go into training’ inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn’t require attention-getting devices. He won’t overlook what you are doing; he’ll reward you well."

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.

There is an episode of the ABC television comedy “Modern Family” in which the character Cameron sets out all of his old “fat jeans” at a family yard sale. He declares that “You know, I’ve lost 25 pounds!”  Everyone is concerned, because like millions of Americans, he generally diets, loses weight, and then regains said weight…and then some! I have little doubt that you know at least one person who frequently announces, “I’m going on a diet!”  Or maybe he/she says, “THIS TIME, I’m really going to get in shape…quit smoking…finish cleaning that closet or shed” - or whatever it is that requires a hefty dose of personal discipline and determination.

There are some who feel that we should hold ourselves accountable by announcing our intentions.  But Jesus tells us that when we do this in order to draw closer to God, we are essentially making a production – and this does not please God.  Announcements that we are “giving this up for Lent,” or that “I am going to read my Bible every day” do not make us better Christians – or demonstrate extreme faithfulness.  Verbal declarations that we are going to memorize a certain number of Bible verses…or public promises to get up an hour early every morning to “spend quiet time with God” do not make us more effective – or improve our standing in God’s eyes.

What God wants is sincere, humble effort.  He wants us to quietly do the work that Jesus outlined for us...to learn from the Master who sought little to no outward attention for His miraculous works – even though the accolades would have most certainly been merited.  God wants us to develop discipline in our discipleship and ministries. But calling attention to these efforts is not what He had in mind.

So study your Bible…spend quiet time with God…start the diet and sell the pants!  But let your humble demeanor and the words and actions of your day speak for themselves…and your discipleship.  Others will notice…but most importantly, God will see how you carry yourself – and bless your faithful obedience.  And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 2, 2016

Matthew 6:14-15
“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”

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.

Since this election cycle is almost over (thank goodness!), I had better use all of the “election analogies” I can in the next few days!  So here goes…when a candidate makes promises about what he/she will do in office, this person calls upon voters to mark their ballots accordingly to give him/her a majority.  “Put me in office,” he/she says…”and I will do XYZ.”  Let’s be honest…whether this claim is true or not, there will be zero opportunity to find out if that person isn’t elected!”

Our “part” is important. EVERY vote counts!  And whether or not every campaign promise affects us directly, the only way to experience any impact from the results is to vote…to have a say…to make a choice!

I know this is a bit of a stretch…but stick with me. God is ready, willing, and able to forgive us – when we do two things: 1) confess and repent of our sins; and 2) forgive any grudges and/or ill will toward others.  We cannot ask God to do something for us that we are not willing to do for the rest of His children.  So essentially, when we ask God to forgive us but refuse to forgive others, it’s a lot like saying, “I support Candidate XYZ”…and then failing to go to the polls and cast a vote!  We have to do our part.

Does this mean that God only loves us when we comply with Him…when He has things “His way?”  Not at all!  God will always love us. But He wants us to demonstrate OUR love for HIM by treating others with love, kindness, grace, mercy, compassion – and yes, forgiveness.  This makes us true disciples…NOT “doormats.”  In this manner, we convey to God – and to the world – that “because Jesus died for my sins – and You forgave them – I am willing to offer the same grace and mercy to others in Your name.”

If you feel a disconnect between your prayers and God’s answers, examine whether or not you are truly doing your part.  Where are you harboring any semblance of unforgiveness?  Where are you carrying a grudge, judging someone harshly, or operating in any manner of unkindness?  Check your thoughts, words and actions and make sure you are serving God with humble obedience, faithfulness, and forgiveness of others. Reconnect with God…and make every prayer count to the fullest!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 1, 2016

Matthew 6:7-13
When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.

You should pray like this:

Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name.
Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil.

​Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

The second/third graders and I studied an excellent model for prayer a few weeks ago, and I think it bears offering today for us to consider.  I’m paraphrasing, but it goes something like this:

P – Praise God for all that He has done for us.
R – Repent - humble yourself before God and confess that you have sinned.
A – Ask God to meet your needs and those of others.
Y – Yield to God’s will.

This is a simplified version of Jesus’ guideline…perhaps one we can more readily understand and put into practice. Many of our prayers tend to be dull…and somewhat repetitive and monotonous.  If we are not careful, we can get into a rut of offering God our words…but not our heart.  Using this guideline helps us to tailor each conversation with God to what is happening in that moment.

In the course of a day, there are moments when all we need to say is simply, “Father, help me.”  There are other times when we need to talk to God and thank Him for all of His blessings. I have read recommendations that immediately upon waking up each morning, we should tell God how grateful we are for Him and ask Him to bless and guide our day. This would be a good time to use the “P.R.A.Y.” model to get things off to a good start!

When a prayer request or need pops up on my Facebook wall – or I hear of something during the day – I like to stop right then and whisper a prayer for that person or situation. My point is that while there is a time and place for the “P.R.A.Y.” model to be enacted fully…there are dozens of opportunities throughout the day for us to reach out to God through brief communications. No utterance is too small…God cherishes every conversation!

HOW you pray is not as important as the fact that you maintain a continual dialogue with God. Let’s stop getting caught up in ritual and man-made notions that we have to be lengthy and eloquent - and simply begin a prayerful conversation.  God already knows what we will say…He’s just waiting to hear you say it!  Have you spoken with Him lately?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 31, 2016

Matthew 6:5-6
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
 
“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. 

