There You Are!

     Hello out there!  I hope things are well with those who may be reading this post.  I pray God will bless you as you seek and serve Him throughout your days.
      One of my favorite movies is "Hook."  I really can't tell you why I like that movie so much, I just do.  It's based on the story of Peter Pan and stars Robin Williams (Peter Pan), Dustin Hoffman (Hook) and Julia Roberts (Tinker Bell).  Only in this movie/story Peter left Never Land years ago.  He grew up, married and had a family.  His days in Never Land are long forgotten. 
       I won't go through the whole movie, but one of my favorite scenes is when the Lost Boys are with the adult Peter for the first time.  They don't realize who he is.  Arguments ensue back and forth and somehow Robin Williams ends up on his knees.  One of the very smallest Lost Boys stands face to face with him.
        This very young child looks takes Peter's face in his hands and turns it and stretches it in all kinds of ways all the while looking deeply into his eyes.  He is earnestly searching for something he recognizes.  Then he stops, smiles and says delightedly  -- "Oh there you are, Peter!"  To me it's a very touching scene. 

         We can draw many spiritual parallels to this. 
       Do we recognize Christ?  Does He recognize us?  And if we do know who Christ is, are we showing Him to others?
Well, to answer the first question, all we have to do is turn to our Bibles.  From the very beginning we are introduced to Christ through the scriptures.  As you turn the pages, please don't just read ... delve deeply into the scriptures.  In the Old Testament that God promised Adam and Eve a Savior would come into the world to defeat Satan.  Learn how God promised Abraham all nations of the earth would be blessed through him. 
      Study to understand that all the prophets from Moses until John the Baptist pointed to our wonderful Savior.  Turn to the four gospels of the New Testament and "there He is!"  Dig deeply into the riches of the scriptures and you will find Him there.  We can learn all about Jesus through the Father's word. 
       Learn of His miraculous birth and how the angels sang to the shepherds in the field.  We recognize this Jesus -- He is the Promised One.  He is the Christ.  Read the Sermon on the Mount and get to know our Savior.  He taught a very different message than the scribes and Pharisees did. 
      As we read through the gospels we come to know Jesus.  We see His power and His compassion; and learn of His great love.  We try to comprehend how a perfect and
divine being could sacrifice so much for so many that would ultimately care so little.   
    The remainder of the New Testament is still all about Jesus!  He promised to build His church and He did on the day of Pentecost.  Seek the Savior and learn the history of the early church He purchased with His own blood.  See how it grew under God's power and care.  
     Jesus promised to send the apostles a Comforter that would bring them to all knowledge and understanding of the truth. (John 15:26-27)  That promise was kept too.  The Spirit filled words of His disciples are recorded in the rest of the books of the New Testament.  And guess who all those books  (letters) point us back to?  Yes, Jesus! 
       Maybe we've gotten out of the habit of learning about Jesus- of seeking to find Him in the pages of the Bible.  Maybe our lives are so busy that we've allowed satan to fool us into believing that other things are more important and there will be more time for that later.  Do we recognize Jesus in our lives anymore?   
      Maybe we've grown tired and weary -- or become lukewarm -- or turned back to the call of the world -- or we're going through the motions of being a Christian-- but we've left our first love.  Maybe we think because we are doing all the right things outwardly that everything is OK anyway. 
         We could say the same thing about prayer.  It is so very important!  We know we are supposed to pray without ceasing.  We know God wants to hear from His children and we know Jesus is our Mediator.  Prayer is vital.  But do we pray so irregularly that Christ doesn't recognize us as one of His own when we do?  What a frightening thought!  You see we know Jesus through the Scriptures.  He knows us through our prayers  .... but then again if we don't pray, how can He know us? 
         The way we live is another parallel here.  Do people recognize that Christ is in our lives?  Are we living, walking examples of Him?  If the world doesn't recognize us as a Christian, do we think Christ Himself will?  It is certainly something to meditate upon. 
         I know myself.  I know I get distracted sometimes.  I lose my focus, stumble and fall. We all do.  If we have obeyed the gospel, we are forgiven sinners who are striving to be servants of righteousness.  And our Redeemer is there to help us.  As we look up to Him -- we can say "There you are, Jesus!" 
        If we are faithful - if our faith is an obedient faith and we love Christ enough to keep His commandments.  Something wonderful will happen for us on judgment day.  If we know Him here now, if people recognize Him in us here on earth, we will come before Him and the Book of Life will be opened.  And in essence, He will see us and say, "There you are!"

