Daily Devotional for May 16, 2024 – Rest in the Lord and wait on Him – Sunday’s comin’!

Psalm 37:7-13
Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.

Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain. But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.

The Lord is laughing at those who plot against the godly, for he knows their judgment day is coming.

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

Yesterday, a dear friend texted me after she received her Daily Devotional and showed me this part of our scripture passage from Psalm 35… “You protect the helpless from those in power; you save the poor and needy from those who hurt them.” She asked, “How can this be true when there are Putins and “presidents for life” and dictators in the world…and so many poor exploited?”
 
I replied that this was a good question for which I don’t have an answer. But I did tell her that I read a lot of historical novels – many about WWII and the horrible things that happened to people then. Each one has a “theme” of survival. I added that “I don’t know how God works this all out, but I just have to trust that there is nothing He will allow in my life that I cannot endure with His ‘protection’.”  As I read today’s passage, I was reminded that “those who humble themselves before the LORD shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.”
 
Here’s what I know…we all observe people who say and do terrible things…hurtful things that make us do a double-take and ask, “What on earth?!” And often, it seems like these people skate by and “get away with murder.” At the very least, they don’t appear to suffer the same consequences as “regular Joe’s” like you and me. Think of how many times in the last few years you have heard it said of a certain someone…“If I said or did those things, I’d be under the jail already!” 
 
This Psalm is very clear that “The LORD is laughing at those who plot against the godly, for He knows their judgment day is coming.” We are also reminded not to be envious of evil men and women who appear to prosper in their hatred, abuse, and assumed “privilege.” We are to remember who we are – and WHOSE we are! God is going to sort everything out…and truthfully, He is working on this already! 
 
I don’t understand poverty and hungry/abused children, war, and bigotry/bias against certain people and groups. But I know that God has a plan. I couldn’t put one foot in front of the other each day if I didn’t believe this to the depths of my heart. There is a song by Zach Williams that I often listen to when I walk. It’s called “Sunday’s Comin’.”  The tag line is “It may feel like Friday, but Sunday’s comin’!”  The song uses the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus to remind us that as terrible as “Friday” was, “Sunday’s comin’!” – and Jesus is Alive.
 
This Psalm is reminding us to “Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act.” And remember that “Sunday’s Comin’” and we need to be ready! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 15, 2024 – Trusting God to rescue and redeem us…sometimes you just have to get rid of the “sweatedness!”

Psalm 35:9-12; 27-28
I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
have saved me.
Every bone in my body
will shout:
“No one is like the Lord!”
You protect the helpless
from those in power;
you save the poor and needy
from those who hurt them.
Liars accuse me of crimes
I know nothing about.
They repay evil for good,
and I feel all alone.

Let all who want me to win
be happy and joyful.
From now on let them say,
“The Lord is wonderful!
God is glad when all goes well
for his servant.”
Then I will shout all day,
“Praise the Lord God!
He did what was right.”

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

One day, then-six-year-old Timothy was coloring at the counter. He got very upset because he felt his coloring was “messed up.”  I tried to assure him that it was fine.  He wadded up his paper and threw it across the counter.  I smoothed out the paper and began to show him how we could fix his work. Nothing I said made things better, and Timothy ended up sitting for a while in “Time Out.” We talked about why he had to take a break and he apologized (reluctantly).  I told him how much I loved him.

Later that afternoon, I heard Timothy tell his little brother, “Nathan, Aunt Debbie doesn’t love me anymore.”  I told him this was not true, and he said, “Yes it is…she said, ‘I don’t love you ANY MORE.'”  I insisted that this was NOT what I said…that in fact, I told him that I DID love him.  He told Nathan again, “She doesn’t love me.”

A few days later, Timothy apologized. He told me, “I promised Mother I would do it, and I have.” I asked Timothy, “So you told your mother what happened?”  He said, “No…I just told her that I had done some bad things to several people and I needed to apologize to them.  I needed to get all that sweatedness out.”  I asked…“Sweatedness?  What does that mean?”  He said, “You know, when you are worried about bad things you have done to people, and it makes you all sweaty, and you just need to get it all out…and then you feel better! I’m really sweating!”

