2 John 7-11
Many liars have gone out into the world. These deceitful liars are saying that Jesus Christ did not have a truly human body. But they are liars and the enemies of Christ. So be sure not to lose what we have worked for. If you do, you won’t be given your full reward. Don’t keep changing what you were taught about Christ, or else God will no longer be with you. But if you hold firmly to what you were taught, both the Father and the Son will be with you. If people won’t agree to this teaching, don’t welcome them into your home or even greet them. Greeting them is the same as taking part in their evil deeds.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Social media is wonderful for certain purposes…sharing photos of family members, keeping people updated when someone is sick and needs prayer, reveling in victories over decades-old football foes…and much more. But this venue is also a hotbed of venomous attacks, untruths, malicious gossip, and other evils. Because of the latter, I have had to “unfriend” a few people on Facebook.
This has cost me more than one “friendship”…and maybe you have had the same experience. But here’s the thing…by allowing posts from those people to appear on my “feed”, I feel I am quietly condoning their sentiments. If even one person sees these ugly things and thinks, “She must feel the same way”…I have failed in my Christian discipleship.
We cannot live our lives in a vacuum…and yes, associating with “deceitful liars” offers those folks a chance to see Jesus in us and the way we conduct our lives. But they can observe this from a distance. You can demonstrate a life filled with truth, grace, mercy, tolerance, love, compassion, respect, and redemption from sin through the blood of Jesus without hanging around those who behave differently. The balance is delicate…but with prayerful consideration, you can be a loving Light for Christ – and turn your back to evil at the same time.
As 2014 comes to a close, this might be a good time to “clean up the list”…to evaluate our “friendships” and associations and see if we are holding tightly to the teachings of Jesus…or if we have taken part in evil deeds – if only by default. Will 2015 be a year when we focus more on Jesus…and less on the world and its ways? This is my resolution…what’s yours?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 30, 2014
1 Timothy 6:2-5
These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
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.
This morning, a female Cardinal perched on a privet hedge branch outside my window. I stopped and studied her as she sat in the sunshine on this very cold, breezy day. The female is not the showier of the Cardinals…her sandy brown body sports just a hint of bright red at the crest and on the tail - unlike her male counterpart who is a brilliant red (hence the name “Cardinal”!) Yet she exuded such sweetness…such beauty…such purpose!
Surely at some point, this little bird will become a mother. She will shoulder the responsibility of ministering to her little charges. While her mate will assist her…much of the responsibility for setting a good example will fall to her. This little bird may not be a showoff, but her “mission” is vital…and that makes her all the more beautiful to me – and important in the circle of life.
The Apostle Paul is speaking this message to Timothy…”stay focused on what is the true mission of the church. Don’t get caught up in flash and grandeur…and most certainly do not begin to emphasize money – or its gain. Pay attention to the solid words of our Master Jesus – and emulate His teachings – and the rest will take care of itself. Recognize those who have a different agenda for who and what the church is about…and do not buy into what they are peddling!”
The message for all of us is to focus on the teachings of Jesus…grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and hope. This type of ministry may not be as glamorous or visually attractive as flashy trappings, grand buildings and expensive adornments. But like the mother Cardinal…your “mission” is vital and precious to Jesus. And that is really all that matters. Are YOU teaching and preaching the things that Jesus desires? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there’s an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.
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.
This morning, a female Cardinal perched on a privet hedge branch outside my window. I stopped and studied her as she sat in the sunshine on this very cold, breezy day. The female is not the showier of the Cardinals…her sandy brown body sports just a hint of bright red at the crest and on the tail - unlike her male counterpart who is a brilliant red (hence the name “Cardinal”!) Yet she exuded such sweetness…such beauty…such purpose!
Surely at some point, this little bird will become a mother. She will shoulder the responsibility of ministering to her little charges. While her mate will assist her…much of the responsibility for setting a good example will fall to her. This little bird may not be a showoff, but her “mission” is vital…and that makes her all the more beautiful to me – and important in the circle of life.
The Apostle Paul is speaking this message to Timothy…”stay focused on what is the true mission of the church. Don’t get caught up in flash and grandeur…and most certainly do not begin to emphasize money – or its gain. Pay attention to the solid words of our Master Jesus – and emulate His teachings – and the rest will take care of itself. Recognize those who have a different agenda for who and what the church is about…and do not buy into what they are peddling!”
The message for all of us is to focus on the teachings of Jesus…grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, inclusion, compassion, and hope. This type of ministry may not be as glamorous or visually attractive as flashy trappings, grand buildings and expensive adornments. But like the mother Cardinal…your “mission” is vital and precious to Jesus. And that is really all that matters. Are YOU teaching and preaching the things that Jesus desires? Isn’t it time you did?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 29, 2014
1 Peter 3:10-11
“Do you really love life?
Do you want to be happy?
Then stop saying cruel things
and quit telling lies.
Give up your evil ways
and do right,
as you find and follow
the road that leads
to peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our 3-year-old niece, Zola, is a “runner”. She loves to break free from holding the hand of an adult and run…into parking lots, out into the street, or across the yard. It’s a problem that could have serious consequences, and we are all trying to impress upon her that she must not do this! When she ran from me after church, I told her, “You cannot come to our house this week to spend the night if you are not going to mind us!” She began to wail…”But I want to come!” I reminded her that she must start doing right! She is definitely a “work in progress”!
As we get older, the specifics of our “evil ways” may change…but the basic principle is the same. There are temptations on all sides, and we succumb to them for a variety of reasons…ranging from a desire to fit in to the yearning to “be our own person” and exercise our independence! It’s something of a “grown-up” version of running into the street! Regardless of the reason, the results are often the same…hurt feelings, emotional and physical danger, disappointment, and unhappiness, to name a few.
In order to be truly happy and “free”, we must trust Jesus to help us release the “hold” of Satan…to help us rid our lives of evil – lying, cheating, gossip, criticism and insults, cruelty of any kind, and more. We must strive to live more like Jesus each and every minute of the day. As we begin to cling to Him and HIS ways…we will find that our lives are actually more carefree and joyful.
Do you really love life? Do you truly want to be joyful and happy? Jesus is waiting to show you how. Are you ready to take His hand and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“Do you really love life?
Do you want to be happy?
Then stop saying cruel things
and quit telling lies.
Give up your evil ways
and do right,
as you find and follow
the road that leads
to peace.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Our 3-year-old niece, Zola, is a “runner”. She loves to break free from holding the hand of an adult and run…into parking lots, out into the street, or across the yard. It’s a problem that could have serious consequences, and we are all trying to impress upon her that she must not do this! When she ran from me after church, I told her, “You cannot come to our house this week to spend the night if you are not going to mind us!” She began to wail…”But I want to come!” I reminded her that she must start doing right! She is definitely a “work in progress”!
As we get older, the specifics of our “evil ways” may change…but the basic principle is the same. There are temptations on all sides, and we succumb to them for a variety of reasons…ranging from a desire to fit in to the yearning to “be our own person” and exercise our independence! It’s something of a “grown-up” version of running into the street! Regardless of the reason, the results are often the same…hurt feelings, emotional and physical danger, disappointment, and unhappiness, to name a few.
In order to be truly happy and “free”, we must trust Jesus to help us release the “hold” of Satan…to help us rid our lives of evil – lying, cheating, gossip, criticism and insults, cruelty of any kind, and more. We must strive to live more like Jesus each and every minute of the day. As we begin to cling to Him and HIS ways…we will find that our lives are actually more carefree and joyful.
Do you really love life? Do you truly want to be joyful and happy? Jesus is waiting to show you how. Are you ready to take His hand and let Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 28, 2014
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When New York City mayor Bill DeBlasio spoke at the funeral of slain NYPD office Rafael Ramos, hundreds of policemen who had gathered outside the church turned their backs to the building in a sign of dissatisfaction with the mayor. The police union officials maintain that DeBlasio made comments that fostered mistrust in the city’s police force. This gesture was meant as an insult to the mayor…but some claim that it served no good purpose at this event. And scripture would tend to bear support this.
Do not misunderstand me. We live in a country where people are free to express their opinions. We’ve heard a lot about “peaceful protest” of late…and I guess this response could qualify. But at the same time, we have to look at the big picture – and at least TRY to see things the way God sees them.
In God’s eyes, we are all equals…capable of doing great good – and great evil. After church today, Timothy was expressing how he tries to be good, but sometimes he is not. I reminded him that we all have to work at “being good”…and at times, we all fall short. But we keep trying. He said, “But it’s a lot of work!” And he is right! And sometimes, loving others and offering them grace and mercy in the face of disappointments, hurts and insults is really hard! But we don’t have to look very far to find the perfect Example of this in action - Jesus Christ.
We will never be insulted, disappointed, hurt, disrespected, or mistreated like Jesus. Yet He took it all…and He did this for us! Jesus treated everyone with kindness…even those who were nailing Him to the cross. He asked God to forgive them…reminding God that they didn’t have a clue what they were really doing! Jesus demonstrated for each of us exactly how we are to treat others…regardless of what is done to us in return.
So the question becomes…”Do you want to be like Jesus?” If your answer is “Yes,” then you cannot turn your back on others…physically or figuratively. You cannot hurl insults, operate with intolerance, or treat others unkindly. You must “take the high road” – even when every fiber of your being wants to respond otherwise. Anything less than this essentially amounts to turning your back on Jesus. And none of us wants to do that.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Finally, all of you should agree and have concern and love for each other. You should also be kind and humble. Don’t be hateful and insult people just because they are hateful and insult you. Instead, treat everyone with kindness. You are God’s chosen ones, and he will bless you.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When New York City mayor Bill DeBlasio spoke at the funeral of slain NYPD office Rafael Ramos, hundreds of policemen who had gathered outside the church turned their backs to the building in a sign of dissatisfaction with the mayor. The police union officials maintain that DeBlasio made comments that fostered mistrust in the city’s police force. This gesture was meant as an insult to the mayor…but some claim that it served no good purpose at this event. And scripture would tend to bear support this.
