Daily Devotional for November 26, 2023 – Too little or too much – Christ gives us strength to face anything and is always plenty

Philippians 4:10-14
The Lord has made me very grateful that at last you have thought about me once again. Actually, you were thinking about me all along, but you didn’t have any chance to show it. I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with whatever I have. I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. Christ gives me the strength to face anything.

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

As I write this, I am sitting with our nephew, Nathan, while he sculpts with Play-doh®. I read him the scripture for today, and he asked, “Have you ever been poor?” I told him that I would not call myself “poor,” but when I was a child, my family struggled to make ends meet. My parents both worked several jobs just to pay the bills, and we didn’t have a lot of “extras” that other kids had. But…we always had plenty! We had a comfortable home, food to eat, clothing to wear, and a big extended family that loved us dearly.
 
After my siblings and I were grown and out of the house, my dad started his own business and did quite well. My parents were then able to enjoy some of the “plenty” that Paul talked about. When we were growing up, my mother wore the same dresses for years. Later, she filled the closets with beautiful clothes and enjoyed wearing them. My parents were able to travel and eat at nice restaurants and relish these “extras.” I wouldn’t say they ever had “too much” – or that they were what many would consider “wealthy,” but they were far better off materially than when we were young.
 
When I was in second grade, my dad worked away from home as a welder on construction of the Kerr-McGee Navigation System on the Arkansas River. For many months, Daddy worked in Gillette, Arkansas. He would get up early on Monday mornings and drive to south Arkansas to work all week…and on Friday nights, he would drive home after work. A few weekends, we drove down to visit him instead. It was a long, dreary drive.
 
Every Sunday night as Daddy tucked me into bed, I cried. I knew he would be gone Monday morning when I woke up. Daddy told me, “I need to do this so you can have money to buy a horse and other extra things you kids want.” When I was in fifth grade, my family moved to Oklahoma for six months – again for Daddy to work on the lock and dam construction. My brother was physically sick most of the time with fevers and sore throats…and my sister and I were heartsick and homesick, and we all three cried often to “go home.” Mother and Daddy enjoyed having extra “spending money” – taking us shopping and out to eat in Muskogee, and not worrying about the bills. But they finally gave up and moved us back to our home in Heber Springs.
 
This is what Paul is trying to tell us…our joy is not found in “things” – or even in abundance of some sort. Our joy, peace, and hope are found in the assurance of Jesus Christ to help us face anything. My siblings and I enjoyed new Barbies and other toys, always having candy bars in the fridge, and those shopping sprees. But we loved living near our friends, grandparents, and other relatives even more. We loved the comfort and safety of our childhood home. We would rather not have an allowance – or a horse, dance lessons, and new bicycles – and have our daddy home all week. Being “rich” was not important to us…but being together with those we loved was critical. (And for the record, my brother got well almost instantly after we returned to Arkansas! He was literally homesick!”)
 
Listen when I tell you that “rich” people get sick and die. They have addictions, relationships issues, and are subject to personal trials and tragedies of all kinds. “Rich” people need Jesus just as much as “poor” ones. Money and things do not actually make us “wealthy,” popular, or successful – it’s all about our relationship with Christ. If we focus on living for Him and serving as He commands, we will always feel His presence and power. He will stand in the gap and make all the difference in every circumstance.
 
I cling to the last verse of this passage. Christ truly does give me the strength to face anything. When all else is stripped away, I still have Jesus in my life – and that will always be more than enough. In Christ, I am always at “home.” What about you? Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 18, 2023 – Putting God first in all things…it’s time to get our priorities straight!

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto 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.

A few nights ago, we attended a high school theatre performance. Our oldest nephew, Timothy, was part of the 9th-grade group that presented an excerpt from Shakespeare’s play, “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” After the performance, our younger nephew, Nathan, began a campaign to “go home with you.” We reminded Nathan that it was a “school night” – he had to go to classes the following day. Nathan was not deterred…he could skip – it didn’t matter! This is a recurring theme with our 11-year-old boy…he would surely slip into the car and stow away to our house if we weren’t careful!
 
For the record, the Thanksgiving break has begun, and we plan to take the kids to a nearby trampoline park one day – and Nathan does indeed get to come for a sleepover after Thanksgiving Day. Our niece has wisely decided that her children need to rest and relax much of this week, so she is limiting extra-curricular activities, visits with friends, and even sleepovers. But she has said that if Nathan waits patiently, does his chores, rests, and behaves himself at home this week, she will allow the coveted overnight visit a week from today.
 
