Daily Devotional for December 8, 2016

Luke 21:1-4
Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

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.

I am reading a book written by one of my favorite authors, Sophie Hudson. It’s called Giddy Up, Eunice!* – and it is basically about how women can support and encourage one another.  “Eunice” is a biblical reference to the mother of Timothy (the one in the Bible…not my nephew!).  Sophie Hudson has a knack for relating to me in a meaningful way.  Perhaps it is the fact that we are both southern girls…or that we both have a deep affection for our mother-in-law.  Regardless of the reason, she makes a lot of points about the importance of encouraging relationships…in this case in particular, among women.

Now you may be wondering what this has to do with today’s scripture passage…and I’m about to tell you. When I think of the “widow’s mite,” three women automatically come to mind for me…my Mam-ma Polly, Mrs. Peggy, and a dear lady named Cora Mae.  My grandmother and Mrs. Peggy have left us for heaven, but at age 93, Cora Mae is still teaching me (and others) how to give your all.

None of these ladies was ever wealthy, by any monetary standard. All three worked hard and suffered many hardships in life. All three were like the “Energizer Bunny” when it came to serving others…and Cora Mae still puts many people half her age to shame. It’s not about money per se…what these women have given to countless people is priceless.  They have visited, cooked meals, served in their churches in a zillion capacities, prayed, encouraged, shown up, and given all they could – whatever that might entail at the moment.

The message for us in the example of these three women – and in this scripture passage – is that we all have something to give.  And there is a very good chance that it is more than we are currently offering. If for no other reason than to demonstrate our gratitude to God for HIS gift of Jesus, we should be digging deeply and giving our all. This is about more than writing a check to a charitable organization – or tithing to the church. You may need to write a note of encouragement – or pick up the phone and talk to someone.  You may need to stop in the store and listen to someone who really needs your ear. Or you may need to sit quietly in a chair with your children and read them a story…or really stop and listen to your spouse or child when he/she is talking.

My point is that some of the biggest lessons – and greatest gifts – that I have received have not been tangible, hold-in-your-hand gifts…or money. They have been the selfless gestures and expenditures of time, attention, encouragement – and examples of how to serve others.  Some of the greatest gifts I have received came from these three ladies who mentored me…and others who have demonstrated generosity of spirit.  They have shown me how to give my all…and now the rest is up to me.

I pray that you have been blessed with examples of those who gave their all…and that it has resonated with you. Examine your life and see where you are holding out – and holding back.  Learn from those who have mastered giving their all…and become one of them.

©2016 Debbie Robus

*Giddy Up, Eunice! ~ https://www.amazon.com/Giddy-Up-Eunice-Because-Women/dp/1433643111

Daily Devotional for December 7, 2016

Luke 12:33-34
“Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bankrobbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

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

This morning, I heard a television anchor interview a psychologist about the Christmas season…and why it is depressing for so many.  One of the things the expert noted was that this is a time when a lot of us remember people who are no longer alive.  We think about the traditions of Grandma and Grandpa…or how Uncle Paul always put up a huge light display.  And we miss these things - and the people.

Some of us try to fill in the gaps…to carry on the traditions for future generations.  Others go a totally different route and completely change their holiday routine.  But there is one thing that should not change about this season…and that is our spirit of giving.

For all of the nuttiness that goes with this season (and I say this with all the love I can muster), we must remember WHY we are celebrating.  God gave us Jesus…the greatest Gift of all time.  There is no better reason to celebrate, decorate, and give presents to others.  But we need to be thoughtful in our holiday celebrations.  We need to look around and ask ourselves…”Does little Joey need another Lego® set – or does his classmate need a warm coat?”  We need to question our desire to add another row of Christmas lights to the roof over purchasing food for a hungry family…outfitting a foster child…or paying the light bill for a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet.

In short, we need to be generous to those in need and store up “treasure” in heaven…to satiate our heart rather than our landscape…to make a difference instead of making a point!  We need to carry on the traditions of our loved ones – within reason.  But maybe we need to start a few new ones…and carry them into the New Year and beyond.  We need to realize that sometimes a smile, a hug, and a few words of encouragement can be just as critical to the well-being of someone in need as any tangible items.  A few minutes of our time spent visiting a shut-in or reading to a child could be more important than any box of candy or toy.  We need to ask God to give us a new perspective about giving with purpose and meaning.

