Caught in Heavy Traffic

 

Good morning and Happy Friday!  I am praying we all have a wonderful day today.  You know how good you feel when someone tells you how much they appreciate you – or says something good about you?  Sure, we all do!  Cheerful kind words build us up and help us through tough times.  It means something to us when someone expresses confidence in our abilities or tells us they have faith in us.  Let’s be the person who offers up kind words to someone else today.  Build someone else up by expressing your faith in them.  Someone you know needs just the right words today and you may be just the right person to say them. 

 Caught in Heavy Traffic –

My parents were on a trip together.  They were driving through Atlanta.  If you’ve ever driven through Atlanta, you know how bad traffic can be there.   Well, I guess they came through at one of the busiest times of day.  I remember Mom telling me about it when they came back home.  She said it was scary. 

There were multiple lanes of traffic all going the same direction at what seemed like hair-raising speed.  Cars were speeding by in a blur and the lanes were tight.  They felt pinned in.  Every lane was moving so quickly, they could not slow down or get to another lane so they could exit the interstate.

 “What did Dad do?” I asked. 

“The only thing he could do,” she said.  “He focused on the road ahead.  He maintained his speed and kept moving forward.  He could not afford to look around.”  

They made it through Atlanta just fine; but I remember what she said about how much concentration it took both of them to make it through the city.    Mom compared the experience to our journey to get to heaven.  I loved her parallels.

 She compared looking straight ahead on the highway to staying on the straight and narrow road to heaven.  They could not look from side to side on the highway or they might end up veering into another lane and getting hit by another car.  While travelling the road of righteousness, we cannot afford to look around.  We don’t want to wander off the path, we will most likely get hit by sin if we do.

 Just like they didn’t want to have a wreck, we shouldn’t allow the world to cause us to have a spiritual wreck.  We need to say focused on what is good and true.  We need to concentrate on God’s love and showing that love to others. 

 Mom said the cars were just racing by.  The world is distracting.  Things happen fast all around us.  We must keep our attention on the main thing – getting to heaven.  In the situation with my parents on the road, they were in it together.  They were not alone.  As Christians we are never alone.  The Lord is our partner, and He will help us stay focused.  If only we let Him. 

That’s the key.  Choosing the right road … not veering from it.  Moving forward – not lagging behind.  Keeping our eyes on the road to heaven.  Concentrating on our destination.  Keeping God as our travelling companion. 

We can do this – together we can make this journey.  It is not always easy.  Sometimes we get caught up in heavy traffic.  We might think it would be easier to take a detour.  But if we keep God in our hearts and continue to move straight ahead, we will make it!

Christ above all things – Robin Whitley  

I Don't Really Want to Do This

 Adam and I were on our way to the funeral home.  We were going to express our final respects to someone we both knew.  It’s been so long ago; I don’t even remember how old Adam was.  Maybe 13?  It was the first time he made his own decision to go to a visitation.  

I didn’t tell him what to wear; but he dressed nicely.  I was proud of him and his decision.  On the way to the funeral home, he was a little fidgety.  Finally, he looked over at me and said “Mom, I really don’t want to do this. I just want you to know.” 

“Son, I don’t know anyone who ever wants to go to the funeral home,” I said.

He responded, “Yeah, I know.   It will be sad, and I am a little nervous.  But I know later I will be glad I was there for my friend.” 

We started talking about Romans 12:15. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  Christians are supposed to love and comfort one another.  We are to be there for each other through the good times and the bad times. 

Those things we do for each other are not always pleasant tasks.  But if we truly love each other, we will do them anyway.   Jesus said, “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – (Matthew 5:4).  I think part of that comes through the faith and peace we have as Christians.  I also think part of that comfort comes from other Christians. 

I believe Jesus built the church because He knew we would need each other.  We do this for our fellow Christians to help keep them from losing their way.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (1 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

We know we have all drawn comfort from our Heavenly Father – so then we comfort others who need it.  To show we love them – like God loves us.  Losing a loved one is one of the terrible losses we face in life.  It is good to know we never have to go through that journey alone. 

People need comfort for other reasons.  It could be when we realize we have fallen short and we repent before the church confessing our sins.  We should be right there offering help and comfort in any way we can.  Struggling with temptation is difficult.  Sometimes we just need help.  Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 –"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

We may need comfort when we or someone in our family is sick or recovering from surgery.  Our Christian family can help in so many ways during these times.  When natural disaster strikes, and homes are destroyed – the church as a group and as individuals pitch in to help. 

We all need a little help now and then.  Because God comforts us, let us also comfort others – even when it is not always easy. 

Christ above all things – Robin   

 

 

Made in 1967

A few days ago my husband retrieved some speakers from his storage shed/ workshop. The speakers we were using had stopped working, so he went outside to get these.  Guess when these were made?  You got it.  They were made in 1967 and sold under the JC Penney’s brand Penncrest.  They still work remarkably well!! 

Many things are made to last. Some furniture is of the best quality and lasts for a hundred years or more.  Houses built at the beginning of our country’s history are still standing.  We have old cars from the 50’s.  Even movies and TV shows have been around for decades.