       The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments

         and I will never blot his name out of the book of life.

         I will confess his name before my Father and before His

         angels.  (Revelation 3:5, ESV)

 

Won't it be wonderful!?

 

Christ above all things,

Robin

 

Pay Attention Please!

     "Pay attention, please!"  How many times have we heard that phrase?  How many times have we said that?  Well, as a parent and Bible class teacher, I can assure you I've said it numerous times over the years.  I'm also sure I was told to pay attention plenty of times as a kid!  It's difficult sometimes to stay focused when we should.  We simply do not always listen as well as we ought to. 
    Just as listening can be very important, sometimes paying attention to what we see is also significant.  I was so frustrated yesterday morning.  It was over something I had done myself; but it didn't lessen my aggravation. 
     I was nearly out of shampoo the other day so while I was shopping I decided to buy another bottle.  I like to change shampoos from time to time, so I looked for something new to try.  I took several minutes looking at brands, formulations and prices.  I even picked up several bottles and opened the top to find out what they smelled like.  After sniffing several bottles, I finally chose one and went on with my shopping.
     Yesterday I was excited to get to use my new shampoo.  But when I picked up the bottle and poured it into my hand I knew the consistency just didn't feel like it was shampoo.  I sensed that something wasn't quite right.  So I picked the bottle up again and read the label.  After all that deliberation over which shampoo to buy, I bought home conditioner instead!!  That was way too much aggravation so early in the morning. 
      On my way to work, I laughed at myself.  I realized I hadn't been paying attention closely enough.  Honestly, conditioner instead of shampoo?  Who does that?  Well, obviously those who don't take the time to actually look at the bottle they are picking up to buy!  I couldn't blame it on anyone but myself.
      Maybe we're like that with the Bible sometimes.  I looked at so many different kinds of shampoo and still picked up the wrong thing.  It was the scent I wanted, but it was conditioner not shampoo.  Sometimes we do the same thing with our Bible study.  Maybe we read a particular passage, think about how beautiful it is but never apply the principles to our lives.  It's the blessings we want; but we don't take the instructions to heart. 
     So often we rationalize sin away.  Oh sure, we might not ever dream of robbing a bank; but then think nothing of robbing a sister of her privacy and good reputation by running to tell someone what we just heard about her.  The Bible says gossip is wrong.  Most of us understand that, but it is sometimes difficult to resist.  (I'm talking to myself here, too). 
     What about always telling the truth?  A lying tongue is one of the things God hates (Proverbs 6:16-17); but even this we rationalize away, thinking that "white lies" are OK --or that "depending on the circumstances" it's OK to fudge on the truth just a little bit.  What about losing our temper and flying off the handle?  James 1:19-20 says:  "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (ESV)  Can anyone say road rage? 
       So often we think the Bible does not apply to us in the same manner that it applies to others.  It's possible to read right over a verse and ignore it's instruction.  We often see people who claim to be Christians, but don't live the life of one.  As individuals, we have a tendency to think that our case is different somehow --that we are special -- that God's word is not directed at us.  It's kind of like my son told me once when he was little, "My name's not thou." 
     Picking and choosing what we want to obey is dangerous.  We might wind up with something we don't want.  I didn't want to bring home conditioner.  I wanted shampoo.  I was careless.  The result of being careless with God's word will be much more serious. 
    Don't rationalize what you find in God's word.  REALIZE how much He loves you.  Get to know His Son through study of the Scriptures.  Understand that Jesus really is your best friend.  Christ tells us in John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."  He is our Lord and Savior.  He put everything on the line for us -- every thing!! 
            Christ warns us about not listening to Him or believing in Him.  John 12:48 is only one of many such verses:  "The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day."   What a scary thought!
        But listen to the beautiful words of our Good Shepherd:  "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."  (John 10:27)   "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."  (John 14:21)

       Pay attention please!  
      Jesus promised us it will be worth it!

