Daily Devotional for December 1, 2022 – Jesus is speaking and blessing His children – are you paying attention?

Psalm 103:17-22
But the loving-kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting to those who reverence him; his salvation is to children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant and remember to obey him!

The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is. Bless the Lord, you mighty angels of his who carry out his orders, listening for each of his commands. Yes, bless the Lord, you armies of his angels who serve him constantly.

Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!

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, while I was running some errands, Greg took a walk at one of our favorite local parks. He said the park was practically deserted, and it was incredibly quiet, save the squawk of some geese or the gurgling of water as the river flowed alongside him. Greg commented, “I felt like I went to church!” I know exactly what he means. I have experienced such “holy times,” as well. In fact, as I walked with the kids in Blanchard Caverns last week, there were many such moments. While we marveled at how majestic the formations were…stalagmites, stalactites, “curtains,” “popcorn,” and more…I said more than once…“God created all of this!” The children thanked us for bringing them to the cave, and in turn, we thanked God for this opportunity – and for His astounding artistry.

I’ve made no secret lately of the turmoil occurring in my denomination – and the “split” that has occurred in our church body and several others. I have settled this in my own heart – and events of late have reminded me that Greg and I will be okay. Our faith in Jesus Christ has never been stronger – our relationships with God are more profound and meaningful than ever. And God is providing endless opportunities for us to sow into our children and others…to nurture their faith and understanding of Jesus…and to demonstrate the love, grace, mercy, acceptance, healing, power, and compassion of Jesus Christ for all of God’s children.

Indeed, the LORD rules over everything from His throne. He can “show up and show out” anywhere, and at any time. Our job as followers of Jesus is to be awake, alert, ready, willing, and able to speak and act as Christ commands…to be constantly listening for His orders – and to carry them out as He instructs us. With every fiber of my being, I am committed to recognizing Jesus when He speaks to me…and to living for Him in a way that fosters this faithful obedience in others…even our children’s children! I have never been more confident that this will be the case.

The more we grow and learn to recognize the presence of Jesus – even in a cave or while walking alongside a river – the more we can be assured of opportunities to bless the LORD – and share His blessings with others. My prayer is that you are really listening for the voice of the LORD…and heeding His directives. Jesus is speaking to you…do you hear Him?

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 1, 2022 – You are the equipment! Keep it simple as Christ’s disciple…and know when to say “When!”

Luke 9:1-5
Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.”

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.

Think about your holiest moments…times when you particularly felt the presence of God and His Holy Spirit. What made this such a profound experience? I’m betting it wasn’t a laser light show, a grand orchestra – or even a large, ornate church sanctuary. Sometimes, it’s in the quietest, simplest moments when we see the hand of God most clearly. Sharing the love of Christ with another quite often takes place in the stillness of these simple, intimate experiences. You can find God while sitting outside listening to birds…holding the hand of a friend or loved one who is nearing the end of his/her life…or rocking a baby.

You can demonstrate the love of Christ to others in quiet gestures of kindness and care. There is power in a smile…a word of encouragement or support…even the spontaneity of a message of care and concern – or a hug. I still remember my late friend Betty talking about a time when I hugged her as we stood in line to receive Holy Communion one Sunday. No words were exchanged, but Betty later told me that the hug meant so much to her – and it was just what she needed in that moment.

Hear the words of Jesus in this passage. He is with us…His Holy Spirit is in us. We may not literally be able to drive out demons or cure diseases, but we have our own critical missions and ministries. Jesus has commissioned us to preach His Good News…and to keep things simple in the process. I love the phrase…“You are the equipment.” We often get so caught up in the idea that we need grand surroundings, audio-visual aids, and a healthy bank account to be effective disciples for Jesus Christ. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus does not need to be adorned or enhanced. His love is enough. We are enough as His disciples.

One more thing…Jesus reminds us that we won’t be able to “save” everyone. Some people are never going to listen to what we have to say. They are never going to find the message of Jesus and your demonstration of His love, grace and mercy among the clutter of their own selfishness and personal agendas. And Jesus calls on us to do what we can to minister in His name, then quietly move on to the next assignment. This is a hard lesson for many of us…but it is so necessary.

One of our profound demonstrations of Christian faith is to say and do what Jesus commands of us, then move aside and allow Him room to work and do the heavy lifting. This acknowledges that we are not in charge – and we are not the focus. When we put Jesus front and center, He will always bless our efforts.

For me, the message today is to lighten up! Pare down your discipleship to the simplicity of Jesus’ message…“Love one another.” Know when to step aside and let Jesus take the wheel. And learn to recognize the presence and power of the Holy Spirit – in even the simplest of moments. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 17, 2022 – Waking up to “Groundhog Day” – and finding God’s will and wisdom

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord God has given me his words of wisdom so that I may know what I should say to all these weary ones. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will.

