Daily Devotional for November 26, 2016

Psalm 34:1-10
I will always praise the Lord. With all my heart, I will praise the Lord. Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. Honor the Lord with me! Celebrate his great name.

I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears.  Keep your eyes on the Lord! You will shine like the sun and never blush with shame.

I was a nobody, but I prayed, and the Lord saved me from all my troubles. If you honor the Lord, his angel will protect you.

Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad.

Honor the Lord! You are his special people. No one who honors the Lord will ever be in need.

Young lions may go hungry or even starve, but if you trust the Lord, you will never miss out on anything good.

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

This month the 2nd-3rd graders and I have studied “the truth about angels and devils”…and learned about prayer.  Tomorrow, we will learn about heaven.  During one of the lessons, we read James 4:8…”Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” My assistant, Susan, reminded the children that when they feel the devil near them, all they have to do is “turn their back” on him and whisper the name, “Jesus!”  Jesus will come to their aid, and the devil will flee.

A few nights ago, I awoke suddenly, and my mind started racing.  I could not stop thinking about several things, and it occurred to me…”This is the devil trying to steal my sleep.”  I remembered Susan’s suggestion, and I began to repeatedly whisper, “Jesus…Jesus!”  A sense of calm and peace washed over me, and I soon felt fast asleep.  I prayed…and the LORD saved me from all of my troubles.  His angels came to protect me as I slept.

So often, we “suffer” needlessly.  We fail to reach out to God, Who is waiting to come to us and offer protection…to save us from all of our troubles and fears. Yes, we were “nobodies,” but God loved us enough to send Jesus to rescue us.  And when we call on His name, He will draw near and protect us – and meet our every need. 

Psalm 34:10 talks of “young lions”…which is often a Biblical reference to Satan and his agents. At the very name of Jesus, these enemies wither and slink away in defeat.  Isn’t it time we whispered, “Jesus!” more often?  With all my heart, I will praise Him and celebrate His great name!

Honor the LORD with me…and learn to never be in need!  Let all who are helpless listen and be glad indeed! Kick the devil and his agents to the curb! Honor and praise the LORD…this day, and always.
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for May 9, 2015

Ephesians 2:8-9
You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.

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

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and all across America, mothers will receive gifts and cards…special treats…breakfasts in bed…lunches and dinners that someone else prepared…and all sorts of accolades. I can tell you that we would be hard pressed to find many mothers who didn’t earn every single bit of this!  I seriously doubt many mothers are already bragging about how they are due all of the wonderful things their children have done for them.  And few will say, “You’re treating me better than I deserve!”

On the other hand, I would say that most of our mothers have given us much better than we deserve. On Pulptastic.com*, I found a list titled “10 Things Your Mom Never Told You”.  Visit the site to read the entire list, but they include…1) You made her cry a lot (in both good and bad ways); 2) She wanted that last piece of pie; 8) It broke her heart every time you cried; and 9) She put you first.  By and large, our mothers have rescued us from more troubles than we could ever count… and as item #10 on this list states, “She would do it all again.”

As much as our mothers love us, God loves us even more.  He doesn’t love us only when we exhibit “good behavior” that is worthy of some sort of recognition, prize or treat.  While God does reward our obedience and service with blessings and other “perks”, He is more than generous with plenty that we in no way earned or deserved…particularly our salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.

There are times when we have a right to brag…and times when most mothers deserve to pat themselves on the back and say, “I did pretty well!”  This weekend – and tomorrow in particular – will be one of those times.  But for the most part, we must all turn our eyes toward the heavens and recognize WHO truly gives us the very best blessings and care every single day…the One who created mothers – and fathers – and each of us. 

We can “brag” and celebrate our wonderful mothers – and our incomparable Heavenly Father…we can revel in all that we have been given by them – and remind ourselves of all that we owe them!  But we must humbly recognize that WE had nothing to do with these blessings of our own accord…and we must learn to say a humble, and truly heartfelt, “Thank YOU!”

Tomorrow as we celebrate Mom, let’s turn to God and thank HIM for this incredible gift – and ALL that He gives us.  We don’t deserve this love and care…but He gives it anyway…and for this we owe Him our utmost gratitude and praise.

©2015 Debbie Robus 

* http://pulptastic.com/10-things-mom-never-told/

Daily Devotional for November 20, 2014

Psalm 92:1-3
What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks,
to sing an anthem to you, the High God!
To announce your love each daybreak,
sing your faithful presence all through the night,
Accompanied by dulcimer and harp,
the full-bodied music of strings.
 
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson.  Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.  All rights reserved.
 
Timothy and I were sitting in my office, and he was watching “Wubbzy” videos on my computer.  The TV was on, but I was not paying any attention.  A NASCAR race was about to begin, and they sang the “Star Spangled Banner”. Timothy suddenly shouted, "BOW YOUR HEAD!"  I looked over, and he had his head bowed.  A minister was praying at the race venue.  So I bowed my head, and when the minister was done, Timothy said, "A-MEN!"  Then he muttered, "Man…that was a long one!”
 
