Romans 1:11
I want to see you and share with you the same blessings that God's Spirit has given me. Then you will grow stronger in your faith.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This time of year, we often stop to reflect on all that has happened… and what lies ahead of us. For many, this is a time to count our blessings. We seem to have gotten pretty good at counting our blessings... but do we really appreciate how blessed we are?
When we get on the treadmill, do we really appreciate how blessed we are to have two good feet and strong legs to hold us up and propel us forward? When we open the refrigerator and look at that dish of leftover goulash, are we thankful we have food for our belly, unlike millions around the world who will go hungry another day? When we look in the closet and say, “I have nothing to wear,” have we considered those in Haiti and Pakistan and other locations where natural disasters have taken literally everything but the ragged clothes on their backs?
When we thank God for giving us His only Son to die for our sins on the cross, do we stop to truly contemplate what this means? Do we look at our own children and try to imagine letting them be beaten, tortured, and crucified to save people who don’t deserve it and won’t even be born for thousands of years?
This year, as we “ring out the old and ring in the new,” let’s stop for a few minutes, at least, and really count our blessings. Give some serious time to thinking about what God has done for you already – and what is yet to come. Evaluate how you are behaving in return… and where you can make improvements. Don’t just give lip service to counting your blessings this time… really acknowledge them. Then commit yourself to truly living well… to reflecting a blessed life to others and sharing the blessings that God’s Holy Spirit has given you. Grow stronger in your faith this year, and give God all the glory for His every blessing!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2010
Matthew 24:43-46
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don't know when the Son of Man will come.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A whole lot of preparation has been going on lately – for everything from holiday celebrations and gift-giving to abundant meals to football bowl games. And the question of the day seems to be “Are you ready?” People pass in the store and ask, “Are you ready for Christmas?” They see mutual fans for their football team and ask, “Are you ready for the big game?” The coaches are talking on newscasts about how they are preparing their team, and “We’re almost ready!”
The common thread for all of these events is that we know when they will occur. We know the date for Christmas, the Sugar Bowl, a wedding, and sometimes… even the birth of a baby! But we don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t know when we will die and pass over into Heaven (hopefully!). We don’t know what will befall us next day/week/year.
So we have some work to do. It seems a little crazy that we work so hard to prepare for the events for which we know the date, yet the most important events of our lives don’t get nearly the same amount of attention. Would we work harder to be ready for Jesus if we knew the hour of our death or when He would return for His church? Would we procrastinate until the last minute, like we do about so many other things?
The point is… we do not know God’s timing. But we need to be ready! We need to continually be on top of our game… in the best possible condition… totally prepared and committed in service and obedience to our Heavenly Father. There will most likely be other Christmases. There may be more bowl games and second chances for other events… but we only get one shot at Eternity. There are no “do-overs!” when Jesus returns or calls us home. Will you be ready? Have you prepared daily to be called His faithful servant? Isn’t it time you began?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 29, 2010
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters. God our Father loves us. He is kind and has given us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father will encourage you and help you always to do and say the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1872, Christina Rosetti wrote the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” in response to a contest by Scribner’s Magazine for a Christmas poem. The first lines read:
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
We can’t know what the next couple of months will bring us… sunny warm days, or layers of fluffy white snow to cover our landscape. There will surely be days when we think spring has come early… and possibly days when we feel winter will never end. For many, the “bleak midwinter” is a time of sadness and depression. Some truly sink into a serious “funk” on days when we have no sunshine… and if this lasts for very long, these people can be seriously affected. It has even been suggested by some that spending time in front of a lamp that mimics natural sunlight can help. This disorder even has a name… “SADD” – Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression – and it is very real.
I know several people who appear to suffer from this. And maybe you are one of them. Feeling a little sad or melancholy in a dreary winter day is okay… but wallowing in it or allowing these feelings to overcome you is another. I would like to suggest that we take the bleak midwinter days of this year and use them to grow in our walk with Christ – to rest and restore our souls. Wouldn’t it be great if we could learn to anticipate cold dreary days with enthusiasm?
So how do we do this? There are the tried and true activities… curling up with a good book or watching movies… working a jigsaw puzzle or playing board games… sledding if there is a decent snowfall. But what about using the dreary days of winter to grow as a Christian? We could spend some time sitting at a window watching birds at a feeder – marveling at how God designed every single feather and made the color patterns integrate in such incredible ways.
We could take a walk or a drive and look at all that is laid bare in this season… the things we never see in the other three seasons because of the cover of foliage… the intricacy of tree branches… the beauty of blue cedar berries and other “colors” of winter… swans and other waterfowl swimming on a nearby lake. What if we made a steamy pot of hearty soup and invited friends or neighbors to share it… or we took a container to someone who was elderly or sick and in need of physical – and emotional – nourishment?
We could look around for an elderly neighbor who has trouble getting his/her garbage to the curb for trash day in the cold of winter. We could offer to fill bird feeders – or even shovel/sweep an icy sidewalk. We could at least make phone calls and send cards and notes to cheer our friends who are feeling blue… and we could include a scripture of encouragement.
The bottom line is that we must not allow the bleak midwinter to be our crutch for wallowing in sadness and self-pity. We must find the glory of the Lord even in the dreary days. It’s not a matter of looking ahead to spring… but rather, we must enjoy this season, which is also a gift from God. This is a time to sit back a little and focus on God’s creations and the needs of others instead of the “busyness” of our lives and the activities of spring/summer/fall. We don’t have to hibernate like bears, but we can slow down a bit and use this time to recharge our batteries.
When the first days of “bleak midwinter” arrive, remember the eternal comfort and wonderful hope of God our Father. Bask in these promises… and find ways to share them with others. Spring will come again… and we will be rested and ready!
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/intbleak.htm
©2010 Debbie Robus
My friends, that's why you must remain faithful and follow closely what we taught you in person and by our letters. God our Father loves us. He is kind and has given us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father will encourage you and help you always to do and say the right thing.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1872, Christina Rosetti wrote the hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter” in response to a contest by Scribner’s Magazine for a Christmas poem. The first lines read:
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
We can’t know what the next couple of months will bring us… sunny warm days, or layers of fluffy white snow to cover our landscape. There will surely be days when we think spring has come early… and possibly days when we feel winter will never end. For many, the “bleak midwinter” is a time of sadness and depression. Some truly sink into a serious “funk” on days when we have no sunshine… and if this lasts for very long, these people can be seriously affected. It has even been suggested by some that spending time in front of a lamp that mimics natural sunlight can help. This disorder even has a name… “SADD” – Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression – and it is very real.
I know several people who appear to suffer from this. And maybe you are one of them. Feeling a little sad or melancholy in a dreary winter day is okay… but wallowing in it or allowing these feelings to overcome you is another. I would like to suggest that we take the bleak midwinter days of this year and use them to grow in our walk with Christ – to rest and restore our souls. Wouldn’t it be great if we could learn to anticipate cold dreary days with enthusiasm?
So how do we do this? There are the tried and true activities… curling up with a good book or watching movies… working a jigsaw puzzle or playing board games… sledding if there is a decent snowfall. But what about using the dreary days of winter to grow as a Christian? We could spend some time sitting at a window watching birds at a feeder – marveling at how God designed every single feather and made the color patterns integrate in such incredible ways.
We could take a walk or a drive and look at all that is laid bare in this season… the things we never see in the other three seasons because of the cover of foliage… the intricacy of tree branches… the beauty of blue cedar berries and other “colors” of winter… swans and other waterfowl swimming on a nearby lake. What if we made a steamy pot of hearty soup and invited friends or neighbors to share it… or we took a container to someone who was elderly or sick and in need of physical – and emotional – nourishment?
We could look around for an elderly neighbor who has trouble getting his/her garbage to the curb for trash day in the cold of winter. We could offer to fill bird feeders – or even shovel/sweep an icy sidewalk. We could at least make phone calls and send cards and notes to cheer our friends who are feeling blue… and we could include a scripture of encouragement.
The bottom line is that we must not allow the bleak midwinter to be our crutch for wallowing in sadness and self-pity. We must find the glory of the Lord even in the dreary days. It’s not a matter of looking ahead to spring… but rather, we must enjoy this season, which is also a gift from God. This is a time to sit back a little and focus on God’s creations and the needs of others instead of the “busyness” of our lives and the activities of spring/summer/fall. We don’t have to hibernate like bears, but we can slow down a bit and use this time to recharge our batteries.
When the first days of “bleak midwinter” arrive, remember the eternal comfort and wonderful hope of God our Father. Bask in these promises… and find ways to share them with others. Spring will come again… and we will be rested and ready!
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/intbleak.htm
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2010
Acts 7:49
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? In what place will I rest?”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
If you have watched television or read a newspaper – or even gone online – in the last few days, you know that “after-Christmas sales” are everywhere. Let’s be honest… the storekeepers would rather sell their wares to us at dirt-cheap prices than keep them around to be inventoried. And… they hope they can at least get a little more money out of them, rather than store them for next year.
More than one person will take some time this week to clean out a closet and/or a few drawers. “Out with the old – in with the new,” we’ll say! As we look toward a new year, many of us will clear out some clutter and make room for the new things we got for Christmas – or purchased afterward.
This is a good time for us to clear out the “Spiritual clutter,” as well. If you are like me, there are a few old thought processes and habits that need to be tossed, making room for a renewed faith and more Godly characteristics. For me, the “clutter” in my life is a penchant for whining and complaining about things I should be handing over to God. I know I cannot fix them… and I know WHO can! So why waste a minute of my time – or the ear of those who have to listen to me – when The One who can truly do something is waiting to hear from me?!
My challenge to each of us this week is to spend a few hours clearing out some clutter – cleaning up our house (literally and spiritually) – and getting things in order. We will function better in a house that is neat and organized… and we owe it to God to create a “Spiritual house” for Him that is clutter-free and full of room for Him to dwell. What kind of “house” have you prepared? Can the Holy Spirit truly rest there? Do what you have to do to get things in order. Tie up the loose ends, clear out the junk, and make room for the new things He has in store for you! Start the New Year with a fresh attitude and clean spaces!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2010
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
He did this to make all parts of the body work together smoothly, with each part caring about the others. If one part of our body hurts, we hurt all over. If one part of our body is honored, the whole body will be happy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year, my niece and our great-nephew Timothy got sick a couple of weeks before Christmas with stomach flu. This “bug” was running rampant through our community, and by the week of Christmas, my sister and her husband had succumbed. On December 22nd, my sister called me and weakly asked, “Can you come and get Timothy? His mother is working, and we [meaning she and her husband] are too sick to care for him.” I went right away and collected Timothy, who was still fairly sick himself.
Over the course of the next few days, Timothy got better and began to drink his bottles again and keep down liquid Jello and a drink designed to restore the electrolytes in infants. By Christmas Eve, my sister and my niece seemed to be feeling better, too. Everyone gather at our home for a Christmas Eve lunch and an afternoon of opening gifts and visiting.
I noticed that my husband distanced himself from the group, but since not everyone could fit at the dining table anyway, I didn’t think much about it. But when he told me he had a headache and disappeared to an upstairs bedroom, I knew all was not well. By the end of the evening, he was too sick to move… and sometime after midnight, I woke up feeling just as badly. When the weekend was over, everyone in the family had gotten some version of this “bug” except my mother. My husband and I felt so badly that we postponed opening our Christmas gifts to each other.
While this was not funny at the time, we later laughed about “Timothy’s first Christmas” and how we all were so sick. We took the admonition of Paul to share one another’s hurts to a whole new level – and not by choice! I knew when I picked up the baby and brought him to our house that we would most likely catch his virus. But on that day, a tiny sick baby needed someone to care for him… and we were the only ones available to do so. There was no way we would have refused.
But here’s the deal… so often, we focus so much on ourselves that we don’t consider the other person’s feelings. We say, “I cannot get involved in that… I have my own problems.” Or we decide that “This is really none of my concern.” We look at the person who is hurting in some way… someone with great need… and we either pass judgment and determine that they got into this mess on their own and should get out of it the same way – or we declare that “this is simply not my problem.”
