As we arrive at a new year, 2009, it is always interesting to see how different people approach a new year. I have noticed that the news is filled with “year in review” video articles. We look back at the good news, bad news, regretful news, and even some funny news. It is all very entertaining.
Some of us feel a need to examine the past before we are ready to take on the future. We cannot change the mistakes of the past. But, we can learn from the past. We cannot live on the victories of the past. But, we can use the past as a guide for new goals for a better future.
God gave His people an interesting way to begin a new year. On the Jewish calendar the New Year begins in the fall, (Rosh Hashanah), and is followed ten days later by the Day of Atonement, (Yom Kippur). These ten days are called the Days of Repentance. These were days when they remember sins and ask forgiveness of anyone they have wronged the previous year. Then on the last day, the Day of Atonement, all is forgiven. In the days of the Temple the High priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the only time he would enter during the year, and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat for forgiveness of all sins, remembered and forgotten. Everyone began the New Year with a clean slate with God, and with each other.
What an awesome thought? We can start the New Year fresh with a whole new perspective, a new plan, and with nothing from the past holding us back. The world may have other ideas. God encourages new starts and gives us a way to make it happen.
Paul put it this way: “…forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14
Happy New Year
Bro. Robin Cowin
Monday, December 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
“For God so loved the world…”
Christmas is expensive. But, do we ever stop to think how expensive? We think about our own expenses. Gifts for everyone, trips to the store, company coming who need to be fed and accommodated, decorations, Christmas parties, and so on, and it all costs money. We are all too familiar with the cost of Christmas to ourselves.
Christmas is more expensive than we can imagine. Christmas is not just about our gifts. Christmas is about one gift, the one gift that began it all. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Christmas is the promise of salvation in a baby that was born to die for our sins. Christmas demonstrates how valuable God considers us. We are worth the life of God’s Son.
When you give gifts do you base your gift on how important that person is to you? Do the people who are more important to you get better presents? Do we measure value by expense? If so, then God has us all beat when it comes to giving. When God considered what to give us all as a gift from Himself He brought out the most valuable gift God Himself could offer. We think of it as the gift of eternal life, and so it is. God thinks of it as the gift of His Son.
Christmas truly is a time of giving and receiving gifts. Have you received the gift God has for you, the gift of Christmas itself, the gift of Jesus?
Merry Christmas
Robin and Joyce Cowin
And the Cowin Family
Christmas is more expensive than we can imagine. Christmas is not just about our gifts. Christmas is about one gift, the one gift that began it all. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son. Christmas is the promise of salvation in a baby that was born to die for our sins. Christmas demonstrates how valuable God considers us. We are worth the life of God’s Son.
When you give gifts do you base your gift on how important that person is to you? Do the people who are more important to you get better presents? Do we measure value by expense? If so, then God has us all beat when it comes to giving. When God considered what to give us all as a gift from Himself He brought out the most valuable gift God Himself could offer. We think of it as the gift of eternal life, and so it is. God thinks of it as the gift of His Son.
Christmas truly is a time of giving and receiving gifts. Have you received the gift God has for you, the gift of Christmas itself, the gift of Jesus?
Merry Christmas
Robin and Joyce Cowin
And the Cowin Family
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving
“Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (HCSB, Holman Bible Publishers, 2003)
Thanksgiving comes around at the same time every year and makes no allowance for our particular circumstances. We read in the scriptures that it is God’s will for us to give thanks. But many of us are looking at this time of year with a greater or lesser degree of anxiety. It is just not a good time to be thankful.
I do not know what is going on in every life, but as a pastor, I have been listening to what seems to me to be an unusual surge of bad tidings, instead of glad tidings. It is not just the economy. There seems to be an epidemic of misfortune happening in the lives of people around me. I am seeing this also in the ministries of other pastors and staff I know.
The scripture does not say to be thankful for everything. Many things that happen are not good. The Scripture says to be thankful in everything, that is, in the middle of every circumstance, it is God’s desire for us to be thankful. I heard a preacher call this the, “attitude of gratitude.”
The attitude of gratitude may require an attitude adjustment for many of us. Or, it may just require an adjustment in our sight. I do not mean that we should always be able to see the good in bad situations. Rather, I think if we can see around our situation there are good things happening around us.
On this bus we call life we are one of many passengers. Someone around us is having a better day than we are. If we could see them better we could celebrate with them. Someone around us is having a worse day than we are. If we could see them better it would make us both feel better to be an encourager. Look around. There are reasons to be thankful around each of us.
In everything, let us be thankful.
Bro. Robin
Thanksgiving comes around at the same time every year and makes no allowance for our particular circumstances. We read in the scriptures that it is God’s will for us to give thanks. But many of us are looking at this time of year with a greater or lesser degree of anxiety. It is just not a good time to be thankful.
I do not know what is going on in every life, but as a pastor, I have been listening to what seems to me to be an unusual surge of bad tidings, instead of glad tidings. It is not just the economy. There seems to be an epidemic of misfortune happening in the lives of people around me. I am seeing this also in the ministries of other pastors and staff I know.
The scripture does not say to be thankful for everything. Many things that happen are not good. The Scripture says to be thankful in everything, that is, in the middle of every circumstance, it is God’s desire for us to be thankful. I heard a preacher call this the, “attitude of gratitude.”
The attitude of gratitude may require an attitude adjustment for many of us. Or, it may just require an adjustment in our sight. I do not mean that we should always be able to see the good in bad situations. Rather, I think if we can see around our situation there are good things happening around us.
On this bus we call life we are one of many passengers. Someone around us is having a better day than we are. If we could see them better we could celebrate with them. Someone around us is having a worse day than we are. If we could see them better it would make us both feel better to be an encourager. Look around. There are reasons to be thankful around each of us.
In everything, let us be thankful.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee
(I do not usually forward emails and if I do I always try to verify the author. But, this one is too good to keep and try as I might I have not been able to discover the author. If you know who wrote it please let me know-RC)
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable (supple) heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'
'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.
Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.
'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable (supple) heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
May we all be COFFEE!!!!!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Praying for the President-elect
My prayer for President-elect Barack Obama is that he will become more like the Jesus I know. Obama professes to be a Christian. We may not agree with his politics, his church, or his pastor, but if he claims the name of Christ as his own we can agree with his choice of a Savior. I believe that Jesus can take care of His own. His own know His voice and follows Him.