You and I are no longer eleven, and we do not have the “license” that comes with childhood. There is no excuse for our “misalignment of priorities” (aka selfishness, sinfulness, and greed). We know what we need to do…and the order in which these should be accomplished. Seek God first…serve as He designs and desires…and the blessings will come. Don’t do this because you want to receive something, but out of a deep, abiding desire to serve and please your Heavenly Father. The “overnight sleepovers” and “trampoline park visits” are the bonus!
 
I don’t know what God is calling you to do this day. He may be saying, “Make the phone call,” or “Write the text/email/note.” God may be saying to you, “Turn off all electronics and sit quietly with Me or go for a walk. Let Me refresh and refill your ‘love tank’ and equip you for the weeks ahead.” Or He may be saying, “Get up and get going!” What I do know is that God will show you where, when, and how to serve for the glory of His Kingdom. And when we do these things, all our needs will be met – and then some!
 
God is not in the business of punishing or depriving His children. He has more abundance to pour out on us than we can fathom. But like a good mother who knows that too much activity and “vacation” can be exhausting and unwise, God knows how to bless us in just the right measure. Seek His will – and prioritize your “agenda” according to His desires. Keep your “house” and your heart in order and see where He takes you. When we give God top priority, the results will be amazing and abundant…for others and for us. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for July 26, 2023 – From Coffee Clubs to wiener roasts – to serving Jesus – make sure your focus is in the right place!

James 4:4-6
You people aren’t faithful to God! Don’t you know if you love the world, you are God’s enemies? And if you decide to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”? In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say,

“God opposes everyone
who is proud,
but he blesses all who are humble
with undeserved grace.”

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

I’ve been cleaning out old photo albums that belonged to my parents and grandparents – trying to decide what to label and keep – and what can go. Don’t judge – we are drowning in old photos! And while I love each one, there are plenty of pictures of people no one knows, landscapes from long-ago trips that are so faded you can barely make out the image, and lots of duplicates. Yesterday, I discovered four photos of my maternal grandmother, my great-aunt, our next-door neighbor, and several other dear ladies who collectively formed what I called a “coffee klatch.” I think officially, they called themselves the “Coffee Club” – or often just “Coffee” for short.

The “Coffee Club” formed in 1938 – the year before my mother was born. They met each Monday morning for coffee after their husbands went to work – even bringing children along in the early days. When the war broke out, the ladies met at a local department store and rolled bandages for the Red Cross. After the war was over, these women resumed their meetings for coffee. By the time I came along in the late 1950s, the “Coffee Club” had taken things to new heights…at least as best I can remember! They always rotated where the coffee was hosted, with each of the eight or so ladies taking a turn. I can remember when it was my grandmother’s turn to host, she worked for several days to press linens, polish silver, set the table and make sure every detail was “just right!”

The photos I shared were snapped in 1977, at my parents’ home. Grandmother was no longer able to host a coffee herself, and I remember that Mother offered to do this for her. If you look closely at the photos, Mother had pulled out HER finest crystal and china – and prepared a breakfast feast second to none. Every detail of this event had to be perfect in my grandmother’s eyes. I shared these photos on Facebook and tagged children and grandchildren of the ladies who attended. I also shared a story that ran in our local newspaper about the Coffee Club.

One person commented that these ladies were all active in their churches and communities…and indeed, the group included Baptist and Methodist women…and perhaps a guest from another denomination on occasion. They shared far more than coffee at these get-togethers. These ladies were my grandmother and great-aunt’s dearest friends. But what struck me was how important the “details” seemed to be – at least for my grandmother. When she would “have Coffee” at her house, it was a BIG deal…and the details were what seemed to matter most. I would venture to recall that the next day, the question was not whether everyone had a good time, but rather, “Did they like how everything looked and tasted?”

I get it…I am a “details” person. But over the years, I have left the china and crystal in the cabinets and drawers in favor of paper plates and cups – and more time to visit with family and friends. Well into my adulthood, my family always had lavish holiday dinners, replete with the fancy tableware and linens. But one summer evening, we had an impromptu get-together at my parents’ house, where we “dined” on pimiento cheese and tuna fish sandwiches, and some hastily made potato salad and baked beans. There might have even been a store-bought bag of cookies for dessert – or maybe a brownie mix thrown into the oven last minute. But I’m pretty sure we used paper plates and cups.