Christ above all things,
Robin


       


     

"His House Blew Up"

     It was Wednesday night.  We had finished our lesson and our handwork.  We had a little down time, so we decided to play a game.  I was teaching 4 and 5 year olds at the time.  Naturally, they are a little more advanced than 2's and 3's. 
     At this age, children are beginning to learn more and more about the world around them.  Usually by this time, they have begun to understand the concept of games and really like to play them.  Guessing games are a good way for them to test their knowledge and help them build on what they have already learned.  It was favorite activity in this particular class.
     We had six children in this age group, so there were two of us teaching together.  We always enjoyed playing the "guess who" game with them.  One of us would secretly pick out the name of a Bible character and give hints from the story of that character.  An example would be "I tried to hide from God. Guess who?"  If that hint was not helpful, we continued to give other more obvious ones until the class was able to guess the person's name. 
     Sometimes when we played this game, the children liked to be the ones to give the hints and let the teachers guess who the Bible character was.  So it was on this night ... several years ago.  Our young student was really excited to have his turn.  The other teacher and I were curious to know who he might come up with.
     Now you have to understand that children take what they hear from a Bible story and process it in a way that they can understand it for themselves.  We ALL do that though - not just children.  I put pictures in my head all the time to help me learn something new.  However, we also all know that sometimes children think differently than we do as adults. 
     So it was the child's turn.  It went something like this:
"OK, what's your first clue?"  I asked.
The little boy eagerly replied, "His house blew up."
      Well that's not much to go on, I thought to myself. 
I looked at the other teacher and she was smiling, but I couldn't tell from her expression if she might know who or what he was talking about. 
     Thinking he might have something mixed up somewhere -- maybe even something he'd seen on the news - I asked, "His house blew up?"
     "Yes," he said.  "His house blew up and he didn't have a place to live anymore." 
      "Really?"  I said. 
       And in my mind, "What could this child be thinking?"    When neither one of his teachers replied, the little boy went on ... "His house blew up, and he didn't have anywhere to go and he walked and he walked a long time, and finally he found a cave in the mountains to spend the night." 
      At this point, the other teacher finally looked over at me and still with a smile on her face said under her breath, "I hope you know what he's talking about because I don't have a clue." 
     I'd already gone through all the Bible stories I could think of --- from both the Old and the New Testament - all kinds of mental pictures had run through my mind.  And with that last clue, the one about a cave in the mountains, I thought I just might know who our little guy was talking about.  So I asked him, "Are you talking about Lot?" 
    "Yes!" he said excitedly.  His house blew up and his whole town did and he had to walk a long time and go to the mountains and live in a cave. 
    Well, I had to admit the child was right.  Lot was Abraham's nephew and if you don't know his story, it would be worthwhile to learn about him.  He is first introduced in Genesis chapter 12.  Lot's story is intertwined with Abraham's and he is mentioned several times between chapters 12 through 19. 
     There is a back story that leads up to him losing his home, but Genesis 19 is the lesson that our little student had in mind.  He was pretty much right on target:
       "The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven."  (Gen. 19:24) -- I think it is fair to say that Lot's house and the whole town could have blown up ....
       Lot was homeless.  He and his family didn't have anywhere to go.  The angels told him to leave the plain and take his family into the mountains, but Lot begged to go the "little city" of Zoar.  The angels agreed.  (19: 17-23)