The spirit of giving is not something we should activate on December 1st and pack away with the holiday decorations after New Year’s Day.  We should build up treasure in heaven by meeting the needs of those around us all year long.  And we should begin today.  Are you with me?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 6, 2016

Luke 11:10-13    
“Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children. And don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask 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.

This is the time of year when children ask Santa Claus for specific items…and they expect to receive them. After all, we’re talking about SANTA CLAUS!  He would never disappoint a child…right?  You and I both know that we adults have to sometimes do some fancy finagling…like when the child comes up with a totally new request, just days before Christmas - and after “Santa” has already “made” all of the toys asked for back in November!

Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t operate like this?  Isn’t it comforting to know that we can go to Him any hour of the day and say, “Lord, I need…” and He will answer our request.  Notice I did not say that God will always give us exactly what we asked for.  God is not in the business of doling out wishes and whims willy-nilly!  But God will always meet our true needs - according to His will for us.

Every year, I give the children pajamas, socks and underwear for Christmas. A few years ago, Timothy pulled a package of underwear out of his stocking, walked over to his father and said, “Here, Dad…these are for YOU!”  Needless to say, our nephew was not impressed with this gift!  But I knew that it was something that he and his siblings truly needed.

God always gives us what we need when we ask.  He will ALWAYS send His Holy Spirit if we ask for comfort, wisdom, guidance and companionship…even when our actual requisition takes a more vague form, as in, “I need help with XYZ.”  He may even send us an “underwear-type” gift, if that is what He feels is appropriate.  But the point is…we will never lack when we seek God.  He will always give us good and perfect gifts.

Thank goodness God doesn’t operate on the “naughty or nice” scale of giving.  We will never be able to earn His goodness…nor will we deserve His gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  But God gives them anyway…because He loves us more than we can ever imagine.  His “Christmas gift” is available to us 24/7/365. What a blessing!

What are you asking God for these days?  And what are you expecting?  When He gives you good and perfect gifts, will you recognize them and be truly grateful?  Don’t you think you should be?

©2016 Debbie Robus 

Daily Devotional for December 5, 2016

John 3:16-18
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

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

There are people in this world who are hard to love…but no one is unloveable.  If you don’t remember anything else I ever say, please remember this.  I get it…some people are rude and insensitive…some children never seem to behave themselves...and some folks simply smell bad.  Others do horrible, unspeakable things…treat each other with disrespect…and present conduct so terrible that nobody wants to be around them.  Some people act as if they don’t care…about anything or anyone (except maybe themselves.)  And God sent Jesus for all of them.

I frame these thoughts in the context of three locations…school, the workplace, and church.  If you are a teacher or someone who works with children, remember that your most important job every single day is to make each child feel worthwhile and special.  Building up their self-worth is far more critical than building their knowledge base.  School should be their safe haven…the place where they are accepted and acknowledged…the place where they feel that they belong.

If you are a student, you should be surrounded by people who encourage you and build your heart and character every day…and you should do all that YOU can to encourage your fellow students in the same manner.

In the workplace, you should recognize that every customer and employee has worth…that every one of the people you encounter each day brings a unique set of abilities, problems and concerns with him/her…and your most important role is to show kindness, respect, and tolerance.

Church should be the one place above all others where people feel loved and acknowledged.  Many who come through the doors are seeking respite and refuge…love and acceptance...someone who will offer them encouragement and hope.  Instead, I’m afraid that many find people arrogance, social cliques, criticism and judgment, and a strong dose of condemnation that makes them feel inferior.  There doesn’t seem to be much room in some of our churches for the broken - and brokenhearted.

The thing is…God sent Jesus for ALL of us…not just the nice ones – or the pretty ones.  He didn’t say, “I am only sending my Son to save those who are clean and behave themselves every single minute…the ones whose home life is perfect, and those who have no money problems or struggles with addiction.  I’m not sending Him for those who are emotionally a little off balance…are anything other than 100% heterosexual…and have less than creamy white skin and a fat bank account.

God did not put a single limitation or qualification on who could have salvation because of Jesus Christ.  So why do we?  God gave us the most perfect gift possible…a gift that not a single one of us can ever earn or deserve.  He loved every single one of us enough to do this. So what makes us think we can love others any less?

