Daily Devotional for May 4, 2024 – Garnering a seat at God’s Heavenly table…here’s how to get on the “guest list”…

Psalm 15
God, who gets invited
    to dinner at your place?
How do we get on your guest list?

“Walk straight,
    act right,
        tell the truth.

“Don’t hurt your friend,
    don’t blame your neighbor;
        despise the despicable.

“Keep your word even when it costs you,
    make an honest living,
        never take a bribe.

“You’ll never get blacklisted
     if you live like this.”<

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’ll be honest…I’ve never been a fan of country clubs, VIP boxes and booths, and exclusive sororities and fraternities or organizations of any kind that even hint at “exclusivity” – including some churches. In many cases, the chasm between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is not only vast – it causes incredibly harsh and painful feelings at times. Nobody should ever be made to feel “less than” – especially for reasons based on economics, appearance, age, race, or sexual orientation, to name a few. 
 
I grew up very “middle class.” Money was always tight for my parents (who worked multiple jobs) and three children. Many of the things that our peers did and acquired were out of reach for us…and kids can be truly cruel in their judgment and ridicule. I regret to say that there were kids in our classes who had even less than we did…and I am sure we looked down on them for their “lack,” to some degree. But I can tell you…this is never a good feeling for those on the receiving end of judgment, and I am keenly aware today of how important it is not to disparage others.
 
In God’s Kingdom, all have an open invitation to feast at His Heavenly table and abide in His abundance and care. This is a coveted honor that is not to be taken lightly. God is not in the business of making others feel inferior or “second-class” in any manner. After all, we are royalty – children of the Master of the Universe! But God does have standards…orders and protocol that must be observed. The Psalmist reminds us of these…act right, tell the truth. Don’t hurt your friend, don’t blame your neighbor; despise the despicable. Keep your word even when it costs you, make an honest living, never take a bribe. 
 
We also know that we have been commanded to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul – and to love others as Christ loves us. When we do these things, our “invitation” is always open. As miserable as it can be to be “blacklisted” in some manner in our daily living, exclusion from God’s Heavenly table would be the worst!
 
Consider this day how you speak and act…how you treat others and WHO you truly serve. The stakes are high…the rewards are Eternal. It is God’s desire that as many as possible are on His “guest list.”  Will you be one of them?  Alleluia!
 
©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 2, 2024 – God 𝒊𝒔 watching…what does your “witness” show Him and others?

Psalm 10:1-11
Lord, why are you standing aloof and far away? Why do you hide when I need you the most?

Come and deal with all these proud and wicked men who viciously persecute the poor. Pour upon these men the evil they planned for others! For these men brag of all their evil lusts; they revile God and congratulate those the Lord abhors, whose only goal in life is money.

These wicked men, so proud and haughty, seem to think that God is dead. They wouldn’t think of looking for him! Yet there is success in everything they do, and their enemies fall before them. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They boast that neither God nor man can ever keep them down—somehow they’ll find a way!

Their mouths are full of profanity and lies and fraud. They are always boasting of their evil plans. They lurk in dark alleys of the city and murder passersby. Like lions they crouch silently, waiting to pounce upon the poor. Like hunters they catch their victims in their traps. The unfortunate are overwhelmed by their superior strength and fall beneath their blows. “God isn’t watching,” they say to themselves; “he’ll never know!”

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 entire passage from Psalm 10 seems to be summed up by this verse 11…“God isn’t watching,” they say to themselves; “he’ll never know!” And honestly, there are a lot of people who have made this their mantra. We can cite examples of this in national and world leadership…but we can also find people and situations in our own backyard who arrogantly behave in a manner that insults God – all while often claiming to love and serve Him and have His full endorsement for their words and actions. I get that this is maddening…and I understand those who plead with God to “do something!” Clearly the concept of “getting away with murder” is nothing new – and predates the earthly life of Jesus Christ It is understandable that some wonder why God continues to allow this type of hatefulness and deception.
 
So what are we to do? If you read on in Psalm 10, you see that even as the writer begs God to deal with these evil people, His power and presence is also acknowledged. Verse 16 says, “The Lord is King forever and forever. Those who follow other gods shall be swept from his land.” The heart of the message never changes…“God wins!” And those who follow God and serve Him with faithful obedience will ultimately be victorious. 
 
