John 21:1-14
Jesus later appeared to his disciples along the shore of Lake Tiberias. Simon Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, and the brothers James and John, were there, together with two other disciples. Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing!" The others said, "We will go with you." They went out in their boat. But they didn't catch a thing that night.
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, "Friends, have you caught anything?" "No!" they answered.
So he told them, "Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish." They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus' favorite disciple told Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. Jesus told his disciples, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.
Jesus said, "Come and eat!" But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from death.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is the time of year when we reflect on a lot of things… the events of the past year…what we accomplished – and what we wish we had gotten done…and what we hope to do in the coming twelve months. It is also a time when many of us wonder why we spent hours and days decorating… and wish it was all packed neatly away already. As I psyched myself out to get things back in “pre-holiday order,” I thought about why I decorated in the first place. And then I read this scripture passage.
There is a lot of “meat” in this passage - and a dozen or more lessons we can learn from it. But today, the part that struck me was the image of Jesus tending the fire on the beach. He had prepared a warm retreat… a haven of rest. He had laid the groundwork for a hearty meal. Surely the Disciples found great comfort in this. They were thrilled to see Jesus again, but they were also glad to have full nets of fish after a busted early attempt. They must have been exhausted – and hungry – and seeing Jesus with a fire of hot coals ready to cook their dinner must have totally rejuvenated them.
As I thought about this, I remembered the looks on the faces of Timothy and my little cousins, Olivia and Owen, as they walked around our house and looked at all of the decorations and twinkling lights. I thought of three little girls who helped me decorate for the holidays for a couple of years and are now teenagers who still talk about the “magic” and fun of coming to our house at Christmas time. I recalled the words of my mother’s sister, who found a festive, warm haven on Christmas Eve in the middle of the chaos that surrounded our afternoon as my grandmother fell and was injured. And I remembered how comforted I was to return home from hospital visits, shopping trips and more to find “candles” lighting the windows and sit among the reminders of this special season – and to reflect on God’s love for me. I found solace in the hot tea and cookies made from a recipe my family has enjoyed each Christmas since I was a child… reminded of the continual thread of love that binds us together.
More importantly, I was reminded that we always have a haven of rest in Jesus. He is always “waiting on the beach, tending a fire to warm us.” He always has a meal ready to feed us – body and soul. And He wants us to extend that same love and hospitality to others in His name. I’m not saying that Jesus wants us to turn into Clark Griswold and cover our homes in tacky, overdone holiday décor. But I do believe He wants us to live in a way that says, “You are welcome here… in my home, in my heart, and in my life. I am extending to you the same love that Jesus shows to me each and every day.”
I have no doubt that I will get busy and get things packed away soon… and that I will once again drag them out for the next Christmas. In the meantime, I will make every effort to extend the warmth and love of Jesus in everything I say and do… from smiling at the cashier to sending a get-well card or inviting friends and family over to share a meal to waving a flag on July 4th! I will do all I can to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those I encounter… and I will thank Him for the opportunity to share the blessings He has given to me with others.
How will you “decorate” in 2012? How inviting will your “home” be to others? Will they see the love of Jesus when they look at you, or have you packed away your “decorations” so deeply that they are almost non-existent? It’s time to re-examine our relationship with Christ and see where we need to polish a few things. As we close one year and begin another, let’s ask Him to show us where we need to beef up our efforts… and let’s get the fire started. People will be showing up in our lives every single day… needing to be nurtured, fed, encouraged and blessed. Will we be ready to serve them on Jesus’ behalf?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2011
John 20:28-29
Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing."
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.
Timothy loves to look at the moon. Ever since he first learned to say the word “moon” and realized that the yellow orb in his storybooks was the same moon we see in the sky, he has been mesmerized. He loves to go outside in “the dawk”, as he calls it, and look for the moon. On clear nights when the moon is readily visible, he will point and squeal, “There it is!” But on cloudy nights – or the days of the month when the moon rises during daylight hours – he has a hard time accepting that the moon is truly there. For a long time, he believed only because he had seen with his own eyes. As he grows and becomes able to understand more high-level concepts, he is learning to accept that the moon is still there, even when we cannot see it.
I believe that of the greatest milestones in our growth as a Christian is when we fully begin to accept God in the form of His only Son, Jesus, and to believe in all that He can accomplish in and through us, purely on faith. Certainly none of us has ever physically seen Jesus in human form. We weren’t here for His birth, death, or resurrection. But as surely as we know the moon is still in the sky, we should know that Jesus is real.
This is a hard concept for so many. How can we be so sure that Jesus exists if we’ve never seen Him? How can we be certain that He will usher us into His presence in Heaven someday? How can we know that He is working on our behalf? All of these questions can be difficult to answer, unless we are growing in our own relationship with Jesus on a daily basis.
I can tell you from firsthand experience that these questions are easier for me to answer today than they were yesterday – and next week the answers will come even more quickly. As I allow God to work in my life each and every day… as I open my eyes and ears to the countless ways He is orchestrating every breath I take and all of the circumstances that make up my existence… my “proof” is strengthened as my faith increases.
I can cite example after example where I know for a fact that God had His hand on me and a specific situation. I can say with certainty that the only way things could have happened as they did is because God was in control. I can give skeptics dozens of instances where there is no question that God did what mere man could not… fixed things I could never fix on my own… opened doors… healed and restored… and blessed abundantly!
I like to think that I am living proof that God exists… because He has brought me to this place in my life despite everything I have done to try and screw it up! And if you don’t believe MY testimony, I have Christian brothers and sisters who will be happy to share their own. I’ve seen God do some incredible things… yet I have never physically seen Him in the flesh. And I like what Jesus said in this passage…even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing! That sounds pretty good to me!
What about you? Do you believe? Have you “seen” the evidence of Jesus Christ in and around your own life? Are you paying attention… watching and listening for Him? Are you reaping the blessings of believing without seeing? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing."
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.
Timothy loves to look at the moon. Ever since he first learned to say the word “moon” and realized that the yellow orb in his storybooks was the same moon we see in the sky, he has been mesmerized. He loves to go outside in “the dawk”, as he calls it, and look for the moon. On clear nights when the moon is readily visible, he will point and squeal, “There it is!” But on cloudy nights – or the days of the month when the moon rises during daylight hours – he has a hard time accepting that the moon is truly there. For a long time, he believed only because he had seen with his own eyes. As he grows and becomes able to understand more high-level concepts, he is learning to accept that the moon is still there, even when we cannot see it.
I believe that of the greatest milestones in our growth as a Christian is when we fully begin to accept God in the form of His only Son, Jesus, and to believe in all that He can accomplish in and through us, purely on faith. Certainly none of us has ever physically seen Jesus in human form. We weren’t here for His birth, death, or resurrection. But as surely as we know the moon is still in the sky, we should know that Jesus is real.
This is a hard concept for so many. How can we be so sure that Jesus exists if we’ve never seen Him? How can we be certain that He will usher us into His presence in Heaven someday? How can we know that He is working on our behalf? All of these questions can be difficult to answer, unless we are growing in our own relationship with Jesus on a daily basis.
I can tell you from firsthand experience that these questions are easier for me to answer today than they were yesterday – and next week the answers will come even more quickly. As I allow God to work in my life each and every day… as I open my eyes and ears to the countless ways He is orchestrating every breath I take and all of the circumstances that make up my existence… my “proof” is strengthened as my faith increases.
I can cite example after example where I know for a fact that God had His hand on me and a specific situation. I can say with certainty that the only way things could have happened as they did is because God was in control. I can give skeptics dozens of instances where there is no question that God did what mere man could not… fixed things I could never fix on my own… opened doors… healed and restored… and blessed abundantly!
I like to think that I am living proof that God exists… because He has brought me to this place in my life despite everything I have done to try and screw it up! And if you don’t believe MY testimony, I have Christian brothers and sisters who will be happy to share their own. I’ve seen God do some incredible things… yet I have never physically seen Him in the flesh. And I like what Jesus said in this passage…even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing! That sounds pretty good to me!
What about you? Do you believe? Have you “seen” the evidence of Jesus Christ in and around your own life? Are you paying attention… watching and listening for Him? Are you reaping the blessings of believing without seeing? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 29, 2011
John 20:11-16
Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, "Why are you crying?" She answered, "They have taken away my Lord's body! I don't know where they have put him."
As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" She thought he was the gardener and said, "Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him." Then Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him, "Rabboni." The Aramaic word "Rabboni" means "Teacher."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother’s friend told me about losing her car keys one morning. She looked for them frantically for over an hour. Finally, she called her son to come and get her, saying, “I simply cannot find my car keys.” She was wearing a “field jacket” – a type of hooded coat with lots of pockets and zippers, - and someone nearby asked, “Did you check your pockets?” She had looked in some of the pockets, but not two zippered compartments that were located about waist level. When she reached into one of these… there were her car keys. She said, “I’ve had this coat for over twenty years, and I never knew there were pockets there!”
I’m afraid a lot of us have had some sort of relationship with Jesus for a long time – if not more than twenty years – and we still don’t readily recognize Him. We don’t see the angels He sends to minister to us in all sorts of situations. We don’t hear His voice or feel His presence. If Jesus walked right up to us today and spoke, many of us would not readily recognize Him. It’s as if we have worn the “coat of Christianity” for many years and never known where all of the “pockets” were located. And unless we find all of the “pockets”, we will miss out on some of the richest experiences with Jesus Christ.
To a person, we would probably all agree that we want a vibrant, full relationship with Jesus. But we would probably all have to also admit that we don’t do enough to get to know Him… to keep Him at the forefront of our lives… and to fully recognize His presence or the work of angels on His behalf in each and every moment of our existence.
As we look toward the close of this year, I can’t think of a better time to resolve to become more familiar with Jesus. Let’s make every effort to put Him first… to communicate with Him continually… to know His voice and recognize His handiwork. Let this be the year when you don’t have to look for Jesus any longer, because you always see Him standing next to you. It’s time to find all of the “pockets” in our coat of faith… have you found yours?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus' body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, "Why are you crying?" She answered, "They have taken away my Lord's body! I don't know where they have put him."
As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, "Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" She thought he was the gardener and said, "Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him." Then Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to him, "Rabboni." The Aramaic word "Rabboni" means "Teacher."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Recently, my grandmother’s friend told me about losing her car keys one morning. She looked for them frantically for over an hour. Finally, she called her son to come and get her, saying, “I simply cannot find my car keys.” She was wearing a “field jacket” – a type of hooded coat with lots of pockets and zippers, - and someone nearby asked, “Did you check your pockets?” She had looked in some of the pockets, but not two zippered compartments that were located about waist level. When she reached into one of these… there were her car keys. She said, “I’ve had this coat for over twenty years, and I never knew there were pockets there!”
