Daily Devotional for November 24, 2016

Psalm 118:1-7; 27-28
Oh, thank the Lord, for he’s so good! His loving-kindness is forever.

Let the congregation of Israel praise him with these same words: “His loving-kindness is forever.” And let the priests of Aaron chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.” Let the Gentile converts chant, “His loving-kindness is forever.”

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me. He is for me! How can I be afraid? What can mere man do to me? The Lord is on my side; he will help me. Let those who hate me beware.

Jehovah God is our light. I present to him my sacrifice upon the altar, for you are my God, and I shall give you this thanks and this praise. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is so good! For his loving-kindness is forever.

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

Last Thanksgiving Day, things were so different for my family.  Greg’s brother was alive and well and celebrating with his family.  My mother was battling ovarian cancer…but she was able to dine with us at our table and visit for a few hours afterward.  Now, both of these loved ones are feasting at God’s Heavenly Table…and that doesn’t seem possible – or right!

Last year, Mother wrote a Thanksgiving week blog post in which she noted: “This year, my 76th Thanksgiving, is totally different. I have cancer—an unwelcome and unexpected guest. I cannot host my family around my dining table. My Thanksgiving apron hung limp, not worn this year. However, my older daughter and her husband picked up the tradition. On Thanksgiving Day, we gathered around their dining table in their beautiful home perched on a bluff overlooking [the] Little Red River and Greers Ferry Dam that holds the water back in an expanse of clear blue water.”

“For the first time in my adult life, I was only expected to be present. I did not prepare the dressing, the pecan pie, or the turkey breast. But I am so thankful to have one more Thanksgiving with my loved ones; three little great-grandchildren who keep the holiday lively. A nephew and his wife traveled from Northwest Arkansas to be with us. Thanksgiving was a special day—one in which to give thanks to our Lord. Hopefully, next year, I can once again take my Thanksgiving apron from its hook and help to prepare our feast.”

Mother did not get to pick up that apron for this Thanksgiving…but the cousins drove down to be with us again.  And my immediate family is gathered together for a Thanksgiving feast and visit.  We are still standing…and we are incredibly grateful and thankful.

I lost count of the number of dear friends of ours who have lost a parent, spouse or sibling since this time last year.  Maybe I am more aware, but it seems like a lot of people are in the same boat as we are.  A few days ago, God gave me a beautiful vision.  I have been cooking for our meal for three days or more…and God showed me a lavish Thanksgiving table in heaven.  My parents were seated there, along with my brother, grandparents, my cousins, aunts, uncles, Greg’s dad and brother and HIS grandparents and extended family.

Neighbors, friends, and people from around our community and beyond who were an integral part of our lives were there, also.  There was such an abundance of food…and people lingered and laughed and visited.  Jesus moved in and among the group, sitting first one place and then another.  There was no sadness…and nobody was worried about calories – or anything else!  Did I mention that there was a lot of laughter?

I very plainly heard God tell me, “Someday, you will be here, too…and it will be glorious. Meanwhile, you have people to ‘feed’ where you are…things to do…and an important purpose.”  I was flooded with peace and comfort by this thought…and I have shared it with several loved ones who are missing their own “people” this holiday.

We have so much for which to be thankful…especially Jesus and the promise of heaven because of His sacrifice on the cross.  Someday, we WILL be there, too…and it WILL be glorious.  Meanwhile, God’s lovingkindness makes life on earth bearable – and pretty great most days – like this one!  For this, I give thanks – today, and always. What about you?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2016

Psalm 138
Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.
When they hear what you have to say, God,
    all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
    “How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
    no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
When I walk into the thick of trouble,
    keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
    strike my foes,
With your other hand
    save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
    Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.

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.

“Life is short…and sugar is cheap!” – Jay Grelen, former “Sweet Tea” columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

I think of this phrase on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas… when we have a family dinner, and I make big pitchers of sweet tea. There is so much wisdom in this phrase.  Life IS short…as many of us know all too well. We don’t stop to take stock of the blessings we have in our lives…or to truly appreciate the presence of those around us.  We look up, and half the people in the room have their noses buried in a smart phone…or they are glued to a television. Or perhaps we don’t even bother to get together at all.

