I got a new phone this weekend. I was excited because I have had the same phone for years -- and I do mean YEARS. I played around with it pretty much all afternoon Saturday. I am definitely not tech savvy and I still have a lot to learn. But I am at least doing the basics.
The thing is - at first my own phone didn't even know me. That was weird. It was my phone --- so what was going on? Well, it turns out I needed a password - only then would I have access to some of the applications I needed.
Then I had to 'set up Siri.' I had to speak into the phone several times saying different phrases, so the software would recognize my voice. If Siri didn't know who I was, she wouldn't respond to my requests.
I felt like my phone should have known me. After all, I had the same number. I was disappointed I couldn't do everything I wanted with it. But I needed that password. The password was the key.
Are our spiritual lives like this sometimes? Our Savior longs to be part of our lives. After all He has done for us, He probably thinks we should know Him too, right? Can you imagine His disappointment when we act like we don't?
What does He think when we refuse to recognize His blessings, forget to pray every day and hardly ever pick up a Bible to study and learn about Him? If we don't know who Christ is how are we going to respond to his commands?
Daily life is tricky. We are so easily distracted. So much comes at us every day. People disappoint us, jobs sometimes cause stress and we face sorrow and heartache along life's way. There is a peace which passes understanding. The password - the key - is Jesus.
Jesus gives us the strength and hope we need to get through our days and years. Sometimes we are so distraught we can only face one dark hour at a time -- Jesus is the key to getting back to the light.
We need to know Jesus. Know Him through prayer - know Him through studying the gospels and seeing how He lived. Read about how He treated others. Learn of God's care and concern for each of us. He isn't with us on earth anymore; but that should not keep us from knowing Him.
If we expect to get to heaven one day and spend eternity with God, then we must go through Christ to get there. Remember what He said to Thomas in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." We don't have access to the Father without going through the Son.
Christ goes on to say in John 14:15 - "If you love me you will keep my commandments." As we read on through these beautiful verses, the Savior explains how important this is. Consider verse 21: "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love Him and manifest myself to him."
Again in verse 23, Christ says love for Him is shown by keeping His word and thereby we gain the love of the Father. It is by knowing the Son and loving Him enough to follow His commandments that we will have access to the love of the Father and to all the things He (the Father) can do for us.
Love is vital in all of this. We can't use the commandments as some kind of "things to do" list. We cannot be like the rich young ruler who checked off all the commandments and said, "I have done all this."
He must have thought he had it made. Yet, Jesus knew the young man's heart. Our Lord presented him with a challenge to sell all he had. The young man went away sorrowfully.
In 1 Corinthians 13 , Paul warned against using our gifts without love. He sums it up in verse three by saying even "if I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Love and obedience should go hand in hand. This is all part of 'knowing Him.' There are other aspects of this, too. Sometimes folks love Christ and obey Him, but don't fully know Him.
Sometimes we don't always study the scriptures enough to understand all His commandments. Maybe we trust others to tell us what to do instead of checking God's word for ourselves. Or maybe we are like the Pharisees and follow traditions of men, rather than the scriptures. We could be truthful all the time and never lie; but if we take part in gossip or hold grudges against our neighbor are we keeping His commandments?
Maybe we think obeying the gospel is all we have to do. But think about this - really think about it please. Is that all the first century church did? For Lydia and Dorcas and Timothy and Barnabas becoming a Christian wasn't the end of their obedience, it was only the beginning!
We need to know Jesus - He is the way, the truth and the life. It is through loving and obeying Him we have the hope of eternal life. There is no other way to the Father except through the Son.
The Savior tells us in Matthew 7:21-23 that not everyone who performs a work in His name will gain entrance into heaven. He will tell them He never knew them. Why? Why didn't Christ know them?
Perhaps no love was involved. Maybe they knew about Christ but didn't take the time to know Him. There is a difference between the two. Or perhaps they didn't study the scriptures enough to understand all of His commands. Remember it is by keeping His commandments that we show our love for Christ and gain the love of the Father.
There is one more thing to consider. We must let others know we love Him. If we want Christ to know us, we should act like we know Him -- live like we know Him. We should treat others as He would have us to treat them. Love like He loved. Follow His way and His truth.
My phone recognized me once I had the password. It was what I needed. If we want to 'come to the Father' we must go through the Son. Jesus is who we need.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Monday, December 31, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
A Blessing at the Post Office
Just a few days ago, I went to the post office during my lunch break. I needed to buy stamps to mail Christmas cards to family and friends. I enjoy sending cards because I know how much fun it is to receive one -- to know that someone cared enough to send good wishes my way.