But Paul says otherwise. He tells us in this passage that when one of our sisters or brothers in Christ is hurting or in need, we should feel this deeply ourselves. “I feel your pain,” should not be a cliché… it should be the way Christians behave toward others. I’m not saying that there are never situations and circumstances that are none of our business. But the Christian servant prayerfully knows how to tell the difference.
Where has God given you opportunities to share in others’ needs, yet you turned and went in another direction? Where have you stepped up and answered the call? Can you do more? Shouldn’t you? Ask God to show you how and where to empathize with others in your daily life… to make a difference when possible… and to operate with wisdom and discernment in choosing when and where to get involved. Start looking for new ways to make the entire body of Christ happy, and see how greatly everyone is blessed by your efforts.
©2010 Debbie Robus
He did this to make all parts of the body work together smoothly, with each part caring about the others. If one part of our body hurts, we hurt all over. If one part of our body is honored, the whole body will be happy.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Last year, my niece and our great-nephew Timothy got sick a couple of weeks before Christmas with stomach flu. This “bug” was running rampant through our community, and by the week of Christmas, my sister and her husband had succumbed. On December 22nd, my sister called me and weakly asked, “Can you come and get Timothy? His mother is working, and we [meaning she and her husband] are too sick to care for him.” I went right away and collected Timothy, who was still fairly sick himself.
Over the course of the next few days, Timothy got better and began to drink his bottles again and keep down liquid Jello and a drink designed to restore the electrolytes in infants. By Christmas Eve, my sister and my niece seemed to be feeling better, too. Everyone gather at our home for a Christmas Eve lunch and an afternoon of opening gifts and visiting.
I noticed that my husband distanced himself from the group, but since not everyone could fit at the dining table anyway, I didn’t think much about it. But when he told me he had a headache and disappeared to an upstairs bedroom, I knew all was not well. By the end of the evening, he was too sick to move… and sometime after midnight, I woke up feeling just as badly. When the weekend was over, everyone in the family had gotten some version of this “bug” except my mother. My husband and I felt so badly that we postponed opening our Christmas gifts to each other.
While this was not funny at the time, we later laughed about “Timothy’s first Christmas” and how we all were so sick. We took the admonition of Paul to share one another’s hurts to a whole new level – and not by choice! I knew when I picked up the baby and brought him to our house that we would most likely catch his virus. But on that day, a tiny sick baby needed someone to care for him… and we were the only ones available to do so. There was no way we would have refused.
But here’s the deal… so often, we focus so much on ourselves that we don’t consider the other person’s feelings. We say, “I cannot get involved in that… I have my own problems.” Or we decide that “This is really none of my concern.” We look at the person who is hurting in some way… someone with great need… and we either pass judgment and determine that they got into this mess on their own and should get out of it the same way – or we declare that “this is simply not my problem.”
But Paul says otherwise. He tells us in this passage that when one of our sisters or brothers in Christ is hurting or in need, we should feel this deeply ourselves. “I feel your pain,” should not be a cliché… it should be the way Christians behave toward others. I’m not saying that there are never situations and circumstances that are none of our business. But the Christian servant prayerfully knows how to tell the difference.
Where has God given you opportunities to share in others’ needs, yet you turned and went in another direction? Where have you stepped up and answered the call? Can you do more? Shouldn’t you? Ask God to show you how and where to empathize with others in your daily life… to make a difference when possible… and to operate with wisdom and discernment in choosing when and where to get involved. Start looking for new ways to make the entire body of Christ happy, and see how greatly everyone is blessed by your efforts.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 26, 2010
Hosea 6:3
Let's do our best to know the LORD. His coming is as certain as the morning sun; he will refresh us like rain renewing the earth in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, the day after Christmas was sort of a “regrouping” day in our house. We put away our Christmas gifts… exchanged our old toothbrushes for the new ones Santa left in our stocking (our grandmother worked for a dentist!), and my dad carried out the crispy-critter Christmas tree. We put away the holiday décor and the card tables and extra chairs that we had used to accommodate family and friends the day before. We put things back in order and, in some ways, renewed ourselves.
As kids, we still had a week or so of vacation time left, but it felt good to start a new chapter, so to speak… to switch gears from the excitement and anticipation of Christmas to focusing on having fun and looking ahead to the New Year. We were certain that another Christmas was only 364 days away… and there many fun times and new adventures that awaited us in the meantime.
On the night of December 25th, someone wrote on Facebook, “The day we wait for all year long has come and gone.” For some, the day after Christmas is something of a letdown. The hoopla is over… the food that looked so inviting a few days ago now doesn’t look so tasty…everyone has gone home or back to work… and we’re left with a mess to clean up, decorations to pack away, and a mountain of trash to carry to the curb.
If this describes you, please read Hosea 6:3 again. The day after Christmas is not a time for letdown. The day after Christmas is when the story really begins. The day of Jesus’ birth is important… but the days after are what really matter. If the story ended with December 25th (or whatever day is really the birthday of our Savior), there wouldn’t be much of a story. But this is not the case.
We need to dig deeply and truly get to know the Lord. We need to study and understand every nuance of our Jesus… His teachings… His sacrifices on our behalf… and His directives for us as servants and disciples. We need to bask in the afterglow of Christmas, confident that Jesus’ love for us – and His return some day – are as certain as the next sunrise – or the next Christmas Day. Yes, Christmas is important… but what happens the day afterward – and in the days that follow – is where we get to truly shine for Jesus.
What will you do today? Will the next few days be a time of “letdown” for you, or will you hitch up your britches and get busy for Jesus? When others look at you, will they see someone who carries the message and spirit of Christmas throughout the year, or are you a “one-month wonder”? Do your best to get to know Jesus… and to serve Him well every day of the year… not just the first twenty-five days of December. Bask in the promise of what lies ahead as you live for Him… and be renewed and refreshed this day!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Let's do our best to know the LORD. His coming is as certain as the morning sun; he will refresh us like rain renewing the earth in the springtime.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, the day after Christmas was sort of a “regrouping” day in our house. We put away our Christmas gifts… exchanged our old toothbrushes for the new ones Santa left in our stocking (our grandmother worked for a dentist!), and my dad carried out the crispy-critter Christmas tree. We put away the holiday décor and the card tables and extra chairs that we had used to accommodate family and friends the day before. We put things back in order and, in some ways, renewed ourselves.
As kids, we still had a week or so of vacation time left, but it felt good to start a new chapter, so to speak… to switch gears from the excitement and anticipation of Christmas to focusing on having fun and looking ahead to the New Year. We were certain that another Christmas was only 364 days away… and there many fun times and new adventures that awaited us in the meantime.
On the night of December 25th, someone wrote on Facebook, “The day we wait for all year long has come and gone.” For some, the day after Christmas is something of a letdown. The hoopla is over… the food that looked so inviting a few days ago now doesn’t look so tasty…everyone has gone home or back to work… and we’re left with a mess to clean up, decorations to pack away, and a mountain of trash to carry to the curb.
If this describes you, please read Hosea 6:3 again. The day after Christmas is not a time for letdown. The day after Christmas is when the story really begins. The day of Jesus’ birth is important… but the days after are what really matter. If the story ended with December 25th (or whatever day is really the birthday of our Savior), there wouldn’t be much of a story. But this is not the case.
We need to dig deeply and truly get to know the Lord. We need to study and understand every nuance of our Jesus… His teachings… His sacrifices on our behalf… and His directives for us as servants and disciples. We need to bask in the afterglow of Christmas, confident that Jesus’ love for us – and His return some day – are as certain as the next sunrise – or the next Christmas Day. Yes, Christmas is important… but what happens the day afterward – and in the days that follow – is where we get to truly shine for Jesus.
What will you do today? Will the next few days be a time of “letdown” for you, or will you hitch up your britches and get busy for Jesus? When others look at you, will they see someone who carries the message and spirit of Christmas throughout the year, or are you a “one-month wonder”? Do your best to get to know Jesus… and to serve Him well every day of the year… not just the first twenty-five days of December. Bask in the promise of what lies ahead as you live for Him… and be renewed and refreshed this day!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 25, 2010
Philippians 2:3
Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC Nightly News recently reported on Tracy Hall, a woman in Silver Spring, Maryland, who came up with an idea called “The Gift Tree,” which provides gifts to the children of soldiers who are stationed at Walter Reed. Hall’s own husband, an Army physician, is now deployed in Afghanistan. She created a gift registry through Target.com and Amazon.com, where people can purchase gifts or gift cards to provide items on the wish lists of the soldiers’ children, who register through a secure online application form.
The Walter Reed Auxiliary goes through the applications and lists the items on The Gift Tree for people to purchase. Each gift is wrapped and placed in a box for that particular child. Then parents stop by Hall’s home and retrieve their child’s gift box in time for Christmas. Hall said donations come largely from people in the metro Washington, DC, area… but they have had purchases by people in Arkansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania – all over the country.
Aside from the massive scope of this operation… the large number of volunteers who catalog, wrap, and coordinate all of these gifts… I was struck by something else about Tracy Hall. When Christmas is over, she personally writes a thank-you note to everyone who donated. We have to be talking hundreds of people. She said it was the least she could do for those who were so generous.
Here’s the thing… we tend to think we have really outdone ourselves if we write a check to a local charity or bake an extra loaf of banana bread for a neighbor during the holidays. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have been guilty of having good intentions… but not acting on them. So that elderly person who has no family or close friends to visit them at Christmas time sits at home alone… it’s just another day/week/month for them. The young single mother who can barely feed her family and keep the lights and heat on has to explain to her children why their classmates got all these wonderful things on Christmas morning… and they got their same old bowl of cold cereal.
As we buy our Christmas presents and drive to Grandma’s to celebrate the holidays in style, we don’t think about those who worked to check our groceries, clean the motel room in which we will stay or sell us a cup of coffee as we travel… all for little more than minimum wage. We don’t think of their families and how they will manage to provide a merry Christmas for them.
Yet this young mother with a small son, whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, opened her own home to become “Santa Central” for the children and families of other soldiers. Surely she must be tired. She had decked the halls of her house with holiday décor, and she greeted those who visited warmly. But you know she has plenty to do to care for her own household and young child. Still, she thought of others. She said, “I know how I would feel if I couldn’t do the extra little things for my own son.” She put herself in others’ shoes.
The story of Christmas is not just for today… it is for every day of the year. Whose shoes are you wearing? Do you hunker down and take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves? Do you look around for needs to meet… and then do something about them? We need more “Tracy Halls” in this world who consider others to be more important than themselves. Are you willing to step up and be one?
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about The Gift Tree at Walter Reed, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/. For more inspiring “Making a Difference” stories, go to http://www.makingadifference.msnbc.com/.
Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
NBC Nightly News recently reported on Tracy Hall, a woman in Silver Spring, Maryland, who came up with an idea called “The Gift Tree,” which provides gifts to the children of soldiers who are stationed at Walter Reed. Hall’s own husband, an Army physician, is now deployed in Afghanistan. She created a gift registry through Target.com and Amazon.com, where people can purchase gifts or gift cards to provide items on the wish lists of the soldiers’ children, who register through a secure online application form.
The Walter Reed Auxiliary goes through the applications and lists the items on The Gift Tree for people to purchase. Each gift is wrapped and placed in a box for that particular child. Then parents stop by Hall’s home and retrieve their child’s gift box in time for Christmas. Hall said donations come largely from people in the metro Washington, DC, area… but they have had purchases by people in Arkansas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania – all over the country.
Aside from the massive scope of this operation… the large number of volunteers who catalog, wrap, and coordinate all of these gifts… I was struck by something else about Tracy Hall. When Christmas is over, she personally writes a thank-you note to everyone who donated. We have to be talking hundreds of people. She said it was the least she could do for those who were so generous.
Here’s the thing… we tend to think we have really outdone ourselves if we write a check to a local charity or bake an extra loaf of banana bread for a neighbor during the holidays. I’ll be the first to tell you that I have been guilty of having good intentions… but not acting on them. So that elderly person who has no family or close friends to visit them at Christmas time sits at home alone… it’s just another day/week/month for them. The young single mother who can barely feed her family and keep the lights and heat on has to explain to her children why their classmates got all these wonderful things on Christmas morning… and they got their same old bowl of cold cereal.