We must continue to stand up and be who God has called us to be – even in the face of evil, hatred, lies, deception, and false witness. We must stand tall and proud as we love all others with the love of Christ. We must always offer grace, mercy, kindness, and dignity – even to those who operate in hatred and dishonesty. 
 
We must declare God’s truths to all who will hear them…and demonstrate Christ’s teachings in our daily living. And we must trust God to oversee justice. Don’t waste time worrying about the people who are operating in fraud, deceit, and false witness in order to seemingly “get ahead.” Concentrate on being who God has called you to be. And praise our Most High God…He will handle the rest! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 26, 2024 – Pine cones, pollen, and peer pressure…who are you choosing to follow?

Psalm 1
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely.

They are like trees along a riverbank bearing luscious fruit each season without fail. Their leaves shall never wither, and all they do shall prosper.

But for sinners, what a different story! They blow away like chaff before the wind. They are not safe on Judgment Day; they shall not stand among the godly.

For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, but the paths of the godless lead to doom.

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

Our driveway is lined today with those little brown “curly-cues” from pine trees. I did some research and learned that these are the spent male flowers that release pollen, which is carried by the wind to the “female” cones for pollination. This is where some who do an Internet search for “male” and “female” pine cones will probably add a funny comment about the “female” cones being the ones that are more “spiked” and “thorny!” But let’s admit, this is God at His most magnificent and creative as He designed a way for pine trees to reproduce without the need for birds and insects to intercede.
 
Here’s the thing…the wind doesn’t always carry that pollen to the “female” pine cones. Some of it ends up in our eyes, ears, throats, and noses!  For a few weeks each spring, the pine trees we love for so many reasons become Public Enemy #1 – or at least one of several culprits that make us cough and sneeze. And once the pollination is complete, the “male” cones are useless. So they end up on our driveways and in our yards – and clog our rain gutters – and the wind and rain (and leaf blowers, mowers, and human hands) carry them away.
 
Now I bet you wonder where I am headed with this analogy, so I will tell you. Sometimes, we get caught up in the “wonder and excitement” of something or someone, and we don’t see the whole picture. And yes, it’s a stretch to compare selfish, dishonest, evil people to the pollination of a pine tree. But often in both situations, something (or someone) we love may look great on the surface, but when we dig deeply, we learn that there is more to the story. 
 
We have learned to adapt and adjust somewhat to the pine pollen – to stay indoors more during the weeks when our furniture is coated in yellow dust, to wear masks when mowing or doing other outdoor activities, and to take antihistamines when necessary to counteract the ill effects of the pollen. But sometimes, we keep going along with someone or something we know is bad for us…or just plain wrong…and the reasons are vast.
 
Some of us like being part of a group – that sense of “belonging” – so much so that we will do just about anything to be accepted. We will “go along to get along” or compromise our own values just to be part of the tribe. Sometimes, we let others convince us that their ideas and ways of doing things are actually better than our own – even when we know in our hearts that God says otherwise. And there are times when we are swayed by the lure of “riches,” success, or other material “benefits.” Sadly, some are made to feel that they risk being unloved if they don’t think, speak, and act a certain way.
 
The Psalmist tells us that there is joy, freedom, and great reward in seeking the ways of God – and always following them! Even when this is hard or seems to lead to ridicule, exile, or downright persecution, God is still with those who stick with Him. And like the little pollen flowers that are blown away after their moment of “glory,” those who purport to live in falsehoods, deceit, and even downright evil will eventually be scattered to the four winds, as God has promised. 
 
God will not tolerate dishonesty and disregard for His commands. It may seem so in the moment…or for a season. And the “lure” of what is offered by some may seem great. But God’s rewards are better! Be like the trees that grow along the riverbank, produce good fruit, and never wither. Avoid those who try to sway you to come over to their “side” just as you do your best to avoid the pollen in spring. Stick with God and follow His commands…and He will always take care of you! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 17, 2024 – Bullies, witchfinders, and twisted souls…choosing who we serve and how we demonstrate our faith

Proverbs 3:30-35
Don’t walk around with a chip on your shoulder,
    always spoiling for a fight.
Don’t try to be like those who shoulder their way through life.
    Why be a bully?
“Why not?” you say. Because God can’t stand twisted souls.
    It’s the straightforward who get his respect.

