From 18 to 80

I am always encouraged by older people who remain faithful Christians all their lives. I am talking about folks in their 70's and 80's, maybe even in their 90's. 

They have endured many storms and trials in their lives and yet nothing has caused them to be unfaithful to the Lord.  They stick to their convictions.  They continue to attend services even after their spouses have passed from this life. 

They love Jesus!  They have lived a lifetime of devotion to Him and they wouldn't think of giving Him up now.  

Daniel is a great example of remaining faithful to God his entire life.  He was taken captive when he was young - likely between 15-18.  I think a lot of people don't realize that by the time he was thrown into the lion's den, he was an old man- probably somewhere around 80.    

We don't read of any times that he sinned - or even slacked up in his faith and service to God.  Daniel served more than one king who worshipped pagan gods and did so to the best of his ability.   God blessed Daniel in that he was always favored by the kings he served. 

 By the time Daniel was serving under Darius, he had been in captivity for around sixty years.  Do you think his heart ever longed for the home of his younger days?  I am sure he wished that his people were not in captivity.  Still, he prayed three times a day to his God. 

Everyone that knew Daniel knew he served the God of Israel and prayed to him three times a day.  Yet, he was still favored by Darius. So much so that the other governors were jealous of him.  They did not like it that the king gave Daniel a position of authority over them.  

We all know the story -- those who were jealous appealed to the king's vanity and had him come up with a law that forbade anyone in the kingdom to pray to anyone or any other god besides the king. 

The scriptures tell us what Daniel did when he heard about this new law.  He did not panic.  He did not protest.  He really didn't bring attention to himself in any way.  Daniel did what he had done it all his life.  He wasn't about to change now. 

Daniel had the faith to know that if  continuing to pray ended up costing him his earthly life God would take him home.  Regardless of how it was going to turn out, he knew that he could not fail his God. 

So, from 18 to 80 and possibly longer, Daniel lived for God.  He spoke for God and encouraged his fellow countrymen.  God saved Daniel. God was glorified because King Darius made a new decree declaring Daniel's God as the true God. 

Now what about you and me?  Do folks know we put God first in everything we do?  Have we made the same commitment to serve Him all our life like Daniel did? 

We should always remain steadfast and immovable, continuing to abound in the work of the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58)   

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful,” (Hebrews 10:23). 

Christ above all things - Robin

One Simple Glass

When I opened the cabinet to get a cup for my morning coffee, the first thing I saw was a green glass.  It is the only one I have like it, but it used to be a set in my Grandma’s cabinet. 

It was just a simple glass, but a thousand memories flooded my brain.  Bittersweet memories that made me reach out and touch it for a few seconds.  I thought of all the times I spent at my grandparents’ house when I was younger.  I thought of how hard they both worked and their lack of a modern conveniences we take for granted now. 

Grandma cooked fresh biscuits from scratch every single morning – and made a fresh “pone” of cornbread every day. I loved her biscuits, but never cared much for cornbread.

We lived in Jackson, MS when I was younger and I would spend a week with them during the summer. If I was in one part of the house and called for Grandma, she answered with “woohoo.”  I loved that!   

As you can imagine, I spent most of my time with Grandma.  Sitting in her lap always made me feel safe and loved. Together we played with paper dolls.  We cut them out of the big Sears catalog.  Grandma even made furniture for them.  I treasure the time I spent with her.   

When I was a little older she let me play my Uncle David’s Monkees albums on the record player.  She would say, “We must remember to put them up before he comes home from work.”  She didn’t want him to know I listened to them.  It was our little secret.

At least once during the week, we climbed into their pickup and Grandpa would drive us to a local restaurant for a hamburger and milkshake.  I remember how excited Grandma got whenever we went.  She loved milkshakes!

One little glass and those childhood memories burst on my mind like an avalanche racing down a mountain. I learned a lot from my grandparents.

I learned the value of hard work from watching them tend their large garden.  Through the paper dolls, Grandma showed me the power of imagination.  I learned the importance of putting things (like Monkees albums) back in their place.  My grandparents taught me the joy of simple things like a cheerful greeting, and a hamburger and milkshake. 

I also learned that holding a child in your lap can be a blessing for the child and the adult.  She showed me love spans across both miles and generations.  

One simple glass sent me back to my childhood yesterday. 

Here’s the thing.  We only get one chance in life – one chance to live and love like Jesus – one chance to leave something worthy behind.  Not because of who we are -  but because of who Christ is! 

“What you leave as a legacy is not what is etched in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Anonymous

Psalm 78:4 “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that he has done.”

Christ above all things - Robin

Yesterday ...

Yesterday, this country suffered a major shock. Oddly enough, it was the day before the twenty-fourth anniversary of 09/11, a horrific event in our country.  Is this a  coincidence or was it planned that way?  I don't know.  

Hearing about Charlie Kirk being gunned down was tragic.  Honestly for many of us, it is difficult to believe.  Yesterday afternoon and last night I watched the news and read social media posts. 