Do not misunderstand me. We live in a country where people are free to express their opinions. We’ve heard a lot about “peaceful protest” of late…and I guess this response could qualify. But at the same time, we have to look at the big picture – and at least TRY to see things the way God sees them.
In God’s eyes, we are all equals…capable of doing great good – and great evil. After church today, Timothy was expressing how he tries to be good, but sometimes he is not. I reminded him that we all have to work at “being good”…and at times, we all fall short. But we keep trying. He said, “But it’s a lot of work!” And he is right! And sometimes, loving others and offering them grace and mercy in the face of disappointments, hurts and insults is really hard! But we don’t have to look very far to find the perfect Example of this in action - Jesus Christ.
We will never be insulted, disappointed, hurt, disrespected, or mistreated like Jesus. Yet He took it all…and He did this for us! Jesus treated everyone with kindness…even those who were nailing Him to the cross. He asked God to forgive them…reminding God that they didn’t have a clue what they were really doing! Jesus demonstrated for each of us exactly how we are to treat others…regardless of what is done to us in return.
So the question becomes…”Do you want to be like Jesus?” If your answer is “Yes,” then you cannot turn your back on others…physically or figuratively. You cannot hurl insults, operate with intolerance, or treat others unkindly. You must “take the high road” – even when every fiber of your being wants to respond otherwise. Anything less than this essentially amounts to turning your back on Jesus. And none of us wants to do that.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 27, 2014
1 Corinthians 10:6-7, 10
The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.”
We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed 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.
“Attitude…not aptitude…determines altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
Our kids did not get expensive gifts for Christmas this year. Yet more than once, Timothy declared this “…the BEST Christmas EVER!” Our nephew’s wife posted a photo of their 6-month-old daughter, surrounded by Christmas gifts…and playing with a water bottle! While children are often content with the simplest of objects, toys or situations, they are also masters at wanting things their own way – and doing whatever it takes to achieve this. And a lot of us have continued this manipulation into our adulthood.
It might be cute on a 5-year-old or a six-month-old, but selfishness and discord are not attractive traits as we get older. Our 3-year-old Zola was adorable when she told me that she wanted to stay overnight with us…then pointed to 5-year-old Timothy and said, “but I don’t want HIM to stay!” It’s not pretty at all when we adults say, “This person is welcome…but HE/SHE is not!”…based on their appearance, their opinions, their lifestyle choices, and more.
God sent Jesus to earth to share love, grace, mercy, compassion and salvation with ALL of us. Jesus came that we might have abundant, joyful, and peaceful life…that we might get along as brothers and sisters in Him. Just like a child favors some Christmas gifts over others, we won’t always enjoy the presence of every single one of God’s creatures. People and situations will rub us the wrong way at times – even big brothers and little sisters! But when we look UP…when we keep our focus on Jesus and strive to emulate His teachings, our attitude can’t help but improve.
It’s not about you – or me…it’s about Jesus. When we figure this out and call on Him to show us how to make “life” work, we are elevated in His love and grace. Our attitude does indeed determine our altitude. How high are you ready to soar with Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The same thing could happen to us. We must be on guard so that we never get caught up in wanting our own way as they did. And we must not turn our religion into a circus as they did—“First the people partied, then they threw a dance.”
We must be careful not to stir up discontent; discontent destroyed 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.
“Attitude…not aptitude…determines altitude.” - Zig Ziglar
Our kids did not get expensive gifts for Christmas this year. Yet more than once, Timothy declared this “…the BEST Christmas EVER!” Our nephew’s wife posted a photo of their 6-month-old daughter, surrounded by Christmas gifts…and playing with a water bottle! While children are often content with the simplest of objects, toys or situations, they are also masters at wanting things their own way – and doing whatever it takes to achieve this. And a lot of us have continued this manipulation into our adulthood.
It might be cute on a 5-year-old or a six-month-old, but selfishness and discord are not attractive traits as we get older. Our 3-year-old Zola was adorable when she told me that she wanted to stay overnight with us…then pointed to 5-year-old Timothy and said, “but I don’t want HIM to stay!” It’s not pretty at all when we adults say, “This person is welcome…but HE/SHE is not!”…based on their appearance, their opinions, their lifestyle choices, and more.
God sent Jesus to earth to share love, grace, mercy, compassion and salvation with ALL of us. Jesus came that we might have abundant, joyful, and peaceful life…that we might get along as brothers and sisters in Him. Just like a child favors some Christmas gifts over others, we won’t always enjoy the presence of every single one of God’s creatures. People and situations will rub us the wrong way at times – even big brothers and little sisters! But when we look UP…when we keep our focus on Jesus and strive to emulate His teachings, our attitude can’t help but improve.
It’s not about you – or me…it’s about Jesus. When we figure this out and call on Him to show us how to make “life” work, we are elevated in His love and grace. Our attitude does indeed determine our altitude. How high are you ready to soar with Jesus?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 26, 2014
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus came to them and said:
I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I set out a vintage elf ornament last Christmas and dubbed him “Henry Truman”. This is my version of “Elf on a Shelf,” and the children love him. Christmas night, when the family gathered, Henry Truman was perched atop a holiday pillow. I told the kids that he stuck around to say “Goodbye”…but he would soon be headed back to the North Pole to live until next year.
An “Elf on the Shelf” may only hang around for the month of December, but thankfully, Jesus is not seasonal. We’ll pack away the holiday decorations…but let’s not pack away our Savior, too! We celebrate so much more than the birth of Jesus during this season…or we should. This is a time to count our blessings, to humbly thank God for sending His Son and to celebrate all that He taught us and sacrificed for us. The best way to celebrate is to heed the words of Jesus…to go out into the world and share His message of love, grace, mercy and salvation with others.
Jesus is with us always…He told us so. The true spirit of Christmas should live in our hearts every single day of the year…and others should readily see it. Will this be the year that you make it so in your own life? Is this “day after Christmas” when Christmas really begins for you? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jesus came to them and said:
I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I set out a vintage elf ornament last Christmas and dubbed him “Henry Truman”. This is my version of “Elf on a Shelf,” and the children love him. Christmas night, when the family gathered, Henry Truman was perched atop a holiday pillow. I told the kids that he stuck around to say “Goodbye”…but he would soon be headed back to the North Pole to live until next year.
An “Elf on the Shelf” may only hang around for the month of December, but thankfully, Jesus is not seasonal. We’ll pack away the holiday decorations…but let’s not pack away our Savior, too! We celebrate so much more than the birth of Jesus during this season…or we should. This is a time to count our blessings, to humbly thank God for sending His Son and to celebrate all that He taught us and sacrificed for us. The best way to celebrate is to heed the words of Jesus…to go out into the world and share His message of love, grace, mercy and salvation with others.
Jesus is with us always…He told us so. The true spirit of Christmas should live in our hearts every single day of the year…and others should readily see it. Will this be the year that you make it so in your own life? Is this “day after Christmas” when Christmas really begins for you? Don’t you think it should be?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 25, 2014
Luke 2:25-32
That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God’s anointed King. The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God.
“Lord,” he said, “now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we are…Christmas Day 2014! For some of you, the tree is already back in the box! For others, this is a big day of celebration…with holiday activities scheduled for days to come.
Last night, I watched a Christmas Eve candlelight service on TV, and the pastor said that Christmas is a magnifier. If things are going great in our lives…then “Christmas” is even bigger and better. If things are not going well, then “Christmas” makes everything seem worse.
My prayer for each of us today is that we could utter the words of Simeon…that we could say, “I have seen Him as God promised. Jesus is the Light that will shine upon the nations…our glory…our Savior. He is all that I need! I am content!”
May Christmas be more than just a day on the calendar – or a season of the year. May you celebrate more than just the wonderful birth of Jesus on this day. Truly celebrate HIM…today, tomorrow, and always…and make EVERY day a Merry Christmas Day!
©2014 Debbie Robus
That day a man named Simeon, a Jerusalem resident, was in the Temple. He was a good man, very devout, filled with the Holy Spirit and constantly expecting the Messiah to come soon. For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen him—God’s anointed King. The Holy Spirit had impelled him to go to the Temple that day; and so, when Mary and Joseph arrived to present the baby Jesus to the Lord in obedience to the law, Simeon was there and took the child in his arms, praising God.
“Lord,” he said, “now I can die content! For I have seen him as you promised me I would. I have seen the Savior you have given to the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations, and he will be the glory of your people Israel!”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here we are…Christmas Day 2014! For some of you, the tree is already back in the box! For others, this is a big day of celebration…with holiday activities scheduled for days to come.
Last night, I watched a Christmas Eve candlelight service on TV, and the pastor said that Christmas is a magnifier. If things are going great in our lives…then “Christmas” is even bigger and better. If things are not going well, then “Christmas” makes everything seem worse.
My prayer for each of us today is that we could utter the words of Simeon…that we could say, “I have seen Him as God promised. Jesus is the Light that will shine upon the nations…our glory…our Savior. He is all that I need! I am content!”
May Christmas be more than just a day on the calendar – or a season of the year. May you celebrate more than just the wonderful birth of Jesus on this day. Truly celebrate HIM…today, tomorrow, and always…and make EVERY day a Merry Christmas Day!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 24, 2014
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.
Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, I made a “pact” with a few family members that we adults would NOT exchange Christmas gifts. Christmas gifts would only be given to the children. This year, my cousin’s wife broke, “the rule.” I was all prepared to put up a fuss, until I saw her gather the gift bag from under her Christmas tree. “Yours was the first gift I bought,” she said. “You are SO easy to shop for!” I don’t think anyone has EVER told me that before!
My cousin was practically giddy as I pulled the tissue from the sack and retrieved a gift that was so thoughtful…so practical…so ME! And in that moment, I realized how much thought she had given to this present…how she had really considered ME and what I would enjoy…and then she had purchased something that no one else in a million years would think to give me…beautiful new dish towels and a wonderful baking pan.
Here’s the thing…God has given each of us the Ultimate Gift…Jesus Christ. Jesus is that one-in-a-million Gift. God thoughtfully considered each of us…He designed Jesus perfectly to live among us - to teach us and to die for our sins. He gets totally giddy every time one of us accepts His gift and invites Jesus to be the LORD of our life. And He delights over and again in watching us live for Him, serve Him, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.
I told my cousin that I just might bake her something delicious in the new pan someday. But even if I don’t, she will take joy and delight in knowing that I am using her gift to prepare food for Greg and others. And she knows how much I love her. It’s the same with God. He doesn’t expect us to give Him anything in return except our love and devotion - and our very best Christian discipleship.
As you open packages in the next few days, consider the Ultimate Gift you have received from God. Jesus isn’t wrapped in a box or tucked into a gift bag under your Christmas tree…but He is the best gift you will ever receive. I thank God for His perfect present to me…and to you. I pray you have “opened” your heart to His love…and that He will be at the center of your celebration this Christmas season…and always.
©2014 Debbie Robus
May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and the Master, Jesus Christ, be yours.
Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. There’s no end to what has happened in you—it’s beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A few years ago, I made a “pact” with a few family members that we adults would NOT exchange Christmas gifts. Christmas gifts would only be given to the children. This year, my cousin’s wife broke, “the rule.” I was all prepared to put up a fuss, until I saw her gather the gift bag from under her Christmas tree. “Yours was the first gift I bought,” she said. “You are SO easy to shop for!” I don’t think anyone has EVER told me that before!
My cousin was practically giddy as I pulled the tissue from the sack and retrieved a gift that was so thoughtful…so practical…so ME! And in that moment, I realized how much thought she had given to this present…how she had really considered ME and what I would enjoy…and then she had purchased something that no one else in a million years would think to give me…beautiful new dish towels and a wonderful baking pan.
Here’s the thing…God has given each of us the Ultimate Gift…Jesus Christ. Jesus is that one-in-a-million Gift. God thoughtfully considered each of us…He designed Jesus perfectly to live among us - to teach us and to die for our sins. He gets totally giddy every time one of us accepts His gift and invites Jesus to be the LORD of our life. And He delights over and again in watching us live for Him, serve Him, and share the Good News of Jesus with others.
I told my cousin that I just might bake her something delicious in the new pan someday. But even if I don’t, she will take joy and delight in knowing that I am using her gift to prepare food for Greg and others. And she knows how much I love her. It’s the same with God. He doesn’t expect us to give Him anything in return except our love and devotion - and our very best Christian discipleship.
As you open packages in the next few days, consider the Ultimate Gift you have received from God. Jesus isn’t wrapped in a box or tucked into a gift bag under your Christmas tree…but He is the best gift you will ever receive. I thank God for His perfect present to me…and to you. I pray you have “opened” your heart to His love…and that He will be at the center of your celebration this Christmas season…and always.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 23, 2014
Mark 13:33-37
So watch out and be ready! You don’t know when the time will come. It is like what happens when a man goes away for a while and places his servants in charge of everything. He tells each of them what to do, and he orders the guard to keep alert. So be alert! You don’t know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. But if he comes suddenly, don’t let him find you asleep. I tell everyone just what I have told you. Be alert!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” This is the question of the day! And if you are like many people, the answer is a resounding…”NO!” There are still last-minute presents to wrap...turkeys, hams and pies to bake...rooms to be prepared for guests…and so much more! And smack in the middle of it all…anything could happen! A friend posted on Facebook that her mother was admitted to the hospital with Type A flu. I’m reminded of a childhood Christmas when my sister, brother and I got a stomach virus…and we could have cared less about Santa – much less eating anything! Three years ago on Christmas Eve, my Mam-ma Polly stepped out of my mom’s car, fell on our driveway, and hit her head…resulting in a concussion and a two-day hospital stay. She never made it into the house for our holiday celebration!
So “life” happens, and we don’t know what lies around the next bend…or even what the next hour will hold! But more importantly, Jesus “happens”…all around us – and we never know where or how He will show up…but I assure you, He IS coming! So we must be awake and alert, as the scripture tells us.
Just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, kings and others did not know when the baby Jesus would arrive…we have no clue when He will show up in the flesh again. We just know that it will happen. Meanwhile, Jesus arrives every day in some way, shape or form…and in this regard, “Christmas” comes all the time. Do you recognize Him? Are YOU always and forever “ready for Christmas?” Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
So watch out and be ready! You don’t know when the time will come. It is like what happens when a man goes away for a while and places his servants in charge of everything. He tells each of them what to do, and he orders the guard to keep alert. So be alert! You don’t know when the master of the house will come back. It could be in the evening or at midnight or before dawn or in the morning. But if he comes suddenly, don’t let him find you asleep. I tell everyone just what I have told you. Be alert!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
“Are you ready for Christmas?” This is the question of the day! And if you are like many people, the answer is a resounding…”NO!” There are still last-minute presents to wrap...turkeys, hams and pies to bake...rooms to be prepared for guests…and so much more! And smack in the middle of it all…anything could happen! A friend posted on Facebook that her mother was admitted to the hospital with Type A flu. I’m reminded of a childhood Christmas when my sister, brother and I got a stomach virus…and we could have cared less about Santa – much less eating anything! Three years ago on Christmas Eve, my Mam-ma Polly stepped out of my mom’s car, fell on our driveway, and hit her head…resulting in a concussion and a two-day hospital stay. She never made it into the house for our holiday celebration!
So “life” happens, and we don’t know what lies around the next bend…or even what the next hour will hold! But more importantly, Jesus “happens”…all around us – and we never know where or how He will show up…but I assure you, He IS coming! So we must be awake and alert, as the scripture tells us.
Just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, kings and others did not know when the baby Jesus would arrive…we have no clue when He will show up in the flesh again. We just know that it will happen. Meanwhile, Jesus arrives every day in some way, shape or form…and in this regard, “Christmas” comes all the time. Do you recognize Him? Are YOU always and forever “ready for Christmas?” Isn’t it time you were?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 22, 2014
Zephaniah 3:16-17
Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
“Don’t be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
The Lord your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’re in the “home stretch”! Timothy held up three fingers today (meaning three more “sleeps”) and said, “Thursday is Christmas…and we come to YOUR house!” All over the world, thousands of people have a lot left to do in those “three sleeps”. My cousin has a 7-foot trampoline on his carport that has to be assembled. People were scrambling up and down the aisles at Wal-Mart today to purchase food for holiday meals. Others have presents to wrap, turkeys and hams to cook…and no doubt, more than a few parents have toys with hundreds of parts to assemble before Christmas morning.
As you “race toward the Finish Line” of this Christmas week, stop to take a few minutes and reflect on what is really important. Take time to put some coins in the red kettle as you exit the store. Spend a few minutes in conversation with someone you meet in the parking lot…or a shut-in who could really use a visit in the next few days. Do something wonderful for someone – not because it is Christmas, but “just because”. Call someone you have not talked to in a while…if only to say, “Merry Christmas!”
Don’t get bogged down in the “busyness” of this week. Stop and celebrate the victories that Jesus wins for you. Revel in the confidence that He is always with you – that He truly does celebrate and sing - because of YOU. Feel His refreshment, His love, and His presence. Be filled with joy that Jesus loves you…now and forever!
Make a concerted effort to celebrate Jesus these next few days. He truly IS the reason for the season!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
“Don’t be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
The Lord your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’re in the “home stretch”! Timothy held up three fingers today (meaning three more “sleeps”) and said, “Thursday is Christmas…and we come to YOUR house!” All over the world, thousands of people have a lot left to do in those “three sleeps”. My cousin has a 7-foot trampoline on his carport that has to be assembled. People were scrambling up and down the aisles at Wal-Mart today to purchase food for holiday meals. Others have presents to wrap, turkeys and hams to cook…and no doubt, more than a few parents have toys with hundreds of parts to assemble before Christmas morning.
As you “race toward the Finish Line” of this Christmas week, stop to take a few minutes and reflect on what is really important. Take time to put some coins in the red kettle as you exit the store. Spend a few minutes in conversation with someone you meet in the parking lot…or a shut-in who could really use a visit in the next few days. Do something wonderful for someone – not because it is Christmas, but “just because”. Call someone you have not talked to in a while…if only to say, “Merry Christmas!”
Don’t get bogged down in the “busyness” of this week. Stop and celebrate the victories that Jesus wins for you. Revel in the confidence that He is always with you – that He truly does celebrate and sing - because of YOU. Feel His refreshment, His love, and His presence. Be filled with joy that Jesus loves you…now and forever!
Make a concerted effort to celebrate Jesus these next few days. He truly IS the reason for the season!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 21, 2014
Isaiah 11:1-5
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump,someone from David’s family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight.
He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord.
This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice.
