Daily Devotional for November 29, 2016

1 Chronicles 29:10-20
Then, in front of everyone, David sang praises to the Lord:

I praise you forever, Lord! You are the God our ancestor Jacob worshiped. Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world, and you rule with strength and power. You make people rich and powerful and famous. We thank you, our God, and praise you.

But why should we be happy that we have given you these gifts? They belong to you, and we have only given back what is already yours. We are only foreigners living here on earth for a while, just as our ancestors were. And we will soon be gone, like a shadow that suddenly disappears.

Our Lord God, we have brought all these things for building a temple to honor you. They belong to you, and you gave them to us. But we are happy, because everyone has voluntarily given you these things. You know what is in everyone’s heart, and you are pleased when people are honest. Always make us eager to give, and help us be faithful to you, just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshiped you. And give Solomon the desire to completely obey your laws and teachings, and the desire to build the temple for which I have provided these gifts.

David then said to the people, “Now it’s your turn to praise the Lord, the God your ancestors worshiped!” So everyone praised the Lord, and they bowed down to honor him and David their king.

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

I’m in all-out decorating mode this week.  The children and I started Sunday afternoon, and I continued yesterday.  All semblance of “fall” has given way to Christmas, and a magical holiday wonderland is emerging.

I admit…I’m a big kid when it comes to Christmas, and I overdo it with the decorations.  But when I see the looks on the children’s faces, every single ornament, snowman and holly sprig is worth it. As they get older, the children are beginning to appreciate the dozens of nativity scenes I display in our piano room…and the different ornaments on the tree that have sentimental significance.  And of course, they love “their” tree, the lights, and the singing reindeer!

It is a LOT of work to put this all out…and then take it all down. And I’ll be honest…there was a huge part of me that wanted to just skip it all this year.  For the last decade or more, my mother did not put up a Christmas tree or decorate much at her house.  She would say…”I’ll just enjoy Debbie’s decorations.” There has been a lump in my throat as I set out some of her treasures that now are part of my collection…and a smile on my face as I remembered how much she enjoyed many of them - like a big golden Santa that was a gift from her friend, Branson entertainer Shoji Tabuchi.

I reminded myself this morning that this effort is a gift.  God gave us Jesus - and a zillion reasons to celebrate. We do all we can to maintain the focus on Jesus during this Christmas season…but even the secular decorations contribute to the overall joy and wonder of the holiday season.  In total, this transformation of our home says, “Something special is happening…we are celebrating the greatest birthday ever.”  We are “making a fuss” to let God know how grateful we are for His best Gift ever…Jesus Christ! And we are saying to others, “We love Jesus enough to celebrate His birth and share this joy and festivity with each of you!”

So I will finish the decorating.  I may not put out EVERYTHING this year (who am I kidding?!)…but I will make our home a “party palace for Jesus!”  I will give this gift to those who visit…and give the glory to God Almighty. I will praise the Lord and bow down to honor Him with every ornament and piece of tinsel. Let the celebration of Jesus’ birth begin! Now it’s your turn!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 28, 2016

1 Chronicles 29:1-5    
David told the crowd: God chose my son Solomon to build the temple, but Solomon is young and has no experience. This is not just any building—this is the temple for the Lord God! That’s why I have done my best to get everything Solomon will need to build it—gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, onyx, turquoise, colored gems, all kinds of precious stones, and marble.

Besides doing all that, I have promised to give part of my own gold and silver as a way of showing my love for God’s temple. Almost one hundred twenty tons of my finest gold and over two hundred fifty tons of my silver will be used to decorate its walls and to make the gold and silver objects. Now, who else will show their dedication to the Lord by giving gifts for building his temple?

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

Last year, several events culminated in the lack of a leader for our church’s annual children’s Christmas program.  I told our Director of Music that I would gladly help…but I could not take on the role of leader, because of my mother’s illness.  If necessary, I wanted to be able to step aside at a moment’s notice - and not leave the children in limbo.  So my friend, Chris, who already leads the youth choir, agreed to take charge of this program. Chris and I make a pretty good team…and since I knew most of the children from Sunday school, my role as assistant was the perfect fit.