Now that I’ve made you laugh, let’s talk about our “sweatedness,” because I’m willing to bet we’ve all been there, done that! And it’s very possible that people – especially children – have accused us of things we didn’t say/do! Children have not yet learned to harness their frustration, and this is often the result! I have no “excuse” for adults who lash out physically and verbally!  But God knows the truth…He sees and hears everything. And God will guide and guard us if/when we will allow it.

In every situation and circumstance, God will make things right. It is up to us to turn to Him for rescue and redemption – and to trust His process. And if you find yourself on the other end of this situation (because we are human and subject to outside influences), ask God to show you how to quickly and fully correct course…to “get all the sweatedness out” and make amends. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 14, 2024 – Calling on God to carry us through every circumstance…and praising Him when He does!

Psalm 29
Oh, praise the Lord, for he has listened to my pleadings! Only you, Lord, are a mighty rock! Don’t refuse to help me when I pray. If you don’t answer me, I will soon be dead.

Please listen to my prayer and my cry for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy temple.

Don’t drag me away, Lord, with those cruel people,
who speak kind words, while planning trouble.

Treat them as they deserve! Punish them for their sins.

They don’t pay any attention to your wonderful deeds. Now you will destroy them and leave them in ruin.

I praise you, Lord, for answering my prayers.

You are my strong shield, and I trust you completely. You have helped me, and I will celebrate and thank you in song.

You give strength to your people, Lord, and you save and protect your chosen ones.

Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.

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

Forty-seven years ago today, Greg and I graduated from Arkansas Tech University. We were blessed to be able to graduate together, thanks to a work-study program that spread out the last half of Greg’s course of study over three years, while providing him with a job – and us with income! As I thought back over the past 50 years, I thanked God for how He has carried us in His arms…and how He continues to do this even today.
 
A lot can happen in almost 50 years…and our lives have been rich with experiences, blessings…and yes – challenges at times. But here’s the thing…everybody is in the same boat. If someone tells you they have lived a “perfect” or “trouble-free” life, they are either lying, delusional, or both! As we take stock of our lives to this point, lets focus on how far God has brought us – not on missteps and disappointments. Acknowledge that “life happened,” and God brought you through it. Concentrate on the ways that God shields you…and let these encounters frame your testimony and witness.
 
There is a quote attributed to Dr. Seuss that says, “Don’t cry because it’s over…smile because it happened.” I would suggest that as faithful servants of God, we rephrase this to say… “Don’t cry because it happened…smile because God carried you through it!” God is still in the business of carrying us. He is still with us – ready, willing, and able to be our Shepherd and bless us in every circumstance. We have so many reasons to praise Him…and plenty of opportunities to share His love and blessings with others. So what are we waiting for? It’s time to get busy living, loving, and trusting God – our forever shield and Shepherd! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 12, 2024 – Petitioning God in the face of evil and adversity – an ancient Psalm with present-day relevance

Psalm 140:1-8
God, get me out of here, away from this evil;
protect me from these vicious people.
All they do is think up new ways to be bad;
they spend their days plotting war games.
They practice the sharp rhetoric of hate and hurt,
speak venomous words that maim and kill.
God, keep me out of the clutch of these wicked ones,
protect me from these vicious people;
All boast and swagger, they plot ways to trip me up,
determined to bring me down.
These crooks invent traps to catch me
and do their best to incriminate me.

I prayed, “God, you’re my God!
Listen, God! Mercy!
God, my Lord, Strong Savior,
protect me when the fighting breaks out!
Don’t let the wicked have their way, God,
don’t give them an inch!”

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 went in search of commentaries that would provide insight into what David was thinking when he wrote this Psalm. In doing so, I realized that many of us could offer this same prayer today…and we probably should! Everywhere you turn, people are making claims that simply are not true. Ideas and legislation are being introduced – and even enacted – to “prevent” things that aren’t even a “thing!” We are often living in a land of claims against people and groups that don’t even make sense, if we’d stop to really think for a minute. One instance that comes to mind is the ridiculous banning of books in our schools and libraries based on the personal biases of a handful of people.
 

