Daily Devotional for December 31, 2023 – Counting blessings, making resolutions…and finding God in it all

Psalms 103 
I bless the holy name of God with all my heart. Yes, I will bless the Lord and not forget the glorious things he does for me.

He forgives all my sins. He heals me. He ransoms me from hell. He surrounds me with loving-kindness and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things! My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! He gives justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his will and nature to Moses and the people of Israel.

He is merciful and tender toward those who don’t deserve it; he is slow to get angry and full of kindness and love. He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence him. For he knows we are but dust and that our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever.

But the loving-kindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting to those who reverence him; his salvation is to children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant and remember to obey him!

The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything there is. Bless the Lord, you mighty angels of his who carry out his orders, listening for each of his commands. Yes, bless the Lord, you armies of his angels who serve him constantly.

Let everything everywhere bless the Lord. And how I bless him too!

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

Greg and I once again watched CBS Sunday Morning, and today’s episode reflected on the year 2023, and the events of the past twelve months…the good, bad, and ugly. Life is like that – we will experience all three at some point, and often in the span of a few short months! But the fact that you are reading this message says that you made it! Congratulations! Let me assure you that this happened because of the grace, mercy, and love of God. He brought you joy and “highs” – and carried you through heartaches and “lows.” God healed you – mentally, physically and Spiritually…even if you still feel “sick” in some way. God’s definition of “healing” is not the same as ours…but nonetheless, it is perfect. God carried you through this past year with His utmost care…and He’s not done with you yet!
 
As you look toward 2024, read this Psalm and pick apart each verse…consider the words in light of your life circumstances and experiences and remind yourself how God was with you in each situation. And He will keep on “keepin’ on!” This day, ponder all that is in the past…but look to what lies ahead, with gratitude, grace, and complete assurance that God’s got this – and you! Alleluia! And Happy New Year’s Eve!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 30, 2023 – Walking in the light of God’s promises – and celebrating His promise and protection

Isaiah 9:2-5 
Those who walked in the dark
    have seen a bright light.
And it shines upon everyone
who lives in the land
    of darkest shadows.
Our Lord, you have made
    your nation stronger.
Because of you, its people
    are glad and celebrate
like workers at harvest time
or like soldiers dividing up
    what they have taken.
You have broken the power
of those who abused
    and enslaved your people.
You have rescued them
just as you saved your people
    from Midian.
The boots of marching warriors
and the blood-stained uniforms
    have been fed to flames
    and eaten by fire.

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

Our niece Zola has been visiting for a sleepover. We have really enjoyed our niece and nephews lately as they slide into the teenage years. They are interesting, engaging, and filled with anticipation for the opportunities that await them. I am also thankful to note that they all know Jesus and walk in His bright light.
 
I will be the first to admit that there are many days when I wonder what the future holds for these kiddos. There are plenty of times when I feel disheartened about the conditions they will face…the struggles brought about by the selfishness and hatred of some and the unnecessary challenges and difficulties such attitudes will produce. In the last year, I have read several novels set in the era of WWII, and I sometimes wonder if we are destined to repeat many of those same trials and tribulations in years to come. These thoughts certainly keep me “on my knees” in conversation with God as I plead for Him to “fix us!”
 
The words of Isaiah bring me much hope and promise. Jesus will break the “power” of those who abuse and enslave others. He will rescue us from those who walk in darkness and try to impose their will on others. The love and light of Jesus will overcome that evil and darkness, and those who follow His commands and love others as He demonstrated will be saved and sanctified. I don’t know about you, but I cling to these promises. I trust God to make good on His assurance that faithful, obedient servants will not only be cared for – but blessed beyond measure.
 
I pray that wars cease and strife ends. I pray that our children will have a better world than the one we had as young adults. I stand on the promises of the Most High God in Isaiah 40:31 that “those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.” This is the continuing message of Christ’s birth, life, and death…His promise that when we believe in Him and trust His word and will, Jesus delivers us – from everything. May it be so in our lives this day, and may we follow His commands with every word and action. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 29, 2023 – Been there, done that…now it’s time to get busy serving as Christ commands!

Isaiah 2:1-5  
This is the message I was given about Judah and Jerusalem:

In the future, the mountain
with the Lord’s temple
    will be the highest of all.
It will reach above the hills;
    every nation will rush to it.
Many people will come and say,
    “Let’s go to the mountain
of the Lord God of Jacob
    and worship in his temple.”

