From 18 to 80

           I am always encouraged by older people who have remained faithful Christians all their lives.  Now, I know to my little Bible class students, I am probably old - but I am talking about those who are even older than me.  I am talking about folks in their 70's and 80's, maybe even in their 90's. There is one sweet lady in our congregation is 95 years old.  She is loved by everyone in our congregation.  She is kind and loving and very encouraging to others.  
         Yes, older faithful Christians inspire me.  They have often endured many storms and trials in their lives and yet nothing has caused them to be unfaithful to the Lord.  They stick to their convictions.  They continue to attend services even after they might lose spouses and they must come alone.  Perhaps, they don't always feel as good as they wished - but if there is any way possible they are still at the services every time the door opens.  Why is that, do you think?  Why do they keep coming?  They love Jesus! And they know without a doubt that Jesus and God loves them!  They have lived a lifetime of devotion to Him and they wouldn't think of giving Him up now.  
         We have many Biblical examples of people who remained faithful to God all their lives.  Some lived longer than others, yet they gave their entire lives for Him.  One example I think of from the Bible is the prophet Daniel.  I love the stories we find in Daniel.  He was taken captive when he was very young.  Some say that he could have been as young as 10 or 12; others say he was more likely somewhere between 15 -18.  By the time he was thrown the time he was thrown into the lion's den, he was an old man.  Most scholars say he was at least 80 or in his 80's.  In other words, Daniel was faithful all his life.  We don't read of any times that he sinned - or even slacked up in his faith and service to God.
         Daniel was one of a group of younger men who were sons of nobles taken away into exile during the Babylonian captivity.  You know the story, he was "re-educated" in their culture so that he would be fit to serve in king's court.  Yet, he never wavered in his faith always knowing God would take care of him.  Think about it, along with many of the Jewish population, lived in a country he did not call his own serving a king that was not his king.  He served more than one king who worshipped pagan gods and he served them to the best of his ability.   God blessed Daniel for his faithfulness and so he was always favored by the kings he served. 
        By the time Daniel was serving under Darius, he had been in captivity for between sixty and seventy years.  I imagine he became discouraged.  I imagine his heart longed for the home of his younger days.  I am sure he wished that his people were not in captivity.  Still he prayed three times a day to his God.  And everyone that knew Daniel knew this.  They all knew that Daniel served the God of Israel and that he had done so all his life.  Yet, he was still favored by Darius. So much so that the other governors were jealous of him.  They did not like it that the king gave Daniel so much attention -- that he gave Daniel a position of authority over them.  
       We all know the story -- those who were jealous appealed to the king's vanity and had him come up with a law that would forbid anyone in the kingdom to pray to anyone or any other God besides the king.  Even though, Darius knew that Daniel served his own God - the one true God -- he must have been so carried away by all the flattery of the other governors that he forgot that Daniel worshipped a different God.  It would only be a short time later that Darius would very much regret his rash decision.  
          We only have to read the scriptures to know what Daniel did when he heard about this new law.  He did not panic.  He did not protest.  He really didn't bring attention to himself in any way.  That is because Daniel knew what he would do.  Without a doubt he knew.  He had done it all his life and he wasn't about to change now.  Why should he?  He was still worshipping and serving the same God who was faithful to him and his three friends when they bargained with the chief eunuch so many years ago.  He knew that God had made sure they were healthier than those who had eaten from the king's table. 
         Daniel knew that he still served the same God who had saved his friends from the fiery furnace when they refused to bow to anyone but the living God.  Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah had been willing to die for their God.  And Daniel knew that he must also be willing to die for God.  He was sure of his God just like his friends had been, when they said "if we die, we die" but we will not bow to this false god.  Daniel had the faith to know that if  continuing to pray would end up costing him his earthly life that God would take him home.  Regardless of how it was going to turn out, he knew that he could not fail his God. 
        So from 18 to 80 and longer, Daniel lived for God.  He spoke for God and encouraged his fellow countrymen.  God saved Daniel and through that God was glorified because Darius made a new decree declaring that Daniel's God was the true God. 
       Now what about you and me?  Do people know where you will be on Sunday morning?  What about Sunday night or Wednesday night?  Do they know you put God first in everything you do?  Have you made the same commitment to serve Him all your life like Daniel did? 
        What about all those sweet older people in your church family?  Regardless of what they have been through, they have not given up serving the Lord.  They have remained steadfast and unmovable, continuing to abound in the work of the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58)  They have not grown weary in well doing.  And they have held fast the profession of their faith without wavering. (Hebrews 10:23)  Will you follow their example?

Christ above all things,
Robin

Pricked in Their Hearts

 

       

“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts….” -Acts 2:37

          Have you ever thought very much about those people who were listening to Peter’s words?  I often wonder about those who gathered on that day of Pentecost so long ago.  I’ve tried to imagine this scene in my head many times.  Thousands of people were gathered there.  Jews from all over the world were still in Jerusalem.  They had come for the Passover and stayed until the day of Pentecost. 

          Think of all that had gone on to lead up to this day.  Jesus had spent about three years or so in His ministry on earth.  He was constantly teaching about God – His Father.  He healed the sick, stilled the storm and raised the dead.  People had witnessed “miracles and wonders and signs” (Acts 2:22).  Many of the people really believed in what He taught them.  They loved Him dearly and wanted to follow Him wherever He went.  Even so, I think they did not understand it was a spiritual kingdom he referred to and not an earthly one.  Even with Jesus Himself telling them that He was going to die – they just couldn’t get their heads wrapped round that idea.  The common people loved and praised Him.  The Jewish leaders did not believe in Him and they certainly did not love Him. 

It has always amazed me how so many people could sing His praises on Sunday during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and then turn around and shout “Crucify Him.  Crucify Him!”  by Friday night.  Some people had only loved Him because of what He could do for them.  Still others listened to Him with derision and never once made even an attempt to believe Him or follow Him.  Others had followed for a while, but had abandoned Him at some point along the way.  Yet, Jesus knew how it would be.  He knew it would be like this before He ever came to earth.  And then Roman soldiers hung Him on a wooden cross between two common thieves. 