However,  after the destruction of those two evil cities, Lot became afraid to stay in Zoar and chapter 19 verse 30 tells us that he did leave and go into the mountains and lived in a cave with his two daughters. 
      Young children never cease to amaze me!  I couldn't believe how this sweet little boy had remembered the story.  The details had impressed him enough to share it with us.  Young minds are like little sponges.  Even when you don't think they are paying attention, they pick up so much from what they hear and see!  We hadn't studied about Lot in Bible class, but someone had taught him this story and he had remembered it well.
      We should all remember the story of Lot from time to time.  We can learn many lessons from his life and the choices he made.  Time will not allow me to go into great depth here tonight, but those of us who know the history of Abraham's nephew understand that he made unwise decisions and paid for them dearly.
       When Lot and Abraham had to part company because their servants began fighting over the land's resources, Abraham gave Lot first choice over which way to go.  Lot chose the plain of Jordan because it was "well-watered" everywhere (Genesis 13:10).  He chose the best land -- but after all, Abraham did give him first choice and some of us may have done the same. 
       Lot went one direction with his household and Abraham went the opposite way.  The physical/ geographical direction both men took is somewhat symbolic of their spiritual direction as well.  Genesis 13:12 tells us that Lot "pitched his tent toward Sodom."  He may not have even intended to end up in that city.  But by the time we get to Genesis 19, we can see that his household is well established within its walls. 
     That's how Satan gets us though.  We don't usually all of a sudden fall into sin like one might fall into a hole dug into the ground.  It usually doesn't happen that fast.  Temptation is alluring and inviting and we are curious or careless or both -- we go a little closer to check it out.  Temptation keeps calling and we keep getting closer.  Before you know it, we are right smack dab in the middle of it just like Lot ended up inside the city of Sodom. 
    Sodom was an evil and corrupt place -- but for some reason it held an attraction for Lot.  He was aware of the corruption going on in that city.  Whether or not he was actually a partaker in anything that was going on there, I don't know.  I do know he didn't choose to stay away from a spiritually dangerous situation.  He also exposed  his wife and daughters to the sinfulness there.  
     Even when the men of the Lord were there to warn him and help him and his family get away, the Bible tells us that he lingered to the point that the men had to take him and his wife and daughters by the hand to bring them out of the city.  (Genesis 19:16)
     Once you become entangled in the sinful world, it is often difficult to pull yourself away.  That is why Peter tells us to "Be sober, be vigilant - for your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour."   (I Peter 5:8)  Have you ever watched one of those nature shows on TV and seen a lion on the hunt?  We are being hunted, my friends; and the hunter is someone we cannot possibly outrun without God's help. 
      Always remember that God loves us.  He sent Jesus Christ to earth to save us from our sins.  If we are sober, obedient and watchful, He will help us to be aware of temptation when it comes our way.  He will help us resist the devil, so that he flees from us. 
     Peter continues in I Peter 5:9 by telling us to resist the devil and remain steadfast in the faith, knowing that brothers and sisters throughout the world are going through the same sufferings. 
      So remember don't be like Lot and linger over something you know is not good for you.  Your house might blow up! 
      I can think of no better way to end tonight than by leaving you with Peter's beautiful words of encouragement which follow his warning of the devil. 
      " And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."  (I Peter 5:10) 
     What a heavenly thought!

