I thought I lost my wallet. I looked everywhere, the bedroom, bathroom, throughout the house, and the car. I retraced my steps that day since I had taken it out to get gas. I called Wal-Mart and Marvin’s grocery store. I called Joyce and she put my credit card and debit card on hold. Fortunately I do not carry a lot of plastic. Before heading to Wal-Mart to check the parking lot I swung by the house for one more look. I walked into the bedroom and pulled up the bedspread. It was under the bed. Now, how did it get there?
One day later I reached for my cell phone and it was not there. I had been in the house and in the car. It was in the car. I muttered to myself, “Next it will be my head.”
The day after that we watched the weather get worse and the snow begin to fall. I thought about the generator in the shed and thought it would be a good idea to fill the big gas can, just in case the power went out. I unlocked the shed, opened the door, and leaned it to pick up the gas can. Wham, I hit the top of my head. It was a good thing I was wearing a hat. It still left a mark, though.
I was three for three doing something dumb each of the three days leading up to Christmas. It had to get better. I remembered a bumper sticker that read, “Of all the things I’ve lost I miss my mind the most.” I know the feeling.
Christmas day arrived complete with a blanket of white snow. It was a White Christmas! We woke up to happy sounds of grandchildren playing in the living room. We spent the morning cooking together as a family. The ham and all the trimmings were perfect. We read the Christmas story from the Bible, opened presents, and finished out the day playing games.
Heaven is just a breath away. The things we lose are nothing in comparison to the things we gain. Christmas reminds us of this. All the stress and pain we experience leading up to that day are quickly forgotten in faces that surround us as we remember Christ’s birth and share our love with each other.
I am glad Christmas comes at the end of the year. It is the perfect opportunity to remember what is truly important as we begin a new year. God bless you and have a Happy New Year.
Bro. Robin
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Being A Gracious Receiver
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving. We all like to recieve eventhough we say it is better to give. We say there is a gift of giving. I think there is also a gift of being a gracious reciever.
When I was growing up I enjoyed gift giving times. I was the youngest in the family and always got presents from everyone. I piled all the presents on a chair in the living room so everone could see. I was not a very gracious reciever. In time I out grew the need to show off my presents.
I have spent most of my adult life in ministry. Over the years I have recieved gifts for a lot of reasons. I have learned to accept them graciously because of the lessons I have learned through these gifts.
First I have learned that people give gifts because they want to bless someone as they have been blessed. This understanding has helped my recieving and giving. When I see a gift as a blessing I stop looking at the practical use and accept the personal value it was given to express. A gift is a part of the giver they want you to have.
A gift is also an expression of love. Love is more than a part of the giver. A gift of love is an expression of what they wish they could give. There are times when we would give the world if we could. So, we give a symbol of our wishes and dreams.
I like gifts that are creatve and fun. Gifts are about the relatinship between the giver and reciever. We give of ourselves when we give and we accept the person when we accept the gift .
Christmas reminds us that we cannot separate God's gift from His person, and His desire to have a relationship with us. "For God so loved... He gave ..."
Merry Christmas
Bro. Robin
When I was growing up I enjoyed gift giving times. I was the youngest in the family and always got presents from everyone. I piled all the presents on a chair in the living room so everone could see. I was not a very gracious reciever. In time I out grew the need to show off my presents.
I have spent most of my adult life in ministry. Over the years I have recieved gifts for a lot of reasons. I have learned to accept them graciously because of the lessons I have learned through these gifts.
First I have learned that people give gifts because they want to bless someone as they have been blessed. This understanding has helped my recieving and giving. When I see a gift as a blessing I stop looking at the practical use and accept the personal value it was given to express. A gift is a part of the giver they want you to have.
A gift is also an expression of love. Love is more than a part of the giver. A gift of love is an expression of what they wish they could give. There are times when we would give the world if we could. So, we give a symbol of our wishes and dreams.
I like gifts that are creatve and fun. Gifts are about the relatinship between the giver and reciever. We give of ourselves when we give and we accept the person when we accept the gift .
Christmas reminds us that we cannot separate God's gift from His person, and His desire to have a relationship with us. "For God so loved... He gave ..."
Merry Christmas
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanks(for)giving
Thank you. These are words that we use to show our appreciation when repayment is inadequate. Sometimes I think the words are overused. At other times the words fall short of the full measure of our feelings of gratitude. We are thankful for a gift. It may be a deed or a present but it is always at the hands of another person. Mostly I am thankful for the person.
I do not say thank you to my car for delivering me places. It is not an expression for things that do their job. I might say thanks to the mechanic who keeps my car running. When I had a warning light flash on my way out of town I called him and he stayed open late to check it out and get me on my way safely. I said thank you several times to him.
In Ephesians 4:11 Paul says, “And He personally gave some to be…” The gift in this passage is the person. In fact, for me many of God’s best gifts are the people He has placed in my life, as I am sure He has in yours.
Thanks for giving of your time, talents, and treasure to build God’s kingdom in His church. Your gifts are not only appreciated but necessary for us to be the Church God wants us to be. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families take time to remember the people who have been gifts to you this year.
Bro. Robin
I do not say thank you to my car for delivering me places. It is not an expression for things that do their job. I might say thanks to the mechanic who keeps my car running. When I had a warning light flash on my way out of town I called him and he stayed open late to check it out and get me on my way safely. I said thank you several times to him.
In Ephesians 4:11 Paul says, “And He personally gave some to be…” The gift in this passage is the person. In fact, for me many of God’s best gifts are the people He has placed in my life, as I am sure He has in yours.
Thanks for giving of your time, talents, and treasure to build God’s kingdom in His church. Your gifts are not only appreciated but necessary for us to be the Church God wants us to be. As we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families take time to remember the people who have been gifts to you this year.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Priceless Pearls
Jesus tells the story, in Matthew 13:45-46, about a merchant who was searching for fine pearls. When he found one of exceptional quality, a priceless pearl, he sold everything else to buy that one. The interesting part of the story is that he was looking for so special, not to see how many pearls he could accumulate. He knew that hidden among valuable items there was something beyond value, worth everything he had.