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 will warn you now that you may not like some - or all - of what I am about to say!  But I have studied this scripture passage carefully, and I have developed strong feelings about public prayer – and the importance that many attach to this action.

If you wanted to talk to a friend and loved one about something deeply personal, would you do this out loud – in a public venue?  Would you get on the public address system at a sporting event and thank Mary for the kindness she showed to you…or discuss your concern over Joe’s cancer diagnosis or Bill and Sue’s marital problems?  Would you announce to an entire table of diners in a restaurant that you were worried that your teenager might be experimenting with drugs?  Would you want your child to stand up in his/her classroom and share that there was dissension in your church…or that Daddy got a raise and the whole family was super excited and grateful, because things had been really tight and stressful at home?

I realize that this is an extreme analogy…but hopefully you get where I’m going. I totally “get” that some attach great importance to “public” prayers. Some see this as a way to publicly demonstrate their Christian faith.  But therein lies the problem I have. Are we really talking to God – or making a show?

When I go to the pool to work out, I use this as a personal prayer time.  A man who often swims at the same time as I do tried to strike up conversations with me on more than one occasion. One day he said something that gave me the opportunity to mention that I used my workout time as prayer time. I could have just jogged around the pool, praying aloud…and he and everyone else could have drawn conclusions about what a “good Christian” I must be…or even that I was a little nuts!  Instead, I just kept talking to God in between conversation exchanges and waited for an opportunity to explain that this was my personal prayer time.  I figured this was the best way to respectfully regain my privacy…and simultaneously express my Christian faith.

Carefully consider Jesus’ words in this scripture passage. Prayer is meant to be an intimate conversation with God…not a public spectacle. Jesus is pretty clear that we are to be still and quiet - and pour out our heart to God…to focus completely on Him and not on what anyone else hears - or thinks. Leading a group in prayer has its place and time. But I think when we fret so much about whether or not public prayers are allowed in this venue or that one, we so miss the mark. You and I can talk to God anywhere…anytime!  All we have to do is get quiet and still  - and open the dialogue.  We can do this without ever moving our lips – much less uttering a vocal sound.  And we SHOULD! 

The more we understand about the intimacy – and quite frankly, the privacy – of most prayers, the more we see how important it is to talk to God throughout each day.  We understand how vital it is to keep Him close in our thoughts…and to shift our focus from making a public display to sensing His presence – and His grace.

Each of us has the opportunity for a unique and deeply personal daily conversation with God that will not only nurture our relationship with Him but also profoundly affect how others see Jesus in and through us. If we are busy worrying about whether we can pray out loud – and where such public demonstrations are allowed – we risk missing the opportunity to hear from God.  And that’s a chance I’m not willing to take.  What about you?

 ©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 30, 2016

Matthew 6:1-4
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
Whenever I read this scripture passage, I cannot help but think of a handful of ladies (and a few men) who have greatly influenced my life.  Some are in heaven now, while others are still “getting it done” every day.  They “fly under the radar” with their deeds…and many never know how much these folks do for other people. But I assure you, the recipients of their acts of servitude take notice!

I would name these people, but those who are still with us would be embarrassed to be recognized…which is really the point! They don’t prepare and deliver meals, visit nursing homes and shut-ins, taxi those who cannot drive to a variety of appointments and events, serve in a myriad of positions at their churches, and so much more so that we can applaud their efforts and make a big deal of it!  They do this because they understand what it is to minister in the name of Jesus…to see needs and meet them without any fanfare or fame.

The “reward” is knowledge that God is pleased…that He sees their efforts – and believe me, He DOES! They have done what they could to honor the sacrifices made on their behalf by God as He gave us Jesus to teach us how to live…and to die for our sins.

It concerns me that the next generation(s) might not understand the concept of humble, quiet service that requires no recognition. We’ve made so much of our Christian faith and worship a spectacle and performance. There is competition (sometimes not so subtle) to see who can be the “best”.  Church has become something of a “numbers game.”  We want the biggest state-of-the-art buildings…the most members…the best musicians…impressive programs for all age groups, and more Bible studies and “activities” than any other body of believers. I cannot imagine that this truly pleases God.

There is a song that says, “We don’t need another hero,” and this is what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:1-4.  He is the hero…pure and simple…and we only need the One!  Jesus needs us to be humble servants - dedicated workers who get the work done to build the Kingdom of Heaven.  There will be plenty of blessings along the way for those who minister obediently and quietly…and abundant opportunities for recognition when we get to heaven.

In our rush to be the biggest and best – or to gain recognition and accolades – we often lose sight of what is truly important.  Jesus called us to serve to others in His name…to bless them and glorify Him - not to draw attention to ourselves.  How well are you doing with this?  Are you willing to do the work and remain completely in the background?  Can you serve God without telling a single soul what you have done?  Can you quit worrying about what other people might think or how impressive your discipleship and ministry efforts appear to others…and concentrate on the tasks at hand?  And can you start today?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 29, 2016

Matthew 5:48
“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

This fall as I have been spending time at the elementary school with Timmy and Zola – and in the Sunday school classes at our church -  I’ve realized that these classrooms are microcosms of the world at large…filled with many of the social issues and concerns that trouble the world at large.  I’ve observed children who are struggling (if only subconsciously) with discrimination because of their race, socio-economic level, or intellect. There are children in foster homes, broken homes, and homes that where the family dynamic is disintegrating.  There are children with special needs…and plenty of “drama” between both boys and girls.  This is all on top of the academic challenges that the children face each week in their classrooms!