The Lord will teach us his Law
from Jerusalem,
    and we will obey him.
He will settle arguments
    between nations.
They will pound their swords
and their spears
    into rakes and shovels;
they will never make war
    or attack one another.
People of Israel, let’s live
    by the light of the Lord.

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

It’s December 29th, and many are feeling like they have “been there, done that – now what?!”  The revelry of the Christmas season is winding down, and unless you are a huge party-goer looking forward to a New Year’s Eve bash, the next few days will likely be a time of rest and reflection. So, let’s consider the words of the prophet Isaiah in this passage and how they relate to us in the present day.
 
I have told you many times that I do not dwell on the return of Jesus or the words of Revelation. I won’t be here for Armageddon…either I will already be sitting at the feet of Jesus, or God will call me in the rapture. I am 100% confident in this! But this does not diminish my responsibilities here…now…this day…in the closing days of 2023, and into 2024 and beyond!
 
Yes, Jesus will settle arguments between nations and end wars…but you and I can jumpstart this with our own discipleship. We can work harder to love one another…all others. We can encourage inclusiveness, love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion at every turn. We can speak out against discrimination, bigotry, bias, hatred, and selfishness. And we can do this without arrogance or force – but rather, with love and gentleness. We can speak and act in a way that glorifies the love and teachings of Christ Jesus and brings honor to our Heavenly Father. We can demonstrate with every breath that we are fully vested in this New Life in Christ. And we can offer others a glimpse of Heaven that makes others say, “I want what he/she has!”
 
THIS is what Jesus wants of us…I am sure of it! He wants us to reflect His love and teaching to the world. Jesus wants us to lay the groundwork for His return – and to live in a way that encourages as many people as possible to choose His way as their own. As you look ahead in the next few days to a New Year, ponder these things. Talk them over with God and ask Him to show you how and where you need to make revisions and strengthen your resolve to serve as He desires.  Been there…done that…now it’s time to redouble our efforts to share the Light of Christ with the world! Let’s roll up our sleeves and get going! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 28, 2023 – Don’t pack Jesus away with the Christmas decorations!

Matthew 4:12-17 
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned home to Nazareth in Galilee; but soon he moved to Capernaum, beside the Lake of Galilee, close to Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy:

“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, beside the lake, and the countryside beyond the Jordan River, and Upper Galilee where so many foreigners live—there the people who sat in darkness have seen a great Light; they sat in the land of death, and the Light broke through upon them.”

From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from sin and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

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

The hosts of a local television morning show asked the question, “When do you take down your Christmas decorations?” The co-host shouted, “DONE!” She said as the last person walked out the door on December 25th, she started taking things down and packing the boxes…and it’s all over! Others said New Year’s Day. And some believe that January 6th – Epiphany – is the earliest one should start. This was the practice of a family that lived next-door to Greg and me when we were newly married. They were Catholic – and from New York – and we marveled that their tree and decorations stayed up until well into January. We did not know about the tradition of Epiphany!
 
Our decorations are still out, all is lighted, and this will be the case until at least Epiphany…not because we are Catholic, but because 1) we like the lights and decorations; and 2) our children are coming for sleepovers during their holiday break, and they have not gotten a chance to fully enjoy the embellishments. But that’s not all… yesterday, while I took my walk, I listened to Christmas music. I found the songs just as profound – or even more so – two days after the day we traditionally celebrate Christ’s birth. I thought about those first days after the birth of a baby…how new, fresh, and exciting everything seems to be. As I listened to the songs of praise for the birth of our Savior and heard the choruses of “Noel! Noel!” I felt a renewed sense of joy, peace, and hope.
 
Christmas is not over…or it shouldn’t be. All we have to do is read the prophecy of Isaiah – and Matthew’s repeating of it – to know that we cannot pack Jesus away like Christmas decorations. On Christmas Eve, after all the gifts were opened, our nephew Timothy said, “Well, I have 364 more days to wait for this again!” We cannot wait another year to think about Jesus! We cannot focus on His love and teachings only for a few days in the month of December – and maybe the week of Easter in the spring.
 