So – the multitudes had praised Him on Sunday, called for His death by Friday, and now some 50 days later they hear Peter tell them that Jesus, the one they crucified, is the Christ -- has been resurrected and is now sitting on the right hand of God!  First of all, the boldness of the apostles in speaking to the some of the same people they knew had killed Jesus – these same people they had fled from before the crucifixion – possibly some of the ones that had heard Peter curse and say “I know not the man,” simply blows me away!   However, I am equally amazed by the fact that these people who had seemed so hard and so cruel a few works earlier are totally convicted by the preaching of Peter and the rest of apostles.  As the fulfillment of the prophecies are clearly made known to them, and the preaching sinks in, the realization of what they have done finally hits them – and they are pricked in their hearts.  They are literally heartbroken!  How great is our God and how mighty and powerful is His Word!! 

Christ has risen!  God sent Him to earth to die for our sins.  Then through His resurrection, our Lord and Savior conquered death and the power of satan. Christ lives, but He is not here.  God has exalted him to the highest position of authority and power.  Christ was innocent.  He was always who He said He was.  He is the Son of God.  His kingdom is a spiritual one – not an eternal one. Jesus had done nothing wrong that was worthy of death. 

Scripture tells us that godly sorrow leads to repentance.  These people are so touched by the Word that they ask Peter what to do.  He tells them – “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  (Acts 2:38)  Peter does not leave them hopeless and helpless.  He does not tell them they are doomed and there is nothing they can do.  He understands God’s amazing love and mercy – and he tells them what to do.  Peter gives them hope.  They can have their sins washed away!  They can be forgiven for everything!  Please note this is not an automatic thing … they are not forgiven simply because their hearts have been broken by the story of the gospel.  They are neither helpless nor hopeless – but there is something they must do.  And about 3000 of them do make this choice.  I have always been curious about how many more people were there that did not choose to act.  No doubt there were some; probably many.

What about us?  We know our sins caused the death of Christ, too.  His blood flows forward and backward.  God knew that we would sin – all men come short of the glory of God.  The death of Christ is not only for all those who lived on earth before Him.  Nor is it only for those who were alive at the time He lived.  His precious blood was shed for all our sins.  He also died for everyone who would ever live on earth – that means you and me. 

         We must examine ourselves and understand that our sin separates us from God.  We must study the Word of God and learn what He would have us to do.  In the words of Jerry Jenkins – “To get to heaven we must become a Christian like the Bible says.  We must worship like the Bible says and we must live like the Bible says.”  And the Bible tells us we must “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  (II Tim. 2:15)

       I am so thankful that when I am pricked in my heart like those 3000 people so long ago I am not left helpless or hopeless.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  He has provided a way for me to be forgiven.  It is up to me to claim that forgiveness through obedience to His word. 

Christ above all things,

Robin

Living Proof -- You and Me

         The other day at work we were discussing people throughout history who had been given much power – whether it was over a country as in a king, dictator or emperor or within a large organization of some kind.   The quote by Lord Acton –“absolute power corrupts absolutely” came into the discussion.  We agreed that for the most part, this is true.  It has been shown over and over again throughout history.  The more power a government has, the more it wants and the more corrupt it becomes.  Again, that does not only apply to our government, but to business organizations and religious ones too. 

     Someone said that in some organizations the folks at the top are so happy and busy being up there (at the top) that they forget they made it on the backs of many dedicated and hard-working people.  So many people in positions of authority become so enthralled with themselves.  It seems that persons like this are no different that the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs who had the pyramids built as giant monuments for themselves.

         So many were enslaved to work and build these massive structures all because some king wanted to be remembered forever.  Some of the pyramids are much bigger than others.  It appears that the kings were in competition with the dead royals who had gone on ahead of them.  They were determined that their pyramid would be bigger and better. 

         These Egyptian rulers considered themselves to be gods.  These kings wanted to prove to the world how powerful and important they were, not only while they were alive, but long after their death as well.  They wanted to be remembered forever, so they tried to make monuments to themselves to last forever too.  It would almost seem as if they had succeeded.  Thousands of years later, the pyramids are still here.   But how arrogant is that? And yet how very sad it is to think those empty souls needed to do those things in order to fulfill themselves – to give them a feeling of superiority over the rest of the world.
      Well, the pyramids may still be standing, the Pharaohs and their kingdoms are long gone.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ, lived on this earth as a man - a very common man until He started His ministry.  Then He died on the cross for our sins.  But that is not the whole story.  Christ rose again.  He was resurrected from the dead!  He lives!!!  Jesus is alive and so is the church, His kingdom. 
         We all know that God is the one and only God.  Jesus is His precious Son.  We are to worship God through Christ.  We are to do all things whatsoever He commands us.  He is the King of Kings and we are to worship him only.  Yet His symbol – His monument is one simple cross --- and us, of course.  We are the living proof of His existence.  We honor Him and glorify Him through the way we live.

         God is a jealous God, but He is also loving and merciful and just.  He loves us all and is waiting – waiting for us to make the choice to follow His Son.  Jesus was not arrogant.   He was meek and compassionate and came to earth to save us.  Everything He did while He was here He did for love.  And then He died for us too.  His love for us is beyond comprehension! 

Jesus tells us in Mt. 5 – “Let your light so shine that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Paul begged us in Romans 12:1 – “Now I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service.”
 

While we live here on earth, we are His proof.  We belong to Him and  the example of our lives is the reminder of His power and importance.  Christ’s mark on the world is not some stone cold mountain of a building filled with dead bodies and earthly treasures that now lie useless.  It is those of us who love Him so much that we are full of life and full of the Fruits of His Spirit!  We are living lights in a dark world and we are not useless!  He uses us.  We allow ourselves to be used by Him for His glory!  

         You see He died for us – so our lives should be lived for Him every day – that is how He is remembered.  He built the church – we are the church –we are His people.  He said the gates of hell will not prevail against it.  His monument – His people- will live forever – eternally!  As old as those pyramids are, as long as they have been around, they still won't last as long as His church will!!  Again, that is you and me.  Woohoo! Isn’t that wonderful?  

