November 2019 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for November 30, 2019 – Keep praying – and giving thanks!

Colossians 4:2
Don’t be weary in prayer; keep at it; watch for God’s answers, and remember to be thankful when they come.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

In November 1978, singer Kenny Rogers released a song called “The Gambler*”. Written by Don Schlitz some 2 years earlier, this song caught on when Rogers sang it in his gravelly voice, and it became one of his biggest hits ever. In part, the lyrics say,

“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em,
Know when to walk away, know when to run.”

Sometimes, we have to know when to walk away from a person or situation – and yes, sometimes, we almost need to run! But we must never stop praying – even in these instances.

I will be the first to tell you that more than once, I have said to God, “I don’t know why you are taking so long.” Do you know how ridiculous this is?! First of all, God’s timing is perfect…and secondly, who are we to question God – about anything?! But I’m betting that at least once, you have been tempted to stop praying for someone or something, because you just didn’t see the point – or feel that God was listening.

I can tell you from experience that we must never give up on our prayers, and we must always thank God for answering…because I guarantee, this is exactly what He is doing. It may not be on our timetable, but it will happen. I have looked back several times to see that God answered my persistent prayers…and better than I asked or expected.

So keep praying. Don’t ever “fold ’em” when it comes to talking with God, and never walk away. God is listening. He is answering. Give Him praise and glory – and thank Him continually for everything.

* The Gambler, written by Don Schlitz, performed by Kenny Rogers for Capitol Records Nashville. Available on Spotify, Deezer, iHeartRadio and Play Music.

Daily Devotional for November 29, 2019 – Learning to “cultivate thankfulness”…and thanking God every step of the way

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

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.

Once again we awoke to news of senseless mayhem and murder – this time in London. I know people who are grieving recent losses…and others who are fighting a battle to stay alive and defeat illness and injury. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with family members yesterday…but I remember a time when my mother ate her “Thanksgiving dinner” in a hospital cafeteria, because my dad was a patient there. On a week when many are giving thanks, it must be hard for several folks to find a reason to express any gratitude. And yet, Paul reminds us that we must always look for God in every detail of our lives – and thank Him.

I was particularly struck by two words in this scripture passage…”cultivate thankfulness.” It’s not enough to thank God for our blessings…or even to count them. We have to cultivate an attitude of continual thankfulness to God – for everything. Because even on our worst day, we have things for which to thank Him. Even when everything around us is going wrong, we know that God is ultimately in charge of it all. And when we thank Him and yield to His will, every thing that happens to us can be an opportunity for gratitude.

How do you thank God for a terrorist who stabs you – or kills your loved one? How do you thank Him for a brain tumor – or the illness or death of a family member or friend? How do you thank God for divorce, job loss, bankruptcy, and war? How do you thank Him for natural disasters?

I don’t hear Paul telling us to thank God for these things…but rather, to thank Him for always being present in our lives, no matter what is happening. I hear Paul reminding us to “cultivate thankfulness” so that we are always able to remain close to God…to sing our hearts out to Him…and to say and do only things that please Him and honor His continual love and care for each of us.

There are so many things that we will never understand about how God operates until we get to Heaven. I can tell you…I have questions! But what I don’t dispute is God’s love for me…and His perfect plan for every single minute of my life. I am working hard to cultivate thankfulness…to live completely in His presence, so that I have the confidence that every single detail of each day is completely covered by His constant care. What about you?

Daily Devotional for November 27, 2019 – Letting our living spill over into Thanksgiving

Colossians 2:6-7
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

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 have never understood how so many Christians could focus so much on “winning souls” – and neglect discipleship. It seems that there is a premium placed on “numbers” for some. How many people have joined your church this year? How many Bible verses did the children memorize? How much was given to missions- and to the church budget?

What if we put as much emphasis on what happens beyond Salvation? And yes, I understand that joining a church body, giving to missions, and tithing are part of that for many. But what if we spent more time on nurture of our brothers and sisters…encouragement, support, helping them to learn to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit – always and in all ways? What if we were less concerned with who attends a Bible study and more focused on who lives and breathes in the joy of the Lord

What if we demonstrated this own joy and gratitude in our life in such a way that it “rubbed off” on others? You do know that this is part of the deal, don’t you?! Paul is reminding us in this passage that we have received Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ – and now it is time for us to live like it!

