December 14 ~ Isaiah 60:19-22
You won’t need the light
of the sun or the moon.
I, the Lord your God,
will be your eternal light
and bring you honor.
Your sun will never set
or your moon go down.
I, the Lord, will be
your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow
will come to an end.
Your people will live right
and always own the land;
they are the trees I planted
to bring praise to me.
Even the smallest family
will be a powerful nation.
I am the Lord,
and when the time comes,
I will quickly do all this.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
All around the world, the Christmas season is being heralded in song and light. No doubt, thousands of churches presented special music this morning in honor of Jesus’ birthday. I know ours did…from preschool “Little Ringers” who rang bells to accompany “Silent Night” to elementary school children who sang about “David’s Dynasty” to our adult choir who presented their annual Christmas Cantata. Advent candles were lit, and there was a lighted Chrismon tree in our church’s sanctuary. Even Burger King was playing Christmas carols to accompany our lunch!
Obviously, there is something special about songs we only sing for one month out of the year. Lights and decorations that fill our homes, stores, churches and streets for these four weeks or so take on a magical air. But at the heart of these enhancements, we are celebrating something incredible…the carefully crafted and orchestrated plan of God to bring Jesus to Earth to be our eternal light!
The great thing about Christmas is that anyone can celebrate, because Jesus came to earth for everyone. Individuals, couples, small families, large families in every nation of the world can all participate. God sent Jesus to be the Light of the WORLD! This is reason to sing…to have parties, to light up our homes, and to exchange gifts in symbolic praise for the Ultimate Gift we have been given!
As you go about the coming days of this Christmas Season, consider the real message of lights, decorations and Christmas carols. Stop to praise God for sending an Everlasting Light to fill our hearts, save us from our sins, and prepare a place for us for all Eternity! Invite Jesus to dwell in your heart and celebrate His love and care every single day…and let these next eleven days be a giant revelry in His honor!
©2014 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label singing anthems of praise and gratitude to God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label singing anthems of praise and gratitude to God. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for November 22, 2014
Psalm 100:1-5
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.
My friend put up a Christmas tree and let her three young grandchildren (a boy and two girls - ages 5 and under) decorate it. One of the little girls methodically hung ornaments while singing, “O Mistmas Twee, O MISTmas Twee!” It was adorable. She sang her heart out for the joy of Christmas and decorating the tree in her Honey’s bedroom.
I’ve often said that we can learn so much from little children. They are truly pure and unadulterated…able to find the joy in little things like decorating a “Mistmas twee” with cousins at Grandma’s house. They get excited over presents…sometimes as much about the box as what was inside. For the most part, they have no doubt that they are loved and belong to someone…and in their own way, they are thankful.
Somehow, as we grow up, we seem to somewhat “outgrow God”. We’re not nearly as unabashed in our singing of His praises. We question who we are, where we fit in – and sometimes, WHOSE we are! We take God for granted…and when we do thank Him, it’s often hurried or superficial. We fail to truly acknowledge His gifts…and when we do, we’re much more concerned with what is given than the packaging or the Deliverer.
I have to wonder…are our “songs of praise” to God as sweet and dear to Him as the humbly offered “Oh, Mistmas Twee” of a toddler? Are our words of gratitude a “joyful noise” in His ears, or the same old “yadda, yadda, yadda” we’ve offered Him for ages? Isn’t it time we got this right? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
Make a joyful noise. Serve the LORD with gladness. Come before His presence with Thanksgiving. For the LORD is good…His mercies are everlasting…and His truth endures forever. If that doesn’t merit a grown-up “O Mistmas tree” praise, I don’t know what will…do you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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.
My friend put up a Christmas tree and let her three young grandchildren (a boy and two girls - ages 5 and under) decorate it. One of the little girls methodically hung ornaments while singing, “O Mistmas Twee, O MISTmas Twee!” It was adorable. She sang her heart out for the joy of Christmas and decorating the tree in her Honey’s bedroom.
I’ve often said that we can learn so much from little children. They are truly pure and unadulterated…able to find the joy in little things like decorating a “Mistmas twee” with cousins at Grandma’s house. They get excited over presents…sometimes as much about the box as what was inside. For the most part, they have no doubt that they are loved and belong to someone…and in their own way, they are thankful.
Somehow, as we grow up, we seem to somewhat “outgrow God”. We’re not nearly as unabashed in our singing of His praises. We question who we are, where we fit in – and sometimes, WHOSE we are! We take God for granted…and when we do thank Him, it’s often hurried or superficial. We fail to truly acknowledge His gifts…and when we do, we’re much more concerned with what is given than the packaging or the Deliverer.
I have to wonder…are our “songs of praise” to God as sweet and dear to Him as the humbly offered “Oh, Mistmas Twee” of a toddler? Are our words of gratitude a “joyful noise” in His ears, or the same old “yadda, yadda, yadda” we’ve offered Him for ages? Isn’t it time we got this right? Wouldn’t this be a great day to begin?