 

Christ above all things,

Robin

The Spirit's Fruit of Self Control

     Sometimes I wonder if the reason temperance (or self control) is the last Fruit of the Spirit listed is because it is the hardest to attain?  It certainly seems to be difficult for me.  I am the world's worst procrastinator - or should I say the best, because I actually am very good at putting things off!  That's not good, Robin.  That is not the only way I need to work on self control.  Temperance would be a good thing for me to practice in several areas of my life.
     Sometimes, when I think of self-control or self-discipline I think of being rigid and unyielding, never allowing themselves to relax or have any fun.  I think of someone always being very serious.  I think of someone being very hard on themselves.  Yet, when I study the Bible I realize that God has an entirely different meaning for temperance or self control.  Yes, it does take work to learn to control our desires or your temptations. If a temptation is particularly strong - we may to be hard on ourselves to keep us from falling.  But remember one of the other fruits of the Spirit is joy.       Our theme for Vacation Bible School this summer was the Fruits of the Spirit.  We had a great Bible School.  All of us studied great lessons on the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22.  One of the things I liked best about the lessons is that they were based on events in the life of Christ and how He personified each one of the fruits.  Jesus, our Lord and Savior, was our perfect example.  His life is the pattern we should follow.  We all know that.  So I truly enjoyed studying about the fruits in relation to how Christ showed them in His life.
      At the end of the week, we were reviewing with our first and second grade students.  We asked them to define each of these fruits.  In our book, we did not study them in the same order as Paul listed them in Galatians.  In our book, love was the last one we studied.  So when we got to love, one of young ladies in our class said tat it was really all of the others rolled up into one.  She said if someone has love in their hearts like Jesus wants us to have, that they will be kind and gentle and patient and faithful.  I thought she made a very good point.  Does love include self control?  Yes, it does.
      Think of all the times that Christ exhibited self-control.  The lesson we studied in Vacation Bible School was His temptation by satan in the wilderness after Jesus had been fasting for 40 days and nights.  His body was weak, but His spirit was not.  Christ did not yield to the devil's temptations then or ever.  He lived a perfect life.  He definitely practiced self control here.  And the basis of His self control was His love for the Father.  He had the strength to deny Himself because He knew His Father - our Father would not be pleased if he succumbed to any of these temptations.
      What about all the times that the scribes and Pharisees hounded Him in their relentless effort to discredit Him?  Jesus could have done away with them.  He could have caused Himself to vanish.  He could have struck them down with a plague or something like God did to the Israelites in the wilderness every time they doubted Him.  Do you remember how many times God wanted to destroy the people?  Jesus could have done that too.  He didn't.  He chose not to.  He said that he had not come to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17) 
       God created man with free will.  It was always His plan - His desire that we choose Him.  He wants us to choose to be with Him - to choose to follow Him.  That being said, Jesus could have used His power to control those who questioned them.  How easy it would have been for Him to have used mind control over those scribes and Pharisees.  But that would have taken away their choice - their free will.  Instead, Christ continued to try to teach them about who He is and also about the Heavenly Father.  Why?  Well, it was because Jesus loved even those scribes and Pharisees.  He did not want any to perish. 
         Jesus used temperance or self control in dealing with the multitudes that thronged Him constantly.  They followed Him everywhere He went.  They brought their sick and stood in lines to have them healed.  Lepers pleaded with Him, blind men called to Him.  People begged Him to heal their children.  Remember when Jesus was in a house that was so crowded nobody else could get in it?  I wonder what that was like?  Those four men made a hole in the roof and dropped their friend down in front of Jesus, so He would heal Him.  He could have said -- "Can't you people ever give me one minute's rest?"  But we all know He didn't do that and we all know why He didn't.  It was because of His great love and compassion for the people.  He had an incredible love for those who were hurting -- those who were seeking Him. 
       We could recall many other examples of how Christ used self-control.  How about when they brought to Him the woman who was caught in adultery?  How about with His apostles who never ever seemed to get the idea that His kingdom would not be an earthly one?  He tried so hard to teach them.  When we consider the life of Christ, it is easy to understand that self-control is included in love - just like joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.  As for me, I begin to understand that if I love my Savior and I want to be like Him I must practice self control in all areas of my life.  Spiritual growth is an ongoing process and sometimes we - I have to work at it.  

Christ above all things, 
Robin 

       
      

A Simple Hello

     Two children come to the 2 and 3 year old Bible class I teach on Wednesday nights – one girl and one boy.  They are very sweet to each other and enjoy being together in class.  If one is not there, the other child will ask about them.  They greet each other warmly as they come into the classroom.  You can tell they genuinely like each other and enjoy being together.  It is a true pleasure to witness this.  The smiles on their faces as they see one another are as big as Texas!

      At 2 and 3 they are learning the basic foundations of friendship.  They are slowly coming out of the “me, me, and me” stage and beginning to care about others outside their own family.  They realize how much fun it is to be with others.  They learn to share, take turns and how to be helpers.  Children this age are usually very loving and make friends with one another joyfully.    

      Also on the way to work one morning several days ago, I saw a young woman approaching a home with a baby in her arms.  She had just gotten out of the car and was heading toward the carport where an older man was standing waiting.  I saw the baby throw his arm up into the air with his hand held up in greeting toward the man.  The man threw his hand up too – and was smiling brightly.  You could tell that the man was truly happy to see that sweet baby. 

      Waving (hello or goodbye) is one of the first things a baby learns.  They love to greet others, probably because each gesture is returned with joy and enthusiasm by a loved one.  Babies love the security of knowing they are cared for.  As young as they are, they realize that learning to wave is an accomplishment.  They can do something new, and that new action creates a very positive response.   They are able to build on their personal relationships, even at that age.  Thus, their sense of security and the knowledge that they are loved is reassured and strengthened.