What about you?  When were you “made” – or shall I say born?  I confess, I am older than Robert’s speakers.  I must admit I was surprised they still worked. He was very pleased they did! 

By the way, out of curiosity I looked up when the Super Bowl was first played.  Guess when that was?  1967.  So the speakers and the Super Bowl are the same age.  I find that amusing. 

All the things I’ve mentioned are old by our standards; still they will not last forever.  But we know some things will.  Wonderful, beautiful things which give Christians hope, joy, peace – and yes, comfort and courage. 

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are eternal.  They have always been and always will be.  The Heavenly Father, Jesus the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit are timeless.  They have no beginning and no end.  They all had a part in creation and as Christians they all have a part in our lives and in our faith today. 

The second thing which lasts forever is God’s word.  Isaiah 40:8 says – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”  Isn’t it wonderful to know we can stand confidently in knowing the word of God which we believe in – the word upon which we build our faith, and which guides our every action as Christians – will last forever?   Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  Matthew 24:35

What else lasts forever?  God’s love.  His love for us.  He has loved us from the beginning.  He created the world with us in mind.  We were made with love.  Genesis 1:28 says God blessed Adam and Eve and gave them dominion over the earth and its creatures. What an amazing act of love! 

We can read in 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”  These words are repeated several times throughout the Old Testament.  Aren’t they some of the most beautiful words imaginable?

 Not only is God’s love everlasting, but it is also powerful!  We cannot be separated from the love of God.  Read Romans 8:37-39 with me: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Considering this powerful, steadfast, never-ending love – why wouldn’t we want to follow Him?

Love to all – Christ above all things – Robin 

Christ Gave Up Heaven

 Christ Gave Up Heaven

 “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”  Psalm 94:19

What a comforting verse!  We are living in a time when anxieties are high for all of us.  It seems as if every day we have some new challenge to face.  There is a fear of the unknown. 

Yet, we know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us all!  He loves us so much that He gave us His son to redeem us.  Christ gave up heaven to live on earth. Just imagine that!  I still find this so amazing. 

Not only did He give His life for us; but He left the glory of heaven to grow up in our world!!   

Jesus “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  Philippians 2:6-8   

Another verse which points to how much Jesus gave up for us is 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.”   We can’t even begin to imagine what He gave up for us.

Christ our Savior knows what we go through.  He knows … and He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).

I find great comfort in knowing He understands our human frailties and fears.  What a joy and delight it is to know our Savior cares!!  

No matter what we go through, no matter what we face His comforts can delight our souls! 

 Christ above all things -  Robin 

Like a Mighty Rushing Wind

 A Sound Like a Mighty Rushing Wind

Yesterday morning I was ironing clothes to prepare for worship. The ironing board stands beside a window. I could easily hear the wind blowing outside. It wasn't raging or storming by any means, but it was loud enough for me to hear it, nonetheless.

The breeze caused dried leaves to fall from the trees and join other bright colors already on the ground. I could hear that too. Leaves don't usually make a sound when they fall; but once they are dry and brittle they do.

As I ironed, I couldn't help but think about some of the times wind is mentioned in the Bible. The first thing I thought of was the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first gospel sermon.

Consider Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting."

I find it intriguing scripture does not say there was a wind; but a sound like a wind - and not just any wind - a mighty rushing wind. The sound was meant to be heard. This was the day - it was the day Jesus kept His promise to the apostles.

Remember John 14:16-17? Christ said "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you."

What a momentous occasion this was! The sound of a rushing mighty wind ushered in the fulfillment of a promise which led to the establishment of the church. How marvelous it must have been to see Jews from so many different parts of the world gathered in one place to hear the gospel preached in their own language!

Most of us think of this event as the beginning of the church. Indeed, it was. If I ever thought of it as a promise made true, I hadn't done so very often.

It is, though. Christ promised the Helper (or Comforter) would come to them and the Helper came. It was the Holy Spirit. Jesus also promised the Helper would abide with them forever. And He did. The Holy Spirit was not only there with them on the day of Pentecost. He was with them for the rest of their lives. Why do I know this? Because it is what Jesus told them.

See, we know God keeps His promises. Joshua 21:45 says, "Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass."

The rainbow is the sign of a covenant (promise) God gave Noah thousands of years ago. It was the promise God would never again destroy the earth by water. God's promises are many and they are beautiful. And we know from examples in the Bible those promises are kept.

There is one promise we should always remember. It comes from James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

I'm so glad I heard the wind today. I am thankful it reminded me of the sound "like a mighty rushing wind." Always remember God keeps His promises. Hang tough. The Lord will never let us down!

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (James 1:12).

Have a marvelous Monday!

Christ above all things, Robin

The Spider I've Never Met

      A spider has taken up residence right outside my front dear.  I haven't met him  (or her) but the evidence of its presence is there every morning.  He builds his web every night, and every morning I knock it down.  You would think he would give up and move on to another home; but the spider and I have played this little game for several days now.  