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

Have you ever seen the movie, “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray? The story goes that a television weatherman (played by Murray) finds himself in a “time loop” where every morning when he awakens, it’s February 2nd again. I will admit, I am beginning to relate. It seems like every day, we wake up to more of the same…more high numbers of COVID cases, more storms and crazy weather events, more shootings, more divisiveness in every arena of life. My dentist told me recently that nearly every patient he sees in his office is grinding his/her teeth! Life is stressful these days, even for the most faithful and positive person.

Isaiah 50:4 reminds us that even when things are difficult, God is with us. He “wakens us and opens our understanding to His will.” God has words of wisdom, comfort, and care for each of us, no matter what the day brings – and even when it seems like we are in a vicious, repetitive cycle of days and difficulties.

In the end, the actor in “Groundhog Day” discovers that there are little things that he can do along the day to alter the outcome…and make things better. You and I can do this as well, as we listen to God and act on His directives. We can adjust our attitude and outlook as we trust God to handle the bigger issues. We can get up each day with hope and courage and say, “I am going to make the most of this day that God has given me.” And we can be a beacon of hope and encouragement to others in the process.

Find the nuances and differences in this day, based on what God shows you. Seek His word and wisdom – and act on it. Because of our relationship with God, we can get through whatever the day may bring. Hallelujah!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 18, 2021 – Counting on Jesus…and counting our blessings! It’s time to show others His power and presence!

1 Samuel 12:24
“Trust the Lord and sincerely worship him; think of all the tremendous things he has done for you.”

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

Stop and think about all of the tremendous things that God has done for you in just the last year. I tried to enumerate just a few of them. God carried me through the grief of losing three immediate family members and our beloved 22-year-old cat, Mabel. God gave me the strength to sort and sift through closets and drawers of “stuff” accumulated in over 60 years at my parents’ house – and He helped me, Greg, my niece and her husband deal with the stress of clearing everything out and getting the property sold. God lifted us as we vacuumed wet carpet when a 100-year flood backed up into the basement! God gave me another year with my beloved husband, Greg. God gave us the means to isolate and stay safe during a pandemic – and vaccines to further protect us.

God showed us how to gather with loved ones on the back porch and driveway and continue to enjoy fellowship at a safe distance. God gave us the Internet and telecommunications to stay in touch with family, friends and the outside world. He gave us the health and physical strength to take walks and hikes – and He has blessed us both with better “numbers” than we’ve had in years. God gave us doorstep deliveries of food and other goods – and curbside pickup of groceries and meals.

More importantly, God gave us the presence of the Holy Spirit…and man, have we felt Him in this last year, especially! We have clung to His word and the promises we find there…and we have truly been covered in grace, mercy and protection. And I hope this never changes!

Notice that I mentioned some difficulties…but I could have listed more. This was quite the year for all of us. But rather than dwell on how awful much of the year was, let’s focus on how God got us through it! There will always be challenges and trials…heartaches and seemingly hopeless situations. But GOD will make the difference! When you and I start living in His abundance – and speaking of this to others – people will take notice! They will see the glory of God and a life in Christ – even when the chips are down. They will discover that you can find joy and peace – even in the midst of great storms – when Jesus is at the center of our lives. And they will start to number the tremendous things that God has done in their own situation.

This is our purpose as Christian disciples…to bring others into an awareness of the amazing love, power and strength of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to demonstrate that with Him, all things are possible…and nothing is too big, too messy, or too much to endure. It is time for us to start showing others why they should trust Jesus and sincerely worship Him – and focus on His abundance in their own daily living. We can do all things through Christ Jesus, who gives us strength. Glory be to God! Alleluia, and Amen!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 22, 2020 – Exercising firm faith…and finding perfect peace

Isaiah 26:3
The Lord gives perfect peace
to those whose faith is firm.

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

As I write this message, I am listening online to our church’s contemporary worship service. The Praise and Worship Leader is leading the congregation in the singing of “What a Good God” by Paul Baloche*. One section of the song says:

What a good God
Bringing me back to life
Opening up my eyes
God of every blessing
Standing by my side
Calling me by name
I won’t be afraid
Faithful to Your promise
You will make a way

Just before this song was presented, our pastor read probably one of the most lengthy lists of prayer requests I’ve heard from our pulpit in a while – including what seemed like almost a dozen deaths. This is truly a season of sadness for many people. At the same time, it is a season of Thanksgiving…and I don’t mean just the holiday we will celebrate later this week. Despite all the difficulties and challenges of our world at this time, this is indeed a season of thanksgiving for those of us whose faith is firm.