I’m afraid a lot of us have had some sort of relationship with Jesus for a long time – if not more than twenty years – and we still don’t readily recognize Him. We don’t see the angels He sends to minister to us in all sorts of situations. We don’t hear His voice or feel His presence. If Jesus walked right up to us today and spoke, many of us would not readily recognize Him. It’s as if we have worn the “coat of Christianity” for many years and never known where all of the “pockets” were located. And unless we find all of the “pockets”, we will miss out on some of the richest experiences with Jesus Christ.
To a person, we would probably all agree that we want a vibrant, full relationship with Jesus. But we would probably all have to also admit that we don’t do enough to get to know Him… to keep Him at the forefront of our lives… and to fully recognize His presence or the work of angels on His behalf in each and every moment of our existence.
As we look toward the close of this year, I can’t think of a better time to resolve to become more familiar with Jesus. Let’s make every effort to put Him first… to communicate with Him continually… to know His voice and recognize His handiwork. Let this be the year when you don’t have to look for Jesus any longer, because you always see Him standing next to you. It’s time to find all of the “pockets” in our coat of faith… have you found yours?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2011
John 20:3-10
Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in.
When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus' face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. So the two of them went back to the other disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all probably had a time in our life where we said, “If I had not seen this with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.” Many of us are pretty skeptical, and we want proof before we will accept what we are told. And in some cases, we are wise to demand proof. We want receipts to show we have paid for merchandise and transcripts to verify our course work and grades. We depend on x-rays and scans to show us if a bone is broken or to determine other ailments and illnesses.
Everyone from physicians and attorneys to teachers, barbers, hairdressers, builders, plumbers and many other professionals have a license that declares he/she is certified (and hopefully qualified) to perform their assigned tasks… and we somehow are comforted and reassured by these documents. When a mechanic tells us something is wrong with our car, we often want to be shown exactly where the problem is before we agree to pay to have it fixed. Indeed, our concerns over proof are often totally valid.
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, there just isn’t a lot of cold, hard physical evidence for us to examine. We can’t visit the tomb. We never saw Him in the flesh in the first place, so looking at linens in a cave would do us very little good. We must rely almost totally on faith and trust in the word of others as documented in the Bible… and the inanimate proof of Jesus’ existence and performance on our behalf. And that is a hard thing for many of us to accept.
My confidence and trust in the word of God grows daily. I believe in His promises more today than I did yesterday, and I have no doubt tomorrow my faith will be just a little stronger. Where is my proof? I find proof of the hope and grace of Jesus in everyday activities… the way He meets my needs and “shows up” in my life even when I least expect Him. And I am learning to expect Him more often! Why not ask God to help with the seemingly trite and insignificant issues of your day? Why don’t we believe that God will come to our rescue and make a way where none seems possible? Who says Jesus isn’t alive and well - and living within our hearts? Can anyone prove differently?
Until someone can show me with 100% confidence that Jesus is not real… that He is not working in and through me every minute of the day… I’m going to believe that He is doing exactly that! And honestly, I’m not looking for anyone to tell me otherwise. Trusting God is too wonderful. Allowing Him to handle the details of my day is too comforting and amazing… and not something I want to surrender!
So I guess I am “the other disciple” – the one who believes, based on limited proof. What about you? How much do you trust Jesus these days? Are you taking Him at His word and believing He can handle anything and everything in your life… or are you still running to others for reinforcement and confirmation? When we start to stand on our own two feet and believe in Christ Jesus to strengthen us in all things, we are truly growing in faith and headed toward complete victory and peace. Where are you on this journey? Have you seen and believed?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in.
When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus' face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. So the two of them went back to the other disciples.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We have all probably had a time in our life where we said, “If I had not seen this with my own eyes, I never would have believed it.” Many of us are pretty skeptical, and we want proof before we will accept what we are told. And in some cases, we are wise to demand proof. We want receipts to show we have paid for merchandise and transcripts to verify our course work and grades. We depend on x-rays and scans to show us if a bone is broken or to determine other ailments and illnesses.
Everyone from physicians and attorneys to teachers, barbers, hairdressers, builders, plumbers and many other professionals have a license that declares he/she is certified (and hopefully qualified) to perform their assigned tasks… and we somehow are comforted and reassured by these documents. When a mechanic tells us something is wrong with our car, we often want to be shown exactly where the problem is before we agree to pay to have it fixed. Indeed, our concerns over proof are often totally valid.
When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, there just isn’t a lot of cold, hard physical evidence for us to examine. We can’t visit the tomb. We never saw Him in the flesh in the first place, so looking at linens in a cave would do us very little good. We must rely almost totally on faith and trust in the word of others as documented in the Bible… and the inanimate proof of Jesus’ existence and performance on our behalf. And that is a hard thing for many of us to accept.
My confidence and trust in the word of God grows daily. I believe in His promises more today than I did yesterday, and I have no doubt tomorrow my faith will be just a little stronger. Where is my proof? I find proof of the hope and grace of Jesus in everyday activities… the way He meets my needs and “shows up” in my life even when I least expect Him. And I am learning to expect Him more often! Why not ask God to help with the seemingly trite and insignificant issues of your day? Why don’t we believe that God will come to our rescue and make a way where none seems possible? Who says Jesus isn’t alive and well - and living within our hearts? Can anyone prove differently?
Until someone can show me with 100% confidence that Jesus is not real… that He is not working in and through me every minute of the day… I’m going to believe that He is doing exactly that! And honestly, I’m not looking for anyone to tell me otherwise. Trusting God is too wonderful. Allowing Him to handle the details of my day is too comforting and amazing… and not something I want to surrender!
So I guess I am “the other disciple” – the one who believes, based on limited proof. What about you? How much do you trust Jesus these days? Are you taking Him at His word and believing He can handle anything and everything in your life… or are you still running to others for reinforcement and confirmation? When we start to stand on our own two feet and believe in Christ Jesus to strengthen us in all things, we are truly growing in faith and headed toward complete victory and peace. Where are you on this journey? Have you seen and believed?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2011
John 20:1-2
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, "They took the Master from the tomb. We don't know where they've put him."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I don’t know about you, but I have had things scare me so badly that I ran for help, breathlessly panting in fear and panic. So I can easily get an idea of how Mary Magdalene felt when she approached Jesus’ tomb and realized that the massive, heavy stone had been rolled away from the entrance. All of us have probably known moments of panic so profound that we felt as if we couldn’t catch our breath. And in these moments, most of us run to someone we can trust… our parents, a spouse or significant other, a dependable relative, teacher or coach, our pastor, or perhaps our dearest friend.
Sometimes, when we are truly desperate and scared out of our wits, we run to our Heavenly Father. We fall to our knees (if only figuratively), and ask God to please rescue us and/or show us what to do. And God answers! Not only does He answer when we run directly to Him… He answers when we turn to a trusted friend or relative, as well. I believe that God uses others in those moments to guide us… to calm our fears… to speak rationally and calmly on His behalf and tell us what to do.
I am thankful that God meets our every need… especially when we are in a panic. I am so grateful to know that He will place people in my path to help me through the scariest, most breathless times of my life. When I don’t know where to turn or what to do… God knows. If I will only stop and listen for His voice, He will handle the rest.
Aren’t you glad that God is always busy looking out for us? Doesn’t it give you joy to know that even when you are in a breathless panic, God is putting people in front of you to help you figure out the best course of action? This is a good time to stop and thank God for all He does… for always loving us and having our back. Praise God for being available to us 24/7, and thank Him for always giving good gifts. Rest in the knowledge that you can run to Him anytime - with everything… joys, sorrows, accomplishments, dejections, excitements, fears and concerns… and He will always be there to respond.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone was moved away from the entrance. She ran at once to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, breathlessly panting, "They took the Master from the tomb. We don't know where they've put him."
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I don’t know about you, but I have had things scare me so badly that I ran for help, breathlessly panting in fear and panic. So I can easily get an idea of how Mary Magdalene felt when she approached Jesus’ tomb and realized that the massive, heavy stone had been rolled away from the entrance. All of us have probably known moments of panic so profound that we felt as if we couldn’t catch our breath. And in these moments, most of us run to someone we can trust… our parents, a spouse or significant other, a dependable relative, teacher or coach, our pastor, or perhaps our dearest friend.
Sometimes, when we are truly desperate and scared out of our wits, we run to our Heavenly Father. We fall to our knees (if only figuratively), and ask God to please rescue us and/or show us what to do. And God answers! Not only does He answer when we run directly to Him… He answers when we turn to a trusted friend or relative, as well. I believe that God uses others in those moments to guide us… to calm our fears… to speak rationally and calmly on His behalf and tell us what to do.
I am thankful that God meets our every need… especially when we are in a panic. I am so grateful to know that He will place people in my path to help me through the scariest, most breathless times of my life. When I don’t know where to turn or what to do… God knows. If I will only stop and listen for His voice, He will handle the rest.
Aren’t you glad that God is always busy looking out for us? Doesn’t it give you joy to know that even when you are in a breathless panic, God is putting people in front of you to help you figure out the best course of action? This is a good time to stop and thank God for all He does… for always loving us and having our back. Praise God for being available to us 24/7, and thank Him for always giving good gifts. Rest in the knowledge that you can run to Him anytime - with everything… joys, sorrows, accomplishments, dejections, excitements, fears and concerns… and He will always be there to respond.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 26, 2011
1 Chronicles 16:23-25
Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!
The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Christmas Day has come and gone, and lots of people are very busy. There are gifts to exchange, holiday decorations to put away, and after-Christmas sales to attend. The focus has shifted to bowl games, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and what to do with the last week of Christmas break. In the blink of an eye, many of us have totally forgotten why we were celebrating the Christmas season in the first place.
But Christmas is about more than one day on the calendar. The true spirit of Christmas lies in the words of David… “Day after day, announce, ‘The LORD has saved us!’” We should live every single day of the year as if it were Christmas Day. We should be kind and loving toward others… ready to sing praises to the LORD and shout to all who will listen about the wonderful, marvelous things He does. Every day should be an opportunity to demonstrate to others how worthy God is of our praise, honor, glory… and absolute devotion.
I don’t have any gifts to exchange, but I do plan to hit a few post-holiday sales. I’m looking forward to watching “the ball” drop on New Year’s Eve and eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day. But I’m also going to make sure I reflect each and every day this week - and in the year ahead - on God’s amazing grace. I’m going to do all I can to demonstrate to others in my path just how He has blessed me… and how worthy He is of my complete worship.
Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break and the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But remember Christmas and all of the hope and promises that surround the season. Keep the Spirit of Christmas alive by celebrating and praising God each and every day. Tell everyone you meet how incredible deserving He is of our continual honor and glory. Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!
The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Christmas Day has come and gone, and lots of people are very busy. There are gifts to exchange, holiday decorations to put away, and after-Christmas sales to attend. The focus has shifted to bowl games, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and what to do with the last week of Christmas break. In the blink of an eye, many of us have totally forgotten why we were celebrating the Christmas season in the first place.