His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a plum tree at my grandparents’ farm that stood near a rock building we called the “dry house”, and it produced wonderful plums for eating by the handful…and for making delicious plum jelly. By the time that Greg and I moved to the farm, this tree was in bad shape. So Greg reluctantly cut it down. But from the stump, a “shoot” grew…and now – more than 20 years later - the “new” tree once again produces fine fruit.
You would never have thought to look at that stump that anything good would ever come from it again…but I have eaten the plums. I have tasted the jelly made from their juice…and let me tell you – it is amazing - maybe even better than that of the original tree! And the yield is abundant!
Greg filled the bird feeders in our backyard, and the songbirds are everywhere…cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and more. On the bluff at the edge of our yard, buzzards perch on tree branches…looking for food along the riverbank that curves below them. As I watch these birds, I keep hearing the words of John 6:11, where Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves, and everyone had “plenty to eat.”
I’ve also noticed that there is enough food to go around…that one bird is not favored over another. Well, okay, the blue jay seems to bully his way to the feeder on occasion…but everyone eats - from the stateliest cardinal to the tiniest junco or wren. Even the squirrels pick up the dregs that fall to the ground…and the buzzards feast like kings on dead carcasses.
Because of Jesus, we ALL have “plenty to eat”. Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not saying that people will never go hungry – that their bellies won’t rumble and ache with starvation for tangible food. But those who trust in Jesus will NEVER be hungry in a spiritual sense. They will never be judged on appearance and deemed unworthy. They will never be treated as less than equal to every other believer – in any manner. We WILL be judged someday – but not on these things.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let’s revel in the amazing Blessing that came to us “from the root of Jesse”. Let’s remind ourselves to live as He did…to treat all people with fairness and kindness…to turn a deaf ear to rumors and judgments…to look to GOD for guidance and answers. Share the Good News with others this week…Jesus has come…there is “plenty to eat” - for everyone!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump,someone from David’s family will someday be king. The Spirit of the Lord will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight.
He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the Lord. His greatest joy will be to obey the Lord.
This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors. The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice.
His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There was a plum tree at my grandparents’ farm that stood near a rock building we called the “dry house”, and it produced wonderful plums for eating by the handful…and for making delicious plum jelly. By the time that Greg and I moved to the farm, this tree was in bad shape. So Greg reluctantly cut it down. But from the stump, a “shoot” grew…and now – more than 20 years later - the “new” tree once again produces fine fruit.
You would never have thought to look at that stump that anything good would ever come from it again…but I have eaten the plums. I have tasted the jelly made from their juice…and let me tell you – it is amazing - maybe even better than that of the original tree! And the yield is abundant!
Greg filled the bird feeders in our backyard, and the songbirds are everywhere…cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees and more. On the bluff at the edge of our yard, buzzards perch on tree branches…looking for food along the riverbank that curves below them. As I watch these birds, I keep hearing the words of John 6:11, where Jesus blessed the fish and the loaves, and everyone had “plenty to eat.”
I’ve also noticed that there is enough food to go around…that one bird is not favored over another. Well, okay, the blue jay seems to bully his way to the feeder on occasion…but everyone eats - from the stateliest cardinal to the tiniest junco or wren. Even the squirrels pick up the dregs that fall to the ground…and the buzzards feast like kings on dead carcasses.
Because of Jesus, we ALL have “plenty to eat”. Don’t misunderstand me…I’m not saying that people will never go hungry – that their bellies won’t rumble and ache with starvation for tangible food. But those who trust in Jesus will NEVER be hungry in a spiritual sense. They will never be judged on appearance and deemed unworthy. They will never be treated as less than equal to every other believer – in any manner. We WILL be judged someday – but not on these things.
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth this week, let’s revel in the amazing Blessing that came to us “from the root of Jesse”. Let’s remind ourselves to live as He did…to treat all people with fairness and kindness…to turn a deaf ear to rumors and judgments…to look to GOD for guidance and answers. Share the Good News with others this week…Jesus has come…there is “plenty to eat” - for everyone!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 20, 2014
1 Peter 5:5-6
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ — and offer to God those things that please him. As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A couple of Sundays ago, we took Timothy and Zola home from church activities, and their mother was waiting with baby brother Nathan to create a “gingerbread train”. I’m pretty sure this was a “store-bought kit”, although my niece may have baked the gingerbread pieces herself. However, the children used icing and candies to put together a “train engine” and at least one “car”. I commended my niece for tackling this project with children who are 5, 3, and 2! These sorts of things do not come together easily!
To begin such a project, you have to have a foundation point…an “anchor” of sorts that is sturdy and solid…like a line of icing on the plate or some other reinforcement. Each subsequent piece builds on the first…and the last step is to add the decorative parts! If that first piece is not placed just so…everything that follows is a waste of time.
This is just how it is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Had God not sent Jesus to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone, there would be no “church” – at least none of any substance! Our little ones were so impressed and pleased with the results of their creativity and hard work. And God is pleased with us when we build upon His precious Gift and trust in Him to support us through all things.
This week, as we look toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth, ask yourself about your “Cornerstone”. Are you trusting Jesus to be your anchor and building your life upon His teachings and promises? Are you counting on salvation through His precious blood to be the sturdy, solid line upon which you build everything else in your life and beyond? Is everything you do a pleasing “adornment” to the foundation of hope and faith that Christ has laid for us? Are you a “living building-stone” for God? Wouldn’t this be a great week to become one?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And now you have become living building-stones for God’s use in building his house. What’s more, you are his holy priests; so come to him—you who are acceptable to him because of Jesus Christ — and offer to God those things that please him. As the Scriptures express it, “See, I am sending Christ to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone of my church, and I will never disappoint those who trust in him.”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A couple of Sundays ago, we took Timothy and Zola home from church activities, and their mother was waiting with baby brother Nathan to create a “gingerbread train”. I’m pretty sure this was a “store-bought kit”, although my niece may have baked the gingerbread pieces herself. However, the children used icing and candies to put together a “train engine” and at least one “car”. I commended my niece for tackling this project with children who are 5, 3, and 2! These sorts of things do not come together easily!
To begin such a project, you have to have a foundation point…an “anchor” of sorts that is sturdy and solid…like a line of icing on the plate or some other reinforcement. Each subsequent piece builds on the first…and the last step is to add the decorative parts! If that first piece is not placed just so…everything that follows is a waste of time.
This is just how it is in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Had God not sent Jesus to be the carefully chosen, precious Cornerstone, there would be no “church” – at least none of any substance! Our little ones were so impressed and pleased with the results of their creativity and hard work. And God is pleased with us when we build upon His precious Gift and trust in Him to support us through all things.
This week, as we look toward the celebration of Jesus’ birth, ask yourself about your “Cornerstone”. Are you trusting Jesus to be your anchor and building your life upon His teachings and promises? Are you counting on salvation through His precious blood to be the sturdy, solid line upon which you build everything else in your life and beyond? Is everything you do a pleasing “adornment” to the foundation of hope and faith that Christ has laid for us? Are you a “living building-stone” for God? Wouldn’t this be a great week to become one?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 19, 2014
December 19 ~ John 9:4-5
Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.”
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.
In the mornings when I wake up, I have a routine that includes walking through our house and turning on lights. Right now, there are quite a few extra strands for the holidays…on the Christmas tree(s), in a couple of lighted holiday decorations, and even in a few unexpected locations. Lights adorn our front porch and some yard ornaments…and “candles” illuminate each dormer window. As each switch is turned or plug is inserted into an outlet, the rooms come alive with the bright sparkle of the tiny white lights…and a sense of warmth and coziness settle over me. These lights say to me, “Welcome! There is love in this house!”
Jesus is the world’s Light. God sent Him to earth to accomplish many things, including our salvation through His death on the cross. The light of His love and care wafts over us like an everlasting coat of warmth and coziness. Do you feel it? Do you recognize Jesus’ existence in your life? Is He an ever-present illumination? Do you allow Jesus to work in and through you to share His GOOD NEWS with others…and in turn, do you offer them the same brightness, confidence and hope that you enjoy because of Him?
Are the lights of the Christmas season a symbol to you of the amazing power and grace of Jesus…or merely another sparkly trinket to enjoy for a month and then pack away until next year? Isn’t it time we started sharing Jesus’ light all year long…saying, “Welcome! Jesus has enough love for all of us!”…and wouldn’t this be a great season in which to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world’s Light.”
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.
In the mornings when I wake up, I have a routine that includes walking through our house and turning on lights. Right now, there are quite a few extra strands for the holidays…on the Christmas tree(s), in a couple of lighted holiday decorations, and even in a few unexpected locations. Lights adorn our front porch and some yard ornaments…and “candles” illuminate each dormer window. As each switch is turned or plug is inserted into an outlet, the rooms come alive with the bright sparkle of the tiny white lights…and a sense of warmth and coziness settle over me. These lights say to me, “Welcome! There is love in this house!”
Jesus is the world’s Light. God sent Him to earth to accomplish many things, including our salvation through His death on the cross. The light of His love and care wafts over us like an everlasting coat of warmth and coziness. Do you feel it? Do you recognize Jesus’ existence in your life? Is He an ever-present illumination? Do you allow Jesus to work in and through you to share His GOOD NEWS with others…and in turn, do you offer them the same brightness, confidence and hope that you enjoy because of Him?
Are the lights of the Christmas season a symbol to you of the amazing power and grace of Jesus…or merely another sparkly trinket to enjoy for a month and then pack away until next year? Isn’t it time we started sharing Jesus’ light all year long…saying, “Welcome! Jesus has enough love for all of us!”…and wouldn’t this be a great season in which to begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 18, 2014
Isaiah 40:9-11
O crier of good news, shout to Jerusalem from the mountaintops! Shout louder—don’t be afraid—tell the cities of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Lord God is coming with mighty power; he will rule with awesome strength. See, his reward is with him, to each as he has done. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will carry the lambs in his arms and gently lead the ewes with young.
