Once when Aaron was about 5 or 6 he was sitting on the couch beside his Dad playing with a handheld computer game. Robert was playing with him and picking at him, trying to tickle him as most of us do with someone else from time to time. Aaron, however, was having no part of it because he was focused intently on his game. Then again, Robert wasn't going to give up easily either. He continued to try and tickle his feet, or poke his ribs, or tickle him behind his ear --just anything to Aaron's attention. Finally after several attempts, Aaron said "Quit Dad! You're subtracting me."
I think about this moment whenever I have allowed myself to get distracted from my job and then ended being buried in a pile of paperwork. I also think about this sometimes when I realize that I have allowed myself to be pulled away from the Lord. We get so caught up in the busy-ness of life that sometimes we lose our focus on what is really important (serving Christ our Savior). Distraction is one of the devil's favorite tools. If he can keep us distracted long enough, then we are eventually pulled so far off the path of Light we don't even think about it anymore and it no longer bothers us. And --oh ho, is the devil happy then! Do not let that happen to you!
For many of us, we hit the floor running every morning. We run from work to home to the store to this ballgame or that music lesson and then back home again. The next day it starts all over again. We experience very little down time. It is very easy to get distracted; for instance to go, go, go all day long and then by the time we lay our head on our pillow at night we are too tired even to say "Thank you, Lord for getting me through the day." Guess who wins that victory?
Now think about how Aaron put it. His Dad finally distracted him and broke his concentration on playing the game. But Aaron said he was subtracted. Isn't that true though? When we allow ourselves to lose our spiritual focus, then we are subtracted because we are less than we could be for the Lord. Most of us think of the story of Peter walking on water when we think of distraction or losing our focus. I believe that event was recorded in God's Word for just this reason. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus - he subtracted himself right into the water didn't he? And only when he cried out for the Lord to rescue him, did Jesus reach out to help him. (Matthew 14:30-31)
Peter's escapade was not the only time in the scriptures that we are warned against distractions. Think about the parable of the sower when the seed fell among the thorns. Jesus tells us in Matthew 13:22 - "He also that received seed among the thorns is the that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." We have seen this happen haven't we? We have seen people leave the church because they became entangled in the cares of the world. They allowed themselves to be subtracted --actually subtracted right out of the Book of Life! Remember Demas? Paul said he had forsaken him, "having loved this present world." (2 Timothy 4:10)
Let's consider at least a couple of more examples. David was distracted when he spotted Bathsheba bathing on her roof. Being distracted by her great beauty, he allowed himself to be subtracted and committed adultery with her. Now that was certainly being less-- much less-- than he could have been for the Lord. Lot allowed himself to be distracted by the plain of Jordan because it was "well watered everywhere" and "pitched his tent toward Sodom." (Genesis 13:10,12). We all remember how that worked out.
There are probably many more scriptures and Biblical examples of persons allowing themselves to be distracted by one thing or another thus "subtracting" themselves from the work of the Lord.
Now think of a few people who kept--or lost but re-gained--their focus and dedication to God. Noah -- found grace in the eyes of the Lord; Abraham --was called the friend of God; Job -- the Lord gave him twice as much as he had before his calamities; Moses --was referred to as the meekest man on earth; Joshua and Caleb who never lost their faith or focus on reaching the Holy Land; Peter --denied his Lord but then preached the first gospel sermon and served the Lord all his life; Mary, the mother of Jesus --found favor with the Lord, or Zacharias and Elizabeth who were both righteous before God, or Paul - who persecuted the church and then became the apostle to the Gentiles. Oh --I see I am rambling....we could go on and on --the point is that all IF all these people managed to hold on to their faith and remain focused on God, then we can too! They were just people ---just ordinary people whom God used in a mighty way. He can use you too - if you don't let yourself get distracted.
What might help us keep this focus? First of all, make it a habit to block out some time just for the two of you - you and God.
Psalms 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God.." understand He is your creator and He is all powerful.
Thess. 5:17 -- "Pray without ceasing." Talk to Him. He is your Heavenly Father. He loves you and He loves to hear from you.
I Peter 5:7 --"Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you." Give Him your burdens and your cares. Let Him guide you throughout the day
II Timothy 2:15 -"Study to show yourself approved unto God..." -Study the scriptures. Let them become a part of you who are. If the scriptures become ingrained in our minds and our hearts we will be much more prepared to face the day and to handle all that the world throws at us.
Ephesians 4:32 - "Be renewed in the spirit of your mind." Allow your study and your prayer to change your perspective from a focus on worldy things to concentrate on spiritual matters.
I am reminded of the little children's song, which I may have metnioned before, 'Read your Bible and pray every day, pray every day, pray every day. Read your Bible and pray every day and you'll grow, grow, grow!!
Nothing will make you feel better than getting to know your God through prayer and Bible study. The more you pray - the more you want to pray and pretty soon you'll find yourself talking to Him throughout the day; like when you drop a glass while washing dishes and it doesn't break or when you finally find the keys you've been looking for the past ten minutes and you stop and say, "Whew! Thank you, Lord." I promise you it will be worth it.
Learning God's word will help you understand His love for you. Praying - or talking to Him will bring you closer to him.
God wants you and needs you, but He needs you at your best. He doesn't need a "subtracted" servant. SO the next time you feel the devil tugging at your sleeve or trying to pull your attention away from the Lord, tell him, "Stop! You're subracting me." Then run to God as quickly as you can! He will be there waiting.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
"Do You Have the Time?"
Tonight I would like to share another poem I wrote a few years ago. It deals with how our time is spent and that it is important to spend time with our family while we can. It also speaks to the need for everyone of us be loving, kind and Christ-like ALL the time and no matter we are or what kind of situation we find ourselves in.
Do You Have the Time?
I had just pushed my cart to the check out line,
(I was in a hurry and running behind)
when I heard him ask "Pardon me, do you have the time?"
"I really don’t," is what I wanted to say.
I didn’t even want to turn and look that way –
I’d had enough interruptions for one day.
There are things I almost said
as all kinds of thoughts ran through my head;
but I took a deep breath and turned around instead.
His hair was gray – his eyes a pale blue.
He smiled and said, "I really hate to bother you,
I know you must have a lot to do;
but today I have an important date
and for this, I can’t be late.
Some things, you know, just won’t wait.
I have a little grandson, you see.
Today’s his birthday – he’s turning three;
and well, I have to be there -he’s counting on me.
Times with our little ones sure don’t last.
Children just grow up way too fast.
I must enjoy this while I can; before our time’s passed."
I looked at my watch and gave him the time;
and then a single thought came to my mind.
I smiled and said, "Please, sir take my place in line.
The things on my list will eventually get done
and I know a child only turns three once;
so go on now and be with your grandson."
He said, "What you are doing is kind indeed.
To others this might seem like such a little thing;
but it sure does mean the world to me!
I won’t forget this anytime soon.
When I pray tonight, I’ll ask God to remember you-
the lady who lives by the Golden Rule."
Suddenly, my heart felt so happy and light
and when I got home later that night
I hugged my family and squeezed them tight.
I didn’t feel tired or even one bit stressed.
Actually, I felt quite truly blessed
and I got such a good night’s rest!
Now God numbers our days, but they go so fast.
Our moments on earth are short--they don’t last.
So make good your days – before they have passed.
Brothers and sisters, please take the time
to love others and be good and kind.
We must always remember to let our lights shine!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The "Whole" Holy Bible
Once one of my sisters told me about her little grandson coming after Sunday school was over to sit with her during the worship hour. She asked him about his Sunday school class. What he had learned that day must surely have impressed him because he picked up his Bible and in a very hushed and reverent tone said, "Grandma - did you know this is the 'Whole Bible?' It doesn't have anything wrong in it --it has God's words in it. It is the 'whole' Bible." Well, his grandmother was pretty sure his teacher had said "Holy" instead of "whole" but that is the way her little grandson had remembered it.
Stop and think for a minute, though. The Bible is indeed Holy. I doubt think any Christian would argue that point. But the Bible is also whole. It is complete -- everything you need to know about getting to heaven is in that book. It tells the whole story of creation, the whole story of God's love for us, the whole story of Jesus' miraculous birth and the whole story of His death, burial and resurrection. The Bible also gives us the whole story of the judgment scene when the goats and the sheep shall be parted. Does it give every ounce of every small detail - like what color Mary was wearing when Gabriel appeared unto her? No, of course not. It does however, give us a complete picture or story of the birth of our Lord and Savior. The Bible is God's love letter to mankind and it is beautiful to read. It is a complete and perfect story. It is true. We can believe in the words of our Lord.
The Bible is also Holy. It contains the words of God. We should respect our Bible - and respect what God has to say to us. Our God saw fit to give us a record of Himself and His great love toward us. The words of the Bible are truly God inspired. We have our Bible with us so much - that I don't think we remember to respect it like we should. Now, I don't mean that the Bible is a holy object itself that is to be worshipped like an idol. God is who we worship --andthe Bible tells us just how to do that. We learn about eternal life through the words of our eternal God.
II Timothy 3:16 -17 - "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." How can we be perfect, or complete, if the scripture itself is not complete?
I Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
Jn 5:39 --"Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me."
Romans 10:17 -- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Psalms 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp to unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Luke 11:28 - "But He said, 'Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
God's word is holy. The Bible is inspired by Him. It is profitable to make us "throughly furnished unto all good works." His words will endure forever. They testify of our Lord Christ. God's words, our "whole" Holy Bible establishes, confirms and builds up our faith. It is a light to guide our way through the darkness of this world. And we will blessed if we keep the word of God. What a beautiful promise!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Stop and think for a minute, though. The Bible is indeed Holy. I doubt think any Christian would argue that point. But the Bible is also whole. It is complete -- everything you need to know about getting to heaven is in that book. It tells the whole story of creation, the whole story of God's love for us, the whole story of Jesus' miraculous birth and the whole story of His death, burial and resurrection. The Bible also gives us the whole story of the judgment scene when the goats and the sheep shall be parted. Does it give every ounce of every small detail - like what color Mary was wearing when Gabriel appeared unto her? No, of course not. It does however, give us a complete picture or story of the birth of our Lord and Savior. The Bible is God's love letter to mankind and it is beautiful to read. It is a complete and perfect story. It is true. We can believe in the words of our Lord.
The Bible is also Holy. It contains the words of God. We should respect our Bible - and respect what God has to say to us. Our God saw fit to give us a record of Himself and His great love toward us. The words of the Bible are truly God inspired. We have our Bible with us so much - that I don't think we remember to respect it like we should. Now, I don't mean that the Bible is a holy object itself that is to be worshipped like an idol. God is who we worship --andthe Bible tells us just how to do that. We learn about eternal life through the words of our eternal God.