But Christmas is about more than one day on the calendar. The true spirit of Christmas lies in the words of David… “Day after day, announce, ‘The LORD has saved us!’” We should live every single day of the year as if it were Christmas Day. We should be kind and loving toward others… ready to sing praises to the LORD and shout to all who will listen about the wonderful, marvelous things He does. Every day should be an opportunity to demonstrate to others how worthy God is of our praise, honor, glory… and absolute devotion.
I don’t have any gifts to exchange, but I do plan to hit a few post-holiday sales. I’m looking forward to watching “the ball” drop on New Year’s Eve and eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day. But I’m also going to make sure I reflect each and every day this week - and in the year ahead - on God’s amazing grace. I’m going to do all I can to demonstrate to others in my path just how He has blessed me… and how worthy He is of my complete worship.
Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break and the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But remember Christmas and all of the hope and promises that surround the season. Keep the Spirit of Christmas alive by celebrating and praising God each and every day. Tell everyone you meet how incredible deserving He is of our continual honor and glory. Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 25, 2011
Philippians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our Christmas Eve meal was pretty well prepared and in the oven. We planned to eat at 3:30 p.m. My mother and her sister had picked up my grandmother at her assisted living facility, and I glanced up in time to see Mom’s Jeep pull into our driveway. Then I heard my mother yell for my husband to come quickly. My grandmother had fallen. I rushed outside to see her lying lifeless on the driveway. My husband rushed to call 911 as I hurried toward my Mam-ma. That’s when I saw the pool of blood forming under her head and trailing down our driveway.
I pressed a cloth tightly to her head, but the blood soaked through and poured on to the concrete underneath. The ambulance arrived, and my grandmother was transported to the hospital emergency room, where scans indicated no internal head or neck injury. Once the bandages were removed and everything was cleaned, she had a large hematoma (blood pocket) with a small puncture wound in the center. Her head was bandaged, and she was given pain medication, which made her woozy.
The doctor said there was no “medical justification” for admitting my grandmother to the hospital. I begged and pleaded, but he insisted he could not do this. I was at my wits’ end. I looked up and saw a sign beside a door where I was standing. It said “Chapel.” I stepped inside the chapel to call my husband and my mom. As we talked, I looked at plaques that hung on the wall. These contained scriptures, and the first thing I saw was Philippians 4:6-7. Then I read Lamentations 3:22-23, followed by Psalm 23, and finally... Jeremiah 29:11. I suggest you look these last three passages up and read them. I said a prayer before I left the chapel and asked God to handle this… to take my worries and fretting and give me peace about this situation.
When I stepped back into my grandmother’s exam room, I was visibly upset… and the nurse who had been treating my grandmother offered… “I can ask the ER doctor to call the doctor on duty upstairs and see if he will admit your grandmother - at least overnight.” She didn’t make any promises, but it was worth a shot. A few minutes later, the nurse returned to tell me that my grandmother was being admitted.
I cannot tell you the overwhelming peace and relief that flooded me when the nurse offered to talk with the doctors. I cannot begin to express how I felt when she returned to tell me that the doctor had agreed. I was so grateful to God for working out what I could not… and for directing me into that chapel for a few minutes. There, as I read those scripture passages, God gave me what I needed… peace and a sense of calmness, reassurance that He was in control… hope and love overflowing.
This is the gift of Christmas. It’s not found in the stockings, tinsel and beautifully wrapped packages. The love of our Heavenly Father, expressed by the birth, life and death of His only Son, surrounds us and meets our every need. All we have to do is open our heart and receive Him.
I was prepared to lose my grandmother on our driveway. I felt God’s peace and calm there in a way I cannot begin to describe. But I am grateful that He chose to wait for another place and time for this inevitable event. Meanwhile, I am reminded once again that God is in control… that I am His, and He blankets me with His love, grace and peace. My prayer for you this Christmas Day is that you feel His presence, too. I hope your holiday has been less “eventful,” and that you have celebrated the love of Christ with those most dear to you. Merry Christmas!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our Christmas Eve meal was pretty well prepared and in the oven. We planned to eat at 3:30 p.m. My mother and her sister had picked up my grandmother at her assisted living facility, and I glanced up in time to see Mom’s Jeep pull into our driveway. Then I heard my mother yell for my husband to come quickly. My grandmother had fallen. I rushed outside to see her lying lifeless on the driveway. My husband rushed to call 911 as I hurried toward my Mam-ma. That’s when I saw the pool of blood forming under her head and trailing down our driveway.
I pressed a cloth tightly to her head, but the blood soaked through and poured on to the concrete underneath. The ambulance arrived, and my grandmother was transported to the hospital emergency room, where scans indicated no internal head or neck injury. Once the bandages were removed and everything was cleaned, she had a large hematoma (blood pocket) with a small puncture wound in the center. Her head was bandaged, and she was given pain medication, which made her woozy.
The doctor said there was no “medical justification” for admitting my grandmother to the hospital. I begged and pleaded, but he insisted he could not do this. I was at my wits’ end. I looked up and saw a sign beside a door where I was standing. It said “Chapel.” I stepped inside the chapel to call my husband and my mom. As we talked, I looked at plaques that hung on the wall. These contained scriptures, and the first thing I saw was Philippians 4:6-7. Then I read Lamentations 3:22-23, followed by Psalm 23, and finally... Jeremiah 29:11. I suggest you look these last three passages up and read them. I said a prayer before I left the chapel and asked God to handle this… to take my worries and fretting and give me peace about this situation.
When I stepped back into my grandmother’s exam room, I was visibly upset… and the nurse who had been treating my grandmother offered… “I can ask the ER doctor to call the doctor on duty upstairs and see if he will admit your grandmother - at least overnight.” She didn’t make any promises, but it was worth a shot. A few minutes later, the nurse returned to tell me that my grandmother was being admitted.
I cannot tell you the overwhelming peace and relief that flooded me when the nurse offered to talk with the doctors. I cannot begin to express how I felt when she returned to tell me that the doctor had agreed. I was so grateful to God for working out what I could not… and for directing me into that chapel for a few minutes. There, as I read those scripture passages, God gave me what I needed… peace and a sense of calmness, reassurance that He was in control… hope and love overflowing.
This is the gift of Christmas. It’s not found in the stockings, tinsel and beautifully wrapped packages. The love of our Heavenly Father, expressed by the birth, life and death of His only Son, surrounds us and meets our every need. All we have to do is open our heart and receive Him.
I was prepared to lose my grandmother on our driveway. I felt God’s peace and calm there in a way I cannot begin to describe. But I am grateful that He chose to wait for another place and time for this inevitable event. Meanwhile, I am reminded once again that God is in control… that I am His, and He blankets me with His love, grace and peace. My prayer for you this Christmas Day is that you feel His presence, too. I hope your holiday has been less “eventful,” and that you have celebrated the love of Christ with those most dear to you. Merry Christmas!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 24, 2011
1 Chronicles 16:8-15
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Worship him always. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
You belong to the family of Israel, his servant; you are his chosen ones, the descendants of Jacob. The LORD is our God, bringing justice everywhere on earth. We must never forget his agreement and his promises, not in thousands of years.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s finally here… one of the days we wait for all year long - Christmas Eve! No doubt, there will be celebration and worship going on in every corner of the world, as we revel in the birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. And surely more than a handful of promises have been made… “I promise to be good so Santa will come”… “I promise to stop over to visit during the holidays”… “I promise I won’t eat or drink too much”… “I promise not to spend more than I can afford”… “I promise to focus more on Jesus this year and less on the commercialism of the holidays.”
Many promises will be made with the best of intentions, but more than a few of these will also be broken. Thankfully, we serve a God who is just and fair and always honors His commitments. The promises He gave us in the prophecy of the Old Testament were fulfilled over 2000 years ago… and still hold up today. Jesus came to earth to live among us as a human being and to show us how to love one another and serve God wholeheartedly. He died on a cross to pay for our sins… and we cling to the promise of spending Eternity in Heaven with Him someday.
In this season of tinsel and garland, twinkling lights and decadent food, gifts and festivities extraordinaire, we must remember WHOSE we are… and WHY we celebrate. This is a great time to reflect on the miracles in our own lives that were performed by the same God who sent His only Son to earth so long ago. Acknowledge how blessed you are and how fair God has been in your life. Recognize that He promises to continue to bless you and work in and through you to accomplish great things in His name. The birth of Jesus Christ was completely wrapped in the promises of God’s hope and glory… and these promises and agreements are as solid today as they ever were.
THIS is the real reason we celebrate. This is the reason we gather and shower each other with love, gifts, food and more. We are saying, “Jesus has come, by the power of God! He has showered us with blessings and miracles… and He will continue to do so. Praise be to God for His great love and kindness.” Never will there be another birthday celebration so grand. We are truly honored to be included in this party. Will your celebration be fit for the King of Kings?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Praise the LORD and pray in his name! Tell everyone what he has done. Sing praises to the LORD! Tell about his miracles. Celebrate and worship his holy name with all your heart. Trust the LORD and his mighty power. Worship him always. Remember his miracles and all his wonders and his fair decisions.
You belong to the family of Israel, his servant; you are his chosen ones, the descendants of Jacob. The LORD is our God, bringing justice everywhere on earth. We must never forget his agreement and his promises, not in thousands of years.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
It’s finally here… one of the days we wait for all year long - Christmas Eve! No doubt, there will be celebration and worship going on in every corner of the world, as we revel in the birth of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. And surely more than a handful of promises have been made… “I promise to be good so Santa will come”… “I promise to stop over to visit during the holidays”… “I promise I won’t eat or drink too much”… “I promise not to spend more than I can afford”… “I promise to focus more on Jesus this year and less on the commercialism of the holidays.”
THIS is the real reason we celebrate. This is the reason we gather and shower each other with love, gifts, food and more. We are saying, “Jesus has come, by the power of God! He has showered us with blessings and miracles… and He will continue to do so. Praise be to God for His great love and kindness.” Never will there be another birthday celebration so grand. We are truly honored to be included in this party. Will your celebration be fit for the King of Kings?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2011
1 Chronicles 9:28-33
Some of the Levites were responsible for the equipment used in worship at the temple, and they had to count everything before and after it was used. Others were responsible for the temple furnishings and its sacred objects, as well as the flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices. But only the priests could mix the spices. Mattithiah, Shallum's oldest son, was a member of the Levite clan of Korah, and he was in charge of baking the bread used for offerings. The Levites from the Kohath clan were in charge of baking the sacred loaves of bread for each Sabbath. The Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Each holiday season, I am reminded of family traditions. A lot of those in our family centered around food and big holiday dinners! When I was growing up, my Mam-ma Polly always made the hot rolls for our big potluck feasts and cooked green beans in her cast iron Dutch oven. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and the cornbread dressing as long as she could – then her daughter Betty Rhea took over. When Betty had a stroke and could no longer make the dressing, her grand-daughter, Natalie, took up the torch!