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.
This morning, I shared a video on Facebook of Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Trey Flowers completing a 55” “box jump”. A box jump is a plyometric exercise that involves standing in front of a sturdy “box” and vertically jumping atop it in a single motion…with no assistance. This exercise uses multiple joints and muscles and requires tremendous leg strength. Flowers swung his arms about 3 times, bent his knees into a quarter-squat, and jumped more than 55” into the air – and landed atop the “box”. The onlookers cheered and applauded.
This video was an “announcement” of sorts. A few days after Christmas, the Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Texas Longhorns in the Advocare V100 Texas Bowl. There is a decades-old rivalry between these two universities and their sports programs. This was one way of announcing to the good people of Texas that “The Razorbacks are coming! We have mighty power and awesome strength! We’re coming to Houston to garner a win and carry the trophy home to our fans!”
To be clear, I do not mean to compare any of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team members to Jesus. But my point is that we are all about heralding big events…letting people know who we are and what we plan to accomplish. Our “bravado” and confidence are never higher than when we anticipate an exciting victory over a lifelong “enemy” in a sporting competition. Why do we not herald Jesus with equal exuberance?
This is the question we must ask today. Jesus has come…Jesus is coming again. His strength and power over the devil and his agents are incomparable…and paradoxically, His tender love and care for us are undeniable.
We don’t have a “box jump” video of Jesus…but we can use our words and actions to spread His message! Jesus has come! Don’t be afraid to shout this to the world and be the crier of this GOOD NEWS! Jesus has come…victory is ours! Who will you tell today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
O crier of good news, shout to Jerusalem from the mountaintops! Shout louder—don’t be afraid—tell the cities of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Lord God is coming with mighty power; he will rule with awesome strength. See, his reward is with him, to each as he has done. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will carry the lambs in his arms and gently lead the ewes with young.
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.
This morning, I shared a video on Facebook of Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Trey Flowers completing a 55” “box jump”. A box jump is a plyometric exercise that involves standing in front of a sturdy “box” and vertically jumping atop it in a single motion…with no assistance. This exercise uses multiple joints and muscles and requires tremendous leg strength. Flowers swung his arms about 3 times, bent his knees into a quarter-squat, and jumped more than 55” into the air – and landed atop the “box”. The onlookers cheered and applauded.
This video was an “announcement” of sorts. A few days after Christmas, the Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Texas Longhorns in the Advocare V100 Texas Bowl. There is a decades-old rivalry between these two universities and their sports programs. This was one way of announcing to the good people of Texas that “The Razorbacks are coming! We have mighty power and awesome strength! We’re coming to Houston to garner a win and carry the trophy home to our fans!”
To be clear, I do not mean to compare any of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team members to Jesus. But my point is that we are all about heralding big events…letting people know who we are and what we plan to accomplish. Our “bravado” and confidence are never higher than when we anticipate an exciting victory over a lifelong “enemy” in a sporting competition. Why do we not herald Jesus with equal exuberance?
This is the question we must ask today. Jesus has come…Jesus is coming again. His strength and power over the devil and his agents are incomparable…and paradoxically, His tender love and care for us are undeniable.
We don’t have a “box jump” video of Jesus…but we can use our words and actions to spread His message! Jesus has come! Don’t be afraid to shout this to the world and be the crier of this GOOD NEWS! Jesus has come…victory is ours! Who will you tell today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 17, 2014
John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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.
A woman complained to a psychologist that very dear, old friends had a habit of giving Christmas gifts that were quite expensive and/or elaborate…and she and her husband could not afford to reciprocate. She asked the psychologist how to handle this…and the reply was – “Remember ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ who gave what he could. If your friends can afford to give more costly gifts...and they seem to want to do this – let them. Give what you can in return, and don’t worry about it.”
I thought about “The Little Drummer Boy”, a Christmas song composed in 1958 by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone. In part, the words say “I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum…That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum”. No truer words were ever spoken. We can never give Jesus a gift that is anywhere NEAR the value of what He has given us…and He doesn’t care! Jesus is not interested in the monetary value or the magnitude of our gift.
God did not send His Only Son to earth in anticipation of what we might do for Him in return. All we have to do is give Him our heart and our commitment to always do our very best…to honor Jesus with our words, actions and service to others. If you remember the last verses of this song, the “Little Drummer Boy” asks Mary if she would like to hear him play his drum, and she nods her approval. The “Little Drummer Boy” plays his drum…and Jesus smiles at him.
Jesus smiles at us and takes great delight when we follow Him faithfully and give Him our very best. This is the only gift that He desires. What are you giving Him these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to 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.
A woman complained to a psychologist that very dear, old friends had a habit of giving Christmas gifts that were quite expensive and/or elaborate…and she and her husband could not afford to reciprocate. She asked the psychologist how to handle this…and the reply was – “Remember ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ who gave what he could. If your friends can afford to give more costly gifts...and they seem to want to do this – let them. Give what you can in return, and don’t worry about it.”
I thought about “The Little Drummer Boy”, a Christmas song composed in 1958 by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone. In part, the words say “I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum…That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum”. No truer words were ever spoken. We can never give Jesus a gift that is anywhere NEAR the value of what He has given us…and He doesn’t care! Jesus is not interested in the monetary value or the magnitude of our gift.
God did not send His Only Son to earth in anticipation of what we might do for Him in return. All we have to do is give Him our heart and our commitment to always do our very best…to honor Jesus with our words, actions and service to others. If you remember the last verses of this song, the “Little Drummer Boy” asks Mary if she would like to hear him play his drum, and she nods her approval. The “Little Drummer Boy” plays his drum…and Jesus smiles at him.
Jesus smiles at us and takes great delight when we follow Him faithfully and give Him our very best. This is the only gift that He desires. What are you giving Him these days?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 16, 2014
Romans 10:15
And how will anyone go and tell them unless someone sends him? That is what the Scriptures are talking about when they say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace with God and bring glad tidings of good things.” In other words, how welcome are those who come preaching God’s Good News!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I took a walk today on a trail near our house. We trekked some 2+ miles along a forested trail and enjoyed the late-afternoon sunshine, birds and squirrels chirping overhead, and the gentle trickle of water that washed across a creek bed. On the last stretch of the walk, I thanked God for two strong feet that get me where I need to go…and then some! My feet may not be small or dainty in appearance, but they do amazing things – like walk, run, hop, jump, and paddle in the water! In this regard, my feet are truly quite beautiful! Hopefully, your feet enable you to do these same things - and are equally “gorgeous”!
This particular scripture passage is a reference to Isaiah 52:7. So “beautiful feet” are spoken of twice in the Bible…once in the Old Testament – and again in the New Testament. These are not the “feet” that physically carry you from one place to another. This scripture refers to the “feet” of a messenger who brings God’s Good News to others. Now THOSE are some beautiful feet!
This is a time of year when we hear a lot about the message of Christ…how angels heralded His arrival…how shepherds and kings visited the manger and returned to their farms and villages to share this news with family and friends. But the message of this season serves as a reminder to us to spread this Good News to those in OUR midst…to share the glad tidings of all that Jesus has done for us - and will continue to do - with everyone we meet!
As Christians, every single one of us has a pair of “beautiful feet”. How do you use yours?
©2014 Debbie Robus
And how will anyone go and tell them unless someone sends him? That is what the Scriptures are talking about when they say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Gospel of peace with God and bring glad tidings of good things.” In other words, how welcome are those who come preaching God’s Good News!
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Greg and I took a walk today on a trail near our house. We trekked some 2+ miles along a forested trail and enjoyed the late-afternoon sunshine, birds and squirrels chirping overhead, and the gentle trickle of water that washed across a creek bed. On the last stretch of the walk, I thanked God for two strong feet that get me where I need to go…and then some! My feet may not be small or dainty in appearance, but they do amazing things – like walk, run, hop, jump, and paddle in the water! In this regard, my feet are truly quite beautiful! Hopefully, your feet enable you to do these same things - and are equally “gorgeous”!
This particular scripture passage is a reference to Isaiah 52:7. So “beautiful feet” are spoken of twice in the Bible…once in the Old Testament – and again in the New Testament. These are not the “feet” that physically carry you from one place to another. This scripture refers to the “feet” of a messenger who brings God’s Good News to others. Now THOSE are some beautiful feet!
This is a time of year when we hear a lot about the message of Christ…how angels heralded His arrival…how shepherds and kings visited the manger and returned to their farms and villages to share this news with family and friends. But the message of this season serves as a reminder to us to spread this Good News to those in OUR midst…to share the glad tidings of all that Jesus has done for us - and will continue to do - with everyone we meet!
As Christians, every single one of us has a pair of “beautiful feet”. How do you use yours?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 15, 2014
Isaiah 55:8-11
This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.
As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’ve probably heard of “Elf on a Shelf”…the phenomenon that started a few years ago with a toy elf and a rhyming story about how he watches over children by day, then flies home to the North Pole to report to Santa each night. Each child names their elf, which gives him his “magic” and the ability to fly back and forth between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If the child touches the elf, he loses his “magic” and cannot fly any more…at least for a few days.
Children have a unique and innocent way of accepting such things. To them, the elf and his antics are real…and the fact that he can talk to Santa is hardly questioned for several years. This usually happens when an older child begins to plant seeds of doubt and suggest that Santa doesn’t truly exist - and the elf doesn’t actually have magical powers. I’m noticing that children often seem to do a better job than many adults do at accepting that God is real. They readily hear the Bible stories and take them to heart. They eagerly acknowledge that Jesus is who the Bible says He is…and that He came to earth and did all of the things the scriptures tell us that He did - until someone starts to plant doubts about this, as well.