Christ above all things,
Robin


    

The Foolish Man's House

     Songs  are a very effective teaching tool.  When my boys were in elementary school, I used to help them learn their spelling words by singing the letters of the word to some familiar tune.  It's the same with memory verses.  Young children love to sing and can remember the words to a tune much more easily than they can remember something by simple recitation. 
      Bible songs for pre-school children teach some of the most basic of Biblical principles.  These lessons may seem obvious to an adult; yet I feel very strongly that they lay the groundwork for learning lessons vital to our spiritual growth.  I think sometimes as adults, we forget how very profound these little lessons are.  Think about it .. the words of these songs often come directly from the Bible.
      One of the favorite songs among my 2's and 3's right now is the one about the wise man who built his upon the rock and the foolish man who built his house upon the sand.  I smile when they ask to sing this song because they don't say, "Let's sing about the foolish man and wise man."  Instead they say, "Let's do this ..."  and they put their little hands in fists one on top of the other as in the motions of the songs.  Actually, doing part of the hand motions is how they ask for many of the songs they like to sing.
      I'm always happy to honor their request.  Yes, we do actually do a Bible story/lesson; but there is plenty of time for singing too.  And as I said, this song has a very good lesson behind is and is taken straight from scripture. I'm sure most of you know the words:
      The foolish man built his house upon the sand (repeat 2x) .. and the rains came tumbling down.  OH.. the rains came down and the floods came up (repeat 2x) and the foolish man's went SPLAT.  {At which time we clap our hands together as loudly as possible). 
       The second verse is: The wise man built his upon the rock ... the rains came tumbling down...and the wise man's house stood firm.
      Third verse:  So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ ... and the blessings will come down as the prayer go up ... So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!!
       The scripture reference comes from the words of Christ himself recorded at the end of His great Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:24-27:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. ²⁷ And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
    See.... this song really is totally based on the scripture, right?  How profound this lesson is -- what Jesus was trying to tell us.  And how I love to see and hear the children sing this song! 
     It is a total delight to watch one little guy in my class as he sings this.  It puts himself into wholeheartedly.  Every motion is done with great enthusiasm.  His little fists build upon one another as if he is building the finest house in the land.  His arms spread as wide apart as they can in an attempt to make that foolish man's house "splat" as loudly as possible. 
     He is just as enthusiastic on the wise man verse as he holds his fists together solidly -- so that they are standing firm, like the wise man's house does.  I think my favorite time to watch him is during the 3rd verse. 
       I cannot aptly describe to you the look on his little face as he sings "Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ."  It is filled with such a mixture of joy, enthusiasm, determination and pride and he sings his little heart out!  I always thought he liked the song because of the foolish man's loud splat.  But the more we sing it together I think his favorite part is pointing upward to heaven and singing "the Lord Jesus Christ." 
      As I watch these precious children sing this all important song, I ask the Father that as they grow older they truly learn the meanings of these words.  I pray they grow to understand just how foolish the foolish man really is ... because he will have his sad reward. 
      I ask that as they grow in understanding, they will hear the words of Christ and do them.  (Doing them is the key).  I pray they grow to understand the true joy of actively building their house on the rock of Jesus.  I hope they will choose to be wise and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, so that their house -- their lives will always --ALWAYS stand firm in Him. 
      Now folks, what about us?  What is our house built on?  Are we or have we been building foolishly building on the sand .. or do we choose to build our house on the rock of our Lord?  Think about it. 