My mom always made an assortment of cookies to be eaten throughout the holidays - especially on Christmas morning. These included rolled cookies cut into the shape of Christmas trees, bells, and Santa Claus himself. Some were iced and decorated with “red hot” candies. Others were left plain. This year, I made holiday cookies – not the rolled and iced kind, but a family favorite nonetheless.
My Mam-ma Polly was somewhat known as the “peanut brittle lady” – making as much as 50 pounds of the candy to give to family and friends at Christmas time. Like clockwork, the tins would go out in December with an admonition that “I’ll need those back for next year!” When she moved into an assisted living facility last winter, I found peanuts and corn syrup stashed all over her house!
Men had traditions, too. My cousin Eddie always supplied my mother with fresh greenery from the woods for her planters… fragrant pine boughs that made everything smell fresh and woodsy! My dad was in charge of setting up card tables and chairs to accommodate our large family for the main meal, as well as other “manly” duties assigned by my mother - like carving the turkey and ham, and getting the Christmas tree on the stand and in the house!
Things have changed in my family. Now I make the green beans in the cast iron pot… the rolls are Sister Schubert’s, and my husband built a large wooden top that he assembles over our dining table to “stretch” it to accommodate all who gather there. He also assembles our tallest artificial Christmas tree in our great room each year. My mother decided a few years ago to enjoy our Christmas decorations instead of getting out hers, and her husband does most of their holiday baking. My mother-in-law made peanut brittle this year – in the microwave oven instead of an open sauce pan atop the stove!
But what has not changed is our love for each other. We still get together and sit down to share a meal, although our number has dwindled by more than half. As I visited cousins recently to deliver Christmas gifts, I noticed that we each had some of the same ornaments on our Christmas trees… a “tie that binds” us together in a small, yet significant, way. We may do things a little differently these days, but the spirit of tradition is still there. I believe that God gives us traditions and the “keepers of certain duties” in order to create continuity, trust, and love among us.
There was something very comforting in knowing my Aunt Altha would always have the dressing and gravy. There was a love that flowed from my Mam-ma Polly through each buttery bite of peanut brittle. And as I look at my boxes of Christmas decorations each early December and consider whether to drag them all out again or not… I realize that creating a warm and cozy holiday home for my family is another way to share God’s love. Suddenly, I am rejuvenated for another season.
God has given each of us specific talents and abilities… designated responsibilities and “assignments” that are uniquely ours. He has put us directly in line to handle certain traditions… to carry them through to the next generation. And in doing so, He reminds us that His love is never-ending. He has called us to share these traditions with others to demonstrate our obedience and willingness to serve. Whether you are destined to be the family historian, the candy maker, the keeper of the cast iron Dutch oven, or the man in charge of turkeys, tables and chairs, and Christmas trees, God has set you in place for something. Ask Him to show you how and where He wants you to serve. It’s your job to find your spot and do your part. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Some of the Levites were responsible for the equipment used in worship at the temple, and they had to count everything before and after it was used. Others were responsible for the temple furnishings and its sacred objects, as well as the flour, wine, olive oil, incense, and spices. But only the priests could mix the spices. Mattithiah, Shallum's oldest son, was a member of the Levite clan of Korah, and he was in charge of baking the bread used for offerings. The Levites from the Kohath clan were in charge of baking the sacred loaves of bread for each Sabbath. The Levite family leaders who were the musicians also lived at the temple. They had no other responsibilities, because they were on duty day and night.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My mom always made an assortment of cookies to be eaten throughout the holidays - especially on Christmas morning. These included rolled cookies cut into the shape of Christmas trees, bells, and Santa Claus himself. Some were iced and decorated with “red hot” candies. Others were left plain. This year, I made holiday cookies – not the rolled and iced kind, but a family favorite nonetheless.
My Mam-ma Polly was somewhat known as the “peanut brittle lady” – making as much as 50 pounds of the candy to give to family and friends at Christmas time. Like clockwork, the tins would go out in December with an admonition that “I’ll need those back for next year!” When she moved into an assisted living facility last winter, I found peanuts and corn syrup stashed all over her house!
Men had traditions, too. My cousin Eddie always supplied my mother with fresh greenery from the woods for her planters… fragrant pine boughs that made everything smell fresh and woodsy! My dad was in charge of setting up card tables and chairs to accommodate our large family for the main meal, as well as other “manly” duties assigned by my mother - like carving the turkey and ham, and getting the Christmas tree on the stand and in the house!
Things have changed in my family. Now I make the green beans in the cast iron pot… the rolls are Sister Schubert’s, and my husband built a large wooden top that he assembles over our dining table to “stretch” it to accommodate all who gather there. He also assembles our tallest artificial Christmas tree in our great room each year. My mother decided a few years ago to enjoy our Christmas decorations instead of getting out hers, and her husband does most of their holiday baking. My mother-in-law made peanut brittle this year – in the microwave oven instead of an open sauce pan atop the stove!
Traditions are tricky things. Some are easily carried from one generation to the next for eons, while others rock along very nicely for a while before ending abruptly. I failed my grandmother’s peanut brittle making lessons miserably, so that “tradition” will not be carried on in my kitchen. I can make the delicious yeast rolls… but the heat-and-serve variety is so much easier. If you have not found your roles in life changing at least a little… you will at some point.
There was something very comforting in knowing my Aunt Altha would always have the dressing and gravy. There was a love that flowed from my Mam-ma Polly through each buttery bite of peanut brittle. And as I look at my boxes of Christmas decorations each early December and consider whether to drag them all out again or not… I realize that creating a warm and cozy holiday home for my family is another way to share God’s love. Suddenly, I am rejuvenated for another season.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 22, 2011
Psalm 147:7-12
Celebrate and sing! Play your harps for the LORD our God. He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth, so that the hills will be green with grass. He provides food for cattle and for the young ravens, when they cry out.
The LORD doesn't care about the strength of horses or powerful armies. The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love. Everyone in Jerusalem, come and praise the LORD your God!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Every one of us most likely knows the words to the Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy.” In one verse, he says, “Baby Jesus…I am a poor boy, too. I have no gifts to bring… to lay before the King.” The only thing the drummer boy can offer is a song on his drum… and that is plenty. My grandmother recently recalled how wonderful it was to receive her Christmas stocking as a child… filled with walnuts, an apple, and an orange. In a family where money was more than a little tight, those were big treats to my grandmother and her siblings... and a tradition she continued into my own childhood. My fondest memories of Christmases past are not of the gifts received as much as the time spent with my family and friends.
In this season of extravagance… of blown paychecks and maxed-out credit cards used to buy gifts we can’t afford, we need to remember what is really important. God doesn’t care what Santa Claus brings you… what kind of car you drive or whether you have the latest smart phone. He is not impressed that you may be able to afford to give your family and friends the “Christmas of their dreams” and spend thousands of dollars on extravagant gifts.
God is more impressed when you spend time with loved ones, make a donation to a charity or someone in need, or visit a shut-in. He is more pleased when you offer to babysit for a stressed out mom, walk the dog of an elderly person when the weather is bad, or spend an hour in prayer for those who are in need of a special touch from Him. God beams with pride when you are patient and courteous to your checker and those in line with you in this busiest of retail seasons… when you knock on a neighbor’s door with a plate of holiday goodies or a beautiful plant - “just because”. In short, God cares more about what you give from the heart than how often you open your wallet. He wants you to share His love with your gifts… not show how much money you can spend. He wants you to impress HIM… and nobody else.
God can afford to give us everything and anything our heart desires. With a simple wiggle of His finger, God could make us billionaires… or bums. The point is… God gives us everything we need – and more – according to His will. We cannot outdo God. And frankly, we cannot impress Him! But we can praise God and shower Him with love and celebration. We can honor Him with everything we say and do… and give Him all the glory for every gift… no matter how large or small it seems.
This Christmas Season, let’s concentrate more on sharing God’s love and less on sharing what we can buy. Let’s be impressed with HIM… and less with ourselves. Let’s celebrate the One who always gives good, perfect gifts… and trust Him to always meet our needs – at Christmas and every day of the year.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Celebrate and sing! Play your harps for the LORD our God. He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth, so that the hills will be green with grass. He provides food for cattle and for the young ravens, when they cry out.
The LORD doesn't care about the strength of horses or powerful armies. The LORD is pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love. Everyone in Jerusalem, come and praise the LORD your God!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In this season of extravagance… of blown paychecks and maxed-out credit cards used to buy gifts we can’t afford, we need to remember what is really important. God doesn’t care what Santa Claus brings you… what kind of car you drive or whether you have the latest smart phone. He is not impressed that you may be able to afford to give your family and friends the “Christmas of their dreams” and spend thousands of dollars on extravagant gifts.
God is more impressed when you spend time with loved ones, make a donation to a charity or someone in need, or visit a shut-in. He is more pleased when you offer to babysit for a stressed out mom, walk the dog of an elderly person when the weather is bad, or spend an hour in prayer for those who are in need of a special touch from Him. God beams with pride when you are patient and courteous to your checker and those in line with you in this busiest of retail seasons… when you knock on a neighbor’s door with a plate of holiday goodies or a beautiful plant - “just because”. In short, God cares more about what you give from the heart than how often you open your wallet. He wants you to share His love with your gifts… not show how much money you can spend. He wants you to impress HIM… and nobody else.
God can afford to give us everything and anything our heart desires. With a simple wiggle of His finger, God could make us billionaires… or bums. The point is… God gives us everything we need – and more – according to His will. We cannot outdo God. And frankly, we cannot impress Him! But we can praise God and shower Him with love and celebration. We can honor Him with everything we say and do… and give Him all the glory for every gift… no matter how large or small it seems.
This Christmas Season, let’s concentrate more on sharing God’s love and less on sharing what we can buy. Let’s be impressed with HIM… and less with ourselves. Let’s celebrate the One who always gives good, perfect gifts… and trust Him to always meet our needs – at Christmas and every day of the year.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 21, 2011
Psalm 147:1-6
Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting. God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem, who regathers Israel's scattered exiles. He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We can’t talk about the joy and celebration of Christmas without talking about the difficulty of this season for so many. You may know someone who has recently lost a loved one and is grieving. Many are out of work and cannot afford to “celebrate” in the conventional sense of the word. Still others are sick and suffering, separated from family and friends by long distances, or struggling with personal issues that color every aspect of their lives.
In this season of such joy and festivity, we need to remind ourselves that the person standing next to us in line at Wal-Mart may be hurting or struggling to put one foot in front of the other. The whole point of Christmas should be to share God’s continual love and care in a profound way. We need to offer a smile, a handshake or a hug… or simply speak a kind word that might encourage.