God’s curse blights the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.
He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder,
    but if you’re down on your luck, he’s right there to help.
Wise living gets rewarded with honor;
    stupid living gets the booby prize.

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 have just finished reading a historical novel titled The Village Healer’s Book of Cures by Jennifer Sherman Roberts. This title was offered to me as a free selection via my Amazon Prime subscription, and I’m glad I didn’t pass over it. Set in 1646, this story follows a young widow who learned “cures” and poultices from her grandmother and others and has become someone the residents of a village outside of London turn to for help when they are sick or injured. 
 
A man comes along by the name of “Matthew Hopkins” a self-appointed “Witchfinder General” who claimed to act on the authority of Parliament. This character is based on a real-life lawyer from Essex who went about accusing people of witchcraft – and executed over one hundred of them as witches and/or devil worshipers. Of course, the man hid behind the cover of faithful obedience to God along with “governmental authority.” As the writer carefully wove this story, she shared claims that were allegedly made by this man – preposterous suppositions about these “witches” and the rituals and activities in which they were purported to have engaged with the devil.
 
I couldn’t help but think of some of the ridiculous claims many make these days – often in the name of God. They speak untruths and stir up fear and anger as they declare that this person is an “animal” – or that one will kidnap, rape and pillage. They share lies about this race or gender, that religious group or sexual orientation, or people of a certain ethnic background, political party, or socio-economic group. And far too many folks throw up their hands and appear all aghast at the horrors of it all, while clucking their tongues and puffing their chests with pride that they are “not like them.”
 
The more I read scripture and historical novels, the more I discover that we never seem to learn from our mistakes or those of others. This attests to the power of Satan to work in our hearts and minds. But I am here to remind you that the power of God is far stronger, more certain, and infallible in supremacy and righteousness. These verses are a clarion call for us to choose who we will serve – and to choose wisely!
 
Today, my prayer is that you and I would love and serve God so genuinely and humbly that others would see our witness – and how God cares for us because of our faithful obedience – and they would want to speak and act this way. I pray that others would see in us an example of living in God’s power and protection – and the appeal of the devil’s wiles would fade in appeal so fast it would make his head spin! I pray that we would stop demonizing certain people and groups – and recognize that the only right response is to love them as the precious creations of God that they are – and to treat them with the same dignity and humility that we desire be offered to us.
 
Frankly, I am horrified and disgusted by those who hide behind their faith while deriding and debasing others. I am both angered and heartbroken that anyone who claims to know, love, and serve Jesus would suggest that we mistreat another human being in any way…or to elevate ourselves to a position of supposed superiority over them. I know we are not to judge others…and I do leave this to God. But I ask Him often to deal with those who are not humble…those who are hateful…and those who bear false witness. And I ask God to help me to never be one of them! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 13, 2024 – Learning to put God first…lessons from Solomon and Jimmy Carter

Proverbs 3:1-6
My son, never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life, closely follow my instructions. Never tire of loyalty and kindness. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart. If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.

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 one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” – Former President Jimmy Carter

A February 20, 2023, article was posted in The New York Times by Kai Bird, director of the Leon Levy Center for Biography and the author of The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter. Titled “Jimmy Carter’s Presidency Was Not What You Think”, Bird related an encounter with the former President at the Carter Center, where Carter lectured attendees on the eradication of Guinea worm disease.
 
Bird’s article is enlightening as he outlines many of President Carter’s perceived successes and failures while in office. But he notes that Carter’s entire life has been an extension of the work he did as our 39th President…and many of his greatest accomplishments have occurred out of office. Carter is quoted as saying, “I believe that anyone can be successful in life, regardless of natural talent or the environment within which we live. This is not based on measuring success by human competitiveness for wealth, possessions, influence, and fame, but adhering to God’s standards of truth, justice, humility, service, compassion, forgiveness, and love.”
 