My cousin noted as he left that we had such a great time…and we really didn’t need a big fancy meal for that. We also began to enjoy impromptu “wiener roasts” – where everyone grabbed their lawn chairs, coolers of soda pop, store-bought chips, cookies, marshmallows, buns and hot dogs – and we headed to one of our area campgrounds on the lake for a day of catching up and reminiscing. These were some of our best family get-togethers, and everyone came away remembering the fun of being together – not the preparation and cleanup!

We are reminded in this scripture passage that God is jealous. When we make things about something besides Him – or loving others and serving them in the name of Jesus – God does not like it one bit! He wants our focus and our aim to always be about Him. When we worry about what others will think…how we look…whether our homes or church buildings are nice enough – or we have state-of-the-art (aka “fancy”) gadgets and gizmos…or even that the “right” people are included…we are concerned with the wrong things. The message for this day is to “let it go!”  Let God have complete control – and all the attention. Make everything you say and do about serving and pleasing Him and see how far God takes you!

One of my friends suggested that we should resurrect the Coffee Club of our grandmother’s generation. If we can meet at a local coffee shop and keep it about the people who attend, I’m all in! As we move forward, let’s all focus on doing God’s will and loving others in the name of Jesus. When we keep the attention centered on our Heavenly Father, He will surely bless and multiply our efforts and our joy. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for September 2, 2022 – Perspective is everything…it’s time to decide which Master we will serve!

Matthew 6:19-26
“Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

“Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a musty cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

“You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.

“If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

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.

Yesterday after school, Greg and I picked up the kids and took them to the lake. There we met our neighbor, who the children call “Mr. Steve,” who has a lovely new party barge and several “toys.” Steve enjoys having friends accompany him on his boat outings. So we have served as his “test subjects” while he learned about his boat, tubes and accessories this summer. This was our third trip to tube on the lake in the last couple of months.

On the way home, we drove past our Community Center, and Nathan asked, “When can we go back to the pool, because I’m really missing that place!” We have not been to the pool since before the pandemic began almost 3 years ago. I noted that after tubing on the lake, the pool might seem rather boring – especially now that the kids are older. Nathan and Zola quickly informed me that now they would be able to really swim to the deep end and “dive” for the plastic pool toys…and it would be great! Sometimes, perspective is everything…and bigger is not always better.

A friend said to me last week, “I like nice things…but I don’t have to have expensive things.” There is nothing wrong with money. Lots of people make plenty of money and stay humble. They buy what they need – and even what they want – but they make sure to help others along the way wherever and whenever possible. They don’t always have to have the most expensive possessions just because they are expensive. Let’s be honest…the wire whisk from Walmart or Dollar Tree will whip your egg whites just as well as the fancy version from Williams-Sonoma! And do not misunderstand me…we have thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of our neighbor and the fun times we’ve had on his boat!

During this pandemic, we started sitting outside on our back porch more – and paying closer attention to the birds and wildlife. I can tell you – this “show” is often far superior entertainment to anything you will watch on television – or two hours spent viewing the newest movie release. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Painted Bunting, American Goldfinch, woodpeckers, hawks and songbirds of all kinds – and the majestic American Bald Eagle that soars over our backyard.

None of these birds gives a second thought to whether their plumage is “designer” (although it is “Designer!” People often ask us what brand of birdseed we buy. I honestly don’t think the birds care about “brand” – as long as their bellies are filled! Some of my best “worship” moments have come while sitting in the glider on my back porch, observing wildlife and watching a church service online. My cousin Jan said it best, “COVID taught us that we don’t have to see and be seen.”

I share all of these observations to say that Jesus has told us to get our priorities straight…and yet, we are often looking for the next best thing. We need to get back to basics…to search for God in the “conversation” of Black-capped Chickadees and House Finches at a bird feeder…to feel His presence and the promise of heaven as we watch a Bald Eagle soar above us. We need to appreciate the fun and excitement of a tube ride behind a fast boat on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake…but we need to also acknowledge the joy of “diving” for plastic toys in a community pool and celebrating the accomplishment of being old enough and able to swim to the deep end successfully and without fear.