So many people need to get the message of this scripture passage this week. They need to know that God loves them with limitless strength and stands ready to put them back on their feet. They need to comprehend that the same God who names every star loves them just as much. Where the future looks bleak and hopeless, they need to see a God who has endless possibilities on the horizon. And all of this begins with you and me.
We are God’s vehicles of hope. We can bless, comfort and encourage others – not just this month, but all throughout the year. And we are called to do exactly this! If we understand anything about the true meaning of Christmas, we must understand that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He came to earth and demonstrated how to love others in His name… now it’s our turn. We find it easy to do for others in the Christmas season – and there’s nothing wrong with a good hearty practice session. But unless we keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long and share it with others, we can’t truly claim to understand Christmas in the first place.
The next few days as you are out and about, look around and see who needs a smile, a word of encouragement, a hug… or a helping hand. Speak less of the parties, gifts and trappings of Christmas and more about the love of Christ. Remember your neighbors and friends, even if it’s with a simple card or e-mail message to say, “I’m glad God brought us together.” Take time to visit the elderly or to do something for someone who is ill or in need. Smile at that sad looking person behind you in line at the check-out. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store or the parking lot collection area. Offer to help your mom, dad, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or friend with holiday preparations. Then after Christmas, keep doing this! Remember to praise God for restoring us from even the greatest sorrows and hardships and helping us to find joy and hope once again. And in doing so, remind others that He will restore them, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Hallelujah! It's a good thing to sing praise to our God; praise is beautiful, praise is fitting. God's the one who rebuilds Jerusalem, who regathers Israel's scattered exiles. He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again and pushes the wicked into the ditch.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
In this season of such joy and festivity, we need to remind ourselves that the person standing next to us in line at Wal-Mart may be hurting or struggling to put one foot in front of the other. The whole point of Christmas should be to share God’s continual love and care in a profound way. We need to offer a smile, a handshake or a hug… or simply speak a kind word that might encourage.
So many people need to get the message of this scripture passage this week. They need to know that God loves them with limitless strength and stands ready to put them back on their feet. They need to comprehend that the same God who names every star loves them just as much. Where the future looks bleak and hopeless, they need to see a God who has endless possibilities on the horizon. And all of this begins with you and me.
We are God’s vehicles of hope. We can bless, comfort and encourage others – not just this month, but all throughout the year. And we are called to do exactly this! If we understand anything about the true meaning of Christmas, we must understand that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He came to earth and demonstrated how to love others in His name… now it’s our turn. We find it easy to do for others in the Christmas season – and there’s nothing wrong with a good hearty practice session. But unless we keep the Spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long and share it with others, we can’t truly claim to understand Christmas in the first place.
The next few days as you are out and about, look around and see who needs a smile, a word of encouragement, a hug… or a helping hand. Speak less of the parties, gifts and trappings of Christmas and more about the love of Christ. Remember your neighbors and friends, even if it’s with a simple card or e-mail message to say, “I’m glad God brought us together.” Take time to visit the elderly or to do something for someone who is ill or in need. Smile at that sad looking person behind you in line at the check-out. Offer to return a shopping cart to the store or the parking lot collection area. Offer to help your mom, dad, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or friend with holiday preparations. Then after Christmas, keep doing this! Remember to praise God for restoring us from even the greatest sorrows and hardships and helping us to find joy and hope once again. And in doing so, remind others that He will restore them, as well.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 20, 2011
Psalm 146:6-10
God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls.
The LORD loves good people and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. The LORD God of Zion will rule forever!
Shout praises to the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Christmas Day was the one time of the year when my mom actually said, “Have a cookie for breakfast!” For most of us, we associate December 25th with something magical – a time to somewhat throw caution to the wind. We eat what we want, skip our workouts and diets, stay in our pajamas all day, get together with people we haven’t seen all year for a great big celebration, and more. Many of us drink too much, party to hearty, and spend far more than we have in the bank! For others, December 25th is a day they would just as soon skip altogether. They are lonely, poor, hungry, sick, grieving and downtrodden. A holiday that is supposed to be all about joy and “making merry and bright” is simply like a knife to the heart.
God understands all of this… and He stands ready to meet you right where you are this holiday season. He always keeps His word…and not just on December 25th. For this, we can shout praises to the Him, no matter where we find ourselves - this Christmas, and every day of the year.
We find it easy to focus on the joy of giving during the Christmas season. We also find it easy to focus on what we lack and feel rather sorry for ourselves. The truth is that we serve an awesome, amazing, powerful and loving God who is always there for us, every minute of every day of the year. And for this, we can continually celebrate and be grateful.
As we approach December 25th, stop and shout praises to the LORD for meeting you right where you are and always having your back. Celebrate all that He has created… and thank Him for showing up in our lives each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls.
The LORD loves good people and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. The LORD God of Zion will rule forever!
Shout praises to the LORD!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Christmas Day was the one time of the year when my mom actually said, “Have a cookie for breakfast!” For most of us, we associate December 25th with something magical – a time to somewhat throw caution to the wind. We eat what we want, skip our workouts and diets, stay in our pajamas all day, get together with people we haven’t seen all year for a great big celebration, and more. Many of us drink too much, party to hearty, and spend far more than we have in the bank! For others, December 25th is a day they would just as soon skip altogether. They are lonely, poor, hungry, sick, grieving and downtrodden. A holiday that is supposed to be all about joy and “making merry and bright” is simply like a knife to the heart.
God understands all of this… and He stands ready to meet you right where you are this holiday season. He always keeps His word…and not just on December 25th. For this, we can shout praises to the Him, no matter where we find ourselves - this Christmas, and every day of the year.
We find it easy to focus on the joy of giving during the Christmas season. We also find it easy to focus on what we lack and feel rather sorry for ourselves. The truth is that we serve an awesome, amazing, powerful and loving God who is always there for us, every minute of every day of the year. And for this, we can continually celebrate and be grateful.
As we approach December 25th, stop and shout praises to the LORD for meeting you right where you are and always having your back. Celebrate all that He has created… and thank Him for showing up in our lives each and every day.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2011
Psalm 146:1-5
The LORD God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him.
My last recollection of Santa Claus Mullen was 1977… my first year to teach after graduating from college. I am a little fuzzy on whether Santa Claus was making his annual visit to the school or whether I personally invited him to come to my classroom, but I do know he made a visit and passed out the candy canes. I have a picture to prove it! I was thrilled to be able to share the same fond memory of my own childhood with my little six-year-old students.
Preacher Mullen died in 1983 in a local nursing home. He had served as Santa Claus to a seven-county area for decades – and as the actual pastor to many congregations, as well. He truly believed that it was better to give than to receive… and he served his LORD well. I am amazed to consider how many lives he touched with the simple act of passing a candy cane to the hands of “children” of all ages. Santa Claus Mullen is being remembered on a local Facebook page by many generations of those children.
By my calculation, Preacher Mullen’s visit to my first-grade classroom was probably one of his last. We haven’t had such a “character” in our community since… and honestly, I don’t know if anyone could truly fill Preacher Mullen’s shoes, anyway. His was a service borne of a desire to share God’s deep abiding love with others. Santa Claus was merely his vehicle.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Shout praises to the LORD! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. I will sing and praise the LORD God for as long as I live. You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When I was a little girl, there was a man in our community everyone knew as “Preacher Mullen”. I knew him better as Santa Claus. Long before I came into this world, Otis “Preacher” Mullen began dressing as Santa Claus each winter. His long white beard and hair were the real deal. He drove a Jeep… and attached to the front were two real, mounted deer. I was quite sure that one of them was Rudolph, even if he didn’t have a red, shiny nose. We would see Santa Claus around town, and he usually made a visit to the school to pass out candy canes to all of us.
My last recollection of Santa Claus Mullen was 1977… my first year to teach after graduating from college. I am a little fuzzy on whether Santa Claus was making his annual visit to the school or whether I personally invited him to come to my classroom, but I do know he made a visit and passed out the candy canes. I have a picture to prove it! I was thrilled to be able to share the same fond memory of my own childhood with my little six-year-old students.
Preacher Mullen died in 1983 in a local nursing home. He had served as Santa Claus to a seven-county area for decades – and as the actual pastor to many congregations, as well. He truly believed that it was better to give than to receive… and he served his LORD well. I am amazed to consider how many lives he touched with the simple act of passing a candy cane to the hands of “children” of all ages. Santa Claus Mullen is being remembered on a local Facebook page by many generations of those children.
By my calculation, Preacher Mullen’s visit to my first-grade classroom was probably one of his last. We haven’t had such a “character” in our community since… and honestly, I don’t know if anyone could truly fill Preacher Mullen’s shoes, anyway. His was a service borne of a desire to share God’s deep abiding love with others. Santa Claus was merely his vehicle.
There is such an important message in this passage of scripture. Life is ever changing. People are here one day and gone the next. The person we depended on for so much… a parent, grandparent, spouse, relative, teacher, friend, or even our church leaders… live in earthly bodies that will eventually die. We have to put our everlasting faith in Someone who will never leave us… Jesus Christ. There is nothing wrong with trusting those in our circle… sharing our hopes, fears, joys and burdens. But unless we place an even deeper trust in Jesus, we stand to be perpetually discouraged and disappointed.
I miss seeing Preacher Mullen during the Christmas season. I miss his little red Jeep and the “reindeer”. But more than that, I miss his spirit… his hearty laugh, his ever-present smile, and the genuine love that he seemed to radiate. In thinking of him each Christmas, I am reminded of the unconditional, unending love of Jesus Christ for all of His children. I am pretty sure that Otis “Preacher” Mullen – a.k.a. “Santa Claus” – would tell us to put our faith and trust in HIM… to depend on His love, grace and mercy to truly sustain us… and to praise Him each and every day as long as we live.
We would also do well to try to emulate Santa Claus Mullen in some small way… to share God’s love with others in something as seemingly small as a candy cane - or whatever vehicle God gives us. The best way to honor the blessings of God is to share them with others, just as Otis “Preacher” Mullen did. How will you accomplish this? How will you praise God this Christmas season… and always?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 18, 2011
Psalm 145:10-19
Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.
All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right — the trademark on all his works is love.
God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him — hears them call out, and saves them.
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.
The “Sunday paper” was full of circulars and ads for all kinds of “last-minute gift ideas.” Countless online retailers are offering free shipping and promising “You can still have this in time for Christmas!” Everywhere you look, someone is ready to lavish gifts and “stuff” upon us… to “play Santa Claus” and “make our Christmas merry and bright!”
What we really need is the favor of God. He stands ready to lavish His gifts upon us… but we often crave the things of this world instead. As we head into the last week before Christmas Day and rev up our holiday preparations and last-minute shopping, let’s stop to remember why we celebrate Christmas… and WHO is truly responsible. Let’s think a little less about what Santa Claus is bringing us and a lot more about what God does for us each and every day.
