A Battle of Wills

 We only have two more days left in the year.  It seems like such a short time, but so many things can happen in two days!  So let us use the time we have left in 2021 to honor God’s dear Son. 

 Speaking of things changing quickly, I fully intended to write about something else; but what happened just minutes before I started made me change my mind.  So here we go.. 😊

 When I write, I am usually in the bedroom with my laptop sitting cross legged on my bed.  Last night Lady jumped up on the bed beside me and tried to pull my attention away from the computer.  She sat closer than she usually does and I tried to get her to scoot over so I could have more room.  That was a battle!  Lady did not want to move away. 

 Then she put one of her front paws on the keyboard.  I moved it away.  She put it back.  Again, I picked up her paw and moved it onto the bed and away from the keyboard.  Guess what happened?  That front paw went right back to wear it was before I moved it. 

 We went through this little scenario about four times.  Lady was not getting the point – or was she?  I am pretty sure she was doing what she knew I didn’t want her to do.  I felt like she was testing me.

 I eventually had to scold her.  When I did she finally stopped.  She got off the bed and laid on the floor beside it.  She fell asleep and now it is just us (me and you).  The battle of wills is over.  Yes, my Lady is relentless and has been since the day we got her. 

 This makes me think about another battle.  It is the battle for our souls.  Know who is truly relentless?  That’s right – the devil.  He wants our souls and he will never stop trying to pull us over to his side. 

 Sometimes that old liar will get so close to us, it is hard to push him away because he does not want to move.  We need to do what Jesus did and fight the devil with scripture.  We must always keep watch so we are aware of when he is creeping up close.

 This is why it is so important to study God’s word.  When we have His word in our hearts and minds, we can use scripture to fight temptation.  We stand against the devil not only because of our devotion to Christ, but also through our knowledge of the Bible. 

Here’s a great verse from Peter.  “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.”  1 Peter 5:8-9

With God on our side we can win this battle. 

 Christ above all things - Robin

Who Lives With You?

 My oh my, how time flies!  We only have a few days left in the year 2021.  There is still plenty of time to end the year on a good note by being of some service to our Lord and Savior.  

Let’s remember to be thankful to God, for He is the one who gives us all our days.  We owe our very lives to Him. 

Who Lives With You?

When we meet someone for the first time, we often ask all sorts of questions.  We want to find out as much as we can about the other person.  Humans are curious beings, so we ask questions about their work and where they are from.

We also ask questions about their family.  Are you married or single?  Do you have children?  If the person is younger we might ask about their parents and how many brothers and sisters they have. 

We are basically asking who lives with them – who do they share a home with. Why do we ask all these general questions?  Like I said we are curious and we just want to know. 

Asking general questions helps break the ice and allows people to become comfortable with one another.  It gives us a framework to build upon over time. Who someone lives with is indicative of who has an active influence on their life.  We gain insight into the person we just met.

The most important thing about a person is not who lives in a house or apartment with them – but who (if anyone) lives inside them.  Does anyone reside in their heart and mind?   

There are many uses of figurative or symbolic language throughout the Bible. Christ used symbols from everyday life and made spiritual applications for His followers.  It helped them better understand His teaching.   

Let us consider Ephesians 2:19-22.  

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Wow!  Those three verses are jam-packed with lessons for us today!  First of all, the Ephesian Christians were primarily Gentiles.  He wanted them to know Christ meant for both Jews and Gentiles were to be brought together as one body through Him (Christ). 

The Gentiles are now part of the household of God – joined together – and meant to grow together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 

As members of the church – we are where God lives.  The Jews used to go to the temple to be in God’s presence.  Now, we are God’s dwelling place – or we should be.

Can people tell by the way we conduct ourselves that God lives within us?  If we told them that, would they be in shock because we even claim such a thing? 

Or would they smile and say, “Oh THAT’s why she is such a good person.  God lives within her.”  Saying God lives inside us means nothing if we aren’t living the life His word tells us to live.