Sometimes the treasure we go looking for is the most valuable to us. Sometimes it is the hidden treasure that we find along the way that means the most to us. The pearl merchant’s story may appear to have been an accidental discovery, one pearl among millions, but it was a discovery he was prepared to make. He committed his life to keep his eyes open to see the priceless among the average in a world surrounded by value.
The parable is about the kingdom of God. Finding Jesus and having a relationship with God through Him is not another pearl. He is a priceless pearl worth giving up everything to have. He considered us each to be a priceless pearl as well.
The discovery of priceless pearls brings about life changing experiences. Our relationship with God is a priceless pearl. Finding a spouse, a life-long friend, is a priceless pearl. Some words of wisdom are called pearls. Learning a life changing lesson and making an important decision can be priceless pearls too.
How many of us see the world around us filled with valuable treasure? And then, how many of us have our eyes tuned to see the exceptional among the valuable? Maybe I have become a cynic, but I do not know many pearl merchants. I think this story challenges us to raise our standards, open our eyes, and see the pearls that are all around us. There are valuable people, valuable moments, and valuable opportunities that pass before our eyes every day. We have to be able to see the pearls before we will ever be able to find a priceless pearl among them.
This month of thanksgiving I thank God for the pearls He has placed around me. I am especially thankful for the priceless pearls that change my life for the better, and the ability He has given me to recognize many of them.
Bro. Robin
Sometimes the treasure we go looking for is the most valuable to us. Sometimes it is the hidden treasure that we find along the way that means the most to us. The pearl merchant’s story may appear to have been an accidental discovery, one pearl among millions, but it was a discovery he was prepared to make. He committed his life to keep his eyes open to see the priceless among the average in a world surrounded by value.
The parable is about the kingdom of God. Finding Jesus and having a relationship with God through Him is not another pearl. He is a priceless pearl worth giving up everything to have. He considered us each to be a priceless pearl as well.
The discovery of priceless pearls brings about life changing experiences. Our relationship with God is a priceless pearl. Finding a spouse, a life-long friend, is a priceless pearl. Some words of wisdom are called pearls. Learning a life changing lesson and making an important decision can be priceless pearls too.
How many of us see the world around us filled with valuable treasure? And then, how many of us have our eyes tuned to see the exceptional among the valuable? Maybe I have become a cynic, but I do not know many pearl merchants. I think this story challenges us to raise our standards, open our eyes, and see the pearls that are all around us. There are valuable people, valuable moments, and valuable opportunities that pass before our eyes every day. We have to be able to see the pearls before we will ever be able to find a priceless pearl among them.
This month of thanksgiving I thank God for the pearls He has placed around me. I am especially thankful for the priceless pearls that change my life for the better, and the ability He has given me to recognize many of them.
Bro. Robin
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Change
As we drove from western Arkansas through eastern Oklahoma we were taken by the beauty of the tree covered hills. One wonders how God could combine so many shades of red, yellow, orange, and brown with an occasional splash of green leftover from the summer to create such a panorama. The view was breath taking beautiful. Our conversation was constantly interrupted by, “Look at that one.”
We look forward to fall and the spectacular views of the changing colors. The colors are not the only changes that fall brings. The temperature changes, the sports we watch change, time even changes, and for some our jobs may also change.
Change comes to us all. So why do we all have so much trouble adjusting to change in so many areas of our lives? Change is a regular part of our society and culture. Yet anytime we make changes to our personal routine it takes an effort to make the change.
Perhaps that is the pattern I am looking for. We celebrate change that affects us all. We deliberately drive through the country to watch the changing seasons. But our discomfort with change seems to grow as the change becomes more personal. Changes in our routine in our life, our job, and even in our church takes us longer to appreciate.
I read a quote recently that the only person who likes change is a wet baby. I can’t seem to find the source but it sure makes sense. Sometimes we may even agree that the change is necessary but just do not get in there and help make it happen. If we could get as excited about changes we need to make as we do about the changing seasons we might see good things happen more quickly.
Change is an important part of the Christian life. There is no salvation without repentance, which means change. Paul said, “We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,” (1 Cor. 15:51) One day we will be called to the ultimate change. We will change from mortal to immortal. I don’t think any of us will drag our feet when that trumpet sounds.
Bro. Robin
We look forward to fall and the spectacular views of the changing colors. The colors are not the only changes that fall brings. The temperature changes, the sports we watch change, time even changes, and for some our jobs may also change.
Change comes to us all. So why do we all have so much trouble adjusting to change in so many areas of our lives? Change is a regular part of our society and culture. Yet anytime we make changes to our personal routine it takes an effort to make the change.
Perhaps that is the pattern I am looking for. We celebrate change that affects us all. We deliberately drive through the country to watch the changing seasons. But our discomfort with change seems to grow as the change becomes more personal. Changes in our routine in our life, our job, and even in our church takes us longer to appreciate.
I read a quote recently that the only person who likes change is a wet baby. I can’t seem to find the source but it sure makes sense. Sometimes we may even agree that the change is necessary but just do not get in there and help make it happen. If we could get as excited about changes we need to make as we do about the changing seasons we might see good things happen more quickly.
Change is an important part of the Christian life. There is no salvation without repentance, which means change. Paul said, “We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed,” (1 Cor. 15:51) One day we will be called to the ultimate change. We will change from mortal to immortal. I don’t think any of us will drag our feet when that trumpet sounds.
Bro. Robin
Monday, October 12, 2009
Appreciation
There are some expressions that are so common that when we use them we all know what we mean. For example, when I say, “my better half,” everyone knows that I am talking about my wife. When we say, “our pride and joy,” we all know that we are talking about a child, usually a baby. We know this because the feelings we have about our children are as universal as the expression. As our children get older we may stop using such expressions to describe them. But the feelings of pride and joy never go away and never diminish.