As we buy our Christmas presents and drive to Grandma’s to celebrate the holidays in style, we don’t think about those who worked to check our groceries, clean the motel room in which we will stay or sell us a cup of coffee as we travel… all for little more than minimum wage. We don’t think of their families and how they will manage to provide a merry Christmas for them.
Yet this young mother with a small son, whose husband is deployed to Afghanistan, opened her own home to become “Santa Central” for the children and families of other soldiers. Surely she must be tired. She had decked the halls of her house with holiday décor, and she greeted those who visited warmly. But you know she has plenty to do to care for her own household and young child. Still, she thought of others. She said, “I know how I would feel if I couldn’t do the extra little things for my own son.” She put herself in others’ shoes.
The story of Christmas is not just for today… it is for every day of the year. Whose shoes are you wearing? Do you hunker down and take care of yourself and let others fend for themselves? Do you look around for needs to meet… and then do something about them? We need more “Tracy Halls” in this world who consider others to be more important than themselves. Are you willing to step up and be one?
©2010 Debbie Robus
To learn more about The Gift Tree at Walter Reed, go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40153870/. For more inspiring “Making a Difference” stories, go to http://www.makingadifference.msnbc.com/.
Daily Devotional for December 24, 2010
Psalm 59:16
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Around 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve 1997, we were awakened by a phone call from my mom. She and my brother were taking my dad to the ER. He was having trouble breathing. My dad was already very ill, having suffered kidney failure following an arteriogram to test for vascular blockage in October of that year. My husband and I rushed to the hospital, where doctors eventually determined that my dad needed to be transported by ambulance to Little Rock. We had planned a huge “open house” at our home for Christmas Eve afternoon… lots of food, fun and visits with family and friends. But none of that mattered now… we needed to get my mom to Little Rock and see about my dad.
Mom had other ideas. “You are to stay here,” she insisted. “I’ll go home and gather some things and be on my way… I won’t be far behind the ambulance. You are to go ahead with your open house as planned… that’s what your dad and I want. You don’t need to worry about me… I’ll be fine.” My mother inherited her dad’s stubborn streak, and it was shining brightly at the moment! Standing in her raincoat, her curly white hair peeking from the hood, my mother looked small, but determined. And on this Christmas Eve morning, I was immediately reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Historians say that Mary was very young – possibly no more than thirteen when Jesus was born. Yet we know nothing of the parents of Mary and Joseph. We do know that Mary had a cousin named Elizabeth. And Scripture tells us that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was pregnant, she trusted this information and accepted it on faith, even though she was a virgin.
So I can imagine that a very pregnant Mary said to her parents, “Don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine.” I can just see her hugging her parents and telling them good-bye, then climbing atop Joseph’s donkey to make the trip to Bethlehem. And her parents must have been equally faithful… confident that letting their daughter go off with her fiancé to a foreign land in this condition – as crazy as it seemed - was exactly what was supposed to happen!
We went ahead with our “open house”. My dad was released from the hospital a few days later, and he and my mom returned home. We celebrated Christmas as a family on New Year’s weekend. And just as she had said, my mom made it safely to Little Rock and back. I can’t say she was “fine,” because I know she spent a lonely, difficult Christmas in that hospital by my dad’s bedside. I’m sure she was worried for him and homesick for us. But God gave her the strength, courage and resolve to make it through this and many other challenging situations.
I saw God do the same thing for the wife of my cousin a few years later, when she traveled alone in the dark of night back and forth between Heber Springs and Memphis, where her husband was hospitalized. She told her children the same thing, “I’ll be fine.” And because she and my mother share the same kind of abiding, unwavering faith, I knew in reason she would be. I was able to reassure them with confidence – and experience – that this was the case.
You and I have quite a legacy of faith… not to mention the protection of God. So often we panic and wring our hands and forget that He promised long, long ago to take care of us… and He’s still in the business of doing so today. Just as God was a fortress for Joseph and Mary, and millions of other people through the ages, He is our fortress today.
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know if you are facing scary things this Christmas Eve… the prospect of being alone for the holidays… or huge challenges that loom in the future. But I know that with God, all things are possible. With God as your fortress, you can handle anything. You can put your trust in Him to walk with you and offer you protection and guidance every step of the way… and you can rest in the faith that He will do this.
God’s word was good enough for Mary and Joseph… it was good enough for my mom and countless others through the centuries… and it’s good enough for us! Are we faithful enough to believe it? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Around 4:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve 1997, we were awakened by a phone call from my mom. She and my brother were taking my dad to the ER. He was having trouble breathing. My dad was already very ill, having suffered kidney failure following an arteriogram to test for vascular blockage in October of that year. My husband and I rushed to the hospital, where doctors eventually determined that my dad needed to be transported by ambulance to Little Rock. We had planned a huge “open house” at our home for Christmas Eve afternoon… lots of food, fun and visits with family and friends. But none of that mattered now… we needed to get my mom to Little Rock and see about my dad.
Mom had other ideas. “You are to stay here,” she insisted. “I’ll go home and gather some things and be on my way… I won’t be far behind the ambulance. You are to go ahead with your open house as planned… that’s what your dad and I want. You don’t need to worry about me… I’ll be fine.” My mother inherited her dad’s stubborn streak, and it was shining brightly at the moment! Standing in her raincoat, her curly white hair peeking from the hood, my mother looked small, but determined. And on this Christmas Eve morning, I was immediately reminded of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Historians say that Mary was very young – possibly no more than thirteen when Jesus was born. Yet we know nothing of the parents of Mary and Joseph. We do know that Mary had a cousin named Elizabeth. And Scripture tells us that when the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she was pregnant, she trusted this information and accepted it on faith, even though she was a virgin.
So I can imagine that a very pregnant Mary said to her parents, “Don’t worry about me… I’ll be fine.” I can just see her hugging her parents and telling them good-bye, then climbing atop Joseph’s donkey to make the trip to Bethlehem. And her parents must have been equally faithful… confident that letting their daughter go off with her fiancé to a foreign land in this condition – as crazy as it seemed - was exactly what was supposed to happen!
We went ahead with our “open house”. My dad was released from the hospital a few days later, and he and my mom returned home. We celebrated Christmas as a family on New Year’s weekend. And just as she had said, my mom made it safely to Little Rock and back. I can’t say she was “fine,” because I know she spent a lonely, difficult Christmas in that hospital by my dad’s bedside. I’m sure she was worried for him and homesick for us. But God gave her the strength, courage and resolve to make it through this and many other challenging situations.
I saw God do the same thing for the wife of my cousin a few years later, when she traveled alone in the dark of night back and forth between Heber Springs and Memphis, where her husband was hospitalized. She told her children the same thing, “I’ll be fine.” And because she and my mother share the same kind of abiding, unwavering faith, I knew in reason she would be. I was able to reassure them with confidence – and experience – that this was the case.
You and I have quite a legacy of faith… not to mention the protection of God. So often we panic and wring our hands and forget that He promised long, long ago to take care of us… and He’s still in the business of doing so today. Just as God was a fortress for Joseph and Mary, and millions of other people through the ages, He is our fortress today.
I don’t know what you are going through. I don’t know if you are facing scary things this Christmas Eve… the prospect of being alone for the holidays… or huge challenges that loom in the future. But I know that with God, all things are possible. With God as your fortress, you can handle anything. You can put your trust in Him to walk with you and offer you protection and guidance every step of the way… and you can rest in the faith that He will do this.
God’s word was good enough for Mary and Joseph… it was good enough for my mom and countless others through the centuries… and it’s good enough for us! Are we faithful enough to believe it? Isn’t today the perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2010
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t let this day pass without acknowledging two influential women in my life… my cousin, Betty Rhea – whom we later called Granny Betty – and my great-Aunt Zula. Both of these ladies loved with big hearts and had generosity to spare. Granny Betty was a “character” – larger than life with a boisterous, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone adored her. Family was top priority with Granny Betty, and she doted on everyone, especially her grandchildren. Aunt Zula was a quiet, orderly school teacher. She devoted her time to her students, her family, and her church… and not necessarily in that order. She was a hard-working Ozark woman with Southern grace and genteel beauty.
While Granny Betty had a quick wit and snappy comebacks that left you laughing and smiling, Aunt Zula had the patience of Job and a low-key – but no less fun - personality. Only once did I ever see her halfway irritated… she felt a cousin had tried to take advantage of her… something that totally ran counter to her moral fortitude.
So what do these two ladies have in common, aside from their love of family, their connection to me, and their Christian faith? In the mid-1990s, Granny Betty suffered a stroke. After her husband died and she could no longer live at home, she lived in a nursing home for nine years, slowly declining until her death on December 21, 2005. Her funeral was held on December 23rd. Aunt Zula’s adult home was in Quitman, Arkansas, and she lived minutes from the school where she taught fourth grade for decades. Old age took its toll on her in recent years, claiming her eyesight, her hearing, and generally wearing out her 91-year-old body. And on December 23, 2009, she became seriously ill. She was rushed to the emergency room at our hospital, where my mom visited with her briefly. Doctors determined there was nothing left to do but keep her comfortable, so she was transported to her home a few hours later. My mom phoned to tell me that Aunt Zula barely got back into her own bed before she passed into Heaven.
If you have ever lost a loved one at Christmas time, you understand that it is almost surreal. People are hurrying and bustling here and there. Most are jolly and upbeat. Many don’t know how to respond to you in your grief… especially at what is supposed to be such a celebratory time. Truthfully, you don’t know what you are supposed to feel, either.
But I have my own theory…
This is the "Season of Giving." And honestly, what greater gift could any of us receive than to get to sit at the feet of Jesus in Heaven?! So my thinking is that Granny Betty and Aunt Zula… and others who have gone before them in the Christmas season… got an extra special Christmas gift! I know they wouldn’t come back for a thousand trees with a zillion gifts piled underneath. I know that they were good to the people around them – they lived big and loved big – and they earned their reward in heaven.
I am not sad as I think of my loved ones who have passed during the holidays… or any of my loved ones who have passed. I know that EVERY day is Christmas for them, because they spend their days with Jesus. My prayer is that we would live in such a way that we are pleasing to God… that we would ove our enemies and be good to all people. We can’t earn the reward of heaven with good deeds, but I would much rather sit at the feet of Jesus knowing I served Him well, wouldn’t you?
Today, thank God for the “Granny Bettys” and “Aunt Zulas” in your life. Thank Him for the love and influence of those who have shown you the example of being good to everyone and “loving big”. Thank Him for the gift of Heaven. And say a prayer for those who are saying a final “Goodbye” to loved ones this holiday season. Ask God to give them His comfort and peace … and to fill their hearts with happy memories of their loved one for Christmases to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t let this day pass without acknowledging two influential women in my life… my cousin, Betty Rhea – whom we later called Granny Betty – and my great-Aunt Zula. Both of these ladies loved with big hearts and had generosity to spare. Granny Betty was a “character” – larger than life with a boisterous, bubbly personality. She never met a stranger, and everyone adored her. Family was top priority with Granny Betty, and she doted on everyone, especially her grandchildren. Aunt Zula was a quiet, orderly school teacher. She devoted her time to her students, her family, and her church… and not necessarily in that order. She was a hard-working Ozark woman with Southern grace and genteel beauty.
While Granny Betty had a quick wit and snappy comebacks that left you laughing and smiling, Aunt Zula had the patience of Job and a low-key – but no less fun - personality. Only once did I ever see her halfway irritated… she felt a cousin had tried to take advantage of her… something that totally ran counter to her moral fortitude.
So what do these two ladies have in common, aside from their love of family, their connection to me, and their Christian faith? In the mid-1990s, Granny Betty suffered a stroke. After her husband died and she could no longer live at home, she lived in a nursing home for nine years, slowly declining until her death on December 21, 2005. Her funeral was held on December 23rd. Aunt Zula’s adult home was in Quitman, Arkansas, and she lived minutes from the school where she taught fourth grade for decades. Old age took its toll on her in recent years, claiming her eyesight, her hearing, and generally wearing out her 91-year-old body. And on December 23, 2009, she became seriously ill. She was rushed to the emergency room at our hospital, where my mom visited with her briefly. Doctors determined there was nothing left to do but keep her comfortable, so she was transported to her home a few hours later. My mom phoned to tell me that Aunt Zula barely got back into her own bed before she passed into Heaven.