Most of us learned early in life to be gracious recipients of gifts…even the ones that we didn’t ask for – or really don’t like.  But there is nothing unlikeable about God’s gift of salvation.  In fact, the mere idea that someone would reject this gift is probably absurd to most of us – although there will be those who do so.  I trust that you are not among them.  And in accepting God’s gift of Jesus, we must also accept the command to love others as we love Him – and ourselves…and to treat them as we would wish to be treated.  As you go to school, work, church – or just out in the world each day – think about Jesus and what He did for you.  Ask yourself if how you are treating others and responding to them lines up with this perfect Gift.

Make every minute of your day a time to show God your gratitude for Jesus.  Do this with your words and actions – and by treating others as the precious recipients of this great Gift, as well.   Because of God’s great love for us…no one is unloveable. Are you demonstrating this in your daily living?  Isn’t it time you were?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 4, 2016

James 1:16-18
Don’t be fooled, my dear friends. Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth.

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

In a typical 7-year-old whine, Timothy lamented this weekend that “I don’t think I can wait three more weeks for Christmas!”  I told him to enjoy this month…to think of Christmas as a whole season - and Christmas Day as the culmination when many more gifts arrive. I have reminded myself to do this – especially in recent years.  I try to find joy in the events that lead up to December 25th.  Decorating, writing cards, baking, wrapping gifts…all of this is part and parcel of what “Christmas” is all about – or in my opinion, it should be.

These activities should not be thought of as “chores” to be accomplished…but rather, gifts to others – and to ourselves.  When Timothy and Nathan examined our holiday decorations this weekend and their faces lit up with joy and wonder, I felt like I had received a gift.  When I enjoy a holiday cookie or two and a cup of spiced tea, I feel as if God is saying, “Celebrate the season…every bit of it.”

When Greg, “Grandma E”, and I meet up with the children and their parents at the annual city Christmas parade – and watch the expressions on their faces as they review the entries, I feel as if God has blessed me with a gift of time spent creating happy memories. When we watch the children open gifts on Christmas Eve and hear them say, “It’s just what I wanted!”…I feel as if God is saying, “Now you know how *I* feel when I give you something that you really appreciate.”

My point is this…God’s gifts are all around us. Yes, we acknowledge the gift of Jesus during this holiday season.  But do we truly recognize all of the “good and perfect” little gifts that God is continually bestowing upon us?  Do we see the daily “gifts” of the Christmas season…or are we so narrowly focused on THE DAY that we miss everything else?  If all we can think about is December 24th and 25th, we will miss the true gifts of the “Christmas Season.”  And if we get tunnel vision about God’s gifts in general, we will miss more than a few of them.

Stop and “smell the roses” in the next few weeks. Give yourself the gift of an attitude adjustment, and acknowledge every single event and activity that culminates in “Christmas Day.”  Recognize – and appreciate – all of God’s good and perfect gifts…even shopping for Aunt Mary and untangling that aggravatingly twisted bundle of twinkling lights!  Take time to thank God…for Jesus – and for the amazing opportunities we have to serve and celebrate Him. All too soon, it will be a new year, and “Christmas” will have come and gone again.  We will look back and wish it hadn’t all flown by so quickly.  But will we have truly relished and respected God and his “good and perfect” gifts?  Isn’t it time we did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 3, 2016

December 3 ~ Genesis 28:20-22
And Jacob vowed this vow to God: “If God will help and protect me on this journey and give me food and clothes, and will bring me back safely to my father, then I will choose Jehovah as my God! And this memorial pillar shall become a place for worship; and I will give you back a tenth of everything you give me!”

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

We learn at an early age to “bargain.”  Little children tell adults, “Just let me have five more minutes…eat one cookie…do XYZ…and I will go straight to bed, brush my teeth, or whatever it is we are wanting them to do at the moment. On the flip side, we adults make promises to children if they will behave a certain way, clean their rooms, or simply brush their teeth and go to bed!

But we adults have truly mastered bargaining…particularly with God.  If only He will make life perfect for us, we will serve Him with our whole heart and give back to Him at least a tenth of all we have been given!  If only He will get us out of our current mess, we will serve Him with all we have for the rest of our earthly lives!  Sounds fair…right? 

I can see why Jacob bargained with God.  This was Old Testament times.  Jesus had not come to earth yet.  Jacob felt like this was a fair agreement…and perhaps for the time, it was.  But the God who loved us enough to send Jesus to die on the cross for our sins – before we were even born – deserves ALL that we can give Him.  Of course, everything we have came from God, so anything we give to Him will essentially be a “re-gift!”  But still, to put contingencies on these “gifts” seems as if we don’t believe in His promises.  Surely that is not the case!