We share in the experiences of our children. We may be disappointed from time to time. When they hurt we hurt with them. When they are happy we are happy with them. When they are appreciated for something they have done, we feel appreciated right along with them.
This month you showed your appreciation for my son, Eric, for his service to our country and his sacrifice. The crowd that came for the dinner was overwhelming as you honored Eric and Andria. Congressman John Boozman’s appearance was also a special honor, arranged by some of our members. Eric well deserved your attention that day. My heart was full of pride and joy for my son and for all of you who were there to show your appreciation.
This was also Clergy Appreciation month. I thank you for the way you showed your appreciation when you also honored the staff with many kind words and a dinner. You pulled out all the stops and blessed us more than I can say. Personally, I felt honored two weeks in a row. You showed your appreciation for my family, my co-workers (who are like family), and me. Thank you.
This is a great church and this is what makes this church great. My prayer is that our love and appreciation for each other will grow and spread. This is the heart of the Gospel that we are taking across the street and around the world.
God Bless you for your love for Him and for us.
Bro. Robin
We share in the experiences of our children. We may be disappointed from time to time. When they hurt we hurt with them. When they are happy we are happy with them. When they are appreciated for something they have done, we feel appreciated right along with them.
This month you showed your appreciation for my son, Eric, for his service to our country and his sacrifice. The crowd that came for the dinner was overwhelming as you honored Eric and Andria. Congressman John Boozman’s appearance was also a special honor, arranged by some of our members. Eric well deserved your attention that day. My heart was full of pride and joy for my son and for all of you who were there to show your appreciation.
This was also Clergy Appreciation month. I thank you for the way you showed your appreciation when you also honored the staff with many kind words and a dinner. You pulled out all the stops and blessed us more than I can say. Personally, I felt honored two weeks in a row. You showed your appreciation for my family, my co-workers (who are like family), and me. Thank you.
This is a great church and this is what makes this church great. My prayer is that our love and appreciation for each other will grow and spread. This is the heart of the Gospel that we are taking across the street and around the world.
God Bless you for your love for Him and for us.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Reminders
As we were moving the seasonal decorations from the doorway to our home Joyce noticed little things hidden among the decorations that she had not put there. There among the summer decorations were toy soldiers and cars. It was obvious the grandchildren had been there. They had played some game of their own invention and when they were called away for supper or something else of importance, they left behind little reminders of their presence.
Last week we attended a meeting that included a lot of old friends from our past. It was really good to renew old friendships. We also saw how the experiences of our lives together affect us all. When we allow people to touch our lives we touch each other. They leave an impression that affects us in ways that we may not even realize for years. We leave reminders of ourselves in the lives of others.
I thought about the many places we had lived and the people we have known. Scattered along the way are little reminders of our presence. Most of those experiences were good, some of them regrettable. I remember a bit of advice I often give to people: As time passes we tend to remember best the good things in life and remember less the bad things.
Everything we touch is changed by us in some small way. Everything God touches is changed in a significant way.
Paul said, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Love God and keep the goal of God’s purpose in sight. When we seek God’s touch, the reminders of ourselves we leave along the way will point to God.
Bro. Robin
Last week we attended a meeting that included a lot of old friends from our past. It was really good to renew old friendships. We also saw how the experiences of our lives together affect us all. When we allow people to touch our lives we touch each other. They leave an impression that affects us in ways that we may not even realize for years. We leave reminders of ourselves in the lives of others.
I thought about the many places we had lived and the people we have known. Scattered along the way are little reminders of our presence. Most of those experiences were good, some of them regrettable. I remember a bit of advice I often give to people: As time passes we tend to remember best the good things in life and remember less the bad things.
Everything we touch is changed by us in some small way. Everything God touches is changed in a significant way.
Paul said, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” Love God and keep the goal of God’s purpose in sight. When we seek God’s touch, the reminders of ourselves we leave along the way will point to God.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Keeping Score
“This is not a competition,” I said, as the teams were reporting on their day.
We were on a mission trip and had divided up into teams to share the gospel in different areas. It was not supposed to be a competition for a number of reasons. We were sharing the gospel to lead people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. To do it right takes time. Doing it wrong does not take as much time. So numbers may not be a good indicator of success. It may only reveal speed and a need to do more follow up.
“Okay, so how many did you get?” a team member asked.
It is human nature to be competitive. Some people are naturally more competitive than others. We keep score in order to know who wins. There are winners and losers. Sometimes we have the attitude that if somebody is going to win it might as well be me. I find that annoying mainly because I know I have that attitude at times, and am praying to change it in my own life.
There is a problem when we feel the need to keep score at everything. There are a lot of times when keeping score is more than annoying; it is the wrong thing to do. We should keep score at friendly games, but not with friendships. We should keep track of debts we owe, but not of wrongs committed against us. Marriage, family, Church, and work are all places where keeping score is wrong.
We can sometimes make a game out of an activity and make it fun and easier to do. Friendly score keeping as part of such a game can bring out the best in us. Unkind score keeping to prove a point of one-up-man-ship can destroy a relationship.
In speaking about love in the classic chapter, 1 Corinthians 13:5b, Paul said, Love, “does not keep a record of wrongs.” (HCSB) Love does not keep score and does not have to win.
When people in a relationship feel that they have to win and someone has to lose they both lose. On the other hand, when we want someone else to win and we set aside our needs for someone else, we all win. That is love, and that is the Gospel truth.
Bro. Robin
We were on a mission trip and had divided up into teams to share the gospel in different areas. It was not supposed to be a competition for a number of reasons. We were sharing the gospel to lead people to a relationship with Jesus Christ. To do it right takes time. Doing it wrong does not take as much time. So numbers may not be a good indicator of success. It may only reveal speed and a need to do more follow up.
“Okay, so how many did you get?” a team member asked.
It is human nature to be competitive. Some people are naturally more competitive than others. We keep score in order to know who wins. There are winners and losers. Sometimes we have the attitude that if somebody is going to win it might as well be me. I find that annoying mainly because I know I have that attitude at times, and am praying to change it in my own life.