The Internet has proved to be a breeding ground of absurd – and evil – ideas and opinions. Anyone can have a blog, podcast or YouTube channel and promote his/her personal agenda – or the conspiracy theories of this group or another. And many of these folks can be quite compelling and persuasive in their “delivery” and the information they generate. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), one must wonder continually if what is seen and heard is genuine – or created from the imagination and “skills” of a person who wishes to distort the truth and stir up trouble. This misinformation is not just coming from your neighbor down the street – it is often part of an international “propaganda warfare” being promoted by folks in other countries to literally alter the course of our world! So, in 2024, we pray the prayer of David in Psalm 140…and it is equally relevant to us this day. I encourage you to read them again in a modern day context.

In the latter verses of Psalm 140, David calls for his enemies to “drown in their own verbal poison.” He asks God to “pile hellfire on them” and “bury them alive in crevasses!” Because Jesus teaches us to “love one another” and “treat others as you wish to be treated,” I find myself asking God to mete out justice – and to deal with evil as He deems best. In this way, I do my best to refrain from judgment – and I ask God to address these people and situations according to His will – not my own.
 
I can tell you that the “waiting” for God to work is sometimes excruciatingly difficult. The heartache and angst we often experience as people lie, cheat, and steal – and seem to “get away with murder” can have us scratching our heads and asking, “Why do I even bother to try to stay the course?” But just as David pleads with God to protect him and keep the wicked from having an inch, in verses 12-13, we read “I know that you, God, are on the side of victims, that you care for the rights of the poor. And I know that the righteous personally thank you, that good people are secure in your presence.” 
 
God is in complete control. I have total confidence that He will handle the wicked evildoers – in His own time and His own way – and it will be perfect. Keep praying for justice! Keep doing what God commands and model the teachings of Jesus Christ. Love others and treat them as you wish to be treated – even the liars, cheaters, and thieves…and trust God to make the difference. He can – and He will! In the end, God wins – and so do we if we stay the course! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 11, 2024 – Listening to God and trusting His word…it’s time to “follow the Map!”

Psalm 119:12-25
Blessed Lord, teach me your rules. I have recited your laws and rejoiced in them more than in riches. I will meditate upon them and give them my full respect. I will delight in them and not forget them.

Bless me with life so that I can continue to obey you. Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.

You rebuke those cursed proud ones who refuse your commands – don’t let them scorn me for obeying you. For even princes sit and talk against me, but I will continue in your plans. Your laws are both my light and my counselors.

I am completely discouraged – I lie in the dust. Revive me by your Word.

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

I have an event to attend today, and it is being held at a place I’ve never been. I have a vague idea of how to get there – but just to be sure, I will set my Google Maps app to guide me when I get in the car. This event is not being held in some far-off city with which I am unfamiliar…it’s on the other end of town! Still, some guidance will be not only helpful but reassuring…and I am thankful for this technology to get me to my destination.
 
We could say the same about our relationship with God. We know His laws…we’ve heard them (and hopefully practiced them) all our lives. But on any given day, we can use some help…a “map” if you will, to chart our course in any situation or circumstance. I would be willing to bet that there has been more than one instance in your life where others have scoffed at you for seeking God’s guidance. But in our heart, we know this is the best approach.
 
Surely someone has rolled his/her eyes when you said, “I’m going to have to pray about XYZ.” I know in my own life, well-meaning “Christians” have told me that I am wrong – or that I have misinterpreted God’s word and laws – in several instances. It can be tough to stay the course when you know that you are hearing directly from God and His instructions do not line up with what your friends or fellow believers think! But the Psalmist reminds us to continue in God’s plans…to trust His voice over the din and influence of others. 
 
Follow the “map” of God’s word…both written and spoken. And in moments when you are discouraged or disassociated in some way, remember Whose opinion truly matters. Always use God’s commands as your chart and guide. His strength and steadfastness will revive and rejuvenate you – and get you to your Eternal Destination on time and in one piece!  Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 10, 2024 – Learning to be who God called us to be…lessons from the Psalms – and Whoopi Goldberg

Psalm 119:1-11
Happy are all who search for God and always do his will, rejecting compromise with evil and walking only in his paths. You have given us your laws to obey— oh, how I want to follow them consistently. Then I will not be disgraced, for I will have a clean record.