Jesus wants us to share His story and message every day of the year…“Turn from sin and turn to God!” He wants us to think of ways to give, celebrate, and glorify Him on the most mundane, dreary day of February – and the hottest day of August! Jesus wants us to truly live as His beloved 365 days a year. He wants us to share His message of love, hope, inclusion, forgiveness, grace, mercy and compassion in every word and action. You cannot pack Jesus away in a box!
 
Put away the Christmas decorations if you must…or wait a few more weeks, if that’s your preference. But celebrate Jesus every single day – with every breath! Noel! Noel! The King Emmanuel is alive and well! Show others with every word and action that our Savior has come…and the Kingdom of Heaven is near! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 27, 2023 – Resolutions, plans, and demonstrations of faith…who will you welcome?

John 1:10-13
The Word was in the world,
but no one knew him,
though God had made the world
with his Word.
He came into his own world,
but his own nation
did not welcome him.
Yet some people accepted him
and put their faith in him.
So he gave them the right
to be the children of God.
They were not God’s children
by nature or because
of any human desires.
God himself was the one
who made them his children.

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

I’ve been looking ahead toward the New Year and working on my “calendar” – adding birthdays and reminders and thinking about the new year and all the possibilities that lie ahead of us. I also have pondered some “resolutions” for the coming year. I am not a big fan of “New Year’s resolutions.” I generally fall short in even the first few weeks, and this is discouraging. But this year, I have a couple of goals that I believe are well within reach – and worth pursuing. First, I plan to continue walking and hiking. I would like to garner 50 miles per month, which will be a slight increase over the past year. But I hope to make it to 45 miles per month for sure, and I believe that I will! I also hope to read more. In the last year, I have read close to 35 books. That may not seem like a lot if you are an avid reader, but it was a huge number for me – one I want to increase in the coming year!
 
Of course, Greg and I have both agreed that we want to become more organized and clear out more clutter. This is an ongoing project/theme in our lives at this stage. I believe we will continue to work on this and make strides that will not only give us more peace of mind but also simplify things for our heirs down the road! I would also like to get a few projects off my “ideas list” and make them realities…family history journals for our kids – and maybe a compilation of previous devotionals and other articles I’ve written. These are “back-burner” goals, but they do seem to come to mind often. Maybe God is nudging me in this direction, and I will prayerfully consider these options.
 
The words of John in this passage are profound. Not only do they speak to what happened when Christ came to earth…they are a road map for you and me this very day. As we make our resolutions and ponder goals, let’s put this one at the forefront. Let’s make it our daily aim to welcome Jesus. And just to be clear, we all have work to do in this area. You see, when we welcome Jesus, we commit to serving as He commanded. We can’t claim to embrace our Savior and then pick and choose who to include. We cannot declare that we love and serve Christ – and trust Him completely – when we are selective in which human beings we “welcome” and treat with love and acceptance.
 
When we discriminate, berate certain people and groups, or judge even a single person, we have just as good as declared that Jesus is unwelcome in our lives. To love and welcome Jesus is to do this for each of His precious children, as well. So, tread lightly when you claim to speak and act as an agent of Christ. Commit to serving Him completely and unconditionally – or be honest about the condition of your faith. It’s an either/or situation in my mind. Either you welcome Jesus – and welcome all His beloved – or you are just pretending and/or fooling yourself. But none of us fools God. He knows who truly welcomes others as He desires – and who doesn’t.
 
John was very clear…some welcomed Jesus and were given the right to be children of God. I count myself in that number. Do you? Make this the year that you decide Who you will serve. Resolve to welcome all in the name of Christ Jesus and commit to keeping this promise. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 26, 2023 – Mary knew…do you? Reflections on God’s blessings and promise

Luke 1:46-55
Mary responded, “Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God. For he, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him.

“How powerful is his mighty arm! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has torn princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry hearts and sent the rich away with empty hands. And how he has helped his servant Israel! He has not forgotten his promise to be merciful. For he promised our fathers—Abraham and his children—to be merciful to them 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.

It’s the day after Christmas, and I am lingering over a second cup of coffee and enjoying a time of quiet contemplation. The “energy and excitement” of the holiday season has come and gone, and my “to-do list” is momentarily shorter. There is a lull in these days between Christmas and the New Year, and this is a good time to reflect and remember. So, I am thinking back over the events of the past year(s) and the joy and fullness of this holiday season. We made memories, spent time with loved ones, and counted our blessings.
 