Christ above all things - Robin

What Are We Thankful For?

 

Once several years ago, before our Thanksgiving meal at my parents’ house Dad asked everyone there to think of and say something they were thankful for.  For several reasons it had been a great year for the family. 

There were high school and college graduations.  My brother’s two youngest children had grown closer that year.  Their big sisters were both away at college, so Gentry and Karlie learned to depend on one another more than they ever had before. 

Most of what we mentioned either centered around meeting certain goals or being thankful for our freedoms and our family.  That is until we got to my cousin’s four-year-old daughter.  Somehow we skipped over her as we went around the room, but she was not about to be overlooked.  She spoke up in a strong clear voice and said,  “I am thankful for God!” 

Was it wrong for us to be thankful for all those other things?  No.  As a matter of fact, most of us mentioned God’s help and guidance.  But it took the youngest person there to remind us to be thankful for the Heavenly Father Himself! 

Having an attitude of gratitude is a commandment; but it is also a blessing.  Like all of God's commands, being thankful is good for us.  It adds a certain beauty and richness to our lives.  

And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.  1 Chronicles 29:13

 Christ above all things - Robin

Appaloopy!

Mom and Dad were visiting my youngest brother and his family.  That night, Shannon (my sister-in law)  was in the living room with Dad and Mom.  I think the two girls were in their bedroom and John and Will were in another part of the house. 

John sent Will to ask Shannon if he should go ahead and give Will his bath.  (He was just a little tike at the time.)  Shannon said “Absolutely!”  Will goes back to my brother.  The next thing they hear in the living room is John calling “Hey, Shannon - what does appaloopy mean?”    

To say there are no absolutes would be to deny things we know to be true.  Numbers never change.  Our multiplication tables will always be the same.  A goldfish will die when it is taken out of the water.  We cannot deny that either.

Christians believe God is the one True and Living God.  Christ is the Son of God.  The Bible is the absolute authority for  Christians.  The Holy Spirit of God gave us the Bible.  In 1 Peter 1:21 we read  “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 

 There are some absolutes which contain God’s promises.  These give us a deep and abiding hope.  They are what we hold on to.  Other absolutes are scary.  When we read them, we should heed them as warnings.  

 Luke 12:8-9 contains  both types of absolutes.  “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.  But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” 

 “Whoever” confesses Christ before others is the absolute which gives us hope.  They will be confessed before the angels of God.  The verse says “whoever” - which means anyone who does this will receive this blessing.  

 The negative absolute is that “he who” denies Christ will be denied by Christ.  It should serve as a warning.  This absolute is also all inclusive.  It involves anyone who denies the Savior. 

 Here are a few more absolute truths.  Things we can hang our hat on.                                    Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:16

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

 One more lovely verse – full of promise:  “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”  John 8:51

 Christ above all things – Robin

Questioning Myself

Good morning!  Please remember Sunday - the first day of the week is also the best day of the week.  It is the Lord's Day and what better way to start the day than by worshipping our Heavenly Father!

I want to apologize for not sharing a post on a more regular basis.  I plan to post more regularly from now on.  

This is a poem I wrote yesterday.  

                                                        Questioning Myself 

When I pillow my head at night

do I think back through the day?

Did I do what was wrong or what was right?

Did I follow the Savior’s light,

or did I go my own way?

Did I ever even stop to pray?

So many questions to ask myself.

Did I seek Gods kingdom first

or was it something else?

Did I read God’s word or leave it on the shelf?

For what did I hunger and thirst?

Was at my best or at my worst?

 

Did I show others the Savior’s light?

My God has done so much for me.

But I wonder as I lay here tonight

if I fought faith’s good fight?

Oh, Lord please help me to see

just what you want me to be!

 

Father, tonight it is my prayer

if You choose to give me another day,

help me to be prepared

to stand against the devil’s snare.

Let me start tomorrow with a clean slate

And God, please help me keep it that way!