I shared a poignant video* on Facebook last week of an elderly man who was sitting at a holiday table, dining alone.  His children all made excuses for why they couldn’t come for a Christmas visit this year…how maybe next time, they would make it.  Then the video cuts to a scene of the children receiving devastating news. By their reactions, you conclude that the “poppa” has died. The children are shown arriving outside this man’s home. They are distraught…it seems their beloved father/grandfather has died.  But when they enter the home, a holiday meal is on the table. Candles are lit, and everything is perfect…and the father/grandpa emerges from the kitchen, and asks, “How else could I have brought you all together?”

I don’t know your situation and circumstances today. My own family has spent holidays together – and apart - for various reasons.  We’ve postponed holiday get-togethers because someone was ill or hospitalized…and we’ve buried loved ones on Christmas Eve.  And yes, we’ve made our share of excuses why we couldn’t make it to one or more events when there was nothing catastrophic to prevent such a gathering. Sometimes, this couldn’t be helped…but other times, we just didn’t try hard enough.

The point is that we do this with God, too.  We often make excuses or postpone our time with Him.  At best, we give God limited attention and a lot of “lip service.”  Sometimes, He has to shake up our world just to bring us together with Him for some intimate time!  We forget that life is short…and sugar is cheap. It doesn’t cost us anything to spend time with God…and yet, that time is some of the most precious we will ever have.

So this Thanksgiving, thank God with everything in you. Set aside everything and spend quality time with God and let Him know just how grateful you are that He makes your life large with strength…that no matter the distance, He knows everything about you - and keeps you alive in the thick of turmoil and trouble.  Thank God that His love is eternal and everlasting.

While you’re at it…thank God for the people that He has placed in your life.  Reach out to some of them and spend some quality time in conversation, if not personal contact.  Soak in the moments spent together, and relish in them.  Life is short, and sugar is cheap…so maybe drink a glass of sweet tea while you’re at it!  Remember how blessed you are to be loved by such a great and mighty God…and make the most of each blessing that He has given you – this week, and always.

©2016 Debbie Robus

* http://www.3lstories.com/people-are-calling-this-the-most-powerful-christmas-commercial-ever

Daily Devotional for November 22, 2016

Psalm 100
Shout praises to the Lord,
    everyone on this earth.
Be joyful and sing
as you come in
    to worship the Lord!
You know the Lord is God!
He created us,
    and we belong to him;
    we are his people,
    the sheep in his pasture.
Be thankful and praise the Lord
    as you enter his temple.
The Lord is good!
    His love and faithfulness
    will last forever.

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

Thanksgiving Day is almost here!  Many Americans are frantically trying to get home to family and friends…or they are cooking night and day to prepare a feast that will be consumed within an hour or two - and result in leftovers for days on end!

Others are not so “fortunate.”  They are sitting in hospitals with loved ones who are gravely ill…or their loved ones are in heaven, and they have no one with whom to share a holiday meal.  They are homeless, hungry, out of work, lonely, despondent and generally hopeless.  And an expensive, overdone holiday to celebrate an “abundance” they don’t seem to enjoy seems not only pointless – but also painful.

We’ve all been there, to some degree.  We’ve all experienced highs and lows – both on holidays and on “regular” days.  But through it all, one thing has remained constant…the love and care of Jesus.  He loves us on our best days – and on our worst.  Jesus is with us when we have more than enough…and when we are wondering how we will get through the next few minutes.  And because of Jesus, we all have a reason to be thankful.

So look beyond your situation and circumstances this week. Look up…and stare into the eyes of Someone who loves you more than you can ever begin to imagine. Let His love surround you, and snuggle in closely as Jesus wraps you in His arms and pulls you toward His heart.  Know that you are one of His sheep…that He will never, ever stop loving you and caring about your every need.  And be thankful.

Even when you don’t feel like celebrating anything about your life, you can celebrate Jesus.  He is good…He is faithful…and His love will last forever! You can belong to Him forever and ever! If you have never fully surrendered your heart to Jesus, this is the time to do so…then bask in His never-ending love, grace and mercy.