Christ above all things,
Robin 

Knitted Together

      Although they are the object of the occasional sit-com joke, a hand knitted sweater can be very pretty.  The intricate pattern of colors and designs require both discipline and great skill.  It is a skill that I never acquired; but greatly admire.  I'm not good with my hands  -- at all!  Fine-motor co-ordination has never been one of my strong suits. 
       One of my sons has a little outfit hand knitted by his grandmother when he was a newborn.  It is a beautiful little yellow sweater and booties.  I have saved it so that maybe someday one of his children will also be able to wear it.  I also have a beautiful afghan/ blanket that my aunt made for me years ago.  Keepsakes are special.  They remind us of our loved ones.
        Just as those memories are beautiful to us, so are the knitted items themselves.  All the fibers threaded or knit together into one garment or blanket -- the individual strands becoming one beautiful "whole" or complete item.  I've been thinking about this artistry for some time now.  Our minister recently preached a wonderful lesson from the book of Colossians.  It's amazing, isn't it?  God's Word never gets old. 
       We can read and study and hear sermons two or three times a week and all of a sudden something we've studied or read a thousand times before hits us on the head like it's a brand new concept.  The V8 commercials come to my mind.  Sometimes when I hear or learn something from a new perspective,  I feel like that - like popping myself on the forehead. The little bulb above me finally flips on, "Oh yeah  .... I get that!"  I love that feeling because it means I've learned something new about the scriptures and how I can apply them to my life.      
       Consider Colossians 2:1-5 with me.  
"For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden  all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.  For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ."(ESV)
          I suppose you know by now the phrase "being knit together in love" is what caught my attention.  When he quoted that passage my mind immediately jumped to hand-knitted items.  In the New Testament scriptures, the church is compared to several things -- the kingdom of God, a building fitly framed together, and the body of Christ are the first three that come to mind.  There are others - Jesus refers to His followers as branches in the book of John.  Paul say in Ephesians 2 that we are Christ workmanship - His creation. 
      All of these mentioned are wonderful beautiful illustrations of what Christ wanted the church to be -- united in love for the purpose of glorifying the Father.  We could learn many lessons from any of these analogies.  Being knit together in love is the one I want to focus on right now. 
      We see a building as a whole and we know that in order for it to be a solid and secure structure each part of the building must be "fitly framed together."  We also know how wonderfully our own bodies are made -- and we should be able to understand very easily the comparison of the church to Christ's body.  And yes, even being a branch on the true vine shows that we must be totally connected to Christ in order to grow and thrive.
     As we picture these comparisons in our minds, we can easily see the whole building, with a floor, walls and a ceiling.  We can see  the vine with branches sprouting from it.  We can imagine a body with different parts all working together. 
      Now think of a blanket that has been knitted.  Hold it up and what do you see?  One blanket.  You have to look very closely to see the intertwining individual threads all looped together into one piece. They individual threads have literally been connected together to make one blanket.  They are fastened together so carefully, so skillfully -- they are one now. 
      That's what Paul means here ... we are supposed to be so closely bound to one another that we lose ourselves to become part of something much greater and much more beautiful than we could ever be alone.  We are to be knit together -- fastened -- connected -- so closely that we are one. 
       Being knit together in love .. that's what Paul wanted the Colossian Christians to be.  He wanted them to be one ... to give themselves over wholly to the Lord and to one another.  Through this great unselfish love for another -- they would come "to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden  all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."   
       It is through losing ourselves in the love for others that we reach full assurance of understanding .... how rich it is to have the full assurance of understanding .. and the knowledge of God's mystery.  God's mystery is Christ ... the love of Christ toward us.  The mystery is that God's Son would willingly give Himself to die on the cross for sinners like you and me.  We didn't deserve it ... we were not - are not worthy of His love.  This is a love that we can barely comprehend.  But oh, how rich this love is!  And what assurance we gain in our knowledge of this love!! 
        In Christ - in His word -- we come to know His love.  Through our knowledge of His love -- His willingness to lose Himself -- we can understand that we must love this way.  We must lose ourselves in each other -- caring so much for others they way He cared for us.  We must be connected to one another.  Then we are part of a beautiful blanket that can bring warmth and love to a cold, dark world! 
       Think about it -- are you ready to be "knit together in love" with your church family?  Paul says it is through this love that our hearts are encouraged.  Christ, our Savior had this kind of love for us.  He wanted us to love one another as He has loved us. 
       The reward of losing ourselves to others in the name of Christ is the best reward ever!!  For it is in the losing -- that we become the finders. 
      "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."  (Matthew 16:25)