It was a precious moment, and I have to admit that I was proud that our little 5-year-old nephew respected a prayer enough to bow his head – even one offered over the television airwaves!  But here’s the thing…we wouldn’t think of attending a sporting event and not singing the national anthem before it began. A lot of public sporting events also begin with a prayer.  MANY of us don’t give this a second thought…unless it doesn’t happen!
 
I don’t know about you, but when I place my hand across my heart and listen to – or sing along with – “The Star Spangled Banner”, something is stirred in my heart.  I am reminded of the privileges we enjoy in this country…and the unity of standing as a group and singing an anthem for the nation we love and the freedoms we enjoy.  I am humbled by how blessed we are.
 
But I wonder…how many of us are as concerned about singing an anthem to God each day?  How many of us stop to consider the awesome privilege it is to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ – to belong to God for all eternity and rest in the assurance of spending Eternity with Him in heaven?  How many of us are humbled and stirred by the tremendous blessings we enjoy because of Jesus…and how often are we moved to sing out to Him in gratitude?
 
Somehow, I have a feeling we are more diligent about singing the national anthem and offering a prayer at a sporting event than we are about praising God for His incredible love and care.  And as kids like to say, “that’s messed up!”  And there is no time like the present to start making amends.
 
Stop today and look around you.  Thank God for ALL that He does for you 24/7/365.  Give Him some of your time.  BOW YOUR HEAD and tell Him just how grateful you are for His love and care…for His wisdom and power…for JESUS!  God deserves our songs of gratitude and praise…our prayers of love and allegiance.  Will this be the day that you begin to sing an anthem for Him?   Don’t you think it should be?
 
©2014 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for August 15, 2013

Psalm 103:1-5
With all my heart
    I praise the Lord,
    and with all that I am
    I praise his holy name!
With all my heart
    I praise the Lord!
    I will never forget
    how kind he has been.
The Lord forgives our sins,
heals us when we are sick,
    and protects us from death.
His kindness and love
    are a crown on our heads.
Each day that we live,
    he provides for our needs
    and gives us the strength
    of a young eagle.
 
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
 
I was watching a video of my former pastor, John Miles, who is conducting a sermon series on “the hard sayings of Jesus.”  On this particular day, Bro. John was talking about a passage from Matthew 19 (verses 7-11), in which the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up by asking Him about whether divorce was okay.  As Bro. John unraveled these verses and dug deeper, he suggested that Jesus spoke past these opponents and addressed a far broader issue.  In this case, he maintains that Jesus was demonstrating how we objectify people and things.  In other words, we put the focus on “marriage” and “divorce” instead of the people who are involved. 
 
Several examples were given of how we objectify people… how lust, infidelity, and pornography – or even labels like “my husband”, “my wife”  [rather than by their first name] - objectify those involved, and we don’t see them as real people with a heart and soul.  He talked about how we seem to enjoy arguing about abortion, homosexuality, and other hot-button issues – to the point that we are focused on the label, not the people involved.  One person tearfully mentioned to my pastor as they debated a particularly hot topic… “You just don’t know.”  Clearly, this person had firsthand knowledge of the issue that my pastor did not possess.  And in that moment, he saw a human being – a child of God who was struggling and in need of love and acceptance.
 
So what does this have to do with our scripture verses in Psalm 103?  Everything!  If you don’t believe me, go back and read the second half of the passage.  The Lord forgives our sins… heals us when we are sick…provides for our needs… gives us the strength of a young eagle… and crowns us with His kindness and love.  How can we do any less for those in our midst?  The pastor concluded his sermon by noting that none of us are perfect… we all have fallen short in one area or another… yet we are all welcome at God’s table.  And we should be welcome among fellow believers!  He said several people had come to him over the years and confessed to one sin or another and asked… “Can I still receive Communion?”  His answer is… “If God will allow me to serve it… you are allowed to receive it.”
 
Shouldn’t this be our continual thought?  If God allows us to receive his love, kindness, care, protection, strength and healing… who are we to offer any less to others?  What gives us the right to objectify – or judge – another creature?  When we criticize – or exclude – another person, have we considered our own faults and shortcomings… and the grace and mercy God extends to us?  Isn’t it time to drop the piety and pretense… to humbly and gratefully give God the praise for loving us all so incredibly… and to offer this same love to others?  Will this be the day that we find true peace in God’s acceptance… and extend it to others in our midst?
 
©2013 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 19, 2013

Zephaniah 3:17
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.

Like many others, my husband and I have been Arkansas Razorbacks fans for decades. I like to think we are fans whether they win or lose. But let’s be honest… it’s a whole lot more fun when they are winning! We cheer, “call the Hogs,” and sing “Oh, Lord, It’s Hard to be Humble” with the best of them at games. There is something incredibly energizing and refreshing about the drumbeat of the band and hearing the U of A Fight Song. And who can beat the exhilaration of yelling “Woo Pig Sooie!”? Even though we both graduated from Arkansas Tech, we support the Razorbacks wholeheartedly… they are forever “our team.”