II Timothy 3:16 -17 - "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." How can we be perfect, or complete, if the scripture itself is not complete?
I Peter 1:25 - "But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
Jn 5:39 --"Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me."
Romans 10:17 -- "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Psalms 119:105 - "Thy word is a lamp to unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Luke 11:28 - "But He said, 'Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
God's word is holy. The Bible is inspired by Him. It is profitable to make us "throughly furnished unto all good works." His words will endure forever. They testify of our Lord Christ. God's words, our "whole" Holy Bible establishes, confirms and builds up our faith. It is a light to guide our way through the darkness of this world. And we will blessed if we keep the word of God. What a beautiful promise!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wow! That's Awesome!
Once several years ago I had the honor of teaching 2nd and 3rd grade students in Bible class. That is a wonderful age! They are so much fun to teach. We had been discussing the awesome power of God and the wonders of creation. I was trying to point out the diversity of life on the earth and the amazing number of creatures God made. We were discussing the fact that Adam was given the task of naming all the animals.
In order to try and make this lesson a little more real to my students we decided to play a little game. A letter of the alphabet was chosen and then the children were given a certain amount of time to write down the names of all the animals they could think of that started with that letter. Children are very competitive at that age, so they really got into the game. We played several times choosing a different letter every time. Finally, I told the children to stop and think just a minute about all the animals they had named. I pointed out the fact that they were only trying to remember names that had already been made up. They were not trying to come up with new names. And again we talked about all the different creatures -- birds, fish, mammals and insects that the Lord had made to live on the earth. You should have seen the look of fascination on their faces as the enormity of Adam's task slowly began to dawn on them. Finally, one of the young ladies in the class said, "Wow! That's awesome!"
Indeed the beauty of creation, considering all the different, wonderful, beautiful creatures that God made and the fact that he made the earth the perfect home for each creature -- well that is awesome. Our God is awesome! If we didn't believe in the power of God to create the world and all of its living creatures; then we would have no basis for any of our other beliefs. We start there --in the beginning. We must acknowledge that God IS. The earth had a beginning and God created it. He made a beautiful world for us to live in. He made the sun to keep us warm and the moon and stars to give us light in the darkness of the night. He placed the earth at the exact distance from the sun that it would take to keep us warm enough to live without burning us up. Then he gave us plenty of water to help us sustain our life. He made the sky beautiful -- so that as we looked up we would do so with wonder and joy in our hearts to think of Him. Yes, we needed a sky - an atmosphere, but God did not have to make it so beautiful. That is one of His gifts to us -- the sheer beauty of the sky -- and of the world!!
I do not understand how anyone can look around at our wonderful earth and not know that it was created by a Supreme Being --our one and only true and living God. To me, it takes so much more faith to think that everything started from nothing -- I still don't understand that -- it was just some kind of accident??? How could there be an accident if nothing was there? Psalms 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Doesn't it, though?
Yes, the whole basis of our faith starts with Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Without believing this -nothing else matters.
And consider how God felt when he had finished His creation. Genesis 1:31 - "And God saw everything that He had made and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."
God was happy with His creation. He loved this new world He made. Perhaps that is why we have such beautiful scriptures in the New Testament that allude to His great care for the world He made.
Look at Matthew 6:26 - "Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns; and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Then verse 28- 29 says: "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin: yet I tell you even Solomon, in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Jesus is telling us in these scriptures that God is going to take care of us above the animals and the flowers because we are created in His image -- we have a living soul. If we seek Him first (verse 33) He is going to take care of us. But we also see here in these scriptures how much love God has for his creation. He continues to care for the fowls of the air and all animals that He created. He loves the magnificent raiment He gave the flowers to wear. The natural beauty of God (the flowers) is more beautiful than anything man could make, even the fabulous royal garments with which Solomon was clothed!
So you see, that sweet little lady was exactly right. "WOW! That IS awesome!!"
I pray we will always love and respect the great beauty of our world and that we will understand how much God loves His creation. We should also remember that we are the crown of His creation. Consider all the love He put into creating our world! Consider the love He had for us in giving us a Savior!
Christ above all things,
Robin
In order to try and make this lesson a little more real to my students we decided to play a little game. A letter of the alphabet was chosen and then the children were given a certain amount of time to write down the names of all the animals they could think of that started with that letter. Children are very competitive at that age, so they really got into the game. We played several times choosing a different letter every time. Finally, I told the children to stop and think just a minute about all the animals they had named. I pointed out the fact that they were only trying to remember names that had already been made up. They were not trying to come up with new names. And again we talked about all the different creatures -- birds, fish, mammals and insects that the Lord had made to live on the earth. You should have seen the look of fascination on their faces as the enormity of Adam's task slowly began to dawn on them. Finally, one of the young ladies in the class said, "Wow! That's awesome!"
Indeed the beauty of creation, considering all the different, wonderful, beautiful creatures that God made and the fact that he made the earth the perfect home for each creature -- well that is awesome. Our God is awesome! If we didn't believe in the power of God to create the world and all of its living creatures; then we would have no basis for any of our other beliefs. We start there --in the beginning. We must acknowledge that God IS. The earth had a beginning and God created it. He made a beautiful world for us to live in. He made the sun to keep us warm and the moon and stars to give us light in the darkness of the night. He placed the earth at the exact distance from the sun that it would take to keep us warm enough to live without burning us up. Then he gave us plenty of water to help us sustain our life. He made the sky beautiful -- so that as we looked up we would do so with wonder and joy in our hearts to think of Him. Yes, we needed a sky - an atmosphere, but God did not have to make it so beautiful. That is one of His gifts to us -- the sheer beauty of the sky -- and of the world!!
I do not understand how anyone can look around at our wonderful earth and not know that it was created by a Supreme Being --our one and only true and living God. To me, it takes so much more faith to think that everything started from nothing -- I still don't understand that -- it was just some kind of accident??? How could there be an accident if nothing was there? Psalms 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." Doesn't it, though?
Yes, the whole basis of our faith starts with Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Without believing this -nothing else matters.
And consider how God felt when he had finished His creation. Genesis 1:31 - "And God saw everything that He had made and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day."
God was happy with His creation. He loved this new world He made. Perhaps that is why we have such beautiful scriptures in the New Testament that allude to His great care for the world He made.
Look at Matthew 6:26 - "Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap, nor gather into barns; and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Then verse 28- 29 says: "And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin: yet I tell you even Solomon, in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Jesus is telling us in these scriptures that God is going to take care of us above the animals and the flowers because we are created in His image -- we have a living soul. If we seek Him first (verse 33) He is going to take care of us. But we also see here in these scriptures how much love God has for his creation. He continues to care for the fowls of the air and all animals that He created. He loves the magnificent raiment He gave the flowers to wear. The natural beauty of God (the flowers) is more beautiful than anything man could make, even the fabulous royal garments with which Solomon was clothed!
So you see, that sweet little lady was exactly right. "WOW! That IS awesome!!"
I pray we will always love and respect the great beauty of our world and that we will understand how much God loves His creation. We should also remember that we are the crown of His creation. Consider all the love He put into creating our world! Consider the love He had for us in giving us a Savior!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Friendship God's way
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Nashville, TN. There was a little rain from time to time but that didn't keep the day from being beautiful. It was my niece, Kelsie's wedding day - a special day for many people. Kelsie was the first child, the first grandchild on one side of the family and first granddaughter on the other. That is not to say that our younger children are loved any less (or more) -- it is only to say she was the first one of her family to be "leaving the nest," so to speak. She was marrying a fine Christian man whose family is also very close, loving and supportive. So it was no surprise that the wedding focused on family and the long legacy the wedding couple had. The legacy of parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who had faithfully served the Lord for many years. I have never been to a wedding quite like this one -- but it speaks to the character that was instilled in both of these young people.
The wedding ceremony was over and the reception was coming to an end. The newly married couple were preparing to leave. The father of the bride, my brother Todd, had done a wonderful job of overseeing the reception. He led a beautiful prayer before we all started through the food line, and he held up very well throughout all the festivities. But now - now his daughter was leaving, as a married woman. His little girl was grown. And although she had married a man that Todd fully approved of --I could tell the emotions of the moment were finally catching up with him.
In just a few minutes she would be getting in that car -- and things would change. Of course, she would still be his daughter - still seek his advice -- still love him with all his heart. And he would continue to be there for her -- to be her father -- to give that advice and offer help whenever he could. But their relationship would enter a different stage. It wasn't that Todd was crying -- not in the least. He was still wearing that same smile he had worn all afternoon, but there was something in his eyes. I don't think many people noticed the emotions that had started swirling around in his head. And he might not ever admit to me that they were there -- but as his big sister, I noticed.
As Kelsie and Chase were getting into the car, I was trying to make my way through the crowd to stand beside my brother. I just wanted to be there for him. But I didn't quite make it. Thankfully, I wasn't the only person that noticed -- or perhaps this other person just knew Todd well enough to sense what he might have been feeling. His best friend was right there beside him and at just the exact right moment, perfect (and I believe providential)timing, this best friend moved even closer to Todd and whispered something in his ear. I will probably never know what Stephen said. I do know whatever it was - it was just the right thing. Todd laughed and with that laugh a mixed up bag of emotions was released. I could see that in his eyes too. I could hear it in his laugh. I knew my brother would be OK.
In that moment I found myself praising and thanking God - not for the beauty of the day or for the beginning of a new Christian family; not at that moment. No, I was thanking God for giving Todd a friend like Stephen. I was so thankful to know that my brother had that relationship with that particular person. I prayed, "God bless Stepehn." You see friends sustain us - give us strength. Friends are often used by God to comfort us. I believe God gives friends that perfect sense of timing - of knowing just where to be -- just what to say - just when to say it.
Yes, we have families and I know our families hold a special place in our lives. Todd holds a special place in mine. God instituted the family from the beginning of creation. I am eternally grateful for my family. They have carried me through some pretty tough times in my life. However, Todd lives in Nashville and I live in Mississippi. We can't always be there for each other.
Thankfully, God gives us friends. I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to have friends and to be friends to others. The scriptures speak of the importance of friendships. We all remember the special friendship of Jonathan and David. Jonathan loved David and very literally saved his friend's life. Years later, David remembered his pledge to his friend and took in Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. Consider also the four friends of the man who was sick of the palsy. Those men dropped their lame friend through the roof so that he would be placed right in front of Jesus to be healed. What great effort they put forth for their friend.
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Proverbs 27:9 --"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend with hearty counsel."
We cannot forget the friendship of Jesus with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They were special friends of Jesus. These three knew Jesus well. Friendship sustained our Savior, too. I have no doubt in my mind that God meant for us to have friendships. Hopefully, we have chosen friends that will help us get to heaven. Think about the friendships the early Christians must have developed with one another as they met from house to house daily with gladness and singleness of heart. Can you just imagine the incredible bond they must have had with one another?