How about we do this?  Why not just cut to the chase and lay it all out before God?  What if we simply say, “Lord…I give You my best…all that I can…whatever You desire.  You gave me a promise of eternal life with You in Heaven.  What can I give You while I’m still on this earth?”  Whatever God asks of you, He will equip you to accomplish.  Even if it seems impossible - like giving up a circle of “friends” who are not the right crowd for you…breaking a lifelong habit…or putting yourself “out there” in a way you would rather not - God will assure that everything comes together perfectly.  If GOD ordains it, you cannot fail.

So let’s quit bargaining with God, revel in His promise of Eternal Life, and serve Him on this earth with every ounce of energy and courage we can muster. Let’s put our faith into action and show the world that with God, anything and everything is possible.  And let’s give Him our very best each and every day without a single though about what is in it for us.  Are you with really ready to give?
 
©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 2, 2016

December 2 ~ Galatians 6:6-10

Share every good thing you have with anyone who teaches you what God has said.

You cannot fool God, so don’t make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don’t get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don’t give up. We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord.

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

As I write this, Timothy is standing in front of me…building some of his favorite characters from an ottoman covered in Legos® while we watch our third movie since we got home from school today.  The three of us (Greg, Timothy and I) also watched two “reindeer” specials that I saved on the DVR. 

Fridays are my “day” to volunteer in Timothy’s class at school -and sometimes help Zola’s teacher. While I’m there, I go to lunch with both children. Trust me…it’s all about spending time with the kids, because no adult really has a burning desire to sit through 30-40 minutes in the cafeteria with elementary school children just for fun!

Greg and I hope the time we are investing in these children will reap a good harvest.  We sow seeds of love, kindness, positivity, and the teachings of Jesus into their little hearts and minds every chance we get. There is no guarantee that these efforts will “pay off,” but we prayerfully trust that God will bless our faithfulness.

You may be asking, “What does this have to do with me?”  You may not have elementary school children to nurture. Your “calling” may be totally different from ours. God may be providing you with other opportunities to help someone.  But the point is, we all have a “mission.”  There is someone, somewhere who needs your help.  You may not want to give it…you may grow tired of assisting and doing what God shows you to do.  But keep doing it!  You will harvest what you plant…and if you persevere and keep giving, God will bless your efforts.  Scripture says to do otherwise will reap a harvest of destruction.  I don’t know if this is a guarantee…but is it really worth the risk?

Don’t get tired of helping others.  God may not be calling you to sit in the elementary school cafeteria every Friday – or watch a marathon of kids’ movies all weekend.  But He is calling you to give all you can to someone – or something.  How you respond will make all the difference.  Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and start giving?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 1, 2016

Acts 20:32-35
I now place you in God’s care. Remember the message about his great kindness! This message can help you and give you what belongs to you as God’s people. I have never wanted anyone’s money or clothes. You know how I have worked with my own hands to make a living for myself and my friends. By everything I did, I showed how you should work to help everyone who is weak. Remember that our Lord Jesus said, “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.”

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

There is a little girl in my Sunday school class who went to a local bank today to see Santa. She and her little brother had their photo made with Santa.  The little girl’s mother posted on Facebook that “Julia has been so worried that everyone just asks Santa for presents and never asks what he wants. Julia did not ask for anything. She just asked Santa what he wanted.”  I would say that Julia is well on her way to developing a giving spirit!

There is nothing wrong with children sitting on Santa’s lap and telling him what they want for Christmas.  But too many of us have cultivated the “what’s-in-it-for-ME?” attitude to the point that it has become second nature to us. Everything we say and do is framed in this context.  We are envious of others…we fight to “keep up with the neighbors”…and some of us would step over our own family members to make an extra buck to acquire more “stuff.”

I grew up in an atmosphere of giving.  I watched my Mam-ma Polly give out of her abundance more times than I can count.  And let me be clear…my grandparents were NOT rich!  I thought they were when I was little, because they were ALWAYS giving something to someone.  Not until I was an adult did I realize how little they had…and how much they gave.  And it served them well.  My Mam-ma was one of the most loved women I’ve ever known.  And she was revered for her generous spirit.

Don’t misunderstand me…we don’t give so others will think we are wonderful.  We give because Jesus commanded us to do this…to meet the needs of others and think of these ahead of our own.  God has already given us Jesus and more than we ever could deserve.  The fact that He also blesses us with love and abundance because of our own generosity toward others is merely a nice side benefit.