There was a time when we took our fan support of the Razorbacks more seriously than we do these days… and we know some fairly rabid fans even now! They practically live and die by the ups and downs of our beloved Hogs – especially when it comes to football, basketball, baseball and track. We have settled into what I believe is a healthy loyalty… a recognition that these are just sporting events played by young men and women. We are still exuberant over victories… but far less devastated by the defeats.

I have to wonder, do we give the same allegiance to God that we give to our athletic teams? After all, He supports US like no other. He is always there for us… always winning victories on our behalf… always singing and rejoicing over our triumphs. His love refreshes and energizes us each and every day. God is much more than the “wind beneath our wings.” He is our refuge, our strength… our everything! But do we treat Him with appropriate regard?

Do we give God the same “fan support” that we give to our beloved Arkansas Razorbacks? Are we ready to praise Him and maintain a relationship with Him when the chips are down and things are not going so well in our lives? Or maybe that’s the only time we ARE in close contact… when things go badly and we need God to bail us out! We can’t have it both ways, you know. We’re either in all the way… or we’re not in at all. Faith should not be fickle… and neither should our relationship with God.

We need to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives… His ability to secure victory after victory for us… to lift us up when we are sinking… and to celebrate when we are at the top of the heap! How refreshed are you by God’s presence in your life? Do you have a “fair weather fan” relationship… or have you gone “whole hog?” Isn’t it time you gave Him your “full fan support?” God is always with YOU… can you say the same in return?

©2013 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 13, 2012

Psalm 148:11-13
Every king and every ruler, all nations on earth, every man and every woman, young people and old, come praise the LORD! All creation, come praise the name of the LORD. Praise his name alone. The glory of God is greater than heaven and earth.

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

This morning, I visited my grandmother at the assisted living facility where she resides. She was in the Activities Room, creating a picture frame from Popsicle® sticks and all sorts of crafts items. Seated with her was a much younger woman who also resides at the facility. She was framing photos of her children. I had never realized that this woman was a mother. As we talked about her children and her husband, I learned that she is also a college graduate. She explained rather matter-of-factly to me how a series of events led to her move into this facility a few years ago. Suffice it to say, I was incredibly humbled by our conversation.

I had hurried to the facility today to check on my grandmother. For the second time this week, a dear friend of hers who also resided there had passed away. I had a zillion other things I wanted to do with my morning, but I felt I needed to spend this time with my grandmother. After I sat in the Activities Room for 30 minutes, I realized that I really had nothing more important to do… except maybe take a few extra minutes to praise God for the life I have. I was once again reminded that my life can change in a heartbeat… and many experience such dramatic changes every single day.

There are other “young” people at the assisted living facility who landed there because of various illnesses and “life events.” And for the most part, they are positive and upbeat, even though they have lots of reasons to feel otherwise. Oh, they will tell you they wish they could live a “normal” life, but by and large, they are making the best of their situation. They find their own set of reasons to praise the LORD, even in their less than perfect circumstances.

I commented to my grandmother that we never know what tomorrow will bring. You or I could be living at such a facility next week. And we would still have plenty of reasons to praise the LORD. But… would we? Do we stop and thank Him now for what we DO have? Are we truly grateful for where we are today… whether it’s stuck inside a classroom listening to a boring lecture, working at a job we don’t particularly like, doing laundry and changing diapers, or aimlessly surfing the channels looking for something to fill a boring evening? Do we find the joy and blessings in every circumstance of our life, or do we gripe and complain and throw ourselves a pity party?

Every single one of us has something to praise the LORD about today. It may be the fact that we are in an assisted living facility with arts and crafts projects and the “freedom” to come and go as we please, rather than confined to a bed in a nursing home. It may be that we are glad to have children and a spouse to care for … meals to cook, houses to clean, diapers to change and laundry to wash. We may be thankful for the old ugly clunker that gets us where we need to go, even though we would love to drive a shiny new sports car. Or we may be grateful to still live alone in our own home, even though our age and infirmities are telling us that soon we will need extra help. Whatever your station… wherever you are in your life… there is SOMETHING today for which you can give God praise. The question is… have you?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 10, 2012

Psalm 148:5-7
Let all things praise the name of the LORD, because they were created at his command. He made them to last forever, and nothing can change what he has done. All creatures on earth, you obey his commands, so come praise the LORD!

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

This week, my dear, precious 3rd-grade teacher - Mrs. Ruth Garner - passed away. She was not only my teacher and friend for more than 45 years…she was also a dear friend to my grandmother. In fact, she sat at the same dining table with my grandmother in the assisted living facility where they both resided, and I visited with her often. Two other lifelong friends of my grandmother and Ruth also sit at this table. And these ladies who are left are incredibly sad and upset.

As we talked after Ruth died, my grandmother and I discussed God’s timing. My grandmother so desires to be next to go to heaven. She told me, “I have prayed about this and asked the LORD to take me.” But we agreed that we obey God’s commands - and when He says, “Come home,” we will go… but not a minute sooner. In the meantime, I pointed out to my grandmother that God apparently still has plans for her on this earth, because I believe He creates each of us with a purpose. Her purpose may be to smile at a nurse or a nurse’s aide and encourage her. She may be here to greet those who visit and offer them a word of wisdom or a reason to get up and out of the house. I really don’t know what her purpose is for each day… but God knows. And like each one of us, when she has done all He created her to do, He will call her home to heaven.