Let’s remember that God shows up right on time to meet our every need… to save us when we are down and out… to feed us body and soul… to lavish His goodness, grace, mercy and love on each one of us. How could we not love such an amazing God? How could we not offer Him our very best and put HIM at the top of our list of priorities?
It’s easy to get caught up in the tinsel and sparkle of the commercialism of Christmas… but it’s time we paid more attention to God and the gifts He offers us every day of the year. How will you spend the “home stretch” of this Christmas season?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.
All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right — the trademark on all his works is love.
God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him — hears them call out, and saves them.
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.
The “Sunday paper” was full of circulars and ads for all kinds of “last-minute gift ideas.” Countless online retailers are offering free shipping and promising “You can still have this in time for Christmas!” Everywhere you look, someone is ready to lavish gifts and “stuff” upon us… to “play Santa Claus” and “make our Christmas merry and bright!”
What we really need is the favor of God. He stands ready to lavish His gifts upon us… but we often crave the things of this world instead. As we head into the last week before Christmas Day and rev up our holiday preparations and last-minute shopping, let’s stop to remember why we celebrate Christmas… and WHO is truly responsible. Let’s think a little less about what Santa Claus is bringing us and a lot more about what God does for us each and every day.
Let’s remember that God shows up right on time to meet our every need… to save us when we are down and out… to feed us body and soul… to lavish His goodness, grace, mercy and love on each one of us. How could we not love such an amazing God? How could we not offer Him our very best and put HIM at the top of our list of priorities?
It’s easy to get caught up in the tinsel and sparkle of the commercialism of Christmas… but it’s time we paid more attention to God and the gifts He offers us every day of the year. How will you spend the “home stretch” of this Christmas season?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 17, 2011
Psalm 145:5-9
For the last few days, a cedar tree outside our window has been filled with bluebirds and pine warblers. The tree is loaded with tiny blue berries, and the bluebirds especially love them. So all of these little songbirds have had a feast!
Below the tree on a shepherd’s hook hangs a bird feeder that we keep filled this time of year with black sunflower seeds. The birds enjoy these seeds, but the bluebirds seem to prefer the cedar berries. I sat at the window for a long time one morning… mesmerized by these beautiful creatures. The males are much more brilliant in color than the females, but both have their own sweet beauty.
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will keep thinking about your marvelous glory and your mighty miracles. Everyone will talk about your fearsome deeds, and I will tell all nations how great you are. They will celebrate and sing about your matchless mercy and your power to save. You are merciful, LORD! You are kind and patient and always loving. You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last few days, a cedar tree outside our window has been filled with bluebirds and pine warblers. The tree is loaded with tiny blue berries, and the bluebirds especially love them. So all of these little songbirds have had a feast!Below the tree on a shepherd’s hook hangs a bird feeder that we keep filled this time of year with black sunflower seeds. The birds enjoy these seeds, but the bluebirds seem to prefer the cedar berries. I sat at the window for a long time one morning… mesmerized by these beautiful creatures. The males are much more brilliant in color than the females, but both have their own sweet beauty.
As I watched these little songbirds feed on the berries, I thought about how caring and loving God is… that He could care enough to provide blue berries on a gnarly, shaggy-barked tree to feed tiny creatures that wear coats in a rainbow of blues, oranges, greys and browns. He knit together each bird in perfection… just the right number of feathers in just the right arrangement to create their colorful, distinctive markings. Even if we never put out a single sunflower seed in winter, God would not let these little birds starve.
The God who takes care of these tiny birds is the same God who loves and cares for us. Surely He meets all of our needs and loves us just as much. This is a good time to stop and thank Him for being so merciful, powerful, gracious, and kind. It took a flock of tiny bluebirds on a dreary winter day to remind me just how special we are to God. And now I’m reminding you!
Take a few minutes today to look around and marvel at God’s glory and mighty miracles. Give Him a prayer of thanks and praise for being so meticulous and thorough. Tell God how much you appreciate He meets your needs so well… and remind someone else how much He cares for them. I just did!
Daily Devotional for December 16, 2011
Psalm 145:1-4
I will praise you, my God and King, and always honor your name. I will praise you each day and always honor your name. You are wonderful, LORD, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand. Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my little cousins visited last weekend, they told us about the new elf they “adopted” this year and named Bells. Bells is one of Santa’s helpers, and he reports back to the North Pole and lets Santa know if Olivia and Owen are being nice. He’s also mischievous and fun… and if you touch him, he loses his magic! Just ask Owen and Olivia – they can tell you all about their elf, Bells!
Ask virtually any toddler who can say a few words who the man with the red suit and white beard is, and he/she can tell you, “Santa Claus!” Many of these children have never actually seen the man… they don’t have a personal relationship or experience with him… yet they know who he is. Even at two and a half, Owen told his daddy to leave Bells the Elf alone, or “… he’ll lose his magic and Santa won’t come!” And believe me… my little cousins do not want Bells to lose his magic!
I’m afraid far more children know about Santa Claus and the Elf on a Shelf than Jesus. Thankfully, my little cousins are not among them. From an early age they have been introduced to their “Forever Friend” and taught to honor Him. And I have sung “Jesus Loves Me” to Timothy, prayed over him, read books that speak of God and talked to him about Jesus since he was just a few months old. He, Owen, Olivia, and countless other children are already learning about the power and wonder of their Heavenly Father.
As we age, we often start to blur the lines. If we are not careful, the Elf on the Shelf and Santa Claus will have more importance in our lives than Jesus Christ! Especially in this holiday season, many will place more significance on getting the packages purchased, wrapped and under the tree than reflecting on the birth of Jesus and what His coming to earth meant for us. Many will spend more time hurrying to this party and that than stopping to spend a few minutes with someone who can no longer get out and go to parties – or anywhere else, for that matter. Many will celebrate the commercialism of the holiday season and never crack open a Bible or consider the true message, much less take advantage of this opportunity to begin telling a child about Jesus.
There is room for the Elf on a Shelf in the holiday celebrating. But a lot of us have pushed Jesus so far down the shelf that He’s just about to fall off… if He hasn’t already. And little ones who know all about Santa and the magic of Christmas are capable of learning about the real “Magic” of the season. Each of us started somewhere in our journey to get to know Jesus. In this season of wonder and excitement, let’s remember to stop and praise HIS love and power… and thank Him for the wonderful deeds He does for us every day of the year.
Someone took time to share Jesus with you… are you “paying it forward” and sharing Him with others? Isn’t this a great season to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
I will praise you, my God and King, and always honor your name. I will praise you each day and always honor your name. You are wonderful, LORD, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand. Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When my little cousins visited last weekend, they told us about the new elf they “adopted” this year and named Bells. Bells is one of Santa’s helpers, and he reports back to the North Pole and lets Santa know if Olivia and Owen are being nice. He’s also mischievous and fun… and if you touch him, he loses his magic! Just ask Owen and Olivia – they can tell you all about their elf, Bells!
Ask virtually any toddler who can say a few words who the man with the red suit and white beard is, and he/she can tell you, “Santa Claus!” Many of these children have never actually seen the man… they don’t have a personal relationship or experience with him… yet they know who he is. Even at two and a half, Owen told his daddy to leave Bells the Elf alone, or “… he’ll lose his magic and Santa won’t come!” And believe me… my little cousins do not want Bells to lose his magic!
I’m afraid far more children know about Santa Claus and the Elf on a Shelf than Jesus. Thankfully, my little cousins are not among them. From an early age they have been introduced to their “Forever Friend” and taught to honor Him. And I have sung “Jesus Loves Me” to Timothy, prayed over him, read books that speak of God and talked to him about Jesus since he was just a few months old. He, Owen, Olivia, and countless other children are already learning about the power and wonder of their Heavenly Father.
As we age, we often start to blur the lines. If we are not careful, the Elf on the Shelf and Santa Claus will have more importance in our lives than Jesus Christ! Especially in this holiday season, many will place more significance on getting the packages purchased, wrapped and under the tree than reflecting on the birth of Jesus and what His coming to earth meant for us. Many will spend more time hurrying to this party and that than stopping to spend a few minutes with someone who can no longer get out and go to parties – or anywhere else, for that matter. Many will celebrate the commercialism of the holiday season and never crack open a Bible or consider the true message, much less take advantage of this opportunity to begin telling a child about Jesus.
There is room for the Elf on a Shelf in the holiday celebrating. But a lot of us have pushed Jesus so far down the shelf that He’s just about to fall off… if He hasn’t already. And little ones who know all about Santa and the magic of Christmas are capable of learning about the real “Magic” of the season. Each of us started somewhere in our journey to get to know Jesus. In this season of wonder and excitement, let’s remember to stop and praise HIS love and power… and thank Him for the wonderful deeds He does for us every day of the year.
Someone took time to share Jesus with you… are you “paying it forward” and sharing Him with others? Isn’t this a great season to begin?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2011
Psalm 144:3-4, 15
I wonder why you care, God — why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we're like shadows in a campfire.
How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for God!
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.
We are experiencing periods of heavy fog this week. When this happens, Greers Ferry Dam completely disappears from view out our back window. The dense fog keeps us from seeing even the bright lights that line the sides of the dam’s roadway and guide drivers safely from one end to the other. A visitor would never know that a big concrete dam was holding back the water on the river below our house. And the fog can rise very quickly on the river. Often the dam is visible one minute and gone the next.
We like to think about living a long life… and how important each and every minute, day, and year of our lives is in the scheme of things. But truly, we are here one day and gone the next. If you don’t believe me, just think about the past year and what has happened. I remarked to my husband a few days ago that I had to remove the names of several dear friends and loved ones from my Christmas card list, because they have gone to heaven since this time last year. Our lives are very much like a vaporous fog.
So why does God bother with us? He is, after all, GOD! In the time continuum and scheme of things, how can one of us be that important? And yet we are! Each one of us matters greatly to God. Our life, however lengthy or brief, matters. What happens to us – our hopes, dreams, needs, desires, the way we conduct ourselves and how we serve Him – all has significance. And we truly are blessed to have such a God.
Sadly, we take God for granted so much of the time. Amazingly, we fail to honor the One who has done such great things for someone as small as we are in the overall picture. But we can change this… and we can start today. Begin by thanking God in your prayer time for all He does in your life. Then start to live in a way that shows Him you mean what you said. Seek out ways to serve Him… to show kindness and love to others… and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – in word and deed. Act like you are as important as God thinks you are… and praise Him for choosing us… and for being such a great and mighty God to each of His “vaporous puffs”!
©2011 Debbie Robus
I wonder why you care, God — why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we're like shadows in a campfire.
How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for God!
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.
We are experiencing periods of heavy fog this week. When this happens, Greers Ferry Dam completely disappears from view out our back window. The dense fog keeps us from seeing even the bright lights that line the sides of the dam’s roadway and guide drivers safely from one end to the other. A visitor would never know that a big concrete dam was holding back the water on the river below our house. And the fog can rise very quickly on the river. Often the dam is visible one minute and gone the next.