It is easy in this season of Thanksgiving to “let our living spill over” into gratitude, thanks and praise. But this should last all year – not just a week or two in November. Our primary focus as redeemed believers in Jesus Christ should be to spread His Good News – and to share His love, grace, mercy, kindness, inclusion, forgiveness and more in a way that causes others to say, “I want in on this for myself.”

Our gratitude for God’s amazing gift of Jesus should be palpable…and our thanksgiving unending. How well are you doing these days?

Daily Devotional for November 26, 2019 – Thankful prayers for others are a pleasure – and a MUST!

2 Thessalonians 1:3-4
You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you.

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 done it. We pray for someone to turn their life around – or to get well. We ask God to bless someone with a new job, a “significant other”, or some other life-changing event. And God answers…and we move on with our lives.

How many times do you still thank God for that person He healed of cancer two years ago? How often do you lift up the grieving family whose loved one passed last month – or last week? When was the last time you thanked God for the amazing changes and salvation He brought to the life of someone for whom you prayed a dozen years ago or more?

My point is that we get so caught up in the here and now that we quickly move from one person to the next. I understand that it can be daunting to recollect every single person for whom you have ever prayed. But try this…when a person’s name pops into your head – for whatever reason – thank God for them. When you see the name of someone on social media that you have not thought about in a while, stop and pray for him/her. If you know they are in need of God’s special love and care, ask for it. If you know that God has worked in their life in a special way, thank Him.

I have sometimes noticed a name on Facebook – or someone comes to mind – that I had not thought of in quite some time. Or maybe I will bump into a person at Walmart that I have not seen in many weeks – or even months. Sometimes, when I am praying, the name of some random person will pop into my brain. I have decided this is God’s nudge for me to pray for this person. It can be as simple as “Lord, please bless So-and-So,” or “Father, You know the needs of What’s-his-name.” God hears all prayers…He accepts all praises and petitions of gratitude…He answers every request.

So keep on praying for others…whether you think they need it or not! Offer thanks to God for the wonderful work He has done in so many – and for what He continues to do. As the Apostle Paul told us…this is not just a pleasure – it is a MUST! God is at work in the hearts and lives of those we know and love…how will you thank Him today?

Daily Devotional for November 25, 2019 – Showing gratitude to God for what He has done – how well are you doing?

2 Samuel 2:5-6
David sent messengers to tell them:

The Lord bless you! You were kind enough to bury Saul your ruler, and I pray that the Lord will be kind and faithful to you. I will be your friend because of what you have done. Saul is dead, but the tribe of Judah has made me their king. So be strong and have courage.

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

I did some holiday shopping at a major retail store today, and I watched the people busily hurry from one aisle to the next. A lot of money exchanged hands in just this one store as people gathered holiday decor and gifts – and yes, we all bought things we could easily live without. But this is what we do during the holidays. My question is…do we spend enough time thinking about WHY we do this…and WHO we do it for? Do we rush right through Thanksgiving to get to Christmas that we forget to be grateful and thankful – or the true reason we celebrate Thanksgiving, the Advent Season and December 25th?

God has been so kind and faithful to all of us – and He continues this each and every day. Do we recognize His hand in our life? Do we see how He orchestrates everything from a safe drive to work each morning to another day of relatively healthy living? Are we fully aware that God made it possible for us to shop at retail facilities and spend, spend, spend?

By the mere fact that you and I woke up again this morning, we have experienced God’s blessings. That we have food to eat, clothes to wear – and a place to lay our head each night – demonstrates God’s abundant blessings in our lives. And you and I know that this is but the tip of the iceberg!

God doesn’t ask anything in return, but don’t you want to be His friend because of what He has done in your life? Don’t you want to honor and glorify God with every breath? Don’t you want to live in a way that says, “I am God’s chosen child…an heir to His throne…and I am incredibly thankful for all that He has done in my life”? Is this what you are showing others in your daily living…is this how you glorify God? Don’t you think it should be?

I will admit – I can shop with the best of them! But let’s not get so caught up in the “trappings” of the holidays – or life in general – that we forget Who makes it all possible. Let’s remember to show kindness to God and be faithful…to demonstrate our gratitude and give Him glory in every word and action. You may still shop till you drop…or stuff yourself silly later this week. But remember to keep the Main Thing the main thing…and always be humble and grateful for God’s blessings.

Daily Devotional for November 24, 2019 – Thanking God for His gift of Jesus – are we paying enough attention?