 

 2 Corinthians 13:5a - Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.

 Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness thirst for for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  

 1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

 Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

He who promised is faithful.  Now that is a promise worth holding on for!!!

 Christ above all things - Robin

It Just Fits

We have SO many blessings for which to be thankful. Those blessings alone give us great cause to be cheerful. Remember how much God loves us!

Psalms 94:18-19 - When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

It Just Fits!

A couple of weeks ago our extended family celebrated its newest addition. My sweet niece Kelsie, and her husband Chase had baby # 3. Her name is Theodora Kate. We will call her Thea. She is beautiful and healthy and we are so thankful!

Sometimes names just fit … the name and the person match perfectly. That becomes a gift on its own. When Kelsie showed pictures of her new daughter on Facebook, she and I had a neat (albeit brief) exchange.

I commented that her new daughter was a sweet gift from God and that she was precious.  Kelsie told me her name means “gift from God.” Of course, I didn’t know that when I made the comment – but when she told me that, I said it was just right. So Thea means gift from God. Somehow I think this child will always be a gift from our Heavenly Father. Her name will always be the perfect fit for her!

I know another young woman whose name just fits. She and her Mom are both very dear friends of mine. They are also faithful devoted Christians whom I respect. Today was the daughter’s birthday. Now, I have known her first and middle name for a good while. But today when her mother posted a Happy Birthday wish for her – I saw it in a totally different light.

What I saw hit me like a ton of bricks and I got SO excited. Her name is Carrie Faith. I don’t know what it was that made me think about it the way I did; but seeing her name made me think about what a perfect fit Carrie’s name is for her. Carrie Faith – carries The Faith with her wherever she goes!

I sent a message to her mom and asked her if she thought about that when she named her – if she did it on purpose. She said she never thought of it that way. Though she did have in mind if they named her that, she would always be strong in her faith. Well, she is! Carrie has a strong faith rooted and ground in love.

Yes, Carrie’s name just fits her. Thea’s name is perfect for her. Still we know the most important name any of us will ever wear is not our given name. The most important name we can have is the same name for anyone who desires it to be so. It is one we choose for ourselves.

That name is Christian. It honors our Savior. If we wear it, let’s make it fit.

"And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." Acts11:26c

Christ above all things - Robin

The Pawn

Good morning .. let’s rise and shine today!  Today is “National Stress Awareness Day.”  We are all under stress from time to time, so considering the day let us be conscience of our stress factors and stay as healthy as possible.  When we operate at our optimum levels, we are able to do more good for God.  And that should always be our ultimate goal.

The Pawn

I was watching a cop show on television last night and reference was made to a pawn.  The speaker called one of the other men as “just a pawn” caught in the crook’s game.  To him this person was of little consequence. 

I got to thinking about this … and it just got to me.  Granted it was a cop show, and yes I guess people say things like that on shows like that.  The guy who said it though?   Well, he was supposed to be one of the good guys.  He was supposed to be a CIA agent.  OK, so a person’s goodness is not determined by their choice of a profession. 

I guess that means not every cop is a good person.  But we already knew that didn’t we?  On the other hand, not all of them are bad people either.  It is the same way for every profession.  Not every teacher who stands in a classroom is a good teacher – or for that matter, even likes kids. But a lot of them – most of them do. 

Not every nurse or doctor is compassionate.  Not every cashier is friendly when they check a customer out at grocery store.  On the other hand, not every doctor or nurse is callous and uncaring and not every cashier will double charge their customer. 

We cannot be so quick to characterize or “cubbyhole” a person – or a profession.  And we cannot be dismissive of someone either.  I don’t know much about the game of chess.  But I know the internet said it is the piece of the smallest size and value.  When we look at others the way Jesus looks at them – everyone has a great value.  We are all precious in His eyes. 

The second definition of a pawn is “a person used by others for their own purposes.”  I’ve known people who use other people.  Unfortunately, I once watched a mother coach a daughter on exactly how to act and what to say to get what she wants from other people.  We can’t be people users.  It is not what God wants us to be. 