As time approached to begin practices this year, Chris and I once again agreed to handle the Christmas program.  However, shortly before the first rehearsal, Chris’s dad passed away. I let her know that I was willing to do more and “cover” for her, if needed. But Chris never missed a beat.  She says that having this program to command her focus has been helpful. A woman in our church who has experience with acting and public speaking stepped up to work with our children who have speaking parts. Once again, we are all working as a team to produce a program that is going to bless everyone involved. We are using our talents and abilities to give back to God.

In 1 Chronicles 29:1-5, David is telling the people of Israel that he has done his part to build this temple to glorify God.  Now he is asking them to do theirs by giving what they can.  Here is the important thing to note…David was rich, and plenty able to provide the finest gold and silver for decoration of the temple. A few others might have been equally rich…but many were not wealthy at all. Still, each one had something that he/she could contribute.  And this is the point for us.

Your greatest gift to God may not be money. It may not even be time or talent.  Your gift may be to pray for others and encourage them.  It may be to make phone calls, work in the kitchen, visit shut-ins, or text friends to ask, “How are you doing today?”  The point is that we ALL have SOMETHING to give to glorify God.  We just have to figure out what it is…and then start giving!

Last night at our children’s program practice, Timmy got out of his seat, came to me and gave me a big hug.  Later, my cousin messaged me to say that her little boy, Owen, had looked at a Christmas shirt I made him and said, “Debbie gives good stuff!”  These are two seven-year-olds who give some pretty good stuff themselves! And if little children can give what they are able to make life better for someone else and glorify God, don’t you think we ought to be able to do this?

Are you giving what you can – when and where you are able?  In this season of “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” - and picking out the perfect gift for Aunt Sue or that special someone in your life - shouldn’t we pause and consider our gifts to God?  After all, He gave US the perfect Gift in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Are you doing your part…and giving “good stuff” for the glory of God?  Isn’t this the perfect time to begin?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 25, 2015

Joshua 4:21-24   
Then Joshua told the people:

Years from now your children will ask you why these rocks are here. Tell them, “The Lord our God dried up the Jordan River so we could walk across. He did the same thing here for us that he did for our people at the Red Sea, because he wants everyone on earth to know how powerful he is. And he wants us to worship only him.”

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

Last night during our now-likely-“traditional” Christmas Eve pizza dinner, I looked up and noticed that the almost-full moon had risen and was brightly shining over the valley.  We called the little ones to the window and had them look at the big, bright orb.  “There hasn’t been a full moon at Christmas since 1977!” we commented.  “The next one will happen in about 30 years.”  I looked it up today, and actually, it will be 2034, so that is only 19 years away.  However, I remarked to the children’s parents, “By the time we see this again, you all will likely be grandparents!” 

Both mother and father were taken aback by this thought!  We laughed and suggested that they “do the math.”  Timothy will be 36 years old…and even in 19 years, he will be the same age as his mother is today – and only 2 years younger than his dad is presently. So the possibility that they could be grandparents when we have another “Christmas moon” is something that could definitely happen!

Now, as humorous and thought-provoking as the idea of our little ones having children of their own by the next “Christmas moon,” is…the more interesting point in my mind is that we actually are anticipating this phenomenon again in the year 2034.  There are many things that occur in nature with a fair degree of regularity – and we simply take them for granted.  We never consider that they represent a consistency in God’s promises.  We sing “The Sun Will Come Out…Tomorrow” and we totally take for granted that God will turn the earth on its axis and cause the sun to “rise” in our neck of the woods.

We even take for granted a lot of events and circumstances that God has made a point to promise to us.  We look at the rainbow and remember briefly that God sent the first one to Noah as a symbol of His promise to never again destroy the earth and its people because of their sins.  When you think about it, Jesus’ birth in a lowly manger was yet another symbol of this promise.  In essence, Jesus Christ is a powerful, profound, and everlasting “rainbow” Who has taken our sins once and for all.

And so, I am watching and waiting for tonight’s “Christmas moon”…and maybe I’ll be around to see the next one in 2034.  If so, I will once again be reminded of God’s love and care, because I know that in a span of 19 years, He will show me over and again how important I am to Him.  I know that He will “dry the river” or “part the sea” for me and those I love more times than I can count – in ways that I can’t begin to imagine or explain.  And should I miss the next “Christmas moon,” it will only mean that God has made a place for me at His feet and fully in His presence…which will fulfill another promise that He has made to me.