If you have ever lost a loved one at Christmas time, you understand that it is almost surreal. People are hurrying and bustling here and there. Most are jolly and upbeat. Many don’t know how to respond to you in your grief… especially at what is supposed to be such a celebratory time. Truthfully, you don’t know what you are supposed to feel, either.
But I have my own theory…
This is the "Season of Giving." And honestly, what greater gift could any of us receive than to get to sit at the feet of Jesus in Heaven?! So my thinking is that Granny Betty and Aunt Zula… and others who have gone before them in the Christmas season… got an extra special Christmas gift! I know they wouldn’t come back for a thousand trees with a zillion gifts piled underneath. I know that they were good to the people around them – they lived big and loved big – and they earned their reward in heaven.
I am not sad as I think of my loved ones who have passed during the holidays… or any of my loved ones who have passed. I know that EVERY day is Christmas for them, because they spend their days with Jesus. My prayer is that we would live in such a way that we are pleasing to God… that we would ove our enemies and be good to all people. We can’t earn the reward of heaven with good deeds, but I would much rather sit at the feet of Jesus knowing I served Him well, wouldn’t you?
Today, thank God for the “Granny Bettys” and “Aunt Zulas” in your life. Thank Him for the love and influence of those who have shown you the example of being good to everyone and “loving big”. Thank Him for the gift of Heaven. And say a prayer for those who are saying a final “Goodbye” to loved ones this holiday season. Ask God to give them His comfort and peace … and to fill their hearts with happy memories of their loved one for Christmases to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 22, 2010
Acts 2:42
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There have always been people in my “extended family” who were no blood relation. When my sister, brother and I were small, my parents were almost inseparable from another couple with two children our same ages. They were like a brother and sister to us, as were several other children whose parents were in my parents’ close inner circle of friends. And my mother’s childhood friend was forever my “Aunt Martha,” although we were not related by blood. Our close neighbors were like family members, and they shared our joys and our sorrows through the years.
My husband’s family had similar “extended family members”… friends, neighbors… people who were likely to show up at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any other time when we were all gathered together. And as an adult, some of our dear friends have become “extended family,” as well. For many years, our Christmas festivities included a childhood next-door neighbor who is like a sister to me, her husband and their children. Also often present was a friend of my mother-in-law who had no family members living in this area. And for many years, my parents’ Christmas Eve celebration included friends of ours who had few, if any, relatives living nearby. We made them part of our family.
As years passed, some of my relatives moved away. Many others passed away, and the number of attendees at our holiday gatherings dwindled. But then we began to look around at those who had no relatives – and nowhere to go – and we started to include them in our celebration. We didn’t actively go out looking for “recruits” – it sort of happened naturally… or Supernaturally! And now, our holiday celebrations often include one or two people who are part of our extended family. We don’t love them any less, and we enjoy sharing our table, our gifts, and our company with them.
Our bonds have strengthened over the years, and the extended family members have become special to us. They know that they always have a place at our table and in our homes – during the holidays or any other time. And I am quite sure that this practice will continue in the years ahead. We’ve discovered that we are blessed far more than our guests when we open our hearts – and our homes – to them.
Who in your circle of friends have you overlooked this Christmas? Who has nowhere to go… no Christmas dinner to attend… no stocking on the mantel or even the tiniest package waiting under a tree somewhere? Who could you include in your festivities and offer a few hours of your hospitality – and the love of Christ – this holiday? Have you learned from the apostles and opened your heart and your home to others? Isn’t this a perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There have always been people in my “extended family” who were no blood relation. When my sister, brother and I were small, my parents were almost inseparable from another couple with two children our same ages. They were like a brother and sister to us, as were several other children whose parents were in my parents’ close inner circle of friends. And my mother’s childhood friend was forever my “Aunt Martha,” although we were not related by blood. Our close neighbors were like family members, and they shared our joys and our sorrows through the years.
My husband’s family had similar “extended family members”… friends, neighbors… people who were likely to show up at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any other time when we were all gathered together. And as an adult, some of our dear friends have become “extended family,” as well. For many years, our Christmas festivities included a childhood next-door neighbor who is like a sister to me, her husband and their children. Also often present was a friend of my mother-in-law who had no family members living in this area. And for many years, my parents’ Christmas Eve celebration included friends of ours who had few, if any, relatives living nearby. We made them part of our family.
As years passed, some of my relatives moved away. Many others passed away, and the number of attendees at our holiday gatherings dwindled. But then we began to look around at those who had no relatives – and nowhere to go – and we started to include them in our celebration. We didn’t actively go out looking for “recruits” – it sort of happened naturally… or Supernaturally! And now, our holiday celebrations often include one or two people who are part of our extended family. We don’t love them any less, and we enjoy sharing our table, our gifts, and our company with them.
Our bonds have strengthened over the years, and the extended family members have become special to us. They know that they always have a place at our table and in our homes – during the holidays or any other time. And I am quite sure that this practice will continue in the years ahead. We’ve discovered that we are blessed far more than our guests when we open our hearts – and our homes – to them.
Who in your circle of friends have you overlooked this Christmas? Who has nowhere to go… no Christmas dinner to attend… no stocking on the mantel or even the tiniest package waiting under a tree somewhere? Who could you include in your festivities and offer a few hours of your hospitality – and the love of Christ – this holiday? Have you learned from the apostles and opened your heart and your home to others? Isn’t this a perfect time to begin?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 21, 2010
Luke 2:13-17
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I love to decorate… and at Christmas, some would say I go nuts! I know there are many who do more than I, but over the years, my collection of Christmas decorations has grown quite a bit. No longer is one tree enough… we have “the big tree,” a smaller one on the piano, a lighted tree on outside on our bluff for others to enjoy… and now, a tree for Timothy that has ornaments with which he is allowed to play. I have Santas, snowmen, lots of greenery and lights… and more than 50 nativity sets that I display together as a collection. Over the years, my students, friends and family members have given me Christmas ornaments for the tree, and I proudly hang every one.
In 36 years of marriage, I think there has been one Christmas that we did not have a tree… and that was because I had undergone surgery, and we were spending the holidays with our parents. I keep many of our “winter” decorations out through much of February so the house doesn’t seem so bare in the cold, bleak months. A couple of years ago, I was packing away the decorations, and I became sad and frustrated. WHY did I do this? Putting it all away was no fun. It took several days. And let’s be honest… putting it out to start with took me two to three days, too. So WHY do it?
I said to myself, “Next year, I won’t do so much. I’ll go through my things and get rid of some of them and pare down.” But when the next year came, Timothy was here, and experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is a whole new ball of wax. Even though he was too small to understand, he enjoyed the lights, the sparkle, and the color. My mom came to help me get the tree decorated.
This year, Timothy is old enough to begin to enjoy the ornaments and lights… the nativities, and more. So once again, I got out our decorations and transformed our house into a holiday wonderland. And again, Mom came to help with the big tree. She no longer puts up a tree, since all of our family festivities happen at our house. So we have started a new tradition of trimming the big tree together.
I know many people who no longer decorate, for a variety of reasons… and that’s okay. And yes, we have become too commercialized about Christmas. But look at these verses in Luke again… the angels were celebrating. The shepherds left the manger to celebrate the birth of Christ with others and share this good news. Let’s be honest… at that point, the ramifications of Christ’s birth were not totally clear. Most people did not realize the significance of this event until after Jesus had died on the cross and ascended into heaven.
The point is… as much as Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our risen Savior, it also serves as a reminder of what Jesus taught us – unconditional love for our fellow man, grace, mercy, generosity in giving to others, service, joy, faith, and so much more. And don’t we often seem to be better at putting these things into action during the holidays? We truly celebrate Jesus by making our homes festive… and inviting others to visit. We put up a tree and trim it with lights and sparkling ornaments and create a party atmosphere. We are kinder and gentler with others… more generous. We seem to find more time for parties, celebrations and writing cards… baking treats to share with others… shopping and wrapping gifts.
For a few days/weeks, we at least give ourselves the opportunity to more closely emulate some of the traits Jesus taught us. Oh, sure, some will become stressed and grumpy… some will become “Scrooges” and refuse to participate… but many will transform into totally different people. And maybe… just maybe… some will continue that spirit after the tree is taken to the curb and the decorations are packed away for another year. Maybe the joy and celebration of all that Jesus’ birth represents will be shared for months to come… or even all year long! The first step is to start the party… to deck the halls and celebrate. You don’t have to put up a tree or hang a wreath on the door… all you have to do is “deck your hall” with a smile and a warm heart for those around you!
How will you celebrate this year? Are you ready to “party hearty” in Jesus’ name? Will others notice a difference… and better yet, will you keep His joy going all year long?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I love to decorate… and at Christmas, some would say I go nuts! I know there are many who do more than I, but over the years, my collection of Christmas decorations has grown quite a bit. No longer is one tree enough… we have “the big tree,” a smaller one on the piano, a lighted tree on outside on our bluff for others to enjoy… and now, a tree for Timothy that has ornaments with which he is allowed to play. I have Santas, snowmen, lots of greenery and lights… and more than 50 nativity sets that I display together as a collection. Over the years, my students, friends and family members have given me Christmas ornaments for the tree, and I proudly hang every one.
In 36 years of marriage, I think there has been one Christmas that we did not have a tree… and that was because I had undergone surgery, and we were spending the holidays with our parents. I keep many of our “winter” decorations out through much of February so the house doesn’t seem so bare in the cold, bleak months. A couple of years ago, I was packing away the decorations, and I became sad and frustrated. WHY did I do this? Putting it all away was no fun. It took several days. And let’s be honest… putting it out to start with took me two to three days, too. So WHY do it?
I said to myself, “Next year, I won’t do so much. I’ll go through my things and get rid of some of them and pare down.” But when the next year came, Timothy was here, and experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is a whole new ball of wax. Even though he was too small to understand, he enjoyed the lights, the sparkle, and the color. My mom came to help me get the tree decorated.
This year, Timothy is old enough to begin to enjoy the ornaments and lights… the nativities, and more. So once again, I got out our decorations and transformed our house into a holiday wonderland. And again, Mom came to help with the big tree. She no longer puts up a tree, since all of our family festivities happen at our house. So we have started a new tradition of trimming the big tree together.
I know many people who no longer decorate, for a variety of reasons… and that’s okay. And yes, we have become too commercialized about Christmas. But look at these verses in Luke again… the angels were celebrating. The shepherds left the manger to celebrate the birth of Christ with others and share this good news. Let’s be honest… at that point, the ramifications of Christ’s birth were not totally clear. Most people did not realize the significance of this event until after Jesus had died on the cross and ascended into heaven.
The point is… as much as Christmas is a celebration of the birth of our risen Savior, it also serves as a reminder of what Jesus taught us – unconditional love for our fellow man, grace, mercy, generosity in giving to others, service, joy, faith, and so much more. And don’t we often seem to be better at putting these things into action during the holidays? We truly celebrate Jesus by making our homes festive… and inviting others to visit. We put up a tree and trim it with lights and sparkling ornaments and create a party atmosphere. We are kinder and gentler with others… more generous. We seem to find more time for parties, celebrations and writing cards… baking treats to share with others… shopping and wrapping gifts.
For a few days/weeks, we at least give ourselves the opportunity to more closely emulate some of the traits Jesus taught us. Oh, sure, some will become stressed and grumpy… some will become “Scrooges” and refuse to participate… but many will transform into totally different people. And maybe… just maybe… some will continue that spirit after the tree is taken to the curb and the decorations are packed away for another year. Maybe the joy and celebration of all that Jesus’ birth represents will be shared for months to come… or even all year long! The first step is to start the party… to deck the halls and celebrate. You don’t have to put up a tree or hang a wreath on the door… all you have to do is “deck your hall” with a smile and a warm heart for those around you!