Look around…especially this holiday season.  Who is in need…of a hug, a card, a bag of cookies or candy, a warm coat, a few bucks, a sack of groceries, a helping hand, a ride, or a few words of encouragement?  Who needs to know that you care…in whatever form that may take?  Who needs to see Jesus in the words and actions that you provide?  Who will be the catalyst for blessings you cannot even imagine, as you yield to Jesus’ command and “work to help everyone who is weak?”

Isn’t it time you asked someone else what they wanted – even Santa?  Will this be the day that you get started?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 30, 2016

1 Corinthians 16:2
On every Lord’s Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
 
When I was a little girl, our church gave a box of envelopes to every person in each family who were members.  There was one for each Sunday, and I think a box held enough envelopes for three months.  We were to put our “offering” in this envelope and take it to church on Sunday.  I’m sure there wasn’t much money in the envelopes for myself and my sister and brother…and I can remember a few times when we had nothing to put in and felt embarrassed.  When I took over caring for my Mam-ma Polly as she aged, I paid her “tithe” each month.  Mam-ma gave me her envelopes…almost the same ones as those from my childhood.  For a while, I put a check in the envelopes each week so that she could put on the collection plate…but she began to forget, and the envelopes collected in her purse!  So I started making a direct deposit each month.  When she would ask, “Did you send my tithe?” I would answer confidently, “Yes…it’s there.”

There are a lot of ways that I could go on this scripture passage, but what I want to emphasize today is not that we should give an envelope of money to the church each Sunday.  Rather, I would like to remind each of us that God wants us to be present and to give Him all we can each and every week.  If we have to set up some sort of “auto-draft” system for ourselves in order to serve Him, let’s do it!  The point is not to put off serving God until another day/week/month that seems better. In the words of the Apostle Paul, don’t wait until the end and try to collect your gifts to present all at once!

You know what I’m talking about.  We feel that gentle nudge from God to help someone or make a phone call, and we say, “I’ll do that later.”  And “later” never comes.  We say, “I would LOVE to serve in the soup kitchen or deliver Meals on Wheels” – or whatever it is that tugs at your heart…but we never do it.  This scripture is reminding us that NOW is the time to serve.  TODAY is the day to give!

I can assure you that none of us are assured another day on this earth…so procrastinating with our “giving” is simply not an option!  Use the “envelope” system or whatever helps you stay on track, but get busy giving in the name of Jesus!  When you meet Him face-to-face, be able to say, “I heard You calling, and I did my best to give my all.”  That’s the least we can do for the One who gave ALL for us, isn’t it?

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 29, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 28, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2016

Isaiah 25:1, 8-9  
You, Lord, are my God!
    I will praise you
for doing the wonderful things
you had planned and promised
    since ancient times.

The Lord All-Powerful
will destroy the power of death
    and wipe away all tears.
No longer will his people
be insulted everywhere.
    The Lord has spoken!
At that time, people will say,
“The Lord has saved us!
    Let’s celebrate.
We waited and hoped—
    now our God is here.”
The powerful arm of the Lord
    will protect this mountain.

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

What a wonderful conversation I had this morning with 10 second and third graders…about heaven. Their ideas about what it will be like astounded me.  Many were “spot on” with scriptural descriptions of streets paved with gold and jewels.  Others talked about no tears or sadness...and one little girl said, “You won’t have to do anything, and that’s great – because I’m lazy!”  I shared my vision of the never-ending “heavenly table” and the feast we will have there…and they were duly impressed to think they could eat forever and never get full – or FAT!

We talked of how perfect heaven will be…and how blessed we are that God loves us enough to want us there with Him forever and ever!  Most of the children have lost a loved one in the last year - if not a family member, a close friend has passed.  It seemed like we all had at least one person near and dear to our hearts who is already sitting at the feet of Jesus and celebrating His amazing love and care, front and center!  We talked about how comforting that image is for us.

My goal this morning was to give the children a clear picture of how they can spend eternity in heaven with God and Jesus…and to give them hope about their eternal future.  I don’t think of heaven as a sad place at all…and apparently, neither do they!  And that’s a good thing!

So what about you?  Are you looking forward to your eternal home?  Are you doing what Jesus has commanded on this earth while He prepares a place for you at his heavenly table?  Have you surrendered your heart to Jesus and confessed your sins…and are you serving Him with every ounce of energy you can muster?