     I know some of us ladies don't even like the idea of being near a spider.  Personally, frogs and lizards usually bother me much more than a spider but I don't want to let this unseen inhabitant in my take over my porch.  So the two of us - the spider and I continue doing what we do.  

     I have to admire his tenacity.  His endurance to persevere.  Now, I don't know if a spider really has that much of a personality.  I think God just made the spider to build a web every day or night.  It is the way spiders survive.  They use their web to trap their prey.  (I know not all spiders build webs; but the large majority of the species do).  
     OK, so why am I talking about a spider so much?  Well, this little adventure made me think about a couple of things.  Truth be told, I have to admire the spider's steadfast efforts.  He hasn't given up.  He keeps working.   He is quite persistent.  
      God encourages endurance -- steadfastness -- determination- persistence -- there are many words for it and the Holy Spirit used several of them in the Bible.  Ladies, we cannot give up.  We have to hang in to there.  
      Here is a great verse I found while I studied for this devotional.  When I read it,  I could not help but think of the way God made the spider.  

      We find these words in Proverbs 24:16. 

"For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity."

       I just love this!  God's people don't give up!  They know God is their strength, and their fortress.  They have a confident and steadfast hope of heaven.  So when life knocks them down... they get back up.  

       There is nothing more courageous than a man or woman of any age to walk into a charge building alone.  I've seen older people who attended worship together for many years.  When one spouse dies, the survivor does not lose their faithfulness.  As sad and as difficult as it might be, their faithfulness keeps them going and they continue to worship with their church family.  

      There is a young lady in our congregation who just graduated from high school in May.  She is the only one in her family who attends services -- and she has done so for a couple of years now.  This girl has so much strength and maturity and faithfulness in her heart.  

     Life is not always easy, but we keep doing what we do because we know it is the right thing to do.  I'm not only talking about going to the church building.  I'm talking about how we live our everyday lives - how we conduct ourselves as Christians.  

     Galatians 6:9 -- "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

     The reward we will reap is heaven.  And it will be worth all the things we go through here -- all the little hiccups and headaches we go through - will be worth it.  But we know sometimes what we endure is not little at all.  It is tragic.  The loss of a spouse (through death or divorce), or a child,  or our financial security, natural disasters, losing our health and independence.... 

       Wow, we go through so much in our lives.  Sometimes we don't know how we will make it.  But what we have to do when life knocks us down is rise again.  Rise up instead of give up.  

       God tells us, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

Christ above all things, 

Robin 

     

  

Help for our Spiritual Battles

       Everyone needs encouragement.  Fellowship with other Christians is vital for strength and growth for the individual believer.  We all struggle from time to time.  We all have weaknesses.  So we need help.  Christ knew that.  Our Savior knew we would need each other.  That's why He built the church with His own blood. 
    Christ has promised to always be with us.  But in His infinite wisdom, He also knew the devil would constantly plague us.  Think about it, if satan only left Jesus for a season - then Jesus surely knew we would be harassed by the old devil too.  That is why Jesus wanted us to love and serve one another.  So we could encourage and build one another up enough to be able to face the world on a daily basis  - to help us win the battle against the devil.
     Paul talks about his own spiritual fight in Romans 7: 14-25.  It is a rather long passage, so I will not post it here; but the apostle talks about the struggle between the longing to satisfy worldly desires (whatever they might be) and the desire to follow God and do what is right.  

       Sisters we are in a fight.  We are all tempted from time to time.  My weakness may not be the same as someone else's; but we all have them.  I don't think anyone is immune to temptation.  We all face it at one time or another.  The good news is - we do not have to yield to the devil's temptations.  

      God promised we will always have a way of escape  (1 Corinthians 10:13).  But we have to look for it, right?  We have to fight our way out of the temptations that come our way.  Hopefully, we all understand I am not talking about going out and beating someone up.  

       Paul makes it clear "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).  This is heavy stuff.  We really are in a battle for our souls. 

      BUT as serious as it sounds, it is by no means hopeless.  God is not willing that any should perish.  He really does want us all to win this fight. So He helps us.  Praying strengthens our faith.  The more often we pray the closer we grow to God.  The closer we are to Him, the more able we will be to win our spiritual struggles.  

       Sometimes God's helpers come to help us.  They are present in our lives and willing to help us whenever we reach out.  God's helpers are other Christians.  Maybe they once went through what we are going through.  Maybe their weakness is the same as ours.  Maybe they love others who fight the same thing we fight.  

       On the other hand, these helpers may fight an entirely different battle. Or maybe they have just learned to love souls in the same way God loves souls.  Maybe they just want to be there for us ... to help in any way they can.  

      We can be one of God's helpers too.  We can be compassionate, understanding and loving.  We can study with others.  We can pray with others.  Sometimes all we need to do is sit down and listen.  God needs us to help those who are hurting.  

       Romans 15:1 -3:  "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."   

     Let's allow ourselves to be used in God's service.  Let's help others because Christ has helped us.  In this way, all of us can win those battles within.  

Christ above all things, 

Robin