There is a problem when we feel the need to keep score at everything. There are a lot of times when keeping score is more than annoying; it is the wrong thing to do. We should keep score at friendly games, but not with friendships. We should keep track of debts we owe, but not of wrongs committed against us. Marriage, family, Church, and work are all places where keeping score is wrong.
We can sometimes make a game out of an activity and make it fun and easier to do. Friendly score keeping as part of such a game can bring out the best in us. Unkind score keeping to prove a point of one-up-man-ship can destroy a relationship.
In speaking about love in the classic chapter, 1 Corinthians 13:5b, Paul said, Love, “does not keep a record of wrongs.” (HCSB) Love does not keep score and does not have to win.
When people in a relationship feel that they have to win and someone has to lose they both lose. On the other hand, when we want someone else to win and we set aside our needs for someone else, we all win. That is love, and that is the Gospel truth.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Change with a Purpose
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) Jesus said this on the way to the cemetery. His friend Lazarus had died and Jesus was on His way to see him. He was not going to a funeral. The funeral had already taken place. He comforted Lazarus’ sisters with talk of resurrection. But they did not know what Jesus had in mind until it was all over. Jesus saw His friend’s death as an opportunity for a new beginning.
New beginnings are not as rare as you might think. Children are born, we start school, and we get new jobs, take on new tasks, and start new things all the time. Some see every day as a fresh new start to something in our lives. Most of the time, in order to start something new, we had to bring something else to an end. We learn as we move through the changes in life that change is good and even small changes can bring great results.
If I can paraphrase Jesus, I believe He is saying to us, “I am a fresh start, a new beginning, and the continuation of this new direction.” Paul said, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When God brings new things He brings blessings with Him.
As I look at the start of the new church year I can see many changes coming. An old building needs to come down and a new one will need to be built. Some old programs will need to be traded for new ones. If we are going to be ready to reach people in a changing culture we will need to change some old ideas for some new ones. We have done it before. We can do it now.
Some things will not change. It will always be the same Gospel, the same Great Commission, and the same Great Commandment. God’s Word remains the same even when the ways we communicate change. This Church will continue to be a loving fellowship of God’s people, perhaps even more so. We keep our eyes and ears open to see where God is calling us to His work and our hands and feet ready to go.
Are you ready? Let’s go together and see what God can do with a people united in love for His purpose.
Bro. Robin
New beginnings are not as rare as you might think. Children are born, we start school, and we get new jobs, take on new tasks, and start new things all the time. Some see every day as a fresh new start to something in our lives. Most of the time, in order to start something new, we had to bring something else to an end. We learn as we move through the changes in life that change is good and even small changes can bring great results.
If I can paraphrase Jesus, I believe He is saying to us, “I am a fresh start, a new beginning, and the continuation of this new direction.” Paul said, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). When God brings new things He brings blessings with Him.
As I look at the start of the new church year I can see many changes coming. An old building needs to come down and a new one will need to be built. Some old programs will need to be traded for new ones. If we are going to be ready to reach people in a changing culture we will need to change some old ideas for some new ones. We have done it before. We can do it now.
Some things will not change. It will always be the same Gospel, the same Great Commission, and the same Great Commandment. God’s Word remains the same even when the ways we communicate change. This Church will continue to be a loving fellowship of God’s people, perhaps even more so. We keep our eyes and ears open to see where God is calling us to His work and our hands and feet ready to go.
Are you ready? Let’s go together and see what God can do with a people united in love for His purpose.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Worship
Worship is at the heart of our relationship with Christ. It is our expression of God’s worth to us, worth-ship. I have seen it defined as our response to God’s revelation of Himself. To understand worship it is something to experience, rather than define.
There are many examples and descriptions of worship in scripture. I find it helpful to focus on a few things that are meaningful and seek to grow in those areas of worship. I have made an acrostic to help me remember some of the most meaningful ways of worship that I have discovered in scripture and experience.
WORSHIP:
Wait on the lord, as a waiter waits on customers. (Acts 13:2)
Organize my thoughts. God brings order out of chaos. (Philippians 2:5)
Remember what I learn. Take notes and bring something home from each worship experience. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Sing. Singing includes praise and like praise it requires participation. (Ephesians 5:19)
Help. A worship service must include service in order to be worship. (Romans 12:1-2)
Intercede for others in prayer. (Philippians 1:4)
Prevail. The message will prevail, (Acts 19:20)
I hope these simple words will encourage you to experience God today. You can find God anywhere if you take the time to look. Take time to experience worship today.
There are many examples and descriptions of worship in scripture. I find it helpful to focus on a few things that are meaningful and seek to grow in those areas of worship. I have made an acrostic to help me remember some of the most meaningful ways of worship that I have discovered in scripture and experience.
WORSHIP:
Wait on the lord, as a waiter waits on customers. (Acts 13:2)
Organize my thoughts. God brings order out of chaos. (Philippians 2:5)
Remember what I learn. Take notes and bring something home from each worship experience. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Sing. Singing includes praise and like praise it requires participation. (Ephesians 5:19)
Help. A worship service must include service in order to be worship. (Romans 12:1-2)
Intercede for others in prayer. (Philippians 1:4)
Prevail. The message will prevail, (Acts 19:20)
I hope these simple words will encourage you to experience God today. You can find God anywhere if you take the time to look. Take time to experience worship today.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Look to the Future
This year, in addition to my usual garden fare, I planted some grape vines. I found the plants at nearby Tontitown where they grow many varieties of grapes. I have bought grapes there in the summer to make my own grape jam.
My favorite jam is made from Concord grapes. I make it with the whole skins. That is where the flavor is. It is a slow, painstaking, process to slice each grape by hand to remove the seeds and keep the grapes as whole as possible. There are shorter, easier ways to make jam. But the flavor and consistency is just not the same. There are also many varieties of grapes and some of them are seedless and have a better flavor for eating or making other things. I prefer Concord for my jam because that is the flavor I have always enjoyed the most.