These little lives and the struggles that befall them parallel those of their adult counterparts in many ways.  And I am reminded of how this broke my heart and troubled me when I left teaching 30 years ago.  I brought a lot of the heartaches home with me at night and “massaged” them over and over. I am trying not to do that now - and here’s why…I am making every effort to live out my faith.

“But wait a minute!” you might say.  “If you are living out your faith, shouldn’t you be concerned for these children?”  Absolutely…but I am confident that God is watching over them.  I ask Him to do this every day…and I trust that He will answer, because I know they are precious to Him.  This frees me to pass out love, hugs and encouragement…to smile and laugh with the children and to let them know how important they are to me – and especially to God. MY JOB as a Christian disciple is not to worry.  It is to live generously and graciously toward others and try my hardest to always give them a glimpse of God and how HE lives toward us.

I hope that I have learned a thing or two in the last few decades.  I’d like to say that I have grown up…but I am sure I still have work to do.  Still, I am doing my best to live like a Kingdom Subject…to quit wringing my hands and worrying over every little thing that happens in this world…to move past the drama, let go, and let God handle the details. This is my God-created identity…and I am trying to honor His gracious and generous gift.  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 28, 2016

Matthew 5:43-47    
“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

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 had to “unfollow” a few Facebook friends this week, because their posts became so vile and disgusting that I could no longer read them. And while I am not as faithful and obedient about this as I should be, I do pray for people who are spouting rhetoric that is confusing at best…and downright appalling and demeaning in many cases. I ask God to bring truth to the forefront, to rebuke those who are spreading hateful rumors and ideologies, and to heal the hearts of those who have made such toxic thoughts their stock in trade.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been on the receiving end of untruths and unkind treatment. I know how much that hurts. I also know how difficult it can be to receive undeserved grace from someone I have offended or insulted in some way – even if unintentionally. If you are honest, you probably will agree that when we receive grace and kindness from someone we know we have mistreated or disrespected, we usually feel at least a tad embarrassed.  You’ve heard people say, “I wish you would just hit me and get it over with”…meaning that a physical punishment would be easier to stomach than having to accept the other person’s leniency and mercy.

What does this mean for us as Christians?  I think Jesus is pretty clear.  When someone insults us or offends us in some way, we are to swallow our pride, anger, and indignation…and “take the high road.”  We are to genuinely and sincerely pray for that person with a real desire for God to speak to this individual and heal his/her heart – but not in the sense of “LORD, You need to FIX him/her!” - or even out of a desire to make the other person feel badly.

We need to be gracious, tender, and “kill ‘em with kindness!”  And here’s why…this is exactly what God does for us, each and every day.  You and I continually insult and demean God.  We trample on Him in ways we can’t even count.  And He lovingly and graciously continues to care for us and meet our every need. This humbles me…because I know that most of the time, I don’t deserve such compassionate treatment.

If we want to be true servants, we have to do this for others.  If we want to be real disciples of Christ, we have to obey His commands – including this one!  As Jesus put it…we are either all in with Him…or we are just one more run-of-the-mill sinner.  I know which “camp” I want to be in…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2016

Matthew 5:38-42    
“Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

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.

One day a few months ago, Nathan yelled at me when I told him “No!” and I sent him to “time out.”  He refused to go…I calmly, but firmly insisted!  This four-year-old boy turned and looked at me and said, “You don’t wuv me anymore.  I am not your fwiend ANY MORE!”  He went to sit in the “time out” chair anyway!

On some level, those words hurt.  I realize that he didn’t mean them…but when Nathan is 15 and mad at me over something, they might be offered with more sincerity.  And it will crush my heart to hear someone I love so dearly speak so harshly.  But I hope and pray that I will “turn the other cheek.”  I will probably have plenty of “ammo” that I could lob right back at him by then.  But it would not serve any purpose other than to deepen the divide and possibly damage our relationship forever.  And…it would disobey and disrespect Jesus.

In this season of such discourse, every fiber of our being wants to scream insults and offer retaliations to someone nearly every day.  We are hurt, angry, bewildered, and ready to “make them pay.”  But we must not do this.  We must stand quietly and be still…and trust God.  We must demonstrate that He is in charge…and we will not be dragged into the mud.

Stop and think about it.  You can name plenty of people with short fuses who are quick to get angry and eager to retaliate.  But think about the person you know who remains steadfast and calm…the one who rises above the fray.  In the words of First Lady, Michelle Obama, think of the person who “goes high when the other guy goes low.”  THIS person has heard Jesus’ words – and taken them to heart.  And so must we!

This is the day that the Lord has made.  We must rejoice in it, and live generously.  We must stand up straight and “go high.”  God can – and will – fight our battles. Trust Him to always have our back. Let GOD be in charge of sending others to “time out”…and discover how He blesses your restraint.

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 26, 2016

Matthew 5:23-27
“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Almost every day, there is a post on Facebook from someone asking others for prayer for this person or that situation. A lot of people comment and say that they are praying – or will pray.  I will tell you, I’m not always one of them…and if/when I do write this, I stop RIGHT THEN and offer a prayer.  These verses from Matthew 5 explains why I do this.

I will be the first to say that there have been plenty of times when I’ve said…”You’re in my thoughts and prayers”…and I got busy and that person or situation totally left my conscious thoughts.  Surely you have noted that you would pray for someone, and days later when they posted on Facebook that… “I’m okay – thanks for your prayers,” you went…“Oh, geez…I never even mentioned them to God!”