Don’t wait another minute!  You belong to Jesus…now truly belong to Him! And make a joyful noise…this week – and always!

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 21, 2016

Romans 5:6-8
Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway.

We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever 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.

We’ve all heard stories of a parent who jumped into the water to save a drowning child…and ended up drowning instead.  I know of a woman who was killed when she pushed her child out of the way of an oncoming truck.  While none of us can say for certain we would do in such a situation, I’m pretty sure I would risk my life for that of one of our children. And you probably would, also.

Conversely, you may have said of someone, “I would not walk across the street to spit on him if he was on fire!”  Now, whether you meant this or not…it was a harsh statement, to be certain.  But sometimes, the devil whispers in our ear and causes us to feel this way about people.  And sometimes, we play the “stranger card.”  We say, “I don’t know him/her…what happens is none of my business.”

Here’s the thing…it’s ALL the business of Jesus!  And aren’t we glad?!  Jesus gave His very life for us before we were even formed!  He sacrificed His blood on the cross for the child who is so precious to you and me…the stranger…and even that person we would not venture to save!  JESUS will save them, if only they will call on Him.

This kinda puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?  Jesus died for ALL of us…even those we find despicable!  He didn’t pick and choose based on race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, politics, socio-economics, or even attitudes and opinions!  In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”  He doesn’t specify WHO can come to Him…ALL are welcome!

As we approach Thanksgiving Day and reflect on our blessings, we must surely include Jesus among them.  We should all be grateful for how He welcomes each of us…and the incredible sacrifice that He made on our behalf.  There is nothing we can offer Jesus that is truly special…yet He died for us anyway.  We are all afforded equal opportunity to receive salvation in Him. We didn’t deserve it…we can’t earn it…but still, He laid down His life for each of us.

There might be someone, somewhere, who would be willing to lay down his/her life for you and me…and vice versa.  But only Jesus can say that He could do this for ANYONE and EVERYONE. Whether we accept Him as our Savior was not a deciding factor…He did it anyway.

Praise God for sending His precious Son – for His incredible, selfless gift.  My prayer is that you have embraced Jesus for yourself – that you have humbly and gratefully surrendered your heart to Him and asked that He forgive your sins – and fill your heart forever. ThisThanksgiving, can you count Jesus as your biggest blessing?  Isn’t it time you could?
 
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2015

1 John 4:4, 7-8
Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world.

Dear friends, let us practice loving each other, for love comes from God and those who are loving and kind show that they are the children of God, and that they are getting to know him better. But if a person isn’t loving and kind, it shows that he doesn’t know God—for God is love.

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

Happy Thanksgiving!  This truly is a day to share God’s love with one another.  More importantly, this is the perfect day to thank GOD for all that He has given us. 

• God meets our every need.
• God gives us hope and courage.
• God calms our fears.
• God heals us.
• God gives us peace
• God answers our prayers.
• God plans for our future.
• God keeps His promises.
• God showers us with amazing and abundant love.
• God prepares us for Eternity in His presence.

Our complete well-being – mental, physical and spiritual – is God’s number one objective.  No one will ever love us like God does…and because of this, “no weapon formed against us can prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 paraphrased).  This is the perfect day to not only give thanks to God, but to share His love with others…to be loving and kind - and to demonstrate that we are getting to know Him better every single day. 

Let’s make this the day that we truly show our gratitude to God - and to each other - for love, care, friendship, and abundance.  Make a commitment to get to know God better and grow daily in knowledge and appreciation of His love and care.  There is no better day to “Give Thanks” than this one…ready…set…GO!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2015

1 Chronicles 16:30-33
God is serious business, take him seriously;
    he’s put the earth in place and it’s not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
    and pass the word among the nations, “God reigns!”
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
    let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
    to all who are pleased and present before God
    —he’s on his way to set things right!

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

It’s going to be a very busy week for many of us.  There are pies to bake, dishes to prep, turkeys to roast – and so much more.  Some of us have last-minute projects to complete and classes to attend. Others are scrambling to get on a plane or pack a vehicle and head across the countryside to Grandma’s for the holidays.  There is so much happening that many of us will forget WHY we are even celebrating.