There have been holiday seasons past in my family where all was not “Merry and Bright”…where illness, tragedy, and even death factored into the mix. And for many this year, such challenges loom large among the “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” Even so, God is with us.  As I read the words of Mary in this passage from Luke 1, I focused on sentences in the second part…“How powerful is His mighty arm! He has not forgotten His promise to be merciful.”
 
Mary knew! Even as a young girl facing an unbelievable and daunting challenge, she trusted an unseen God to do wonderful, miraculous things. She believed that God would guide and guard her through anything and everything. And my message today is that we serve this same God, and He is no less interested in satisfying our hungry hearts than He was those who lived more than two thousand years ago.
 
Today, take a few minutes to sit quietly and contemplate what God has done in your life – and what He continues to do. Reminisce about the times He met you in a moment of crisis, sadness, or loneliness…how He brought you through these into the bright light and joy of happy events and times of great peace and promise. Remind yourself that God scatters the proud and haughty – and blesses the meek and lowly. Remember that God can use anyone regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, “position,” physical condition, popularity, and more. He entrusted His Only Son to the nurture and care of a carpenter and his child bride – and allowed the Prince of Peace to come into this world in a stinky, dirty manger!
 
The God who did all of this wants to care for every facet of your life…the good, bad, and ugly. Jesus’ birth, life and death are not the end of the story – they are only the beginning…and you and I are commissioned to share this message with the world. Sit for a while with these thoughts of Jesus and all God does for us for – and let them soak deeply into your soul. Revel in the Christmas Season just ending with hope and promise for the days ahead.
 
“Oh, how I praise the Lord. How I rejoice in God my Savior! For he, the mighty Holy One, has done great things to me. His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who reverence him.”  Let this be your guiding refrain this day – and always. Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 25, 2023 – The Messiah has come, and He knows your name!

Zephaniah 3:14-17
Everyone in Jerusalem and Judah,
celebrate and shout
with all your heart!
Zion, your punishment is over.
The Lord has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat.
Your Lord is King of Israel
and stands at your side;
you don’t have to worry
about any more troubles.
Jerusalem, the time is coming,
when it will be said to you:
“Don’t be discouraged
or grow weak from fear!
The Lord your God
wins victory after victory
and is always with you.
He celebrates and sings
because of you,
and he will refresh your life
with his love.”

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

I will admit that I am late to the party for the video series, “The Chosen,” and I am still reserving an opinion until I watch another episode or two. I had all but dismissed this program, based on a review I read that said that great “license” is taken with the story and scriptures. I worry that young people who watch will take this for “gospel” and believe what is presented hook, line, and sinker. We recently saw a news story about this series, its creator and the actor who portrays Jesus, and I decided to give it a try. So far, I’ve watched one episode.
 
I will say that if I keep watching, I will have to keep my Bible handy to read the real story of some of the characters. But in this first episode, the “backstory” of Mary Magdalene is presented. When she is a little girl, her father shares the words of the prophet as found in Isaiah 43:1-4:
 
Descendants of Jacob,
I, the Lord, created you
and formed your nation.
Israel, don’t be afraid.
I have rescued you.
I have called you by name;
now you belong to me.
When you cross deep rivers,
I will be with you,
and you won’t drown.
When you walk through fire,
you won’t be burned
or scorched by the flames.
I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
the God who saves you.
I gave up Egypt, Ethiopia,
and the region of Seba
in exchange for you.
To me, you are very dear,
and I love you.
That’s why I gave up nations
and people to rescue you.
 
I won’t spoil the ending of this first episode, but let’s just say that these words from Isaiah are repeated to Mary Magdalene. She is reminded in a profound way that the LORD has come, and “He stands at your side. The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you.”
 
Last night, our family celebrated Christmas. I gathered photos from Christmases past and put them together in a little slide show that played on our television. After taking our traditional “family photos,” I remarked that our babies are not babies any longer. Still, I don’t know that they were any less enthused about Christmas…and we still share a deep, abiding love for one another – and a spirit of “family” that cannot be broken. The Messiah who came to earth as a baby long ago grew up, too. But His love and message for all has not wavered. He is still our Savior – in every sense of that word – and He still calls each of us by name.
 