Greg and I were just finishing college when Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States. Counting President Joe Biden, there have been thirteen sitting Presidents in our lifetime. Like many of you, we have seen a lot of leadership “styles” and attitudes. And while some have worked diligently to operate in the tenets that President Carter describes in this quote about “success” and service to God, others have done everything humanly possible to deride and divide us with their lies, deceit, and downright arrogance and hatred. 
 
The more-than-a-half-century of my life serves as a microcosm of study in many instances of “What Not to Do!” I don’t mean to be negative, but truthfully, I don’t believe we are presently handing my great-nieces-and-nephews and cousins a better world than the one in which we grew up in many respects. And I think God must hang His head in shame and despair much of the time over how low some of us have sunk. But I firmly believe we can still “turn this ship around!” I believe we can take a good hard look at what Solomon proclaimed in the Proverbs…and what President Jimmy Carter and other genuinely faithful servants have modeled. 
 
I believe we can shift from hatred to hope…from killing to kindness…from arrogance to humility…and from evil and sin to surrender and service of the Most High God.  President Carter is quoted as saying, “We should live our lives as though Christ were coming this afternoon.” It seems to me that we all have work to do to make this the rule in our lives. It is time for us to truly put God first – and let Him guide and guard our every word and action. Alleluia, and Amen!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 12, 2024 – Seeking God’s wisdom – and acting on it…maybe it’s time to take a walk!

Proverbs 2:6-9
All wisdom comes from the Lord,
and so do common sense
    and understanding.

God gives helpful advice
    to everyone who obeys him
and protects those
    who live as they should.

God sees that justice is done,
and he watches over everyone
    who is faithful to him.

With wisdom you will learn
what is right
    and honest and fair.

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

In case you haven’t heard, the University of Arkansas has a new men’s head basketball coach. His name is John Calipari – and he was formally introduced to the state at a pep rally and press conference on April 10th. Just a week ago, Calipari was the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats…an “enemy” of our state’s beloved Razorbacks, if you will. And now, he is our new head coach!
 
I know little to nothing about John Calipari…but he attempted to introduce himself at the event this week, and I discovered a couple of things. Calipari said repeatedly that he is “all about the players.” He insisted over and again that the players come first – their well-being, their education, and their future. While Calipari acknowledged that he was hired to win games and cultivate championship teams, he also noted that he is concerned with helping young men realize their full potential in every aspect of life. Over time, we will learn whether this is the truth – or if he was trying to “win friends and influence people” – and make a good first impression.
 
The other thing I learned about John Calipari is that he is apparently a devout Catholic. The coach mentioned his church and faith several times. He told the story of how he was approached at the NCAA tournament by the University of Arkansas’ Athletic Director about considering this new position. Calipari was unsure of how to proceed. He said he spoke with a priest who suggested that he take an hour-long walk. “On the way out,” consider all the reasons to go to Arkansas, the priest told him, “And on the way back, consider all the reasons to stay at Kentucky.” By the time Calipari returned from his walk, he said he knew he wanted to pursue the Arkansas job.
 
It is too early for me to formulate an opinion about the newest men’s basketball coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. I’ve seen several come and go in the last 50 years! But I do like hearing this man say that he seeks God’s wisdom about things. I like hearing him talk about his players in a manner that suggests he strives to love others with the love of Christ. I also know that like you, me, and everyone else, he is a human being – and therefore imperfect. I feel certain he will make mistakes…and the “wrath” of “Razorback Nation” will rain down upon him at some point!
 
Still, I find it refreshing and encouraging to hear someone in a position of leadership and the public eye profess to seek God’s wisdom – and to publicly claim to care about the well-being of others. John Calipari knows full well that the eyes of an entire state and beyond are on him…and he will be held to account. Likewise, the eyes of our Heavenly Father are on you and me. We have claimed to know and love Jesus. We’ve declared that we are His redeemed followers. Now it is time for us to show it! 
 
Whatever anyone else thinks, it is solely up to you and me to answer to Jesus for our words and actions. God’s wisdom is ready and waiting for us…we just have to avail ourselves of these gifts and act accordingly. Perhaps it is time for you and me to “take a long walk” and see what God will show us! At the very least, we will get some exercise. But we might also get some clarity and renewed purpose and direction. Seek God’s wisdom this day. Ask God to show you where and how to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Give God control, surrender to His will, and see where He leads you. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 11, 2024 – Stand tall and proud in love and service to God…and tell the devil to “Beat it!”