We need to realize that true worship of God does not require a large auditorium, flashing lights and amplified music shared with hundreds to thousands of your “closest friends.” We need to stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “Lord, what would You have me do with the blessings and resources You have given me?”  It is time we settled once and for all Who our true Master is…and start serving Him with complete confidence and abandon. The God who cares for the birds and numbers the feathers on a sparrow surely cares for each of us – and deserves our faithful, obedient, and humble service. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 20, 2022 – Have a pimiento cheese sandwich and relax with God…He’s got this!

Matthew 6:30-33
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

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

For more years than I care to count, family dinners were a huge deal for my clan. Somewhere around 15-25 of us or more would gather for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner – and later, Easter Sunday lunch. While the women in our family took turns hosting each holiday meal, I marveled as an adult at how they got everything ready. They planned for weeks – everything from the menu and who would bring which dishes to whose turn it was to host was discussed. It should also be noted that these were potluck affairs…but there was nary a paper plate or cup in sight.

Each hostess got out her very best china dishes, silverware, and “fancy glasses” for this event. Tables were meticulously set with cloths, candles and more. Houses were scrubbed and every detail was addressed before our family gathered to spend the day together. We had a lot of fun – and memories were made. But I know the women were exhausted for days afterward. It probably took them until New Year’s Day to get things put away and back in order. And years later, I became part of this “Martha Stewart-wannabe” cycle.

Fast forward to a few years ago when many in our family succumbed to the flu in the days leading up to Christmas. I realized that it would not be wise or loving to try to prepare the big Christmas meal for my family – and possibly give them a virus along with their Christmas gifts and cheer. So my mother offered to provide pizza, and we ate on paper plates. No one cared. Nobody complained. As my family likes to say… “A good time was had by all.” In fact, we’ve been doing this every Christmas since. We look forward to pizza – and the unspoken understanding that spending less time in the kitchen gives us more time to be together as a family and enjoy the company of one another.

I will tell you…I enjoyed creating a beautiful table and preparing a delicious meal with “all the trimmings.” But I have the “before and after” pictures to prove that the beauty very quickly resembled a “war zone” – and the memories of those lovely settings and meals pale in comparison to the laughter and conviviality of interaction and engagement between the generations. When I look through old photographs, I am more enthralled by the ones where we are all sitting around the table visiting in the afternoons when the dishes are done.

One summer many decades ago, my parents and my cousin Eddie decided on the spur of the moment that we should all get together. We met at my parents’ house, and everyone brought what they had on hand – or grabbed something pre-made at the store…chips, cookies, soft drinks. Mother made her legendary pimiento cheese and tuna salad. We dined like kings and queens on “picnic fare” and as the evening concluded, Eddie said, “You know…we should do this more often. We don’t need a fancy meal. We can have just as good a time over pimiento cheese sandwiches – maybe even better!” He was right!

You and I get so caught up in the “fancy dinner” syndrome of life that we fail to recognize the value of a “pimiento cheese sandwich” experience. We are so worried about every detail in our lives being “just so” that we miss many of God’s gifts. I have been reminded of this with our own children lately, as two of the three have arrived to visit for a few days and left their cell phones at home. A 13-year-old and an 11-year-old noted they would rather spend time interacting with their 60-something aunt and uncle than look at their phones! I considered this God’s nudge to let go of some of the “busyness” of my day in order to spend more focused time with them while they were with us.

We need to care less about the “production value” of our lives – and more about Jesus. We need to quit worrying so much about whether we are completely “put together” when a friend wants to spend time with us – or has a need – and just be present. We need to stop paying so much attention to whether we have the latest and greatest AV equipment for our worship service – and more attention to who is sitting next to us on the pew (and who is missing!).

We need to go back to those cheap cookies and awful Kool-Aid of our childhood VBS days and stop trying to make everything a huge production. We need to leave the fancy dinnerware in the cabinet and share the love of Christ with others over a pimiento cheese sandwich. And we need to trust God to fill in the gaps and recognize that He will meet all of our needs along the way. Alleluia!

©2022 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 23, 2021 – Storing up treasure in heaven vs. earth…it’s time for some of us to downsize!

Mathew 6:19-21
Don’t store up treasures on earth! Moths and rust can destroy them, and thieves can break in and steal them. Instead, store up your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy them, and thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

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

I had to laugh as I read this passage, because if you saw all of the Christmas decorations we have displayed in our house right now, you’d wonder if I had ever read this passage! But this is about much more than Christmas decorations (although yes, we can take this to extremes, as well). I’ve talked a lot in this space in the last few years about “stuff”…and how we all have too much of it. Clearing out the lifetime accumulation of your parents and grandparents will slap you in the face with the reality that we “store up treasures on this earth.” And I can attest to the “moths and rust,” too!