I’m just being honest…and noting that Jesus tells us not embellish our talk or make promises we can’t – or won’t – keep…especially when these involve our Christian faith and witness. We should not swear to emphasize our points. We should not “promise on a stack of Bibles” or say, “As God is my witness.”  We should just simply say, “Yes” or “No!”  Our conduct must speak for itself.  People ought to feel confident that when we say we will do something…it will be done.  They should know that our word is our bond…that we are dependable and trustworthy, with no “sworn emphasis” necessary.

And while I’m at it…we need to ditch the phrase “OMG.”  This is also a “swear” of sorts…and it does not become us as Christians – or honor God. This phrase demeans and lessens Him…and in my opinion, it needs to go!  When I was in my teens and twenties, nobody in my circle would have dared to mention God in this context.  Now it is commonplace, and I believe we have reduced God by making him a common “swear word.”

Prayerfully consider cutting this phrase from your vocabulary. The English language is filled with plenty of demonstrative phrases to express your excitement and/or appall over any given situation.  I am praying that we will not degrade our relationship with our Heavenly Father by using His name as a swear word of any kind…even this one!

People are watching – and listening!  They know us - and the “fruit” we bear for Jesus – by how we conduct ourselves and what comes out of our mouth.  Let them see confidence in God’s promises…faith that Jesus changed us into new creatures who rely wholly on Him for everything.  Let your words be good…and good enough – without enhancing them with oaths, swears, and “spiritual promises” you can’t or won’t keep.  It’s time for us to be the “real deal” for Jesus each and every day – in ways great and small.  And now is the time for us to begin.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 25, 2016

Matthew 5:21-22  
“You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

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 voted today. I’ve cast my ballot and done my civic duty.  I am so weary of this campaign season and the horrible things that people on both sides are saying about one another.  I can barely look at my Facebook wall these days, because frankly, I feel like I am not going to have many friends left after November 8th.  People I know and love have said horrible things…called others terrible names…and basically shown me a side that I didn’t realize existed – and don’t care to embrace!  Moreover, I don’t want others to think that I support these comments – or ideologies.

So I am offering Matthew 5:21-22 as “food for thought” today…for all of us. Words kill.  Careless name calling has dire consequences…not only in personal relationships – but in the eyes of God.  If God sees this as “murder,” then we should not want any part of it.  This scripture should make us keenly aware that our thoughts, words, and actions matter greatly to God…and a lot of us should be busily trying to do a major overhaul on how we speak and behave!

I know that things won’t change after the election…that there will still be disgruntled people who want to voice their opinions.  And I am prayerfully considering a major reduction of my “friends” list to remove those who continue to engage in “murderous words and actions.” Jesus did not mince words in this passage…and it’s pretty clear to me how He feels about our engagement in these behaviors – and any association with those who do.

For me, the stakes are high.  I’d rather be Jesus’ obedient disciple and have a handful of faithful friends than to claim dozens of pals and be even remotely thought of as a “murderer” – by Him or anyone else!  What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2016

Psalm 139:17-18
How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

My desktop flip calendar quote for today said, “A little boy ended a lengthy prayer that had included everyone he could think of by saying: ‘And dear God, take care of Yourself.  If anything happens to You, we’re all sunk.’”  While there is humor here…there is also a lot of truth. We need to stop and ponder the God who thinks about us constantly.

Today, I helped the elementary school nurse and her team screen children for hearing and vision deficiencies.  As luck would have it, the “lunch break” paralleled Timmy’s lunch time, so I went with his class to the cafeteria.  On the way back to the classroom, Timmy and another boy were talking about Christmas and how excited they were.  The other little boy said, “My favorite part of Christmas is all of the toys I will get.”  I said my favorite part was celebrating Jesus’ birthday.

Timmy agreed…”Yeah, because if we didn’t have Jesus, we would have all of those frogs and locusts!”  He was recalling our Sunday school lesson about Moses and the plagues that God sent upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their disobedience.  Another child chimed in and said, “Without Jesus we would just have God…and if we didn’t have GOD…that would be REALLY bad!” Talk about perfect timing for today’s message!  These second-grade boys – and the little boy offering the “prayer” on my calendar – are exactly right.  Without God, we really would be sunk!

So stop and thank God for loving us so well.  Thank Him for sending Jesus to pour out His blood for our sins, so that we no longer have to make living sacrifices for our sins.  Thank Him for watching over us…for planning our lives before we were even formed…for thinking of us even before we awaken…and turning His thoughts toward each of us countless times throughout the day.  Who else does that?!

No one loves us like God loves us.  How precious it is that He thinks about us constantly…and how truly “sunk” we would be if He didn’t!  Stop and tell God how much you love Him…and get busy demonstrating this in everything you think, say and do!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 23, 2016

Matthew 5:17-19
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come—it isn’t to cancel the laws of Moses and the warnings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them and to make them all come true. With all the earnestness I have I say: Every law in the Book will continue until its purpose is achieved. And so if anyone breaks the least commandment and teaches others to, he shall be the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But those who teach God’s laws and obey them shall be great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
My last year in the classroom as a teacher was 1985-1986. I’ve been tutoring elementary students the last few months, and a lot has changed in 30 years!  There are “new” teaching methods…and the expectations for young students have definitely changed!  I taught kindergarten students to memorize their address, tie their shoes and count to twenty. Now they are doing addition and subtraction, reading and writing sentences…and most of the shoes have Velcro fasteners!  Second graders not only write stories…they are learning how to enhance them with details…to have an opening and a conclusion…and how to do a lot of their lessons via a “Chrome book” and a “smart board.”