We like to think about living a long life… and how important each and every minute, day, and year of our lives is in the scheme of things. But truly, we are here one day and gone the next. If you don’t believe me, just think about the past year and what has happened. I remarked to my husband a few days ago that I had to remove the names of several dear friends and loved ones from my Christmas card list, because they have gone to heaven since this time last year. Our lives are very much like a vaporous fog.
So why does God bother with us? He is, after all, GOD! In the time continuum and scheme of things, how can one of us be that important? And yet we are! Each one of us matters greatly to God. Our life, however lengthy or brief, matters. What happens to us – our hopes, dreams, needs, desires, the way we conduct ourselves and how we serve Him – all has significance. And we truly are blessed to have such a God.
Sadly, we take God for granted so much of the time. Amazingly, we fail to honor the One who has done such great things for someone as small as we are in the overall picture. But we can change this… and we can start today. Begin by thanking God in your prayer time for all He does in your life. Then start to live in a way that shows Him you mean what you said. Seek out ways to serve Him… to show kindness and love to others… and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – in word and deed. Act like you are as important as God thinks you are… and praise Him for choosing us… and for being such a great and mighty God to each of His “vaporous puffs”!
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2011
John 19:38-42
Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.
Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night. The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus' body there.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For weeks now, an acquaintance who belongs to my church has posted on Facebook about her journey with her dad, who suffered a stroke several months ago. She talked about how she had been away from home for weeks on end, sitting by his bedside in a hospital and rehab facility in nearby cities. She lamented missing many of the activities surrounding her daughter’s activities as part of the high school homecoming court and other events. And many of us have encouraged her, prayed for her, and sent her “virtual hugs.” But I have to tell you, after only six days of sitting with my grandmother in the hospital, I sent this friend an apology. Hospital sitting/caregiving is exhausting – and often lonely… and I was not sympathetic enough toward this friend in her lengthy ordeal.
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea could easily have said, “I’m so sorry Jesus is dead… I will pray for His family.” They could have gone on their way and never looked back. They could have asked, “What will others think if I get involved? Will they misinterpret my actions and think I’m a busybody? Do I really have time for this? Can I afford to step in and help? Do I really know Jesus and His family well enough to ask for His dead body?”
The bottom line is that Nicodemus and Joseph operated out of great love and care in taking responsibility for Jesus’ remains. The tenderness and thoughtfulness they showed in preparing this mangled, maimed shell that had housed our Heavenly Father are in many ways a direct mandate for all of us. We can all do more to help others… to notice their needs and meet them.
How can we apply this to our own lives and those in need around us? Make a phone call or send a personal note or e-mail to ask, “How are you doing? Could I do something to help?” – and mean it! Those in need may be hesitant to ask for help, but you can contact them and say, “I’m headed to the grocery store… could I pick up anything for you?” Call and let them know that, “I’m bringing you a burger,” or “I made cookies or banana bread… could I bring you a tray?” Offer to pick up kids at school or walk the dog. If the person in need is a close friend or relative and you can make time, offer to come to their home and do laundry or help with yard work. Look for needs that might be less obvious to most… and do your best to meet them.
I “get it” that we are all busy. But helping others is not about doing what is convenient. Do you think the acts of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea would have been as significant to Jesus if they had truly had nothing better to do with their time or no sacrifice to make? When we operate out of a deep desire to serve rather than a place of obligation or boredom, we are truly honoring Jesus and our relationship with Him.
The old adage that “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care” applies. We can’t really be the hands and feet of Jesus until we truly become exactly that. Actions do speak louder than words. What are you saying about your walk with Christ today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.
Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night. The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead. In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus' body there.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For weeks now, an acquaintance who belongs to my church has posted on Facebook about her journey with her dad, who suffered a stroke several months ago. She talked about how she had been away from home for weeks on end, sitting by his bedside in a hospital and rehab facility in nearby cities. She lamented missing many of the activities surrounding her daughter’s activities as part of the high school homecoming court and other events. And many of us have encouraged her, prayed for her, and sent her “virtual hugs.” But I have to tell you, after only six days of sitting with my grandmother in the hospital, I sent this friend an apology. Hospital sitting/caregiving is exhausting – and often lonely… and I was not sympathetic enough toward this friend in her lengthy ordeal.
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea could easily have said, “I’m so sorry Jesus is dead… I will pray for His family.” They could have gone on their way and never looked back. They could have asked, “What will others think if I get involved? Will they misinterpret my actions and think I’m a busybody? Do I really have time for this? Can I afford to step in and help? Do I really know Jesus and His family well enough to ask for His dead body?”
The bottom line is that Nicodemus and Joseph operated out of great love and care in taking responsibility for Jesus’ remains. The tenderness and thoughtfulness they showed in preparing this mangled, maimed shell that had housed our Heavenly Father are in many ways a direct mandate for all of us. We can all do more to help others… to notice their needs and meet them.
How can we apply this to our own lives and those in need around us? Make a phone call or send a personal note or e-mail to ask, “How are you doing? Could I do something to help?” – and mean it! Those in need may be hesitant to ask for help, but you can contact them and say, “I’m headed to the grocery store… could I pick up anything for you?” Call and let them know that, “I’m bringing you a burger,” or “I made cookies or banana bread… could I bring you a tray?” Offer to pick up kids at school or walk the dog. If the person in need is a close friend or relative and you can make time, offer to come to their home and do laundry or help with yard work. Look for needs that might be less obvious to most… and do your best to meet them.
I “get it” that we are all busy. But helping others is not about doing what is convenient. Do you think the acts of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea would have been as significant to Jesus if they had truly had nothing better to do with their time or no sacrifice to make? When we operate out of a deep desire to serve rather than a place of obligation or boredom, we are truly honoring Jesus and our relationship with Him.
The old adage that “people don’t care what you know until they know that you care” applies. We can’t really be the hands and feet of Jesus until we truly become exactly that. Actions do speak louder than words. What are you saying about your walk with Christ today?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 12, 2011
John 19:31-37
The next day would be both a Sabbath and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men's legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, "No bone of his body will be broken" and, "They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last week, I’ve been sitting with my grandmother, who is in the hospital. Thankfully, she is doing well and should go home soon. But down the hall in one direction, people line up to receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. In the other direction, a family grieves as one of their loved ones spends her last days on Hospice. A friend posted on Facebook that he and his wife are taking turns sitting with his mother-in-law who is nearing the end of her life. I know people who can't find a job, and others who can't pay their bills or provide their family with "a big Christmas" this year. All around us, many people are anything but joyful this Christmas season.
The hospital is tastefully festive with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. On the lawn outside sits a large lighted Nativity scene, and a lighted wreath adorns the building’s exterior. Everywhere we look, there are signs of the season, and cheerful people. This is meant to be a happy time. But we can’t talk about the joy and excitement of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ without also remembering the ugliness of His death. While there is plenty to celebrate this season… and there are lessons of faith and hope galore in the story of Jesus’ birth… the true message comes in the crucifixion. If Jesus had come to earth and walked among us then died of old age, disease or even a tragic accident, He would have still been a great man… but His most ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled. In order to receive the Good News, you have to get through “the bad and the ugly” first.
So as we celebrate Christmas, smile at our neighbors, sing jolly songs and shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, let’s also remember that this is not such a Merry Christmas for some. Their joy is diminished this season by illness…death and loss…lack of income – or food, clothing and shelter… abuse…loneliness, and more. But the HOPE of Christmas can belong to ALL of us… because our Hope lies in the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus’ shed there. You can’t have Christmas without the cross… but because of Jesus and everything He did for us, we have the promise of Eternal Life.
This is the message we really should share this season. As we greet people with the cheerful salutations of the holiday season, we should also remind them of the HOPE this season represents. We should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us and temper our holiday cheer with words of encouragement and the promise of God’s unfailing love for His children. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to cultivate disciples who would share His message… and WE are those disciples – or at least we should be!
So wish others a Merry Christmas… but never forget the cross. Offer more than a happy greeting to those you meet. Take time to offer hope to those who need it and to share the Good News of the cross, as well. Be a disciple for Christ in this season – and always. Celebrate Jesus’ birth… and thank Him for what He did for us at Calvary.
©2011 Debbie Robus
The next day would be both a Sabbath and the Passover. It was a special day for the Jewish people, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses during that day. So they asked Pilate to break the men's legs and take their bodies down. The soldiers first broke the legs of the other two men who were nailed there. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, and they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers stuck his spear into Jesus' side, and blood and water came out. We know this is true, because it was told by someone who saw it happen. Now you can have faith too. All this happened so that the Scriptures would come true, which say, "No bone of his body will be broken" and, "They will see the one in whose side they stuck a spear."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
For the last week, I’ve been sitting with my grandmother, who is in the hospital. Thankfully, she is doing well and should go home soon. But down the hall in one direction, people line up to receive chemotherapy and other medical treatments. In the other direction, a family grieves as one of their loved ones spends her last days on Hospice. A friend posted on Facebook that he and his wife are taking turns sitting with his mother-in-law who is nearing the end of her life. I know people who can't find a job, and others who can't pay their bills or provide their family with "a big Christmas" this year. All around us, many people are anything but joyful this Christmas season.
The hospital is tastefully festive with beautifully decorated Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. On the lawn outside sits a large lighted Nativity scene, and a lighted wreath adorns the building’s exterior. Everywhere we look, there are signs of the season, and cheerful people. This is meant to be a happy time. But we can’t talk about the joy and excitement of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ without also remembering the ugliness of His death. While there is plenty to celebrate this season… and there are lessons of faith and hope galore in the story of Jesus’ birth… the true message comes in the crucifixion. If Jesus had come to earth and walked among us then died of old age, disease or even a tragic accident, He would have still been a great man… but His most ultimate purpose would not have been fulfilled. In order to receive the Good News, you have to get through “the bad and the ugly” first.
So as we celebrate Christmas, smile at our neighbors, sing jolly songs and shout “Ho! Ho! Ho!”, let’s also remember that this is not such a Merry Christmas for some. Their joy is diminished this season by illness…death and loss…lack of income – or food, clothing and shelter… abuse…loneliness, and more. But the HOPE of Christmas can belong to ALL of us… because our Hope lies in the cross of Calvary and the blood of Jesus’ shed there. You can’t have Christmas without the cross… but because of Jesus and everything He did for us, we have the promise of Eternal Life.
This is the message we really should share this season. As we greet people with the cheerful salutations of the holiday season, we should also remind them of the HOPE this season represents. We should be sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around us and temper our holiday cheer with words of encouragement and the promise of God’s unfailing love for His children. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to cultivate disciples who would share His message… and WE are those disciples – or at least we should be!