At the same time, I could tell you once again the story of how my paternal grandparents lost virtually EVERYTHING to a house fire on December 20, 1981. They were lucky to escape with their clothing, cars, and a handful of household things that a passerby grabbed…the family Bible, a mantel clock, and a chair sitting right inside the front door. I watched this couple who had struggled all their lives to make ends meet grapple with the loss of their meager “treasures”…and how they rebuilt their home and started over in their early 70s. My grandfather only lived three more years…but my grandmother lived another 3+ decades. And when she died, she had plenty of “stuff!” But none of it really meant a thing to her…the “treasure” of her life was stored in Heaven – and in her heart and mind in the form of precious memories.

Every Christmas, I am reminded of my grandparents and the house fire. I am reminded of Greg’s maternal grandfather, who was buried in Iowa on a very frigid, snowy Christmas Eve afternoon…and his maternal grandmother who was buried a few years later on the day after Christmas. I am reminded of Greg’s brother, who battled injuries from a car wreck on December 21, 2015…only to succumb to his wounds on New Year’s Eve…and my own mother who could barely sit up that Christmas as she celebrated with us for the last time before cancer claimed her life a few weeks later. And now you are thinking, “Man! This is a depressing message!” It’s not meant to be.

This is the only way I know to personally illustrate to you the point that Jesus is making…”Don’t store up treasures on earth!” Spend the next few days thinking about your blessings and the love and care that Jesus offers. Greg and I would not be standing upright without our faith in Jesus Christ. He has sustained us through some dark days. But He has also blessed us immensely, and we know that more blessings are around the corner – and at the end, we get to bask in the glories of Heaven! As this pandemic allows, we will celebrate with loved ones in the coming days – and revel in the grace, mercy and abundance that Jesus has given us.

Enjoy your “stuff”…but consider paring it down a bit – if only for the sake of those who will have to deal with it someday! Focus on people, experiences, and sharing the love of Christ Jesus at every opportunity. You will find that your life is abundant in ways that truly matter. Set out your Christmas decorations for a few weeks. But don’t let them become the focus of your Christmas Season. Remember that Jesus is not just “the Reason for the Season”…Jesus is The REASON – for everything! Focus on living in a way that demonstrates the love of Christ to others and prepares you for Heaven. Consider “downsizing” here – and storing your real treasure THERE! Hallelujah, and Amen!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 27, 2021 – Humble prayer and discipleship…put on the armor of God – and GO!

1 Timothy 2:8-10
So I want men everywhere to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from sin and anger and resentment. And the women should be the same way, quiet and sensible in manner and clothing. Christian women should be noticed for being kind and good, not for the way they fix their hair or because of their jewels or fancy clothes.

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

This passage reminded me of a meme I saw once about some moms who were at the beach with their children, looking like anything but models. The comment was that your children won’t remember how you looked – they will remember that you took time to be with them. So go ahead and put on that swimsuit – and go to the beach or pool! I was also reminded of something author and televangelist Joyce Meyer once said about standing in her closet trying to decide what to wear. She said she clearly heard God say, “Oh, good grief, Joyce…just put on something and GO!”

My point is the same as that of the Apostle Paul to Timothy…this is not a license for us to be sloppy or disheveled. Paul is not telling us that we are sinful to enjoy fashion or nice things. He is merely pointing out that people are watching…and you and I constantly send them messages about what we think, how we feel about them and other people and situations, and Who we really serve. God is telling us to consider our “audience”…and in most cases, He is saying, “Just put something on and GO!”

Additionally, Paul is not giving us the green light to become distracted, preoccupied, or entangled in pettiness or senseless thoughts and actions. We must focus on God and make it our top priority to talk with Him – with humility and by giving Him our full attention. We must not get derailed by offenses. Anger and resentment are huge wastes of time and complete distractions from genuine communication with God – and our discipleship.

You may feel you have every right to be mad, frustrated, or bitter. I get it – I can be right there with you. But I encourage you to give these feelings to God and ask Him to help you rise above and work around them. I’m learning that the more I genuinely say, “Lord, I cannot fix this, but YOU can,” the more I am free to hear from Him – and to serve with love, joy, and peace.