Finally, as we read through John 15, we begin to realize just how important friendship is. As a matter of fact - for our salvation, friendship is an absolute necessity. John 15:12- 15 - "This is my commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my freinds, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth, I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."
Now I ask you, what kind of friend are you? Do you allow God to use you in your friendships with others? Can Christ call you His friend? He laid down His life for you. Do you love Him enough to keep His commandments?
Jesus really would love to be your friend!
Christ above all things,
Robin
The wedding ceremony was over and the reception was coming to an end. The newly married couple were preparing to leave. The father of the bride, my brother Todd, had done a wonderful job of overseeing the reception. He led a beautiful prayer before we all started through the food line, and he held up very well throughout all the festivities. But now - now his daughter was leaving, as a married woman. His little girl was grown. And although she had married a man that Todd fully approved of --I could tell the emotions of the moment were finally catching up with him.
In just a few minutes she would be getting in that car -- and things would change. Of course, she would still be his daughter - still seek his advice -- still love him with all his heart. And he would continue to be there for her -- to be her father -- to give that advice and offer help whenever he could. But their relationship would enter a different stage. It wasn't that Todd was crying -- not in the least. He was still wearing that same smile he had worn all afternoon, but there was something in his eyes. I don't think many people noticed the emotions that had started swirling around in his head. And he might not ever admit to me that they were there -- but as his big sister, I noticed.
As Kelsie and Chase were getting into the car, I was trying to make my way through the crowd to stand beside my brother. I just wanted to be there for him. But I didn't quite make it. Thankfully, I wasn't the only person that noticed -- or perhaps this other person just knew Todd well enough to sense what he might have been feeling. His best friend was right there beside him and at just the exact right moment, perfect (and I believe providential)timing, this best friend moved even closer to Todd and whispered something in his ear. I will probably never know what Stephen said. I do know whatever it was - it was just the right thing. Todd laughed and with that laugh a mixed up bag of emotions was released. I could see that in his eyes too. I could hear it in his laugh. I knew my brother would be OK.
In that moment I found myself praising and thanking God - not for the beauty of the day or for the beginning of a new Christian family; not at that moment. No, I was thanking God for giving Todd a friend like Stephen. I was so thankful to know that my brother had that relationship with that particular person. I prayed, "God bless Stepehn." You see friends sustain us - give us strength. Friends are often used by God to comfort us. I believe God gives friends that perfect sense of timing - of knowing just where to be -- just what to say - just when to say it.
Yes, we have families and I know our families hold a special place in our lives. Todd holds a special place in mine. God instituted the family from the beginning of creation. I am eternally grateful for my family. They have carried me through some pretty tough times in my life. However, Todd lives in Nashville and I live in Mississippi. We can't always be there for each other.
Thankfully, God gives us friends. I believe our Heavenly Father wants us to have friends and to be friends to others. The scriptures speak of the importance of friendships. We all remember the special friendship of Jonathan and David. Jonathan loved David and very literally saved his friend's life. Years later, David remembered his pledge to his friend and took in Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth. Consider also the four friends of the man who was sick of the palsy. Those men dropped their lame friend through the roof so that he would be placed right in front of Jesus to be healed. What great effort they put forth for their friend.
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that has friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."
Proverbs 27:9 --"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend with hearty counsel."
We cannot forget the friendship of Jesus with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. They were special friends of Jesus. These three knew Jesus well. Friendship sustained our Savior, too. I have no doubt in my mind that God meant for us to have friendships. Hopefully, we have chosen friends that will help us get to heaven. Think about the friendships the early Christians must have developed with one another as they met from house to house daily with gladness and singleness of heart. Can you just imagine the incredible bond they must have had with one another?
Finally, as we read through John 15, we begin to realize just how important friendship is. As a matter of fact - for our salvation, friendship is an absolute necessity. John 15:12- 15 - "This is my commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my freinds, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth, I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."
Now I ask you, what kind of friend are you? Do you allow God to use you in your friendships with others? Can Christ call you His friend? He laid down His life for you. Do you love Him enough to keep His commandments?
Jesus really would love to be your friend!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Saturday, January 26, 2013
A New Walk
My mom bought me a new shirt a couple of days ago. She has great taste and I loved the top! Most of us like getting new things. Wearing something new gives us a good feeling. It just makes us feel better and when we feel better, we act better - we are happier and that shows.
As Christians, we are new creatures. When we put Him on in baptism - we have something new to wear- His precious name. We have Christ's spirit living in us. We cast off our old lifestyle and gladly wear our new name -Christian. Our sins have been washed away .. what joy and peace comes from that! Putting Christ on -- allowing all things to become new -- well, that makes us feel better. Actually, it is the greatest feeling in the whole world! And when we have that love and joy reigning in our hearts - then we act better. Again, as Christians we are happier people - or we should be. And that happiness, that new resolve we have as we wear His name --well, that should show!!
Let us consider a few scriptures:
II Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new."
Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we are buried with by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we should walk in newness of life."
Galations 6:15 - "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but a new creature."
Galations 4:23-24 - "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness."
These are beautiful scriptures full of hope and comfort. In II Corinthians we see that Christ is the one who makes us new. Only Christ can "pass away" those old things that kept us in bondage to sin. In Romans we learn that as we give our old ways over to God by putting them to death in baptism -- we throw all our sins away --we leave them there in that burial -- and Christ makes us whole and new again. How are those old sins - that old lifestyle put to death? How are we able to walk in newness of life? The spirit through Paul tells it is through the glory of the Father.
OK now look at Romans 6:4 again. Notice the word should in that verse - "even so we should walk in newness of life." Christ will wash away our sins. At that moment of baptism we are washed clean. We have the chance to raise up out of that water to build a new life - a whole new life. But the verse said we should walk in newness of life. It does not say shall. It is not a guarantee that we will somehow magically walk in this new way with no effort on our part. No -- it says should -implying that this is a choice. We always have a choice. We could allow ourselves to go back to the same old ways with no true change in our heart or in the way we live. If we come up out of that water with no intention to seek to change and grow -- then it will all have been for naught. We must renew the spirit of our minds -- renew our way of thinking - so that we can put on the new man-- and be created in righteousness.
The change in lifestyle was evident in the lives of the apostles. All of them except Peter and John fled when he was taken; and we know that Peter denied the Lord three times. But the others ran away afraid for their lives. Yet just a short time later we find them all boldly declaring the gospel with Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2). And then in Acts 4 -- after being brought before the Sanhedrin -- Peter and John said "we cannot but speack the things which we have seen and heard." Looks like theydid what they "should" have done. They made the choice to "put on the man!" And we all know how Saul's conversion totally changed his way of life. But why? Because that is the choice he made --that's why.
What choice will you make? Have you done what you "should" do? Have you put on the new man and kept him on? Have you let all your old sins "pass away?" Make that choice and you will be glad you did. I can assure you that the Christian life is absolutely the best life to live!
Christ above all things,
Robin
As Christians, we are new creatures. When we put Him on in baptism - we have something new to wear- His precious name. We have Christ's spirit living in us. We cast off our old lifestyle and gladly wear our new name -Christian. Our sins have been washed away .. what joy and peace comes from that! Putting Christ on -- allowing all things to become new -- well, that makes us feel better. Actually, it is the greatest feeling in the whole world! And when we have that love and joy reigning in our hearts - then we act better. Again, as Christians we are happier people - or we should be. And that happiness, that new resolve we have as we wear His name --well, that should show!!
Let us consider a few scriptures:
II Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new."
Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we are buried with by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we should walk in newness of life."
Galations 6:15 - "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but a new creature."
Galations 4:23-24 - "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that ye put on the new man, which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness."
These are beautiful scriptures full of hope and comfort. In II Corinthians we see that Christ is the one who makes us new. Only Christ can "pass away" those old things that kept us in bondage to sin. In Romans we learn that as we give our old ways over to God by putting them to death in baptism -- we throw all our sins away --we leave them there in that burial -- and Christ makes us whole and new again. How are those old sins - that old lifestyle put to death? How are we able to walk in newness of life? The spirit through Paul tells it is through the glory of the Father.
OK now look at Romans 6:4 again. Notice the word should in that verse - "even so we should walk in newness of life." Christ will wash away our sins. At that moment of baptism we are washed clean. We have the chance to raise up out of that water to build a new life - a whole new life. But the verse said we should walk in newness of life. It does not say shall. It is not a guarantee that we will somehow magically walk in this new way with no effort on our part. No -- it says should -implying that this is a choice. We always have a choice. We could allow ourselves to go back to the same old ways with no true change in our heart or in the way we live. If we come up out of that water with no intention to seek to change and grow -- then it will all have been for naught. We must renew the spirit of our minds -- renew our way of thinking - so that we can put on the new man-- and be created in righteousness.
The change in lifestyle was evident in the lives of the apostles. All of them except Peter and John fled when he was taken; and we know that Peter denied the Lord three times. But the others ran away afraid for their lives. Yet just a short time later we find them all boldly declaring the gospel with Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2). And then in Acts 4 -- after being brought before the Sanhedrin -- Peter and John said "we cannot but speack the things which we have seen and heard." Looks like theydid what they "should" have done. They made the choice to "put on the man!" And we all know how Saul's conversion totally changed his way of life. But why? Because that is the choice he made --that's why.
What choice will you make? Have you done what you "should" do? Have you put on the new man and kept him on? Have you let all your old sins "pass away?" Make that choice and you will be glad you did. I can assure you that the Christian life is absolutely the best life to live!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Friday, January 25, 2013
The Little Maid From Israel
Sometimes we think that in order to bring glory to God we have to some kind of grand and glorious thing. We might think that we have to accomplish some monumental task to be noticed and be able to exert a positive influence in the world. This is not so. God uses ordinary people, young and old, male and female, to bring glory to Him. Sometimes - many times - that glory comes through or starts with the simplest of acts. II Kings Chapter 5 tells us of one of these simple acts. This is the story of a little girl who was brave enough to speak up about her God while she was a slave in a pagan home.
As this story begins we are introduced to Naaman, "captain of the host of the king of Syria, ..a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man of valour, ..." So it seems like this man Naaman had it all. Being one of the top men of the king, you would have thought everything was going his way. Ah.. but we know that I didn't finish the verse. These last five words change the story drastically ..."but he was a leper." That's tough - to be such an honored man and then to be stricken with such a devastating disease.