Matthew 4:1-11
Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: “Since you are God’s Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread.”

Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.”

For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, “Since you are God’s Son, jump.” The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: “He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone.”

Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.”

For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth’s kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, “They’re yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they’re yours.”

Jesus’ refusal was curt: “Beat it, Satan!” He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus’ needs.

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.

A “Facebook friend” shared a link to the new Justin Timberlake video titled “No Angels.” He said the song was clearly satanic. I like Justin Timberlake, so I decided to watch the video, which shows him entering a club that resembles a very dark church. There, he is approached by several women in suggestive clothing who dance in Timberlake’s direction and attempt to seduce him. 
 
As the main character transforms into something of a “fallen angel,” Timberlake succumbs to her temptations – and ultimately, he transforms, as well. My friend was upset and claimed this video was “a disgusting tribute to Satan,” and he not-so-subtly suggested that his friends should stop patronizing Timberlake and his work. He’s not wrong…but there is a bigger message here, in my opinion.
 
We have mainstreamed and “normalized” such concepts in everything from books to movies and television shows – to music videos. This is nothing new…and I have seen far worse than this particular offering. If you think about it, this can also be a message to the contrary – a warning of sorts that we must avoid situations and circumstances that leave us vulnerable to such temptations. Jesus calls us to follow His example and resist the devil’s temptations…and He demonstrated this over forty days of the devil’s taunting and testing in the desert.
 
Here’s the thing…you and I face temptation every day. The devil is not going away. He only needs a tiny sliver of weakness on our part to make huge inroads. I am not suggesting that we should not stay awake and alert to evil – or that we should embrace the actions and attitudes of this world and simply accept them. But we are stronger than this, because of our faith in Jesus Christ – or we should be! We cannot stand up to evil if we pretend it doesn’t exist or we simply separate ourselves from those who perpetuate hatred, divisiveness, and debauchery. Our witness must be strong enough that we can love others – wherever they are – and share the love and power of Jesus Christ with them in the process.
 
Again, I am not suggesting we patronize entertainers who perpetuate attitudes and actions that we find distasteful, at best. I am also not suggesting that we “go along to get along.” I am reminding you that Jesus endured so many things that He could have stopped – or changed – with the flick of a finger. Jesus honored God and His commands while standing up to the devil – and He demonstrated to you and me that we can do this, too. There truly is nothing we encounter or endure that Jesus hasn’t already experienced – and conquered. 

So, love others with the love of Christ…and treat them as you wish to be treated. Tell the devil to “Beat it!” and stand tall and proud as a faithful servant of the Most High God. Learn to call on Christ to guide and guard your every word and step – and stand tall, even in the face of evil. Don’t judge others…leave this to God. Trust Him to deal with the devil. Serve God with faithful obedience, and feel His angels rush to surround you with hope, courage, love, and peace. 
 
Every minute of the day, we choose who we will serve. Stay awake and alert – and know God’s voice! Worship Him wholeheartedly – with faith and confidence. The devil and his wiles are no match for Jesus…stand steadfast in your faith and obedience to Him…and tell Satan to “Beat it!” Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 9, 2024 – Letting God have complete control and serving as Christ commands…a lesson from the total solar eclipse

Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

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.

Whew! The total solar eclipse is over…and I would say it exceeded my expectations. Greg and I walked next door about twenty minutes prior to totality to watch with our neighbors. I don’t really know what I was anticipating…but when the moment of “complete darkness” happened, we all took off our protective glasses, gasped, and said “WOW!” – and we heard a collective yell of excitement and awe from the river valley campground below us. For about three minutes, the world as we knew it stood still. 
 
We laughed, walked around, and looked at the horizon. We snapped photos and simply marveled at this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. And as if the eclipse itself was not enough, we noted the visibility of several other planets on either side of the sun…a reminder that our universe is vast and complicated…and extends far beyond what we can see with the naked eye.
 