Growing grapes is not easy. My dad had grapes when I was growing up and I remember the work that went into them. They had to be watered, pruned, and sometimes treated with chemicals or fertilizers. The end result could be a good harvest. Sometimes the result was simply a hope for a better harvest next year. Besides the time and work there was always the weather and seasonal elements that only God can control.
One thing is for certain. If you do not plant you cannot harvest. You have to look to the future.
Many of Jesus’ parables are taken from the field. He saw the cycle of growing things as perfect examples to explain our role in the kingdom, and in building His Church. It is his Church, His Kingdom, His vineyard, and we are the workers. He gives us everything we need but we still have to plant the seeds, till the soil, take care of the plants, and bring in the harvest. We have to look to the future.
We live and work in the present. Many times our focus is so caught by the present that we have a hard time seeing how the future is ever going to come out good. We forget how many elements are in God’s hands. Our faith needs to be in Him. While we may plant and water it is God who brings the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, CSV) We have many challenges before us and we may not be able to see how we can accomplish them. Our hope is in God as we look to the future.
Bro. Robin
My favorite jam is made from Concord grapes. I make it with the whole skins. That is where the flavor is. It is a slow, painstaking, process to slice each grape by hand to remove the seeds and keep the grapes as whole as possible. There are shorter, easier ways to make jam. But the flavor and consistency is just not the same. There are also many varieties of grapes and some of them are seedless and have a better flavor for eating or making other things. I prefer Concord for my jam because that is the flavor I have always enjoyed the most.
Growing grapes is not easy. My dad had grapes when I was growing up and I remember the work that went into them. They had to be watered, pruned, and sometimes treated with chemicals or fertilizers. The end result could be a good harvest. Sometimes the result was simply a hope for a better harvest next year. Besides the time and work there was always the weather and seasonal elements that only God can control.
One thing is for certain. If you do not plant you cannot harvest. You have to look to the future.
Many of Jesus’ parables are taken from the field. He saw the cycle of growing things as perfect examples to explain our role in the kingdom, and in building His Church. It is his Church, His Kingdom, His vineyard, and we are the workers. He gives us everything we need but we still have to plant the seeds, till the soil, take care of the plants, and bring in the harvest. We have to look to the future.
We live and work in the present. Many times our focus is so caught by the present that we have a hard time seeing how the future is ever going to come out good. We forget how many elements are in God’s hands. Our faith needs to be in Him. While we may plant and water it is God who brings the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, CSV) We have many challenges before us and we may not be able to see how we can accomplish them. Our hope is in God as we look to the future.
Bro. Robin
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dizzy or Drowsy
My ears are ringing and I am dizzy. I finally gave in to the symptoms of my discomfort and went to see the doctor. What triggered the doctor’s visit was really just a few annoying symptoms. This makes it difficult to do several normal everyday things like walk and drive. I need to be able to move around and function normally.
The doctor was very helpful. He said I needed an antibiotic and prescribed something for the dizziness. I was all excited about feeling normal again until I looked at the message on the side of the bottle. It read, “May cause drowsiness.” So now I have a choice: I can drive dizzy or drowsy. No, that is not really a choice. While it may make me feel better it did not solve what I perceived to be the problem. I still need to be able to move around.
Why am I so impatient? The antibiotics will start working now and I will be over this in a few days. I just need to give the medicine time to work, its complete work, and no shortcuts. So I have to adjust my schedule for a few days. In time I will be well, and all will be well.
This got me thinking about how we often treat our spiritual health. We treat our spiritual health much like our physical health. We take it for granted as long as we pray before meals, come to church, and take our bibles with us. We pop a spiritual pill and think it is all good, until it all turns bad.
James said, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
Good Spiritual health takes time. We have to give God time to work in us so that when a time of trials come they will build us up instead of tear us down. When you are down you can be drowsy or dizzy, or let the medicine of God’s promise do His work. He promises great benefits for letting Him work in our lives.
Bro. Robin
The doctor was very helpful. He said I needed an antibiotic and prescribed something for the dizziness. I was all excited about feeling normal again until I looked at the message on the side of the bottle. It read, “May cause drowsiness.” So now I have a choice: I can drive dizzy or drowsy. No, that is not really a choice. While it may make me feel better it did not solve what I perceived to be the problem. I still need to be able to move around.
Why am I so impatient? The antibiotics will start working now and I will be over this in a few days. I just need to give the medicine time to work, its complete work, and no shortcuts. So I have to adjust my schedule for a few days. In time I will be well, and all will be well.
This got me thinking about how we often treat our spiritual health. We treat our spiritual health much like our physical health. We take it for granted as long as we pray before meals, come to church, and take our bibles with us. We pop a spiritual pill and think it is all good, until it all turns bad.
James said, “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
Good Spiritual health takes time. We have to give God time to work in us so that when a time of trials come they will build us up instead of tear us down. When you are down you can be drowsy or dizzy, or let the medicine of God’s promise do His work. He promises great benefits for letting Him work in our lives.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Life Changing
Until this week I did not know that it was possible to have my heart so broken and so filled with pride at the same time. I spent this past week at the Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. I was there with my son who had been injured in Iraq the week before. I, along with his mother and his wife, sat with him, talked with him and prayed with him through the difficult decision of having his foot amputated, and the recovery from surgery that followed.
Along the way we saw and heard many stories both inspiring and depressing, but far more were inspiring. I was amazed at the flow of young men and women coming in daily from Iraq and Afghanistan. I noticed that they were no longer being referred to as “soldiers” but were now being called “warriors,” and “heroes.” These are the stories too small for the evening news but nevertheless life changing for the warriors and their families. I saw people with a new appreciation for life and motivation to celebrate things that most of us would have difficulty celebrating.