In verse 2 we are inroduced to the heroine of the story. The Syrians had gone out in companies (on a raid) and "brought away captive out of the land of Israel, a little maid: and she waited on Naaman's wife." So here's this little maid -- and the Bible does not tell us exactly how old she was. She is old enough to wait on Naaman's wife; yet she is described as a "little maid." We don't know anything about her family- we do know that she "was taken away captive." That strongly suggests that she was exposed to some violence. Being taken away captive certainly indicates that she did not come of her own free will. So here is this young lady who has been seperated from her family and her people, her culure and her homeland. How lonely she must have felt. It is very easy to understand why she might not have ever mentioned Elisha or God at all.
But she did know about God and had a simple unchangeable faith; yet she was living in a houselold that did not worship her God. She could have been cold and uncaring. She might never have mentioned the prophet of God from her county. She could have simply held her tongue. But she didn't. She had compassion on her master. She spoke of God and his prophet --with no fear of repercussion. She told Naaman's wife about Elisha. And with this information she gave great hope to Naaman and his wife. A chance to be healed was met with great hope.
We all know the rest of the story. Naaman went to Elisha and was eventually healed and our God was glorified!! All because one little maid had kindness and courage in her heart and spoke of her God and His prophet.
So how often do you speak up for your God? How often do you tell of His incredible power to save? Think about it. Do you have that unwavering faith and that kind of courage? Is God glorified through your actions? Let us take advantage of our opportunities throughout this year.
God Bless and remember ..
keep Christ above all things,
Robin
As this story begins we are introduced to Naaman, "captain of the host of the king of Syria, ..a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man of valour, ..." So it seems like this man Naaman had it all. Being one of the top men of the king, you would have thought everything was going his way. Ah.. but we know that I didn't finish the verse. These last five words change the story drastically ..."but he was a leper." That's tough - to be such an honored man and then to be stricken with such a devastating disease.
In verse 2 we are inroduced to the heroine of the story. The Syrians had gone out in companies (on a raid) and "brought away captive out of the land of Israel, a little maid: and she waited on Naaman's wife." So here's this little maid -- and the Bible does not tell us exactly how old she was. She is old enough to wait on Naaman's wife; yet she is described as a "little maid." We don't know anything about her family- we do know that she "was taken away captive." That strongly suggests that she was exposed to some violence. Being taken away captive certainly indicates that she did not come of her own free will. So here is this young lady who has been seperated from her family and her people, her culure and her homeland. How lonely she must have felt. It is very easy to understand why she might not have ever mentioned Elisha or God at all.
But she did know about God and had a simple unchangeable faith; yet she was living in a houselold that did not worship her God. She could have been cold and uncaring. She might never have mentioned the prophet of God from her county. She could have simply held her tongue. But she didn't. She had compassion on her master. She spoke of God and his prophet --with no fear of repercussion. She told Naaman's wife about Elisha. And with this information she gave great hope to Naaman and his wife. A chance to be healed was met with great hope.
We all know the rest of the story. Naaman went to Elisha and was eventually healed and our God was glorified!! All because one little maid had kindness and courage in her heart and spoke of her God and His prophet.
So how often do you speak up for your God? How often do you tell of His incredible power to save? Think about it. Do you have that unwavering faith and that kind of courage? Is God glorified through your actions? Let us take advantage of our opportunities throughout this year.
God Bless and remember ..
keep Christ above all things,
Robin
Thursday, January 24, 2013
I think I need help!
I love teaching 2 & 3 year olds! They can be quite a challenge at times, but they also bring immeasurable joy. This is the age when they become more aware of their surroundings. They begin to say, "I can do it myself" and "I'm a big girl now." Indeed the more they realize they can do, the more they want to do on their own. It is all a natural part of growing up. Children learn by doing and without the desire - the inner drive to do things on their own, they won't develop and grow as they should.
In our classroom we have a semi circular table that is elevated. The chairs we use at the table are like the wooden high chairs you see in restaurants. They have no trays on them so they can be pushed right up to the table. The chairs are built in such a way that the children eventually learn how to climb up into them. Getting down however, is usually a different story as one of my students found out one Wednesday night.
She had climbed up into her chair "all by herself" at the beginning of class and had no problem whatsoever. When the bell rang signaling that class time had come to an end, I walked around the table to help the children down out of the chairs. But this little lady insisted on getting down herself. So she stood up in the chair and put her right leg over the chair trying to reach down with her leg far enough to touch the rail across the base of the chair and use it for a step. It was too much of a stretch for her, she couldn't reach it. So she tried the same thing with her left leg over the other side of the chair. She didn't have any better luck that time. So she stood up again - straight up in the chair and looked down at the floor and then up at me.
Finally, as she was standing there she said, "Mrs. Robin I can't get down."
"I see that," I said.
"I think I might fall, so I think I need help."
"OK," I said stepping closer to her.
"I think you better hurry!"
Of course, I got her down with no mishaps. She never got frustrated or upset that she couldn't get down. She didn't begrudge the fact that she had to ask for help. On the contrary, she seemed quite happy that someone was there to help her. She merely sized up her situation, reaized it was too big for her to handle on her own and then asked for help -- and asked for the help to come quickly!
How many times do we do just the opposite of my little friend? How many times do we keep trying to handle all our problems on our own without asking anyone for help? How much better off would we be if we sized up our situation and then reached out to a sister for help? If we simply looked at one of our sisters and said, "I'm having a little trouble her. I am really struggling with this. Can you help me?"
What is it that keeps us from asking for help when we need it in our Christian lives? We all have struggles and trials. Sometimes they are of a very spiritual nature perhaps over a weakness we are trying to overcome. Sometimes we need help with very practical earthly life things. Recently, one of my sweet sisters had knee replacement surgery. Circumstances were such that she did not have family close by to help her out. So several of her sisters pitched in to make sure she was taken care of. At first, she didn't want to ask for help because she didn't want to impose --but when one of us offered to do something very specific and someone else said they could do this --and so on, she realized that with everyone pitching in she would not be asking too much of any of us. Besides, there was so much love flowing through that group of sisters that she understood we wanted to help because we loved her. Isn't that what the church is all about? Aren't we supposed to "bear one another's burdens."
We are to be so close knit as the family of God that we are not afraid to ask for help. We should trust our brothers and sisters to take care of us because after all, they do have Christ living in them. Christians are supposed to be willing to be used in the Lord's service. As I mentioned earlier, it should also be this way in spiritual matters. Christ's church is supposed to be so loving to one another that we can ask for prayers or advice without fear of being criticized or made fun of in any way.
Just as we should understand it is OK to ask for help -- we should also understand that we should do our best to help someone who needs us to be there for them. We should be loving and kind enough to our church family that they know they can depend on us for any type of help they need. There are so many ways we can help out our fellow brothers and sisters. Many many times just listening - just simply being there is a wonderful and welcome relief!
Finally, we should never be so full of ourselves that we aren't willing to size up our situation and ask for help from our Heavenly Father when it is needed. We can't take on everything -- well, we are not supposed to take on anything without going to our God for help. So often we try to hold onto all our troubles and cares instead of going to the Father and saying - "I think I might fall, so I think I need help -- and please hurry." Jude 24 says He is able to keep us from falling. He will be there for us. Consider the words of Peter "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you." I Peter 5:7. Of course Christ cares for us..He died for us. He has reconciled us to His Father!
God never meant for us to go through this life alone. From the very beginning of creation, He has wanted to be there for us. He used to come and walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of evening. Jesus promised that "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with Him." Jn. 14:23. What a comfort it is to know that if we are keeping Christ's commandments, He and God are abiding with us! And if They are with us - then surely we will have the help that we need. All we have to do is ask.
So if you realize you have a sister or brother who might need your help, be there for them. Let God use you to comfort them. On the other hand, if you find yourself about to fall - if you see that you need a little help -- then reach out and ask for it because He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20 What an amazing God we have!
Christ above all things,
Robin
In our classroom we have a semi circular table that is elevated. The chairs we use at the table are like the wooden high chairs you see in restaurants. They have no trays on them so they can be pushed right up to the table. The chairs are built in such a way that the children eventually learn how to climb up into them. Getting down however, is usually a different story as one of my students found out one Wednesday night.
She had climbed up into her chair "all by herself" at the beginning of class and had no problem whatsoever. When the bell rang signaling that class time had come to an end, I walked around the table to help the children down out of the chairs. But this little lady insisted on getting down herself. So she stood up in the chair and put her right leg over the chair trying to reach down with her leg far enough to touch the rail across the base of the chair and use it for a step. It was too much of a stretch for her, she couldn't reach it. So she tried the same thing with her left leg over the other side of the chair. She didn't have any better luck that time. So she stood up again - straight up in the chair and looked down at the floor and then up at me.
Finally, as she was standing there she said, "Mrs. Robin I can't get down."
"I see that," I said.
"I think I might fall, so I think I need help."
"OK," I said stepping closer to her.
"I think you better hurry!"
Of course, I got her down with no mishaps. She never got frustrated or upset that she couldn't get down. She didn't begrudge the fact that she had to ask for help. On the contrary, she seemed quite happy that someone was there to help her. She merely sized up her situation, reaized it was too big for her to handle on her own and then asked for help -- and asked for the help to come quickly!
How many times do we do just the opposite of my little friend? How many times do we keep trying to handle all our problems on our own without asking anyone for help? How much better off would we be if we sized up our situation and then reached out to a sister for help? If we simply looked at one of our sisters and said, "I'm having a little trouble her. I am really struggling with this. Can you help me?"
What is it that keeps us from asking for help when we need it in our Christian lives? We all have struggles and trials. Sometimes they are of a very spiritual nature perhaps over a weakness we are trying to overcome. Sometimes we need help with very practical earthly life things. Recently, one of my sweet sisters had knee replacement surgery. Circumstances were such that she did not have family close by to help her out. So several of her sisters pitched in to make sure she was taken care of. At first, she didn't want to ask for help because she didn't want to impose --but when one of us offered to do something very specific and someone else said they could do this --and so on, she realized that with everyone pitching in she would not be asking too much of any of us. Besides, there was so much love flowing through that group of sisters that she understood we wanted to help because we loved her. Isn't that what the church is all about? Aren't we supposed to "bear one another's burdens."
We are to be so close knit as the family of God that we are not afraid to ask for help. We should trust our brothers and sisters to take care of us because after all, they do have Christ living in them. Christians are supposed to be willing to be used in the Lord's service. As I mentioned earlier, it should also be this way in spiritual matters. Christ's church is supposed to be so loving to one another that we can ask for prayers or advice without fear of being criticized or made fun of in any way.
Just as we should understand it is OK to ask for help -- we should also understand that we should do our best to help someone who needs us to be there for them. We should be loving and kind enough to our church family that they know they can depend on us for any type of help they need. There are so many ways we can help out our fellow brothers and sisters. Many many times just listening - just simply being there is a wonderful and welcome relief!