     Thinking about all this got me to thinking about how we greet one another.   Having a smile on our face as we pass each other in the grocery store, in the hall at work, or in the church building is one of the easiest ways to show we care and to let our Christian lights shine brightly.  Are we even aware that there are people in this world who feel unloved and unwanted?  There are poor souls out there who are barely noticed as we merrily go past them lost in our own little world.  They feel almost invisible – this can happen at work or while we are out shopping.  It can happen in the church building – or even at home.  Smile – say Hello!  Give someone the message that they are worthy because you noticed them.  Let them know that!
      When we love each other we should always greet one another with a smile and maybe a hug or a quick hand shake or just to exchange a few words of greeting.  I mean, come on folks – we are supposed to Christians!  Christians are supposed to be known for their love for each other!  When we walk into the church are we like my two little Bible class students?  Do we walk into the building truly happy to see one another?  Do we let each other know that?  Oh how much stronger the church would be if we really did do that!
      What about at home?  Honestly, one of the best things you can do for your spouse or your children is to always act like you are happy to see them.  No matter how tough your work day has been – no matter how bad the traffic was on the drive home --walk in the door with a smile on your face.  Be kind and loving and interested in them.  Listen to what they have to say.  Make them understand they are important to you.  Life is short.  We may not always have the opportunity to do this. 
      If you read the New Testament letters - you will see that they are full of greetings of love and concern for one another.  The New Testament letters always begin with a warm and loving greeting.  Paul’s letters end with greetings and prayers for other individuals.  The lesson here is clear and plain.  Care for one another.  Greet each other lovingly.  We are of one body. 
      As I write this I am directing most of it toward myself for I am not always the best at this either.  When I come home from work sometimes I am just dead dog tired.  The last thing I want to do is smile.  However, I find that when I choose to greet my family members cheerfully – it pays off big time.  That cheeriness and love I gave is given right back to me!  Isn’t that what we all need – love and good cheer?
    And I know we can’t always get around to everyone after worship services; but we can speak to some and we can make sure we are smiling and happy to be there with one another to worship our Lord.  If we miss someone this week, we can make it a point to get to them the next week. 
     What about out in the world?  Simply by speaking to someone one, we can let our light shine and glorify our Father in doing so.  Notice the busboy at the restaurant cleaning tables.  Speak to the greeter at Wal-Mart. Don’t walk by your co-worker in the hallway with your head down so you don’t have to speak to them.  When you drive by the gate, throw your hand up high and wave hello to the security guard sitting there.  Say thank you to the lady cleaning your office.  So many people are lonely and longing for someone to acknowledge them – to pay attention to them.  You never know how far a warm and friendly greeting can go in making someone’s day. 
     I know this is something that I need to work on.  I should be more cheerful when I arrive home from work.  I should smile more at work.  I should be thankful and happy to worship with my brothers and sisters and I should try to let them know that.  A simple hello can mean so much! 

Christ above all things,

Robin   

        

Overcoming Discouragement

When it comes to the topic of overcoming discouragement, I am probably talking more to myself than anyone.  I know we all get discouraged from time to time.  At least, most of us do.  I’m not saying I am the expert on this – far from it.  However, I am no stranger to the emotion.  Discouragement is one of the devil’s favorite tools and he uses it against me whenever he can!

Sometimes it is more difficult to overcome this feeling than it is at other times.  We all know there are various causes becoming discouraged.  Let’s face it; we all have stress in our lives.  We might be under pressure at work; or we may have problems at home.  We may have issues with one of our friends or even with someone from our congregation.   A person may have hurt our feelings or we might be having some problems or financial burdens.
Whatever the cause for discouragement – sometimes we just feel a little down.  It may be difficult to reverse your state of mind.  We might feel that no one understands what we are going through.  We may be in such a state that we see no end to it.  For most of us, though this feeling does NOT last forever.  Usually, we find ways to bounce back. 

I certainly don't mean to be insensitive about this subject.  I know that overcoming discouragement, disappointment or depression is sometimes a process.  It takes some longer to bounce back than it does others.  We are not all wired the same way.  It takes a while for your heart to understand what your mind is trying to tell you.  Anger and grief take more time to work through.  But God does not want us to be bitter.  I don't mean to make the ideas I will be sharing simplistic.  This is something we all face from time to time.  These ideas really can help many of us. 

So how does one overcome discouragement?  Prayer is a wonderful place to start.  Tell the Father how you feel.  Jesus is with God now.  Christ is our mediator.  HE understands how we feel because He has been here on earth and dealt with an earthly life and earthly relationships.  Jesus tells the Father – I understand what she is going through.  I have been there Father and I know what it feels like to be hurt; to be the subject of derision; to be abandoned.  He knows what it feels like to have someone talk ugly about Him.  Christ went through all of this for us and lived a perfect life while doing so.  That puts Him in a unique position to act as our Mediator- to explain to the Father that we need His help.  So when we pray, we have confidence that God is hearing our prayer.  We can know He loves us very much and that “this, too shall pass.”  Yes, talking to our best friend in prayer is the starting point for overcoming discouragement.

Sharing with good friends, good Christian friends, is another way to help us feel better.  Spending time with God’s people who love us and care for us can make us feel so much better!  Leaning on them for support and advice is a great source of comfort.  It truly is a wonderful feeling knowing we have a good Christian friend who will listen when we need to spill our hearts out.  It’s a great feeling to know we have someone in our corner – someone who will walk by our side. 

Our Christian friends can encourage us because they see us for exactly who we are.  Our friends place no judgment on us; they love us, warts and all.  Friends – real friends are understanding and supportive.  They will listen when we need to talk, hug when we need comfort, and give us help or advice when they can.  They will find a way to make us laugh when it’s good for us.  They will also hold us accountable for our misdeeds, tell it like it is and let us know when we need to straighten up.  Yes, having good friends to turn to is another way to overcome discouragement.

A third way to help us overcome our low spirits is to spend time in the Word of God.  It’s true.  It may sound a little corny to talk about reading the Bible (or praying) to help strengthen our spirits, but it really does help.  Try reading a few of the Psalms of praise and see if you don’t start feeling better.  Psalms 103 is one of my favorites.   

           Studying the scripture is a wonderful way to become refreshed and recharged!  The Word strengthens us, comforts us – gives us hope.  Think about the wonderful life of Jesus as described in the gospels – read of His love for all men.  That great love becomes so clear when we see the compassion he had for the people he healed and the multitudes that followed Him.  As we learn about the Acts of the Apostles, we become encouraged knowing the early church grew so quickly.  Our faith is strengthened as we read about the boldness of the apostles and the persecution they endured. 

We are full of hope when we read about the riches of God in Ephesians.  I could go on and on, but the point is made.  Studying God’s word can help you overcome discouragement because we learn that with God all things are possible!

          Doing for others is yet another way of helping us rid ourselves of this worrisome low feeling.  We just naturally feel better when we bless someone else’s life.  It doesn’t have to be anything big.  Just about anything we can do to brighten someone’s day will in turn brighten our own day.  The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive.  It also says that we reap what we sow.  That’s the scriptural way of saying “what goes around, comes around.”  Letting someone know we care is a wonderful way to lift our spirits.   When we do for others, we are putting aside our own dark feelings and putting someone else’s needs ahead of our own.   Yes, God will bless us for that.  But seeing a smile go across someone else’s face because of something we have done is a reward all in itself.       