Does this mean that the “old ways” have no value?  Absolutely not!  Because at the end of the day, I utilize a lot of the “old” methods I learned almost 40 years ago in order to drive home concepts, such as how to listen for the main topic of a paragraph…what prefixes and suffixes do to change “root” words…and more.  One-on-one instruction will never be obsolete!  And the BIG thing that has not changed is the necessity for each child to feel loved and valued.  At the end of the day, a hug and a few words of genuine concern and encouragement have as great an impact as any tangible “reward” or lesson.

So when we talk about how the “old ways” of the Old Testament have been replaced because of Jesus, we don’t mean they are to be totally discarded.  I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty glad I don’t have to slit the throat of a baby lamb or calf and spill its blood in order for God to forgive my sins.  But I still have to obey the commandments that God laid out in scripture before Jesus was born!  I am thankful that many of the punishments that God meted out (like the plagues on Pharaoh’s Egyptians) are a thing of the past.  But when God speaks, I still listen – and do my best to comply quickly and completely!

In Mark 12:29-31, Jesus says… “The Lord our God is the one and only God. And you must love him with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.’ The second is: ‘You must love others as much as yourself.”  If you follow these commands, you will encompass all of God’s laws by default.  They are still God’s laws…and we must follow all of them. But God has given us a new “method” by which to accomplish this – Salvation through Jesus Christ.  Jesus is our Savior…our blessing…our teacher and Forever Friend.  But He is also our “hug and encouragement” to keep trying and making every effort to be obedient disciples and servants.

Isn’t it time we stopped making this so complicated? I don’t want to have to be constantly asking myself if I am on track with this command or that one.  So I choose to love God – and love others. Anything that I think, say or do that doesn’t line up with this is outside the realm of God’s commands and should not be happening.  I thank Jesus for making this so simple to understand…and for sacrificing His blood to wash away my sins, once and for all.  What about you? 

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 22, 2016

Matthew 5:13-16
You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.
You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Last Sunday, I read the story of Moses and the plagues God sent to the Egyptians to the students in the 2nd-3rd grade Sunday school class.  I shared this passage from the Contemporary English Version…and it “read” like an action movie!  The children were totally engaged…and eager to hear what came next!  There is nothing wrong with other translations of the Bible…and you may have noticed that I use at least three in writing these daily messages.  But this particular translation gave the Old Testament story “salt and light” - and truly captured the attention of the children who heard it.

Many Sundays, I’ve passed out Bibles in the classroom and shared scripture passages with the children.  These Bibles are NIV (New International Version), which is often difficult for young children to understand…so there has to be a lot of added explanation, which is not a bad thing.  But often, when we have stop and explain what God is saying, we quickly lose the attention of those to whom we are speaking.

Think about this…it is so easy to hand someone a Bible and say, “Read this, and you’ll see what God is all about – and what He has to say to you.”  Now just how effective to you suppose this approach would be?  When we add the “salt and light” – our own personal experiences…an intimate explanation of how the God’s word has affected our own life…people pay closer attention.  God becomes “relatable.”  When we live in a way that demonstrates God’s wisdom, power, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings in our own life, others take notice.

This is why we must not “hide our light under a barrel.”  We must seek ways to share God’s message with others…utilize understandable Biblical translations, both literal and through our own personal witness...offer demonstrations of the teachings of Jesus in action…and add ”salt” in our daily servings of Christian discipleship!

The challenge for each of us is to maintain exactly the right balance.  Too much salt can be just as bad as none at all.  We don’t want to come on too strongly. Jesus never forces Himself on anyone…and neither should we!  But we must never shy away from a chance to give others a glimpse of Jesus in our own daily living.  

Go…share…love…SHINE for Jesus!  Prayerfully find the balance of “salt and light” that He wants you to embody…and watch how others respond to your witness.

Are you “well-seasoned and illuminated” for Jesus?  Isn’t it time you were?
 
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 21, 2016

Matthew 5:10-12
“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Almost every day, there are posts and “memes” on social media encouraging us to “share this if you are a Christian.”  If Jesus Christ is your LORD and Savior, you are urged to change your status for an hour/day/week to declare this in some form.  There are bumper stickers to persuade fellow drivers to “Honk if you love Jesus,” and more “causes” that supposedly demonstrate to others just what good Christians we are than we could ever begin to take on.

At the risk of being ridiculed, judged – or even remotely persecuted – I do not share these posts/memes.  My Christian faith is not defined by whether or not I support petitions to “reinstate prayer in public schools,” or display copies of the Ten Commandments in public places.  It doesn’t matter whether I offer a prayer before meals in public (or elsewhere). How much I give to the church (time, talents and money) is no one else’s business.  But an awful lot of “Christians” seem to want to make these things – and our stance on other issues – an important part of their “assessment” of just how faithful and faith-filled many of us are.

We all know that this form of judgment is not true “persecution”…although it can feel pretty miserable at times.  Certainly, there are those who have literally suffered for their faith…who have been beaten, tortured, exiled, ostracized, and excluded.  And maybe on a much smaller scale, such things have happened to you.  Perhaps your faith cost you a friend or two... a job - or even a relationship with a relative.  Maybe your prayerfully considered stance on social issues caused others to label you as sinful – or fully in the devil’s camp.