After you have corrected me, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey! Oh, don’t forsake me and let me slip back into sin again.

How can a young man stay pure? By reading your Word and following its rules. I have tried my best to find you—don’t let me wander off from your instructions. I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.

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

I have just finished reading Whoopi Goldberg’s new book, Bits and Pieces…My Mother, My Brother, and Me (full disclosure – foul language). This is somewhat the story of Goldberg’s life…but she is not the central figure in the story. Goldberg’s book is more about her mother, Emma, and her big brother, Clyde…the two people who were her primary influences throughout their lives. Goldberg (born Caryn Johnson) notes that her mother always answered a question with a question. If she asked Emma Johnson, “What do you think about such-and-such?”, Whoopi’s mother would ask, “What do you think?” If Whoopi or her brother asked their mother about things in the past, she would ask, “Why do you want to know?”
 
Emma Johnson taught her children to look for answers and enrichment in books, museums, theater, church, and other opportunities for learning that were available to them in New York City. She also taught them to think for themselves…and she encouraged them to heed the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule. Like all of us, Whoopi Goldberg admits that there have been plenty of times when she didn’t do so well with the latter. Still, she relates a story about how she mistreated a friend on a field trip to fit in with other students. When she got home and related the story, her mother reminded Whoopi that she had not enjoyed it when peers did this to her, and she admonished her daughter to remember how she felt as she interacted with others.
 
On another occasion, Whoopie started to leave her apartment one day with a short Afro…the hairstyle trend in the late 60s early 70s. Goldberg said she really just wanted to try it. Emma Johnson stopped her daughter and asked her if they needed to talk about her hairstyle. Then Whoopi’s mother abruptly changed her mind and told her to go ahead…if she was comfortable being seen that way, so be it. Goldberg said her mother pretty well let her dress – and be – like she wanted to be. The “lessons” were there…it was up to Caryn and Clyde to internalize them in their lives. It’s not that Emma Johnson didn’t correct her children…it was more in how she lived by examples – and gave both of them plenty of room to learn from these.
 
In this Psalm, we are reminded of the importance of God’s word and will. We are also reminded that we humans tend to mess this up quite often. Like the Psalmist, we should quickly seek God’s forgiveness and direction – and modify our course according to His will. Rather than think, speak, or act a certain way because someone else wants us to do this, we should ask God what He thinks…and always go with that!
 
Like all of us, Caryn Johnson/Whoopi Goldberg has not lived a perfect life…nor did her mother and brother. But Goldberg makes some salient points in her memoir…reminding us that we are not promised tomorrow, so set things straight with others today. Say the things that need to be said and let others know you love them. She also notes that our parents all had their own parents, and so forth…and we truly do not know what was in their “history” that made them like they are, so we should learn to be more gentle and merciful. 
 
Finally, Goldberg drives home the point that we should all strive to be ourselves…who God made us, rather than who and what others want us to be. And we shouldn’t try to impose our own opinions and biases on anyone else. This really hit home with me – especially as our kiddos enter the teenage years and try out new “looks” and attitudes. 
 
Maybe we should all practice answering questions with questions – at least sometimes. A good response might be, “What does God say about this?” I know that this is a question I am asking myself a lot lately…and the answers have taken me places I might not have wanted to go – but they were right and true. God will never give bad advice. He will always guide and guard us. Thank God for such wisdom and care…and listen to your Father – whenever and however He speaks to you! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 9, 2024 – Learning to live in God’s promises…what gives you hope?

Psalm 112:1-9
Praise the Lord! For all who fear God and trust in him are blessed beyond expression. Yes, happy is the man who delights in doing his commands.

His children shall be honored everywhere, for good men’s sons have a special heritage. He himself shall be wealthy, and his good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes him, light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful – and all goes well for the generous man who conducts his business fairly.

Such a man will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that Jehovah will take care of him. That is why he is not afraid but can calmly face his foes. He gives generously to those in need. His deeds will never be forgotten. He shall have influence and honor.