I’ve seen dozens of photos and posts from friends and others. What struck me was 1) the power and majesty of God and His ability to WOW us; and 2) how everyone came together for a single cause. For a few minutes on a Monday afternoon – or maybe even a whole weekend – people set aside differences to celebrate a brief solitary event. As we all marveled at the abrupt change in our landscape – and the just-as-quick return to daylight – we weren’t thinking about political parties, economic or social status, sexual orientation, ethnic background and race, age, or even religious denomination and practice. We were all staring at the sun and the horizon…and marveling at God’s handiwork. 
 
Whether we realized it or not, we all came together in that moment and let God lead! I fully understand that this was a brief snippet of time over a small swath of the world. I know that every manner of suffering, hardship, and heartache continued all around us. But for this small amount of time, a large number of people came together for a single phenomenon/cause. And if we can do this for a total solar eclipse, we can make this the norm for the rest of the time!
 
For a brief few minutes yesterday, millions of people from Mexico to Maine and beyond came together to marvel at God’s handiwork and share in this special moment. Christ is calling on us to make such behavior a habit in our daily living. He reminds us that God performs miracles and wonders equal to or greater than a solar eclipse every single minute of the day and night. We should demonstrate awe, respect, reverence, and fellowship with each breath and step. We should humbly acknowledge our Heavenly Father’s amazing power and purpose – and accept our “position” in His Kingdom and plans.
 
Jesus tells us in this passage to embrace God and trust Him…to stick with Him in the suffering and the celebration. He reminds us to “let go and let God” have complete control – and to recognize His power and omnipotence. Jesus tells us to stop thinking we are “all that and a bag of chips” and work together as He commands to further the Kingdom of Heaven. It shouldn’t take a total solar eclipse to get our attention, but I thank God for this amazing experience. And I am determined to recognize His power and presence in even more in every circumstance and event – and to serve as Christ commands in all of them. Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 6, 2024 – Stick with Jesus through thick and thin…and He’ll always stand up for you!

Matthew 10:32-39
“Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you?

“Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut—make a sharp knife-cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law—cut through these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me.

“If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.

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

When I was teaching kindergarten in another city, I became friends with the school librarian. In fact, I played the piano for her wedding to a city cop who seemed perfect for her. My friend could not stop talking about her wonderful husband. He often visited and shared lunch with us in the teachers’ lounge. They were faithful members of a local church. And in retrospect, no other teacher’s husband visited the school that often. This “attentiveness” and how my friend gushed and shared too many intimate details about her husband and their marriage should have been a “sign” that something was amiss. 
 
Not long after I moved away, a mutual teacher friend phoned me to say that this couple had separated and divorced…and the husband had become somewhat unhinged. In fact, he lost his job with the police department, only to be hired as a city police chief in South Arkansas. This cop persuaded my friend to visit him on their wedding anniversary – even though they were now divorced. Fellow teachers begged her not to do this…but as a devout Christian mother, my friend felt she should at least try one more time to reconcile her marriage. And it went horribly wrong. The cop took my friend out on a deserted county road, strangled her, then dumped her body at a hospital emergency room. She died a few days later.
 
I can still see the bruises on my friend’s neck as she lay in the casket. I trusted this cop implicitly…I would have called him in any emergency with complete confidence. We would all discover as the murder trial unfolded that this man had a history of spousal abuse. I learned to be less trusting – and more skeptical. I learned the value of speaking up when you even think something is amiss. Better to be wrong and apologize than be right and miss an opportunity to prevent disaster.
 
In recent months and years, I have become even more dubious as people I love – and thought I knew as faith-filled followers of Jesus’ teachings – have said and done hateful things. These were not “under the radar” – but publicly, on social media and elsewhere. They have supported people who promote evil. They have claimed that their Bible says that hatred and discrimination are justified in certain situations (of their choosing)…and they have perpetuated lies that must surely grieve Jesus to His core. Several individuals I admired and respected for decades have endorsed people and groups who openly advocate evil, discrimination, bias, and hatred…and they have looked the other way and/or justified their stance – often with the weak excuse that “they’re the lesser of two evils.”
 