This is a season of believing in the “magic” of Christmas, Santa Claus and elves. More importantly, this is a time to bolster our confidence in the belief that Jesus Christ is real…that He truly did come to earth as a tiny baby and grow into a man who was called “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) This is the time when we reaffirm our belief that God sent Jesus to teach us His ways…and to die for our sins. And the Christmas season is a wonderful time to share His message with the world.
The power of God trumps the “magical powers” of an elf and Santa Claus any day. With balance and care, there is room in our lives for both. Do YOU believe?
©2014 Debbie Robus
This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are my thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than yours, and my thoughts than yours.
As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to and prosper everywhere I send it.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
You’ve probably heard of “Elf on a Shelf”…the phenomenon that started a few years ago with a toy elf and a rhyming story about how he watches over children by day, then flies home to the North Pole to report to Santa each night. Each child names their elf, which gives him his “magic” and the ability to fly back and forth between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If the child touches the elf, he loses his “magic” and cannot fly any more…at least for a few days.
Children have a unique and innocent way of accepting such things. To them, the elf and his antics are real…and the fact that he can talk to Santa is hardly questioned for several years. This usually happens when an older child begins to plant seeds of doubt and suggest that Santa doesn’t truly exist - and the elf doesn’t actually have magical powers. I’m noticing that children often seem to do a better job than many adults do at accepting that God is real. They readily hear the Bible stories and take them to heart. They eagerly acknowledge that Jesus is who the Bible says He is…and that He came to earth and did all of the things the scriptures tell us that He did - until someone starts to plant doubts about this, as well.
This is a season of believing in the “magic” of Christmas, Santa Claus and elves. More importantly, this is a time to bolster our confidence in the belief that Jesus Christ is real…that He truly did come to earth as a tiny baby and grow into a man who was called “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) This is the time when we reaffirm our belief that God sent Jesus to teach us His ways…and to die for our sins. And the Christmas season is a wonderful time to share His message with the world.
The power of God trumps the “magical powers” of an elf and Santa Claus any day. With balance and care, there is room in our lives for both. Do YOU believe?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 14, 2014
December 14 ~ Isaiah 60:19-22
You won’t need the light
of the sun or the moon.
I, the Lord your God,
will be your eternal light
and bring you honor.
Your sun will never set
or your moon go down.
I, the Lord, will be
your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow
will come to an end.
Your people will live right
and always own the land;
they are the trees I planted
to bring praise to me.
Even the smallest family
will be a powerful nation.
I am the Lord,
and when the time comes,
I will quickly do all this.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All around the world, the Christmas season is being heralded in song and light. No doubt, thousands of churches presented special music this morning in honor of Jesus’ birthday. I know ours did…from preschool “Little Ringers” who rang bells to accompany “Silent Night” to elementary school children who sang about “David’s Dynasty” to our adult choir who presented their annual Christmas Cantata. Advent candles were lit, and there was a lighted Chrismon tree in our church’s sanctuary. Even Burger King was playing Christmas carols to accompany our lunch!
Obviously, there is something special about songs we only sing for one month out of the year. Lights and decorations that fill our homes, stores, churches and streets for these four weeks or so take on a magical air. But at the heart of these enhancements, we are celebrating something incredible…the carefully crafted and orchestrated plan of God to bring Jesus to Earth to be our eternal light!
The great thing about Christmas is that anyone can celebrate, because Jesus came to earth for everyone. Individuals, couples, small families, large families in every nation of the world can all participate. God sent Jesus to be the Light of the WORLD! This is reason to sing…to have parties, to light up our homes, and to exchange gifts in symbolic praise for the Ultimate Gift we have been given!
As you go about the coming days of this Christmas Season, consider the real message of lights, decorations and Christmas carols. Stop to praise God for sending an Everlasting Light to fill our hearts, save us from our sins, and prepare a place for us for all Eternity! Invite Jesus to dwell in your heart and celebrate His love and care every single day…and let these next eleven days be a giant revelry in His honor!
©2014 Debbie Robus
You won’t need the light
of the sun or the moon.
I, the Lord your God,
will be your eternal light
and bring you honor.
Your sun will never set
or your moon go down.
I, the Lord, will be
your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow
will come to an end.
Your people will live right
and always own the land;
they are the trees I planted
to bring praise to me.
Even the smallest family
will be a powerful nation.
I am the Lord,
and when the time comes,
I will quickly do all this.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All around the world, the Christmas season is being heralded in song and light. No doubt, thousands of churches presented special music this morning in honor of Jesus’ birthday. I know ours did…from preschool “Little Ringers” who rang bells to accompany “Silent Night” to elementary school children who sang about “David’s Dynasty” to our adult choir who presented their annual Christmas Cantata. Advent candles were lit, and there was a lighted Chrismon tree in our church’s sanctuary. Even Burger King was playing Christmas carols to accompany our lunch!
Obviously, there is something special about songs we only sing for one month out of the year. Lights and decorations that fill our homes, stores, churches and streets for these four weeks or so take on a magical air. But at the heart of these enhancements, we are celebrating something incredible…the carefully crafted and orchestrated plan of God to bring Jesus to Earth to be our eternal light!
The great thing about Christmas is that anyone can celebrate, because Jesus came to earth for everyone. Individuals, couples, small families, large families in every nation of the world can all participate. God sent Jesus to be the Light of the WORLD! This is reason to sing…to have parties, to light up our homes, and to exchange gifts in symbolic praise for the Ultimate Gift we have been given!
As you go about the coming days of this Christmas Season, consider the real message of lights, decorations and Christmas carols. Stop to praise God for sending an Everlasting Light to fill our hearts, save us from our sins, and prepare a place for us for all Eternity! Invite Jesus to dwell in your heart and celebrate His love and care every single day…and let these next eleven days be a giant revelry in His honor!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 13, 2014
Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins, in order to be forgiven.
In the words of Isaiah the prophet, John was “a voice shouting from the barren wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God.’”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few days ago, I was invited to Timothy’s kindergarten class to sing Christmas carols with the children. Before I went, my mother reminded me to enjoy this activity, because these moments pass all too quickly. And she is right…we will blink, and the children will be grown! Too often, we wish away our lives in anticipation of “big events” and fail to recognize the joy and blessings of each and every day.
Most of us are incredibly busy right now as we prepare for Christmas Day. And in doing so, I am afraid that many of us are missing “Christmas”! We’re so busy “preparing the road”, “filling up the valleys” and “straightening out the curves” that the true joy of the Christmas season will pass right by us…and we won’t even notice! We’ll look up and find that it is December 26th…Christmas Day has come and gone…and we pretty much missed it!
It is one thing to miss the real celebration of the entire Christmas season…but it’s quite another to miss Jesus altogether. And I’m afraid we do this, too. We are often so focused on the “doing” that we totally miss the real intention of John’s message…and Jesus’ teachings. We are looking ahead…to the next miracle…to where God is leading us…to what God has planned for us in the future…or even to the joys of heaven and eternity in His presence - and we miss Jesus here…now…today…in this moment.
Prepare the road for Jesus…but don’t miss Him when He walks right up to you! Don’t look up to realize that Christmas came and went – and you didn’t fully enjoy the season. More importantly, don’t miss the presence of Jesus in the everyday moments of your life. Widen the pathway and level the mountains if you must…but stop to look into Christ’s face and acknowledge His love…this Christmas season, and all year long.
©2014 Debbie Robus
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins, in order to be forgiven.
In the words of Isaiah the prophet, John was “a voice shouting from the barren wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God.’”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
A few days ago, I was invited to Timothy’s kindergarten class to sing Christmas carols with the children. Before I went, my mother reminded me to enjoy this activity, because these moments pass all too quickly. And she is right…we will blink, and the children will be grown! Too often, we wish away our lives in anticipation of “big events” and fail to recognize the joy and blessings of each and every day.
Most of us are incredibly busy right now as we prepare for Christmas Day. And in doing so, I am afraid that many of us are missing “Christmas”! We’re so busy “preparing the road”, “filling up the valleys” and “straightening out the curves” that the true joy of the Christmas season will pass right by us…and we won’t even notice! We’ll look up and find that it is December 26th…Christmas Day has come and gone…and we pretty much missed it!
It is one thing to miss the real celebration of the entire Christmas season…but it’s quite another to miss Jesus altogether. And I’m afraid we do this, too. We are often so focused on the “doing” that we totally miss the real intention of John’s message…and Jesus’ teachings. We are looking ahead…to the next miracle…to where God is leading us…to what God has planned for us in the future…or even to the joys of heaven and eternity in His presence - and we miss Jesus here…now…today…in this moment.
Prepare the road for Jesus…but don’t miss Him when He walks right up to you! Don’t look up to realize that Christmas came and went – and you didn’t fully enjoy the season. More importantly, don’t miss the presence of Jesus in the everyday moments of your life. Widen the pathway and level the mountains if you must…but stop to look into Christ’s face and acknowledge His love…this Christmas season, and all year long.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 12, 2014
December 12 ~ Acts 2:43-47
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When was the last time you heard someone say they were starting a diet…December 1st? Let’s face it…the Christmas season is a time of feasting. We trot out our traditional favorites…egg nog, cookies of every kind, spiced tea, and lots and lots of candy – not to mention the party trays of delicious hot hors d’oeuvres and dishes of every description. Most of us will sit down at some point to a sumptuous dinner…ham, turkey, dressing/stuffing, and all the trimmings. But WHY do we do this…and should we?