Finally, we should never be so full of ourselves that we aren't willing to size up our situation and ask for help from our Heavenly Father when it is needed. We can't take on everything -- well, we are not supposed to take on anything without going to our God for help. So often we try to hold onto all our troubles and cares instead of going to the Father and saying - "I think I might fall, so I think I need help -- and please hurry." Jude 24 says He is able to keep us from falling. He will be there for us. Consider the words of Peter "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you." I Peter 5:7. Of course Christ cares for us..He died for us. He has reconciled us to His Father!
God never meant for us to go through this life alone. From the very beginning of creation, He has wanted to be there for us. He used to come and walk with Adam and Eve in the cool of evening. Jesus promised that "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and we will come unto him, and make our abode with Him." Jn. 14:23. What a comfort it is to know that if we are keeping Christ's commandments, He and God are abiding with us! And if They are with us - then surely we will have the help that we need. All we have to do is ask.
So if you realize you have a sister or brother who might need your help, be there for them. Let God use you to comfort them. On the other hand, if you find yourself about to fall - if you see that you need a little help -- then reach out and ask for it because He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20 What an amazing God we have!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Making a Difference
Jude 22 is one of my favoirte verses: "And of some have compassion, making a difference." Maybe I like that verse so much because I have experienced that kind of compassion that made a difference. You see, there was a time in my life that I was not in the church. I wasn't living for the Lord. It was love and compassion from God's people that brought me back to the path of Light. That is another story perhaps for another time, but I will say that I was literally loved back into the church.
I truly feel that having compassion for others is one of the most powerful ways for a Christian to use their influence and glorify God. If we are to be like Christ, then we are to be a compassionate people for He was full of compassion. Let us consider some scriptures together.
Matthew 9:36 - "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Just a couple of verses later, he told His disciples, "the harvest truly is plenteous")
Matthew 14:14 -"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick."
Matthew 15:32 --before the feeding of the four thousand -- "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."
Matthew 20:34 -- as He healed two blind men --"So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
There are other scriptures in the gospels, but perhaps this is enough of a sampling for us to gain some insight into the compassion of our Lord and Savior. He had compassion on the multitudes when they were lost and scattered and had no direction in their lives. He had compassion on the sick. He had compassion for the hungry. He had compassion for the multitudes as a whole; but His compassion was also very personal as we see when He healed the two blind men. Yes, if we want to be like our Lord - we have to learn to be compassionate. We have to learn to care about the needs of others.
There is a popular saying -"People will not care how much you know until they know how much you care." OK well how familiar does that sound? Look at Jude 22 again, "And of some have compassion, making a difference." These two statements have much the same meaning. If we don't have compassion (let someone know how much we care) - then we might not have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives (we won't get a chance to show how much we know) we won't get a chance to teach them the gospel if they don't understand what a loving and compassionate people we are. I can't be grumpy with the waitress who served me lunch and then go knock on her door that night to ask if she wants to study the Bible with me. I don't think I would be able to make much much difference in her life, do you? She would probably slam the door in my face. We really do have to be very careful in our treatment of people ALL the time, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Being compassionate is not always easy. Sometimes people are just really difficult to deal with. But Jesus loved us all. And He died for that hard to get along with person, just like He died for you and me. I will admit that has been a struggle for me at times. I mean to think that Jesus sacrificed His life for someone who might have caused me so much pain that I don't want to forgive and forget -- well that's tough! But you know what? He did just exactly that. And if we would like to think that God and Jesus could never forgive that person -- then please stop and look at a few of the people he did forgive. Let's see there was David who committed adultery and murder; then there was Rahab and Ruth who were both women from pagan cultures, but learned to accept God as the one and only true and living God.
There are other examples of Christ's compassion and forgiveness. What about Peter who denied his Lord three times? What about all the other disciples (except John) who fled from the trial and crucifixion of our Lord? And what about Paul who persecuted and murdered Christians before he was converted to Christ? If Jesus died for the likes of these folks -- then Yes! He died for that person you are having so much trouble with. I know sometimes forgiveness is a process -- and sometimes that takes time --but to have compassion like Christ did, we must also learn to forgive.
Consider Ephesians 4:32 -"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." And I Peter 3:8-9 - "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
Do you want to make a difference in someone's life? Do you want to have an opportunity to lead them to Christ your Savior? Then have compassion on them. Love them - help them if they need it. Then perhaps you will have the opportunity to teach the gospel or encourage someone to come back to the Lord. Being compassionate and tenderhearted and forgiving are commandments. But just like all of God's commandments - they come with a promise --"that ye should inherit a blessing." And God always keeps His promises.
Christ above all things,
Robin
I truly feel that having compassion for others is one of the most powerful ways for a Christian to use their influence and glorify God. If we are to be like Christ, then we are to be a compassionate people for He was full of compassion. Let us consider some scriptures together.
Matthew 9:36 - "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Just a couple of verses later, he told His disciples, "the harvest truly is plenteous")
Matthew 14:14 -"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and He healed their sick."
Matthew 15:32 --before the feeding of the four thousand -- "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way."
Matthew 20:34 -- as He healed two blind men --"So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."
There are other scriptures in the gospels, but perhaps this is enough of a sampling for us to gain some insight into the compassion of our Lord and Savior. He had compassion on the multitudes when they were lost and scattered and had no direction in their lives. He had compassion on the sick. He had compassion for the hungry. He had compassion for the multitudes as a whole; but His compassion was also very personal as we see when He healed the two blind men. Yes, if we want to be like our Lord - we have to learn to be compassionate. We have to learn to care about the needs of others.
There is a popular saying -"People will not care how much you know until they know how much you care." OK well how familiar does that sound? Look at Jude 22 again, "And of some have compassion, making a difference." These two statements have much the same meaning. If we don't have compassion (let someone know how much we care) - then we might not have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives (we won't get a chance to show how much we know) we won't get a chance to teach them the gospel if they don't understand what a loving and compassionate people we are. I can't be grumpy with the waitress who served me lunch and then go knock on her door that night to ask if she wants to study the Bible with me. I don't think I would be able to make much much difference in her life, do you? She would probably slam the door in my face. We really do have to be very careful in our treatment of people ALL the time, no matter where we are or what we are doing.
Being compassionate is not always easy. Sometimes people are just really difficult to deal with. But Jesus loved us all. And He died for that hard to get along with person, just like He died for you and me. I will admit that has been a struggle for me at times. I mean to think that Jesus sacrificed His life for someone who might have caused me so much pain that I don't want to forgive and forget -- well that's tough! But you know what? He did just exactly that. And if we would like to think that God and Jesus could never forgive that person -- then please stop and look at a few of the people he did forgive. Let's see there was David who committed adultery and murder; then there was Rahab and Ruth who were both women from pagan cultures, but learned to accept God as the one and only true and living God.
There are other examples of Christ's compassion and forgiveness. What about Peter who denied his Lord three times? What about all the other disciples (except John) who fled from the trial and crucifixion of our Lord? And what about Paul who persecuted and murdered Christians before he was converted to Christ? If Jesus died for the likes of these folks -- then Yes! He died for that person you are having so much trouble with. I know sometimes forgiveness is a process -- and sometimes that takes time --but to have compassion like Christ did, we must also learn to forgive.
Consider Ephesians 4:32 -"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." And I Peter 3:8-9 - "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing; but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
Do you want to make a difference in someone's life? Do you want to have an opportunity to lead them to Christ your Savior? Then have compassion on them. Love them - help them if they need it. Then perhaps you will have the opportunity to teach the gospel or encourage someone to come back to the Lord. Being compassionate and tenderhearted and forgiving are commandments. But just like all of God's commandments - they come with a promise --"that ye should inherit a blessing." And God always keeps His promises.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Are you running on empty?
Do you ever allow yourself to run so low on gasoline in your vehicle that you are afraid you might not make it to the gas station? Have you ever run completely out of gas? I was thinking about this the other day on the way to work. You see, my gas tank was very low and I was afraid I wouldn't make it all the way there. I get in a hurry to get where I am going and I never stop to even look at my tank before I start out. I know that is a dangerous practice. Getting stranded on the side of the road would NOT be a good thing. I would be much better off if I double checked my car before I started my journey!
I would also be much better off spiritually if I took inventory before I started my day. If I took the time to make sure I had enough spiritual energy to make it through the day, I am sure things would go much more smoothly. I mean just think about it.... we are extremely blessed every day -whether we stop to talk to God before it begins or not. But think about what your days are like when you do take the time to talk to the Lord first. What is your day like when you ask Him to take your troubles away? If I talked to my Heavenly Father first thing every morning about my worries and concerns, if I asked Him to hold onto them instead of me clinging to them thinking I can solve my problems myself --wow, how much better would my day have been! But I shouldn't stop there - after asking Him to take away my worries and troubles, then I should ask Him to bless me with a good day. My point is that if you communed with the Father at the beginning of the day, you are filling up. You are taking care of yourself. A certain peace and joy comes from true fellowship in prayer to the Father. By filling up in this way, then you have the strength to face whatever the day will bring, even if it is some of the same troubles and cares we dealt with yesterday, and the day before that... and, well you get my point. It is our God who gives us the strength and the faith to go on.
I once saw a sign in front of a church building that said, "Prayer is the exercise; faith is the muscle." Indeed, prayer does wonders for building up your faith. It is an absolutely wonderful exercise in helping you gather your strength to carry on through the journey of your day. Prayer fills you up. The stronger your faith is -- the more full your tank is - the more prepared you will be to face the obstacles along life's road. There is less chance of getting stranded by the side of the road. If you are full of your faith because of the prayer life with your Lord -- then you know He is working in your life and you are just not going to allow things to throw you off track.
So fill up every day -- and even several times during the day if the case is such that you need to. Life is just a lot easier if you don't push it to the limit by driving so close to empty all the time.
Christ above all things,
Robin
I would also be much better off spiritually if I took inventory before I started my day. If I took the time to make sure I had enough spiritual energy to make it through the day, I am sure things would go much more smoothly. I mean just think about it.... we are extremely blessed every day -whether we stop to talk to God before it begins or not. But think about what your days are like when you do take the time to talk to the Lord first. What is your day like when you ask Him to take your troubles away? If I talked to my Heavenly Father first thing every morning about my worries and concerns, if I asked Him to hold onto them instead of me clinging to them thinking I can solve my problems myself --wow, how much better would my day have been! But I shouldn't stop there - after asking Him to take away my worries and troubles, then I should ask Him to bless me with a good day. My point is that if you communed with the Father at the beginning of the day, you are filling up. You are taking care of yourself. A certain peace and joy comes from true fellowship in prayer to the Father. By filling up in this way, then you have the strength to face whatever the day will bring, even if it is some of the same troubles and cares we dealt with yesterday, and the day before that... and, well you get my point. It is our God who gives us the strength and the faith to go on.