As I pushed through the door, only one elderly couple was at the counter. "This is great," I thought- "there's not a long line. I'll be out of here in a flash." Boy, was I wrong! It turns out this couple was mailing several boxes all to different places. My hopes were dashed as I realized I would be standing in line after all.
Still, the older gentleman was friendly enough. He greeted me cheerfully and asked how I was doing. Such a sweet hello could only be responded to in like manner. His wife was concentrated solely on watching the postal clerk handle her precious packages.
A line formed quickly as more people came in with items to mail. After all, it was Christmas time. When there were four or five of us behind them, the gentleman turned around and apologized for making us all wait.
"Don't worry about us," I said. "It looks like what you are doing is pretty important." Another lady smiled and said, "That's right. You go right ahead."
The clerk said, "Please bear with me, I will be with you all as soon as I can." And again, most of us assured them it was OK. He weighed the next box and printed the label for it. As he put it back on the counter, it made a small thump. It was then the lady finally spoke up. "Please be careful with those." I looked at the boxes and noticed they had all been marked 'handle with care.'
Her husband said, "Yes there's homemade stuff in there."
It turns out it was jelly and preserves she had made. They were sending all these boxes to relatives (I suppose as Christmas presents). We found out it was muskie dime jelly, plum jelly and apricot preserves.
"I knew what you were doing was important," I said.
"I know your family will be very happy when they open those boxes." Several agreed and talked about how delicious that sounded.
As the conversation in line behind me when on to how making jellies and preserves was almost a lost art, I continued my conversation with the elderly couple. You could hear the pride in his voice and see the love in his eyes as he told me their family always asked for these goodies from her. She told me there would have been pear preserves too, but their pears weren't good enough to do anything with this year.
When the boxes were all labeled, the clerk gave them the total cost for mailing the packages. She laughed and said, "Well we knew it would be on up there." He merely nodded and smiled as he swiped his card.
Their business was done and as they left, they cordially said goodbye to all of us in line behind them. I bought my stamps and left the post office. They were still in the parking lot. Like any true Southern gentleman, he was helping his lady get into the car.
Once more, I wished them "Merry Christmas." I went about the rest of my day with a much lighter heart. Simply being around that much goodness was uplifting. They were such a sweet couple and happy to be able to send a box full of love to those they loved.
I think the joy was contagious. By the time I left, the little post office was full of people waiting to conduct business. Yet, no one in line had complained or said the first ill word. That little couple gave quite a few people quite a bit of joy!
Maybe it was the time of year, maybe it was the manner in which the older couple handled themselves, or maybe it was the quiet and gentle way the postal employee took care of his clients - I'm not sure the reason for it; but it was such a blessing to be in the post office that day!
I keep thinking about that sweet couple. The whole incident has been on my mind since it happened. They put so much effort into what they did for their family members. A lot of time went into the making of those jellies and preserves. But there was also a lot of love and joy in that work. They were indeed giving a rare and unique gift.
Most of us realize God gave us the most unique and rare gift of all. He sent His Son from His home in heaven to our home here on earth. This gift came with great love and sacrifice.
Just think about the time Christ gave us.
As I pushed through the door, only one elderly couple was at the counter. "This is great," I thought- "there's not a long line. I'll be out of here in a flash." Boy, was I wrong! It turns out this couple was mailing several boxes all to different places. My hopes were dashed as I realized I would be standing in line after all.
Still, the older gentleman was friendly enough. He greeted me cheerfully and asked how I was doing. Such a sweet hello could only be responded to in like manner. His wife was concentrated solely on watching the postal clerk handle her precious packages.
A line formed quickly as more people came in with items to mail. After all, it was Christmas time. When there were four or five of us behind them, the gentleman turned around and apologized for making us all wait.
"Don't worry about us," I said. "It looks like what you are doing is pretty important." Another lady smiled and said, "That's right. You go right ahead."
The clerk said, "Please bear with me, I will be with you all as soon as I can." And again, most of us assured them it was OK. He weighed the next box and printed the label for it. As he put it back on the counter, it made a small thump. It was then the lady finally spoke up. "Please be careful with those." I looked at the boxes and noticed they had all been marked 'handle with care.'
Her husband said, "Yes there's homemade stuff in there."
It turns out it was jelly and preserves she had made. They were sending all these boxes to relatives (I suppose as Christmas presents). We found out it was muskie dime jelly, plum jelly and apricot preserves.
"I knew what you were doing was important," I said.
"I know your family will be very happy when they open those boxes." Several agreed and talked about how delicious that sounded.