I know Mrs. Ruth was ready to go to heaven. Almost all of these ladies have lived past age 95. They are tired and ready to reunite with loved ones who have gone before them… and rest in the arms of Jesus. But as tired as she probably was, I never heard Mrs. Ruth complain about anything - except being served white meat chicken when she preferred dark meat! She was joyful and positive. She remembered dozens of her students by name… and you could tell she was thankful for each one. She appreciated visits from “young people” like me and others… and she always smiled. She praised the LORD for His creation… and she trusted and obeyed His commands.

My 3rd-grade teacher was still teaching me things at nearly 97 years of age… as are all of these dear elderly ladies I visit. I wonder… will we be sharing the example of praising God’s creation and His command when we are older? Do we even do this now? If not… shouldn’t we get started?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for January 8, 2012

Psalm 148:1-4
Shout praises to the LORD! Shout the LORD's praises in the highest heavens. All of you angels, and all who serve him above, come and offer praise. Sun and moon, and all of you bright stars, come and offer praise. Highest heavens, and the water above the highest heavens, come and offer praise.

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

One year ago this day, my cousin J.D. and a woman named Angie were married. While all wedding anniversaries are milestones, what makes this one particularly worthy of mention lies in the story of how these two were brought together in the first place… and how God works in our lives each and every day. On his website at www.kingdomcallministries.org, J.D. tells his story… how he became consumed with both using and dealing drugs as a teenager… how he was in and out of rehabs and jails – and ultimately he was incarcerated in prison for more than three years. True to his nature and the pull of the devil on his heart, J.D. was rebellious and uncooperative, and he became a frequent visitor to “The Hole” – also known as solitary confinement.

J.D. writes that… “Being sent to prison relegates you to a low class. Being sent to a prison within in a prison places one in the top ranks of the biggest losers… that is where I was. Most, I’m sure, had given up on me ever becoming a productive human being. My life was a mess, my brain was shot, and my situation was hopeless.” J.D. got some of it right… a few people did give up on him. But others did not. We prayed, we encouraged… and God kept working. And one day while sitting alone in “The Hole,” J.D. had a visit from Jesus that totally transformed his life.

After his release from prison in 2007, J.D. returned home and found a job – and a church home. He grew in his faith and found that God was calling Him to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others… to be a living testament to His ability to make a way where none seems possible. It wasn’t easy… and Satan would not go away. In 2009, J.D. awoke in a hospital with virtually every bone in his face broken, and his jaws wired shut. He had been involved in a horrible logging accident where a pine tree fell directly onto his face. In his words…“Satan had tried to take me out with that pine tree and had come awfully close to succeeding.”

But J.D. recovered fully from his injuries, and he began to share the word of God wherever a church would invite him to speak. He spent his days immersed in prayer and studying God’s word. He trusted God to provide for his needs via “love offerings” and a small business he managed selling chainsaws and parts online. And one evening as he stopped to attend a tent revival near Romance, Arkansas, he greeted the evangelist and his assistant – a woman named Angie, who would soon become his wife.

In the past year, J.D. and Angie have begun their own ministry and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others in churches and via tent revivals from Arkansas to Indiana. The young man who was hopeless and helpless is now using his own story of rescue and redemption to offer the hope and promise of a life in Christ to others. And at every turn, he and Angie are praising God for His faithfulness… and encouraging others to do the same.

J.D. and I have laughed and agreed that the God who can fix him can fix anybody! But really, this is no laughing matter… it’s the plain and simple truth. I don’t know what you are facing. I don’t know your challenges… your concerns… your needs and fears. But I know that God can accomplish ANYTHING. So I am asking you to hang on… to keep the faith… to never give up… and to always… ALWAYS, give Him the praise He so richly deserves. To God be the glory for rescuing J.D. and uniting Him with Angie. To God be the glory for the miraculous and wonderful things He is doing – and will continue – in each of our lives. Won’t you come and offer Him YOUR praise today?

©2012 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 26, 2011

1 Chronicles 16:23-25
Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD. Day after day announce, "The LORD has saved us!" Tell every nation on earth, "The LORD is wonderful and does marvelous things!

The LORD is great and deserves our greatest praise! He is the only God worthy of our worship.

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

Christmas Day has come and gone, and lots of people are very busy. There are gifts to exchange, holiday decorations to put away, and after-Christmas sales to attend. The focus has shifted to bowl games, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and what to do with the last week of Christmas break. In the blink of an eye, many of us have totally forgotten why we were celebrating the Christmas season in the first place.

But Christmas is about more than one day on the calendar. The true spirit of Christmas lies in the words of David… “Day after day, announce, ‘The LORD has saved us!’” We should live every single day of the year as if it were Christmas Day. We should be kind and loving toward others… ready to sing praises to the LORD and shout to all who will listen about the wonderful, marvelous things He does. Every day should be an opportunity to demonstrate to others how worthy God is of our praise, honor, glory… and absolute devotion.