I met a young man who celebrated only losing some fingers instead of his whole hand. We met a mother and son who celebrated life even though he was covered from head to toe with gauze because of the burns he received when he was the lone survivor of an explosion. Joyce and his mother praised God as they quoted Jeremiah 29:11 together:
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (CSB)
The phrase, “life-changing experience,” holds new meaning for me today. I have used it many times for sharing the gospel, but have never had to apply it to my life in such a drastic way as now. Our lives can change in an instant, a flash, a phone call, a decision. Yes, Eric’s situation is life-changing, but isn’t that how it should be in our walk with the Lord. Each and every day with the Lord is to be celebrated. When we accept Him as Savior, we have only begun a journey that is filled with life-changing experiences. We have the option to go forward or “wallow” in things that come our way.
Our son has chosen to go forward, to embrace the future in such a way that He can still make a difference in this life. To us, he is truly a hero, a man that has sacrificed a lot for our freedom. These past two weeks have touched us in a deep way, and our lives will never be the same. We are thankful for the gift of life – we intend to celebrate each day in our walk with the Lord. How about you?
Bro. Robin
Along the way we saw and heard many stories both inspiring and depressing, but far more were inspiring. I was amazed at the flow of young men and women coming in daily from Iraq and Afghanistan. I noticed that they were no longer being referred to as “soldiers” but were now being called “warriors,” and “heroes.” These are the stories too small for the evening news but nevertheless life changing for the warriors and their families. I saw people with a new appreciation for life and motivation to celebrate things that most of us would have difficulty celebrating.
I met a young man who celebrated only losing some fingers instead of his whole hand. We met a mother and son who celebrated life even though he was covered from head to toe with gauze because of the burns he received when he was the lone survivor of an explosion. Joyce and his mother praised God as they quoted Jeremiah 29:11 together:
“For I know the plans I have for you…plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (CSB)
The phrase, “life-changing experience,” holds new meaning for me today. I have used it many times for sharing the gospel, but have never had to apply it to my life in such a drastic way as now. Our lives can change in an instant, a flash, a phone call, a decision. Yes, Eric’s situation is life-changing, but isn’t that how it should be in our walk with the Lord. Each and every day with the Lord is to be celebrated. When we accept Him as Savior, we have only begun a journey that is filled with life-changing experiences. We have the option to go forward or “wallow” in things that come our way.
Our son has chosen to go forward, to embrace the future in such a way that He can still make a difference in this life. To us, he is truly a hero, a man that has sacrificed a lot for our freedom. These past two weeks have touched us in a deep way, and our lives will never be the same. We are thankful for the gift of life – we intend to celebrate each day in our walk with the Lord. How about you?
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Pond Project Parable
This weekend I finally got started on a project I have wanted to do for a long time. I started on the waterfall in the backyard. It is more like a mini-waterfall, not very big, and the pond it will fall into will only hold fifty gallons of water. It will be just off the back porch, which is close enough to enjoy while I sit and read or talk to Joyce in the evening.
My daughter and son-in-law are staying with us for a few weeks so it seemed like a good time to do an outdoor project while he can help. On Saturday we dug the hole, covered the area with plastic, and set the plastic tub for the pond. A few days later we filled in the spaces with sand and started laying the rock around it. We carefully leveled the pond as we supported it with sand and put a few heavy rocks in the pond to keep it anchored. Then last night it rained, big.
This morning we looked outside and to our surprise the pond had floated, rocks and all. It looked like some kind of barge that was sunk at a crazy angle. The plastic lined hole had apparently filled with water at a faster rate than the pond and as it rose the sand around it filled in under it. There was nothing we could do but pull it out, bail it out, dry it out, and try again.
We laughed when we saw it. What else could we do? Life is filled with unexpected events. But, most of the unexpected happenings in life are not funny, just the opposite. We all live in fear of that phone call or bad decision that changes the course of our life.
Job was a man in the Bible whose life is associated with trouble. Actually the events of the book of Job were only a small part of a life that was otherwise nearly perfect. When trouble came on him it nearly destroyed him to the point that all he had left was his faith in God. At the beginning of his troubles he said, “For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25, CSV)
Job endured his troubles because of his relationship with God. Later in his story he said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25, NAS) God will rescue us. God has rescued us. Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, lives. His presence is with us now and always.
As Jesus said to us, “And remember, I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20 CSV)
Bro. Robin
My daughter and son-in-law are staying with us for a few weeks so it seemed like a good time to do an outdoor project while he can help. On Saturday we dug the hole, covered the area with plastic, and set the plastic tub for the pond. A few days later we filled in the spaces with sand and started laying the rock around it. We carefully leveled the pond as we supported it with sand and put a few heavy rocks in the pond to keep it anchored. Then last night it rained, big.
This morning we looked outside and to our surprise the pond had floated, rocks and all. It looked like some kind of barge that was sunk at a crazy angle. The plastic lined hole had apparently filled with water at a faster rate than the pond and as it rose the sand around it filled in under it. There was nothing we could do but pull it out, bail it out, dry it out, and try again.
We laughed when we saw it. What else could we do? Life is filled with unexpected events. But, most of the unexpected happenings in life are not funny, just the opposite. We all live in fear of that phone call or bad decision that changes the course of our life.
Job was a man in the Bible whose life is associated with trouble. Actually the events of the book of Job were only a small part of a life that was otherwise nearly perfect. When trouble came on him it nearly destroyed him to the point that all he had left was his faith in God. At the beginning of his troubles he said, “For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Job 3:25, CSV)
Job endured his troubles because of his relationship with God. Later in his story he said, “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” (Job 19:25, NAS) God will rescue us. God has rescued us. Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, lives. His presence is with us now and always.
As Jesus said to us, “And remember, I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20 CSV)
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sharing Tomatoes
I finally got a small garden planted. It is just a few tomato plants, some cucumber plants and some yellow squash. I do not plant very much and therefore do not expect a lot. I hope to go through a season of getting enough to share with our children and enjoy some fresh fruit of our labors. We enjoy sharing the vegetables with loved ones. We do not enjoy sharing with the squirrels.