So wish others a Merry Christmas… but never forget the cross. Offer more than a happy greeting to those you meet. Take time to offer hope to those who need it and to share the Good News of the cross, as well. Be a disciple for Christ in this season – and always. Celebrate Jesus’ birth… and thank Him for what He did for us at Calvary.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2011
John 19: 25-27
Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, "This man is now your son." Then he said to the disciple, "She is now your mother." From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a collection of nativity scenes that I display on my piano and other areas of my piano room each Christmas. This collection includes probably a dozen “nativity” Christmas ornaments that hang on our big tree, as well. Numbering well over 50 sets, my collection would be considered out of control by some. But for me, setting out my nativities is one of the highlights of the Christmas season.
In recent years, I began to acquire the occasional Madonna figurine at auctions and sales, and these began to find a home in my display. I am not one who prays to the Virgin Mary. I do not believe she has the Divine Power of Jesus or our Heavenly Father. But I do respect her as a very important person in Christian history. And as I have “mothered” little Timothy often in the last two years, I have come to better understand her position – her sacrifices – and her deep, abiding faith.
I am not sure I could have accepted Mary’s mission. When the angel appeared and said, “You are going to bear a baby, even though you are a virgin and it could very well cost you your reputation and your fiancé,” I might have said, “Whoa… hang on there! I think I’ll pass!” But scripture says that Mary accepted the angel’s declaration – in fact, she welcomed it! She trusted God to work out the details… and He did.
I am pretty sure I could not have followed my son - who was beaten almost beyond recognition - up the hill to Calvary and watch as soldiers drove spikes through his hands and feet and hung him on a cross to die. Yet Mary endured this and stayed with Jesus until the very end of His earthly life.
Yes, I have a newfound respect for Mary in recent years. When I look at my figurines that are supposed to remind me of her, I am indeed reminded of the incredible faith that she exhibited. Each Christmas season, as I display my nativity scenes and remember the birth of Jesus, I will look at my Madonna figurines and remind myself that God can do incredible things, if only we will trust Him. I may never have true Mother Mary faith… but I can keep trying. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus' mother stood beside his cross with her sister and Mary the wife of Clopas. Mary Magdalene was standing there too. When Jesus saw his mother and his favorite disciple with her, he said to his mother, "This man is now your son." Then he said to the disciple, "She is now your mother." From then on, that disciple took her into his own home.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I have a collection of nativity scenes that I display on my piano and other areas of my piano room each Christmas. This collection includes probably a dozen “nativity” Christmas ornaments that hang on our big tree, as well. Numbering well over 50 sets, my collection would be considered out of control by some. But for me, setting out my nativities is one of the highlights of the Christmas season.
In recent years, I began to acquire the occasional Madonna figurine at auctions and sales, and these began to find a home in my display. I am not one who prays to the Virgin Mary. I do not believe she has the Divine Power of Jesus or our Heavenly Father. But I do respect her as a very important person in Christian history. And as I have “mothered” little Timothy often in the last two years, I have come to better understand her position – her sacrifices – and her deep, abiding faith.
I am not sure I could have accepted Mary’s mission. When the angel appeared and said, “You are going to bear a baby, even though you are a virgin and it could very well cost you your reputation and your fiancé,” I might have said, “Whoa… hang on there! I think I’ll pass!” But scripture says that Mary accepted the angel’s declaration – in fact, she welcomed it! She trusted God to work out the details… and He did.
I am pretty sure I could not have followed my son - who was beaten almost beyond recognition - up the hill to Calvary and watch as soldiers drove spikes through his hands and feet and hung him on a cross to die. Yet Mary endured this and stayed with Jesus until the very end of His earthly life.
Yes, I have a newfound respect for Mary in recent years. When I look at my figurines that are supposed to remind me of her, I am indeed reminded of the incredible faith that she exhibited. Each Christmas season, as I display my nativity scenes and remember the birth of Jesus, I will look at my Madonna figurines and remind myself that God can do incredible things, if only we will trust Him. I may never have true Mother Mary faith… but I can keep trying. Will you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2011
John 19:1-11
Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. They came up to him and said, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" They also hit him with their fists.
Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, "I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty." Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, "Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”
Pilate told them, "You take him and nail him to a cross! I don't find him guilty of anything." The crowd replied, "He claimed to be the Son of God! Our Jewish Law says that he must be put to death." When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. He went back inside and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus did not answer. "Why won't you answer my question?"
Pilate asked. "Don't you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?" Jesus replied, "If God had not given you the power, you couldn't do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A little boy of about kindergarten age was visiting his aunt’s home and wandered into the bathroom. He emerged a while later and told all of the adults, “I hear sumpin’ – do you hear sumpin’?” When the aunt went to investigate, the bathroom was filled with steam, and the bathtub was full of hot water. The little boy shrugged and said, “I don’t know how that happened. I didn’t touch the hot water!” Even at five years of age, he knew not to confess to the actual “crime,” but he was not savvy enough to know that his comment about the water temperature did in fact place him in hot water!
We have a bad habit of taking credit for things we shouldn’t – and denying those for which we are truly responsible. So it was that Pilate told Jesus that he alone could save Him from the cross, giving himself credit where none was due. At the same time, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus had set everything in motion. And while Judas may have recognized his part in this eventually, all he saw initially was thirty pieces of silver being tossed his way.
What does this all mean for us? I believe we fail to see the big picture, because we are looking only at the events right in front of us – or how we appear to be directly affected. So we take credit for things we shouldn’t. We puff ourselves up for acts of “service” and generosity – giving to charity, serving on committees at church, or being kind to our friends and neighbors. We say things like, “I decided to give to such-and-such,” or “I thought I’d better help Joe with that project,” or “I let it slide that Carol owed me $100… it’s the holidays, after all.” Where is God in these decisions? Where is the prayerful consideration that “God led me to teach a Sunday school class” or “I felt the LORD telling me to help Jim out with his bills”?
We take pride in knowing that we had options, and we exercised them in a “noble” way that is sure to please God and everyone else! In taking credit for more than we should, we often betray the God who numbers the very hairs on our head. We fail to recognize His power and authority in our life… and in essence, we deny His presence – if not His very existence. At the same time, we are quick to wash our hands of things when they don't go as we hoped. "That's not my problem," we will say. Just like Pilate, we say, "If others want to pursue this, they can... but I'm outta here!"
At this time of year when we are all excited about the Good News of the birth of Jesus, I think we would do well to consider for a moment how we treat Him. Do we acknowledge the power and presence of God in our lives with our words and actions… or do we sell him out for a bag of silver? Do we “take credit for hearing the bath water running, but deny touching the faucet handle that started the whole thing”? Do we honor Jesus for His sacrifices on our behalf and His continual grace and mercy?
We can’t have it both ways. Either we serve God faithfully and trust His decisions on our behalf, or we sell Him out and give ourselves more credit than we deserve for how things go in our lives – and blame Him when so often they don’t turn out as we hoped.
This is the perfect season in which to get our priorities straight – and fully acknowledge God’s presence. It’s time to recognize our weakness apart from Him – and His incredible power over the events of our lives. Where do you fit into this picture? Are you at times like Pilate, Judas... or both? Are you honoring Jesus in your daily living? Isn't it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Pilate gave orders for Jesus to be beaten with a whip. The soldiers made a crown out of thorn branches and put it on Jesus. Then they put a purple robe on him. They came up to him and said, "Hey, you king of the Jews!" They also hit him with their fists.
Once again Pilate went out. This time he said, "I will have Jesus brought out to you again. Then you can see for yourselves that I have not found him guilty." Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, "Here is the man!" When the chief priests and the temple police saw him, they yelled, "Nail him to a cross! Nail him to a cross!”
Pilate told them, "You take him and nail him to a cross! I don't find him guilty of anything." The crowd replied, "He claimed to be the Son of God! Our Jewish Law says that he must be put to death." When Pilate heard this, he was terrified. He went back inside and asked Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus did not answer. "Why won't you answer my question?"
Pilate asked. "Don't you know that I have the power to let you go free or to nail you to a cross?" Jesus replied, "If God had not given you the power, you couldn't do anything at all to me. But the one who handed me over to you did something even worse."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A little boy of about kindergarten age was visiting his aunt’s home and wandered into the bathroom. He emerged a while later and told all of the adults, “I hear sumpin’ – do you hear sumpin’?” When the aunt went to investigate, the bathroom was filled with steam, and the bathtub was full of hot water. The little boy shrugged and said, “I don’t know how that happened. I didn’t touch the hot water!” Even at five years of age, he knew not to confess to the actual “crime,” but he was not savvy enough to know that his comment about the water temperature did in fact place him in hot water!
We have a bad habit of taking credit for things we shouldn’t – and denying those for which we are truly responsible. So it was that Pilate told Jesus that he alone could save Him from the cross, giving himself credit where none was due. At the same time, Judas’ betrayal of Jesus had set everything in motion. And while Judas may have recognized his part in this eventually, all he saw initially was thirty pieces of silver being tossed his way.
What does this all mean for us? I believe we fail to see the big picture, because we are looking only at the events right in front of us – or how we appear to be directly affected. So we take credit for things we shouldn’t. We puff ourselves up for acts of “service” and generosity – giving to charity, serving on committees at church, or being kind to our friends and neighbors. We say things like, “I decided to give to such-and-such,” or “I thought I’d better help Joe with that project,” or “I let it slide that Carol owed me $100… it’s the holidays, after all.” Where is God in these decisions? Where is the prayerful consideration that “God led me to teach a Sunday school class” or “I felt the LORD telling me to help Jim out with his bills”?
We take pride in knowing that we had options, and we exercised them in a “noble” way that is sure to please God and everyone else! In taking credit for more than we should, we often betray the God who numbers the very hairs on our head. We fail to recognize His power and authority in our life… and in essence, we deny His presence – if not His very existence. At the same time, we are quick to wash our hands of things when they don't go as we hoped. "That's not my problem," we will say. Just like Pilate, we say, "If others want to pursue this, they can... but I'm outta here!"
At this time of year when we are all excited about the Good News of the birth of Jesus, I think we would do well to consider for a moment how we treat Him. Do we acknowledge the power and presence of God in our lives with our words and actions… or do we sell him out for a bag of silver? Do we “take credit for hearing the bath water running, but deny touching the faucet handle that started the whole thing”? Do we honor Jesus for His sacrifices on our behalf and His continual grace and mercy?
We can’t have it both ways. Either we serve God faithfully and trust His decisions on our behalf, or we sell Him out and give ourselves more credit than we deserve for how things go in our lives – and blame Him when so often they don’t turn out as we hoped.
This is the perfect season in which to get our priorities straight – and fully acknowledge God’s presence. It’s time to recognize our weakness apart from Him – and His incredible power over the events of our lives. Where do you fit into this picture? Are you at times like Pilate, Judas... or both? Are you honoring Jesus in your daily living? Isn't it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)