As the conversation in line behind me when on to how making jellies and preserves was almost a lost art, I continued my conversation with the elderly couple. You could hear the pride in his voice and see the love in his eyes as he told me their family always asked for these goodies from her. She told me there would have been pear preserves too, but their pears weren't good enough to do anything with this year.
When the boxes were all labeled, the clerk gave them the total cost for mailing the packages. She laughed and said, "Well we knew it would be on up there." He merely nodded and smiled as he swiped his card.
Their business was done and as they left, they cordially said goodbye to all of us in line behind them. I bought my stamps and left the post office. They were still in the parking lot. Like any true Southern gentleman, he was helping his lady get into the car.
Once more, I wished them "Merry Christmas." I went about the rest of my day with a much lighter heart. Simply being around that much goodness was uplifting. They were such a sweet couple and happy to be able to send a box full of love to those they loved.
I think the joy was contagious. By the time I left, the little post office was full of people waiting to conduct business. Yet, no one in line had complained or said the first ill word. That little couple gave quite a few people quite a bit of joy!
Maybe it was the time of year, maybe it was the manner in which the older couple handled themselves, or maybe it was the quiet and gentle way the postal employee took care of his clients - I'm not sure the reason for it; but it was such a blessing to be in the post office that day!
I keep thinking about that sweet couple. The whole incident has been on my mind since it happened. They put so much effort into what they did for their family members. A lot of time went into the making of those jellies and preserves. But there was also a lot of love and joy in that work. They were indeed giving a rare and unique gift.
Most of us realize God gave us the most unique and rare gift of all. He sent His Son from His home in heaven to our home here on earth. This gift came with great love and sacrifice.
Just think about the time Christ gave us.
- approximately 33 years of time on earth -- away from heaven - born of woman and lived to give us a perfect example to follow.
- about 3 1/2 years in ministry - teaching about God and His kingdom - with multitudes thronging Him for what He could do for them -- and the scribes and Pharisees criticizing Him for every move He made.
- 6 to 8 hours of tortuous trials -- shuttled from the Garden to the home of Caiaphas - to the high priest - Pilate - to Herod and back to Pilate. Let's not forget the mocking, slapping, spitting and scourging.
- another agonizing 6 hours of excruciating pain on the cross - where God turned His back on His only son while He took on the sins of the world -- until He gave up the ghost and died.
- 3 days in the grave until His triumphant resurrection
- And finally 40 more days giving final instructions to His apostles before His ascension into heaven to reign on the right hand of God.
Think of the love put into everything Christ our Savior did while He was here. The compassion He had for the sick - the blind, those who were hungry and those who were weary with life. We cannot comprehend the love Jesus has for us. Oh how it pricks our hearts and gives us great joy all at the same time!
Now I know those jars the elderly couple sent from the post office cannot compare to the sacrifice Christ gave us. Nothing any of us could ever do would compare with the precious gift of His life, death and resurrection. But maybe a simple comparison such as this can help us understand that Christ wants us to live a life of love - a life of giving.
The gentleman and his sweet wife did not mind the cost of sending those packages. It gave them great joy. Christ willingly paid the cost for our sins on the cross. And He did it with great joy.
"looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2)
If our Savior was willing to die for us, shouldn't we be willing to live for Him?
Christ above all things,
Robin Whitley
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Those Foggy Mornings
Twice over the past few days I was surprised to wake up to a think and very hazy fog hugging the ground. I know fog is a naturally occurring phenomenon . Foggy mornings are not that unusual. Maybe it was because I was driving or maybe it is just because I am more observant these days. Either way, these two very different occurrences had an impact on me.
The first morning was a couple of weeks ago. The temperature fell during the night, so we woke up to a 'freezing fog.' It was both eerie and beautiful at the same time. My Dad captured it in a photo. It was the morning of December 11th.
The first morning was a couple of weeks ago. The temperature fell during the night, so we woke up to a 'freezing fog.' It was both eerie and beautiful at the same time. My Dad captured it in a photo. It was the morning of December 11th.
But the picture doesn't do justice to the real beauty of that morning. Of course it was very thick and visibility was low. Caution was required when driving. I don't remember being afraid, though. Oh I was alert and watchful as I drove to work, but somehow not afraid.
I guess I was mesmerized. I felt isolated - but in a good way. It was so quiet and calming. It felt like God was making His presence known - like He wanted my attention.
With fog that thick, I had to slow down. When my driving slowed, my mind stopped racing from one thought to another as it so often does. I forgot about the daily rat race so many of us are in. My thoughts turned immediately to our Heavenly Father. I forgot all my troubles and began thanking Him for the beauty of the moment.