I once saw a sign in front of a church building that said, "Prayer is the exercise; faith is the muscle." Indeed, prayer does wonders for building up your faith. It is an absolutely wonderful exercise in helping you gather your strength to carry on through the journey of your day. Prayer fills you up. The stronger your faith is -- the more full your tank is - the more prepared you will be to face the obstacles along life's road. There is less chance of getting stranded by the side of the road. If you are full of your faith because of the prayer life with your Lord -- then you know He is working in your life and you are just not going to allow things to throw you off track.
So fill up every day -- and even several times during the day if the case is such that you need to. Life is just a lot easier if you don't push it to the limit by driving so close to empty all the time.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Monday, January 21, 2013
An Ordinary "Carcass"
Do you know who Aristarchus was? Not many people do. He is one of the little known men of the Bible; yet he is mentioned five times in the scriptures. Our God must have thought something of him to have him mentioned in the scripture. John Knapp II once wrote a poem about him. It was entitled simply "Aristarchus." It is a very short poem, but it has always had a big impact on me. Soooo.... I will share.
"Aristarchus"
by John Knapp II
If you aren't too fancy;
Just an ordinary carcass,
Consider the example
Of a man called Aristarchus.
Five times the Bible tells us
How his faith refused to bend;
Quietly he served the Lord,
Enduring to the end.
Ok and now for the scriptures: Acts 19:29 - "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."
Acts 20:4 --"And there accompanied him in Asia, Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimas."
Acts 27:2 - "And entering into a ship of Adramytium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Col. 4:10 - Aristarchus, my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him)
And finally, Philemon 24 - "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow labourers."
So you see - we don't know nearly as much about Aristarchus as we know about Peter or Paul; but we know enough to know that he travelled with Paul. He was with him as he planned to sail by the coasts of Asia. He is mentioned as a fellow labourer and a fellowprisoner of the apostle. He went to prison for the cause of the Lord! He loved the Lord and sought to work with Paul on his journeys (or at least part of them). You see sometimes, I think of Paul and Silas or Paul and Barnabas (and Luke of course) but I don't think about the fact that Paul had several companions --several helpers and fellow workers. God knew what He was doing when he placed men like Aristarchus by Paul's side. Paul needed the help he got from these men because the Lord had given him an immense task and there really was no way he could have done what he did without help --help with the actual work, as well as moral and emotional support. These "ordinary" men like Aristarchus were doing a great service for the Lord. They were fulfilling a vital role in the development of the church while it was still in its infancy.
God still needs workers today. And we don't have to be the one in the forefront to understand that we are playing a vital role in the Lord's work. It doesn't matter what we do for the Lord - no matter how big or small our actions may seem to be to us, they are not insignificant. What you do for the Lord matters. EVERYTHING YOU DO MATTERS. Everyone plays a vital role. So you see, to God - there really are no "ordinary carcasses." And I might add that He longs for any and all "Aristarchuses" who will, to come to him.
So let's think about it --if Christ died for us --how can we help but live for Him?
From one "carcass" to another -
Christ above all things,
Robin
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Original Transformers
My youngest son, Aaron used to love to play with transformers. They were his favorite toys and I can't tell you how many of them he had when he was younger. Do you remember those toys? They were cars or trucks that you could twist and turn about and then would change into a robot. But may I submit to you that Christians were the first transformers?
Does that sound silly to you? Consider Romans 12:1-2 --"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
You see Paul was telling us that as Christians, God wants us to change. In other words, the world was supposed to be able to see enough of a change in our lives -- in the way we acted -- in what we did -- that by our very transformation and by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to Christ -that we are "proving what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." Our change in lifestyle proves our love for Christ; it proves God's perfect will. Isn't that wonderful?!!!! You have the potential just by living your life as a faithful Christian to prove God's goodness and power and perfect will?
Have you ever seen this happen?? Have you ever seen someone who was converted to Christ so completely change their life that people sat up and paid attention? Have you ever known of someone who merely by their transformed lives - caused others to want that same transition -- the same positive changes -- the same peace and joy and hope in their lives? I have seen this ... a Christian change their life --who they hang out with - what they do...that those people she previously knew were exposed to God's perfect will. And after seeing that change - they wanted part of that for themselves. To witness this change in someone's life is to witness God's incredible power to save!
And this is a commandment from God. We are not just to see this in others. We are to make it happen in our own lives, too!!! The scripture says "be ye" --not watch somebody else. It is for all of us -- each Christian is to change their lives.
In my Webster's dictionary the definition of transformed is "to change markedly the form or appearance of -- to change the nature, function, or condition of; to convert."
See what the Spirit is telling us here through Paul? Change what you are doing. Convert your life to one of service to Christ. We are even told how to do this -- "through the renewing of our mind." Now how do you renew your mind to have the mind of Christ? The only ways I know of are: 1) through Bible study --DILIGENT Bible study; 2) applying what you learn from your study to your everyday life; 3) developing a relationship with God through prayer - faith is made stronger through prayer and finally 4) spend time with other Christians who have been transformed -- changed -- to a life of Christ. They can give you the strength and encouragement to carry on and continue to carry out the changes you need to make in your life.
So allow your love for Christ to change you. Let the knowledge of God's word bend you to His way of thinking. Let the scriptures enlighten your soul and increase your your desire to bend to His will. Allow your prayer life to turn your heart and mind to have a strong love for God and the desire to serve Him. Ask your Christian friends to help you twist away from your old lifestyle. And PROVE through your life that God's will is good, acceptable and perfect. Show through your living sacrifice that living the Christian life is absolutely the BEST way of life there is --even though there really is true sacrifice involved. Leave the world behind.
I encourage you to heed Paul's plea and be a transformer -- transform from a worldly life to a spiritual one and let people that know see the transformation. God promises us that we will be richly rewarded!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Does that sound silly to you? Consider Romans 12:1-2 --"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
You see Paul was telling us that as Christians, God wants us to change. In other words, the world was supposed to be able to see enough of a change in our lives -- in the way we acted -- in what we did -- that by our very transformation and by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to Christ -that we are "proving what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God." Our change in lifestyle proves our love for Christ; it proves God's perfect will. Isn't that wonderful?!!!! You have the potential just by living your life as a faithful Christian to prove God's goodness and power and perfect will?
Have you ever seen this happen?? Have you ever seen someone who was converted to Christ so completely change their life that people sat up and paid attention? Have you ever known of someone who merely by their transformed lives - caused others to want that same transition -- the same positive changes -- the same peace and joy and hope in their lives? I have seen this ... a Christian change their life --who they hang out with - what they do...that those people she previously knew were exposed to God's perfect will. And after seeing that change - they wanted part of that for themselves. To witness this change in someone's life is to witness God's incredible power to save!
And this is a commandment from God. We are not just to see this in others. We are to make it happen in our own lives, too!!! The scripture says "be ye" --not watch somebody else. It is for all of us -- each Christian is to change their lives.
In my Webster's dictionary the definition of transformed is "to change markedly the form or appearance of -- to change the nature, function, or condition of; to convert."
See what the Spirit is telling us here through Paul? Change what you are doing. Convert your life to one of service to Christ. We are even told how to do this -- "through the renewing of our mind." Now how do you renew your mind to have the mind of Christ? The only ways I know of are: 1) through Bible study --DILIGENT Bible study; 2) applying what you learn from your study to your everyday life; 3) developing a relationship with God through prayer - faith is made stronger through prayer and finally 4) spend time with other Christians who have been transformed -- changed -- to a life of Christ. They can give you the strength and encouragement to carry on and continue to carry out the changes you need to make in your life.
So allow your love for Christ to change you. Let the knowledge of God's word bend you to His way of thinking. Let the scriptures enlighten your soul and increase your your desire to bend to His will. Allow your prayer life to turn your heart and mind to have a strong love for God and the desire to serve Him. Ask your Christian friends to help you twist away from your old lifestyle. And PROVE through your life that God's will is good, acceptable and perfect. Show through your living sacrifice that living the Christian life is absolutely the BEST way of life there is --even though there really is true sacrifice involved. Leave the world behind.
I encourage you to heed Paul's plea and be a transformer -- transform from a worldly life to a spiritual one and let people that know see the transformation. God promises us that we will be richly rewarded!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Just for Fun
Tonight, I want to try to keep it short and sweet -- so hopefully I won't ramble too much. It is good sometimes just to share a laugh with a friend. Proverbs 17:22 says "A merry heart doeth good like medicine." God made us as creatures of emotion and laughter and joy are part of those emotions. This is just a short little story that I hope you will enjoy.
I was teaching my 2 and 3 year olds about Jonah. After we went over the lesson and did our handwork, I began to ask questions about the story. I was asking things like, "What did God want Jonah to do?" --go to Nineveh to preach
"What did Jonah do?" -- he tried to hide from God
"Can you really hide from God?" --No!!!
"What happened to Jonah?" - He got swallowed by a big fish.
And Jonah prayed in the great fish's belly for three days and three nights.
"What happened after that?" --the fish spit Jonah out on land.
"And then what did Jonah do?"
Well I expected the answer to be something like -- he did what God told him to, or he went to Ninevah to preach --or something along those lines. I hoped the children were getting the point about how important it is to obey God. But when I said, "Then what did Jonah do?" One precious little fella said - "He dried off!" :) And you know what, I bet he did!
Now we could probably pull some lesson from this -- about how literal our children are and how important it is to teach them the absolute truth -- or about how practical a young child's mind is --and that in order to accomplish one big thing - you have to do many small things first.... yes, there are probably several lessons we could draw from this. But tonight -- just for tonight --- let's take this remember that sweet little boy's earnest reply just for the simple joy it brings. (Hope you don't mind)
Kiss your kids tonight. Tell your loved ones how precious they are to you. And when you say your prayers -- thank God for all the little joys in your life!
Christ above all things,
Robin
I was teaching my 2 and 3 year olds about Jonah. After we went over the lesson and did our handwork, I began to ask questions about the story. I was asking things like, "What did God want Jonah to do?" --go to Nineveh to preach
"What did Jonah do?" -- he tried to hide from God
"Can you really hide from God?" --No!!!
"What happened to Jonah?" - He got swallowed by a big fish.
And Jonah prayed in the great fish's belly for three days and three nights.
"What happened after that?" --the fish spit Jonah out on land.
"And then what did Jonah do?"
Well I expected the answer to be something like -- he did what God told him to, or he went to Ninevah to preach --or something along those lines. I hoped the children were getting the point about how important it is to obey God. But when I said, "Then what did Jonah do?" One precious little fella said - "He dried off!" :) And you know what, I bet he did!