I do not have to agree with him in order to pray for him. In fact, it is because of those disagreements that I should pray for him that much more. I will never have the President’s ear to tell him how strongly I believe abortion and homosexuality are wrong. He will never hear me try to persuade him that policies on stem cell research should be strongly regulated so as to not benefit the abortion industry. He will not ask me to advise him on marriage and family and the destructive influence of a society that has no rules or morals. I will have no choice in the judges he appoints. I will never have the President’s ear but I will always have the ear of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I can pray that his decisions will be affected by the Christ he professes.
The President has a unique opportunity to make things better for all of us. He can protect religious freedom, human rights, and the dignity of all. He can take care of the poor. He can appoint judges who are just and judge according to the law. He can ignore the special interests of a few and do what is right in God’s eyes, instead of the world’s view.
We elect our leaders by a democratic process. However, morality is not up for a vote. Some principles are too important to ignore regardless of popularity or the desire of many to change the rules for all. He was elected by the people but he does not have to consult public opinion for his decisions. We must pray that he will consult God. Pray that he will be led by God’s Word. Pray that he will be surrounded by God’s protection. Pray that he will spend time in God’s presence before every decision.
I want a President who does not just say that he is a Christian. I want a President who follows Christ. That is out of my hands. Every person is responsible for his own relationship with Christ. But it is not out of God’s hands. That is why I pray. And, I urge you also to pray for President elect Obama, President Bush, their families, and the people who surround them. Pray, and keep the faith.
Bro. Robin
I do not have to agree with him in order to pray for him. In fact, it is because of those disagreements that I should pray for him that much more. I will never have the President’s ear to tell him how strongly I believe abortion and homosexuality are wrong. He will never hear me try to persuade him that policies on stem cell research should be strongly regulated so as to not benefit the abortion industry. He will not ask me to advise him on marriage and family and the destructive influence of a society that has no rules or morals. I will have no choice in the judges he appoints. I will never have the President’s ear but I will always have the ear of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I can pray that his decisions will be affected by the Christ he professes.
The President has a unique opportunity to make things better for all of us. He can protect religious freedom, human rights, and the dignity of all. He can take care of the poor. He can appoint judges who are just and judge according to the law. He can ignore the special interests of a few and do what is right in God’s eyes, instead of the world’s view.
We elect our leaders by a democratic process. However, morality is not up for a vote. Some principles are too important to ignore regardless of popularity or the desire of many to change the rules for all. He was elected by the people but he does not have to consult public opinion for his decisions. We must pray that he will consult God. Pray that he will be led by God’s Word. Pray that he will be surrounded by God’s protection. Pray that he will spend time in God’s presence before every decision.
I want a President who does not just say that he is a Christian. I want a President who follows Christ. That is out of my hands. Every person is responsible for his own relationship with Christ. But it is not out of God’s hands. That is why I pray. And, I urge you also to pray for President elect Obama, President Bush, their families, and the people who surround them. Pray, and keep the faith.
Bro. Robin
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
When I am asked what I think about Christians observing Halloween, (the Devil’s day), I have a simple answer. The Devil does not get a day.
Nearly every culture has an observance to mark the beginning of winter that is associated with death. Many of these observances also have some hint of the resurrection to come in the spring.
As Christianity spread, Christians have historically related these observances to the more hopeful promises of scripture. Thus began Halloween. Christians set up November 1 as a day of celebration called “All Saints Day,” to remember the contribution of great Christians of the past and our belief that they still live in heaven with Christ. The day before All Saints Day came to be known as All Hallows Eve, which was shortened in time to Halloween.
Over a period of time, Halloween has attracted practices that are reminders of the pagan observances it was supposed to replace. The dramatic affect of all of this has made Halloween of such importance that it now completely overshadows All Saints Day. We have all but forgotten what was intended to be a very important Christian holiday, (Holy-day).
Many Christians today point to the history of Halloween that is associated with paganism and say that Christians should have nothing to do with this day. Some will even go so far as to point to those cultures that use Halloween to focus on death, Satan, and witchcraft, and say that it is the Devil’s day. But, I have some questions for those people. Why does the Devil get a day? Is not every day the Lord’s?
When I was a kid growing up we did our trick or treating all in good fun. We dressed up as hobos, pirates, and firemen, and raided the neighbors for candy. There are many who dress up in costumes associated with the Devil and witchcraft and such. Some may even have a point about how the world views Halloween and we should never associate our observance with anything that actually promotes the enemy. However, having said that, I do not believe the Devil enjoys good clean fun. It does not support the enemy to hand out candy, especially when we include tracts and invitations to our church.
This is the day that the Lord has made, (even October 31). I will rejoice and be glad in it. So, Happy All Saints Day, and the day before it.
Bro. Robin
Nearly every culture has an observance to mark the beginning of winter that is associated with death. Many of these observances also have some hint of the resurrection to come in the spring.
As Christianity spread, Christians have historically related these observances to the more hopeful promises of scripture. Thus began Halloween. Christians set up November 1 as a day of celebration called “All Saints Day,” to remember the contribution of great Christians of the past and our belief that they still live in heaven with Christ. The day before All Saints Day came to be known as All Hallows Eve, which was shortened in time to Halloween.
Over a period of time, Halloween has attracted practices that are reminders of the pagan observances it was supposed to replace. The dramatic affect of all of this has made Halloween of such importance that it now completely overshadows All Saints Day. We have all but forgotten what was intended to be a very important Christian holiday, (Holy-day).
Many Christians today point to the history of Halloween that is associated with paganism and say that Christians should have nothing to do with this day. Some will even go so far as to point to those cultures that use Halloween to focus on death, Satan, and witchcraft, and say that it is the Devil’s day. But, I have some questions for those people. Why does the Devil get a day? Is not every day the Lord’s?
When I was a kid growing up we did our trick or treating all in good fun. We dressed up as hobos, pirates, and firemen, and raided the neighbors for candy. There are many who dress up in costumes associated with the Devil and witchcraft and such. Some may even have a point about how the world views Halloween and we should never associate our observance with anything that actually promotes the enemy. However, having said that, I do not believe the Devil enjoys good clean fun. It does not support the enemy to hand out candy, especially when we include tracts and invitations to our church.
This is the day that the Lord has made, (even October 31). I will rejoice and be glad in it. So, Happy All Saints Day, and the day before it.