As if to crown the morning with His glory, I was almost at my workplace when the fog dissipated and the sun broke through the mist. The sky above was bright and beautiful - reminding me again of His awesome power and majesty. I could not help but smile as I praised Him.
On the morning of December 17th I woke up once again surprised by a foggy mist clinging to the earth. I just hadn't expected it. For me this time was a totally different experience. The fog was so thick it seemed like I could reach out and touch it.
I saw more danger this time than I did in the freezing fog. I could barely see the lights of other cars through the thick mist. On my 22 mile trek to work, I passed Highway Patrolmen four different times in different places. Two of these were at accident scenes.
Was the fog really that much worse or did drivers just fail to be as diligent as they were a week ago? As for me, I made a wrong turn. I exited the highway several miles earlier than I should have. I didn't realize it until it was too late.
I couldn't see around me to figure out where I was, so I was lost .... really lost. Fortunately, I saw a road sign fairly quickly and got my bearings again. It was scary!
This time the sun didn't break through the fog before I got to work. It was shining brightly by the time I went out to lunch though. Again, I couldn't help but smile and be thankful.
These two very different mornings helped me remember a few things.
- Isolate yourself from the rest of the world occasionally. Connect to God in those quiet times. Give Him the attention He deserves. God wants us to be with us. Seek Him out. "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18).
- Recognize the power and majesty behind the beauty of the day. "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10).
- Be aware of your surroundings danger is always near. Peter warns us of this. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
- One wrong turn can cause you to be lost.
- Look for the right road signs to get back on track. Let the Bible guide your way.
- When the clouds are so thick around you that you can't see anything else, don't give up. The Son is always there - and if we don't give up - His light eventually breaks through even the thickest mist. "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
Remember God will always be with us if we want Him to be. In times of beauty and joy, in times of light, in times of darkness and uncertainty, look for the right signs. Stay with Him regardless of your situation. His light will always guide your way.
Christ above all things,
Robin
Monday, December 10, 2018
Starting Over Again
It has been such a long time since I posted anything here. Honestly for a while there I began to think this blog had become a fond memory. I enjoy writing; but some time ago I allowed myself to get distracted.
The times I posted just got farther and farther apart and eventually stopped altogether. A few days ago, something happened which made me think it would be a good analogy to use for my blog. It was then I realized how much I missed this.
My writing helps me focus on the importance of living for Christ. Life is full of moments that remind me of God and I get excited when I do. That is why I started this blog several years ago - to share these moments. So here I am again --starting over --and grateful for the opportunity.
This reminds me of how wonderful it is when God gives us the chance to start again. The Bible is full of stories about new beginnings. Abraham was called by God to leave his home - and his father Terah -- all that was familiar to him and go "to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). God didn't even give Abraham a specific destination. He just told Abraham to leave from where he was. And Abraham did so without hesitation.
Some people had to start over again because of circumstances outside of their control. Lot had to leave Sodom and Gomorrah behind because the Lord was going to destroy those cities. What about Noah and his family? Talk about starting over!
Joseph had to start over when his brothers sold him to slave traders. Actually, let's look at Joseph's life in more detail. He had to learn how to live without the privileges of the wealth of his father. Even more devastating was the fact he had to learn how to live without his father's loving presence.
Then after settling into his role as Potipher's servant, his master's wife falsely accused him and he was put in prison. He had to deal with another betrayal -- another adjustment. The next new beginning came when he interpreted Pharoah's dream. He went from prisoner to be in charge of the entire kingdom. Still Joseph was without his family.
Finally, Joseph was reunited with his brothers and his father. For Joseph perhaps this new beginning was the best one of all! He graciously forgave his brothers and was with his beloved father once again. His brothers had the chance to be reconciled to Joseph and the family was reunited once more.
How many times throughout the Old Testament did the nation of Israel turn their back on God, fall into idolatry and then come back to Him with repentant hearts? This is representative of one who becomes a Christian -- a new creation after baptism. The old way of life is put away and a new path is chosen -- the right path.
All of these are types of new beginnings. I am so happy God gives us these examples. It gives me great comfort to know we have a loving God who is willing to give us the chance to start over again when we stumble and fall.
The thing is starting again with God is our choice. Abraham chose to follow God and start a new life away from everything he knew. Joseph chose to not to give up when his life changed again and again. We choose to become new creatures in Christ and live our lives for Him.
Living the Christian life is a struggle sometimes. The devil is strong. He is ever present -- lurking in the shadows to tempt us when he finds a way in. The good thing is God knows our hearts. Christ lived as a human and He knows what we go through here.