Now we could probably pull some lesson from this -- about how literal our children are and how important it is to teach them the absolute truth -- or about how practical a young child's mind is --and that in order to accomplish one big thing - you have to do many small things first.... yes, there are probably several lessons we could draw from this. But tonight -- just for tonight --- let's take this remember that sweet little boy's earnest reply just for the simple joy it brings. (Hope you don't mind)
Kiss your kids tonight. Tell your loved ones how precious they are to you. And when you say your prayers -- thank God for all the little joys in your life!
Christ above all things,
Robin
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Brave Soldier
I probably won't get this story exactly right, but maybe it will be close enough for us to gain a lesson from it. It happened a few years ago, when my nephew, Will was only about 3 or so. A young man who had been part of their congregation had lost his life while serving his country overseas. In honor of this courageous young man, one of his uniforms was put on display in the foyer of the church building where they attend. My sister in law was at the church building for some reason and Will was with her. He was fascinated by the soldier's uniform. As he stood looking at it .. he began to ask his mother questions about whose uniform it was and why was it there.
How do you explain something like that to someone so young? How do you make them understand that serving your country and protecting its freedom is a noble undertaking that sometimes ends in paying the highest cost? Well, I am not sure of everything my sweet sister in law told her son -- but one thing she did tell him was that the uniform had belonged to a very brave soldier. Indeed, it had. Will was still so enthralled with the uniform that he asked his Mom --(or maybe it wasn't a question) "One day, I be a brave soldier." As a mother, I can't even begin to imagine how my sister in law felt at that point. Our children can certainly pull at our heartstrings sometimes, can't they?
To tell you the truth though, I hope and pray that Will does grow up to be a brave soldier. No, I am not necessarily talking about for our country in the military (although I love and have the utmost respect for those men who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep us free). I am talking about being a brave soldier in the Lord's army. And shouldn't we all long to be brave soldiers for our Lord? Yes, we should. We should want to belong to the Lord - to serve Him and to "fight the good fight" as Paul did.
The song, "The Lord's Army" is a favorite one for our little ones. They love the motions in the song. It gets them moving and the tune is catchy. And to think that even as young as they are, they can be in the Lord's army makes them feel important - like they are helping the Lord. Surely you all know the words of the song, -- "I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery, I may never fly o'er the enemy -- but I'm in the Lord's army." Wonderful, right? -- But what does it mean to be in the Lord's army? Well as a teacher of pre school children, I added a verse to the song. Consider these thoughts. By these words, I hoped to explain to the children what being in the Lord's army really meant.
"So I will read my Bible every day, grow stronger when I pray; shine my light so bright; I'll always stand up for what is right? Cause I'm in the Lord's army."
Why else would I read my Bible every day? (I'm still working on that goal).
Why would I grow stronger when I pray - or why would I even want to pray?
Why would I let my light shine - why would I strive to glorify God in that way?
And finally why would I always stand up for what is right?
Why? Because I am in the Lord's army! Are you?
Christ above all things,
Robin
How do you explain something like that to someone so young? How do you make them understand that serving your country and protecting its freedom is a noble undertaking that sometimes ends in paying the highest cost? Well, I am not sure of everything my sweet sister in law told her son -- but one thing she did tell him was that the uniform had belonged to a very brave soldier. Indeed, it had. Will was still so enthralled with the uniform that he asked his Mom --(or maybe it wasn't a question) "One day, I be a brave soldier." As a mother, I can't even begin to imagine how my sister in law felt at that point. Our children can certainly pull at our heartstrings sometimes, can't they?
To tell you the truth though, I hope and pray that Will does grow up to be a brave soldier. No, I am not necessarily talking about for our country in the military (although I love and have the utmost respect for those men who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep us free). I am talking about being a brave soldier in the Lord's army. And shouldn't we all long to be brave soldiers for our Lord? Yes, we should. We should want to belong to the Lord - to serve Him and to "fight the good fight" as Paul did.
The song, "The Lord's Army" is a favorite one for our little ones. They love the motions in the song. It gets them moving and the tune is catchy. And to think that even as young as they are, they can be in the Lord's army makes them feel important - like they are helping the Lord. Surely you all know the words of the song, -- "I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery, I may never fly o'er the enemy -- but I'm in the Lord's army." Wonderful, right? -- But what does it mean to be in the Lord's army? Well as a teacher of pre school children, I added a verse to the song. Consider these thoughts. By these words, I hoped to explain to the children what being in the Lord's army really meant.
"So I will read my Bible every day, grow stronger when I pray; shine my light so bright; I'll always stand up for what is right? Cause I'm in the Lord's army."
Why else would I read my Bible every day? (I'm still working on that goal).
Why would I grow stronger when I pray - or why would I even want to pray?
Why would I let my light shine - why would I strive to glorify God in that way?
And finally why would I always stand up for what is right?
Why? Because I am in the Lord's army! Are you?
Christ above all things,
Robin
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Gaining Strength from Prayer
Several years ago (and I may be aging myself here) there was a series of commercials that pictured a woman in the midst of various highly stressful situations - whether it be in a traffic jam with what seemed to be hundreds of vehicles all stuck on a super highway with no one moving an inch; or trying to referee two or three children involved in a heated or argument; or maybe in a tough work situation where everyone is wanting something from her all at the same time. The woman looks off into space and says "Calgon, take me away!" In an instant the scene changes from the highly stressful one - to one where the woman is soaking in a luxurious bubble bath.
Do you ever feel like that? You know that feeling, don't you? It is the kind of feeling where you just want to get away from it all; go off to a place all by yourself and take some time just for you. Nothing wrong with that. It is perfectly normal. We are all human and it's a tough old world we live in sometimes. A brief escape can be very rejuvenating.
Even Jesus needed a break now and then. He often took time to be alone and rest. These were the times when he prayed to the Father. That is how He refreshed Himself --how he gathered strength to make it through another day. Have you ever wondered what Jesus' life was really like after He started His ministry? He had people worshipping Him because they believed in Him. They truly loved Him and honored Him. But they depended on Him to teach them about the Father. Then there were those who followed Him only for what He could give them or help them with. Jesus healed multitudes and multitudes of people. Maybe there were some who came just to see what kind of miracle He would perform next. There are "thrill seekers" in the world now -- I am sure there were some back then too. Then He had all those following Him just so they could find something wrong with what He did -- you know just so they could complain about Him or question His motives. The Pharisees and the scribes just absolutely seemd to never give Him a break. They tested Him - tried to get Him to mess up somehow.
With all this going on around Him, no wonder Jesus sought solace from time to time. I can certainly understand it. But God was there for Him, comforting Him and strengthening Him all along the way. The Heavenly Father looked out for Jesus all His life. He had the angels in heaven singing when He was born. God was there when Jesus was baptized by John, proclaiming "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew. 3:17) After Jesus' fasted 40 days and nights and withstood the tempations of Satan, God sent angels to minister to Him. (Matthew 4:11)
There are many instances when Jesus sought solitude to be His Father. Let's consider a few scriptures.
Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
Luke 6:12 -"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Matthew 14:23 -"And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening was come, He was there alone."
One more (although there are others) Luke 5:16 -"And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed."
That Jesus sought solitude so that He could be the Father speaks volumes to me. He needed that time with God and if Jesus needed that what on earth makes us think that we could ever get along without it? You think that is maybe why Paul told us to "Pray without ceasing?" I Thess. 5:17 We can reap the same benefits that Christ did during His times in prayer. We will gain strength. We will be refreshed. We will gather the courage to make it through another day. God will be there for us, just like He was there for Christ our Savior. He is waiting for us to come to Him. Seek Him out. So pray to your Father - talk to Him. Tell Him what is going on in your life. He cares, he really cares. Your solitude with Him will build you up and give you that peace that passes understanding. Try it, you will see. It really will be worth it.
God bless you and remember -Christ above all things,
Robin
Do you ever feel like that? You know that feeling, don't you? It is the kind of feeling where you just want to get away from it all; go off to a place all by yourself and take some time just for you. Nothing wrong with that. It is perfectly normal. We are all human and it's a tough old world we live in sometimes. A brief escape can be very rejuvenating.
Even Jesus needed a break now and then. He often took time to be alone and rest. These were the times when he prayed to the Father. That is how He refreshed Himself --how he gathered strength to make it through another day. Have you ever wondered what Jesus' life was really like after He started His ministry? He had people worshipping Him because they believed in Him. They truly loved Him and honored Him. But they depended on Him to teach them about the Father. Then there were those who followed Him only for what He could give them or help them with. Jesus healed multitudes and multitudes of people. Maybe there were some who came just to see what kind of miracle He would perform next. There are "thrill seekers" in the world now -- I am sure there were some back then too. Then He had all those following Him just so they could find something wrong with what He did -- you know just so they could complain about Him or question His motives. The Pharisees and the scribes just absolutely seemd to never give Him a break. They tested Him - tried to get Him to mess up somehow.
With all this going on around Him, no wonder Jesus sought solace from time to time. I can certainly understand it. But God was there for Him, comforting Him and strengthening Him all along the way. The Heavenly Father looked out for Jesus all His life. He had the angels in heaven singing when He was born. God was there when Jesus was baptized by John, proclaiming "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew. 3:17) After Jesus' fasted 40 days and nights and withstood the tempations of Satan, God sent angels to minister to Him. (Matthew 4:11)
There are many instances when Jesus sought solitude to be His Father. Let's consider a few scriptures.
Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
Luke 6:12 -"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Matthew 14:23 -"And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray; and when the evening was come, He was there alone."
One more (although there are others) Luke 5:16 -"And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed."
That Jesus sought solitude so that He could be the Father speaks volumes to me. He needed that time with God and if Jesus needed that what on earth makes us think that we could ever get along without it? You think that is maybe why Paul told us to "Pray without ceasing?" I Thess. 5:17 We can reap the same benefits that Christ did during His times in prayer. We will gain strength. We will be refreshed. We will gather the courage to make it through another day. God will be there for us, just like He was there for Christ our Savior. He is waiting for us to come to Him. Seek Him out. So pray to your Father - talk to Him. Tell Him what is going on in your life. He cares, he really cares. Your solitude with Him will build you up and give you that peace that passes understanding. Try it, you will see. It really will be worth it.
God bless you and remember -Christ above all things,
Robin
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Walking with God
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." Genesis 6:8-9
In Genesis 5:22 & 24, scripture says that Enoch walked with God.
Have you ever walked with anyone? Sure you have! Taking a walk with someone involves so much more than just the mechanics of putting one foot in front of another. When we walk with another person, our steps match theirs - whether the pace is fast or slow. We become in tune with that person with whom we are walking. Companionship - fellowship is shared. We have opted to spend time with that person -- to give of ourselves for them. When Noah walked with God, he was giving himself to God. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he was looking for it. God didn't just come drop it in his lap for no reason. Noah was looking for -- seeking to find that grace. And God rewarded him.