Even as my siblings and I rolled our eyes, my mother would say, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” Jesus is telling us here that standing up for what He truly teaches and commands won’t always be easy – not by a long shot. It may mean countering the words and actions of friends, family members, leaders, and others in your community and beyond. This may mean we have to “unfriend” some folks, distance ourselves from certain groups, and sever ties that span decades. We may have to be more cautious and less trusting. Some may have to walk away from jobs, political affiliations, social circles, and even church bodies.
 
I will always feel like my friend made the hard choice…that she prayerfully left an abusive situation for the sake and safety of herself and her daughter. And then, she let this man persuade her to “try one more time” – with deadly results. What if she hadn’t gone? How different would the lives of so many be? And what if we “cut ties” with those who we hear Jesus telling us do not represent His teachings and commands? What if we stand up and say to Jesus, “If it costs me everything in this world – and every human relationship – I will stand with You and speak and act in Your truth!” and let Jesus handle the rest? What if we fully surrender to the One who gave everything for us…and see where He takes us? I’m ready to see what happens…are you? Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for April 5, 2024 – Bullies, ballerinas, and bad advice – it’s time to trust God’s plans and find your worth in Him!

Matthew 10:28-31
“Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.

“What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries.

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.

As a young girl, I wanted to become an architect – and a ballerina! I drew countless “floor plans” of my dream homes, with giant, luxurious primary suites and baths. I colored dozens of pictures of ballerinas in satin toe shoes and flowy tutus. But as my mother liked to say, “God had other plans.” I never took a dance lesson until I went to college and chose “Folklore Dancing” as an elective. I offered my input on the design of two houses that Greg and I had built – and other remodeling projects. But I deferred to the experts for a blueprint that would be structurally sound and esthetically pleasing. 
 
Lately, I’ve been taking stock of my life and reflecting on many “plans” and choices – and where I am today…and I am all but overwhelmed by how much God has blessed, guarded, and guided me. When I was a child, I was often told…“Children are to be seen and not heard.” As a teenager, I was told that I didn’t know nearly as much as I thought I did…and I heard a lot of “You can’t do that!” I was told I could not leave high school early and head for college…I could not get married…and there were numerous suggestions that something I had said or done had me destined straight for hell! Again, God had other plans!
 
I am a little late to the party on overcoming some of these pressures and intimidations…but I am trying to catch up fast! I make a point to pour into our children and others that anything is possible with God…that we are loved so much that He numbers the hairs on our head…that each one of us is valuable to God – and the last thing He wants is to condemn us to hell! My own life experiences have taught me that you never tell a child he/she cannot do something…even when their aspirations seem beyond reach – or downright ridiculous. Give them space to figure a few things out – and give God room to work. 
 
Always demonstrate love and celebrate the worth of others. We don’t have to like certain people or groups – or what they proclaim and promote – but we must always recognize their importance to God. I admit that I struggle with this one…so my prayer is that God will handle things according to His will regarding these folks. I ask God to do what He deems necessary to remove evil and hatred and those who foster it. And I pray, “Not my will or way, but Yours.” Then I trust God to fix what I cannot!
 
It can be hard to stay hopeful when we are bombarded with peer pressure, daily “threats” of eminent danger and despair in our “news,” and an intrinsic human desire to fit in and please others. We can find it all but impossible to stand up for what we feel God is telling us to say and do when there is a genuine concern over retribution and harm – whether physical or emotional. 
 
I reflect on my life and consider the times I truly stepped out and trusted God, and I see that He had my back all the way. Yes, there were times when things didn’t go like I thought they would/should. Yes, there were consequences for some of my stances. Indeed, there were times when God had other plans. But more than ever, I understand how God has cared for me – and how He is still doing so. I want everyone to know from the youngest age that God loves us beyond what we can ever begin to comprehend. His plans for us are perfect, unfailing, and unerringly good! We can trust God 1000%…and it’s time we did! 
 
God never intended for me to become a ballerina – or an architect. But He has blessed me with beautiful homes and opportunities to “dance” over and again in this life. He has shown me my worth in His realm – and His approval and care sustain me every single day. Let go and let God have control of your life. Give God the reins and put Him in charge of every plan – and see where He takes you. God will always have your back – and your best interests in mind. Give praise for His amazing love and care! Alleluia!

©2024 Debbie Robus