It is better to be kind and gentle.  It is better to put other’s first.  Many young women are very physically attractive – and that beauty carries a certain amount of power.  Women should not use their beauty as a weapon. It is much better that the outward beauty be matched by a sweet inner beauty that will glorify God.  We should never want to use anyone …  to make them a pawn. 

Everyone is important in God’s sight.  We all have souls.  God loves every soul and He absolutely never ever wants anyone to be lost.  That is why He is so rich in grace and mercy toward us.  Or should I say we are rich because of His mercy and grace? 

God is all powerful.  He doesn’t need us – not really.  But He loves us and He wants us.  That makes all the difference and isn’t amazing that God in all His power and majesty would want us?  He does though. 

God wants us to be in heaven with Him, so He made the arrangements before the foundation of the world.  His Son would be (and is) the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  The Spirit inspired the scriptures so we would know the commandments of Christ and keep them. 

It is up to us to make that choice. 

Christ above all things – Robin

Taking Up Our Cross

We all wake up with the same potential every day.  We all wake up with the opportunity to do our best for Him. 

The cost of discipleship is something each of us should consider.  The Lord demands total commitment; but the rewards are far greater than anything we could begin to imagine!

Taking Up Our Cross

Whew!  Well, here I am Lord.  You said, “take up your cross and follow me.”  And so here I find myself.  I didn’t know for sure if I would make it, there were a lot of distractions in the way.  But I finally made it. 

 Oh, there’s the pretty young lady in the blue dress.  She was ahead of me a little bit; I see she made it.  That’s good. 

 Me?  What do you mean, Lord?  Oh, I see.  You want to know why it took me so long to get here.  Well, the truth is … there were some things I needed to go take care of first.  Like what? you say. 

 Well, God – there were my friends down at Old Joe’s Bar & Grill.  I had to go tell all those girls bye.  I had to tell them I wouldn’t be coming back.  I couldn’t be hanging around with them if I was going to pick up a cross, right? 

 What did you say?  I didn’t quite catch that, Lord.  OH!  I see.  You think I should have asked them to come with me.  I should have told them the good news about you? 

 Well, maybe so, but I don’t think those girls down at Old Joe’s would be the least bit interested in taking up Your cross to follow You.  They would have to give up too much fun to do that. 

 Huh?  I mean what? – Sir?  Those girls said the same thing about me? Mmmm .. well, I guess you never know about folks, right God?  Maybe when I am used to my own cross, I can go back and ask if they want to meet You.  For now, I just kind of want to keep everything quiet. 

 So how does this cross-thing work?  Am I supposed to pick out my own?  I gotta say it doesn’t look like there are too many to choose from.  These are not very stylish at all.  Why do they all look so much alike? 

 What, Sir?  Oh, look over here?  Yes, that’s where the lady with the blue dress was earlier.  I’ll go check it out. 

 Lord these aren’t any better than the other ones.  They are all rough.  I might get splinters.  But, oh all right.  Yes, I understand.  Great promises come with taking up our cross.  But all that seems so far away.  I’m still pretty young.  I have a lot of life left to live. 

 I don’t want to lose all my friends.  Maybe I can hide my cross under my clothes – then no one will know I’m wearing one.  They won’t know I’m trying to follow You.

 So I wonder, God – do You have any crosses that are a little smaller?  Something I can hide under my coat?  That would be perfect if you did. 

 Lord?  Lord?  Where did you go, Lord?

"And He said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."  Luke 9:23

Christ above all things -- Robin

Fitting In

 

 Want to know the way to a great day?  It is as easy as one two three. 

• Number one - Pray. Praise God and thank Him for your blessings.
• Number two - Smile at those you encounter throughout your day.
• Number three - do a good deed today - something for someone else.
• One - two - three equals a great day! Let’s make it happen!