Christ above all things,
Robin

Mosquito Bites and Polished Toe Nails

    Whew!  After being away from the world for a week I forgot my password into my account.  I was afraid I might not be able to post tonight.  But finally, I think I am back on track.  Thankfully!
     Every year, after a week at Maywood Christian Camp, I come home with mosquito bites above and around my ankles.  Also every year, my co-counselor and very good friend gives me a pedicure.  So I come home with my toe nails polished.  It really does make my feet feel pretty.  This is a silly feminine thing, I know.  If you know me at all, you know I am not very frilly -- but I do enjoy a good pedicure now and then!      
    The bites and the painted nails are temporary minor changes in my outward physical appearance.   What I come back with on the inside is much more significant.   That's because I come home with my head (mind), heart and soul strengthened in love for my God and Christ, my Savior.  Being a part of the week at Maywood is a truly spiritual experience and every year it only gets better and better.
    2014 is the 50th year of existence for this wonderful camp.  A few visionary Christian men saw the need for a camp for young people.  It was their dream to have a place children could come to play and to learn about Jesus.   The Mays, a wonderful Christian couple, donated the land for this camp.  One of the men,  E.R. Bruce said, "I can hear the children now - running and laughing."
      The work began. Trees were felled and land was cleared.  After many hours of hard physical labor Maywood Christian Camp opened for the first time.  Fifty years later, it is going stronger than ever.   Most of those hard working, God fearing men have gone on to their reward.  But their legacy lives on.  Yes, Brother Bruce - I hope you still hear those children running and playing on the hills of Maywood!
     Fifty years ago, dreams came true.  Fifty years ago those woods heard children sing praises to God.   Bible classes were held and the truth was taught.  Lives were changed. 
Marriage proposals have taken place at Maywood.  Wedding ceremonies have been held there.  Christian families started ... more children to be raised to follow the Heavenly Father. 
     Maywood has seen fifty years worth of baptisms and restorations to God's family.  It has heard 50 years worth of lessons taught by Christian men who love and believe in our youth.  One of our directors from last week, was blessed to attend Maywood as a child 50 years ago.  He is still passing the torch,  and fanning the flame of love for God and for Maywood. 
    As a child, I attended this camp under the directorship of the aforementioned E.R. Bruce.  He used to say that Maywood was the center of the universe because you could go anywhere from there.  He was right.  I know people who have attended Maywood that have gone on mission trips to many parts of the world.  Do they talk about camp while on those trips?  Probably not -- but the love they have for their Lord was strengthened there and that is what they take with them.  Most of them face much more than a few bug bites while they are gone off to strange lands to teach God's word.
     So when I come to my earthly home after a week at Maywood, I bring back a lot more than mosquito bites and evidence of a pedicure.  I bring back a deeper love for my Lord, a greater sense of wonder at how God works in our lives, a deeper respect for all those who laid the groundwork for what I now enjoy one week a year.  I  bring back a joyous appreciation of the dedication and faithfulness of those who come and work in the here and now.  I bring back a stronger sense of responsibility to my Lord and Savior, and a greater love for young people.
      When I come back from Maywood, I bring back more patience after having lived with 12 or 13 other people in one cabin for a week.  I bring back thankfulness for the parents who entrust their sweet children to us for that time.  I remember that every child,  EVERY child is a gift from God.  I bring back the realization that these young people can and do teach me as much as I could ever teach them.  I bring back a deeper understanding of God's word.
     After a week at Maywood Christian Camp, I come back physically exhausted but spiritually rejuvenated.  I come back praying that if I live through another year, the Lord will allow me the opportunity to go back to Maywood again!
I come back to my earthly home thankful to the Father that I was able in some small way to serve Him this past week. 
      This year I came back with a stronger realization than ever before that this world is not my home  -- I really am "just passin' through."  And I know that until He calls me home -- serving Him is what it's all about.  I don't want to forget that.  Although, I will stumble and fall sometimes, I pray I'll get right back up again. 