Let me ask you something…”What does Jesus say?”  Have you checked in with Jesus daily to make sure that what you think, say, and do always lines up with His will over everyone else’s?  Have you boldly stepped out to serve as Christ’s disciple on this earth with faithful obedience…regardless of the potential for criticism, ridicule, and rejection from others?  What do the words, “Take up your cross and follow Me” mean to you?

Years ago, I sat in a room with a group of people attending a Walk to Emmaus and faced a primitive wooden cross.  A precious pastor friend sat beside me and asked some profound questions…”What are you going to do?  Are you going to leave your burdens at the cross and trust Jesus?  Or are you going to pick them up and carry them a while longer?”  To surrender everything to Jesus opens the door for blessings and abundance.  If you choose to do otherwise, you stand to miss out on receiving all that He wants to give you.

Too many of us are stubborn and rebellious at times…and I include myself into this category.  But I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity for a single blessing from Jesus. So I am doing all I can to strengthen my commitment to Him.  I know that when I stay in His will, there might be critics - and those who will try to tear me down.  But I know the power of Jesus Christ working in and through me…and I say, “Bring it on!” What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 20, 2016

Matthew 5:8-9
“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

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.

Greg and I watched a news report about  I Wish My Teacher Knew…How One Question Can Change Everything for Kids*, a book written by third-grade teacher Kyle New of Denver, Colorado.  Knew wrote the sentence “I wish my teacher knew…” on the board one day in her third grade classroom and asked her students to complete it.  What resulted was astounding and led to this book by the same name.  As I listened to some of the sentence endings, read by young children, I was moved to tears.  They ranged from “I wish my teacher knew how much I love her,” to “I wish my teacher knew that I don’t have very many friends” and “I wish my teacher knew that my dad works two jobs and I don’t get to see him very much.”

Oh.My.Goodness! We have SO much work to do!  As much as we think we know about “children” of all ages…there is so much we do not understand.  We don’t know what is in another person’s mind and heart.  We don’t understand the conflicts, angst, insecurities – or even the running dialogue that plays in the minds of so many around us…maybe even you! We seldom stop to look at others in the grocery line or on the street and think that they have just as many thoughts, ideas – and problems – as you and I have on any given day.

Many people skate through life hoping that nobody discovers who they really are - or what they really think or feel.  But God knows all of it…and He loves us anyway.  So can’t we learn to emulate Him just a little?  Can’t we get our heart and mind right and see others as He sees them - as His children… beautifully crafted and designed…valuable and full of purpose?  Can’t we find a way to cooperate with others…to empathize and understand…to share and get along instead of the operating in the horrible divisive words and actions that so many of us have chosen as our stock in trade?

I look at our own children…and the other little ones I spend time with at church and school…and I wonder what they must think.  What must they be learning from so many of us? Too many children are seeing hatred, discrimination, criticism, judgment based on everything from appearance and body image to ethnicity and economics - and a revolting atmosphere of unkindness like none I’ve ever witnessed before.  They are observing adults who attend worship on Sundays, teach Bible classes, sing in the choir, and espouse “Christian values”…then call others ugly names as they talk about current events – and make excuses for comments and behaviors that would embarrass even the most raucous teenager!

God must surely hang His head in shame and disappointment.  I am truly amazed that He puts up with any of us!  And yet, He is calling us to purify our hearts and minds…to get along and cooperate with others…to operate in HIS blessings rather than the devil’s disturbing ploys to derail us. And He is willing to help us “get there!”

God is calling us to stop and ponder the comment, “I wish my teacher/friend/relative/spouse/pastor/neighbor knew…” and put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. While we cannot know all that GOD knows…we can develop a tender heart for His children…ALL of them.  Today seems like a pretty good time to get started…doesn’t it?

©2016 Debbie Robus    
  
*http://iwishmyteacherknewbook.com/

Daily Devotional for October 19, 2016

Matthew 5:5-6
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
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 had breakfast with some friends from high school a few weeks ago, and one of them told of a time when he was really poor.  He said he was very hungry, and all he had in the cupboard was a packet of biscuit mix and 2 packets of “Swiss Miss®” cocoa mix.  My friend had no milk or eggs, but he decided that he could mix the cocoa packets with water (milk?) and add it to the biscuit mix – and make pancakes!  He said, “I didn’t even have any syrup…but I didn’t go hungry!”

You can tell by looking at me that I am all about a good meal – and syrup on my pancakes!  I like “creature comforts”…and nice things…and I have more than my share of both.  But like many people, I have things that I wish I could change about myself…wrinkles and sags and extra “padding” in the wrong places.  I wish I could turn back the clock and have strong “runner’s knees” again…and no arthritis in my fingers.  I look at old pictures and long for another family gathering and be youth and energy to enjoy one another’s company.

Then I take our little ones swimming…or watch them play with abandon in our yard or living room.  I look at their happy faces as I make their favorite sandwiches…and I realize that the children don’t care what I look like.  They accept that I can’t run as fast as they can – or climb as high. But they know how much Greg and I love them…that they are always safe and nurtured when they are with us…that we always have their best interests at heart.  And this bond cannot be bought.