At Maywood Christian Camp I very rarely have much contact with the older girls unless they happen to come by and see me at my cabin.  A few of my former campers do that sometimes.  It is such a joy when they do!

Several years ago, I noticed a teenage girl walk away from the pavilion.  It was almost time for our worship hour, but she was going the wrong way.  I went to catch up with her.  For one reason, she was leaving the place she where she was supposed to be.  For another, I knew something must be wrong. 

Finally I got close enough to stop her so we could talk.  She had been crying and was still upset.  It turns out she wasn’t fitting in very well with some of the other girls.  Maybe I should say they weren’t fitting in too well with her.  They had made fun of her over something.  I don’t remember why. 

I’ve often talked about the tender hearts of young children.  But sometimes teens can be really horrible to each other.  I’m talking about boys AND girls – and yes sadly, even at a Christian camp.   I am not here to condemn anyone.  I just remember very well how it felt to be a teenager. 

At that age everyone wants to fit in and have friends.  This is why we should teach our young people the importance of being kind to ALL people – even if they are a little different than what we are used to. 

The truth is we don’t have to be a teenager to struggle with fitting in.  Adults do too.  Everyone deserves the same consideration as everyone else.  As Christians, we may be the ones who do not fit in with those around us.  And that can hurt sometimes. 

The old saying about not judging a book by its cover stands true.  We should take time to look inside a person and see the beauty there.  The world places a pretty high value on outward beauty, but God says who we are on the inside is what matters most.   

When we overlook someone because they are different in any way .. we may miss the opportunity to know a totally delightful person.  To lose such a treasure would be a great shame. 

I believe there was a reason Jesus taught the parable of the good Samaritan.  He wanted to break down social barriers.  The kindness of the Samaritan was far better than the negligence of the priest and the Levite. 

When we see someone whose heart may be aching, treat them with love and compassion.  Remember Jesus reached out to the outcasts in society.  He showed them love.  Let us do our best to follow His example.

1 John 3:18  Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Christ above all things - Robin

 

 

Weathering the Storm

We never know what life is going to throw at us.  When I was a teenager, I thought my adult life was going to be absolutely wonderful.  I would have the job I wanted.  Live in the right house, in the nicest neighborhood, in the best city.  I thought I would have the kindest, best-looking husband, and perfect children. 

I thought this would happen because I would be the one to “make” it happen.  Everything would be my choice.  I would choose my career and pick out my house.  Then real life found its way to me and the devil came with it. 

Now that I’m older (and wiser, I hope) I understand I can’t control every circumstance of my life.  Sometimes things happen as a result of bad choices true; but sometimes things just happen. 

When mom was in fourth grade the house they lived in burned.  I’ve heard her talk about how frightened she was.  They lost material things; but thankfully no one was hurt.  It was something that just happened. 

I know people weathering all sorts of storms right now through no fault of their own.  They’ve lost life-time jobs during this pandemic.  They’ve taken on the role of caregiver for parents or their spouse.  It’s not something we think about often; but it happens. 

Many of us lost loved ones over the past couple of years.  I know parents who go through many sleepless nights because they are concerned about the condition of their child’s soul.  

Ecclesiastes 9:11 brings great comfort to me.  “Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.”

It is the last part of the verse which brings me comfort because it tells me things just happen sometimes.  This passage helps me realize that at some point in time all of us have weathered at least one storm.  At least that is what I think of. 

I think most of what I wanted as a teenager was to make my own choices. I wanted that “control” most of us want when we are that age.  As we grow and mature as Christians, we realize it is God who is in control.  It is up to us trust and obey him. 

Even the most faithful among us will go through tragic, heart breaking stuff.  The fastest runner does not always win.  But the winners always finish.  In the Christian race, it is not speed that counts.  It is love and faithfulness. 

We cannot give up!  When life gets so very tough and we don’t know how we will make it, we need to hang on to our faith. Stand fast. Our God will help us make it.

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

 Christ above all things - Robin