We often get so caught up in the stress and “busyness” of our lives that we fail to remember Who put the earth in place!  As we hurry through this week and try to juggle all of the balls in the air, let’s stop to give thanks to God, Who makes all things possible.

Let’s be thankful for all that God has given us and show Him the respect and honor that He deserves.  Let’s remind ourselves that indeed, God reigns – today, tomorrow, and forever! Without Him, there would be no Thanksgiving…no hope or healing…no salvation or promise of Eternal life!  Stop and take a breath this week…give thanks to God for all He does for us…and all that He will do in the days to come. 

And at the end of the week, when everything got done, the meal was delicious, and we all had a great time together, thank God for orchestrating that, as well!  Let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant…and pass the word…”God reigns!”  All thanks be to Him forever and ever!

©2015 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 22, 2012

1 Peter 5:7
God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

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

When I was a little girl, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas were a huge deal in my family. We gathered for gigantic potluck meals, rotating who served as host/hostess among the adult family members. In attendance were my parents and my siblings, both sets of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins… sometimes as many as 30 people. When I was small, my dad and some male cousins would go quail hunting right after lunch. In later years, we sat around and visited…and ate…looked at old pictures…and ate…watched football… and ate…played dominoes… and did I mention that we ate?! We would reheat what was left around dinner time and eat one last time, then say our good-byes and return to our individual homes.

As an adult, I have come to realize how much work this annual dinner was for the host/hostess… how long and hard others (who had regular day jobs) worked in the evenings and early morning of Thanksgiving Day to prepare the succulent dishes that always graced our tables and sideboards. But for me, it was a day when everyone got together to share food and fellowship without a care in the world. It was as if we cast all of our cares aside for that one day.

Now I realize that a lot of people come to the Thanksgiving Day table with a heavy heart… burdens that seem insurmountable…troubles of all kinds. There isn’t enough turkey, cranberries or pumpkin pie in the world to soothe what ails them. And I get it… I truly do. I will miss my grandparents today… the cousins who have long since gone to heaven and feast at the Heavenly table… my dad and my brother… my father-in-law who loved to see his family gathered around the table… and my little grandmother who is physically unable to leave her apartment and be with us. In the back of my mind I will be thinking about what I have to do next week, what’s going on in the world at large, those less fortunate, and the challenges that lie before me and my family.

But the GOOD NEWS is that I serve a God who is more than able to handle these worries and burdens. So today, I will make an extra effort to hand them to Him… to thank Him for such strong and sturdy shoulders that can carry the cares of the world. I will allow God to fill me with joy for the memories of times gone past… and the new traditions and memories we will begin to create this day with family members who are present… and our little great-niece and nephews, Zola, Timmy and Nathan. I will laugh and celebrate the joy and wonder of their presence… and the freedom to share a delicious meal with them in the cozy, festive home of their great-grandmother… my mom. I will cook the traditional green beans in my grandmother’s old iron Dutch oven. I’ll make other dishes that have come to be holiday favorites… as will others. And we will eat… and eat… and eat some more… because we can, praise God!

Wherever you are today… whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving Day officially, or you are merely counting your blessings because you can – and should… give God praise for carrying our worries and cares. Thank Him for being so powerful, loving, generous, gracious and merciful. Thank God for those who have filled your life in the past… and those who surround you today and in days to come. Recognize that your worst day WITH God is better than your best day without Him… and be incredibly thankful for that! Let go and let God… be thankful and blessed… and please pass the gravy… and the TUMS®!

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 24, 2011

Psalm 138
With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.

All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.

I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!

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

Since the first of this month, many have been posting a daily list on Facebook of things for which they are thankful. Truly we all have a lot to be thankful for every day of the year… and so much for which to sing praises to the LORD.

Today, many of us will pause to gather with family and friends, stuff ourselves silly with rich food and far too many calories, and spend the day watching football or movies, playing games, visiting, and participating in whatever activities are part of our Thanksgiving Day tradition. But let’s also take time to consider the words of this passage and give praise to God for all He does for us. Let’s thank Him for being true to His word, and giving us courage, love and faithfulness.