Noah wanted to walk with God - wanted to spend time with Him --to match his steps with God's. Noah and God were in sync with one another. Imagine that!
People who walk with each other are usually in some type of relationship with one another. They may be friends walking along together. Parents and children often walk together and finally, sometimes couples who are linked romantically may share a walk with one another. Just for tonight, however, I want to talk about friends walking together.
Abraham was called a friend of God. Can you imagine the walk he had with our Maker? I am referring to the relationship that Abraham had with our Father. Abraham left all that he knew, left his family and the way of life that he knew to walk with God to a strange land. But God said come, and Abraham did. Abraham loved the Lord. Don't you love your friends? You love spending time with them. I think Abraham loved spending time with God, don't you?
Being God's friend doesn't mean that you disrespect HIm in any way. Abraham knew that God was a supreme being --knew that He was all powerful, the one and only true and living God. As a matter of fact, he counted on it. You see Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac knowing that he was the promised son. But Abraham had faith - truly believed -God would find a way to bring Isaac back if he killed Him. That's how strong Abraham's faith was in His friend. That's how much trust he had in the Lord. That is how much respect he had for God's commandments. He never doubted his friend. And we shouldn't doubt God either. He IS our friend. He cares about what is going on in our lives.
Psalms 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." I have some very good earthly friends that I turn to for strength -- for help in trouble. But God -- our good and great God -is our true refuge and strength. He is there when all others may fail or flee. One of the elders at our congregation is a former (retired) high school football coach. His team won state championship one year. I remember my Dad talking once about praying for things like that. He said that some may say that God doesn't care about football. Dad said that may be true -- but he cares about the coach who is a faithful Christian. I don't think there is anything wrong with turning to your Best Friend and asking for help in any area of your life. You know --God put you here on this earth. He knows you live in the world and so He wants to help you through it. Most of all - He just wants to hear from you.
God wants to be our friend. He is waiting to walk with us. He wants us to come to Him -- to give of ourselves to Him. That's what Noah did -- and he found grace in the sight of God. That's what Abraham did and he was called a friend of God. What will you do?
Christ above all things,
Robin
In Genesis 5:22 & 24, scripture says that Enoch walked with God.
Have you ever walked with anyone? Sure you have! Taking a walk with someone involves so much more than just the mechanics of putting one foot in front of another. When we walk with another person, our steps match theirs - whether the pace is fast or slow. We become in tune with that person with whom we are walking. Companionship - fellowship is shared. We have opted to spend time with that person -- to give of ourselves for them. When Noah walked with God, he was giving himself to God. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he was looking for it. God didn't just come drop it in his lap for no reason. Noah was looking for -- seeking to find that grace. And God rewarded him.
Noah wanted to walk with God - wanted to spend time with Him --to match his steps with God's. Noah and God were in sync with one another. Imagine that!
People who walk with each other are usually in some type of relationship with one another. They may be friends walking along together. Parents and children often walk together and finally, sometimes couples who are linked romantically may share a walk with one another. Just for tonight, however, I want to talk about friends walking together.
Abraham was called a friend of God. Can you imagine the walk he had with our Maker? I am referring to the relationship that Abraham had with our Father. Abraham left all that he knew, left his family and the way of life that he knew to walk with God to a strange land. But God said come, and Abraham did. Abraham loved the Lord. Don't you love your friends? You love spending time with them. I think Abraham loved spending time with God, don't you?
Being God's friend doesn't mean that you disrespect HIm in any way. Abraham knew that God was a supreme being --knew that He was all powerful, the one and only true and living God. As a matter of fact, he counted on it. You see Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac knowing that he was the promised son. But Abraham had faith - truly believed -God would find a way to bring Isaac back if he killed Him. That's how strong Abraham's faith was in His friend. That's how much trust he had in the Lord. That is how much respect he had for God's commandments. He never doubted his friend. And we shouldn't doubt God either. He IS our friend. He cares about what is going on in our lives.
Psalms 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." I have some very good earthly friends that I turn to for strength -- for help in trouble. But God -- our good and great God -is our true refuge and strength. He is there when all others may fail or flee. One of the elders at our congregation is a former (retired) high school football coach. His team won state championship one year. I remember my Dad talking once about praying for things like that. He said that some may say that God doesn't care about football. Dad said that may be true -- but he cares about the coach who is a faithful Christian. I don't think there is anything wrong with turning to your Best Friend and asking for help in any area of your life. You know --God put you here on this earth. He knows you live in the world and so He wants to help you through it. Most of all - He just wants to hear from you.
God wants to be our friend. He is waiting to walk with us. He wants us to come to Him -- to give of ourselves to Him. That's what Noah did -- and he found grace in the sight of God. That's what Abraham did and he was called a friend of God. What will you do?
Christ above all things,
Robin
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Bread of Life
Yesterday it was very cold and rainy -(ha! kind of like today was). When I left work at about 5:30, I had to pick up a prescription at Wal Mart. But I was anxious to get home, so that was all I wanted to do - run in, get my medicine and leave. I wanted to get to the warmth and the safety of my own home. So I was kind of surprised when the clerk waitin on me in the Pharmacy said, "What? This is all you're getting? You're not going to dash over to the grocery section to buy bread?" When I told her I was fine, thank you. She said with a smile -"Are you sure? EVERYBODY has been buying bread today." I laughed and said, "I bet - but I just bought bread yesterday, so I think I am OK." Then she checked me out.
I am sure most of us can relate to the cashier's joke. What happens around here when the weather starts looking ominous -- when people think the roads are going to freeze over and they will be stuck at home a few days? They rush to the store to buy bread! Bread is a staple in just about any home - it seems we can't get along without it.
Of course, this all got me to thinking ..... Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35) See we can't along spiritually without the Bread of Life. But if we lean on Him - learn of His words --we will never hunger spiritually, for He (Jesus) makes sure we have all we need. We can't get to God without the Bread of Life. Just as we have to have bread (food) to live a healthy physical life, we have to have that Bread of Life to live a healthy spiritual life.
That may seem easy for us to understand today; but those who followed Jesus at that time did not seem to comprehend very well what He was saying. This was a difficult time in Jesus' ministry. If you read the rest of this chapter - you will see that many of his disciples left Him that day. All the talk of Bread - they couldn't understand it. They did not realize that Jesus was trying to tell them that He was of God the Father. He was speaking in figurative terms -- in verse 58 - Christ said that "he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
Many of His disciples didn't get it then and honestly, there are alot of people out in the world who still don't get it today. Jesus was telling them that He had been sent from Heaven --that He was their Savior--just as the manna that God sent down for the wandering Israelites saved them. He was trying to tell them if they followed Him -- if they would only partake of His commandments - of His way of life --- they would be blessed - sustained -- saved from a death of spiritual starvation. Jesus never meant that He wanted those men to literally eat of his flesh. Yet, many followers turned from Jesus that day. No doubt He was very discouraged.
Verse 67 reads --"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" And in the next verse we have one of the most beautiful confessions of Christ recorded. "Then Simon Peter, answered Him, Lord to whom shall we go? thou hast the word of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." (v. 68-69) What a beautiful passage of scripture!
Are you sure Christ is the Son of Living God? Do you understand that to get to the Father, it has to be through the Son? Do you realize that if you long for Him - hunger for His love --seek to do His will - to follow His commandments -- that you will be fed? If you turn to Him -- He will be there for you. He will always feed you -- save you -- give you what you need to keep going.
Another thing though --we talked about the way we rush to the store for bread when we think things are going to be tough (weather wise). Well, don't wait until you see a storm coming in your life and then go get enough Bread to help you get through. Feed yourself often -- if you are already partaking of the eternal Bread of Life --if He lives in your heart and you are walking in the Way -- then you will be sustained through the storms of life. HE will feed you in those moments of spiritual weakness. Remember how He loves you and how He wants you to be with Him. So feed on His word. Understand who He is -- know and follow His commandments, all of them. And claim His wonderful promises.
Christ above all things,
Robin
I am sure most of us can relate to the cashier's joke. What happens around here when the weather starts looking ominous -- when people think the roads are going to freeze over and they will be stuck at home a few days? They rush to the store to buy bread! Bread is a staple in just about any home - it seems we can't get along without it.
Of course, this all got me to thinking ..... Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." (John 6:35) See we can't along spiritually without the Bread of Life. But if we lean on Him - learn of His words --we will never hunger spiritually, for He (Jesus) makes sure we have all we need. We can't get to God without the Bread of Life. Just as we have to have bread (food) to live a healthy physical life, we have to have that Bread of Life to live a healthy spiritual life.
That may seem easy for us to understand today; but those who followed Jesus at that time did not seem to comprehend very well what He was saying. This was a difficult time in Jesus' ministry. If you read the rest of this chapter - you will see that many of his disciples left Him that day. All the talk of Bread - they couldn't understand it. They did not realize that Jesus was trying to tell them that He was of God the Father. He was speaking in figurative terms -- in verse 58 - Christ said that "he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
Many of His disciples didn't get it then and honestly, there are alot of people out in the world who still don't get it today. Jesus was telling them that He had been sent from Heaven --that He was their Savior--just as the manna that God sent down for the wandering Israelites saved them. He was trying to tell them if they followed Him -- if they would only partake of His commandments - of His way of life --- they would be blessed - sustained -- saved from a death of spiritual starvation. Jesus never meant that He wanted those men to literally eat of his flesh. Yet, many followers turned from Jesus that day. No doubt He was very discouraged.
Verse 67 reads --"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?" And in the next verse we have one of the most beautiful confessions of Christ recorded. "Then Simon Peter, answered Him, Lord to whom shall we go? thou hast the word of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art Christ, the Son of the living God." (v. 68-69) What a beautiful passage of scripture!
Are you sure Christ is the Son of Living God? Do you understand that to get to the Father, it has to be through the Son? Do you realize that if you long for Him - hunger for His love --seek to do His will - to follow His commandments -- that you will be fed? If you turn to Him -- He will be there for you. He will always feed you -- save you -- give you what you need to keep going.
Another thing though --we talked about the way we rush to the store for bread when we think things are going to be tough (weather wise). Well, don't wait until you see a storm coming in your life and then go get enough Bread to help you get through. Feed yourself often -- if you are already partaking of the eternal Bread of Life --if He lives in your heart and you are walking in the Way -- then you will be sustained through the storms of life. HE will feed you in those moments of spiritual weakness. Remember how He loves you and how He wants you to be with Him. So feed on His word. Understand who He is -- know and follow His commandments, all of them. And claim His wonderful promises.
Christ above all things,
Robin
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