Please pray for Charlie's wife and children.  Their lives will be very different now that he is gone.  I cannot even imagine the heartache.  

Some on social media noted shock, sorrow, and outrage because of his death.  Unfortunately, others on social media were horrific.  They had no sympathy for Charlie.  Honestly, it seems some folks have no regard for the sanctity of human life.  They called Charlie Kirk all sorts of horrible names. 

At first I was shocked - then angry - but the anger quickly turned to a deep sadness.  Sadness for his wife – sadness for his children – and sadness for a lost society.  The world certainly seems dark these days, doesn’t it?  

I have a feeling Charlie Kirk’s actions and words will live on for a long time.  And I pray we as Christians can help turn things around in this country - I'm not necessarily talking about politics. I am talking about spiritually.  I pray for our religious freedom.  I also pray we will learn to stand up for our beliefs and speak out when necessary. 

The death of such an iconic figure is always tragic. I believe Charlie did a lot of good in his life.  I will miss seeing him and hearing about him.  He was a positive influence for many of us.  

And so it seems the battle of good vs. evil isn't dying down anytime soon.  That is why we hold on to our faith.  

Jesus Christ came over 2000 years ago to die for our sins and then rise again.  Jesus lives! 

“…Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

It is important for us to remember the fact that Jesus is alive!  He reigns in heaven now, and He stands for us. He claims us as His own.  This is why we hold on to our hope.  It is why we should always be strong and courageous. 

Here is another verse we should always remember.  It is found in Romans 8:1 – “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”   We can have confidence in Christ.  He will never let us down.  Never.

Yes, there is a lot of darkness in this world.  There is hatred and evil.  Someone will always want to stop the message of Christ who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”  It is through Him that we will be able to go to the Father one day. (John 14:6).

The battle of good and evil will rage on as long as this world stands; but we can never give up.  We must continue to let our light shine because when it is all said and done, God wins!  This means those who follow His Son will also win! 

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Christ above all things - Robin

Noah

 

Hello everyone, 

I know I’ve written about Noah before, but his life was crucial to our existence today, as well as our salvation.

Most of us remember when Eve was deceived by the serpent.  She and Adam both ate from Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.  God found them in the garden.  He told the serpent “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel,” (Genesis 3:15). 

This was the first prophecy of Christ, our Savior.  Apparently, it was handed down to each generation.  Noah was the tenth generation of mankind and when he was born we read about the hope of the prophecy being fulfilled.

“ When Lamech had lived 182 years, he fathered a son and called his name Noah, saying, “Out of the ground that the Lord has cursed, this one shall bring us relief from our work and from the painful toil of our hands,”  (Genesis 5:28).  The name Noah means rest.

Lamech’s statement was also a prophecy, but it was probably not like he expected.  However, it did express hope. 

Noah found himself in an almost impossible situation because of all the evil in the world.  God regretted He had created man and planned to “blot them out”  (Genesis 6:6, 7). 

Genesis 6:8 is a dramatic turnaround from the previous verses. “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”  Why Noah?  We know it wasn’t a random choice.

Noah’s ancestry is so interesting and I believe it is at least part of why Noah found favor with God.  We first have to be taught about God to walk with Him, right?   

Based on what he said when Noah was born, his father Lamech believed in the Lord.  Noah’s grandfather was Methuselah, the son of Enoch.  And Enoch was the man who did not die because he walked with God.  

I believe Noah was taught about God by his father and grandfather.  However, knowing about Him and acting on that knowledge are two different things.  But Noah made his own decision. 

Genesis 6:9 tells us he “was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”   He chose to walk with God.  He was looking for God’s favor.  That’s why he found it.

Here are some other passages which tell us about Noah’s relationship with God.

 ^“Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22 and Genesis 7:5).

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith,”  (Hebrews 11:7)

2 Peter 2:5 – “if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;”

Let’s all make the same choice Noah did. 

Christ above all things - Robin

Luke 22:32 – Strengthen Your Brothers

         Lately I’ve renewed my interest in the topic of encouragement in the Bible.  Yesterday, I started a word study.  I was looking at different words that could mean encouragement in one form or another.  Words like help, comfort, support, exhort, and edify.                 

     Then I came across the passage where Jesus told Peter the devil wanted to sift him like wheat, “but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers,” (Luke 22:32).

        Know how sometimes when we study God’s word something new jumps off the page?  It’s like we’ve never read the verse before because we gain an entirely new perspective on the passage. 

      That’s what happened to me yesterday morning when I read this verse and I thought about it all day.  Most of us know what sifting means.  The wheat is put into a large strainer.  It is shaken roughly to separate the grain from the dirt and impurities. 

        Peter was in for a rough time and Jesus knew it. 

Let’s remember with the exception of John, all the other apostles ran away.  Peter was there during that mock trial in front of the high priest. 

I know the scriptures do not tell us what Peter was thinking.  I know he was always bold.  When he walked on the water, he was the only who tried.  No one else got out of the boat.