I don’t know where you will watch the next “Christmas moon” – or if you will see it in the flesh.  My prayer is that either way, you are fully, confidently “walking” in the promises of God…enjoying His incredible love and care and delighting in His abundant blessings…all while worshipping only Him and giving Him all the glory and adulation!

Even when there are no rainbows, parted seas, dried rivers, or “Christmas moons,” god continually demonstrates His faithfulness to us.  Are you giving Him your full worship in return?  Will this “Christmas moon” serve as a reminder to give God your very best at all times?  Don’t you think it should?
     
©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2012

1 Chronicles 29:10-14, 16-17
Then David blessed the LORD before the whole assembly:

Blessed are you, LORD, God of our ancestor Israel, forever and always. To you, LORD, belong greatness and power, honor, splendor, and majesty, because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you. Yours, LORD, is the kingship, and you are honored as head of all. You are the source of wealth and honor, and you rule over all. In your hand are strength and might, and it is in your power to magnify and strengthen all.

And now, our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly? Since everything comes from you, we have given you that which comes from your own hand.

LORD, our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build you a temple for your holy name comes from your hand and belongs to you. Since I know, my God, that you examine the mind and take delight in honesty, I have freely given all these things with the highest of motives. And now I’ve been delighted to see your people here offering so willingly to you.

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

My husband and I recently watched an interesting documentary film called I Am by director Tom Shadyac. This man’s name might not be familiar to you, but I bet you know his work… Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps, and Patch Adams, to name a few. Shadyac was living “the American Dream” – cars, mansions, a private jet, and more. Then he was involved in a serious biking accident and suffered a head injury that left him with a condition known as “Post-concussion Syndrome,” or “PC.” One of the common symptoms of PC is severe depression, and some sufferers even become suicidal. As Shadyac considered his own death, he says he gained clarity and purpose in his own life. And he began to make some major changes.

Tom Shadyac’s father, Richard, was a board member and CEO of St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, where children with life-threatening illnesses are treated free of charge. Through Richard Shadyac, Tom already had experience in “giving back.” But as a result of his injury and illness, he began to ask the question… ”What's wrong with our world, and what can we do about it?” In the film I Am, Shadyac consults philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders throughout the world. He concludes that a basic law of nature is to take only what you need. Clearly, we’ve lost sight of this in today’s world! By showing the connection all life forms have via DNA, argon gas, and much more, Shadyac illustrates how intricately God formed all of His creatures – and how important it is for us to operate from the heart rather than the head!

If you watch I Am expecting Shadyac to attribute all of his discoveries directly to God, you will be disappointed. But the film is still worth a look. It makes you think about how much “stuff” we have – and how important much of it has become to us. Hopefully you will be reminded that everything we have comes from God… and you will question what you are giving Him in return.

We can’t outgive God. We cannot “compete” in any way, shape, or form. And we are not supposed to… God doesn’t want us to serve or give to Him out of any sense of obligation. But He does want us to take all of the gifts, blessings, talents and abilities that He has so graciously showered on us and give back out of the abundance of our heart, with no hidden motives or expectations. In other words, if God has blessed you with intelligence and the means to attend college, you can “repay” Him by studying hard, doing your best, and making the most of whatever degree you earn… then serving others in your work.

If God has blessed you with a good job and the opportunity to make plenty of money, honor Him by helping others… giving to charities, ministering to the needy, and using your “wealth” to support programs and organizations that aide those less fortunate. If God has given you a talent, use it for His glory. Don’t “hide your light under a barrel” or use what He gave you merely to gain recognition and accolades for yourself.

Tom Shadyac sold his mansions, cars, and jet and moved into a much smaller home. He rides a bicycle to work. God gave him the ability to create movies that make us laugh… and now to make us think. As you look around at your life, ask yourself where you have used God’s gifts for your own purposes. What have you given back to Him? How have you taken the talents and abilities God gave you and used them to do things that bring glory and honor to Him? Where does your life need a tune-up… and a downsizing? What are you giving back to God… and how pleased is He with your offerings?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 2, 2012

1 Chronicles 16:34-36
Praise the LORD because he is good to us, and his love never fails. Say to him, "Save us, LORD God! Bring us back from among the nations. Let us celebrate and shout in praise of your holy name. LORD God of Israel, you deserve to be praised forever and ever."