            I’m sure there are ways of overcoming discouragement that have not been mentioned.  We could probably go on with several other ideas.  For tonight though, I will only mention one more.  Thinking of heaven will keep us from focusing on our discouragement.  Just think how beautiful heaven will be!  Our brother John could not properly describe it.  The scriptures tell us it will be wonderful.  There will be no more pain, no tears, no sin.  Jesus will be our light – we will need no other.  The Tree of Life will be there.  Jesus tells us that in His Father’s house are many mansions.  The faithful will have one of those mansions!  God tells us in Revelation, that if we are faithful unto death, we will receive a crown of life. 
        Throughout the New Testament we are encouraged to hope in Him.  We understand that we have cause for hope of life eternal.  Biblical hope is defined as an expectation of a future event.  The future event for Christians is heaven!  Whatever we go through we have to know that if we don’t give up – if we finish our course and fight the good fight of faith – then the Father will take us home forever.  That will be a wonderful day!

I know that discouragement and depression are real.  Sometimes it takes more help to overcome it than the things I have mentioned.  If you are suffering from discouragement or depression that you can’t seem to shake, seek some help from your doctor or counselor.  Don’t let the devil keep you down.  God does not want you to be unhappy.  God’s desire is for us to find joy in this life too.  He loves His children.  He wants to give us that abundant life.  But sometimes we cannot overcome this on our own.  There is no shame in seeking professional help when it is needed. That is another lie of the devil.  Satan will find any way he can to cripple you and keep you from doing God’s work.   God needs you.  He needs more lights in this dark, dark world. 

REMEMBER – God loves you.  He wants a relationship with you.  Talk to Him in prayer.  Find out all about Him in the scripture.  Cherish and nurture your friend-ships. Turn to them for encouragement.  Be a blessing for others.  Heaven will be wonderful!!! 

SHINE BRIGHTLY FOR HIM!!

 

Christ above all things,

Robin

 

Abundant Blessings in Christ

       Wow!  There are so many thoughts running around in my mind right now.  It's like some of them have taken on a life of their own and they are having a heyday spinning around in my head.  Among these ideas are many that I would love to share.  The problem is that it is difficult to decide just what to share.  Usually when this happens, I try to write about too many things at once and then I begin to ramble and end up not making much sense. 
     God is so good.  I am blessed, TRULY blessed.  I have much to be thankful for.  Sometimes I forget just how good God is to me.  I get so caught up the daily living ... facing the world every day - that I don't think about my blessings.  I have a loving family, a job to go to daily, a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food on my table every night.  I have many great friends, some of whom I have known for years.  I have good health and I live in a beautiful place which just happens to be right next door to my parents.  We are only about 30 minutes from my husband's family. 
     I am thankful for all of my earthly blessings, but most importantly I am thankful to be one of God's children.  I am a Christian and I am so happy to be a member of the church He died for!  All spiritual blessings come from God, our Heavenly Father.  I am a daughter of God!  What an honor it is to be able to say that.  God loves us so much!
     One wonderful blessing which comes from being a Christian is that we are part of a special family -- the church that Christ died for is His family.  When we decide to follow Him - when we realize we love Him enough to keep His commandments (John 15:14) we are baptized to wash our sins away.  Acts 2:42 says that the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  He still does that today.  How great is that?  We are added to the church.  That means we are able to have fellowship with other Christians at our local congregation.  Hopefully, as Christians we will follow another of His commandments and love each other so much that people will be able to watch us and understand that we are Christ's disciples.  We can build strong relationships with those who become our "forever family," as we are all traveling down life's road with one goal in mind -- going to Heaven!
     Another great blessing for the Christian is the full access we have to the Father.  We can go to God with our prayers any time - night or day.  God is always there.  Christ is always there.  They don't take breaks.  Some way - some wonderful, God filled way they are able to be with us 24/7 at the same time they are with every other Christian from around the world.  Our God is all powerful.  Some might ask why would He bother to spend time with me?  The answer is because of His great love. 
       So we can see that through prayer we can talk to Him about anything in our lives.  He already knows our hearts.  God knows what's going on in your life.  Nothing is hidden from Him.  He knows everything about you; but He wants YOU to reach out to HIM.  When we do that - He is right there, right there! to guide us through.  Prayer is a command, (I Thess. 5:19) but when prayer becomes a part of your life and you develop that precious relationship with Jesus and His Father -- then you realize what a wonderful, wonderful blessing prayer is!
       Another beautiful spiritual blessing is God's Word.  To the believer, God's word is a great source of hope and comfort.   Spending in studying the scriptures every day helps us to get to know our Father.  The scriptures are written for our comfort and for our learning.  The Bible is our pattern for life.  We know what to do - we know how to act.  We have wonderful examples of those who followed God and those who chose not to.  We understand God's power through the scripture, but we also understand His wonderful love and His plan of salvation.  We can read and understand the scriptures and know just what to do be saved -- to get to heaven.  Reading the Bible every day is a faith affirming practice.  It is good for us.  It puts our hearts and minds in the right mode of thinking.  
      Being a Christian gives us that wonderful confident hope in heaven.  We trust in God's promises and know that there is a far better place waiting for us.  We know that God cares for his children and that Jesus will bring us home as one of His own one day.  No matter how tough life gets here, we know we have a crown of life waiting for us!  Heaven will be wonderful!!!

I know there are many blessings in Christ -- too many to name here.  Sometimes it just does your soul good to sit down and think about all of the blessings God gives us.  It helps realize that like that old song says, "heaven will surely be worth it all."

Christ above all things,
Robin

I Corinthians 13 - The Chapter of Love

           

           Have you ever thought about the fact that two of the passages most used in wedding ceremonies are from Ruth 1:16-17 and I Corinthians 13 and yet the context in which they are used in the scriptures have nothing to do with a marriage?  Ruth's plea was to her mother in law Naomi after her husband (Naomi's son) had died.  At the time, she had no thoughts of a husband at all.   She was intent on going with Naomi back to her homeland not only because she cared for Naomi, but also because she believed in and wanted to worship the one true God.

          What about the context of I Corinthians 13?  Well this chapter just happens to be placed right between Chapter 12 and Chapter 14.  Ha! I know you are saying, really Robin?  13 comes after 12 and before 14?  We can count too.  
         Seriously though, why would the Holy Spirit have Paul put these passages on love right between chapter 12 which discusses the church being one body although many members and chapter 14 which discusses "gifts" and how and why they are to be used in the church?  Both chapters 12 and 14 focus on the church and the gifts we all bring to the body of Christ.  Chapter 13 is the bridge between them. 
       We have to remember as these letters were being written they not divided into chapters.  When all three chapters are read together (chapters 12 through 14), it can be seen that everything flows together quite nicely.  It helped me see Paul's message from another perspective.  I found it very interesting to put all the pieces together and I realized just how important it is that we keep the body of Christ (His church - paid for by His precious blood) - that we keep that body whole -- and well.  Not only that, but we are to do everything we can to help that body thrive!
            You see Chapter 12 begins by discussing the fact that there are many gifts, yet they are all given by the same Spirit of God.  As we all know, the apostles and some other Christians had miraculous gifts.  We also know that once the apostles died there was no one to pass on these gifts.  Not only that, but there was no longer a need for them.  But that is a subject for another time perhaps.  The point Paul is making here is that every gift comes from the Spirit.  Each gift is important and each serves a specific purpose.  It was important to Paul that we remember these gifts may have been different, but they were given by "the selfsame Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:11)
          Then Paul explains that the church is the body of Christ.  He makes comparisons to a physical body and gives a pretty clear picture of how different parts (members) of a physical body work together for the good of the whole body.  Then he explains that we are members (parts) of the body of Christ.  And we all have our part - we all have our gifts that we are to bring to the body.  In verse 18 of chapter 12, speaking of the physical body - but with reference to the church, Paul says "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him."  Think about how beautifully and wonderfully your body is put together.  Your eyes are right where they are supposed to be and they serve a very important function for the good of your body as a whole.  Your eyes guide your feet and help you get where you want to go; but your feet and legs actually do the moving of your body.  Your eyes help you brush your teeth at night, but your hands and arms actually do the work.  We use everything God has given us in our bodies to help us take care of our body as a whole.  
        Paul goes on to tell us in verses 25 & 26 that the members of the body should have the same care for one another and that if one hurts, they all hurt or if one is honored, then the whole body rejoices together.  Then he sums it up very well in verse 27 - "Now you are the body of Christ and members in particular."
        So we are the body of Christ.  We would do well to remember that.  I think if we took care of our church members as well as we take care of our physical bodies, we would have a very different church today! 
     In the last verse of Chapter 12, Paul tells the Corinthians to seek the best gifts - "and yet show I unto you a more excellent way."  What is the more excellent way, Paul?  Well he goes right into the discussing of love.  Paul says that it does not matter what kind of gifts you have if you aren't using them out of love.  We must love Christ AND  we must love the body of Christ, His church.  If we don't use our gifts to the glory of Christ and for the benefit of His body --the members of His body.  As a member of the body of Christ, do you love the rest of His body enough to take care of it?  Do you use your gifts of sympathy to weep with those who weep?  Do you use your wisdom to mentor someone younger than you?  Do you volunteer for service in activities of the church because you love HIS body more than your own?  Paul says if we do what we do for show only -- then it is worth absolutely nothing.  Our motive must be out of love and love alone.
     Chapter 13 verses 4 through is a beautiful description - it is God's description of love.  The Spirit tells us what love does and does not do.  Love is kind and patient.  Love is not envious nor prideful; does not seek its own satisfaction.  Love is not easily provoked.  Those are just a few characteristics mentioned.  Think about these qualities in light of using our gifts for the Lord's body.  If we love the Lord's church, then we will not be envious of each other's gifts nor will we seek to show off our own gifts out of pride.  We will not seek to provoke and we won't think evil of our brothers and sisters who are actually part of the same body we are part of. 
      Paul goes on to explain that all these gifts will pass away, but love will not pass away.  God's love will still be there.  Our love for Christ and for the church should also still be there.  We should continue to strive for the betterment of the body.  We should put away childish things and realize that the greatest gift we can give anyone is our love.
      Chapter 14 then says to follow after love, but to also desire spiritual gifts. Most of this chapter is a rather lengthy discussion on the use of our gifts within the assembly.  We are to seek to use our gifts for the edification of the body.  Remembering the love that is discussed in the previous verses, we should desire to be orderly in our worship - to keep quiet when there is no one to interpret our speaking in tongues.  We are to speak with words of understanding in order to edify the body of Christ.  We are to take each other into consideration.  Why?  It is because we love. 
       Yes, each member is important and God wants us to do our part whatever that is and we can't all do the same thing. (chapter 12)  We are to do what we do for the Lord's body out of love.  It is vain -- and empty if we aren't working out of love.  We should understand that love seeks the good of others.  (Chapter 13)  Then as we use our gifts, we are supposed to do with love and for the purpose of building up the body of Christ.  We should help our brothers and sisters out because we love them.  We should do everything for the glory of the church as a whole - the body as a whole.  Chapter 14 verse 33 says, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."  Everyone, whether prophet or speaker of tongues or interpreters of tongues -- is supposed to take turns -- out of love.  Act peaceably -- keep your worship in order, so that everyone may learn. 

     We still have gifts today.  Some of us have such wisdom to share with others.  Some of us can cook and take meals whenever and wherever they are needed.  Some of us can teach.  Some of us have friendly smiles and are great at welcoming visitors to our services.  Others are good at planning and helping with activities their church family plans.  We should all seek to help Christ's body grow and thrive.   We should give back to our God out of love because HE first loved us.

Christ above all things,
Robin



         
 



 


 

The Greener Grass and the Other Side of the Road.

     On my way to work the other morning it seemed that the squirrels were having a heyday that day. I pass through a resident-ial area every morning as I drive to work. Squirrels were scampering about in every yard that I passed. Some of them were trying to cross the road.  One had darted out into the street and was halfway across, but when he heard my car approaching he quickly  ran back to where he started from -- back to safety.  Another squirrel had just approached the road, but did not try to cross because of the traffic.  One dashed all the way across.  I was afraid I would hit it -- but he just barely made it.
    As I was watching all this, I suddenly thought of the joke - "Why did the chicken cross the road?"  Of course we all remember the answer is "to get to the other side."  I know it is a corny old joke, but it also made me stop and think. I also thought of the old saying "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."  These are old clichés- sayings we have heard all of our lives. 
   We laugh and joke about this but really when you stop and think about it, how true is this to the way we think and feel sometimes?  How often do we long to cross the road - to get to the other side?  Are we perhaps tempted to cross over and check what is over there?  Do we want to see if the grass is truly greener over there? You know, most of the times it's not. 
   But still we wonder sometimes.  Maybe we get tired of always doing the right thing.  It would be so much easier to snap back the person from work who always snaps at you.  It would be so easy to stand there and laugh at the dirty joke or listen to the gossip - instead of turning and walking out.  After all, it is not easy to known as the "goody two shoes."  We want to fit in.  We don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.
   Everyone seems to be having so much fun "over there."  The other side of life - where the grass is greener seems to be so much easier.  Maybe some of us have been forsaken by our family because we are trying to live the Christian life; because we believe in the Truth - the Way. If we just gave up the straight and narrow maybe we could get back some of what we lost when we became Christians.  Yet others of us have not sacrificed nearly so much.
   Maybe it just seems like everyone else is having so much more fun than we are.  Maybe we would love to sleep late on Sunday mornings and ignore the services of the Lord's church like so many others in the world.  Now, I know that many who are reading this may never have any such temptation.  The Christian life may not be a struggle for you at all.  That's wonderful! I say that with all sincerity. 
   However, most of us do struggle with something. We are tempted in many ways. The devil works hard; his pull is strong. But the devil is deceitful.  What looks like a greener pasture turns out to be dry, brown and brittle from a lack of living water. What we think might be fun turns out to be vain and empty.  We soon find ourselves missing the true "good life," - the God-filled, joy filled life. 
   Sometimes, we get to the edge of the road and then never venture across -- we realize the danger ahead and decide to stay put.  Sometimes we may get halfway across and try to live a double life.  You know, we may try to stay there in the middle of the road and take parts of both lifestyles.  Then somehow we realize the danger of this too and quickly run back to where we came from - back to the safety of God's loving arms. 
    Some of us just take our chances and run all the way across to what we think is that greener grass.  Hopefully, once we get there - we realize that that the devil has fooled us.  We see that the grass is not that pretty green we imagined it would be - that there really was no reason to "get to the other side" after all.  It is then that we turn back to our God and to His family.  We go back to the loving fold of the family of God.  He is always there waiting for us. 
   So the next time you see a squirrel trying to dash across the road - or hear about the grass being greener on the other side of the fence -- remember that squirrel is making the dash at the risk of his own safety. Remember that it is so much more worthwhile to stay right where you are.  You are guided by a higher power and your reward will be so much more than a little bit of green grass that turns out not to be so green after all.
 
Christ above all things,
Robin

Let Freedom Ring

    
     As we celebrate our July 4th today - our nation's Independence Day, we can't help but be thankful for all the freedoms we have in this country.  We are also thankful for all the men and women who fought and died for this country's freedom from 1776 through today.  So many men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  In addition to those who died, there are so many who have come home disabled, never to live their lives in the same way.  Truth be told no one comes back from the savagery of war unchanged.  We must remember this - for all veterans have sacrificed for our freedom.  Freedom truly is not free.
    I know this country is not going the direction God would have it to go.  The world is becoming more and more sinful. Like Abraham once begged and prayed to God so long ago to save Sodom - we must beg and pray for God to save our country.  Prayer and the existence of the few righteous people in this country may be the only thing saving us.  We must be in continual prayer.  We must speak out when we can- take part in our governmental process when we can.  The freedoms we have in this country have been hard fought and won.  We can't forget that.  Perhaps as we reach out to others to spread the gospel we will also be helping to save our country.  Becoming a more righteous people will no doubt strengthen our nation.  We will be able to speak up together.
      Freedom in this country is vital to our spiritual survival as well.  We pray that our children and grandchildren will not have to fear persecution from outside sources just to attend a worship service or preach the real truth.  So I continue to pray for our country's freedom.  I pray that the church will survive and begin to grow and thrive once again. 
    Did you know that Paul was also concerned about freedom to spread the gospel?  Consider II Thessalonians 3:1-2:
" Finally brethren pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.  And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith."   It is important that we are able to preach the truth freely. 
     Even as I celebrate the birth of this country, I also think about a different type of freedom tonight.  Just as many men sacrificed for the freedom of our nation, so Jesus Christ, God's only Son died for our sins to free us from the power of the devil.  Dying a cruel death to save us from our sins -- not just you and me, but the whole world - was truly the ultimate sacrifice.  Conquering death through His resurrection was the ultimate victory over see.  Christ gave us the power to break free from the chains of unrighteousness and become His servants.  (Romans 6:18) 
      Christ Himself told us in John 8:31-32 - "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."    Then in John 14:6 - Jesus tells the apostles "I am the way, truth and the life." 
If we know Jesus (Truth) and abide in His Words  -- then we will be free.  The latter part of Jn. 14:6 says "no man cometh to the Father but by me."  We see from here that if we want to get to know the Father - we have to know the Truth - Jesus. 
      In comparing the old law - the law of Moses- to the new law of Jesus -- Paul tells us in Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus had made me free from the law of sin and death."  What beautiful words!  Isn't it wonderful to know that we can have this freedom -- and the Spirit of life in Christ?  Woo Hoo!
      Further Paul tells us in Galatians 5:1 that we are free from the bondage of sin and in this same verse we are warned against further sin.  "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." 
      So if Christ died to make us free and we believe on Him is that it?  We are saved --right?  No -- no it's not "it."  There is more to it than that.  We can't become entangled again with the bondage of sin.  We must instead become servants of righteousness.  He died to make us free.  We must live to serve Him --learn of His Truth and then obey His commandments.
     Will all this be worth it?  Will giving ourselves over to Him to become the servants of righteousness really mean something?  If you believe the Scriptures it will - most definitely it will! 
     We have this declaration from Christ in Revelation 21:6-7 "And he said unto me, It is done.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life FREELY.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be my son."   
    There it is - there is the promise we are waiting on for.
So my friends, let us pray the freedom rings true throughout this land so that the word of the Lord can have free course -- so that we can help others gain the most important freedom of all -- freedom from our sin!

Let freedom ring!

Christ above all things,
Robin 

No Other Gods

         Sooner or later I will eventually stop talking about camp - (maybe).  :)  But that week was so spiritually uplifting, I can't help but talk about it for just a little while longer.  It was truly a wonderful week.  We heard so many great lessons from several different speakers.  It was definitely a spiritual boost for me.  
     The very first lesson was at worship that Sunday morning.  The sermon centered on making sure we didn't let anything get ahead of serving the one true and living God.  The speaker challenged us to think about what or who we might be putting in front of our Heavenly Father.  He asked us if we had any false gods that perhaps we weren't even aware of.  The lesson caused me to do a lot of soul searching.  
    The Hebrew people knew that worshiping idols was a sin.  The first of the 10 commandments is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," and the second commandment is, "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything" in heaven, earth or under the water; and "thou shalt not bow down to them."  Our God goes on to explain that He is a jealous God. (Exodus 20:3-5)  
     The Hebrew nation was surrounded by other countries and peoples who did not believe in the one true and living God.  These pagan nations had done exactly what God had told His people not to do.  The sun, the moon and all kinds of animals were worshiped as gods back then.  Many Israelites  found it easy to fall into idolatry.  Reading through the Old Testament, we can see that this happened many times.
     Our lesson text was from Isaiah, Chapter 44:6-20.  Here God reminds His people just how foolish idolatry really is.  It is a good lesson for us to learn as well.  Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares that He is the first and last and beside Him there is no other god.  That's pretty simple isn't it?  God says He is the one and only God.  No questions as to which "god" to worship - as to who to serve or pray to.  God says "I am the one -- there is no one else."  In 44:8, the Lord in speaking of other gods - He declares, "I know not any."  This is almost as if to say, 'Hey folks if there were any other gods out there I would know who they are and I would tell you about them.'  But God said He didn't know any other God.
     God tells the people the folly and vanity of making idols from their own hands and then bowing down to them.  Verse 9 says that those who make idols do not see or know what they have done.  They are so blinded to God's laws that they aren't ashamed of making graven images.  But verse 11 goes on to say they will fear and all be ashamed together. 
     To me this entire  passage (Isaiah 44:6-21) is very interesting.  Verses 13 through 17 chronicle the deeds of a carpenter who has chosen a tree to cut down and burn.  The tree is used as a fire to warm the man.  The fire is kindle and the man bakes bread and roasts meat to eat from wood from the same tree.  Then in verse 17, he takes what is left over and uses  "the residue"  (some versions say "block of wood") and makes an idol out of it. 
     It seems (to me at least) as if God is almost laughing at this man.  The wood has not been used to make build a fine home or some piece of furniture or for any grand use.  It was burned.  And from the fire, the man warmed himself, baked bread and roasted some meat.  Then - then the left over block of wood was used to make a "graven image" that he bowed down and worshipped!  Even reading this myself, I'm thinking, "Really man?  I mean, really?" 
   Now consider the sad condition that the mad had reached.  Verses 18 - "They have not known nor understood: for he hat shut their eyes, that they connot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand."   In verse 19 we read that he does not consider in his heart, or have the knowledge or understanding to realize that from the left overs of this tree used to warm himself with and cook with that he has made an abomination and is now going to fall down to a left over block of wood.  And finally verse 20 goes so far as to say that the carpenter is so far gone that he "cannot deliver his soul" and cannot even understand there is "a lie" in his right hand.  He just cannot see the foolishness of his own actions.  How can anyone make fall down and worship something he has made with his own hands.
     That morning we were challenged to examine ourselves.  The speaker wanted us to search our hearts to see if we had any blocks of wood of our own.  I have really thought about this lesson quite a bit since camp.  In all this soul searching, I have come to realize how important is to be mindful of this.  We must seek God first (Matthew 6:33).  We must have no other gods before us.  We may not have some little "graven image" in our home today, but how many things do we allow to get in the way of servin Him. 
      This lesson helped me to realize I must practice self-control.  I must allow myself to let my thoughts wander during worship.  I must prepare my mind for worship on the first day of the week.  I must open my heart to Him and only Him and His Son during the worship hour.  
      However, putting God first and serving only Him involves so much more than just focusing during worship.  As was pointed out to us that Sunday morning, it goes  much farther than that -much farther.  God is to be our focus every day -all day.  As we go through our daily routines, we are to bring glory to Him.  We should concentrate on serving Him and only Him.  We are to show God we love Him by loving others.  We can't allow anything to stand in our way of putting God first - of serving Him and only Him. 
      Ok - so how about you --and how about me?  Do I allow myself to watch too much TV when I could be doing something for God?  Honestly, yes sometimes I do.  Do I put off taking care of the household in order to make it more comfortable for my husband and children?  Or do I put my husband and children before my God in some way?  I know I watch too much TV.  I know I get stuck playing solitaire on the computer.  These are things I need to work on.  Nothing is wrong with a TV show or a computer game... (well some of them).  What is wrong is not practicing moderation -- is allowing myself to sit for hours at a time when I could be doing something to be a blessing to others.  Like I said earlier, I am working on my self-control.
      What about sports -- or children's activities?  What about work?  --Ah... that's another challenge for me.  What about friendships?  Have we allowed ourselves to be so blinded by our friendships that we perhaps let them lead us away from God?  This is not only a danger for young people.  We could face that temptation too.  What about being so caught up in holding a grudge against someone that we allow that to come before our God?  It could be an obsession with your appearance -- or materialism- you know keeping up with the Jones? 
    See there are so many things that can so easily pull us away from our God.  We can lose our focus so quickly that we don't even realize we stopped putting God first.  If we aren't very, very careful we can become like the carpenter in Isaiah 44.   What a shame to be in such a state! 
     We mustn't let anything come between us and our God - who is the one and only God.  He is the true and living God.  He loved us enough to send His only begotten Son into the world to die for our sins.  God, our Heavenly Father, through the resurrection of Christ gave us hope of eternal glory.  If we really want that glory we have to put God first. 
       God says "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." 
It is easy to see that others are not seeking God first.  It is much more difficult to search our own lives - our own hearts and minds- and realize we are doing the same thing. 
And yet that is exactly what we must do.  

Christ above all things,
Robin