Bro. Robin
Friday, October 10, 2008
Homecoming
It is interesting how a word can bring to mind such different images when it is used in different contexts. As I write this the town is getting ready for a parade, a team is getting ready for a football game, and our High School is getting ready to crown a Queen, all in honor of our High School football Homecoming. It is an exciting time for the town, students and alumni of the High School.
We have just completed a study on Wednesday nights of the book of Revelation. As I think about Homecoming my thoughts are drawn to a very different set of images. Revelation tells us of a Homecoming that we will all someday experience. There are some similarities. Instead of a Queen there will be a Bride. There will be a King and we will all be watching for the coming of the King, (of Kings). Instead of a parade there will be a great banquet. Instead of a game there will be a war, complete with a winning side and a losing side. The winners get invited to the wedding feast while the losers get thrown into a lake of fire.
Fortunately, the football game will not end like this, no matter what kind of thoughts we might have during the game.
When the players come to a football game they do not get to choose which side they are on when they get to the field. They make their choice long before the homecoming game. They have to choose before the first practice. They have to be a part of the team before they are allowed to play in the game.
Football Homecomings come and go. We look forward to them as much as we enjoy remembering them. It is fun but the pleasures, and the consequences, are only temporary. This is not true about the Homecoming in Heaven. Heaven’s Homecoming is eternal. We already know which side is going to win. But, we have to choose now which side we will represent.
Will I see you at the Banquet?
Bro. Robin
We have just completed a study on Wednesday nights of the book of Revelation. As I think about Homecoming my thoughts are drawn to a very different set of images. Revelation tells us of a Homecoming that we will all someday experience. There are some similarities. Instead of a Queen there will be a Bride. There will be a King and we will all be watching for the coming of the King, (of Kings). Instead of a parade there will be a great banquet. Instead of a game there will be a war, complete with a winning side and a losing side. The winners get invited to the wedding feast while the losers get thrown into a lake of fire.
Fortunately, the football game will not end like this, no matter what kind of thoughts we might have during the game.
When the players come to a football game they do not get to choose which side they are on when they get to the field. They make their choice long before the homecoming game. They have to choose before the first practice. They have to be a part of the team before they are allowed to play in the game.
Football Homecomings come and go. We look forward to them as much as we enjoy remembering them. It is fun but the pleasures, and the consequences, are only temporary. This is not true about the Homecoming in Heaven. Heaven’s Homecoming is eternal. We already know which side is going to win. But, we have to choose now which side we will represent.
Will I see you at the Banquet?
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
How do we make choices?
The coming election has me thinking about how we make choices. Actually, the question is more complicated than is seems. All choices are not equal. The consequences of those choices are also not equal. Therefore, the ways we go about making those choices are not equal. In fact, we can get into trouble when we make more important choices the same way we make less important choices.
We elect our leaders by popular vote. Hopefully, we all examine the candidates and vote for the person we think will do the best job. However, we do not all have the same criteria for leadership, the same convictions about the issues, or even the same information about the candidates themselves. There is always the possibility that your vote will be negated by some knucklehead who forgot his glasses and checks the boxes at random. That is why you need to vote. That is also why you need to pray. You can only vote once but you can pray early and often.
Popular vote may be how we elect leaders but it is not a good way to make personal decisions. I mentioned some factors for voting being criteria, convictions, and candidates. Some people seem to choose their criteria based on popular opinion. Some issues are not up for popular vote. God’s Word has not changed, and if you base your opinions on God’s word you should be careful about listening to polls. Many polls are taken not to inform your vote but to influence your vote in a particular direction. God also wants to influence you in a particular direction. He can be trusted.
Your morals are not up for a vote. It may make you feel better for a time if what you are doing is supported by everyone around you. God’s Word is not only the only rule for our lives but God is also the final judge. We can count the votes and please everyone around us, and miss the point of life entirely. The only vote that counts eternally is the one God cast for you, not at a poll, but on a Cross.
There is a teaching in Christianity called the doctrine of Election. The most important election of all comes down to this, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Bro. Robin
We elect our leaders by popular vote. Hopefully, we all examine the candidates and vote for the person we think will do the best job. However, we do not all have the same criteria for leadership, the same convictions about the issues, or even the same information about the candidates themselves. There is always the possibility that your vote will be negated by some knucklehead who forgot his glasses and checks the boxes at random. That is why you need to vote. That is also why you need to pray. You can only vote once but you can pray early and often.
Popular vote may be how we elect leaders but it is not a good way to make personal decisions. I mentioned some factors for voting being criteria, convictions, and candidates. Some people seem to choose their criteria based on popular opinion. Some issues are not up for popular vote. God’s Word has not changed, and if you base your opinions on God’s word you should be careful about listening to polls. Many polls are taken not to inform your vote but to influence your vote in a particular direction. God also wants to influence you in a particular direction. He can be trusted.
Your morals are not up for a vote. It may make you feel better for a time if what you are doing is supported by everyone around you. God’s Word is not only the only rule for our lives but God is also the final judge. We can count the votes and please everyone around us, and miss the point of life entirely. The only vote that counts eternally is the one God cast for you, not at a poll, but on a Cross.
There is a teaching in Christianity called the doctrine of Election. The most important election of all comes down to this, “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Cleaning Out to be More Useful
I finally got the car in the garage after four years. There has always been room for it. But, up until now, we have needed the space for storage. First we needed it for the lawn mowers and tools. Then it was one child’s furniture or another’s. Most recently we used the space for the materials for the fence until it was finished.
Last week we looked at the garage and decided to get organized. We divided the stuff into “keep,” “give away,” and “throw away” piles. Then we bought some new shelving that would go along the wall. We were both amazed to see that once the piles were dispersed, and the “keep” pile was shelved, we could pull the car in the garage with room to spare. The biggest surprise was how much we kept. Our problem was not space, it was organization.
I find that time works like my garage. Sometimes I just have to take an inventory and divide my activities into “piles.” Then I have to organize the “keep” pile. But when I get done it is amazing how much better everything looks. I may even have time for something I want to do, and not just the things I need to do.
In Psalm 45:1, the psalmist declares, “My tongue in the pen of a ready writer.” In those days writing was a complicated activity that made Scribes and educated profession. To say that a writer was ready meant that he was seated before a table with his scroll unrolled to the right place and all his writing tools and inks were laid out and organized for his immediate use. This is how we are to be before God. We should be organized and ready to be useful for Him.
As the psalmist said, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King.” It is another way for us to say, “I am ready to be useful, Lord.”