How will you celebrate this year? Are you ready to “party hearty” in Jesus’ name? Will others notice a difference… and better yet, will you keep His joy going all year long?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2010
Isaiah 61:1-4God sent me to announce the year of his grace—
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
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.
Every holiday season, we hear news reports about a house fire during the holidays. Just this past week, a home burned in our county, and area churches rallied to provide for the family – clothing, cleaning supplies, physical labor, and more. On the morning of December 20, 1981, my grandmother was frying sausage on her stove, preparing breakfast for herself and my grandfather before they dressed for church. My grandfather had been outside checking on his cattle. Mam-ma thought she heard sleet on their tin roof, but a glimpse out her kitchen window revealed sunshine.
My grandfather came through the door and told my Mam-ma that their house was on fire. Ironically, she turned off the burner under her sausage, then she began grabbing clothing from dresser drawers, as my grandfather hurried to move their car and truck from the carport and away from the house. A passerby stopped and helped remove items from the house as it burned… a small living room chair, the mantel clock, the family Bible and a few photos, and most of my grandparents’ clothing. They didn’t think to get wallets, eye glasses, the quilt rack in the front bedroom that held probably a half dozen of my grandmother’s hand-made creations, or even the Christmas presents sitting under the tree just inside the front door.
At the end of the day, the home my grandparents had occupied for 47 years was reduced to smoldering cinders. The fire was so hot that even the cast-iron skillets and claw-footed bath tub were reduced to ashes. This fire was determined to be due to some old faulty wiring… not a truly Christmas-related disaster. And I have shared this story before… how the churches and our community rallied to help my grandparents rebuild… how my dad called on his construction contacts to get a new house built as quickly as possible and people “pounded” my grandparents with necessary household staples and more.
I’ve talked about the yard full of petunias that rose the following spring where the old farmhouse once sat… a true “beauty for ashes” trade. But what I have not really talked about directly is the impact that the fire had on my entire family. Whether we realize it or not, that day was a huge turning point for us. It signaled the end of an era… the only home for my grandparents that I, my sister and brother had ever known. The fire resulted in the loss of countless treasures… mere things… and a greater realization of what really mattered, as we counted our blessings that my grandmother and grandfather both escaped safely.
Even though the new house and many of the replacement items were far nicer than what my grandparents had previously owned, it wasn’t the same… ever. And in thinking about this day again… as I do every December 20th… I was struck by how this correlates for us spiritually. See, we all have “fires” in our lives… moments or events or seasons that define us… change us… move us in a new direction. And these are often hard, devastating, gut-wrenching changes that grieve us and truly break our hearts – and sometimes our emotional spirit.
But God stands ready to give us “bouquets of roses for ashes”… to restore us, repair our hearts, rebuild our spirit. Sometimes, He even gives us something better to replace what was taken from us… or at least something equally wonderful. I told you that my grandparents were not ones to question “Why me?” but rather to look ahead and ask “What next?” – and as I look at my now-98-year-old grandmother and think of all of the things she has endured and how she persevered, I see another “lesson.”
God is not in the business of punishing us… or making us suffer to “teach us a lesson.” When we are in pain, He is in pain. When we grieve, He grieves. When our heart breaks, His heart breaks for us. But God can do something about all of this. He truly is the only One who can really fix things… and He wants to do this for us. But we have to trust Him. We have to let Him work. We have to ask Him, “What next?” and mean it. We have to open our eyes and see His beauty in the ashes…and we have to be grateful to Him for doing this for us.
Where is God trying to give you a bouquet of roses for ashes? Where are you blocking His efforts? In what ways do you need to move aside and let Him work? Examine your heart and your life today… find your “fires” and sift through the “ashes.” See what God has in store for you, and give Him room to do His work.
©2010 Debbie Robus
a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies—
and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness"
planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins,
raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities,
take the rubble left behind and make it new.
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.
Every holiday season, we hear news reports about a house fire during the holidays. Just this past week, a home burned in our county, and area churches rallied to provide for the family – clothing, cleaning supplies, physical labor, and more. On the morning of December 20, 1981, my grandmother was frying sausage on her stove, preparing breakfast for herself and my grandfather before they dressed for church. My grandfather had been outside checking on his cattle. Mam-ma thought she heard sleet on their tin roof, but a glimpse out her kitchen window revealed sunshine.
My grandfather came through the door and told my Mam-ma that their house was on fire. Ironically, she turned off the burner under her sausage, then she began grabbing clothing from dresser drawers, as my grandfather hurried to move their car and truck from the carport and away from the house. A passerby stopped and helped remove items from the house as it burned… a small living room chair, the mantel clock, the family Bible and a few photos, and most of my grandparents’ clothing. They didn’t think to get wallets, eye glasses, the quilt rack in the front bedroom that held probably a half dozen of my grandmother’s hand-made creations, or even the Christmas presents sitting under the tree just inside the front door.
At the end of the day, the home my grandparents had occupied for 47 years was reduced to smoldering cinders. The fire was so hot that even the cast-iron skillets and claw-footed bath tub were reduced to ashes. This fire was determined to be due to some old faulty wiring… not a truly Christmas-related disaster. And I have shared this story before… how the churches and our community rallied to help my grandparents rebuild… how my dad called on his construction contacts to get a new house built as quickly as possible and people “pounded” my grandparents with necessary household staples and more.
I’ve talked about the yard full of petunias that rose the following spring where the old farmhouse once sat… a true “beauty for ashes” trade. But what I have not really talked about directly is the impact that the fire had on my entire family. Whether we realize it or not, that day was a huge turning point for us. It signaled the end of an era… the only home for my grandparents that I, my sister and brother had ever known. The fire resulted in the loss of countless treasures… mere things… and a greater realization of what really mattered, as we counted our blessings that my grandmother and grandfather both escaped safely.
Even though the new house and many of the replacement items were far nicer than what my grandparents had previously owned, it wasn’t the same… ever. And in thinking about this day again… as I do every December 20th… I was struck by how this correlates for us spiritually. See, we all have “fires” in our lives… moments or events or seasons that define us… change us… move us in a new direction. And these are often hard, devastating, gut-wrenching changes that grieve us and truly break our hearts – and sometimes our emotional spirit.
But God stands ready to give us “bouquets of roses for ashes”… to restore us, repair our hearts, rebuild our spirit. Sometimes, He even gives us something better to replace what was taken from us… or at least something equally wonderful. I told you that my grandparents were not ones to question “Why me?” but rather to look ahead and ask “What next?” – and as I look at my now-98-year-old grandmother and think of all of the things she has endured and how she persevered, I see another “lesson.”
God is not in the business of punishing us… or making us suffer to “teach us a lesson.” When we are in pain, He is in pain. When we grieve, He grieves. When our heart breaks, His heart breaks for us. But God can do something about all of this. He truly is the only One who can really fix things… and He wants to do this for us. But we have to trust Him. We have to let Him work. We have to ask Him, “What next?” and mean it. We have to open our eyes and see His beauty in the ashes…and we have to be grateful to Him for doing this for us.
Where is God trying to give you a bouquet of roses for ashes? Where are you blocking His efforts? In what ways do you need to move aside and let Him work? Examine your heart and your life today… find your “fires” and sift through the “ashes.” See what God has in store for you, and give Him room to do His work.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2010
Leviticus 19:18
Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Stop being angry and don't try to take revenge. I am the LORD, and I command you to love others as much as you love yourself.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My brother was born when I was four years old. I actually remember praying for a baby brother. But as anyone who has had a younger sibling can tell you, this was just enough of an age gap that my brother became a pest to me much of the time when were younger. He knew how to push all my buttons… and my sister’s… and one Christmas, he made us both so mad that we plotted our revenge.
My mom has written a darling children’s story about this… “Bartholomew’s Christmas,” in which she substitutes a tiny field mouse and his family for that of my own. But here’s what really happened…
My brother had never had a new bicycle. My family’s household budget was like a lot of others with two parents and three kids – money was tight. So my dad would piece together parts of this bike and another and fashion something for my brother to peddle. What Tim really wanted was a brand spanking new “Stingray” bicycle. And he just knew that this particular Christmas was “it!” This was all we heard for weeks… “I’m getting a bicycle! I’m getting a bicycle.” It really annoyed my sister and me.
I’m guessing that my sister and I were 12 and 13, so Tim was about 9. My sister had asked for a wig for Christmas. I can’t remember what I had asked for, but on Christmas Eve, my grandparents gave my brother a tape recorder. He was so happy with that little machine, and when we got back home, my sister and I asked to borrow it. Of course, he naively said we could. We recorded a message for him, telling him that after our parents purchased my present and my sister’s wig, there just was not enough money to buy a bicycle for him. Better luck next Christmas!
We returned the tape recorder to my little brother and said, “We made a message for you!” The next thing we heard was heavy sobbing from my brother’s bedroom. We went into panic mode. We had not anticipated this reaction. We went to him and tried to convince him that we made it all up… that he WAS getting a bike for Christmas. But he continued to cry and would not believe us.
The next morning, we got up early… eager to see what was under the tree. My brother trudged into the kitchen as if he were headed to the gallows for hanging. My mom suggested he pull the sliding door curtain and take a peek out on the back patio. He was not enthused. Reluctantly, my sister and I began to reveal our dastardly deed… as our parents expressed great disapproval and unhappiness with us. But finally, we were able to coax my brother to the window, and once he saw the bicycle, he was back to dancing around and saying, “I knew it! I knew it!” And no other kid could have loved a bicycle as much as he loved this one.
My sister and I learned a valuable lesson that Christmas… one that haunted me for years to come. I apologized many times to my brother until his dying day. And he forgave me. But I saw the power of something as seemingly innocent as a practical joke. How often do we say or do something that we think is funny or harmless without stopping to truly consider the possible ramifications… the effect it could have on someone else? Do we think only of how much we will enjoy this… or how it might make us look “funny” or “interesting” in the eyes of others…failing to consider how the recipient of our “fun” might appear?
Where have we plotted to take matters into our own hands, forgetting that revenge is not our job? Instead of trying to handle these things ourselves, we should be opening our hands upward and saying, “This is yours, Father… do what You will with it.” At the end of the day, my sister and I were two young girls trying to play a joke on their pesky little brother. But even the smallest of acts has the potential for paving the way to larger, more costly situations.
Let’s stop ourselves now… let’s realize that even the tiniest things matter greatly. Let’s open our hands, let go and let GOD handle EVERYTHING… even little brothers and their bicycles.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 18, 2010
2 Peter 1:5-8
Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In December 1932, a young man and woman made plans to marry in the community of Hiram, Arkansas. On the appointed wedding day, a heavy snow fell, and it was impossible for the groom and the pastor to get to the bride, so the wedding was postponed. The groom, almost 22, had a new suit. Because he was walking in the heavy snow, he wore his “regular” clothes over to the bride’s home and changed into his [clean and dry] “wedding suit” there. The 20-year-old bride had a new blue dress and new shoes – a luxury for this special occasion. And on December 18, 1932, my paternal grandparents “tied the knot.”
My grandfather died in 1984, culminating a nearly 52-year marriage to my grandmother. My grandparents were by no means perfect, and I have no doubt there were difficult times in their relationship. Like all of us, they both made their fair share of mistakes. I know there were extremely lean times financially and physically, and they both worked very hard from the time they were young children… picking cotton, digging potatoes, working in the fields… whatever they could do to earn a few dollars or some extra food for the table.
For as long as I can remember, my grandparents kept a Bible on their coffee table… and it didn’t just sit there and gather dust. They both were faithful members of their church. The sound of gospel music from the radio and television often resonated through their home, and they were both active, productive citizens in their community. My grandparents exercised the qualities outlined in 2 Peter 1: goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. They were both as generous as the day was long… and my grandmother continues to give all she can – and then some – to as many as she can.