Peter was the proclaimed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.  He was also the one who pulled Christ aside and rebuked Him for saying He was going to die. 

Finally, when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane Peter raised his sword and cut off Malchus’s ear in an attempt to defend His Lord.  But Jesus stopped him.

Like I said, we don’t know what Peter was thinking, but we know what he had experienced up until this time. Jesus told the apostle he would deny Him three times and He did. 

        Jesus knew something else too.  The devil would win the battle, but he would not win the war over Peter’s soul. Jesus had prayed for Peter – that his faith would not fail.  It did, but only temporarily. 

        Jesus told Peter “And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  Being who He was, the Savior knew Peter would repent and come back to Him. 

        Peter hit rock bottom when he denied Jesus, but he didn’t stay there.  He came back even stronger than ever.  Because of his experience that night, he could relate to how the other apostles felt about running away. 

        I have no doubt he strengthened them.  Through his renewed courage and resolve, he became an example for them to serve Christ for the rest of their lives. 

        Christ above all things - Robin

What About the Soldiers?

             About three years ago, Mom and I met a gentleman who served in the Korean War.  I felt like I was meeting a celebrity!  It was an honor to shake his hand.  We talked to him and his wife for a few minutes.  They were sweet couple.  

Most of us know we wouldn’t have a free country if it weren’t for brave soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.  Many of us also know the ultimate sacrifice was when our Savior shed His blood for our freedom from sin.  

I bring this up because the traits of a good soldier should also be the traits of a faithful Christian.  After all, we are soldiers of Christ fighting the good fight of faith!

First of all, I think of loyalty.  A loyal person is one who is devoted and faithful.  Soldiers are usually loyal to their country, what it stands for, their leaders and the company or group of men they serve with.  Christians are devoted to Christ, His church, and their fellow sisters and brothers.  A Christian will stand up for what’s right and be true to the Lord. 

             In Matthew 24:12-13 Christ Himself talked about loyalty: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”   

         I wonder if Peter and the rest of the apostles remembered this when they were brought before the council.  They were asked why they kept preaching about Jesus when they were clearly told not to.  Their answer?  “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). What faith and courage they had! The apostles gave us all a great example to follow.

It still takes a lot of courage to be faithful to Christ. Sometimes we might be the only one in a crowd who stands up for what is right.  But even when we are only one, we are not alone! God promised to always be with us. We must hold on to that promise!!

Soldiers need to be strong – they need to be prepared to fight at any time. They should be ready with the tools they were trained to use.  Christians are the same way.  We must put on the whole armor of God, so that we will be strong enough to avoid temptation. The devil is powerful, so we must be prepared to fight.

We need to always be watchful and ready with the tools God gives us. When Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, He answered the devil every time with “It is written.”  We must study God's word so we can be prepared to fight against our adversary who seeks to destroy us.

We must stay in the battle and keep the faith! Souls are at stake.  Not just ours, but also those who might follow our example.  We might be surprised at all the people who observe our behavior.  Usually, our influence affects more people than we  would imagine.

Jesus loved us so much that He died for us, surely we can live for Him!!  Let's soldier on.  The benefits of being in the Lord’s army far outweigh the bruises of the battle!

“If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31b)?

Christ above all things - Robin

 

You Went the Wrong Way

We always had a great time on vacation! We spent a week with my grandparents in Virginia, went to the beach two or three times, and had a great time with our cousins. We always loved our vacations. The long road trip from Mississippi to Virginia was never boring. No way. For us, it was quality family time.

We were on our way home. We had been on the road for two or three hours and Dad decided to take the Blue Ridge Parkway. We didn’t usually go that way, but it is a beautiful route through the mountains. We traveled on the Blue Ridge for a while and then needed to stop.

When it was time to get on the road, my Dad was about to get on the Parkway again. My youngest brother told him, “Dad, I think you just went the wrong way.” But John was only about ten or so and Dad was really good with directions. He was sure he went the right way. His reply to John was something like, “Son, we’re going the right way.”

Some time later Dad realized John was right and he was not. As we found a place to turn around, Dad apologized to my brother. I always respected him for that.  He was a grown man who had the humility to admit he was wrong and apologize to my brother.  I hope I never forget that day because it told me a lot about Dad's character - about the kind of man he was!

Even as Christians, we can get mixed up and go the wrong way for a while. We get to a place in our lives, and we don’t know what to do or which way to go. That’s when having good and faithful Christian friends is so important. We need someone to hold us accountable – to speak up and say “Hey, I think you went the wrong way on that situation” or “Are you sure you want to do that?”

We all need folks in our lives who care enough about us to keep us on the right track – or get us back on track. James, the brother of our Lord, tells us “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)

If you have friends like this, thank God for them! They love your soul enough to help you keep from going the wrong way. What a treasure it is to have a friend like that!

The best thing we can do for our brothers and sisters in Christ is to be a friend like that. It is absolutely the best kind of friend to be.

Christ above all things – Robin