I like squirrels. They are cute and fun to watch. I especially like them in season, well seasoned that is, with mashed potatoes and gravy, although I have not had them that way in a few years. Besides, these are town squirrels and I seem to be stuck with them. I just don’t like them eating my tomatoes.
I talked to one person who was trapping her squirrels and taking them out of town. I hope it works. I tried getting rid of the squirrels years ago, not here. My efforts did not seem to matter. Squirrels seem to sense a vacuum and rush to fill the space with more squirrels. I have thought about building a cage around the garden to protect it from the squirrels. It seems like a lot of effort for a few tomatoes.
Another person I talked to said that my problem was that I feed the birds and the bird feed keeps the squirrels around. That makes sense. When you do something good it will attract all kinds of responses. I put out the feed for the cardinals, finches, and an occasional bluebird. Of course, in addition to the “pretty” birds I also get the rest of the birds in the neighborhood. I just put out the feed. I don’t get to pick out the birds, or the squirrels, which eat at my feeder.
Should we not also be this way about the word of God? We cannot protect God’s Word or pick His people to suit ourselves. Jesus gave us the parable of The Sower, in which the seed of the word was thrown out in all directions, (Matthew 13). The result depended on where the seed landed. But He made it clear that the result is ultimately in God’s hands. The responsibility for sowing, and sowing everywhere, is ours. Even if the squirrels get some.
Bro. Robin
I like squirrels. They are cute and fun to watch. I especially like them in season, well seasoned that is, with mashed potatoes and gravy, although I have not had them that way in a few years. Besides, these are town squirrels and I seem to be stuck with them. I just don’t like them eating my tomatoes.
I talked to one person who was trapping her squirrels and taking them out of town. I hope it works. I tried getting rid of the squirrels years ago, not here. My efforts did not seem to matter. Squirrels seem to sense a vacuum and rush to fill the space with more squirrels. I have thought about building a cage around the garden to protect it from the squirrels. It seems like a lot of effort for a few tomatoes.
Another person I talked to said that my problem was that I feed the birds and the bird feed keeps the squirrels around. That makes sense. When you do something good it will attract all kinds of responses. I put out the feed for the cardinals, finches, and an occasional bluebird. Of course, in addition to the “pretty” birds I also get the rest of the birds in the neighborhood. I just put out the feed. I don’t get to pick out the birds, or the squirrels, which eat at my feeder.
Should we not also be this way about the word of God? We cannot protect God’s Word or pick His people to suit ourselves. Jesus gave us the parable of The Sower, in which the seed of the word was thrown out in all directions, (Matthew 13). The result depended on where the seed landed. But He made it clear that the result is ultimately in God’s hands. The responsibility for sowing, and sowing everywhere, is ours. Even if the squirrels get some.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
More
Last night at the senior banquet I overheard a senior make a very wise observation. She was talking about graduating and heading for college and observed that she finally got to the top and now she will be starting at the bottom again. Now that she is a senior she will soon be a freshman again! Others at the table added that this will not be the last time but she will start over at the bottom many times in her life to come. They cited graduate school, jobs, marriage, and family among the experience in life that each requires us to start over at the bottom and work our way to the top. No matter how far we have come there is more.
Life is about new beginnings. Every stage and step of life we start something new. We are always learning and growing. It never stops. Even the end of this physical life is not the end. There is more.
As I read about eternity in the Bible I wonder how far do we really progress in this life? I know this is not the end but is this the middle, or just the beginning? I am convinced that on a scale of eternity our short span of life is just the beginning. We go from here to the presence of God, then Heaven. The scriptures tell us that in Heaven we go from under the altar to Jesus’ Banquet Hall, then the Millennium, followed by a season of rebellion, victory, and the New Jerusalem. The scriptures close with a mysterious reference to gate of the city that are never closed, indicating that even then there is more.
I am thankful today that we will never reach the end. We may not know what is coming. We do know who will get us there safely. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ there will always be more. He has also promised that it will always work together for good.
Bro. Robin
Life is about new beginnings. Every stage and step of life we start something new. We are always learning and growing. It never stops. Even the end of this physical life is not the end. There is more.
As I read about eternity in the Bible I wonder how far do we really progress in this life? I know this is not the end but is this the middle, or just the beginning? I am convinced that on a scale of eternity our short span of life is just the beginning. We go from here to the presence of God, then Heaven. The scriptures tell us that in Heaven we go from under the altar to Jesus’ Banquet Hall, then the Millennium, followed by a season of rebellion, victory, and the New Jerusalem. The scriptures close with a mysterious reference to gate of the city that are never closed, indicating that even then there is more.
I am thankful today that we will never reach the end. We may not know what is coming. We do know who will get us there safely. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ there will always be more. He has also promised that it will always work together for good.
Bro. Robin
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hope
I have been hearing a lot of talk lately about hope. We seem to talk about hope when we would all like to have more hope. Last night I participated in a town hall meeting with Dave Ramsey and at the end of the meeting he gave what I thought were three great observations on the subject of restoring hope. It also occurred to me that these same points that build up hope could also apply to trust, confidence, optimism, and a host of good character qualities. As I thought about these points I wanted to respond to them and apply them to my own situation.
First we need to take action. We need to be proactive instead of reactive. We need to look around us and see what needs to be done and them start doing something about it. This is what vision is all about. Blackaby says that God is always at work around us and we need to see what He is doing and join Him in His work. We all have to participate if this church is going to fulfill God’s mission. But, we cannot wait on someone else to start or tell us what to do. There are things we can do now.
Second we need to stop participating in loser talk. Ramsey suggested that we should fill our minds with good information, such as good books, and surround ourselves with better people. That will help us change our conversation. Our conversation is a reflection of who we are and can lead to a downward spiral in our attitude. We recently did a study on Godly Attitudes and looked at the attitudes of the Israelites in the desert. We discovered that complaining is a sin and they stayed in the wilderness because they could not stop complaining. Complaining is also a habit. We can stop complaining but only if we reinforce a decision to stop with also filling our minds with Godly information and surrounding ourselves with encouraging and hopeful people. Let’s be the first to change the subject of conversation to hope.