Each year on this date, I think of my grandparents and how they leaned on God for guidance, strength, and courage. I always thought my grandparents were “wealthy ranchers.” In truth, they were regular farmers who struggled to make ends meet. But they always shared whatever they had with anyone who crossed their path. They knew that God blessed those who served Him… and they served well. They continually sought ways to improve their faith - and this was a good thing, because their faith was surely tested over the decades… loss of a baby, financial struggles…failed crops… the illnesses and deaths of family members - including my great-grandmother and my grandfather’s brother within days of each other… their own physical challenges… and a fire that claimed their home of 47 years one December morning.
Each time, my grandparents dusted themselves off and kept going. They never seemed to ask “Why me?” They just looked toward heaven and asked, “What’s next?” I know a lot of folks from their generation and the one that followed who experienced similar trials and challenges, and maybe you or your relatives have endured the same. Let’s take a look at these people and how they handled the challenges of life. Did they work at finding ways to build their faith? Did they follow the tenets outlined in 2 Peter 1?
Can we learn from the examples of our elders? Are we building our faith and exhibiting the characteristics that will guide future generations? Shouldn’t we? Ask God to help you to develop these character traits… to build your faith and grow in His wisdom and grace. If you grab this concept and start to work diligently to increase your faith, this could be the best Christmas present you will ever receive. Are you ready to begin strengthening your faith?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In December 1932, a young man and woman made plans to marry in the community of Hiram, Arkansas. On the appointed wedding day, a heavy snow fell, and it was impossible for the groom and the pastor to get to the bride, so the wedding was postponed. The groom, almost 22, had a new suit. Because he was walking in the heavy snow, he wore his “regular” clothes over to the bride’s home and changed into his [clean and dry] “wedding suit” there. The 20-year-old bride had a new blue dress and new shoes – a luxury for this special occasion. And on December 18, 1932, my paternal grandparents “tied the knot.”
My grandfather died in 1984, culminating a nearly 52-year marriage to my grandmother. My grandparents were by no means perfect, and I have no doubt there were difficult times in their relationship. Like all of us, they both made their fair share of mistakes. I know there were extremely lean times financially and physically, and they both worked very hard from the time they were young children… picking cotton, digging potatoes, working in the fields… whatever they could do to earn a few dollars or some extra food for the table.
For as long as I can remember, my grandparents kept a Bible on their coffee table… and it didn’t just sit there and gather dust. They both were faithful members of their church. The sound of gospel music from the radio and television often resonated through their home, and they were both active, productive citizens in their community. My grandparents exercised the qualities outlined in 2 Peter 1: goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. They were both as generous as the day was long… and my grandmother continues to give all she can – and then some – to as many as she can.
Each year on this date, I think of my grandparents and how they leaned on God for guidance, strength, and courage. I always thought my grandparents were “wealthy ranchers.” In truth, they were regular farmers who struggled to make ends meet. But they always shared whatever they had with anyone who crossed their path. They knew that God blessed those who served Him… and they served well. They continually sought ways to improve their faith - and this was a good thing, because their faith was surely tested over the decades… loss of a baby, financial struggles…failed crops… the illnesses and deaths of family members - including my great-grandmother and my grandfather’s brother within days of each other… their own physical challenges… and a fire that claimed their home of 47 years one December morning.
Each time, my grandparents dusted themselves off and kept going. They never seemed to ask “Why me?” They just looked toward heaven and asked, “What’s next?” I know a lot of folks from their generation and the one that followed who experienced similar trials and challenges, and maybe you or your relatives have endured the same. Let’s take a look at these people and how they handled the challenges of life. Did they work at finding ways to build their faith? Did they follow the tenets outlined in 2 Peter 1?
Can we learn from the examples of our elders? Are we building our faith and exhibiting the characteristics that will guide future generations? Shouldn’t we? Ask God to help you to develop these character traits… to build your faith and grow in His wisdom and grace. If you grab this concept and start to work diligently to increase your faith, this could be the best Christmas present you will ever receive. Are you ready to begin strengthening your faith?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 17, 2010
2 Corinthians 3:3-4
You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you are not written with pen and ink or on tablets made of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God. We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1987, my husband and I quit our jobs and moved back to Heber Springs – our hometown – to begin a new business venture. Because we were just getting started and weren’t as busy as we would become in later years – and because we had vowed to find time to volunteer in our community – we delivered Meals on Wheels one day a week. We grew fond of the people on our little route… mostly elderly folks – some of whom were feeble and/or infirm in some manner.
The first winter, we had a major snowstorm. Fourteen inches of snow fell in a little more than a day. Virtually EVERYTHING came to a stop in our community. But as the snow began to pile up the first morning, the people who cooked the meals at the Senior Citizen center scrambled to prepare food for their clients – and even a little extra for the coming days. And they began to search for drivers who were willing to brave the elements to get these meals out to the people who needed them. Our car had front wheel drive, and we gladly offered to help.
It was cold… snow was blowing in a fierce wind… and we trudged through the deepening drifts to knock on the doors of homes where people were hunkered down trying to stay snug and warm. But they were so glad to see us. We made sure they had what they needed and asked if they could use anything extra. I don’t know how we thought we would have gotten back to them with it, but we would have tried.
We carried a lot more than hot food and a couple of cartons of milk to these people. We carried love and a smile… and in doing so, we carried the very presence of God. For the last few years, my husband has once again taken a route delivering Meals on Wheels at least one day a week – and sometimes more days if he is needed to substitute. And I tell him often that he is delivering so much more than food. He visits with his clients and makes sure they are well. He offers them a glimpse into the outside world… and the little ladies on his route love to see a handsome man come through the door!
But truly, his meal delivery is a blessing. The food he carries to these doorsteps feeds the body, but his smile and genuine care and concern carry the love of our Heavenly Father. His deliveries are a letter written on the hearts of these people by the Spirit of the Living God.
We take for granted the blessing of a hot meal, a warm house, and knowing we will have plenty if a major “snowstorm” befalls us. We also take for granted the opportunity to share a blessing with someone else… a “love letter” from God Almighty… in the form of something as simple as a hot meal and a carton of milk… a phone call… a note to say “thinking of you” or “I’m praying for you today”… or even a hug.
Somehow this comes a little easier to us at this time of year. We find it more moving to write the checks to charities, buy toys for needy children, or contribute canned goods to a food drive during the Christmas season. But honestly, we should be doing this all year long, wherever and whenever we can. If every single person bought an extra can of soup or tuna – an extra box of pasta or cereal – another tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap… and gave it to a food drive or an agency like Cleburne County Cares, countless people could have a “love letter from God” – and we would never miss the few pennies or dollars.
There are many ways we can deliver God’s love letter that don’t cost a dime… and a zillion ways that are more than affordable to most of us. All it takes is a prayer… all we have to do is ask God to show us where and how to deliver His love, and He will open doors and windows and flood us with opportunities. The question is… are you willing to be God’s messenger? Will you stand up and accept the challenge to deliver…and be the very presence of God to others? Will someone get a “love letter from God” this week because of you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You are like a letter written by Christ and delivered by us. But you are not written with pen and ink or on tablets made of stone. You are written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God. We are sure about all this. Christ makes us sure in the very presence of God.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In 1987, my husband and I quit our jobs and moved back to Heber Springs – our hometown – to begin a new business venture. Because we were just getting started and weren’t as busy as we would become in later years – and because we had vowed to find time to volunteer in our community – we delivered Meals on Wheels one day a week. We grew fond of the people on our little route… mostly elderly folks – some of whom were feeble and/or infirm in some manner.
The first winter, we had a major snowstorm. Fourteen inches of snow fell in a little more than a day. Virtually EVERYTHING came to a stop in our community. But as the snow began to pile up the first morning, the people who cooked the meals at the Senior Citizen center scrambled to prepare food for their clients – and even a little extra for the coming days. And they began to search for drivers who were willing to brave the elements to get these meals out to the people who needed them. Our car had front wheel drive, and we gladly offered to help.
It was cold… snow was blowing in a fierce wind… and we trudged through the deepening drifts to knock on the doors of homes where people were hunkered down trying to stay snug and warm. But they were so glad to see us. We made sure they had what they needed and asked if they could use anything extra. I don’t know how we thought we would have gotten back to them with it, but we would have tried.
We carried a lot more than hot food and a couple of cartons of milk to these people. We carried love and a smile… and in doing so, we carried the very presence of God. For the last few years, my husband has once again taken a route delivering Meals on Wheels at least one day a week – and sometimes more days if he is needed to substitute. And I tell him often that he is delivering so much more than food. He visits with his clients and makes sure they are well. He offers them a glimpse into the outside world… and the little ladies on his route love to see a handsome man come through the door!
But truly, his meal delivery is a blessing. The food he carries to these doorsteps feeds the body, but his smile and genuine care and concern carry the love of our Heavenly Father. His deliveries are a letter written on the hearts of these people by the Spirit of the Living God.
We take for granted the blessing of a hot meal, a warm house, and knowing we will have plenty if a major “snowstorm” befalls us. We also take for granted the opportunity to share a blessing with someone else… a “love letter” from God Almighty… in the form of something as simple as a hot meal and a carton of milk… a phone call… a note to say “thinking of you” or “I’m praying for you today”… or even a hug.
Somehow this comes a little easier to us at this time of year. We find it more moving to write the checks to charities, buy toys for needy children, or contribute canned goods to a food drive during the Christmas season. But honestly, we should be doing this all year long, wherever and whenever we can. If every single person bought an extra can of soup or tuna – an extra box of pasta or cereal – another tube of toothpaste or a bar of soap… and gave it to a food drive or an agency like Cleburne County Cares, countless people could have a “love letter from God” – and we would never miss the few pennies or dollars.
There are many ways we can deliver God’s love letter that don’t cost a dime… and a zillion ways that are more than affordable to most of us. All it takes is a prayer… all we have to do is ask God to show us where and how to deliver His love, and He will open doors and windows and flood us with opportunities. The question is… are you willing to be God’s messenger? Will you stand up and accept the challenge to deliver…and be the very presence of God to others? Will someone get a “love letter from God” this week because of you?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 16, 2010
Isaiah 38:16-19
Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit, and you turned your eyes none of those in the deep pit can hope for you to show them how faithful you are. Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I started following the story of Job McCully from Bigelow, Arkansas, (his name is pronounced “JOBE” – like the man whose story is recorded in the Bible) in 2006. Job was diagnosed with leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant in 2002, at the age of four. He went into remission until the following year, but then he developed RSV pneumonia and other lung issues, and subsequently, his lungs deteriorated to the point that the only hope was a lung transplant. In 2006, Job was treated in children’s hospitals from Little Rock to Houston to St. Louis, logging more than 365 consecutive days in the hospital.
More than once during this time, doctors told Job’s parents, “He won’t make it. Sign papers to remove life support if needed. This is it.” Every time, Job’s parents walked away. Job’s mother would politely say something to the effect of, “When God tells me to sign, I will… but He has not told me to do so.” Job suffered so much and was so weary and weak… his little body was poked and prodded, and I have to tell you, I began to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to let him go to heaven and be with Jesus. The faith of this child never wavered, unlike mine.
On December 11, 2007, Job received new lungs. Truly, the “eleventh hour” had come, and this was his only hope of survival. Job’s mother Tina kept a journal throughout his ordeal on a website called CaringBridge, and she often wrote such notes as this: Dear Lord, please have mercy and compassion on Job and heal his little body. Restore him to perfect health. In Jesus’ name I ask. AMEN. I have to believe that every person who read Tina’s posts – and those of Job’s grandmother (who was enduring her own battle with breast cancer) – were lifted and given renewed hope and faith in God’s promises. And I know that I was humbled by their steadfast belief that God would heal this little boy.
Since the transplant, Job has survived Histoplasmosis (a lung disease the doctors didn’t know was in his transplanted organs), CMV, Adenovirus… and now he is diabetic. He is taking treatments for bone density… his bones are so weak that a knee gave out as he walked down the hall at school, and his foot broke in three places. The ABC Extreme Home Makeover team built Job’s family a new, safe, mold-free house in 2008.