Let’s honor God for protecting us from our enemies and keeping us safe… and for never giving up on us. And let’s be sure to thank Him for sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we will feast at His table in Heaven someday.

We don’t deserve the great love and care of our Almighty God… and this is what makes it so special. The beauty of our relationship with God is that He loves us unconditionally… freely… and in spite of ourselves. I pray that you will enjoy your Thanksgiving Day… and that you will find time to praise God for His unending blessings. Happy Thanksgiving!

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2011

Psalm 136:1-4
Praise the LORD! He is good.
God's love never fails.

Praise the God of all gods.
God's love never fails.

Praise the Lord of lords.
God's love never fails.

Only God works great miracles.
God's love never fails.

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

When I was young, our family had huge holiday get-togethers, especially on Thanksgiving Day and again at Christmas. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins gathered for a noon meal that turned into grazing all afternoon and into the evening. Sometimes the men went bird hunting after lunch. Sometimes we played cards or dominoes. Other times we just visited and ate the whole day. There was an abundance family, food, and fun.

We rotated who hosted the holiday party, and the meals were potluck, and certain people always brought their specialty dish. My Aunt Altha made giblet gravy and wonderful pies. My cousin Betty Rhea made the cornbread dressing. My Mam-ma Polly cooked green beans in a cast-iron Dutch oven… and she always made the yeast rolls. We averaged 30 people at our “dinners,” and even the smallest house was outfitted with card tables and chairs to accommodate everyone. Nobody ever seemed to feel crowded.

Now our numbers have dwindled. There will be fewer than a dozen people at the table tomorrow. My mom usually makes the cornbread dressing, but her sister is making it this year. I inherited my grandmother’s cast iron Dutch oven nearly a decade ago, so green beans is always an item I bring. The homemade rolls have been replaced by the Sister Schubert’s heat and serve variety. Still, we gather and give thanks for our blessings. We thank God for those who have gone to heaven and celebrate the memories of their presence at our table for past holidays. We praise God that they now feast at HIS table every single day… and we look forward to joining them when He is ready for us.

I don’t know about your family traditions or how you celebrate the holidays. But I hope you take time to remember that God’s love NEVER fails. Whether you feast with thirty or three… or you spend the holidays by yourself… you are never alone. God is with you… He wants to meet your every need… and His love never fails. Praise the God of all gods this holiday season… and celebrate His unending love and care each and every day.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Psalm 134
Everyone who serves the LORD, come and offer praises. Everyone who has gathered in his temple tonight, lift your hands in prayer toward his holy place and praise the LORD. The LORD is the Creator of heaven and earth, and I pray that the LORD will bless you from Zion.

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

Have you ever had someone call you out of the blue and be all nice and chatty and friendly… then say, “Listen, I really need a big favor.” You almost know as soon as you hear their voice that they must want something… why else would they be contacting you? We do this with God all the time, and I am as guilty as the next person of coming before Him with a list of my wants, needs, troubles and concerns, prefaced by a few seconds of requisite praise. It is easy to get into a rut of starting prayer time with a few off-the-cuff praises before getting to the heart of our request… “God, You are awesome! You have blessed me so much. Thank you for this and that and the other…now, here’s what I really needed to talk to you about today!”

Several of my Facebook friends have been posting each day this month about people and things for which they are thankful. This is the time of year when we naturally begin to think about giving thanks, culminating in our national day of Thanksgiving later this month. And while this holiday makes it somewhat easy for Americans to stop and consider their blessings, we must remember to be thankful the other eleven months of the year, too!

Today, I am challenging all of us to try praying at least once a day without asking God for a single thing! Don’t ask Him to heal your sick friend or family member… don’t ask Him to give you wisdom and courage… don’t ask Him to soften the hearts of unbelievers. Simply pray a prayer of praise. Pour out your heart in genuine gratitude for all God does for you every second of the day. There is no rule that says you can only pray once a day… in fact, the Apostle Paul told us to pray without ceasing! So make at least ONE prayer a day a genuine offering of praise. Get in a habit of praising God as much as – or more than – you ask Him for anything. We all like to be thanked and acknowledged… and God is no different. How will you praise Him today?

©2011 Debbie Robus