I don’t have any gifts to exchange, but I do plan to hit a few post-holiday sales. I’m looking forward to watching “the ball” drop on New Year’s Eve and eating black-eyed peas and greens on New Year’s Day. But I’m also going to make sure I reflect each and every day this week - and in the year ahead - on God’s amazing grace. I’m going to do all I can to demonstrate to others in my path just how He has blessed me… and how worthy He is of my complete worship.

Enjoy the rest of your Christmas break and the days leading to New Year’s Eve. But remember Christmas and all of the hope and promises that surround the season. Keep the Spirit of Christmas alive by celebrating and praising God each and every day. Tell everyone you meet how incredible deserving He is of our continual honor and glory. Everyone on this earth, sing praises to the LORD!

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 20, 2011

Psalm 146:6-10
God made heaven and earth; he created the sea and everything else. God always keeps his word. He gives justice to the poor and food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free and heals blind eyes. He gives a helping hand to everyone who falls.

The LORD loves good people and looks after strangers. He defends the rights of orphans and widows, but destroys the wicked. The LORD God of Zion will rule forever!

Shout praises to the LORD!

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

Christmas Day was the one time of the year when my mom actually said, “Have a cookie for breakfast!” For most of us, we associate December 25th with something magical – a time to somewhat throw caution to the wind. We eat what we want, skip our workouts and diets, stay in our pajamas all day, get together with people we haven’t seen all year for a great big celebration, and more. Many of us drink too much, party to hearty, and spend far more than we have in the bank! For others, December 25th is a day they would just as soon skip altogether. They are lonely, poor, hungry, sick, grieving and downtrodden. A holiday that is supposed to be all about joy and “making merry and bright” is simply like a knife to the heart.

God understands all of this… and He stands ready to meet you right where you are this holiday season. He always keeps His word…and not just on December 25th. For this, we can shout praises to the Him, no matter where we find ourselves - this Christmas, and every day of the year.

We find it easy to focus on the joy of giving during the Christmas season. We also find it easy to focus on what we lack and feel rather sorry for ourselves. The truth is that we serve an awesome, amazing, powerful and loving God who is always there for us, every minute of every day of the year. And for this, we can continually celebrate and be grateful.

As we approach December 25th, stop and shout praises to the LORD for meeting you right where you are and always having your back. Celebrate all that He has created… and thank Him for showing up in our lives each and every day.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 19, 2011

Psalm 146:1-5

Shout praises to the LORD! With all that I am, I will shout his praises. I will sing and praise the LORD God for as long as I live. You can't depend on anyone, not even a great leader. Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans.

The LORD God of Jacob blesses everyone who trusts him and depends on him.

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

When I was a little girl, there was a man in our community everyone knew as “Preacher Mullen”. I knew him better as Santa Claus. Long before I came into this world, Otis “Preacher” Mullen began dressing as Santa Claus each winter. His long white beard and hair were the real deal. He drove a Jeep… and attached to the front were two real, mounted deer. I was quite sure that one of them was Rudolph, even if he didn’t have a red, shiny nose. We would see Santa Claus around town, and he usually made a visit to the school to pass out candy canes to all of us.

My last recollection of Santa Claus Mullen was 1977… my first year to teach after graduating from college. I am a little fuzzy on whether Santa Claus was making his annual visit to the school or whether I personally invited him to come to my classroom, but I do know he made a visit and passed out the candy canes. I have a picture to prove it! I was thrilled to be able to share the same fond memory of my own childhood with my little six-year-old students.

Preacher Mullen died in 1983 in a local nursing home. He had served as Santa Claus to a seven-county area for decades – and as the actual pastor to many congregations, as well. He truly believed that it was better to give than to receive… and he served his LORD well. I am amazed to consider how many lives he touched with the simple act of passing a candy cane to the hands of “children” of all ages. Santa Claus Mullen is being remembered on a local Facebook page by many generations of those children.

By my calculation, Preacher Mullen’s visit to my first-grade classroom was probably one of his last. We haven’t had such a “character” in our community since… and honestly, I don’t know if anyone could truly fill Preacher Mullen’s shoes, anyway. His was a service borne of a desire to share God’s deep abiding love with others. Santa Claus was merely his vehicle.

There is such an important message in this passage of scripture. Life is ever changing. People are here one day and gone the next. The person we depended on for so much… a parent, grandparent, spouse, relative, teacher, friend, or even our church leaders… live in earthly bodies that will eventually die. We have to put our everlasting faith in Someone who will never leave us… Jesus Christ. There is nothing wrong with trusting those in our circle… sharing our hopes, fears, joys and burdens. But unless we place an even deeper trust in Jesus, we stand to be perpetually discouraged and disappointed.