Job is twelve now and in the seventh grade. His family is recovering from their ordeal, and they continue to be a source of inspiration to others as they share their story – and their faith. I am moved to tears as I read the journal entries and remember all that this family has endured… and how their faith remained steadfast. If you want to read this remarkable story for yourself, go to www.caringbridge.org/ar/job. And the next time you decide that your problems are too big, think of Job. Remember that the God who delivered this precious boy… gave him new lungs and new hopes and dreams… the God who pulled him from the pit of death and despair… can deliver you, too. Nothing is too big for God. Until He says it’s finished, there’s always hope and a fight worth continuing.
Think of Job this December… thank God for using a now-12-year-old boy to show us how to escape the deep pits of our lives…and for continuing to use him as he lives out his faithfulness and shares the message of hope in Jesus for generations to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Your words and your deeds bring life to everyone, including me. Please make me healthy and strong again. It was for my own good that I had such hard times. But your love protected me from doom in the deep pit, and you turned your eyes none of those in the deep pit can hope for you to show them how faithful you are. Only the living can thank you, as I am doing today. Each generation tells the next about your faithfulness...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I started following the story of Job McCully from Bigelow, Arkansas, (his name is pronounced “JOBE” – like the man whose story is recorded in the Bible) in 2006. Job was diagnosed with leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant in 2002, at the age of four. He went into remission until the following year, but then he developed RSV pneumonia and other lung issues, and subsequently, his lungs deteriorated to the point that the only hope was a lung transplant. In 2006, Job was treated in children’s hospitals from Little Rock to Houston to St. Louis, logging more than 365 consecutive days in the hospital.
More than once during this time, doctors told Job’s parents, “He won’t make it. Sign papers to remove life support if needed. This is it.” Every time, Job’s parents walked away. Job’s mother would politely say something to the effect of, “When God tells me to sign, I will… but He has not told me to do so.” Job suffered so much and was so weary and weak… his little body was poked and prodded, and I have to tell you, I began to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to let him go to heaven and be with Jesus. The faith of this child never wavered, unlike mine.
On December 11, 2007, Job received new lungs. Truly, the “eleventh hour” had come, and this was his only hope of survival. Job’s mother Tina kept a journal throughout his ordeal on a website called CaringBridge, and she often wrote such notes as this: Dear Lord, please have mercy and compassion on Job and heal his little body. Restore him to perfect health. In Jesus’ name I ask. AMEN. I have to believe that every person who read Tina’s posts – and those of Job’s grandmother (who was enduring her own battle with breast cancer) – were lifted and given renewed hope and faith in God’s promises. And I know that I was humbled by their steadfast belief that God would heal this little boy.
Since the transplant, Job has survived Histoplasmosis (a lung disease the doctors didn’t know was in his transplanted organs), CMV, Adenovirus… and now he is diabetic. He is taking treatments for bone density… his bones are so weak that a knee gave out as he walked down the hall at school, and his foot broke in three places. The ABC Extreme Home Makeover team built Job’s family a new, safe, mold-free house in 2008.
Job is twelve now and in the seventh grade. His family is recovering from their ordeal, and they continue to be a source of inspiration to others as they share their story – and their faith. I am moved to tears as I read the journal entries and remember all that this family has endured… and how their faith remained steadfast. If you want to read this remarkable story for yourself, go to www.caringbridge.org/ar/job. And the next time you decide that your problems are too big, think of Job. Remember that the God who delivered this precious boy… gave him new lungs and new hopes and dreams… the God who pulled him from the pit of death and despair… can deliver you, too. Nothing is too big for God. Until He says it’s finished, there’s always hope and a fight worth continuing.
Think of Job this December… thank God for using a now-12-year-old boy to show us how to escape the deep pits of our lives…and for continuing to use him as he lives out his faithfulness and shares the message of hope in Jesus for generations to come.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2010
Proverbs 11:12
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I grew up in a very tightly-knit neighborhood. For the most part, we all loved each other like family… and some of us were! In a one-block radius from my house were the homes of my grandparents, my great-aunt, my cousins, and my “Aunt Martha” and her parents. And while not related by blood, the Bakers, Baileys, Mrs. Butler… and later – the Davises were very much extended family.
When I was a child, we were in and out of each other’s houses at all hours of the night and day. It was nothing for a next-door neighbor to appear in their pajamas and bathrobe during breakfast and sit down at our table – or to drop in for any other meal. We scarcely even knocked before entering and knew “the lay” of each other’s houses. When something would happen to one family, the others would join forces to offer support – or to celebrate.
But some of the neighbors feuded. One lady got upset, supposedly because another neighbor kept her shovel and hoe leaned against a shed in the yard. The lady thought it was unsightly… and she said so! Others were quick to point out what they deemed “eyesores” to the neighborhood… and to criticize and complain if something wasn’t to their liking.
All of this pettiness was silly… and it really did nothing except make the people involved look a little ridiculous. And I have to admit, many of the biases I struggle to overcome today are directly due to the influences of my youth. When the ladies sat in porch swings on summer evenings and talked about someone they didn’t like, I decided I didn’t like that person or family, either. When I overheard them belittle a certain person as “poor” or “low class,” I decided it must be true.
These were not bad people… I loved my wonderful neighbors. But they were misguided in their thinking and actions on more than one occasion - as human beings often are - and I was a child who was watching (and learning). And that is the lesson. Someone is watching US! Someone is learning from our words and actions. Someone is becoming bigoted or biased if we are demonstrating this. Someone is learning to dislike a certain group or class of people, if that’s what we show them. Someone is deciding that it’s okay to stick your nose in where it doesn’t belong and tell our friends and neighbors how to run their lives and even decorate their houses and yards, if that’s what they see us doing!
I will say this once again… people are watching… and they are looking to us as Christians and deciding whether or not they want to follow Jesus based on how we behave! Being a Christian carries a huge responsibility in this regard. When we consider that every word we speak… the tone in our voice… every action we demonstrate… can sway someone toward or away from Jesus Christ, then even feuding with your neighbor over a hoe and a shovel becomes a big deal - and stupid!
Just how sensible are you willing to be for Christ? Can you bite your tongue when necessary and keep quiet in the face of all sorts of challenges? Are you ready to go “whole hog” for your faith? Are you ready to be the real deal in every way and demonstrate love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and more toward those you encounter? Are you ready to really be the hands and feet of Jesus and set high standards for yourself and those around you? Just what sort of “neighbor” will you be? You never know who is watching!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2010
Proverbs 26:18-19
People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, "I didn't mean it, I was only joking, "Are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.
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.
News reports have documented all too well what happens when a careless camper flicks a cigarette or leaves a smoldering campfire. Entire parks, neighborhoods and communities have gone up in flames due to this reckless behavior. In some cases, the perpetrator was caught and prosecuted. In others, it can be hoped that the person responsible was greatly remorseful for his/her actions.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen our share of incidents where people shrug off deliberate deceptions… from politicians who say, “It was all in the spirit of the campaign,” to those who have ridiculed and bullied homosexuals to the point of suicide and then tried to brush it off as a result of the victim’s own insecurities and emotional hangups. So many people fail to see how their single act of unkindness and insensitivity can spread as rampantly as the flames induced by the spark of a campfire or cigarette ember.
As a people, we fail to recognize the power of a single sentence… or even tone with which we utter a couple of words. The Bible tells us the tongue has the power of life or death. What we say can make all the difference… either negatively, or positively.
We cannot excuse our sinful behavior or hurtful comments and judgments with the phrase, “I was only kidding.” So often, what we say and do is truly not a joke… and it’s time we realized our impact on others. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be the one who “burns down the forest!”
Let’s ask God to help us be more thoughtful… more Christ-like in our words and deeds. Let’s ask Him to show us how to overcome any hint of an urge to deceive others and then try to justify our behavior. Let’s be the people He has called us to be and operate in truth and love. God’s not kidding around with others’ feelings… and neither should we.
©2010 Debbie Robus
People who shrug off deliberate deceptions, saying, "I didn't mean it, I was only joking, "Are worse than careless campers who walk away from smoldering campfires.
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.
News reports have documented all too well what happens when a careless camper flicks a cigarette or leaves a smoldering campfire. Entire parks, neighborhoods and communities have gone up in flames due to this reckless behavior. In some cases, the perpetrator was caught and prosecuted. In others, it can be hoped that the person responsible was greatly remorseful for his/her actions.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen our share of incidents where people shrug off deliberate deceptions… from politicians who say, “It was all in the spirit of the campaign,” to those who have ridiculed and bullied homosexuals to the point of suicide and then tried to brush it off as a result of the victim’s own insecurities and emotional hangups. So many people fail to see how their single act of unkindness and insensitivity can spread as rampantly as the flames induced by the spark of a campfire or cigarette ember.
As a people, we fail to recognize the power of a single sentence… or even tone with which we utter a couple of words. The Bible tells us the tongue has the power of life or death. What we say can make all the difference… either negatively, or positively.
We cannot excuse our sinful behavior or hurtful comments and judgments with the phrase, “I was only kidding.” So often, what we say and do is truly not a joke… and it’s time we realized our impact on others. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be the one who “burns down the forest!”
Let’s ask God to help us be more thoughtful… more Christ-like in our words and deeds. Let’s ask Him to show us how to overcome any hint of an urge to deceive others and then try to justify our behavior. Let’s be the people He has called us to be and operate in truth and love. God’s not kidding around with others’ feelings… and neither should we.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2010
Psalm 52:3
You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who seems to love to argue? This person is always picking a fight, bringing up a controversial topic for discussion, and generally trying to “get a rise” out of others. He/she may not be deliberately trying to be evil or stir up trouble. More likely, this individual has gotten comfortable with such behavior… and even a little lazy.
It may seem like doing good and telling the truth are boring. But actually, it takes more energy and brain power. Haven’t you heard people say, “It was easier to go along than argue.”? Don’t you know people who avoid confrontation at all costs… even to the point of lying for a friend or relative, or doing something they know is wrong just to avoid a conflict? Friends don’t want to anger or upset one another, so they “cover” for them. Parents bail their children out of messes to avoid embarrassment and unpleasantness for all concerned. People embezzle from their workplace to manage their debts… while others offer bribes to smooth over the rough spots and make troubles go away.
Owning up to our mistakes, saying “No!” when we know something isn’t right, and taking responsibility for our lives and the messes we sometimes get into is often much more difficult. This takes our time, energy, and sometimes… our money. It can cost us friendships and more. But at the end of the day, our honesty and integrity are intact… and we know from other scriptures that these are traits that God desires for us.
Additionally, if we start operating more in honesty and “doing good,” we will find that the opportunities and temptations for lying and participating in evil behavior actually diminish. Staying in a close relationship with God greatly eliminates opportunities – and our desire - for lies, cheating and deception. And when problems do arise, we have a ready Source of strength and wisdom to whom we can turn.
We are in a season that is full of opportunities to do good… to speak the truth and share the blessings of a life in Christ with others. This is a great time to stop our “busyness” and spend some time in communion with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. We can begin today to operate in truths and making a habit of doing good. We can make a conscious effort to choose to do what is right, no matter how hard it may seem. We can stand up and say, “With God, all things are possible,” and dare to prove it through our words and actions. Are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
You would rather do evil than good, and tell lies than speak the truth.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Do you know someone who seems to love to argue? This person is always picking a fight, bringing up a controversial topic for discussion, and generally trying to “get a rise” out of others. He/she may not be deliberately trying to be evil or stir up trouble. More likely, this individual has gotten comfortable with such behavior… and even a little lazy.
It may seem like doing good and telling the truth are boring. But actually, it takes more energy and brain power. Haven’t you heard people say, “It was easier to go along than argue.”? Don’t you know people who avoid confrontation at all costs… even to the point of lying for a friend or relative, or doing something they know is wrong just to avoid a conflict? Friends don’t want to anger or upset one another, so they “cover” for them. Parents bail their children out of messes to avoid embarrassment and unpleasantness for all concerned. People embezzle from their workplace to manage their debts… while others offer bribes to smooth over the rough spots and make troubles go away.
Owning up to our mistakes, saying “No!” when we know something isn’t right, and taking responsibility for our lives and the messes we sometimes get into is often much more difficult. This takes our time, energy, and sometimes… our money. It can cost us friendships and more. But at the end of the day, our honesty and integrity are intact… and we know from other scriptures that these are traits that God desires for us.