As you continue to celebrate Christmas this season, remember that Jesus is with you. He came to earth long ago as a helpless infant…but there was truly nothing helpless about Him. Today, Jesus is still with us. He calls us by name and guides and guards each breath we take. You won’t receive a single gift anywhere close to being as great as this One! So, treasure Jesus! Stop today and give thanks to God for sending His Son to this earth. As you call on Jesus to meet your every need, remember to honor His responses with your words and actions. Love others as Christ loves us…always and in all ways. The Messiah has come! Hallelujah, and Merry Christmas!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 24, 2023 – Celebrating the coming of Jesus this day and always…how sturdy are your “roots and shoots?”

December 24 ~ Isaiah 11:1-10
The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a Shoot—yes, a new Branch from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might; the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight will be obedience to the Lord. He will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but will defend the poor and the exploited. He will rule against the wicked who oppress them. For he will be clothed with fairness and with truth.

In that day the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace. Calves and fat cattle will be safe among lions, and a little child shall lead them all. The cows will graze among bears; cubs and calves will lie down together, and lions will eat grass like the cows. Babies will crawl safely among poisonous snakes, and a little child who puts his hand in a nest of deadly adders will pull it out unharmed. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so shall the earth be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

In that day he who created the royal dynasty of David will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, for the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

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

“Heirloom” redbud tree in our yard, spring 2023.

Almost thirty years ago, Greg inherited a small redbud tree that sprouted from a tree his dad nurtured for many years.  Greg’s mother suggested the tree be transplanted to our farm when she downsized to a new home after the passing of Greg’s dad. About a decade later, when we moved into town – and ironically, onto the same street where Greg’s parents had lived for over three decades – the tree came with us. And when we built the house in which we live now, the tree was once again moved to our present address. Remarkably, this tree has flourished. The beautiful springtime blooms delight us, and the sturdy canopy serves as a constant reminder of Greg’s dad and his wisdom, counsel, and Godly leadership of our family.
 
A week or two ago, I noticed some shoots in our flower beds with heart-shaped, chartreuse-colored leaves. I said to Greg, “Those look like redbuds.” He confirmed that indeed, the little bean-like seeds from his dad’s tree have been carried by the wind (and maybe birds) and are propagating in our flower beds. A couple have gotten large enough that Greg plans to transplant them soon to a spot where they can grow and flourish. The “legacy” of this tree and its symbolism will hopefully live on for decades as we share the story of how this came to be.
 
The story of Jesus, born of the “tree of David,” continues today as we celebrate the coming of our LORD. On this Christmas Eve, we anticipate Christ’s birth all over again, and we remind ourselves of why God sent His Only Son. My prayer this hallowed day is that we would redouble our efforts to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah when he said that “the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the leopard and goats will be at peace.”
 
I do pray that we will figure out a way to get along with each other…that we “will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but will defend the poor and the exploited…and that we will speak out against the wicked who oppress them.” I pray that we will strive to always love one another and treat others as we wish to be treated.
 
Too many celebrate Christmas Eve but fail to take the message of this day to heart. They don’t internalize the love of Christ for all mankind. They pick and choose how, when, where – and WHO – to include in this great Gift. In my mind, the roots of their “trees” are shallow and will never flourish and produce beautiful blooms or “good fruit.”

This Christmas Eve, think about Isaiah’s prophecy. Ponder Jesus’ arrival and what it truly means for us. Commit this day to live, love and serve as Christ’s redeemed disciple in a way that creates deep, sturdy “roots” that will branch out and propagate even more “good fruit,” blessings, and joy. Celebrate the remembrance of that day long ago when our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, was humbly born – and all came together to revel in His arrival. Let this be so for you and me this day – and let us commit once again to growing sturdy roots as His servants and “shoots.” Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 23, 2023 – No time to procrastinate…get busy and “prepare the way!”

December 23 ~ Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar, a message came from God to John (the son of Zacharias), as he was living out in the deserts. (Pilate was governor over Judea at that time; Herod, over Galilee; his brother Philip, over Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, over Abilene; and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests.) Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God and away from their sins, in order to be forgiven.

In the words of Isaiah the prophet, John was “a voice shouting from the barren wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before him! Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from 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.