We are going to mess up sometimes -- we aren't perfect and should never pretend to be. The apostle John warns us to be careful about this. The passage found in 1 John 1:7-9 is so beautiful and such a comfort:
"But if we walk in the light, as He 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" (ESV).
How wonderful this is! John goes on to tell us in the first verse of chapter 2 we have an advocate with the Father, that is Jesus Christ, the righteous. See, we can always turn back to Him - if we choose to do so. That is the key. We have to love Christ enough to walk in the light. It is only when we make the choice to follow Christ that He becomes our advocate. We must follow His commandments.
Scripture after scripture speaks to us about starting over again -- and we must remember it is never too late to turn back to Him. It is never too late to do the right thing. Jesus wants to be with us; but it is up to us to make that move.
So if you need to get your spiritual life back on track, go ahead and make the move. If you get discouraged from time to time or slip up and lose your temper remember to confess to the Father. Our Christian race is often full of obstacles. Sometimes we may fall prey to them. Remember to go to our Advocate - Jesus Christ. Pick yourself up and start again. Our Lord will be with you every step of the way!
Christ above all things,
Robin
The times I posted just got farther and farther apart and eventually stopped altogether. A few days ago, something happened which made me think it would be a good analogy to use for my blog. It was then I realized how much I missed this.
My writing helps me focus on the importance of living for Christ. Life is full of moments that remind me of God and I get excited when I do. That is why I started this blog several years ago - to share these moments. So here I am again --starting over --and grateful for the opportunity.
This reminds me of how wonderful it is when God gives us the chance to start again. The Bible is full of stories about new beginnings. Abraham was called by God to leave his home - and his father Terah -- all that was familiar to him and go "to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). God didn't even give Abraham a specific destination. He just told Abraham to leave from where he was. And Abraham did so without hesitation.
Some people had to start over again because of circumstances outside of their control. Lot had to leave Sodom and Gomorrah behind because the Lord was going to destroy those cities. What about Noah and his family? Talk about starting over!
Joseph had to start over when his brothers sold him to slave traders. Actually, let's look at Joseph's life in more detail. He had to learn how to live without the privileges of the wealth of his father. Even more devastating was the fact he had to learn how to live without his father's loving presence.
Then after settling into his role as Potipher's servant, his master's wife falsely accused him and he was put in prison. He had to deal with another betrayal -- another adjustment. The next new beginning came when he interpreted Pharoah's dream. He went from prisoner to be in charge of the entire kingdom. Still Joseph was without his family.
Finally, Joseph was reunited with his brothers and his father. For Joseph perhaps this new beginning was the best one of all! He graciously forgave his brothers and was with his beloved father once again. His brothers had the chance to be reconciled to Joseph and the family was reunited once more.
How many times throughout the Old Testament did the nation of Israel turn their back on God, fall into idolatry and then come back to Him with repentant hearts? This is representative of one who becomes a Christian -- a new creation after baptism. The old way of life is put away and a new path is chosen -- the right path.
All of these are types of new beginnings. I am so happy God gives us these examples. It gives me great comfort to know we have a loving God who is willing to give us the chance to start over again when we stumble and fall.
The thing is starting again with God is our choice. Abraham chose to follow God and start a new life away from everything he knew. Joseph chose to not to give up when his life changed again and again. We choose to become new creatures in Christ and live our lives for Him.
Living the Christian life is a struggle sometimes. The devil is strong. He is ever present -- lurking in the shadows to tempt us when he finds a way in. The good thing is God knows our hearts. Christ lived as a human and He knows what we go through here.
We are going to mess up sometimes -- we aren't perfect and should never pretend to be. The apostle John warns us to be careful about this. The passage found in 1 John 1:7-9 is so beautiful and such a comfort:
"But if we walk in the light, as He 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" (ESV).
How wonderful this is! John goes on to tell us in the first verse of chapter 2 we have an advocate with the Father, that is Jesus Christ, the righteous. See, we can always turn back to Him - if we choose to do so. That is the key. We have to love Christ enough to walk in the light. It is only when we make the choice to follow Christ that He becomes our advocate. We must follow His commandments.
Scripture after scripture speaks to us about starting over again -- and we must remember it is never too late to turn back to Him. It is never too late to do the right thing. Jesus wants to be with us; but it is up to us to make that move.
So if you need to get your spiritual life back on track, go ahead and make the move. If you get discouraged from time to time or slip up and lose your temper remember to confess to the Father. Our Christian race is often full of obstacles. Sometimes we may fall prey to them. Remember to go to our Advocate - Jesus Christ. Pick yourself up and start again. Our Lord will be with you every step of the way!
Christ above all things,
Robin
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