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

Yesterday, my pastor-friend, Lana, posed a question on Facebook…“What gives you hope?” 
Responses ranged from “my children” to “my faith” to “God’s word.” My response was this… “I see how God has delivered me to this point, and this propels me forward. Do I have days when my hope and faith are weak? Sure! But I quickly immerse myself in prayer, music, and scripture that reminds me that God will never leave us. AND…a little time on my back porch listening to the birds doesn’t hurt, either! I figure if God is still making new “crops” every spring, He’s not going anywhere!”
 
In this Psalm, we are reminded to “stay the course.” I’ve become an avid reader post-Covid. Much of what I read is historical fiction. I see the incredible tribulations and heartaches that so many have suffered – and survived. I see how even as we humans seem doomed to repeat the same mistakes, God still guides and guards us – and offers us a reprieve.
 
I look at our children and all that lies ahead of them. Of course, I wonder what their adult lives will be like. But then, as a young newlywed when Saigon fell in 1975, I wondered if the world was going to end before my adult life even got a chance to truly begin. And here we are! I know the struggles and anguishes that people have endured for centuries…things that are unfathomable to me, such as watching family members be massacred right before their eyes. I cannot imagine how Holocaust survivors put one foot in front of the other and moved forward to create productive, happy lives. 
 
I marvel at those who have suffered incredible mental and physical abuse and somehow get past it and find joy and purpose. And I know that they must all be filled with incredible hope – that God will sustain them, that “life” will get better, and that they can move past their despairs and difficulties.
 
God is in the business of offering hope to all who will trust Him. I know this because of personal observations and my own experiences. Nobody gets to be my age without some challenges in life! How we react and respond to “life” is solely up to us. We can throw up our hands and cry “Foul!”  Or we can lift our hands to Heaven and ask the God of Hope to fill us and carry us forward. The choice is 100% our own – and I know my decision. What about you? Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 8, 2024 – Dressing in the plans and victories of God Almighty – and letting 𝑯𝒊𝒎 be our “designer!”

Psalm 20
In your day of trouble, may the Lord be with you! May the God of Jacob keep you from all harm. May he send you aid from his sanctuary in Zion. May he remember with pleasure the gifts you have given him, your sacrifices and burnt offerings. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. May there be shouts of joy when we hear the news of your victory, flags flying with praise to God for all that he has done for you. May he answer all your prayers!

“God save the king”—I know he does! He hears me from highest heaven and sends great victories. Some nations boast of armies and of weaponry, but our boast is in the Lord our God. Those nations will collapse and perish; we will arise to stand firm and sure!

Give victory to our king, O Lord; oh, hear our prayer.

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

We are in that season of life where our kids are starting to feel the pressure…from name brand clothing to haircuts to what kind of car their family drives – and everything in between. It’s tough to be a kid sometimes! I remember being teased because my sister and I wore “homemade” clothing. In seventh grade, I got a “store-bought” dress (on sale, of course!), and the first time I wore it, my friends literally applauded. 
 
Secretly, a couple of girls confided they were jealous of the dresses my grandmother Polly and my mother made us – almost identical copies of those in the catalogs, but maybe in a different color or fabric. Still, the desire to be like others in my “circle” was often very powerful. You have no idea how hard I tried to learn to smoke cigarettes! Thankfully, this made me sick as a dog, and I decided I would have to find other ways to fit in and be accepted. My siblings and many friends went on to become lifelong smokers – and it ruined their health.
 
Last week, I visited with the parent of a soon-to-be-high-school-graduate. He said the discussion had been held about joining fraternities and sororities. The dad’s advice was to focus on serving God – and skip these “clubs” and all that can come with them. I have dear family members who love their panhellenic associations, and I mean no disrespect to them in sharing this. But what I am trying to say is that we often put so much stock in certain things…the “armies and weaponry” of this world and belonging to a tribe…and we should really be looking to the Lord our God for a sense of “membership” in His Kingdom instead. 
 
When our focus is on speaking and acting as God desires – regardless of what group we belong to or where we bought our clothing and other possessions – we always feel His presence. As a new college graduate and first-year teacher, I had limited money – and a rather sparse wardrobe. So, when I interviewed for a teaching position the following year in another city, I wore my only decent dress – which my mother had made for me as a graduation gift.  
 