I share a sunrise with Greg…sit and enjoy coffee and conversation on our back porch…or laugh with him over one of our favorite sitcoms on television while our cat, Mabel, stretches out between us in “purrfect” contentment!  And I am reminded just how abundantly full my life is…how blessed we are to be able to have enjoyed rewarding careers that afforded us the luxury working together - and an early retirement.

I am reminded every day, in ways great and small, of what truly matters.  For us, it is faith and family – in that order. Without faith in God, we would not have the strength and wisdom to care for each other and our family as we should.  We would not fully appreciate how precious life and the people in it are…and how important it is to serve God by serving others.  Without our deep and abiding relationship with our Heavenly Father, we would probably be more focused on correcting wrinkles, grey hair – or no hair(!), and “stuff”…and we would miss the sunrises, laughter and wonder that is “life.”

Nobody is perfect…and I have my moments where I am less than satisfied with where I am in life or what I have.  But for the most part, I take heart in what the Apostle Paul noted in Philippians 4:11-13…”I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.”

I want this to be MY “recipe” – and the “syrup on my pancakes” as well.  What about you?
 
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 18, 2016

Matthew 5:4
“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.

Sunday, I took the children to our local fish hatchery.  We went inside and looked at glass displays of mounted fish and a salamander.  These displays once held water and live animals…and the children could not understand why this was not the case now.  They speculated aloud that perhaps if water was put back into the tanks, the animals would rejuvenate and come back to life.  I told them this was not the case…that once the animals were dead, that was final.  Timothy quipped, “Yes…once you’re dead…you’re dead.”  When you stop and consider this statement – and all that it encompasses - this is a sobering thought.

Last night, I sat down and wrote out four sympathy cards.  Three of my friends have just lost their mothers…another lost her father.  I cannot count on both hands the friends who have lost a parent this year…and that does not even take into consideration people I know who have lost a spouse, sibling, grandparent, close friend or relative…or pet.  The number probably seems more palpable because of my own losses – and my age.  Still…it is profound.

When I read this passage, I was truly struck by the first line…”You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you.”  How can this be?  How can we feel blessed when our loved one has left us forever?  How can it be a blessing to know that death is final…that we might have to live for decades without this person or animal we hold so dear?  When we lose a home to natural disaster…or a job we depended on and truly loved…how can we possibly feel blessed?  When our health is taken from us, and we must struggle and suffer with an injury or illness for days/weeks/years, how can this be a good thing?  And yet, this is exactly what Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:4.

We can be blessed in mourning because of Jesus.  When we are emptied out…stripped bare and completely vulnerable…He wraps His arms around us and whispers, “I am here…you are not alone.”  We turn to Jesus and fall into His amazing embrace…and we rest there.  He shields us from more grief and heartache than we can bear at any given minute…and we learn to rely on Him exponentially – for everything.  So yes, when we lose what is most dear, we can be truly blessed.

I have to remind myself of this often…but I know that Jesus spoke truth.  And I cling to this promise…and to Him. I cannot change the losses in my life, but I can change how I handle them…and what I do with my grief.  I choose to rest in Jesus’ arms and allow Him to comfort and guide me…to console me when I am sad - and encourage me every day.  He will do the same thing for anyone else who surrenders to Him.

What about you?  Are you ready to let Jesus embrace you and bless you – even in as you experience profound loss?  Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 17, 2016

Psalm 119:1-8
You’re blessed when you stay on course,
    walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
    you walk straight along the road he set.
You, God, prescribed the right way to live;
    now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
    keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
    in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
    I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
    don’t ever walk off and leave 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, my husband pointed out a dead branch on a tree under the bluff in our back yard.  For as long as we have lived here, buzzards have perched on that branch.  We commented several times that one day, the branch was going to snap and take the birds with it!  I don’t know how this actually transpired, but the end of the branch is gone.  Greg said, “I guess you noticed that the branch broke…it happened about 2 weeks ago.”  I had not noticed.  I had also not noticed his new eye glasses…the ones he picked up at the eye care center last week!  Greg laughed and said, “There’s a devo in there somewhere!”  And he was right!

I get so caught up in my own world…in the things on my “to do” list…going here or there for the kids…what’s for dinner – and what’s on the grocery list…who I need to send a card…when I can fit in a workout…and a zillion other things that probably don’t really amount to a hill of beans.  And I neglect people right in front of me…namely my wonderful husband and our sweet little cat…as I check off other a myriad of things and the needs of others on my list.  It’s not that my own “family” is not important to me…or that I don’t love them…but I get sidetracked and distracted – and ultimately, they get pushed farther down the list!  And – bless them – they never complain!

Here’s the thing…we do this all the time with people – but especially with God.  We get sidetracked and distracted…and days/weeks/months go by without our so much as opening our Bibles or spending a few minutes in earnest prayer, short of a “God, please help me!” uttered in sheer distress.  We don’t notice the things that God does for us…the “broken branch” or the “new glasses” because we are so busy with our own agendas and juggling a dozen balls in the air – many of which are not “top shelf” priorities!

So we miss the beauty of a sunrise or sunset…or the amazing Hunter’s Moon that has illuminated our nights this week.  We wake up one day, and those closest to us have vanished.  They have either drifted away mentally, physically or emotionally…or they have grown up - or aged to a point where they can’t, or won’t, interact with us as they once did. Sadly, in some cases, they have even died and physically left us forever.  And we wonder…what happened?  How did we not spend our time more wisely?  Why didn’t we pay more attention?