What does a “firm faith” look like? The lyrics of this song contain a good description. When God brings you back to life and opens your eyes, stands by your side and calls you by name, you can trust Him. As He brings us every blessing, we truly have nothing to fear. God is faithful to His promise and always makes a way. The song continues with a repetitive chorus that says, “I’ve seen it! I’ve seen it! You’re faithful every time.” For those who cling to this affirmation and take it to heart, nothing could be more accurate.

Picture yourself standing before Jesus today. He is placing His hands on your head and lovingly soothing you. Jesus is pouring out His love and care…feel it radiate down to your shoulders and engulf you like a giant hug. He is telling you, “I see you…I know you…trust Me and believe in My promises. I am making a way.” Bask in the glory of Christ’s love, and move forward with hope and faith. When you start to waiver, return to His presence, and let Him cover you again. Do this as often as you need. Jesus never grows weary of loving His disciples.

Over time, your faith will strengthen, and you will feel God’s presence continually. You will see Him in the faces of others who offer you love and kindness. You will feel God in the dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of prayers, that are lifted for you every single day. You will know God in the moments when you hear a lengthy list of prayer requests or upsetting stories on the evening news – or when difficulties and heartaches come to your own life.

“I’ve seen it! I’ve seen it!” God IS faithful every time. The peace of this assurance ensures that my faith is firm, and this is my prayer for you, as well.

©2020 Debbie Robus

*What a Good God, by Paul Baloche – https://youtu.be/2tWrJ0Sl1Q0

Daily Devotional for October 26, 2020 – Take a walk – and reconnect with God!

Revelation 1:4-6
From: John

To: The seven churches in Turkey.

Dear Friends:

May you have grace and peace from God who is, and was, and is to come; and from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ who faithfully reveals all truth to us. He was the first to rise from death, to die no more. He is far greater than any king in all the earth. All praise to him who always loves us and who set us free from our sins by pouring out his lifeblood for us. He has gathered us into his Kingdom and made us priests of God his Father. Give to him everlasting glory! He rules forever! Amen!

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

Recently, Greg and I saw a news report that suggested that we take “slow walks” where we walk with intention and really look at what is around us. These are designed to help us “center” and de-stress – and to reconnect with our surroundings and recognize the beauty and intricacy that is right in front of us, but often overlooked. Yesterday afternoon, I set out to walk in our neighborhood – and around our yard. I took my camera and photographed the colorful leaves, a few wildflowers – and even some rogue honeysuckle blooms on a vine that climbs a shepherd’s hook in our back yard. The temperature was a crisp 52 degrees with a light “spit” of rainy mist…and God’s artistry and handiwork was in abundance.

I thought about a walk I took in March 2020, shortly after we were “shut down” for two weeks in an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The leaves that are now every color of the rainbow were just beginning to bud. I don’t recall seeing any flowers then, but the late-winter foliage had a beauty all its own. I marveled at the intricacy of God’s plans for trees and plants – and how we can see His love and care for the smallest details, even in a pandemic.

Seven months later, I am still awed by God. I am still amazed by Jesus and all that He did for us – and how He loves us even now. No matter what season we are in – or what “season” we are in – Jesus is still with us. He is still all-powerful and all-loving. If you doubt this even for a second, take a walk in your yard or neighborhood and really look at what is in front of you. God is with us…He is working in our lives – and in our world. Let us take time each and every day to give Him glory and praise, and to humbly submit to His will. “He has gathered us into his Kingdom”…Hallelujah and Amen!

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 19, 2019 – Feeling God’s presence – no matter the “weather”

Psalm 42:11
But, O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!

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

Thanks to advances in technology, we now have a far better idea of weather patterns than we did even thirty or forty years ago. Weather forecasters told us a week ago to expect severe storms yesterday…and they arrived as predicted, if a bit earlier in the day than anticipated. A few decades ago, we had to “watch the clouds” and guess at what might be headed in our direction, based on reports from people in neighboring states. While still not an exact science, weather forecasting has become much more sophisticated – and accurate.

One does not need a degree in meteorology to predict that storms will come and go…and the sun will indeed rise again. Even on a cloudy day, the sun is there. We may not physically “see” it…but we can count on its presence. Even behind the clouds, the sun is doing what God intended…warming and illuminating our planet – and helping to give us life.

God’s presence, love and care are much like the sun – not always readily visible to us, but ever present nonetheless. Just as surely as “storms” will come to our lives, they will pass and the “Son” will shine again. God will meet our needs through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He will illuminate our path and warm our hearts. God will bind our wounds and heal our bodies, minds and spirits. He will nurture our souls.

We cannot predict the “weather” in our lives…but we can rest in the assurance of God’s presence and help in all conditions. So don’t be discouraged or upset…expect God to act – and praise Him every day for His incomparable love and care. God is always on time, always perfect, and always present. And we are His. Hallelujah! and Amen!

©2019 Debbie Robus