When I got a “call-back” for a second interview, I had to wear the same dress again. It was the only decent dress I had. I hoped nobody would remember, but the first thing the Superintendent said was, “I think that was the dress you were wearing last time we met!” It was…and I prayed that this wouldn’t matter (and it didn’t)! I got the job and taught in that school system for the next eight years!
 
My point is that when we focus on doing what God commands, what others think is of no real importance. Pleasing God is the only thing that should concern us. Following His commands should be our constant aim. When we do this, God will handle the rest! We won’t ever have to worry about saying or doing the wrong thing if we are following God’s commands. 
 
Does this mean there won’t be times of ridicule, criticism, or even exclusion? Absolutely not! Following God’s will for our lives can sometimes feel lonely, as those who choose another path distance themselves in some manner. Choosing to speak and act as God commands can feel isolating at times…but I promise that you are not alone! Not only are there others who are striving to serve God faithfully and obediently, but God is right there with you in the middle of every struggle! As the Psalmist says, “He hears me from highest heaven and sends great victories.”
 
Talk with God today – and every day. Ask Him to show you what to say and do…and how to serve Him faithfully. Thank God for His guidance and protection…and for the many blessings He will surely bring to you. As you pray for wisdom and courage in your own life, ask God to provide others with the same gifts. Always “dress” in God’s best – and trust Him to make you shine. Give glory to God in all things, for He truly is our magnificent King! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 7, 2024 – Memes, tornadoes, and the glory of God…seeking His power and protection – and serving faithfully at all times

Psalm 19
The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it and moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding, or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race! The sun crosses the heavens from end to end, and nothing can hide from its heat.

God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light. God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. They are more desirable than gold. They are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. For they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them.

But how can I ever know what sins are lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. And keep me from deliberate wrongs; help me to stop doing them. Only then can I be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime.

May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

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

“We’re alive! “Thank God, we are alive!” – Joy King, Barnsdall, Oklahoma – May 7th, 2024

Around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 6th, a devastating tornado (thought to be at least an EF3 or stronger) roared through Barnsdall, Oklahoma, a community of 1000 residents just southwest of Bartlesville (which also took a direct hit). I was watching on television as forecasters showed the undeniable “hook echo” of a tornado they projected to be as much as 1.5 miles wide bearing down on these northeast Oklahoma communities. Photos and videos today show neighborhoods that look like they were put into a blender and strewn over the countryside. I’ve seen lots of photos of tornado damage, but the miniscule size of much of this unrecognizable debris is astounding. At least one person is dead, and the search continues for those who are still missing.
 
Because of current technology, we can get an even closer view of tornadoes. Drones allow us to get “up close and personal” with the aftermath. I watched a video interview this morning with Barnsdall resident, Joy King, who rode out this storm in her cellar, which was located feet away from her house. She said that she waited about thirty minutes and decided to come out of the cellar, but her husband phoned from work, where he and others had just been warned to take cover. So, King stayed in the cellar – and the deadly tornado destroyed her home. She connected a chain on the cellar door to a bolt in the floor…and the wind ripped the chain loose and opened the door. King huddled with her dog in a corner of the cellar as debris swirled in and around. She thanked God that both she, her husband, and her dog are alive – but today, her cats are missing.
 
I have to admit that I have been frightened of tornadoes since I was a child – due largely to a childhood experience of my Grandmother Ramsey, who watched her aunt and uncle provide livery service to transport bodies of the dead and injured down her street after a horrific tornado on Thanksgiving Day 1926. Nineteen people died, and my grandmother’s aunt later recalled her clothing was covered in mud and blood when she returned home. Another tornado in March 1938 would claim at least three of my grandmother’s family members who lived on the outskirts of our community. As a child, I heard my grandmother and great-aunt recall the story of how one relative was impaled with a fence post. As I read the first lines of this Psalm, I thought about the “heavens” and the glory of God. And I wondered just how and where tornadoes fit into this declaration!
 
As an adult, I have a different perspective on these storms. Yes, they are often deadly and frequently destructive…and in the blink of an eye, they have changed countless lives forever. But often, after the storm passes, the skies are quite majestic as the sun returns and clouds linger to float by lazily. And for the record, I do not think for one minute that deadly storms are God’s wrath on “sinners.” I honestly do not understand why He allows such destruction. But I have noticed that more times than I can count, the comments afterward are like those of Joy King… “Thank God, we’re alive!”
 