This morning, a friend asked on Facebook whether everyone else was ready for Christmas. She said she isn’t – she can’t seem to quit procrastinating. Like many, I presume, I am working on last-minute things today that could not be done ahead of time…mostly food for a Christmas Day meal. My husband teased me back in October when I was working on Christmas gifts. He sarcastically noted, “It’s a good thing you got those done, because it’s only a full two months until Christmas!” I laughed at his joke because we both know there is a method to my madness.
 
When I was teaching, I started preparing for Christmas around Labor Day. I made most every gift, partly to save money on our modest salaries. I knew I had to get a big head start if I hoped to finish in time. Now, it has become second nature to shop for “deals” throughout the year and set them aside…and to plan ahead for certain activities. I like to decorate right after Thanksgiving, so that we can enjoy everything fully – and revel in the events of the season without rushing around hanging ornaments and strings of lights! I must also admit that preparing for Christmas gets me in the spirit – in every sense of the word.
 
Here’s the thing…a lot of people are procrastinating in their daily living. They say…“I’ll get serious about Jesus when I’m old,” or “I am going to live my life now…I’ll settle down and do ‘mission work’ later.”  Or they decide that it isn’t socially acceptable to speak of Jesus – or they bow to peer pressure to think, speak and act a certain way. So many of my childhood and young adult memories include a bit of ridicule or exclusion because I was considered a “Jesus freak” or a “good little Southern Baptist.” And I clearly see how even today, many who truly know better in their hearts about certain issues and “stances” are following the crowd to be part of a “tribe.”
 
This Christmas, my prayer is that we would all search our hearts and spend some serious time in conversation with God. Ask Him to show you how, when, and where to “prepare a way in the wilderness.” Don’t hesitate to “widen the pathway before him…level the mountains…fill up the valleys…straighten the curves, and smooth out the ruts!” And don’t procrastinate! Prepare the way of the Lord in your every word and action. Stand up, STAND UP for Jesus and His teachings! Make every day a celebration of the coming of the LORD…and do all you can to be ready for His return! Alleluia!

©2023 Debbie Robus

Daily Devotional for December 22, 2023 – The clock is ticking…

John 9:1-7
As he was walking along, he saw a man blind from birth.

“Master,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?”

“Neither,” Jesus answered. “But to demonstrate the power of God. All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, for there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end. But while I am still here in the world, I give it my light.”

Then he spat on the ground and made mud from the spittle and smoothed the mud over the blind man’s eyes, and told him, “Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam” (the word Siloam means “Sent”). So the man went where he was sent and washed and came back seeing!

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

This morning, our niece Zola texted me and said, “Only 2 more days!!!” She is excited about Christmas Eve, when her family will come to our house to celebrate with pizza, games, and of course – GIFTS!  I’m here to tell you…if you are not ready for Christmas, time’s a wastin’!
 
As I read today’s scripture passage, I was drawn to the part where Jesus told His disciples, “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us…for there is little time before the night falls and all work comes to an end.” At this time of the year when people literally feel like they are running out of time to get everything baked, bought, wrapped, and ready for The Big Day, I considered these words in the context of a bigger picture.
 
Greg and I talk often about how we know that “the clock is ticking.” We’ve outlived parents, grandparents, siblings, other relatives, as well as dear friends. We truly feel that every day is a gift – one we don’t take lightly. And we have committed to ourselves, each other – and to God – to make the most of every minute. I guess you could say we have “washed in the Pool of Siloam” and see clearly that there is much to do and little time to get it done!
 
We don’t have time to waste on hatred, divisiveness, bigotry, selfishness, or anything that truly distracts from the real message of Jesus Christ and His love and teachings. We cannot spend another minute trying to fit in with our peers or worrying about what this person or that group might think. We must be busy every day doing what GOD wants…living and serving as He directs. His Gift of Jesus was too great…and the stakes are too high to do anything else!
 
This time next week, many people will have packed away all their Christmas decorations, and the holiday will be a distant memory. I’m not one of those people…mainly because I like to linger in the Christmas cheer a little longer. I don’t judge those who take down their tree on December 26th. I know people have jobs and other obligations that may necessitate this urgency. We have the luxury of waiting a while longer. So, we will sit with “Christmas” for a while and remind ourselves that the Light of Christ is still here. But we will also remember that our time is finite – and we still have work to do to further His Kingdom. Alleluia!

© 2023 Debbie Robus