Bro. Robin
Last week we looked at the garage and decided to get organized. We divided the stuff into “keep,” “give away,” and “throw away” piles. Then we bought some new shelving that would go along the wall. We were both amazed to see that once the piles were dispersed, and the “keep” pile was shelved, we could pull the car in the garage with room to spare. The biggest surprise was how much we kept. Our problem was not space, it was organization.
I find that time works like my garage. Sometimes I just have to take an inventory and divide my activities into “piles.” Then I have to organize the “keep” pile. But when I get done it is amazing how much better everything looks. I may even have time for something I want to do, and not just the things I need to do.
In Psalm 45:1, the psalmist declares, “My tongue in the pen of a ready writer.” In those days writing was a complicated activity that made Scribes and educated profession. To say that a writer was ready meant that he was seated before a table with his scroll unrolled to the right place and all his writing tools and inks were laid out and organized for his immediate use. This is how we are to be before God. We should be organized and ready to be useful for Him.
As the psalmist said, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King.” It is another way for us to say, “I am ready to be useful, Lord.”
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Pray for Rain
I am still trying to figure out if a 40% chance of rain means that the odds are 40% that it might rain, or does it mean that it will definitely rain 40% of the day. The day of the ballgame we had a 40% chance of rain and the game ended up getting rained out in the fifth inning. On the other hand, yesterday there was a 60% chance of rain and I do not recall seeing much, if any, rain at all. Joyce and I were talking about it and decided we would like to know the weather forecasters percentage of accuracy.
In the Old Testament they did not have weather forecasters with fancy equipment and statistical analysis. They had Prophets. When Elijah said it would not rain, it did not rain. When He said it was going to rain you better run for cover. It did not matter that there was only one little cloud in the sky. God is not hindered by relative humidity. (1 Kings 18:44)
Prayer made all the difference. James sites Elijah’s example when he says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, (James 5:16). The difference is Prayer and the fact that the prophets tied everything they did to the spiritual condition they were trying to change. Elijah was not interested in just getting things wet. He wanted to see the country change directions. He wanted to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to see a change in your life? Pray for rain. I am not talking about the wet stuff. I am talking about the Spiritual stuff. God told Solomon, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seed my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 nkjv)
Put your trust in God’s Word. He has the highest percentage of accuracy. He predicts 100% chance of good weather – in Heaven!!
Dr. Robin
In the Old Testament they did not have weather forecasters with fancy equipment and statistical analysis. They had Prophets. When Elijah said it would not rain, it did not rain. When He said it was going to rain you better run for cover. It did not matter that there was only one little cloud in the sky. God is not hindered by relative humidity. (1 Kings 18:44)
Prayer made all the difference. James sites Elijah’s example when he says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, (James 5:16). The difference is Prayer and the fact that the prophets tied everything they did to the spiritual condition they were trying to change. Elijah was not interested in just getting things wet. He wanted to see the country change directions. He wanted to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to see a change in your life? Pray for rain. I am not talking about the wet stuff. I am talking about the Spiritual stuff. God told Solomon, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seed my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 nkjv)
Put your trust in God’s Word. He has the highest percentage of accuracy. He predicts 100% chance of good weather – in Heaven!!
Dr. Robin
Friday, July 25, 2008
Funny Things Heard on the Chile Mission Trip
Now that we are back from Chile I thought you might enjoy The List’s Top Ten from Chile:
1. “I thought these places were all closed, but they just weren’t open.”
2. “This road would be a booger in the winter time” (in Chile, it was winter)
3. “Someone with a good camera could get a good picture from here”
4. “Sometimes it seems like we’re the mature ones of the bunch” (said by a youth)
5. “Jose Christo” referring to Jesus in a testimony.
6. “Escupe me” (trying to say excuse me in Spanish but saying “spit on me” instead)
7. “That’s one even Tarzan would not understand” (our missionary)
8. “I made us rush on accident, but it wasn’t on purpose” (also our missionary)
9. “I am amazed that there are so many Americans on this flight” (as we boarded for the US)
10. “Take all the time you want, just do it quickly.” (TSA agent at DFW)
Honorable mention goes to Cathy Rozas, one of our translators. When talking about Christmas being in summer in Chile I asked if Santa wore a bathing suit. She said, “No, he looks just like you.” I then replied, "Ho, Ho, Ho, thank you very much."
Dr. Robin
1. “I thought these places were all closed, but they just weren’t open.”
2. “This road would be a booger in the winter time” (in Chile, it was winter)
3. “Someone with a good camera could get a good picture from here”
4. “Sometimes it seems like we’re the mature ones of the bunch” (said by a youth)
5. “Jose Christo” referring to Jesus in a testimony.
6. “Escupe me” (trying to say excuse me in Spanish but saying “spit on me” instead)
7. “That’s one even Tarzan would not understand” (our missionary)
8. “I made us rush on accident, but it wasn’t on purpose” (also our missionary)
9. “I am amazed that there are so many Americans on this flight” (as we boarded for the US)
10. “Take all the time you want, just do it quickly.” (TSA agent at DFW)
Honorable mention goes to Cathy Rozas, one of our translators. When talking about Christmas being in summer in Chile I asked if Santa wore a bathing suit. She said, “No, he looks just like you.” I then replied, "Ho, Ho, Ho, thank you very much."
Dr. Robin
Thats Easy for You to Say
As a person whose career is using words I have heard people say a lot of funny things without thinking, sometimes from my own mouth. I began to notice several years ago that they seem to happen often on mission trips. Perhaps it is the combination of stress, fatigue, and wonder that is experienced on these trips. There is a level of comfort attached to spending so much time with the same small group that it is easy to speak without thinking. Or maybe I just attract funny people. I began writing them down a few years ago and now it has become a running joke to make “The List.”
I have made my own list on a number of occasions. Things that make the list always make us laugh and laughter is good. Most often they are sayings that just do not make sense, the kind that make you say, “Huh, what did you say?” Like the time I could not find my luggage and walked up to an airport help desk and heard myself saying, “All I want to know is where do I need to go to be where I need to be?” (Don’t we all want the answer to that question?) Sometimes they are language mistakes that turn out funny. I once tried to order fish in Malawi, to the amusement of several church leaders, who told me afterward that my pronunciation was only slightly off. Because of one little vowel they heard me order marijuana instead of the national delicacy, in a fancy restaurant.
At least my mistake was repeatable. We won’t discuss the private list.