Let’s unpack this just a bit…Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our King of Kings. All throughout the Bible, people feasted to celebrate. And this is the time of year when we gather with family and friends and revel in the festivities of the season. Hopefully we will share joy and exuberance in the remembrance of Jesus…the celebration of His blessings upon our life over the last 12 months – and the anticipation of His love and grace upon us in the coming year.
So go ahead…share a cookie and some cocoa with a friend…break bread with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious tastes associated with Christmas. But remember WHO and WHY you are celebrating. Take time to give glory to God for sending Jesus. Make a point to say prayers of thanks to Jesus for His incredible, incomparable gift of Salvation. Revel in His goodness and make the holiday meals an exuberant, joyful celebration of praise to Him! This is the time to rejoice and make merry…we will all diet in January!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When was the last time you heard someone say they were starting a diet…December 1st? Let’s face it…the Christmas season is a time of feasting. We trot out our traditional favorites…egg nog, cookies of every kind, spiced tea, and lots and lots of candy – not to mention the party trays of delicious hot hors d’oeuvres and dishes of every description. Most of us will sit down at some point to a sumptuous dinner…ham, turkey, dressing/stuffing, and all the trimmings. But WHY do we do this…and should we?
Let’s unpack this just a bit…Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our King of Kings. All throughout the Bible, people feasted to celebrate. And this is the time of year when we gather with family and friends and revel in the festivities of the season. Hopefully we will share joy and exuberance in the remembrance of Jesus…the celebration of His blessings upon our life over the last 12 months – and the anticipation of His love and grace upon us in the coming year.
So go ahead…share a cookie and some cocoa with a friend…break bread with loved ones, and enjoy the delicious tastes associated with Christmas. But remember WHO and WHY you are celebrating. Take time to give glory to God for sending Jesus. Make a point to say prayers of thanks to Jesus for His incredible, incomparable gift of Salvation. Revel in His goodness and make the holiday meals an exuberant, joyful celebration of praise to Him! This is the time to rejoice and make merry…we will all diet in January!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 11, 2014
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I have been invited to come to Timothy’s kindergarten class to play the guitar and sing Christmas songs with the children. This ole kindergarten teacher can’t think of anything more joyful than to spend 30 minutes celebrating Christmas with 5-year-olds by singing familiar carols like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Feliz Navidad”! Some of you are returning home from college for Christmas break. Others are busy preparing your homes for the arrival of family and friends to celebrate the season.
Christmas is a joyful time. But for some, it is also a sad time. Sickness doesn’t stop in December. Death doesn’t take a holiday. I have friends who are hospitalized and facing surgery…others who are recuperating and in rehab following a medical procedure…and some who are nursing the flu or a bad cold. I know others who are in mourning - including a cousin whose father-in-law was killed two days ago in a collision with a drunk driver. A lot of these people are having a hard time finding anything to celebrate right now.
I’ve been on at both ends of this “holiday spectrum”. And I am here to attest that the words of Romans 8:38-39 are 100% perfect and true. NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. The love with which He sent Jesus to earth as a tiny baby is the same love that He exhibited when He sacrificed His only Son on the cross for our sins. The love and joy He blesses us with in the singing of Christmas tunes with 5-year-olds is no stronger than the love and compassion He wraps around us when we are grieving or in need of His healing touch.
I am printing out this scripture and taping it over my desk so that I see it every day. I don’t know about you, but I need a constant reminder of just how much God loves me. The meaning and message of Christmas lie in these words from Paul to the Romans. They are words of hope, love, celebration, comfort, and peace…and we could all use a hefty dose of each these days. Wherever you are…whatever is happening to you this Christmas season…remember that God is with us. His love never fails. That is reason enough for me to celebrate…what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I have been invited to come to Timothy’s kindergarten class to play the guitar and sing Christmas songs with the children. This ole kindergarten teacher can’t think of anything more joyful than to spend 30 minutes celebrating Christmas with 5-year-olds by singing familiar carols like “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Feliz Navidad”! Some of you are returning home from college for Christmas break. Others are busy preparing your homes for the arrival of family and friends to celebrate the season.
Christmas is a joyful time. But for some, it is also a sad time. Sickness doesn’t stop in December. Death doesn’t take a holiday. I have friends who are hospitalized and facing surgery…others who are recuperating and in rehab following a medical procedure…and some who are nursing the flu or a bad cold. I know others who are in mourning - including a cousin whose father-in-law was killed two days ago in a collision with a drunk driver. A lot of these people are having a hard time finding anything to celebrate right now.
I’ve been on at both ends of this “holiday spectrum”. And I am here to attest that the words of Romans 8:38-39 are 100% perfect and true. NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. The love with which He sent Jesus to earth as a tiny baby is the same love that He exhibited when He sacrificed His only Son on the cross for our sins. The love and joy He blesses us with in the singing of Christmas tunes with 5-year-olds is no stronger than the love and compassion He wraps around us when we are grieving or in need of His healing touch.
I am printing out this scripture and taping it over my desk so that I see it every day. I don’t know about you, but I need a constant reminder of just how much God loves me. The meaning and message of Christmas lie in these words from Paul to the Romans. They are words of hope, love, celebration, comfort, and peace…and we could all use a hefty dose of each these days. Wherever you are…whatever is happening to you this Christmas season…remember that God is with us. His love never fails. That is reason enough for me to celebrate…what about you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 10, 2014
Acts 10:4-6
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.
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.
This morning, a Facebook friend posted a “video” about a man who died and was summoned for judgment by God. To his horror and shame, his life and all of the mistakes he had made – every sin he had committed - was reviewed. Then an angel looked in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and the man’s name was nowhere to be found. The man was thrown into the "lake of fire" known as Hell.
The video concluded with a look at how things could have gone, had the man only surrendered his heart to Jesus and asked for His forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminded us that…”Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.” And the words of Isaiah 1:18 were presented to assure us…”This is God’s Message: ‘If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.’”
My friend accompanied this post with these words…”Powerful, hopefully by sharing this I can inspire someone, just as I was!!!” I hope so, too…because the real message of Christmas is not found in the tinsel and the garlands, the packages and the parties. The true message of Christmas lies in the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ…our promise and hope that God sent to earth in the form of a tiny baby. The message of Christmas really lies in the story of Easter…the crucifixion, death and resurrection of the Christ Child – all to pay for OUR sins and mistakes.
The real gift of Christmas is the anticipation of eternity spent in the presence of God. This gift is open to all of us who will freely choose to follow Jesus. As we read Peter’s words to the church in Acts, we are reminded that the door is open to any and ALL who choose to accept this gift. God plays no favorites, indeed! If you have received the gift of salvation in Jesus, every other gift is just fluff…something nice to tide you over until heaven – but made all the more enjoyable because of that confidence.
What is the message of Christmas for you this year? Have you received the ultimate Gift? Jesus is standing at the door…holding it open for you to enter into an eternal relationship with Him and live in His presence forever. Aren’t you ready to cross the threshold?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.
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.
This morning, a Facebook friend posted a “video” about a man who died and was summoned for judgment by God. To his horror and shame, his life and all of the mistakes he had made – every sin he had committed - was reviewed. Then an angel looked in the Lamb’s Book of Life, and the man’s name was nowhere to be found. The man was thrown into the "lake of fire" known as Hell.
The video concluded with a look at how things could have gone, had the man only surrendered his heart to Jesus and asked for His forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminded us that…”Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new.” And the words of Isaiah 1:18 were presented to assure us…”This is God’s Message: ‘If your sins are blood-red, they’ll be snow-white. If they’re red like crimson, they’ll be like wool.’”
My friend accompanied this post with these words…”Powerful, hopefully by sharing this I can inspire someone, just as I was!!!” I hope so, too…because the real message of Christmas is not found in the tinsel and the garlands, the packages and the parties. The true message of Christmas lies in the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ…our promise and hope that God sent to earth in the form of a tiny baby. The message of Christmas really lies in the story of Easter…the crucifixion, death and resurrection of the Christ Child – all to pay for OUR sins and mistakes.
The real gift of Christmas is the anticipation of eternity spent in the presence of God. This gift is open to all of us who will freely choose to follow Jesus. As we read Peter’s words to the church in Acts, we are reminded that the door is open to any and ALL who choose to accept this gift. God plays no favorites, indeed! If you have received the gift of salvation in Jesus, every other gift is just fluff…something nice to tide you over until heaven – but made all the more enjoyable because of that confidence.
What is the message of Christmas for you this year? Have you received the ultimate Gift? Jesus is standing at the door…holding it open for you to enter into an eternal relationship with Him and live in His presence forever. Aren’t you ready to cross the threshold?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 9, 2014
Isaiah 9:2-5
The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death. For Israel will again be great, filled with joy like that of reapers when the harvest time has come, and like that of men dividing up the plunder they have won.
For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the vast host of the Midianites by Gideon’s little band. In that glorious day of peace there will no longer be the issuing of battle gear; no more the bloodstained uniforms of war; all such will be burned.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I did quite a bit of shopping today…and by that, I mean I visited several stores. Everywhere I went, people were busily seeking that “just-right” Christmas gift, talking about how they wished they were done with their shopping, and generally stressing out over the holidays and all that they still have to do. One lady I’d never seen in my life turned to me on the baking supplies aisle and said, “Why does Christmas have to come so soon after Thanksgiving?!” She was lamenting how much food costs and how she has to prepare a dish for her church’s potluck!
Somehow, I am thinking this was not part of God’s plan when He sent Jesus to this earth. When the shepherds and scholars saw the bright light in the east that signaled the birth of our Messiah, I don’t figure their first thought was, “Great! Now they will want us to bring our specialty dish to a potluck!”…or even “What on earth will I get for Aunt Sue this year?”