This passage reminds us that we are blessed when we stay on course…when we maintain focus – first on God, and then on a prayerfully constructed “to-do" list!  There is no time like today to stop and re-order our lives…to get this right and ask God to organize our steps and help us maintain proper awareness of our surroundings and what is truly important.  Life IS short…and we don’t have a minute to waste!  God can help us prioritize and sort out the details so that we always stay on course. I’m asking Him to do this in my life…what about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 16, 2016

Matthew 5:1-3
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

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 don’t even have to ask if you’ve ever been “at the end of your rope.”  We all have “been there – done that”…sometimes more than once!  But how often have you considered this a blessing?  I can assure you, there have been times when I have been out of viable options…when things looked about as bleak as they could be and there was no way to “fix” this…when I had no choice but to concede that “the handwriting was on the wall” – and I could not change anything.

As I look back on these times, I see that God made the difference.  He filled in the gaps and gave me hope.  He equipped me for whatever I was facing…and yes, at times, He shielded me from the devastation and grief over what I was experiencing.  Often, when we are at the end of our rope, God doles out the impact in [relatively] more manageable doses so that we are not overwhelmed…and I am so grateful for this blessing.

I don’t know what your “rope” looks like today – or where your hands are positioned.  But I do know that God has you in HIS grip…and He will never let you go. God is ready, willing, and able to give you more of Him to compensate for less of you.  Your job is to surrender and trust Him to supply your every need – and then some!

My prayer today is that we would all come to the point where we are able to recognize God’s blessings - even in what seems like the worst of circumstances. I pray that when we reach the end of our rope (and we all will at one time or another)…we are able to trust God to tie a knot and sustain us as only He can.  With less of us, there is room for more of God. And that is always a good thing…and a blessing.  Are you ready to let Him bless you in every circumstance?  Will this be the day that you let God control the rope?  

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for October 15, 2016

October 15 ~ Matthew 4:23-35
Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the Jewish meeting places and preaching the good news about God’s kingdom. He also healed every kind of disease and sickness. News about him spread all over Syria, and people with every kind of sickness or disease were brought to him. Some of them had a lot of demons in them, others were thought to be crazy, and still others could not walk. But Jesus healed them all.

Large crowds followed Jesus from Galilee and the region around the ten cities known as Decapolis. They also came from Jerusalem, Judea, and from across the Jordan River.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Sit with me for a bit while I throw a little pity party.  For someone who is retired, I have had a BUSY week that included a field trip with Timothy’s class to Little Rock on Thursday, and a morning of tutoring at school yesterday.  This was followed by an afternoon spent with Timmy and Zola, who got out of school early and came home to stay with Greg and me!  I was one tired aunt last night!  This morning as I enjoyed a second cup of coffee while perusing email and organizing my thoughts for this devotional, a car appeared in our driveway.

I looked out the window, and a man dressed in a suit was headed for the front door, papers in hand.  You guessed it…he wanted to invite us to attend his church – and he had literature ready to present to me. Still dressed in my pajamas, I peeped out the door and politely thanked him with the added note that “We belong to the Methodist church.”  He smiled and thanked ME - and turned to leave.

As I watched the man make his way back to his car, I read this scripture passage again.  And I reminded myself that Jesus was busy, too!  The Bible tells us that He sought places to rest.  He grew weary from all of the preaching and teaching and healing.  But Jesus never stopped ministering to others.  He was strengthened for His journey…and God refreshed Him every time He began to tire.

I began to think about how God gives me strength to keep going when I am tired.  If I am doing what He has called me to do, I always manage to have everything I need to get it done…energy, stamina, courage, and more.  God equips me with His supernatural strength and ability.  And He will do that for each of us, when we listen for His voice and do what He has ordained.

The other thing I thought about was the man who knocked on my door on this Saturday morning.  Whether I agree with his church doctrine or not, this man and his fellow congregants are faithful to what they hear God telling them…to get up, go out, knock on doors, and invite people to worship.  A man was almost literally shouting scripture passages in Walmart a few days ago as I shopped…stopping people and talking their ear off about Jesus and salvation – and the promise of Heaven for those who believe.  He SAID that God told him to do this!  And while busy shoppers (and I was one of them) ducked down alternate aisles to avoid him and hurry on, I had to think…this man was doing what he heard God tell him to do.

Sure, there are people who THINK they hear from God about certain things, when in truth, we don’t know WHO they are hearing from…maybe aliens from outer space!  I know that some people use “God told me” as an excuse for crazy talk or behavior.  But you and I both know that there are plenty of times when we hear God speaking to us…or we feel a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit to say or do something in the name of Jesus.  And we roll back over in bed or look away and say, “Not today, Father” – or “Not me!  Ask someone else!”

My point is this…Isaiah 40:31 tells us “But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.”  When you grow weary, think of this passage – and the unending works of Jesus.  Remind yourself that Jesus NEVER quits working on our behalf…that He is always available to help us with whatever we require.  Even when we are not aware that we need Jesus, He is with us…working behind the scenes.  How can we stop doing what He calls us to do?  How can we gripe, complain, and say that we are too tired…too scared…too unprepared or ill-equipped?

God will give provide us with plenty of time to rest.  Meanwhile, it’s time for us to soar like eagles…to walk and run - and trust Jesus to supply us with everything we need for the work at hand. Are you ready to get busy with the work of the LORD?  Will this be the day that you begin?

©2016 Debbie Robus