In the last four weeks, the children and I talked about angels, the devil, prayer, and heaven…and we used the Bible to answer a lot of questions about each of these topics.  We confirmed today that the devil is headed to hell…and we are doing all we can to spend eternity in Heaven. If seven- and eight-year-olds can do this, why can’t you?  Are you making every possible effort to secure that your eternal destination is heaven?  Have you thanked God for this amazing possibility and promise?  Isn’t it time you did?

©2016 Debbie Robus

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 November 25, 2016

Psalm 95:1-7    
Sing joyful songs to the Lord!
    Praise the mighty rock
    where we are safe.
Come to worship him
with thankful hearts
    and songs of praise.
The Lord is the greatest God,
    king over all other gods.
He holds the deepest part
    of the earth in his hands,
    and the mountain peaks
    belong to him.
The ocean is the Lord’s
    because he made it,
    and with his own hands
    he formed the dry land.
Bow down and worship
    the Lord our Creator!
The Lord is our God,
    and we are his people,
    the sheep he takes care of
    in his own pasture.

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

I saw a meme on Facebook today with a photo background that featured the silhouettes of three men hanging from crosses. The caption read, “Only one Black Friday offers eternal savings.” Greg and I spent a lazy “Black Friday” mostly relaxing and watching football. We visited some family members, ate leftovers and commented about what a good Thanksgiving Day we had with everyone. We didn’t fight the crowds to shop.  We didn’t start putting up Christmas decorations. We just rested and counted our blessings.

The view out our back windows is a panorama of somewhat dulled color, due to the fall drought…but there are some bursts of yellow and red here and there. Every few trees it seems like God dipped his paintbrush in some brilliant yellow or orange paint and said, “Let me show you what I can do!”  A maple tree in our front yard is filled with bright yellow leaves – and about three clusters that are an incredibly deep hue of red!  God did this…just because He can!  He is full of surprises!

As we take a moment between “holiday seasons” to catch our breath and regroup, let’s spend some time remembering WHO is really in charge.  Who made the mountains and gave us beautiful fall color?  Who is responsible for our abundance and the freedoms that we enjoy?  Who formed us and granted us family, friends, and blessings on every side?  Who takes care of His people in His own pasture like none other?

The answer to all of these questions is God Almighty – the Lord our Creator!  And we should at least pause for a few minutes to worship Him…to sing His praises and give thanks for the safety and protection of His love and care.  We should acknowledge our abundance in the very fact that we are His. And we should be grateful that we belong to the King of all gods…which makes us heirs to His Kingdom for all eternity!

Before you get caught up in the hoopla of the coming holiday season, take a few more minutes to be deliberately grateful for God and all that He has given us.  Bow down and worship the Lord our Creator!  On THIS “Black Friday,” thank Him for the Black Friday that gave us eternal savings…and for His gift of the One who made this all possible.

©2016 Debbie Robus

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 20, 2016

Romans 13:11-14
But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!

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. 

I still remember the day when I got a phone call from my Mam-ma Polly, and she and her best friend, Ruby, had been involved in a car wreck.  It was probably 4:00 p.m., and I was dressed in some of the worst clothes I own…a ragged t-shirt and some very loose cropped knit pants.  These were my “house cleaning/workout” clothes.  I had on no makeup…I had not fixed my hair.  It was “one of those days” at my house, where I had gotten busy with other things and never bothered to really “dress.” And now, my grandmother was calling me…stranded on the other side of town and in immediate need of rescue.

I did what I had to do…I grabbed my purse, hopped into the car and headed to the scene of the accident.  I’ll shorten the story a bit by saying that Mam-ma refused treatment at the scene from the EMTs and assured everyone she was okay. Then she got in my car and said, “I can’t breathe…my chest is really hurting.”  We ended up in the hospital Emergency Room for several hours, where x-rays were made, tests were run, and the diagnosis was a badly bruised sternum.

People came and went, and I shrunk into the corner, greatly embarrassed by how terrible I must have looked. I’m sure that there were some who thought I must be the real accident victim!  And I should have learned my lesson from this day…but I have to admit that I have not.  I love nothing more than a day where I can spend much of it – if not all – in my pajamas!  It’s not that I am lazy…or that I am totally unproductive these days.  But I have to say, I am more productive on the days that I dress and get up and get going!  Just a few minutes of attention to getting dressed and “presentable” could mean a world of difference in how the entire day progresses.