I think God has a good sense of humor. Psalm 2:4 says, “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” (nasb) Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” I read the newspaper and wonder if we have lost our collective sense of humor? Then I read the Bible, Psalm 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” And, John 15:11, which says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Being a Christian is more fun when it is funny.
We count up the statistics from a summer of mission trips and evaluate with much satisfaction our successes. We remember the souls saved, ministries started, new friends made, lives touched and changed. With tired bodies and a few tears let us also remember that there is rejoicing in heaven, (Luke 15:7). At the end of the day we can say, smiling, it was fun. After all, we are not saved by our works, but by God’s amazing Grace. That should make us happy.
Dr. Robin
I have made my own list on a number of occasions. Things that make the list always make us laugh and laughter is good. Most often they are sayings that just do not make sense, the kind that make you say, “Huh, what did you say?” Like the time I could not find my luggage and walked up to an airport help desk and heard myself saying, “All I want to know is where do I need to go to be where I need to be?” (Don’t we all want the answer to that question?) Sometimes they are language mistakes that turn out funny. I once tried to order fish in Malawi, to the amusement of several church leaders, who told me afterward that my pronunciation was only slightly off. Because of one little vowel they heard me order marijuana instead of the national delicacy, in a fancy restaurant.
At least my mistake was repeatable. We won’t discuss the private list.
I think God has a good sense of humor. Psalm 2:4 says, “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” (nasb) Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” I read the newspaper and wonder if we have lost our collective sense of humor? Then I read the Bible, Psalm 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” And, John 15:11, which says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Being a Christian is more fun when it is funny.
We count up the statistics from a summer of mission trips and evaluate with much satisfaction our successes. We remember the souls saved, ministries started, new friends made, lives touched and changed. With tired bodies and a few tears let us also remember that there is rejoicing in heaven, (Luke 15:7). At the end of the day we can say, smiling, it was fun. After all, we are not saved by our works, but by God’s amazing Grace. That should make us happy.
Dr. Robin
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Preparing to Preach (or Teach)
I have been asked to teach a group of lay preachers how to prepare a sermon. I thought this would be useful for anyone who teaches.
When I was a fresh young preacher I thought the only verse of scripture that applied to preaching was Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” I struggled with that for a while until I realized that while the Holy Spirit was a dependable speaker, I was not a dependable listener. I then took Paul’s advice to Timothy, another young preacher, as though it were to me, in 2 Timothy 2:15. He said that I should study to show myself approved unto God.
The first step is prayer. And every step thereafter must be bathed in prayer. Without prayer you cannot hear God. And without a word from God you have nothing to say. Prayer is the key to discovering what to say, how to say it, and the power that makes what you say understandable to the listeners. Prayer takes you to the text, through the text, and empowers the Word of God.
The second step is preparation. It begins with daily reading the Bible. Familiarity with God’s Word allows God to speak to you with a fuller voice. Study the passages that stand out to you. When a passage catches your attention it may be God trying to get your attention. Memorize scriptures that speak to you the most. Meditate on passages to get the meaning from your head to your heart.
Third, Pick a passage to preach on. Every sermon should have at least one point. Outline and organize the points to point to one point, the conclusion.
Finally, Preach out of the fullness of prayer and the word that is in your own heart. A passion about your own relationship with God will be contagious.
Anyone can listen to God and what we hear must be shared.
Bro. Robin
When I was a fresh young preacher I thought the only verse of scripture that applied to preaching was Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” I struggled with that for a while until I realized that while the Holy Spirit was a dependable speaker, I was not a dependable listener. I then took Paul’s advice to Timothy, another young preacher, as though it were to me, in 2 Timothy 2:15. He said that I should study to show myself approved unto God.
The first step is prayer. And every step thereafter must be bathed in prayer. Without prayer you cannot hear God. And without a word from God you have nothing to say. Prayer is the key to discovering what to say, how to say it, and the power that makes what you say understandable to the listeners. Prayer takes you to the text, through the text, and empowers the Word of God.
The second step is preparation. It begins with daily reading the Bible. Familiarity with God’s Word allows God to speak to you with a fuller voice. Study the passages that stand out to you. When a passage catches your attention it may be God trying to get your attention. Memorize scriptures that speak to you the most. Meditate on passages to get the meaning from your head to your heart.
Third, Pick a passage to preach on. Every sermon should have at least one point. Outline and organize the points to point to one point, the conclusion.
Finally, Preach out of the fullness of prayer and the word that is in your own heart. A passion about your own relationship with God will be contagious.
Anyone can listen to God and what we hear must be shared.
Bro. Robin
Praying for Mission Teams
Thank you, Church Family, for sending mission teams across the street and around the world. You are sending us to La Serena, Chile, South America, while others go to Alaska, Nebraska, and the far ends of the earth. You go with us in heart as you also hold the ropes for us in prayer.
Pray for us each night before you go to bed and again each morning when you get up. Keep in mind that circumstances often change schedules. Read the scriptures with us, also. We will be reading these same verses and praying with you.
Thank you for praying. Pray for our safety, harmony, and Spiritual preparation. Pray that we will have enough energy for each task, get enough rest, and that we will all stay healthy on the food that is set before us. Pray for the anointing of the Spirit on God’s Word, us His messengers, and that those who hear us will hear gladly and receive Jesus into their hearts. Pray for our families at home, and for our church family, that those who sent us will also receive a blessing and that all of us will have a heart for the Great Commission that reaches across the street and around world with the Gospel.
We need special prayer for our families at home. I cannot stress that enough. We will be out of touch with them much of the time and it is difficult to minister when you are worried about things back home. Pray as much for them as you do for us. Pray that no emergencies arise on either front. Everything you pray for us pray also for our families.
King David once left some tired troops to watch the supplies while the rest fought and won a battle. When he returned to them from the battle he said, “…as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike,” 1 Samuel 30:24. Those who pray share the reward with those who preach. Those who send also share with those who go. Thank you for praying and sending.
Pray for us each night before you go to bed and again each morning when you get up. Keep in mind that circumstances often change schedules. Read the scriptures with us, also. We will be reading these same verses and praying with you.
Thank you for praying. Pray for our safety, harmony, and Spiritual preparation. Pray that we will have enough energy for each task, get enough rest, and that we will all stay healthy on the food that is set before us. Pray for the anointing of the Spirit on God’s Word, us His messengers, and that those who hear us will hear gladly and receive Jesus into their hearts. Pray for our families at home, and for our church family, that those who sent us will also receive a blessing and that all of us will have a heart for the Great Commission that reaches across the street and around world with the Gospel.
We need special prayer for our families at home. I cannot stress that enough. We will be out of touch with them much of the time and it is difficult to minister when you are worried about things back home. Pray as much for them as you do for us. Pray that no emergencies arise on either front. Everything you pray for us pray also for our families.
King David once left some tired troops to watch the supplies while the rest fought and won a battle. When he returned to them from the battle he said, “…as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike,” 1 Samuel 30:24. Those who pray share the reward with those who preach. Those who send also share with those who go. Thank you for praying and sending.
Five Basic Practices of the Christian Life
I have been thinking a lot about the way Christians should behave. Our behavior is affected by our Christ-like practices. I have been trying to state these practices in non religious language. This is what I have come up with so far: Talk to God, Listen to God, Do Good things for others, Go to Church, and Invite others. Let me explain.
Talk to God. Prayer is the beginning and substance of our relationship with God. You cannot have a relationship without communication. Being a Christian means having a relationship with God through Jesus. There is no substitute for time spent in a relationship which means being together and communicating with each other.
Listen to God. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. He also speaks to us in many other ways but the Bible is still the measure that we use to determine if what we are hearing is from God. That makes knowing what is in the Bible so important. (If fact, to know more about these basic practices read Matthew 5, 6, & 7).
Do good things for others. Yes, doing good deeds is important. Jesus did them and we should do them. The important thing to remember is that as Christians we do not do good deeds to get into heaven. Rather, we do good things to get closer to Jesus. Righteousness is the word the Bible uses to describe God’s nature to do good that He puts in us at salvation. Jesus wants us to take on His nature to practice Mercy, which simply means to do good even when people don’t deserve it.
Go to Church. Fellowship with other Christians is a source of strength along with many other benefits. Worship is a result of communicating with God and is even better in a group at Church. We are a community of faith.
Invite others. Both missions and evangelism are summed up in the invitation of Jesus to, “Follow me.”(Matt. 4:19) If our good news of the Gospel is really that good should we not want everyone to know Him? We can all invest in the lives of people and invite them to Church, and to Jesus.
That’s it. I know it sounds too simple. If you do these things you will be amazed at how your walk with God will take off.
Bro. Robin
Talk to God. Prayer is the beginning and substance of our relationship with God. You cannot have a relationship without communication. Being a Christian means having a relationship with God through Jesus. There is no substitute for time spent in a relationship which means being together and communicating with each other.
Listen to God. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. He also speaks to us in many other ways but the Bible is still the measure that we use to determine if what we are hearing is from God. That makes knowing what is in the Bible so important. (If fact, to know more about these basic practices read Matthew 5, 6, & 7).
Do good things for others. Yes, doing good deeds is important. Jesus did them and we should do them. The important thing to remember is that as Christians we do not do good deeds to get into heaven. Rather, we do good things to get closer to Jesus. Righteousness is the word the Bible uses to describe God’s nature to do good that He puts in us at salvation. Jesus wants us to take on His nature to practice Mercy, which simply means to do good even when people don’t deserve it.
Go to Church. Fellowship with other Christians is a source of strength along with many other benefits. Worship is a result of communicating with God and is even better in a group at Church. We are a community of faith.
Invite others. Both missions and evangelism are summed up in the invitation of Jesus to, “Follow me.”(Matt. 4:19) If our good news of the Gospel is really that good should we not want everyone to know Him? We can all invest in the lives of people and invite them to Church, and to Jesus.
That’s it. I know it sounds too simple. If you do these things you will be amazed at how your walk with God will take off.
Bro. Robin
Teachers
One of the rewards of a long ministry is to see people grow spiritually. I have had opportunities over the years to mentor several young people who have gone on to serve the Lord in ways great and small. Some of them were youth that I taught and gave opportunities to practice ministry. Some were brought on as staff. Some were in classes I taught through the association. We touched each other’s lives in positive ways.
I had my teachers too. I look back on them and realize how they molded my ministry today. I cannot list them all, but in light of the recent Revival I was thinking about a few of them in particular.
I and another Baptist student had it in our hearts to start a coffee house ministry to reach fellow college students. Herb, on staff with Teen Challenge, spent several weeks taking us through CS Lovett’s book, Soul-Winning Made Easy. We memorized a handful of scriptures and a plan. Soon we were blanketing the campus and surrounding area with the gospel. I already knew God had called me to preach. I had been in Sunday School all my life. But this was different. Herb taught me to preach on street corners. Dr. Messer, the Baptist Student Union director, was another teacher who gave me the opportunity to preach in Churches.
I have continued to learn about soul-winning, preaching, and much more. I find teachers in friends, associates, books, conferences, and unexpected divine encounters. I could go on about other teachers such as Ralph, Jerry, Jack, Mike, Dan, etc. We should never stop listening to others.
The word disciple simply means student, or one who follows the teachings of another. Jesus had twelve disciples. In that day, if you wanted to learn more than basic education you would go to someone who knew what you wanted to know and attach yourself to him as a disciple. It was a relationship in which the student and the teacher both had to choose each other.
There are times in our life we need to be the student and times when we need to be the teacher. Both experiences are important. You cannot be a teacher unless you have first been a student. You cannot be a great teacher unless you continue to be a great student.
When Jesus sent out His Disciples He did not tell them to go start a Teachers College. He told them to go make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What have you learned today? Who have you influenced?
Bro. Robin
I had my teachers too. I look back on them and realize how they molded my ministry today. I cannot list them all, but in light of the recent Revival I was thinking about a few of them in particular.
I and another Baptist student had it in our hearts to start a coffee house ministry to reach fellow college students. Herb, on staff with Teen Challenge, spent several weeks taking us through CS Lovett’s book, Soul-Winning Made Easy. We memorized a handful of scriptures and a plan. Soon we were blanketing the campus and surrounding area with the gospel. I already knew God had called me to preach. I had been in Sunday School all my life. But this was different. Herb taught me to preach on street corners. Dr. Messer, the Baptist Student Union director, was another teacher who gave me the opportunity to preach in Churches.
I have continued to learn about soul-winning, preaching, and much more. I find teachers in friends, associates, books, conferences, and unexpected divine encounters. I could go on about other teachers such as Ralph, Jerry, Jack, Mike, Dan, etc. We should never stop listening to others.
The word disciple simply means student, or one who follows the teachings of another. Jesus had twelve disciples. In that day, if you wanted to learn more than basic education you would go to someone who knew what you wanted to know and attach yourself to him as a disciple. It was a relationship in which the student and the teacher both had to choose each other.
There are times in our life we need to be the student and times when we need to be the teacher. Both experiences are important. You cannot be a teacher unless you have first been a student. You cannot be a great teacher unless you continue to be a great student.
When Jesus sent out His Disciples He did not tell them to go start a Teachers College. He told them to go make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What have you learned today? Who have you influenced?
Bro. Robin
Monday, April 14, 2008
Pulling Together
This month we saw a tremendous Revival. The touch of God’s Spirit was seen in many areas of our Church. The messages from Ken Freeman were anointed by God. People came and were moved by God. Our Church pitched in and helped in every way that was needed from setting up to follow-up.
As I thought about what makes a Revival great one thing that kept coming to mind was how great the attendance was. Not only did our people support the Revival, we also had groups from at least four other churches, and each of them also reported many decision. Attendance is a major factor in the freedom of God Spirit at work among us. It matters if we come to church, not only for us, but for everyone who is there with us. A big group that is focusing on God experiences God in a big way.
This reminds me of a story.
He was a math teacher in my High School and I took geometry from him my sophomore year. He drove a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. He was so proud of it that he did not want to take any chances with it in the parking lot. That was the reason he parked everyday between two trees overlooking the football field. He thought it was safe there from bumps, dings, and scratches. That was true until a bunch of football players figured out that the length of his Beetle was exactly the distance between the trees. A group of them surrounded his car, picked it up, and turned it with each bumper touching a tree.
When the prank was discovered he was initially upset but then had to admire their accomplishment. He also had to offer pardons in exchange for their help. The only way he could get his car out was to get the same group of young men to lift up his car and set it right.
It was a lesson in what can be done when everyone shows up for a common purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name I am there in the midst of them.” Jesus fed thousands with one lunch in the presence of great crowds. He also was kept from doing miracles in His home town because of their unbelief, (Matt. 13:58)
You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship with God or with others. In Revival, there is no substitute for time with God and others. When we stay away we rob others, and ourselves, of a blessing from God. God is here. He is just waiting for us to get here to get the meeting started.
Bro. Robin
As I thought about what makes a Revival great one thing that kept coming to mind was how great the attendance was. Not only did our people support the Revival, we also had groups from at least four other churches, and each of them also reported many decision. Attendance is a major factor in the freedom of God Spirit at work among us. It matters if we come to church, not only for us, but for everyone who is there with us. A big group that is focusing on God experiences God in a big way.
This reminds me of a story.
He was a math teacher in my High School and I took geometry from him my sophomore year. He drove a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. He was so proud of it that he did not want to take any chances with it in the parking lot. That was the reason he parked everyday between two trees overlooking the football field. He thought it was safe there from bumps, dings, and scratches. That was true until a bunch of football players figured out that the length of his Beetle was exactly the distance between the trees. A group of them surrounded his car, picked it up, and turned it with each bumper touching a tree.
When the prank was discovered he was initially upset but then had to admire their accomplishment. He also had to offer pardons in exchange for their help. The only way he could get his car out was to get the same group of young men to lift up his car and set it right.
It was a lesson in what can be done when everyone shows up for a common purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name I am there in the midst of them.” Jesus fed thousands with one lunch in the presence of great crowds. He also was kept from doing miracles in His home town because of their unbelief, (Matt. 13:58)
You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship with God or with others. In Revival, there is no substitute for time with God and others. When we stay away we rob others, and ourselves, of a blessing from God. God is here. He is just waiting for us to get here to get the meeting started.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
The Power of Touch
Remember the telephone commercials that invited you to, “Reach out and touch someone?” I enjoy my phone but it is never the same to talk on the phone as it is to sit down with someone in person and have a conversation. This week we saw some of our kids in person and some we saw on webcam. We went to the zoo with the ones who came to visit in person. The webcam is a wonderful invention but it cannot replace a day at the zoo with your family.
We read of the many times Jesus touched someone and healed them. He was personal. He did not send letter or call on the phone. Even when He healed at a distance He was personal with the person who came to Him and requested the healing. Even when a woman touched Him for healing His power was there available for her as He responded to her touch.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus was the story of the blind man who needed to be touched twice. (Mark 8:22-25) With the first touch Jesus restored his sight but not his focus. With the second touch he saw all things clearly. I think this miracle is a parable about the way God touches many of us. We see Jesus, we have been touched by Him and know we have eternally life, but we have no focus. We see men as trees walking. The people around us might as well be trees because to us they are just objects in our world. We need to see people. We need to see them clearly. We need to see the world as Jesus sees them, a world of people for whom Christ died. We need to reach out and touch someone with the touch of Jesus.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could phone in all your responsibilities? You could take care of your spouse and children with a phone call. Some people work over the phone, or internet, so, why not? If you need glasses can you get your eyes checked over the phone? You can make the appointment over the phone. But if you want to see clearly you will have to see the doctor in person.
Some things have to be done in person. Jesus did not command us to sit down and write a letter. He commanded us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
A Revival is an opportunity for us to get a second touch from Jesus. We have Sight. But we still need Focus. You can only get that in person. I will see you there.
Bro. Robin
We read of the many times Jesus touched someone and healed them. He was personal. He did not send letter or call on the phone. Even when He healed at a distance He was personal with the person who came to Him and requested the healing. Even when a woman touched Him for healing His power was there available for her as He responded to her touch.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus was the story of the blind man who needed to be touched twice. (Mark 8:22-25) With the first touch Jesus restored his sight but not his focus. With the second touch he saw all things clearly. I think this miracle is a parable about the way God touches many of us. We see Jesus, we have been touched by Him and know we have eternally life, but we have no focus. We see men as trees walking. The people around us might as well be trees because to us they are just objects in our world. We need to see people. We need to see them clearly. We need to see the world as Jesus sees them, a world of people for whom Christ died. We need to reach out and touch someone with the touch of Jesus.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could phone in all your responsibilities? You could take care of your spouse and children with a phone call. Some people work over the phone, or internet, so, why not? If you need glasses can you get your eyes checked over the phone? You can make the appointment over the phone. But if you want to see clearly you will have to see the doctor in person.
Some things have to be done in person. Jesus did not command us to sit down and write a letter. He commanded us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
A Revival is an opportunity for us to get a second touch from Jesus. We have Sight. But we still need Focus. You can only get that in person. I will see you there.