Christ above all things,
Robin
   

Going by the Rules

       Wow!  It's been nearly a month since my last post.  Time goes by way too quickly, especially when you are busy and it seems that so much is happening at one time.  Self discipline has never been one of my strong points.  For my own sake, I need to try to be more consistent about my posts. 
     Speaking of the swift march of time, my nephew, Gentry, graduated from high school last Saturday night.  I am so proud of all my nephews and nieces on both sides of the family.  They are truly wonderful people; and I have precious memories of each and every one of them.  Memories I hold dear to my heart.  My nieces and nephews make being an aunt a grand and joyful experience! 
     As for Gentry - well, it seems only a few weeks ago a 3 year old little boy ran across my parents' backyard and into my arms for a big hug. That's only one of the special memories I have of him. I also remember the year he started kindergarten.  We were all together for the Thanksgiving weekend, and I asked him what he had learned in school so far. Without hesitation, he smiled brightly, looked up at me with those beautiful dark brown eyes of his and said, "The rules."  His answer made me smile too. 
    I suppose learning the rules and how to abide by them is pretty important for success in kindergarten.  Perhaps for many, our first set of "official rules" are given to us when we start school or pre school. Here is where we begin to understand our behavior has an effect on others.  Sharing and taking turns, keeping our hands to ourselves, not talking when it's time to be quiet, paying attention to the teacher and following instructions are all learned behaviors.  Each of these is vital to a successful classroom situation. 
      Every teacher has their own set of rules.  Most of them are the same, but some may vary from teacher to teacher.  In order to get by in this world, there are rules to follow in every phase of our lives.  We learn to abide by rules in our classrooms, guidelines in our workplace and laws from our governments. 
      Some governmental laws encroach upon the citizens' individual rights.  Certain rules of society can go too far ... sometimes they may border on the nonsensical with not even a hint of common sense anywhere in sight.  Remember Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees because so many of their restrictions and traditions placed upon the people had become burdensome?
     Honestly, the most important rules are the ones we learn from the Good Book - the Bible.  Although most people don't like to admit it, all truly good rules are Biblically based.  To put it another way, if the whole world (individually) could learn to treat others the way they themselves wish to be treated -- then the world would be a better place!  There is a reason that Matthew 6:12 is called "the Golden Rule." 
     I understand there is no way we can work our way to heaven.  We are saved by God's grace.  He loved us so much that He offered a perfect sacrifice for our sins.  It is only when we are washed in the precious blood of Jesus that we begin to have hope of eternal life.  We don't earn our salvation by our works --but we do earn our salvation through obedience to His Son.  It is dangerous for us to ignore this fact. 
     Many claim to love Christ and say they want to be in heaven with Him and yet refuse to learn of Him and keep His commandments.  The way we find out what these rules are is through the Bible.  It is inspired of God and is our guidebook for life.  We can't do what Christ tells us if we don't know what that is.  We can't know what that is unless we read and study the Bible.  Then we must take what we learn seriously. 
      We are familiar with many of the following scriptures, but it is good to review from time to time.  Consider these words from the Bible:
     II Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." (ASV)
     In these verses Paul tells us it is scripture that teaches us and trains us in righteousness.  As the we study and allow ourselves to be trained by God's word -- then we become complete -- furnished and ready for every good work.  We learn here that the words of the Bible are truly inspired (other translations say "God-breathed").  In order to learn to "of God" we are to go His word.  Then we are ready to do the good works He would have us do.
     Jesus told us back in John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."  Do we love Jesus?  Is it the kind of love that is obedient to His word?  Do we care enough to find out what those commandments are?  Or do we simply trust the preacher and our Sunday school teachers without trying to find out ourselves what the scriptures tell us? 
     Paul says in II Timothy 2:15 - "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (ASV)  The King James version says to "Study to show thyself approved."  If we are diligent to present ourselves approved to God -- well, naturally that means we are going to study it well enough to "handle aright the word of truth."  Right? 
     Go back to the gospel of John.  In chapter 15:14 - Jesus tells his disciples:  "You are my friends if you do the things I command you."  How do we find out what it is that Jesus commands us?  Well, again (and yes, I am repeating myself, but I feel this is a very important point) -- we can only do what Christ commands if we know His commandments are.  We can only know what His commands are if we are willing to put forth the effort to study God's word. 
     II Timothy 2:15 says "thyself" -- that is very personal.  Timothy had been taught from his youth by his grandmother and his mother.  He already knew the scriptures, right?  Well, sure - I have no doubt that Timothy did know a lot about God's word.  Yet, Paul still tells Timothy that he is the one who must study and handle God's word correctly.  If we seek to be approved by God -- we must know the Word. 
We must furnish ourselves and be prepared for every good work which He commands us to do.
       God's word is important.  The Bible contains the word of Truth.  It is here we learn God's rules.  It is here we learn how to be a friend to Jesus.  Following the rules of society will help us get along in this world.  Following the rules of the Bible will get us into heaven after this world.
      We would do well to learn from the apostle Peter, who loved his Master and his Savior: 
     Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? 
     Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have
      believed and know that thou are the Holy One of 
      God. (John 6:68-69 ASV)

     Think about it. Indeed, to whom shall we go?

Christ above all things,
Robin