I miss seeing Preacher Mullen during the Christmas season. I miss his little red Jeep and the “reindeer”. But more than that, I miss his spirit… his hearty laugh, his ever-present smile, and the genuine love that he seemed to radiate. In thinking of him each Christmas, I am reminded of the unconditional, unending love of Jesus Christ for all of His children. I am pretty sure that Otis “Preacher” Mullen – a.k.a. “Santa Claus” – would tell us to put our faith and trust in HIM… to depend on His love, grace and mercy to truly sustain us… and to praise Him each and every day as long as we live.

We would also do well to try to emulate Santa Claus Mullen in some small way… to share God’s love with others in something as seemingly small as a candy cane - or whatever vehicle God gives us. The best way to honor the blessings of God is to share them with others, just as Otis “Preacher” Mullen did. How will you accomplish this? How will you praise God this Christmas season… and always?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 18, 2011

Psalm 145:10-19
Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office. God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right — the trademark on all his works is love.

God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear him — hears them call out, and saves them.

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

The “Sunday paper” was full of circulars and ads for all kinds of “last-minute gift ideas.” Countless online retailers are offering free shipping and promising “You can still have this in time for Christmas!” Everywhere you look, someone is ready to lavish gifts and “stuff” upon us… to “play Santa Claus” and “make our Christmas merry and bright!”

What we really need is the favor of God. He stands ready to lavish His gifts upon us… but we often crave the things of this world instead. As we head into the last week before Christmas Day and rev up our holiday preparations and last-minute shopping, let’s stop to remember why we celebrate Christmas… and WHO is truly responsible. Let’s think a little less about what Santa Claus is bringing us and a lot more about what God does for us each and every day.

Let’s remember that God shows up right on time to meet our every need… to save us when we are down and out… to feed us body and soul… to lavish His goodness, grace, mercy and love on each one of us. How could we not love such an amazing God? How could we not offer Him our very best and put HIM at the top of our list of priorities?

It’s easy to get caught up in the tinsel and sparkle of the commercialism of Christmas… but it’s time we paid more attention to God and the gifts He offers us every day of the year. How will you spend the “home stretch” of this Christmas season?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 17, 2011

Psalm 145:5-9

I will keep thinking about your marvelous glory and your mighty miracles. Everyone will talk about your fearsome deeds, and I will tell all nations how great you are. They will celebrate and sing about your matchless mercy and your power to save. You are merciful, LORD! You are kind and patient and always loving. You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation.

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

For the last few days, a cedar tree outside our window has been filled with bluebirds and pine warblers. The tree is loaded with tiny blue berries, and the bluebirds especially love them. So all of these little songbirds have had a feast!

Below the tree on a shepherd’s hook hangs a bird feeder that we keep filled this time of year with black sunflower seeds. The birds enjoy these seeds, but the bluebirds seem to prefer the cedar berries. I sat at the window for a long time one morning… mesmerized by these beautiful creatures. The males are much more brilliant in color than the females, but both have their own sweet beauty.

As I watched these little songbirds feed on the berries, I thought about how caring and loving God is… that He could care enough to provide blue berries on a gnarly, shaggy-barked tree to feed tiny creatures that wear coats in a rainbow of blues, oranges, greys and browns. He knit together each bird in perfection… just the right number of feathers in just the right arrangement to create their colorful, distinctive markings. Even if we never put out a single sunflower seed in winter, God would not let these little birds starve.

The God who takes care of these tiny birds is the same God who loves and cares for us. Surely He meets all of our needs and loves us just as much. This is a good time to stop and thank Him for being so merciful, powerful, gracious, and kind. It took a flock of tiny bluebirds on a dreary winter day to remind me just how special we are to God. And now I’m reminding you!

Take a few minutes today to look around and marvel at God’s glory and mighty miracles. Give Him a prayer of thanks and praise for being so meticulous and thorough. Tell God how much you appreciate He meets your needs so well… and remind someone else how much He cares for them. I just did!

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 16, 2011

Psalm 145:1-4
I will praise you, my God and King, and always honor your name. I will praise you each day and always honor your name. You are wonderful, LORD, and you deserve all praise, because you are much greater than anyone can understand. Each generation will announce to the next your wonderful and powerful deeds.

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

When my little cousins visited last weekend, they told us about the new elf they “adopted” this year and named Bells. Bells is one of Santa’s helpers, and he reports back to the North Pole and lets Santa know if Olivia and Owen are being nice. He’s also mischievous and fun… and if you touch him, he loses his magic! Just ask Owen and Olivia – they can tell you all about their elf, Bells!

Ask virtually any toddler who can say a few words who the man with the red suit and white beard is, and he/she can tell you, “Santa Claus!” Many of these children have never actually seen the man… they don’t have a personal relationship or experience with him… yet they know who he is. Even at two and a half, Owen told his daddy to leave Bells the Elf alone, or “… he’ll lose his magic and Santa won’t come!” And believe me… my little cousins do not want Bells to lose his magic!

I’m afraid far more children know about Santa Claus and the Elf on a Shelf than Jesus. Thankfully, my little cousins are not among them. From an early age they have been introduced to their “Forever Friend” and taught to honor Him. And I have sung “Jesus Loves Me” to Timothy, prayed over him, read books that speak of God and talked to him about Jesus since he was just a few months old. He, Owen, Olivia, and countless other children are already learning about the power and wonder of their Heavenly Father.