Bro. Robin
Monday, March 10, 2008
Check Your Messages
What did we do before cell phones? It is hard to remember. I remember when I got my first one. I was taking my oldest daughter out to lunch, from school, and got a call about a person who had just gone to the hospital. My daughter was concerned that we would never again be able to have our special time with just her and me and no interruptions. I tried to do this with each of the kids at least once a month. The phone was a threat to that special time. Her immediate reaction was, “I hate that thing already.”
Fast forward a few years and the same daughter has children, a great life, and her own cell phone. I check my messages on my cell phone in the morning. This morning there were two, both of them from this daughter. The first was an excited call about the youngest grandson and the emergency room. In her message she says she has tried my phone and mom’s phone and “I can’t find you.” The second message was that he was ok. We also got an email, complete with pictures.
How have we come to depend on something so unreliable? I check my land line messages and my email more often than my cell phone yet pride myself on being “accessible.” Or, perhaps it is more about me and my habits than it is the phone system. But isn’t that the way it is with our spiritual communication as well?
There is nothing wrong with the system of prayer. The message never fails to go through. There is always someone on the other end who can do something about your request. Prayer only fails when we fail to pray. They used to say the same thing about letters. You have to send some to get them. If you send messages to God, He will send messages back to you.
Effective prayer is a habit. Just like checking your messages. The difference is that the benefits, of prayer are eternal. When was the last time you messaged God? When was the last time you checked your messages from God. His messages come in many forms, just like ours. Wouldn’t now be a good time to check your messages from God?
Dr. Robin
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Bible Thoughts
Bible Drill
It was a pleasure to watch out Bible Drill Team in action on Sunday night. I think some adults were a little intimidated by the Bible knowledge of these bright young students. They have gotten excited and worked hard to learn their way around the Bible. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I am hoping it will spread through the Church.
The Bible is our source of life and hope, the very Word of God. The great heroes of faith took comfort in not only hearing the words of God but also in reading and reflecting on the written Word of God. The Ten Commandments were first written by the finger of God. Moses gave them God’s blessing if they would not only keep those commandments in their hearts but also talk about them, and write them down, and hang them up on themselves and their houses, (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Joshua began his campaign to take the Promised Land with a promise to meditate daily on the Bible, (Joshua 1:8). The longest chapter in the Bible is about meditating on God’s Word, (Psalm 119). In the New Testament, Peter called on the Church to read Paul’s writings comparing them to the other scriptures, (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul’s great comfort in the end was a cloak, his books, and parchments, his collection of Bibles and letters.
Jesus quoted from Scripture so often that even great scholars called him Rabbi. He was recognized as a teacher of the Word by his contemporaries, even many who were his enemies. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Stay in the Word. God will guide you.
Bro. Robin
A Warm Fire
Cold weather means a fire in the wood stove. When I was growing up we had a fireplace in the house but I do not remember it producing a lot of heat, unless you were standing right in front of it. Our main source of heat was a gas furnace. My parents were very frugal and did not think we needed heat while we slept. So, every night they would turn down the furnace and pile on the blankets.
As we raised our own children our thinking was different. We tried to find a temperature that was suitable for us all the time. We like being comfortable, not too hot, not too cold. In the evening when we all settled in for after supper relaxing we added throws, and for the last twenty years, a wood stove or wood burning fireplace. Heat is comforting.
After the cross the disciples went fishing, not knowing at the time what else to do. They fished all night and caught nothing. As they were coming back to shore they saw Jesus who called to them and asked about the fishing. Then he suggested that they try again, on the other side of the boat. When they listened to Jesus they caught an over flowing net full. Then, at the highlight of the story for me, Jesus invited them to bring some fish to a fire he already had going.
He started the fire when there were no fish, when they had been out all night and were tired, and cold, and discouraged. He called them to the fish. Then, he called them to the fire. He still does that today. He calls to us when we are cold, tired, and discouraged. He knows what we need. He invites us to His fire, the comfort of His life, and warmth of His love.
Bro. Robin
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
It was a pleasure to watch out Bible Drill Team in action on Sunday night. I think some adults were a little intimidated by the Bible knowledge of these bright young students. They have gotten excited and worked hard to learn their way around the Bible. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I am hoping it will spread through the Church.
The Bible is our source of life and hope, the very Word of God. The great heroes of faith took comfort in not only hearing the words of God but also in reading and reflecting on the written Word of God. The Ten Commandments were first written by the finger of God. Moses gave them God’s blessing if they would not only keep those commandments in their hearts but also talk about them, and write them down, and hang them up on themselves and their houses, (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Joshua began his campaign to take the Promised Land with a promise to meditate daily on the Bible, (Joshua 1:8). The longest chapter in the Bible is about meditating on God’s Word, (Psalm 119). In the New Testament, Peter called on the Church to read Paul’s writings comparing them to the other scriptures, (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul’s great comfort in the end was a cloak, his books, and parchments, his collection of Bibles and letters.
Jesus quoted from Scripture so often that even great scholars called him Rabbi. He was recognized as a teacher of the Word by his contemporaries, even many who were his enemies. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Stay in the Word. God will guide you.
Bro. Robin
A Warm Fire
Cold weather means a fire in the wood stove. When I was growing up we had a fireplace in the house but I do not remember it producing a lot of heat, unless you were standing right in front of it. Our main source of heat was a gas furnace. My parents were very frugal and did not think we needed heat while we slept. So, every night they would turn down the furnace and pile on the blankets.
As we raised our own children our thinking was different. We tried to find a temperature that was suitable for us all the time. We like being comfortable, not too hot, not too cold. In the evening when we all settled in for after supper relaxing we added throws, and for the last twenty years, a wood stove or wood burning fireplace. Heat is comforting.
After the cross the disciples went fishing, not knowing at the time what else to do. They fished all night and caught nothing. As they were coming back to shore they saw Jesus who called to them and asked about the fishing. Then he suggested that they try again, on the other side of the boat. When they listened to Jesus they caught an over flowing net full. Then, at the highlight of the story for me, Jesus invited them to bring some fish to a fire he already had going.
He started the fire when there were no fish, when they had been out all night and were tired, and cold, and discouraged. He called them to the fish. Then, he called them to the fire. He still does that today. He calls to us when we are cold, tired, and discouraged. He knows what we need. He invites us to His fire, the comfort of His life, and warmth of His love.
Bro. Robin
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
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