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

For many of us, today was a reality check… a time to go back to our routine, put away the last of the Christmas decorations, and maybe sleep in one last time before returning to work. Christmas and New Year’s Day have come and gone… the parties are over… and soon we will go back to school or work and/or a regular routine. The celebrating is over for another year.

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean we have to stop celebrating the “Reason for the Season!” In fact, this is exactly the wrong thing to do! We have plenty to celebrate. We have more than enough reasons to continue to praise God… to thank Him each and every day for all He does for us. Christmas is not the end… it’s the beginning!

So let’s keep this going! Let’s remember to celebrate and shout in praise of the holy name of Jesus Christ! Let’s thank God each and every day for being so good to us… for His love that never fails… for continually meeting our needs. We can still smile at people in the halls and the checkout line. We can still give to charities and help those in need. We can still extend the love and peace of God to others. Just because we’re not saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the love of Christ and share with others.

Our God truly does deserve to be praised forever and ever. How will you celebrate Him in the coming months?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for October 15, 2011

Psalm 118:28-29
The LORD is my God! I will praise him and tell him how thankful I am. Tell the LORD how thankful you are, because he is kind and always merciful.

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

Did you have breakfast this morning? Did you wake up with a knot in your stomach because you had not had food to eat for the last few days? Did you have to walk several miles just to get your bowl of morning cereal? By the mere act of reading this devotional, you have indicated how blessed you are. You have some sort of device at your disposal that allows you to communicate with the world… to say whatever you wish to whomever you please.

When was the last time you thanked God for all of the comforts you have in your life? Even if God didn’t give us the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ… salvation… the promise of eternal life… the basic (and not-so-basic) conveniences and blessings He lavishes on us daily are more than enough to merit praise.

We take so much for granted. We have our little pity parties and lament how mistreated and misunderstood and neglected we are… how “poor” we are and how we can’t seem to get ahead in this world or we’re being taxed to death – or “they” are out to get us. All the while, we live in such abundance compared to many.

We may not dine on steak and caviar every night, but we have food to eat. We may not live in a palace…but we are safe, warm and dry. We may not drive a Rolls Royce, but we have a means to get where we need to go. And when we do have a need, God always provides. It may not be exactly what we asked for… you may pray for a Mercedes and get a clunker… but God answers with grace and mercy.

We have no problem asking God for what we need… yet we fail to give Him the only thing we can to truly repay Him besides our service and loyalty – our praise. Isn’t it time we started focusing more on giving thanks and showing gratitude? We’ll never be able to “even the score”… and thankfully, God doesn’t care about that. But we can make a dent. Are you ready to try?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for June 19, 2011

Psalm 96:1-4
Sing a new song to the LORD! Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD, sing and praise his name. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things! The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.

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

One morning recently I got up early and headed for the farmer’s market and the grocery store, before the heat of the day set in and made being in and out of a car quite miserable. I stopped at Spring Park, where a farmer’s truck bed was laden with vegetables like potatoes, onions, squash, and tomatoes. He had cantaloupes and watermelons, too. As he placed the tomatoes and squash I had purchased into a bag, a strong breeze stirred through the trees.

I looked at those trees… tall and mighty – standing in that park for decades, if not centuries. And later, I stood and looked at old oak trees in the yard of our former office across the street from my grandparents’ house, where all but one massive oak tree that shaded the property have succumbed to time and mankind. I thought about how God had placed these trees in our yards and parks to shade us and carry cool breezes on a hot summer day.

I thought about how God provides us with delicious summer garden vegetables and fruits… how He carefully orchestrates every detail of our lives and continually does “wonderful and marvelous things.” And I realized… none of us praise Him enough! We should get up every morning and sing a new song to the LORD. We should praise His name day after day.

Even on our worst day… when nothing seems to be going right, we didn’t sleep well (or overslept), and life is really getting us down… we should still give God continual praise, because He never stops working on our behalf. So the challenge for each of us is this… let’s begin each day with praise to God for all that He does for us. Let’s make a concerted effort to praise Him throughout the day for all of his marvelous works and wonders that surround us. Let’s get in the habit of praising God continually for being our Savior and the only God worthy of our worship.

It’s time we stopped taking God for granted. Have you given Him praise today?

©2011 Debbie Robus