Additionally, if we start operating more in honesty and “doing good,” we will find that the opportunities and temptations for lying and participating in evil behavior actually diminish. Staying in a close relationship with God greatly eliminates opportunities – and our desire - for lies, cheating and deception. And when problems do arise, we have a ready Source of strength and wisdom to whom we can turn.
We are in a season that is full of opportunities to do good… to speak the truth and share the blessings of a life in Christ with others. This is a great time to stop our “busyness” and spend some time in communion with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom. We can begin today to operate in truths and making a habit of doing good. We can make a conscious effort to choose to do what is right, no matter how hard it may seem. We can stand up and say, “With God, all things are possible,” and dare to prove it through our words and actions. Are you up to the challenge?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 12, 2010
Jeremiah 9:5
They wear themselves out, always looking for a new way to cheat their friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We need look no further than late-night infomercials on television to see the power of the line, “Have I got a deal for YOU!” Dozens, if not hundreds, of entrepreneurs stand ready to sell you their latest invention, sure to make your life better in every way imaginable. And maybe a few of these products work. I’ve been tempted to order a few… the incredible clothes hangers, the orange cleaner for your floors and other surfaces, and even the slap-chopper thingy that is supposed to make dicing onions and other veggies a breeze.
I have also seen a segment on a local news station broadcast called, “We Try It Before You Buy It.” And I’ve seen some of the niftiest looking gadgets go down in flames when the show hosts cannot make them work… or they fail to come through as promised by the merchant on TV. These “inventors” are wearing themselves out looking for a new way to make a buck. Maybe they don’t set out to intentionally cheat the public with a product that doesn’t deliver. But I have to believe that quite a few of them know their product is worthless and won’t work for the consumers who purchase it.
What are we “selling” that can’t deliver? How are we wearing ourselves out chasing our tail, so to speak… spending time and energy on things that are less than honest or fair, rather than be the real deal for Jesus? How often do we ask ourselves, “What’s in this for me?” rather than “What would Jesus do?”
I would like to think that none of us deliberately sets out to cheat our friends – or even those we don’t know! But that’s exactly what happens sometimes when we put ourselves first. Maybe you just wanted a day to yourself, but by not offering your friend a ride, he/she didn’t get to attend something important to them. Maybe you bought yourself a cup of hot coffee instead of putting your change in the Salvation Army bucket outside the store… and now someone who really needed a hot cup of coffee won’t get it. Maybe you decided you would rather be lazy and stay home than attend the funeral of a close friend’s relative… and a whole lot of other people did the same things, so the crowd of supporters was noticeably small. Each time, your excuse was good, but it was just that - an excuse (and maybe even a dishonest one!).
While these things may not quite literally be considered cheating or lying, we tend to narrow our definition of these actions to fit our own desires… when in God’s eyes, a whole lot of things we would discount are truly dishonest and wrong behaviors. When we start to truly walk in the ways of God… to let Him live in and through us, our selfish desires become secondary to non-existent. Lying and cheating are not even on our radar screen… in ways great and small. Are you there yet? Have you made this commitment… and can others see it in your daily living? Isn’t it time we began to turn the corner?
©2010 Debbie Robus
They wear themselves out, always looking for a new way to cheat their friends.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We need look no further than late-night infomercials on television to see the power of the line, “Have I got a deal for YOU!” Dozens, if not hundreds, of entrepreneurs stand ready to sell you their latest invention, sure to make your life better in every way imaginable. And maybe a few of these products work. I’ve been tempted to order a few… the incredible clothes hangers, the orange cleaner for your floors and other surfaces, and even the slap-chopper thingy that is supposed to make dicing onions and other veggies a breeze.
I have also seen a segment on a local news station broadcast called, “We Try It Before You Buy It.” And I’ve seen some of the niftiest looking gadgets go down in flames when the show hosts cannot make them work… or they fail to come through as promised by the merchant on TV. These “inventors” are wearing themselves out looking for a new way to make a buck. Maybe they don’t set out to intentionally cheat the public with a product that doesn’t deliver. But I have to believe that quite a few of them know their product is worthless and won’t work for the consumers who purchase it.
What are we “selling” that can’t deliver? How are we wearing ourselves out chasing our tail, so to speak… spending time and energy on things that are less than honest or fair, rather than be the real deal for Jesus? How often do we ask ourselves, “What’s in this for me?” rather than “What would Jesus do?”
I would like to think that none of us deliberately sets out to cheat our friends – or even those we don’t know! But that’s exactly what happens sometimes when we put ourselves first. Maybe you just wanted a day to yourself, but by not offering your friend a ride, he/she didn’t get to attend something important to them. Maybe you bought yourself a cup of hot coffee instead of putting your change in the Salvation Army bucket outside the store… and now someone who really needed a hot cup of coffee won’t get it. Maybe you decided you would rather be lazy and stay home than attend the funeral of a close friend’s relative… and a whole lot of other people did the same things, so the crowd of supporters was noticeably small. Each time, your excuse was good, but it was just that - an excuse (and maybe even a dishonest one!).
While these things may not quite literally be considered cheating or lying, we tend to narrow our definition of these actions to fit our own desires… when in God’s eyes, a whole lot of things we would discount are truly dishonest and wrong behaviors. When we start to truly walk in the ways of God… to let Him live in and through us, our selfish desires become secondary to non-existent. Lying and cheating are not even on our radar screen… in ways great and small. Are you there yet? Have you made this commitment… and can others see it in your daily living? Isn’t it time we began to turn the corner?
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2010
Proverbs 11:3
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, I saw an HGTV show about a young couple who had purchased their first home, but it had some “issues.” They called in an expert, who promptly discovered that the problems were very serious. One entire wall was pulling away from the studs, the wiring was worse than sub-standard, and there was mold and leaky pipes that were causing a ceiling to cave in and risk total collapse.
The young homeowner said, “I had the house inspected before we purchased it, and the inspector said everything was okay. Maybe I should have researched inspectors a little more. Someone said this guy was a good one… but obviously, he wasn’t.” In the end, the host of the HGTV show resolved all of the construction issues… even tearing out a lot of the walls, wiring and plumbing and starting over in many instances.
I don’t know if the dishonest… and certainly disreputable… inspector was ever prosecuted for this shoddy work. But I feel certain that somewhere down the line, his dishonesty will trap him. My dad was involved in building construction, and I know that doing things right the first time might take a little longer and cost a little more… and it might even cut into the builder’s profits a bit. But taking shortcuts and operating any other way is nothing but a trap that can lead to disaster at some point.
And so it is in our daily living. Our “little white lies” may seem harmless at the time, but in the end, they pile up like the kindling to start a campfire… and when we least expect it, they ignite and blow up in our face. Choosing the wrong guide… listening to friends and acquaintances or anyone who tells us “It won’t hurt anything/anyone” or “Nobody will ever know”… sets us up for destruction.
Choose your guides wisely. Choose the ultimate Guide… and follow His advice. Do the right thing… always… according to God’s will, and your “house” will always be well constructed and in good condition.
©2010 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2010
Jeremiah 5:3
Search Jerusalem for honest people who try. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city. Everyone breaks promises made in my name." I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were watching a silly television sitcom recently where a man visited his ex-wife, and while he was there, he “lifted” a pair of diamond earrings he had given her shortly before she filed for divorce. He needed a birthday gift for his new girlfriend and had no money – and his justification was not only revenge but the claim that his first wife “never wore them!” The show ended with this man’s brother asking if he felt any remorse, and he held up a necklace and said something to the effect of “No… and it was even easier the second time.”
Albert Einstein defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Yet this is exactly what we seem to do with the truth. We know that our lies, cheating and deceit dishonor and disappoint God. We know that in the end, these behaviors create even larger problems for us. But we continue down the same path, repeating the same mistakes, and hoping for different results – this time!
The sitcom was truly silly, but it does serve to illustrate a very real point. Lying… and sin in general… becomes easier with practice. So while we may not consciously set out to get better at this over time, what seemed daunting and risky today may not seem so bad tomorrow. This is how people get into serious trouble with things like money. They “rob Peter to pay Paul” by taking a little money from their kids’ piggy bank to gamble, thinking the winnings will be more than enough to pay everyone back… and then some. But when the bet fails, and the money is gone, the gambler has to become more creative – and dishonest – about how and where to find more money for the next bet.
When you lie to a friend or family member about what you are doing or where you are going, it may be hard the first time. But it gets easier the more you practice. It may not seem like a bad thing to tell someone you accomplished something you didn’t – or to stretch the truth a little. But soon, you are well-versed in stretching things, and nobody can believe a word you say, because your claims are so outlandish and your reputation for exaggerating, at best, precedes you.
Maybe you have gotten so “good” at this that you honestly don’t know how to stop. If this is the case, it’s too late for me to tell you to never begin! But I do have help for you…and His name is Jesus. We can call on Jesus to help us accomplish whatever we cannot do on our own. We can ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins (which is the first step), and then we can call on Him to help us begin to rebuild our character and reputation. Jesus will give us the strength to tell the truth… even if it means we have to do without or make personal sacrifices. Believe me, none of them compares to the sacrifice HE made on the cross for us.
Examine your life today. Look in the nooks and crannies and see where you are practicing the insanity of lies, deceit, and sin of any kind. Confess these to Jesus and ask Him to help you get on your feet. Ask Jesus to help you avoid repeating the sins of your past. Give Him your burdens and free your mind to focus on what – and Who – really matters!
©2010 Debbie Robus
Search Jerusalem for honest people who try. If you can find even one, I'll forgive the whole city. Everyone breaks promises made in my name." I answered, "I know that you look for truth. You punished your people for their lies, but in spite of the pain, they became more stubborn and refused to turn back to you."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were watching a silly television sitcom recently where a man visited his ex-wife, and while he was there, he “lifted” a pair of diamond earrings he had given her shortly before she filed for divorce. He needed a birthday gift for his new girlfriend and had no money – and his justification was not only revenge but the claim that his first wife “never wore them!” The show ended with this man’s brother asking if he felt any remorse, and he held up a necklace and said something to the effect of “No… and it was even easier the second time.”
Albert Einstein defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Yet this is exactly what we seem to do with the truth. We know that our lies, cheating and deceit dishonor and disappoint God. We know that in the end, these behaviors create even larger problems for us. But we continue down the same path, repeating the same mistakes, and hoping for different results – this time!
The sitcom was truly silly, but it does serve to illustrate a very real point. Lying… and sin in general… becomes easier with practice. So while we may not consciously set out to get better at this over time, what seemed daunting and risky today may not seem so bad tomorrow. This is how people get into serious trouble with things like money. They “rob Peter to pay Paul” by taking a little money from their kids’ piggy bank to gamble, thinking the winnings will be more than enough to pay everyone back… and then some. But when the bet fails, and the money is gone, the gambler has to become more creative – and dishonest – about how and where to find more money for the next bet.
When you lie to a friend or family member about what you are doing or where you are going, it may be hard the first time. But it gets easier the more you practice. It may not seem like a bad thing to tell someone you accomplished something you didn’t – or to stretch the truth a little. But soon, you are well-versed in stretching things, and nobody can believe a word you say, because your claims are so outlandish and your reputation for exaggerating, at best, precedes you.
Maybe you have gotten so “good” at this that you honestly don’t know how to stop. If this is the case, it’s too late for me to tell you to never begin! But I do have help for you…and His name is Jesus. We can call on Jesus to help us accomplish whatever we cannot do on our own. We can ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins (which is the first step), and then we can call on Him to help us begin to rebuild our character and reputation. Jesus will give us the strength to tell the truth… even if it means we have to do without or make personal sacrifices. Believe me, none of them compares to the sacrifice HE made on the cross for us.
Examine your life today. Look in the nooks and crannies and see where you are practicing the insanity of lies, deceit, and sin of any kind. Confess these to Jesus and ask Him to help you get on your feet. Ask Jesus to help you avoid repeating the sins of your past. Give Him your burdens and free your mind to focus on what – and Who – really matters!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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