So what’s the point?  Some of us get so caught up in the particulars of our life that we don’t take even a little bit of time each morning to “dress” with God…to spend a quiet minute or two asking Him to help us with our day.  We don’t “put on the full armor of God,” and we are often caught off guard in some manner later on.  We put on the old rags of “dressing” in things that do not honor God…gossip, dissension, overindulgence, self-serving activities, and sins of all kinds.  Instead of placing our focus on God and ways to serve Him with our whole hearts, we “lie around in our sweats” and leave room for the devil to take control!

So take a few minutes each day to seek God’s help in your preparation.  Whether you are packing lunches and dressing for school or work…or just grabbing a second cup of coffee to sit and read the newspaper in your pjs…ask God to equip you for the day.  Call on Him to meet your needs and those of your circle of friends and loved ones - and ask Him to show you how and where to serve.

Take inventory of the things that fill your life…your priorities, your friends and acquaintances, the activities that occupy your mind and your time.  Where have you failed to get dressed and get going?  Where do you need to make some adjustments?  Time is passing so quickly, and we truly don’t have a minute to waste. Will this be the day that you begin to “get up and get dressed” with God?  Don’t you think it should be?  

©2016 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2016

Romans 13:1-7
Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power. People who oppose the authorities are opposing what God has done, and they will be punished. Rulers are a threat to evil people, not to good people. There is no need to be afraid of the authorities. Just do right, and they will praise you for it. After all, they are God’s servants, and it is their duty to help you.

If you do something wrong, you ought to be afraid, because these rulers have the right to punish you. They are God’s servants who punish criminals to show how angry God is. But you should obey the rulers because you know it is the right thing to do, and not just because of God’s anger.

You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God’s servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor.

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

I hope you will give me the courtesy of reading this entire message.  I did not want to write about this scripture passage.  It showed up in my outline, and frankly, I skipped it yesterday.  I read the words and said, “I hear You, LORD…but I just can’t do it.”  I understand that you may feel differently, and that is the beauty of a democratic republic…we are free to make our own choices.

I will tell you…this president-elect and the people he is tapping to assist him in leading our country scare me half to death!  It is my right to say this…although I will never resort to name calling or disrespectful words and actions.  Many did not afford President Obama respect and kindness. People who are supposed to be “Christian” friends…people I’ve known and loved all of my life…have called our current president every name in the book – and then some – and spoken terribly about him for the last eight years.  While I do not dare to judge, I feel that their words and actions have not been those of a person who would cause me want to follow Jesus, if this is how His disciples behave. But I do not believe that Jesus truly condones such behavior…and He must hang His head in disappointment quite often!

I’ve thought a lot about the election in the last two weeks…and I pondered these verses in Romans, as well.  I asked God NOT to make me write on them…and then I asked, “But why did you place them before me?”  Here’s what I feel that God is saying to me.  I believe this is a test of my faith. I feel that God is saying, “You know that I have told you to respect your government and its leaders.  I know that you are not comfortable with the incoming administration.  But do you trust Me?  Do you have enough faith to follow Me and do this hard thing…and believe that I will handle your worries and fears?”

There have been plenty of elected officials for whom I did not vote.  I have been disappointed more than once politically, and I bet you have, too.  I have always tried to be respectful and take the high road…even when others were not as kind in turn.  But I have to tell you, this one is really hard, because I have seen behavior and talk from this man and his “team” that I cannot help but believe troubles God terribly.  So I have to conclude that God is testing us…and when the day comes (and it will) when YOUR candidates are not elected, He will be watching to see if YOU listen to Him and show respect, obey the laws, pay your taxes, and behave as a good citizen.  I also am praying that the president-elect and his administration will take Paul’s words to the Romans to heart and take their roles as God’s servants (and ours) seriously.

Meanwhile…we have all got to figure out how to get along, regardless of who we support and/or endorse politically.  And I think this begins with all of us getting quiet and ceasing the hand-wringing for a while. I feel God calling for us to be still and listen for His voice…to allow Him room to work, and to trust His plans - even if we don’t see how they will possibly be good for any of us.

My mother had two sayings that are etched into my memory…”Two wrongs don’t make a right,” and “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything.”  Perhaps it’s time we brought these back and put them in to some heavy-duty practice, as we trust God to make a way where we cannot see one!  I’ll go first…will you join me?

©2016 Debbie Robus