As we age, we often start to blur the lines. If we are not careful, the Elf on the Shelf and Santa Claus will have more importance in our lives than Jesus Christ! Especially in this holiday season, many will place more significance on getting the packages purchased, wrapped and under the tree than reflecting on the birth of Jesus and what His coming to earth meant for us. Many will spend more time hurrying to this party and that than stopping to spend a few minutes with someone who can no longer get out and go to parties – or anywhere else, for that matter. Many will celebrate the commercialism of the holiday season and never crack open a Bible or consider the true message, much less take advantage of this opportunity to begin telling a child about Jesus.

There is room for the Elf on a Shelf in the holiday celebrating. But a lot of us have pushed Jesus so far down the shelf that He’s just about to fall off… if He hasn’t already. And little ones who know all about Santa and the magic of Christmas are capable of learning about the real “Magic” of the season. Each of us started somewhere in our journey to get to know Jesus. In this season of wonder and excitement, let’s remember to stop and praise HIS love and power… and thank Him for the wonderful deeds He does for us every day of the year.

Someone took time to share Jesus with you… are you “paying it forward” and sharing Him with others? Isn’t this a great season to begin?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 14, 2011

Psalm 144:3-4, 15
I wonder why you care, God — why do you bother with us at all? All we are is a puff of air; we're like shadows in a campfire.

How blessed the people who have all this! How blessed the people who have God for God!

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

We are experiencing periods of heavy fog this week. When this happens, Greers Ferry Dam completely disappears from view out our back window. The dense fog keeps us from seeing even the bright lights that line the sides of the dam’s roadway and guide drivers safely from one end to the other. A visitor would never know that a big concrete dam was holding back the water on the river below our house. And the fog can rise very quickly on the river. Often the dam is visible one minute and gone the next.

We like to think about living a long life… and how important each and every minute, day, and year of our lives is in the scheme of things. But truly, we are here one day and gone the next. If you don’t believe me, just think about the past year and what has happened. I remarked to my husband a few days ago that I had to remove the names of several dear friends and loved ones from my Christmas card list, because they have gone to heaven since this time last year. Our lives are very much like a vaporous fog.

So why does God bother with us? He is, after all, GOD! In the time continuum and scheme of things, how can one of us be that important? And yet we are! Each one of us matters greatly to God. Our life, however lengthy or brief, matters. What happens to us – our hopes, dreams, needs, desires, the way we conduct ourselves and how we serve Him – all has significance. And we truly are blessed to have such a God.

Sadly, we take God for granted so much of the time. Amazingly, we fail to honor the One who has done such great things for someone as small as we are in the overall picture. But we can change this… and we can start today. Begin by thanking God in your prayer time for all He does in your life. Then start to live in a way that shows Him you mean what you said. Seek out ways to serve Him… to show kindness and love to others… and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ – in word and deed. Act like you are as important as God thinks you are… and praise Him for choosing us… and for being such a great and mighty God to each of His “vaporous puffs”!

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 9, 2011

Psalm 143:8-10
Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. Please rescue me from my enemies, LORD! I come to you for safety. You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.

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

This morning when I awoke, the fog was rising over the river as the sunrise warmed the air. I thanked God for the beauty of this morning and asked Him to guide me through the day. Later, I was shopping in a local thrift store, when I met two ladies I know very well. One was the mother of my high school classmate, Sandra, who died in 1994 from breast cancer. I spoke to her – and to the other woman, who happens to be a Hospice nurse and my brother’s friend and colleague. She was actually at his bedside with us when he died.

I went on with my shopping, but I was reminded of something that had happened recently that I felt I should share with Sandra’s mom. I’ll admit that a part of me said, “Oh, you shouldn’t say that to her… it might upset her here in the store.” But still, I heard a stronger Voice saying, “Go ahead… share.” So as I made my way back past these ladies, I stopped and said to my friend, “I have to tell you that last Sunday when I decorated my Christmas tree, I hung a paper angel that Sandra made many years ago. I hang it every year and always think of her – and you!”

The woman beamed and her eyes lit up as she smiled brightly and thanked me. My brother’s friend – who has also lost a daughter in recent years – said, “We were just talking about how good it makes us feel when someone mentions our daughters to us.” I noted that I feel the same way when someone mentions a happy memory of my brother, Tim. We talked about the girls and my brother for a few minutes before I said my good-byes and walked away.

My take-away from this conversation was that God heard me ask for guidance, and He gave me an opportunity to listen to His voice and follow through. I am so glad that I did! By listening to God’s voice, I was able to brighten the morning for two mothers grieving the loss of their daughters during the holidays – and to have my own day blessed as well.

So often we hear God’s voice and say, “Nah… not right now…” or “That’s not really my style.” But by asking God for guidance and trusting His responses, we learn so much more about His love for us and others. I know that this experience has encouraged me to pay even closer attention… to ask for even more guidance… and to follow through when God answers. Will you do the same?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 7, 2011

Psalm 142:5-7
I pray to you, LORD! You are my place of safety, and you are my choice in the land of the living. Please answer my prayer. I am completely helpless. Help! They are chasing me, and they are too strong. Rescue me from this prison, so I can praise your name. And when your people notice your wonderful kindness to me, they will rush to my side.