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thank God for his Son—his Gift too wonderful for words.

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

My husband, Greg, is generally very observant. And our kids miss nothing! On the other hand, I have so many things going through my mind at one time that I often overlook things that are right in front of me. For example, Greg was telling me yesterday about a visit with our neighbor. He said they talked about the neighbor’s new truck. I looked at him and asked, “He got a new truck?” Greg said, “You drive by it every time you enter our neighborhood…it’s white!” For the life of me, I had not noticed. But sure enough – as I drove down the street today…there was the new white truck!

I wonder how often we “drive right past” Jesus. How often do we fail to give Him any consideration – much less our full and undivided attention? We certainly do not stop to thank Him and express our gratitude as we should. We are often so busy asking Jesus to do things for us that we fail to find more than a quick whispered “thank you” to Him.

These days, I find myself more aware than ever of how much God did for me when He gave me Jesus. I find myself wanting to honor this Gift more in everything I say and do. Even as I shopped in a crowded discount store a few days before a national holiday, I felt myself smiling and quietly thanking God for the privilege and freedom of doing such a thing…and for His abundance in my life.

It shouldn’t take a national holiday named “Thanksgiving” to spur our thoughts of gratitude and praise. But whatever it takes to make us pause and thank God for His gift of Jesus…let’s do it! And let’s keep on thanking Him and paying closer attention to the blessings that He bestows on us each and every day. Let’s vow to live with more intention and awareness – of our blessings and abundance – AND of our surroundings. I know I plan to do this – what about you?

Daily Devotional for November 23, 2019 – Praising God and giving thanks by sharing His abundance…how well are you doing?

2 Corinthians 9:11-12
Yes, God will give you much so that you can give away much, and when we take your gifts to those who need them they will break out into thanksgiving and praise to God for your help. So two good things happen as a result of your gifts—those in need are helped, and they overflow with thanks to God.

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

Once in a while, someone will post on Facebook that the person in front of them at a fast-food drive-thru paid for their meal…so they paid for the person behind them. This is a simplistic example of gratitude and abundance that the Apostle Paul is talking about in this passage…but hopefully, you get the idea.

When we give to another person, God multiplies our gift. Not only is that person helped, but their “attitude of gratitude” likely improves as a result. Notice that I didn’t specify what kind of gift…because I am not only talking about material possessions – or money. When was the last time you stopped and talked to a neighbor and really heard how he/she was doing? When did you last offer a word of encouragement to someone?

Have you ever sent a card to another person – even for a happy occasion? Have you ever left an extra-big tip at a restaurant? When was the last time you said, “I’ll do that for you”…and followed through – or maybe did something for another person without being asked? How long has it been since you held open a door, smiled at a complete stranger, or put change in the Salvation Army bucket?

These may seem like “no-brainers” to you…but I can tell you, there are plenty of folks who never do them. They keep their “generosity” all to themselves…and in the process, they not only rob others of a blessing, but they miss out, as well.

You may not have money or material possessions to spare…but we all have something that we can give to another person. There is always a need that we can meet…and God has called us to do exactly this. Open your eyes and ears…look around and see who needs you. Ask God to show you where He wants you to operate out of gratitude for your abundance – and “share the wealth” with others.

God has given each of us so much…are you demonstrating your gratitude and thanksgiving? God’s abundance can never be paid forward if we don’t start the process. Where will you begin today?

Daily Devotional for November 22, 2019 – What “fragrance” are you wearing?

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.

In my town, we know a thing or two about “sweet perfume”! For about three years in the early 1990s, I was in charge of publicity for an international room fragrance company based in our home town. Everywhere I went, people knew that I worked for Aromatique®, because I carried the fragrance with me – in my hair and on my clothing! On days when the wind is “just right” in our city, a waft of “The Smell of Christmas®” or “The Smell of Spring®” will pass through the air. Some have quipped that we have the best smelling town in the world!

Having said this, when Greg and I were in college – and for several years afterward – we lived adjacent to a community that housed a paper mill. Let me tell you, there were times when the smell in the air was downright acrid! This was not the least bit pleasant, and we would look at each other knowingly…”UGH…the paper mill!”

So my question to you today is this…when you enter a room, which “fragrance” do you carry? Do others see Jesus and experience the “sweet perfume” of His Good News in your presence? Or do you usher in the acrid stench of sin…a negative attitude, discrimination, hatred, unkindness, arrogance, elitism, racism, and more? For some of us, the hint of either may be faint…people may think they get a “whiff” of kindness…or of disparity. For many, our “perfume” is anything but distinct…and they don’t really know where we stand or who we represent – on anything.