I trust God completely. So far, there is nothing I have faced that He has not carried me through with undeniable presence and power. I have a healthy “respect” for tornadoes…but an even more serious reverence and awe for God’s commands and His power to both cover us in protection and care – and to wield justice when necessary. And I believe that there are times when God is sorely disappointed in my words and actions – especially as I claim to be His faithful, obedient servant.
 
Recently, someone made me aware of an ugly meme on Facebook that was clearly AI generated and made false statements and assumptions about two well-known people. Immediately, the comments flew as several looked straight past the note of many that this was AI generated – and took this for gospel and vehemently expressed outrage and disgust. I “unfriended” more than one of these people. There is no reason for me to associate with such evil – even in the context of “friends” on social media. To me, this sort of dishonesty and vile hatred grieves God to His very core…and you and I would do well to run away from it as fast as possible.
 
More storms are forecast for us in the coming hours. Quite frankly, more “storms” are on the horizon for us in every aspect of life. But as I look to the skies and watch the clouds float past – and at times “boil” and churn with darkness – I am reminded Who is in charge…and Who I am to always serve. Pick and choose your friends and associates well. Watch your words and actions. And trust God in everything. “We’re alive! Thank God, we are alive!”  May we live every minute of the day in a way that brings Him honor and glory. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 6, 2024 – Serving God as He commands – or pleasing yourself and others…are you looking for temporary joy or a permanent peace?

Psalm 18:30-36
Your way is perfect, Lord,
    and your word is correct.
You are a shield for those
    who run to you for help.
You alone are God!
    Only you are a mighty rock.
You give me strength
    and guide me right.
You make my feet run as fast
    as those of a deer,
and you help me stand
    on the mountains.
You teach my hands to fight
and my arms to use
    a bow of bronze.
You alone are my shield.
    Your right hand supports me,
and by coming to help me,
    you have made me famous.
You clear the way for me,
    and now I won’t stumble.

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 quote-of-the-day calendar entry says…“Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper – it doesn’t permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.” I will tell you – these days I often don’t know whether to laugh or cry. So many people and situations perplex me…particularly those who claim to know and love Jesus while either 1) wringing their hands about anything and everything; and 2) making claims that simply are not Godly – and go against everything He commands in scripture. 
 
When someone tells me they are instructing their children to love God and follow only His commands in one breath – and in the next, they disparage people of color, immigrants, , the poor, or those who are “different” or less fortunate in some way – I have to question whether God is truly their Mighty Rock. This is not for me to judge, so I try to bite my tongue, change the subject, and speak and act in a way that demonstrates my aim to “love one another.” 
 
When I see lawmakers and “leaders” claim to be “Christians” while spewing hatred and animosity – and enacting legislation that not only widens the divide between certain groups but stirs feelings of hatred, bigotry, bias, and inequality – I want to ask them, “What part of John 3:16 do you not understand? Did you not see/hear the part that says ‘anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’?” Maybe I didn’t read closely enough, but I didn’t find anywhere in this Psalm 18 that qualified who God would guide and shield!
 
My point is this…just like the quote describes laughter as a “temporary fix,” hollow claims to love and serve God will not stand the test of time. GOD KNOWS our heart and mind. He is fully aware of our intent and motives. When we faithfully, truthfully seek His will and word – and follow His commands, God will guide and guard us. When we choose to follow our own desires – or the ideals and actions of those in our circle of influence – all bets are off. 
 
I honestly don’t know what God’s wrath and punishment looks like…but I know I don’t want to find out – and I pray that you aren’t willing to take this risk, either. Why would you? Loving and serving God brings such blessings. The Psalms are filled with praise for God and His love and care. Sure, there are hard days as God’s faithful servant…but there are so many good ones, too. And the best is yet to be!  Search your heart today – ask God to show you where you have chosen temporary “laughter” and self-indulgence over long-term joy in His abundance. Ask God to help you clear your path of any stumbling blocks – and start walking upright in His perfect love and care. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus