Just Like That...

 

And just like that ….. 

      My sister in law recently used that phrase when she posted some of my niece’s senior pictures on face book.  I must say I agree with Shannon’s sentiments.  Time has passed so swiftly since Elizabeth’s birth.  Actually, two of my nieces are graduating this year.  Elizabeth’s cousin, Karlie (my other brother’s child) is also a senior.  It is difficult to believe in they will be high school graduates in just a few short months.  And I know from experience those months will be a whirlwind of activities … we will blink and it will be commencement day.

 

Yes, it really does seem it has been “just like that”…..

    So much goes into “just like that.”   For Shannon – nearly 18 years of motherhood goes into a just like that.  18 years of loving and caring for a child she never knew she would love so much.  18 years of watching her learn and grow and become an intelligent, independent thinking human being.  18 years of healing hurts and teaching about God and life and love.  I would say Shannon’s ‘just like that’ was cram packed full of living. 

 

      And so it seems just like that we are saying goodbye to 2015.  It went by quickly.  What is in your past year of ‘just like that’?  Honestly, mine’s a mixed bag of experiences   … ups and downs … blessings and trials.  I’m sure yours is much the same way.  Do you remember closing out 2014 and looking forward to the year to which we are now saying goodbye?  How many New Year’s Eve nights do you remember? 

      I’ve seen so many posts on face book.  So many goodbyes to this year …. Some with great glee because they didn’t have a very good 2015.  Some with gratitude for a good year and joyous hope for an even greater 2016.  Some with trepidation because of sadness or trials which lie ahead.  Some of us look back on our past year … or even years with regret … perhaps we didn’t make use of opportunities that came our way ….. perhaps there were things we did or said that we shouldn’t have.

        But we can’t spend too much time on looking back … for if we do … then just like that … the chances afforded to us now will be over too … and we will be looking back again … with regret over chances we didn’t take  …. over unused opportunities … wasted time.

        We can’t change what’s in the past, so we don’t need to waste any more time wishing we could.  One thing I’ve learned is that it is never too late to start doing things right – even if we start over again every day.  The key is not giving up …. Never stop trying … never stop working to do better … to be better.  

        We see this in athletes. They practice all the time … if they mess up one day, then they go out and practice over and over until they get it right.  The best athletes don’t give up and they don’t stop trying. Ever.  Nor do they spend too much time looking back at the day before.  Athletes learn lessons from the failures of the past and move on to the promise of an improved future.  And in a “just like that” … packed full of practices and “try agains” and “do overs” – they become the best in their field. 

        This is Biblical.  As long as we are practicing and doing the best we can, God gives us the chance to keep trying.  Our Father gives us “do overs.”   Consider these scriptures: 

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

                                                          (I John 1:7-9 ESV)  

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.  Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:12-14)    

           

       I am so glad I serve a wonderful God who time after time gives us the occasion to change – to improve – to start over and do better!  It really is never, ever too late to do the right thing.  Christianity is a lifestyle – serving our Lord is a choice we make --- growth is a process – becoming mature in our faith is what we try for every day.  We don’t stop … we don’t give up.  We might stumble … but Christ our Savior is willing to pick us up – just like He pulled Peter out of the water when he began to sink – just like He allowed Him to preach the first gospel sermon only 50 days after he denied Him.  Peter moved on and took his next opportunity to serve Jesus.  Paul put his past behind him. 

      So just like that ……  2015 is over.  And regardless of what went into your just like that this past year … YOU are the one who has the power with God’s help to make your just like that for 2016 better than any you’ve ever had before.  Why would we want to be better …????   Because one day … just like that … we will be face to face with Him.    Put as much good into your just like that as you can. 

 Happy New Year!

 

Christ above all things,

Robin         

 

From 8 to 86

        From 8 to 86 - this was the range of ages of those who attended the North Mississippi Ladies' Retreat last weekend.  Seventeen congregations were represented.   What a wonderful experience it was!  Celine Sparks was our speaker and she did a superb job explaining God's Word to us.  Simply --humbly -- lovingly -- her lessons came from her heart.  One can tell by listening to her just how much she loves the Lord ... His Word. 
      I am so thankful for her willingness to share.  And I am so thankful for every individual who attended the retreat.  It is always such an encouraging and uplifting event!  It is good for the soul. 
      I know some people might think of events like these as simply a way for a bunch of ladies to get away and be frivolous and have fun.  Maybe they think it is all fluff with no stuffing ... no real spirituality involved.  Not so .. Not so at all. 
      We worship God while we are there.  We lift our voices in praise to our Savior and Redeemer -- reverently -- joyfully -- with sweet adoration.  We pray to our Heavenly Father -- some of the most beautiful heartfelt prayers I have ever heard have been uttered at Tishomingo State Park.  And we study God's word.  We learned what a beautiful walk we can have with Christ.  We gain encouragement from the lessons we hear ... we learn how to do better .. to be better.
      Do we have fun?  Do we even act silly with our skits?  Yes, of course we do.  Is that important?  I think so.  Doesn't the Bible say "A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones." (Proverbs 17:22)  Sometimes we need a break from the every day trials we face. 
      Don't you think Jesus laughed?   I do!  Although the scriptures never record Him laughing, I certainly think He did.  Can't you just imagine the wonderful friendship He had between the apostles? 
         Christ was all human and all God at the same time.  It was God who gave us our emotions.  We are made in His image.  Christ spent too much time speaking of joy not to imagine that He enjoyed life while He was here.  Just picture Christ smiling and laughing with the children.  Certainly they wouldn't have wanted to be around Him if He had been somber all the time. 
         So it is good to get away from our ordinary routine from time to time.  It is good to enjoy fellowship with our sisters who also love Christ.  Still, this is not what a Ladies' Retreat is all about.  It's about loving God and loving each other.  We glorify Him while we are together.  We lift each other up and encourage each other while we are together. 
        Sometimes we share our heartaches with one another -- or ask sisters to pray for us because of what we are going through.  We learn ... we learn from the scripture.  We learn how to love God more ... how to follow Him more closely.  We learn about how much He cares for us. 
        You see, it was always in God's plan to establish the church.  Christ built the church - He purchased it with His own blood, so that we would have a spiritual family to lean upon and to help one another ... so we would have someone to weep with AND someone to rejoice with.  Christ wanted us to "stir up each other to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24).   Ladies' events accomplish these very things. 
       It is my strong belief that events like these, as well as so many others, keep churches strong.  Yes, it is important to have youth activities.  It is important to send them to youth rallies and Bible camps and leadership training series. 
       But when not attending these events, who are these children with?  Who sings "Jesus Loves Me" with little children upon their laps?  Who encourages the teenager to remain strong when they are teased at school for standing up for their beliefs?  Who helps them learn memory verses or speaks with them very plainly about applying Biblical principles to the situations they face every day? 
       I think we know what a huge role mothers and grandmothers play in a young Christian's life.  The children may not (some defy the odds; but not most) -- the children may not grow to be strong and faithful Christians if the mother loses her faith or becomes discouraged. 
        Even the men who serve Christ faithfully from week to week lean upon the strength of their wives from time to time.  Living the Christian life and raising a Christian family is a joint venture after all.  Younger ladies come and learn from older ladies at the retreat.  They learn about the joy of being with one another.  They learn about the joy of serving Christ.  Younger ladies see the strength of the older ones and gain strength for serving Jesus even through  tough times.
        These events serve a special place in the Lord's church.  They are not for everyone and they are not an issue of salvation.  But they do glorify our God in heaven.  The early church fellowshipped with one another on a daily basis -- with gladness and singleness of heart. And the Lord added to them daily.  The church grew by leaps and bounds.  Did the fellowship have something to do with that? 
       We've lost the art of fellowship in these modern times.  Ladies' events and youth events, men's programs -- all these efforts are a way of bringing fellowship back into God's family.  They are ways to help build up the church - to help us become a family and love one another the way God's wants to -- the Jesus commanded us to do. 

        Christ wanted us to love one another so much so others would know we belonged to Him ...... so that they would want to be a part of the family of God  -- from 8 to 86.

Christ above all things,
Robin

Seventy Seven Times

      We heard a great lesson tonight about the apostle Peter.  Our guest speaker, Brandon Elliot had many great points - one was that Jesus never gave up on Peter.  Another one was we are all human and make mistakes.  And yet another was that Peter kept trying to do the right thing. 
      I'm thankful to Brandon for sharing those thoughts with us.  Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. Tonight's lesson actually falls right in line with some things I've considered lately.
     You see recently it occurred to me how thankful I am  scripture records the conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding forgiveness.  Do you remember that?   The conversation occurs in Matthew 18:21 -22: 
     "Then Peter came up and said to Him, "Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  As many as seven times?  Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times."  (ESV)  I'm sure Peter thought he was being rather generous when he said seven times.  I have a feeling Christ blew the apostles away when he said seventy seven. 
      I'm thankful for this conversation because it helps me understand the mercy of our Lord.  He is such a loving and forgiving Savior.  He wanted His disciples to be like Him -- to learn from Him and love like Him and follow His ways. 
Christ didn't want Peter to put a limit on forgiveness.  Now that's something to think about. 
     It's something to think about especially in the context of all the ups and downs Peter had in his life.  So many times he tried to do the right thing -- but he would mess up.  Jesus would correct him -- and (praise God), Peter would try again.  Jesus didn't give up on Peter.  And Peter never stopped trying.  That is what we have to be willing to do ... keep on trying. 
    It is also something to think about within the context of the conversation between Peter and Jesus when Christ predicts Peter's betrayal.   Consider Luke 22:31-34:
     "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."  Peter said to Him, Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."  Jesus said,  'I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me."   (ESV)
      It probably made Peter feel very sad to hear Jesus say these words to him.  Really -- think about this .. Jesus says, Peter - the devil wants you.  But I have prayed for you.  He encourages Peter by saying - when you have turned again strengthen your brothers. 
      Peter response is quick  - in essence he says, Uh-huh - not me, Lord. Satan is not going to get me.  I will follow you.  Even if it means I must die I will follow you."  It is then that Jesus makes His fateful prediction of Peter's denial.  I'm sure Peter didn't believe it would ever happen.  Peter wanted to be faithful.  After all, Peter was the one who drew his sword in defense of His Lord.  He was ready to fight .... but then within a few hours the rooster crowed -- and well, we all know what had already happened in between. 
      But Christ told Peter "seventy seven times."  And He said -- "I have prayed for you."  AND He said "when you turn again, strengthen your brothers."  Christ loved Peter.  He believed in him - in his potential to do great things for the kingdom of God. 
      Yes, that seventy seven times is something to think about ... when Peter himself acknowledges the power of the devil and warns us --  "Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
       Jesus forgave Peter's stumbling many times.  He never gave up on Peter.  And Peter learned from his mistakes and became a strong and powerful servant of His Lord Jesus whom he loved so much. 
       Seventy seven times?  Yes! 
       Did the devil want Peter?  Most certainly. 
       Do you think Jesus really prayed for Peter?  Absolutely.
       Did Peter turn again to Christ?  Oh yes he did. 
       And finally did he strengthen his brothers?  Definitely.

     That conversation about forgiveness -that seventy seven times -- is something to think about in so many ways.  It makes me think of myself and all the times I've stumbled.  It helps me realize the love of Christ.  
      While this conversation is ultimately about us forgiving each other - over and over again (and that is a very important lesson pertaining to our salvation) it still shows us the forgiving nature of our Lord and Savior.  Look at how often He forgave Peter -- and the other apostles for that matter.   
     Again, it is something to think about in the context of the power of the devil ....how badly he wants us .... just like he wanted Peter.  Christ is our Savior and our friend.  Just like He was Peter's  friend.  Christ didn't give up on Peter and He will not give up on us either - if we are willing to "turn again."   And when we do, we must not forget to "strengthen" our brothers (and sisters). 
      I'm so thankful the merciful generosity of our Savior ..  that we are given the opportunity to repent and turn to Christ ... to learn from our mistakes ... to know that He  loves us enough to forgive us as long we are willing to follow Him.  And yes, I'm thankful for that conversation that took place so long ago....
         I'm thankful Jesus said "seventy seven times."  
         Aren't you?

Christ above all things,
Robin







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Perfect Parent

      I am blessed to have parents who love and care for their family.  I am doubly blessed to be able to attend church services at the same congregation they do.  Last Wednesday night after hearing a great lesson, my parents and I were the last ones to leave the church building from our side of the parking lot. 
      I got in my car, put on my seat belt and was preparing to start the van when noticed my parents had pulled from their parking space to the other side of my vehicle.  I was somewhat surprised to see them sitting there until I realized they didn't plan to leave until I did.  They were waiting to  make sure my car started and I was on my home.  It was such a comforting feeling to know they were watching over me. 
     As I drove home, I thanked God for my parents who do so much for all their children and the entire extended family.  That automatically led me to think of the Heavenly Father who loves us all so much.  My dad often tells us that he loves us, but God loves us more.  Oh how wonderful it is to have a perfect parent in heaven who is so full of love for us that He sent His only Son to die for us! 
     God is the perfect parent.  He is the Creator of the world.  He made us (you and me) and he loves us all so much!  There are so many verses in the Bible that tell us of the Father's love.
    “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.   For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.  (Psalm 103:13-14 ESV).  I also love Matthew 6:26 and Matthew 10:29-31 –
Jesus  reminds us God is our Father and we are of great value to Him.  These passages are such a comfort for the Christian because Jesus lets us know God takes care of His own.
      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?  (ESV)   The Savior goes on to say if we but seek the kingdom of first, all these things will be added to us (v. 33)
     Before He sends the 12 apostles out to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, Christ warns them of the persecution they may suffer.  However, He also reminds them of God's great love and care. 
      “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
                                                             (Matthew 10:29-31 ESV)

      God cares for His children.  He is always with us -- even through all kinds of trials and persecutions.  He richly rewards those who are steadfastly faithful to Him.   He is the "Father of mercies and the God of all comfort."  (2 Corinthians 1:3)  We can depend on Him to take care of us. 

      Yet the only way we can come to the Father is through the Son.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6 ESV).  To love the Father we must love the Son.  We must learn from Him.  We must love as He would have us to love.  And we must seek to obey His commandments.  (John 14:15)

       It seems to me it goes in a circle of sorts.  God loves us so much that He gave His only Son (who also loved us).  To show our love to God ... and in order to get to be with Him, we must love and honor the Son.  See -- the Father - gave His Son - to us.   Then we -- follow the Son - to get to the Father. 

       I am so very grateful to have parents who love me.  But God - my perfect parent - our perfect parent --loves us more.  This loves goes far beyond anything we can imagine.   If we live for the Son -- we glorify God and gain eternal life.   What a wonderful thought!

       

     "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.  (2 Thessalonians 16-17 ESV)

 

Christ above all things,

Robin

 


 

 

Rooted and Grounded in Love

        A few weeks ago someone posted on a popular multi-media site a picture an uprooted tree in someone’s yard.  It was a rather large old tree.  I’m sure it had been there for many years.  The tree had such a large network of roots that it pulled the lawn up with it as if the grass were a carpet or a blanket being pulled back to show what was underneath. 

     Many posted comments that the picture was photo shopped and therefore not real.   Others disagreed.  I have no way of knowing.  I realize some pictures aren’t real.  That goes back to the old saying, “Don’t believe everything you see.”  Of course, the same thing goes for what you hear.  People have been involved in hoaxes almost since we were created. 

    Whether or not the picture was real was of little importance to me.  It was the large network of roots that interested me.  One of my friends commented there had to be a “Bible lesson in this somewhere.”   Almost immediately one of my favorite passages came to mind. 

      Ephesians 3:16-18 – “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you being rooted and established in love,” (NIV)

     This passage gives me such comfort.  It speaks of God’s power in our inner being.  Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is that Christ will dwell in their hearts.  He longs for them to be rooted and established in love (grounded –KJV and ESV).   As Christians, we should always keep Christ in our hearts.  Love is the key.  Being rooted and grounded in the love of Christ will bring us untold riches.

     Is it our faith that keeps us rooted and grounded in the love of Christ – or does being rooted and grounded in His love give us our faith?  It seems they are so closely entwined it may be difficult to determine the precise answer to this question.  Having a deep faith in our God guides us through times of troubles and keeps us from sin when we are tempted. 

      As Christians, we have no doubt that staying in step with God brings abundant blessings our way.  I’m reminded of Psalm 1:1-3

      “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  In all that he does, he prospers.”

      Doesn’t this passage paint a beautiful picture?  I imagine a grand old tree planted by the stream of the living water of the word of Christ.  A grand and wonderful tree that bears fruit and whose leaves never die. 

      Do you want God to prosper you?  Delight in His law.  Follow Him.  Love and obey Him.   Meditate on the word of God to know how He would have you to live and you will  soon find yourself planted by that living stream rooted and grounded in His love.    

 

 Christ above all things,

Robin

 

 

Finding Our Target

       "What are we aiming for?" was the subject of my last post.   Our most important goal in life should be to get to heaven.  We need to look for the strait narrow gate and be willing to travel the road "that is hard to follow."  We know eternal life will be worth whatever "light affliction" we go through on earth. 
      Simply put, sin is what keeps us from hitting our target.  One of the definitions of sin is literally to "miss the mark."  Consider Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."   On our own, we miss the mark of perfection.  But because God loves us we are "justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood to be received by faith."  (Romans 3:24-25 ESV)
      So we know we miss the mark.  We can't have good aim without the help of God.  He gave us His grace as a gift.  Our redemption is found in the blood of Christ.  It is to be received by faith.  Isn't it wonderful to know that we can obtain this gift? 
      We must receive this gift through faith.  This faith is an obedient faith.  Again look at Matthew 7:13-14.  The way to eternal life is through a narrow gate and the road there is hard to follow. (Easy to Read Version).  Faith is different than belief.  We can say we believe all day long and not seek that gate or travel that hard road. 
      The inspired writer of Hebrews says it is impossible to please God without faith.  Not only do we have to believe He exists, but we have to believe that He rewards those who seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:6)  The way through that narrow gate involves so much more than simply believing He is.  We have to understand who He rewards.  Scripture points it out very clearly.  God only rewards those who seek Him. 
     To reach our goal, then - to "hit" what we aim for - we must be willing to know what to do to please the Savior.  OK  -- how do we do that?   Jesus said "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me."  (Matthew 11:29)   We must learn from Christ.  If we want to build our house upon the Rock of Christ we must hear His words and keep them (Matthew 7:24-25) 
      Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life."  And He told us in John 8:32-33 - " ... If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  It is so important to know the will of Christ ... to learn about Him ... to keep His words.  The only way to hit our target is through study of the scriptures.  That is the way hear His words today. 
     After we learn of Christ -- after we hear His teachings, we must keep them.  We must act upon what we learn.  Our faith in His word and our love for His gift us grace is what prompts us to obey His word.  If we believe and understand that we are only rewarded when we seek Him -- then we will seek to learn more and more about Him.  We will want to draw near to Him.  We will want that beautiful reward.
      We simply cannot find that narrow gate without looking for it.  It will not magically appear in front of our eyes one day.  Looking for our target .... studying the word of God .. will expose us to the untold riches of our Lord and Savior.  We will discover His love and sacrifice for us.   We will long to be with Him just as He longs to be with us.   
      That's the target isn't it?  Eternal life in heaven with God and Christ.  Studying God's word helps us learn how to get through that gate.  The discovery of His love and grace spurs us to work on our aim. 

Christ above all things,
Robin

    





       

What Are You Aiming For?

       Last week I had a third flat tire in two weeks.  My husband was surprised to get that third phone call for assistance.  After we got home, I sent a group text to the ladies in my prayer group.  I couldn't help but complain about my run of bad luck.   One of my sister friends responded that I wasn't having bad luck.  I just had really good aim. 
      It took me a while to figure that one out.  Sometimes jokes fly right by me.  One of the other ladies helped me understand what she meant.  My aim was so good, I hit (drove over) that nail without even trying. 
      And so it is with life .... if we go around never aiming for anything in particular we are likely to pick up just about anything (good or bad) along the way.  But most of us understand the things worth having in this life are worth aiming for ... we have to plan to achieve our goals. 
      This is true of anything worthwhile.  Runners don't win races by accident.   Winning football seasons don't just fall into a coach's lap.  Relationships don't last without consideration and time put into them.  Job promotions don't happen without work.  And archers don't consistently hit the bull's eye without practice. 
      So what is the most important goal we could ever hope to achieve?  That would be heaven, of course!  An eternity in the presence of our Heavenly Father - life in everlasting love and light - yes, that is definitely worth aiming for.  That is a bull's eye we should all definitely want to hit!

      How do we go about achieving this most worthy goal?  Well, it does take some doing.  After all Jesus did tell us there is plenty of room on the road that leads to destruction; but few find the narrow way that leads to life.  His words are found in Matthew 7:13 - 14.  Read this passage with me from the Easy to Read Version. 
¹³ “You can enter true life only through the narrow gate. The gate to hell is very wide, and there is plenty of room on the road that leads there. Many people go that way. ¹⁴ But the gate that opens the way to true life is narrow. And the road that leads there is hard to follow. Only a few people find it."
      Be careful what you aim for folks.  The gate to hell is very wide.  Truthfully, we don't have to aim for anything to get there.  It's easy enough.  We can go through life without believing in God or anything else.  We can believe that it's OK to live any way we want.   In other words, just like my good aim with the flat tire - we can wind up on the road to hell without even trying. 
     Jesus said only a few people find that narrow road.  Wow!  Have you ever stopped to think about this?  Christ came to die for us .. for the world ... for everyone.  But His death for our sins is not an automatic "free gift to heaven" ticket.  He loves us all and wants us all to get there; but we have to want it too. 
      So many lessons can be gleaned from this passage -- too many to discuss in one post.  We may have to continue these thoughts through another time.  Notice Jesus said "Only a few people find it."   Well, what do we have to be doing to find something?  I suppose that's a no brainer .. we have to be looking for it!   That is one lesson Mom taught me about Mary the mother of Jesus. 
       The angel Gabriel told Mary she had found favor with God.  That wasn't some kind of wonderful coincidence.  Mary was a young woman who obviously sought to please her God.  She loved the Lord and obeyed His command-
ments.   She found the Heavenly Father's favor because she wanted it and she looked for it. 
      Why do we think Jesus said "only a few people" find the narrow road?  I think it's basically because only a few people want to find it .... only a select few look for it.  God's love and favor is for everyone, but very few ever truly actually seek God's path. 
      Another interesting question to me about finding the narrow road is why Christ said the road was hard to follow?  This passage comes toward the end of what we call the Sermon on the Mount.  The sermon starts in Matthew 5 and goes through chapter 7. 
     The people were astonished at the teachings of Christ that day.  (Matthew 7:29)   Not only did He speak with authority, but He taught about love and forgiveness rather than eye for an eye.  If we consider things Christ taught in this great sermon, it may be easier to understand why He said "the road that leads there is hard to follow." 
     Christ started off with the beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-11).  Those lovely words that tell us we shall be comforted when we mourn, we shall inherit the earth when we are meek, we shall be filled when we hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Again, there is the want to ... we have to desire the righteousness before we are filled with it. 
       Then Christ moves on to something much more challenging.  He says we shall be blessed when we are persecuted.  Wait -- what?  We are going to be persecuted for following you?   And on top of this you want me to be glad about it because the prophets were persecuted before us.   Well, Jesus - I'm not sure I signed on for this! 
    Consider other teachings Christ brought out that day:

•   Forgiveness .. (Matthew 5:21-24)  We can't hold grudges or allow feuds to linger.  Before we worship our God, we have to make amends with those who may be angry with us.  We have to try our best to be right with our brothers and sisters before we can be right with God. 
•   Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39)  Most of us would think this is much, much easier said than done. 
•   Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41)  In the time of Jesus it was legal for Roman soldiers to force a person to carry their luggage or packs for one mile.  But most of us realize how much the Jewish people hated being under the control of the Romans. 
•   Love your enemies and pray for them.  (Matthew 5:44) I wonder how many of the folks who were listening to Jesus had ever done anything like that.  How many of us have ever prayed for our enemies?

      These are pretty tall orders - this kind of love and forgiveness, humility and servitude goes so far beyond our human nature.  I can see what Christ meant when He said  few people find this strait gate.  Loving our enemies and turning the other cheek,  let's face it -- that is not an easy road to follow.
      But He also tells us if we are persecuted for righteousness' sake, we shall gain the kingdom of heaven.  (5: 10)  If we love and pray for our enemies we will be sons (or daughters) of our Father in heaven (5:45).  If we forgive others, our Father will forgive us (6:15)   Christ also tells the multitude to ask and it will be given to you.  He assures them God our Father loves to give good things to those of us who ask Him.  (7:7-11)
      Love is the key.  Yes these things go against our very grain; but God loves us.  He loves us just the way we are.  He sent Christ to teach us and to ultimately die for us - to take our  sins upon Himself.  If we love Him in return, we will seek to find that narrow gate.  And because of our love for the Father and the Son, we will gain the strength we need to travel this narrow road.   
      Why would we even want to try?  If this gate is so difficult to find and the road is so hard to follow - why should we bother?  Is this really what we want to aim for?   The answer would be a resounding yes!   This way leads to life - eternal life!
      The archer has to practice hour after hour.  The runner has to train day after day.  The employee has to work for the promotion of a lifetime.  If we don't seek God's favor we won't find it. 

So what are you aiming for?
Find the gate ... follow the road.  As the song says, "Heaven will be worth it all."

Christ above all things,
Robin

Build Your House on the Rock

      Well the past couple of weeks have been quite busy.  So many sad and negative things seemed to have happened in the world lately.  Our lives are so often filled with sadness, trouble and toil.  The devil never ceases to work on our hearts and our spirits.  It is when our hearts are defeated that he wins our souls.  We cannot let this happen!  We must side with the One who has overcome the world. 
      I came home from Maywood Christian Camp a week ago today -- to hear about a shooting at a church in South Carolina.  An evil man killed nine people.  As most of us were, I was shocked ... and deeply grieved.  Escaped prisoners in New York had still not been captured.   And later in the week, our Supreme Court made a very sad decision.  We are truly facing tough times.
     By far the saddest part of the week came when we lost our aunt.  I say "our" because technically she was my husband's aunt (his mother's sister).  Yet she was my aunt too.  That is one of the best things about marrying into Robert's family.  From the minute I married him, my sons and I became part of his entire extended family. 
     Yes, I know this is the way it is supposed to be.  I also know it just isn't always that way.  Families are not always as close as they should be.  Fortunately, I come from a strong and closely knit family too --  a double blessing for my children!  Merle Dean embodied this sense of family.  When Robert and I marred, I immediately became her niece.  
       I will always remember the way she smiled and the sound of her laughter.  I will remember the way the she called my children "honey" or "sweetie" when they were younger.  I will always remember how hard she and my mother-in-law worked in the kitchen at Maywood Christian Camp.  For 7 years they did this.  The work they carried out would put some much younger women to shame.  
       Merle Dean was a hard-working honest woman who loved her family.  More importantly, she loved the Lord.  She told you what she thought - no holds barred; but she had a lot of love in her heart.  I am thankful to have known her.  I'm thankful for the memories my sons have of her.  And I'm thankful for the example she set for others.
      Losing someone you love isn't easy.  Life is sometimes like a roller coaster ride.  It is totally full of ups and downs.  Storms come our way .. rains, floods and strong winds of sadness and loss.  Sometimes it's enough to knock you flat on your back and make you want to stay down.  How can the world go on when things seem so bad?   
        My dad once heard a very faithful Christian man who had suffered many trials of his own say, "God never promised us smooth sailing, but He did promise us a safe landing."  Someone famous may have said that at one point, I really don't know.  It could be an original comment from my Dad's friend.  I don't know the origin of the quote.  I only know the impact it had on Dad when his friend said it. 
      It's true, you know.  If we follow the Lord's call and keep His words .. we will be able to weather any storm, no matter how strong it might be.  By the way, "keep His words" means to obey them.  It doesn't mean to put them away in a drawer somewhere .. or read them and say, "Oh, what nice thoughts, Jesus."  It means learn from them... follow them ... obey them. 
      As His followers,  Jesus Christ is our rock.  His words should be our firm foundation.  Remember the promise He made at the end of the Sermon on the Mount?   Oh, it's such beautiful promise! 
      "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does
       them will be like a wise man who built his house on the
       rock.  And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the
       winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall,
       because it had been founded on the rock." 
                                                            (Matthew 7:24-25 ESV)
     
      We will miss our Aunt Merle Dean.  She certainly weathered her share of life's storms.  But she was a wise woman and her house was founded on The Rock.  

    We would do well to do likewise.

Christ above all things,
Robin 
    


 

What Motivates You?

      Hello there.  It's pretty late in my part of the world --it's after midnight,  but I know it's been a while since I posted.  I really shouldn't let so much time lapse -- I don't mean to be so sporadic.  All that aside, tomorrow morning I leave for Maywood Christian Camp - so I will be away from my computer for a while.  I've been very excited about camp for several weeks now.  I love going to work as a counselor   and Bible class teacher.  I learn so much from those young ladies!   
        Today, I watched a television show with my husband.  It was an educational show about bee colonies.  I enjoyed it.  It was quite interesting, but I heard a man say something that set me back a bit.  He was a commercial owner of several hundred bee colonies.  As he was discussing his business, he said people are motivated by two things:  fear and greed. 
       I immediately began to feel sorry for this man.  He went on to talk about how successful his business and the expensive lifestyle he enjoyed.  How tragic!  In my opinion, the person who is motivated only by greed must live a sad life indeed.  Fear and greed are not the only two things that motivate humans. 
      What about love?  Many people are motivated by love.  We act on behalf of the folks we love.  Love prompts action.  We want the best for those we care about and we do our part to help make that happen.  We reap what we sow ...that's a Biblical truth.  It is as true now as it was the day it was written.  If we sow love -- we will reap love. 
       Christ told us the greatest commandment is love.  We are to love our God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength.  The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself.  Love God ... love your fellow man.  This love should be our motivation for life. 
       Faith in and love for God and for Christ our Redeemer should be the focus of our entire lives.  When we pray we should pray with love in our hearts.  When we sing praises to Him, we should smile and happily sing to declare our love for God.  After all, He has done so much for us. 
        God sent His only begotten Son to this earth ... for us.  This is a love that we cannot fathom.  But it was His love for us that prompted this action.  He wanted to give us a chance to be with Him in heaven.  When we love someone, we want to be with them, right?  Well, God loves us and wants to be with us when our time on earth is done. 
        There was a price to be paid.  Christ left heaven and came to earth because He loved us.  He was motivated by love.  He hung on that cross and suffered all that pain because He loved us.  There was no greed in His sacrifice.
      The human part of Jesus did not want to go through what He did.  He prayed to the Father for another way.  But His perfect blood was the price to be paid for our souls.  In the end, He wasn't motivated by fear.   The greater emotion was love ... love triumphed over fear. 
         S0 - now the question is what motivates you?  Fear?  Maybe it is greed.  What about love?  Do you center your life wholly around Christ and let your love for Him be the guiding force in everything you do?  It's our choice.  Christ left it up to us .... 

Christ above all things,
Robin

My Favorite Song

       Contrary to my youngest son's belief, I do like music.   Like most teenagers, I listened to the radio and had my share of favorites.  I loved The Monkees.  That's probably thanks to my Grandmother (believe it or not).   She used to allow me access to my Uncle David's albums when he wasn't home.   T0 this day, I still like "I'm a Believer." 
     Although, I have several favorites I wouldn't say I'm a very knowledgeable fan.  I might like a particular song, but wouldn't be able to name the singer or group who recorded it.  I certainly don't know any of the songs my 21 year old likes, unless he's listening to some of the "oldies." 
      The songs I like best though, are hymns and praise songs, even the children's Vacation Bible School songs.  These are the songs I know and love.  These are the songs you will catch me singing around the house as I work.  I love them all.
       My all time favorite is the children's song "Jesus Loves Me."  Though in my opinion, this isn't just a song for children.  It is a song rich in meaning and applies to all of us.  Yes, Jesus loves little children.  Most of us easily understand that.  What we forget is that in the eyes of God and His Only Son, we must all be little children.  Perhaps that is why I find this song so comforting.
      I imagine that the apostles would have liked this song.  After all, they were the ones reprimanded for trying to prevent the little children from coming to Jesus.  They saw His gentleness as He was with those children.  They saw the love in His face as He blessed them. 
      The apostles were also the ones who saw Jesus as the Son of God.  They saw Him at His mightiest.  I can imagine how they must have felt seeing Him after His resurrection.  How small they must have felt.  It must have been an awesome experience to see Jesus and be able to touch Him again - knowing He had conquered death itself.  Oh, how weak they must have felt in the presence of His power! 
     Yet, Jesus still loved them.  He loved them all.  He had chosen them to establish His kingdom.  Yes, when I think of the words of this precious song I think the apostles would have sung it with full zeal. 
      Jesus loves me this I know.  For the Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves us .... me and you.  The song has universal appeal because Jesus does love us all.  But His love is intensely personal and this song rightly proclaims that aspect of His love.  That is why little children like it so much.
      Little children are so much into ME.  When I watch them sing in Bible class -- they often point to themselves or hug themselves.  The word "me" is often sung more loudly than the other words.  That's OK.  As an adult I like the thought of Him loving "me" too.  
     After all I've done in my life ... after living for years without walking in His way .. Jesus still loves me.  It is a an awesome thing to think that Jesus - the Son of God has a perfect unconditional love for the person I am.  He allowed me to repent .. to change my life and come back to Him.
      That's another reason I think the apostles would like this song.  They understood His love ... if Jesus could come back to them after they deserted Him at the cross (all but one) -- then they certainly understood the meaning of His love. 
      We come to know about the love of Jesus through the Bible.  It is in itself an act of love by the Father that we have the Bible to read and study.  The Bible tells us all we need to know about our Savior and Redeemer.  I am so thankful God sent His Spirit to inspire the writers of the scriptures. 
      Little ones to Him belong.  They are weak, but He is strong.  We all belong to Jesus.  He bought us with His precious blood.   But we all know Jesus especially loves the little ones.  He cares for them -- for their innocence.  He is their protector.  He is our Protector, too - if we've turned our lives back over to Him. 
      There are other verses to this sweet song.  It was originally written by  Anna Bartlett Warner in 1860 as a poem.  Her sister Susan Warner used the poem in a novel called Say and Seal.  In the context of the book, the poem was read as a comfort to a dying child.  Two years later the words were put to music by William Batchelder Bradbury, who also added the chorus.  It has become a song loved by many around the world.
      The tune is appealing in its simplicity.  The words are  simple and clear.  The message is full of purity and truth.  We are all God's children.  God sent His Son to live and die for us.  Jesus really does love us this much.  His blood was pure and it took His blood to buy us back.  
      In His presence we are weak.  Without His love we are weak to the power of sin -- and bound to pay for our sins eternally.  But Jesus -- Jesus is strong.  Jesus resisted the devil and lived a perfect life.  And the Bible tells us that because He loves us - He gave Himself for us.  He was our perfect sacrifice. 
       We all know that isn't the end of the story.  Jesus showed the devil the power of His strength.  He conquered death.  Through His strength, we have hope of eternal life.  We have a chance to live with The One who loves us so.  We have to love Him back .. to live for Him.  I guess that is why the song is my favorite. 
     
        Yes, Jesus loves me.  And He loves you, too.  I know this.  Without a doubt I know this.  The Bible tells me so.


Christ above all things,
Robin
     

At the Dollar Tree

       I love going to the Dollar Tree.  Sometimes I don't buy anything; but I enjoy looking around.  It's amazing to me what they manage to sell for only a dollar.   Not only are there interesting things in the store; but often there are interesting people too.  Everyone knows I love little ones, but I especially like to watch interactions between children together or between parents and children. 
        So a couple of days ago, I'm in the store picking up some cards and other things.   I'm a couple of aisles over from where the toys are; but I hear a conversation between a little boy and his mother.  She must have come in between errands because she seemed to be in a hurry.  The little boy was in quite a dilemma.  He wanted to continue looking at all the toys; but Mom needed to go.
      The little boy did not want to leave the toys.  I don't even know if she had told him he could buy something or not.  He just didn't want to leave the toy aisle.  And at the same time, he didn't want his mother to leave him either.   In an attempt to get him to come with her, she started to walk away a couple of times.  He began to cry and begged her not to leave him.   A small battle was taking place.  Mom won. 
      Hearing this little drama unfold started me to thinking.  That little boy was stuck.  He had to make a choice between the allurements of the toy aisle and the safety of  his mother's presence.  How often do we do this to ourselves?
     Are we ever tempted by the allurements of "the toy aisle" of our lives?  Are we ever get enticed to leave the safety of God's company by trying something out in the world?   Certainly, I am.  The devil is a great deceiver.  He is an expert at making something look charming.  He might whisper in your ear -"It's OK,  you can stay here with me."   Be careful - that is a spiritual death trap. 
       Maybe we try to argue with God.  We might be happy with where we are in the world.  Maybe we say,  "I don't want to leave my worldly ways, Father.  But can't you stay here too?"  The Father is always within our reach ... but that's the key.  We must reach for Him.  We can't try to stay between two worlds.  We have to choose. 
       God wants us to walk with Him.  But we can't get stuck trying to hold on to parts of the world.  Our walk with Jesus must be pure and righteous.  We have to put our worldly toys away.   Jesus told us in Luke 16:13 - "No one can serve two Masters."  
       Yet it is not always easy.  Paul talks about the struggles between the flesh and the Spirit.  Galatians 5:16-17 reads:  "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."  ( NIV)  This sounds a little bit like being stuck in the toy aisle to me. 
      BUT - we are not to despair.  God is on our side.  He wants us to win!   Paul tells us that in I Corinthians 10:13. 
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (ESV)  
       Going back to the verses we mentioned from Galatians 5, we know as long as we walk by the Spirit, we will not have the desire to follow the works of the flesh.  But it does take diligence on our part.  Walking by the Spirit means moving away from the sin.  Studying the Spirit inspired words of the Bible helps us learn to walk with the Spirit.  Knowing how much God loves us and that He will always provide a way of escape is of great comfort. 
      We are to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."  (Ephesians 6:10 ESV)  It is through Christ's power that we gain the strength to move out of the aisle (so to speak).  Every day we grow as a Christian is another day we grow away from the world and draw closer to Him.  It may not always be easy, but if we walk in the Spirit we can do it.  
         Remember Paul's encouragement to Timothy:
".... I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."  (2 Timothy 1: 6-7 ESV)    It is through God's power - and through God's love - that we develop our self-control.

Christ above all things,
Robin