My point is that we’ve gotten so caught up in the “busyness” of Christmas that we have totally forgotten the significance of this month and its celebrations. Even if we have considered the birth of the Christ Child…we have not really stopped to remember the impact that His earthly life had for each of us. Most certainly, we’ve given little thought to the chains of sin’s bondage that He broke for us…how He destroyed the hold of Satan over our lives and gave us salvation in Him… a gift that we can never deserve - much less repay.
We’re so busy rushing from one store to the next, marking things off our lists, and making sure that everyone has the perfect holiday that we have totally forgotten about Jesus. In one of the stores I visited this morning, I met a high school classmate who now lives in another community. I asked what brought her to our town, and she replied, “We came to visit my father-in-law, and I needed to lay flowers on family graves.” Her words caught my attention!
I noted that she had time in this busy season to visit an older person who might be lonely. She set aside her own agenda to think of others…something Jesus does for us every single day! I was reminded that there are those who need a visit from me. There are people who are sick and suffering – and Christmas is the farthest thing from their mind right now. There are others who aren’t celebrating the holidays…or at least not the birth of Jesus Christ. Many will enjoy the parties and festivities but never consider the real reason for our holiday.
So today, I encourage you to stop and consider the “Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death” – the Light of Jesus Christ. As you go about the holiday celebrations and rituals – the parties and the “chores of the season” – consider Jesus. How would He view these things? Would His “to-do” list look like yours? Are you truly remembering to do things for others, as Jesus would wish? Will the Light of Christ be visible in your actions and attitudes this season? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death. For Israel will again be great, filled with joy like that of reapers when the harvest time has come, and like that of men dividing up the plunder they have won.
For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the vast host of the Midianites by Gideon’s little band. In that glorious day of peace there will no longer be the issuing of battle gear; no more the bloodstained uniforms of war; all such will be burned.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
I did quite a bit of shopping today…and by that, I mean I visited several stores. Everywhere I went, people were busily seeking that “just-right” Christmas gift, talking about how they wished they were done with their shopping, and generally stressing out over the holidays and all that they still have to do. One lady I’d never seen in my life turned to me on the baking supplies aisle and said, “Why does Christmas have to come so soon after Thanksgiving?!” She was lamenting how much food costs and how she has to prepare a dish for her church’s potluck!
Somehow, I am thinking this was not part of God’s plan when He sent Jesus to this earth. When the shepherds and scholars saw the bright light in the east that signaled the birth of our Messiah, I don’t figure their first thought was, “Great! Now they will want us to bring our specialty dish to a potluck!”…or even “What on earth will I get for Aunt Sue this year?”
My point is that we’ve gotten so caught up in the “busyness” of Christmas that we have totally forgotten the significance of this month and its celebrations. Even if we have considered the birth of the Christ Child…we have not really stopped to remember the impact that His earthly life had for each of us. Most certainly, we’ve given little thought to the chains of sin’s bondage that He broke for us…how He destroyed the hold of Satan over our lives and gave us salvation in Him… a gift that we can never deserve - much less repay.
We’re so busy rushing from one store to the next, marking things off our lists, and making sure that everyone has the perfect holiday that we have totally forgotten about Jesus. In one of the stores I visited this morning, I met a high school classmate who now lives in another community. I asked what brought her to our town, and she replied, “We came to visit my father-in-law, and I needed to lay flowers on family graves.” Her words caught my attention!
I noted that she had time in this busy season to visit an older person who might be lonely. She set aside her own agenda to think of others…something Jesus does for us every single day! I was reminded that there are those who need a visit from me. There are people who are sick and suffering – and Christmas is the farthest thing from their mind right now. There are others who aren’t celebrating the holidays…or at least not the birth of Jesus Christ. Many will enjoy the parties and festivities but never consider the real reason for our holiday.
So today, I encourage you to stop and consider the “Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death” – the Light of Jesus Christ. As you go about the holiday celebrations and rituals – the parties and the “chores of the season” – consider Jesus. How would He view these things? Would His “to-do” list look like yours? Are you truly remembering to do things for others, as Jesus would wish? Will the Light of Christ be visible in your actions and attitudes this season? Don’t you think it should?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 8, 2014
Matthew 2:1-4
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory— this was during Herod’s kingship—a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified—and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
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.
Greg and I watched a sitcom recently in which a teenager found himself caught in a lie. His older sister convinced him that the best way to get out of it was to tell even BIGGER lies until people began to buy into the story and believe them to be truthful. Of course, this ultimately backfired, and the boy had to “come clean” about what had really happened.
Every single one of us has heard some news that had us scrambling to find out the details…to ask around and “get the skinny” on what was really going to happen. At the heart of the matter, we wanted to know what effect it would have on our own lives. Would this be good news for us…or bad news? When things are rocking along pretty well in our world, we don’t like to think about a change…especially one that might cause us some trouble!
Hopefully, such news has never left us terrified…at least not for the same reasons as Herod! Most assuredly, let’s hope that we never believe that the way to correct misinformation is with more untruths. At the heart of the matter, Herod was operating in fear and pride. His ego would not allow him to consider another king…not even one sent from God. So when he heard news that the Messiah had been born, all he could think about was figuring out a way to find Him and kill Him – or to convince his soldiers to do this! Now that’s some fear and pride at work!
I would hope that none of us plots evil things to cover our own sins – or to deal with our fears and the things that we believe will disrupt life as we know it! But just in case, let me leave you with this thought. Jesus is the light of the world. He tells us in John 10:10 that “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” There is nothing to fear about Jesus! With Him, ALL things are possible.
When a sense of fear or dread comes upon you, remember the Good News of Jesus Christ. Say a prayer and ask Him to help you squarely face whatever is in your path…and to give you wisdom and faith as you follow His lead. Like Herod and the “scholars”, we have two paths from which to choose. Make the right decision…follow Jesus, the King of Kings! Worship Him and walk in His ways, and you’ll never have to worry about the outcome.
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for December 7, 2014
Luke 2:16-19
They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our family took in the community’s annual lighted Christmas parade recently… including our niece and her husband and children - Timothy, Zola and Nathan. Timothy was clutching a small drawing that he and his mother had made earlier in the day. There was a depiction of Santa Claus, a reindeer, and some writing. He was very proud of his picture and showed it to several people…but he never let go of it.
Timothy told a friend of ours that he was going to see Santa after the parade. She asked, “Are you going to tell him what you want for Christmas?” With a gentle shake of his head, he very politely, but definitively told her, “No…he already knows!”
After the parade, the children did indeed get to see Santa. And we learned that the picture had been prepared for HIM…for his refrigerator at the North Pole. All that Timothy wanted to do was to give Santa the drawing he made for him. When he saw Santa walking across the lawn, he shot out toward him like a rocket…and he presented him with the picture. Santa thanked him - and Zola and Nathan. And he said, “I’ll be seeing you again very soon!”
Now, I know that Jesus isn’t Santa…and I do not mean to draw that comparison, except to say that the childlike faith and confidence of trusting that Santa WILL come and knows what we want often eludes us in the context of our Christian faith and trusting God for the same things. It doesn’t occur to us to “give back” to Jesus…to “make something for Him” in words and deeds. And while some of us might SAY that we believe that He knows our every need…few of us operate with such confidence and assurance that “God’s got this!” in our daily lives.
With unwavering conviction, the shepherds rushed to the stable to greet the newborn King. With complete certainty, they returned to their village and surrounding pastures to tell everyone what they had seen…that Jesus - the Messiah - was HERE! They did their part to herald the birth of Christ and share the Good News with others.
Today, it’s our turn. What will YOU do to demonstrate your faith and confidence in Jesus? Do you fully believe that He knows what you need before you even speak of it? Isn’t it time for you to trust Him more fully? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Our family took in the community’s annual lighted Christmas parade recently… including our niece and her husband and children - Timothy, Zola and Nathan. Timothy was clutching a small drawing that he and his mother had made earlier in the day. There was a depiction of Santa Claus, a reindeer, and some writing. He was very proud of his picture and showed it to several people…but he never let go of it.
Timothy told a friend of ours that he was going to see Santa after the parade. She asked, “Are you going to tell him what you want for Christmas?” With a gentle shake of his head, he very politely, but definitively told her, “No…he already knows!”
After the parade, the children did indeed get to see Santa. And we learned that the picture had been prepared for HIM…for his refrigerator at the North Pole. All that Timothy wanted to do was to give Santa the drawing he made for him. When he saw Santa walking across the lawn, he shot out toward him like a rocket…and he presented him with the picture. Santa thanked him - and Zola and Nathan. And he said, “I’ll be seeing you again very soon!”
Now, I know that Jesus isn’t Santa…and I do not mean to draw that comparison, except to say that the childlike faith and confidence of trusting that Santa WILL come and knows what we want often eludes us in the context of our Christian faith and trusting God for the same things. It doesn’t occur to us to “give back” to Jesus…to “make something for Him” in words and deeds. And while some of us might SAY that we believe that He knows our every need…few of us operate with such confidence and assurance that “God’s got this!” in our daily lives.
With unwavering conviction, the shepherds rushed to the stable to greet the newborn King. With complete certainty, they returned to their village and surrounding pastures to tell everyone what they had seen…that Jesus - the Messiah - was HERE! They did their part to herald the birth of Christ and share the Good News with others.
Today, it’s our turn. What will YOU do to demonstrate your faith and confidence in Jesus? Do you fully believe that He knows what you need before you even speak of it? Isn’t it time for you to trust Him more fully? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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