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

Imagine what it must feel like to be unable to breathe well. My grandmother recently began to feel badly, and I took her to the Emergency Room for an evaluation. The doctor asked, “Do you have any shortness of breath?” She replied, “Oh, yes… it feels like something heavy is on my chest.” Further tests revealed that she had congestive heart failure – a buildup of fluid around her heart and in her lungs. This was directly affecting her breathing. She was “rescued” by some medications to remove the excess fluid and lower her blood pressure. But I can imagine that this sensation of not being able to take a deep breath can be quite frightening – and make one feel completely helpless!

One thing I can say for my grandmother… when she is in these sort of situations, she never seems to panic. I have been with other family members who were experiencing similar symptoms, and they were – understandably – quite agitated and fearful. So I asked myself, “What makes my grandmother different?” The only answer I have is that my grandmother is so completely at peace with God and His plans for her. She knows He truly is her place of safety. And frankly, at 99 years of age, she is comfortable staying or going. God is her choice in the land of the living – and in Eternity as well.

I believe my grandmother’s demeanor directly affects those around her. I’ve seen how she is treated by medical staff, and I’ve always said she is a “good patient.” She almost makes apologies for “bothering” them… and sometimes she has actually said as much! She showers each person who treats her with kindness and affection… and they return the same.

There is a lot to be said for this example. We don’t always feel our best… we may feel helpless and fearful. But if God is our strength and our shield, we know Who wins in the end! And because of this, we can share His wonderful kindness with others, whether this is returned toward us or not. We can sing His praises and bask in the glory of His continual love and protection. I’m betting we will find ourselves on the end of better treatment from others, as well. Either way, we will know that we honored our relationship with God… and that we never have to feel helpless – or hopeless – again.

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 3, 2011

Psalm 141:1-2
God, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears—it's my voice you're hearing!
Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers.

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.

My mother was telling us recently that her dog, Spot, will often come and stand beside her at the dining table and beg for his own dinner – almost as if he is quite literally talking to her. Spot likes soft, wet dog food atop his crunchy kibble. If he gets hungry for it, he lets her know. She said if she ignores him, he gets louder and louder until she and her husband can no longer talk to each other over the noise.

We often behave much like this when we talk to God. We are persistent to the point of being almost pesky…except for the fact that you can never pester God. He always wants to hear from us. Where we often “don’t get it,” is in understanding how clearly God does hear us. He knows our voice. But God will not intrude. He is waiting for us to invite Him to come closer. God wants us to call on Him… to say, “Come quickly! Open your ears and treat my prayer as sweet incense.”

I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve spent a lot of time with my hands “raised in evening (and morning and daytime) prayers.” I’ve been pestering God and reminding Him of needs and concerns that are on my heart and saying, “Come quickly! It’s me again… do you hear me?” I know that God does hear me… and I have peppered my prayers with praise for His constant love and care.

Whatever is on your heart, I hope you are turning to God and asking Him to come quickly to your side… to hear your prayers and bless them as the sweet offering you intend them to be.

I can’t imagine trying to handle life on my own without God. I am so thankful that we can never pester Him enough… that He always welcomes us and our persistence. God delights in knowing we seek Him that earnestly! What about you? Are you standing at His table and begging… growing louder and louder as you call on Him to “Come quickly?” Wouldn’t it be worth a shot to see what happens when you do?

©2011 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 2, 2011

Psalm 140:6-7
You, LORD, are my God! Please listen to my prayer. You have the power to save me, and you keep me safe in every battle.

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

Timmy and I have watched a particular episode of “Jack’s Big Music Show” probably a hundred times lately. It’s about Spunky the Alien, whose space ship breaks down and he cannot get home to play in a concert on his planet. Jack’s dog, Mel, “can fix anything,” according to Jack and his friend Mary. So Mel works on the space ship, and he finally determines that the problem is a dead battery. Spunky is thrilled! The clubhouse characters do not understand, but Spunky explains that dead batteries are “powered up” by playing loud and soft music. All they have to do is play and sing loudly and softly, and the batteries will recharge so that the space ship can fly. The viewers at home are asked to sing along and help.

In our daily living, we don’t have to rely on loud or soft music to keep our batteries charged. We don’t need others to sing along to bolster our efforts. The only power we need is Almighty God. He alone can save us in every battle. He has all the answers. Unlike Mel the dog, God really can fix anything.

Whatever battles you face today… whatever prayers you have lifted to God… know that He is at work, ready and able to fix things for you. God has the power to save us and keep us safe in every battle. Trust Him to do exactly this. Call on Him and believe that He will do what He has promised. And thank Him for being so all-encompassing. We don’t have to rely on the singing and efforts of others to help us have enough power. Our God is enough! Sing praises to God for His continual love and care!

©2011 Debbie Robus