Consider your witness – and your servanthood. Are you genuinely talking to God, unencumbered of anger and bitterness? Are you more concerned with how you look or your “status” than you are about sharing the love of Christ with others? Are you the chubby mother at the beach, happily making memories with your children…or are you someone who is too busy making sure everything in your own life is “on point” and impressive?

Are you concentrating on lifting your hands to God in humble service – and letting Him use you as He designs and desires? Who is truly the central focus of your life? Make this the day that you decide, once and for all. Then put on the full armor of God…and GO!

©2021 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 13, 2020 – Lessons from a pandemic…don’t be caught unawares!

Luke 21:34-36
“Watch out! Don’t let my sudden coming catch you unawares; don’t let me find you living in careless ease, carousing and drinking, and occupied with the problems of this life, like all the rest of the world. Keep a constant watch. And pray that if possible you may arrive in my presence without having to experience these horrors.”

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

If there is a “silver lining” to this pandemic, it might be that we have all had the opportunity to slow down and consider the whole of our lives…everything from how we utilize our time to who we associate with (and who we truly miss) to how and where we spend our money. I have become more keenly aware of the “use it up, wear it out” philosophy…of using those old bits of soap as we wash our hands incessantly, conserving paper towels in favor of old rags, and taking stock of our refrigerator and pantry to ensure that we don’t waste a crumb!

This has also been a time to reflect on the sanctity of life…the preciousness of family and friends – and meaningful interaction with them. It has become a time to get creative…to make the most of a porch or driveway visit…and to realize that all of the “trappings” of fancy celebrations, the latest greatest gadget, or attending some event that we thought was critically important pales in the face of a literal matter of life and death. I would far rather visit Grandma or the children from a six-foot distance than to know they are in the hospital and I cannot see them at all – or to lose them forever to this horrific virus. I would rather “make do” with the groceries and supplies we get on our bi-monthly pickup trips and not worry about items we forgot to put on the list (or those that were unavailable) than to risk a trip inside a grocery store for one or two products.

This is a time for all of us to take stock of our lives…to assess our priorities and figure out what needs to stay “off the table” when the “All Clear!” is sounded, and we return to the outside world and all of its activities and offerings. This is a time to truly learn to make a habit of “keeping a constant watch”…talking to God more – and listening to what He says in return…and letting go of some of the excess that really didn’t make our life all that meaningful in the first place. This is a time to consider our human relationships and make every effort to make the most of things during this pandemic – and to plan well for how we will interact afterward.

While we are “sheltering in place” during this pandemic, we would be well served to do some “house cleaning” – of every sort – and get our lives in order, so that we are never caught unawares. In particular, this is a great time to “square” things with God and get everything straightened out as we move forward. This is our opportunity to truly serve Jesus well in this lifetime – and arrive in His presence with peace, joy, and confidence that we did our level best to bring Him honor and glory in all things.

While we are all weary of the restrictions and “conditions” that this pandemic has caused in our lives, perhaps some of them haven’t been so bad in the long run. Let’s take stock of the opportunities that God is offering us – even now – to grow in our faith and service to Him. Let’s “make lemons into lemonade” and cultivate a stronger awareness of His presence and power. Watch out! Keep serving with faithful obedience and commitment. Live with confidence that when Jesus returns, you will not be caught unawares.

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for March 29, 2020 – Storing the right kind of “treasure”…are you focused on the right “stuff”?

Luke 12:22-34
Jesus said to his disciples:

I tell you not to worry about your life! Don’t worry about having something to eat or wear. Life is more than food or clothing. Look at the crows! They don’t plant or harvest, and they don’t have storehouses or barns. But God takes care of them. You are much more important than any birds. Can worry make you live longer? If you don’t have power over small things, why worry about everything else?

Look how the wild flowers grow! They don’t work hard to make their clothes. But I tell you that Solomon with all his wealth wasn’t as well clothed as one of these flowers. God gives such beauty to everything that grows in the fields, even though it is here today and thrown into a fire tomorrow. Won’t he do even more for you? You have such little faith!

Don’t keep worrying about having something to eat or drink. Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father knows what you need. But put God’s work first, and these things will be yours as well.