I challenge you to put on the sweet perfume of Jesus Christ…to all but reek of it! I urge you to gratefully and thankfully share His Good News with others and demonstrate with every word and action just how honored and humbled you are to have received Christ’s redemption, grace and mercy. Show others what a privilege it is to serve as His disciple by wearing the beautiful fragrance of love and kindness. And thank God every day that you live in such a blessed atmosphere.

When the wind blows the “wrong way” and the acrid smell of sin dares to invade, call on God to engulf you in the fragrance of His love, grace and mercy…and to make this all that anyone else experiences. Through Jesus Christ, God has blessed us with this “sweet perfume”…why would we ever wear anything else?

©2019 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for November 21, 2019 – Thanking God for his good and perfect creations – and “eating heartily”

1 Timothy 4:1-5
The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They’ll tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.

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, one of our nation’s leaders referred to members of an opposing political party as “human scum”. I can only imagine how this “characterization” grieves God, Who created each and every one of us in His own image – and loves us beyond comprehension.

As I read this scripture passage from 1 Timothy 4, I looked beyond the references that the Apostle Paul made to God’s creations and applied his observations directly to human beings. It has become almost common sport to disparage others in our country – and throughout the world. Words are tossed about to describe people who are not “like us” in some way as if they are indeed “human scum”. This must grieve God to the core…because the Bible tells us that God did not create such a thing…that every human being has value and worth to Him. Indeed, we are all precious to our Heavenly Father.

So as you thank God for your blessings and “eat heartily”, think about this particular passage from 1 Timothy 4:1-5…”Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out.”

We are all God’s holy creations…and we should give Him thanks for all people – even those who would dare to call others ugly names. I struggle with this, but I know that I must at least pray for the name callers – and ask God to work in their hearts to bring about changes according to His will. Meanwhile, I must strive to treat every.single.person with love and kindness…to recognize the the value and worth that God sees in them…and to love them with the love of Christ.

There is no such thing as “human scum”. We are all sinners…we have all failed miserably. But we are all God’s creations – endowed with the potential to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus and made holy and pure in His sight. For this, I give God all of the glory – and continual thanks and gratitude. Do you?

Daily Devotional for November 20, 2019 – Pray much for others – all of them!

1 Timothy 2:1
Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.

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

I’ve told you before that I generally use the time I spend in the pool as prayer time. I count my blessings and express my gratitude to God for everything from my salvation to the privilege of swimming in a warm, indoor pool. I pray for my family members, friends, those who are sick and grieving, our teachers, my church family and church leaders, and more. I also pray for our community, nation, and the world at large – and the leaders of each.

Let me be clear, I do not agree with all of the people for whom I pray. In fact, some of them downright upset me on a regular basis. And these are some of the folks that I remember with the most fervent prayers! I don’t ask God to specifically do XYZ – or to change them to my way of thinking. But I do sometimes plead for His mercy upon them – and I ask Him to work in their hearts and minds according to His will, not mine. And yes, I thank God in advance for all that He will do for these folks.

Why would we thank God in advance for the work that He will do in others? How can we be so sure that God truly will work in them? My answer is that I have seen this happen over and over. Again, I am not saying that I ask for – or expect – God to change anyone to think and act as I do. I have learned not to get in the weeds on specifics…because this borders on arrogance in my book. God does not need any of us to tell Him how to operate…but He does want us to bring the names of others before Him – with the understanding that He alone can fix them!

The Bible tells us to pray for enemies…to pray without ceasing…and in 1 Timothy 2:1, we learn that we are to pray for others with thanksgiving – and plead for God’s mercy upon them. I will be the first to tell you that this is sometimes difficult…and it’s darn hard to refrain from “suggesting” to God how He should deal with a few folks! But this is what we must learn to do.

In humbly praying for others, we demonstrate our own surrender and submission to the will of God. We also show that we are willing to follow the teachings of Christ to love one another – all of them – and to trust God to be the supreme, sovereign final authority that we declare Him to be. We may sometimes have to bite our tongue to do this…but God sees our diligence, and He blesses and answers all petitions perfectly. So now that you have been reminded to pray for others and plead for God’s mercy upon them…who do you need to bring before Him today?

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