Make a joyful noise. Serve the LORD with gladness. Come before His presence with Thanksgiving. For the LORD is good…His mercies are everlasting…and His truth endures forever. If that doesn’t merit a grown-up “O Mistmas tree” praise, I don’t know what will…do you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for November 21, 2014
Psalm 35:9
I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
have saved me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No doubt you have watched at least one football game where a player broke free from the blocks and tackles of defenders and sprinted down the field for a touchdown…perhaps with an opponent or two hot on his heels - yet unable to catch him. When the ball carrier realizes that he is going to make it safely into the end zone, you can almost read the sense of “wild abandon” in his body language. It is as if he sees an imaginary “savior” waiting for him…arms outstretched…saying, “Come to Poppa!” The runner scores…the crowd goes wild with celebration and exuberance…and the opponents lick their wounds and regroup for another play!
Maybe it’s because we’re in the throes of football season, but this was the image I got as I read this verse from Psalm 35. I pictured myself running toward God… arms outstretched to receive me…the worries and pressures of the world nipping at my heels from behind – yet unable to take me to the ground. I know that the “enemy” is continually regrouping…plotting and planning his next move. But I also know that God is always several steps ahead of the opponent!
So I celebrate my rescue and redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank God for His wisdom, protection, grace, mercy, love and care…for planning for my future and always keeping me safe from the schemes and snares of the devil and his cohorts. For me, every day represents “touchdowns” and “extra points”…a veritable “party in the end zone” with God Almighty!
Recently, the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrated a victory over the LSU Tigers…breaking a 17-game losing streak in conference play. When the game ended, Razorback fans stormed the field, reveling in the joy, relief and release of this monumental win. If only we could celebrate God’s victories in our lives half as much!
It says something about us as Christians that we can’t seem to muster even a portion of this excitement over something so precious and vital in our lives. We will talk about a big sports play for days/weeks/months. We will replay it on “highlight reels” for years to come. Yet we can hardly mention God’s name and acknowledge His importance in our lives…much less give Him even a portion of the praise and recognition that He so richly deserves.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good football game…or with celebrating a great play. These happy moments are blessings from God just as much as any other. But we need to take inventory of our priorities and make sure that God is at the forefront…that in our jubilation over things of this world, we don’t neglect our gratitude for Him.
Sometimes only the length of an outstretched arm separates us from a tackle by the devil…and the grip of God’s grace. Won’t you thank God today for giving you that last burst of energy to sprint toward the “end zone” and the safety of His love and care? Isn’t it time to celebrate our victory in Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
I will celebrate and be joyful
because you, Lord,
have saved me.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
No doubt you have watched at least one football game where a player broke free from the blocks and tackles of defenders and sprinted down the field for a touchdown…perhaps with an opponent or two hot on his heels - yet unable to catch him. When the ball carrier realizes that he is going to make it safely into the end zone, you can almost read the sense of “wild abandon” in his body language. It is as if he sees an imaginary “savior” waiting for him…arms outstretched…saying, “Come to Poppa!” The runner scores…the crowd goes wild with celebration and exuberance…and the opponents lick their wounds and regroup for another play!
Maybe it’s because we’re in the throes of football season, but this was the image I got as I read this verse from Psalm 35. I pictured myself running toward God… arms outstretched to receive me…the worries and pressures of the world nipping at my heels from behind – yet unable to take me to the ground. I know that the “enemy” is continually regrouping…plotting and planning his next move. But I also know that God is always several steps ahead of the opponent!
So I celebrate my rescue and redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ. I thank God for His wisdom, protection, grace, mercy, love and care…for planning for my future and always keeping me safe from the schemes and snares of the devil and his cohorts. For me, every day represents “touchdowns” and “extra points”…a veritable “party in the end zone” with God Almighty!
Recently, the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrated a victory over the LSU Tigers…breaking a 17-game losing streak in conference play. When the game ended, Razorback fans stormed the field, reveling in the joy, relief and release of this monumental win. If only we could celebrate God’s victories in our lives half as much!
It says something about us as Christians that we can’t seem to muster even a portion of this excitement over something so precious and vital in our lives. We will talk about a big sports play for days/weeks/months. We will replay it on “highlight reels” for years to come. Yet we can hardly mention God’s name and acknowledge His importance in our lives…much less give Him even a portion of the praise and recognition that He so richly deserves.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good football game…or with celebrating a great play. These happy moments are blessings from God just as much as any other. But we need to take inventory of our priorities and make sure that God is at the forefront…that in our jubilation over things of this world, we don’t neglect our gratitude for Him.
Sometimes only the length of an outstretched arm separates us from a tackle by the devil…and the grip of God’s grace. Won’t you thank God today for giving you that last burst of energy to sprint toward the “end zone” and the safety of His love and care? Isn’t it time to celebrate our victory in Jesus Christ? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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
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
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