My little group of disciples, don’t be afraid! Your Father wants to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give the money to the poor. Make yourselves moneybags that never wear out. Make sure your treasure is safe in heaven, where thieves cannot steal it and moths cannot destroy it. Your heart will always be where your treasure is.

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

Earlier this week, a photo went viral on social media of a young physician in Jonesboro, Arkansas, standing outside the “storm door” that provided entry to his home. Pressed against the other side was his toddler. The father is quarantined because of his potential exposure to COVID-19. So this is how he keeps in touch with his family…or it was until yesterday, when a violent tornado destroyed the family’s home. Thankfully, everyone is safe…but the house is a total loss.

In a matter of weeks, our priorities have completely changed. Not all that long ago, I was shopping for candy to fill Easter eggs at our church’s egg hunt…and earlier this week, I was almost giddy when Greg came home from the grocery store with milk, eggs, bread and other staples to get us through the next several weeks. Less than a month ago, Grandma E and I were still visiting the community pool, wondering if each trip would be our last for a while. Indeed, all public city facilities are now closed because of the virus. In the last few days, I’ve taken several walks in our neighborhood to get some fresh air and exercise. I’ve marveled at the “opulence” of spring…trees and shrubs that are flowering with breathtaking beauty…tiny seed pods that resemble helicopter rotors and feathery jewels…intricate, yet miniscule flowers on the ground that rival the most expensive orchid when viewed through a camera’s zoom lens.

God cares about us more than we can ever begin to fathom. Jesus reminds us of this in these verses from Luke 12. He suggests that if God pays attention to the minute details of a little wildflower springing from the ground, surely He will see that our needs are met. If God cares that the animals of the forest are fed, He must certainly desire that we eat, as well. If God is concerned with the return of spring and puts so much effort into the tiniest aspects – like pollen-producing flowers and seeds with wings that ensure their dispersal – there is no question that He cares about what happens to us each day.

We need to be reminded of this…especially now. As COVID-19 rages throughout our country – and a violent tornado ravaged one of the communities in our state just last evening – we need to be reminded that God still cares about our every need…and that a lot of what we value so greatly is truly “just stuff”. I would bet that this is what the young physician and his wife would tell you. As I write this, it appears that no one perished in this horrific tornado. Perhaps social distancing kept people at home, where they could more readily seek safety. If you have seen any photos of the damage to public spaces, you are surely astounded that dozens are not dead or seriously injured.

Spend some time today contemplating God’s hand in your life. See how He is orchestrating the events to bring about any number of “positives”. Recognize that God is keeping you “fed, clothed, and sustained” in every way that really matters. Stop and thank Him for this “treasure”…and for His continued goodness and mercy over each of us. Reflect on what is truly important…and thank God for sharing His Kingdom with us. Count your blessings (because we all have them!) and give Him all the glory and praise! Amen, and AMEN!

©2020 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 24, 2019 – Praying expectantly…what are you asking for?

James 4:1-3
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

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 of the hardest things for me to do is to pray for God’s will instead of my own. After all, I want “good” things…health, happiness, and well-being for everyone. I want our children to be protected from the evils of this world. I want everyone to be prosperous, safe, and successful. I want all people to be accepted and included – and to know Jesus. I want everyone to experience true freedom…in every regard. And I believe God wants these things, too! So what is the problem?

The issue is that my “path” to these things is not always the same as God’s. His meanders and accounts for free will and the allowance for “life-building skills and lessons” along the way. Mine is straight to the point. Like the commercial on TV that says, “It’s MY money, and I want it NOW!”…I want what I want – when I want it!

I love how these verses come right to the point…we often know from the outset that what we are asking of God is selfish and ridiculous – and we are embarrassed to ask for it (or we should be). When we ask God for things according to His will, there is no hesitation…no embarrassment…and no doubt that God will answer. The outcome might not be exactly as we desired, but we are confident that it will be timely and perfect.

So as you think about your relationship with God, consider areas where you may at least mentally desire things that you know are selfish and wrong – and not in step with God’s plans. Let’s ask God to show us where we need to do some soul searching – and realign our thoughts and dreams with His. Let’s stop trying to get our own way in everything – and seek God’s will instead.

Don’t waste another minute…get your priorities in order. Pray in a manner that denotes God’s sovereignty and wisdom – and glorifies His Kingdom. And say “Enough already!” with selfish thoughts and desires. In the words of Matthew 6:33…” Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

©2019 Debbie Robus