Third we need give. The practice of giving needs to be a lifestyle so that we do not think of it as one thing. We need to give our ears to listen. We need to give our mouth to encourage. We need to give our hands to help those who need help. We need to give our resources, time, and talents. As I heard last night, service is worship.
Paul said, “Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24-25) Whatever may be going on around us God is still God, and He is still in control.
I love you, Church. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Thank you for serving with me to fulfill God’s mission.
Bro. Robin
First we need to take action. We need to be proactive instead of reactive. We need to look around us and see what needs to be done and them start doing something about it. This is what vision is all about. Blackaby says that God is always at work around us and we need to see what He is doing and join Him in His work. We all have to participate if this church is going to fulfill God’s mission. But, we cannot wait on someone else to start or tell us what to do. There are things we can do now.
Second we need to stop participating in loser talk. Ramsey suggested that we should fill our minds with good information, such as good books, and surround ourselves with better people. That will help us change our conversation. Our conversation is a reflection of who we are and can lead to a downward spiral in our attitude. We recently did a study on Godly Attitudes and looked at the attitudes of the Israelites in the desert. We discovered that complaining is a sin and they stayed in the wilderness because they could not stop complaining. Complaining is also a habit. We can stop complaining but only if we reinforce a decision to stop with also filling our minds with Godly information and surrounding ourselves with encouraging and hopeful people. Let’s be the first to change the subject of conversation to hope.
Third we need give. The practice of giving needs to be a lifestyle so that we do not think of it as one thing. We need to give our ears to listen. We need to give our mouth to encourage. We need to give our hands to help those who need help. We need to give our resources, time, and talents. As I heard last night, service is worship.
Paul said, “Now in this hope we were saved, yet hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:24-25) Whatever may be going on around us God is still God, and He is still in control.
I love you, Church. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor. Thank you for serving with me to fulfill God’s mission.
Bro. Robin
Monday, April 13, 2009
How do we know?
How do we know that we are a Christian? We believe that we are saved by God’s power to save us, called grace, through our faith in Him to save us. There are no special works or magic words. You make a decision and God keeps His promise. You believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and make Him the owner, Lord, of your life and He will save you. It sounds simple, yet I hear from people all the time who pray but doubt their salvation. How do we know for sure?
When someone comes to me with doubts I direct them to the book of 1 John. This short letter from the apostle John, only five chapters, tells us what we need to know to know that we know Jesus. The stated purpose of the book is, “So that you may know that you have eternal life.” (5:13)
The first mark of salvation is that we, “walk in the light,” (1:7). When we know His truth He gives us more insight into His nature, our new nature, and our neighbor’s needs. In fact, a person who is not a Christian does not have this insight.
Paul put it this way, “But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually.” (1 Cor. 2:14) This is not the only mark of salvation. There are others, but this is a good place to start.
What do you understand that you could not understand before? Understanding is the key to overcoming. With understanding comes the power to say no to those things that seemed to control you before, and say yes to the one you did not seem to be able to obey before.
Jesus does not just save your soul. He saves your understanding also. On the day of Pentecost Peter declared to the crowd, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” (Acts 2:40). Salvation begins now with God giving you the power to do His will. That is the power of grace that assures us that we are one of His children. That is how we know. In the light of salvation, we see the change in our own life.
Bro. Robin
When someone comes to me with doubts I direct them to the book of 1 John. This short letter from the apostle John, only five chapters, tells us what we need to know to know that we know Jesus. The stated purpose of the book is, “So that you may know that you have eternal life.” (5:13)
The first mark of salvation is that we, “walk in the light,” (1:7). When we know His truth He gives us more insight into His nature, our new nature, and our neighbor’s needs. In fact, a person who is not a Christian does not have this insight.
Paul put it this way, “But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually.” (1 Cor. 2:14) This is not the only mark of salvation. There are others, but this is a good place to start.
What do you understand that you could not understand before? Understanding is the key to overcoming. With understanding comes the power to say no to those things that seemed to control you before, and say yes to the one you did not seem to be able to obey before.
Jesus does not just save your soul. He saves your understanding also. On the day of Pentecost Peter declared to the crowd, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” (Acts 2:40). Salvation begins now with God giving you the power to do His will. That is the power of grace that assures us that we are one of His children. That is how we know. In the light of salvation, we see the change in our own life.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Distracted
During my prayer time I am often amazed at how many things can so easily distract me. Sometimes the thoughts are good thoughts, like things I need to do today, but they are still a distraction from my prayer time. Prayer is so important that I have learned to focus and deal with the distractions quickly. But nothing seems to keep them from coming.
Many years ago a wise preacher by the name of Preacher Hallock, in the little book Meditation and Prayer, described four main hindrances to effective praying. He said these hindrances were: Wandering thoughts, impure thoughts, sleepiness, and doubts that prayer can do anything. As I have studied prayer over the years I have come to appreciate this list of distractions that certainly hinder prayer.
In Matthew 6 Jesus talked about prayer and gave another list of hindrances. His list also included distractions. Jesus said, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matt. 6:6) Rather than list everything that distracts us, Jesus gave us a cure for them.
Where do you go when you pray? Where is your focus? What is getting the attention of your senses? Where are your thoughts? You cannot pray in a busy place. Jesus did not restrict that to physical, mental, or spiritual. He included them all. When we pray we need to be in a place that is free from distractions. We need a place where we can hear God speaking.
God is always speaking. Our ears are always listening. But distractions can keep us from hearing, and from understanding what we hear. If our thoughts are wandering we may hear only part of what is said and misunderstand what others say, including God.
Other religions wonder how to get God’s attention. Some ring bells, sing songs, or make some other kind of noise. Some in the Bible were known to cut themselves or do something strange to get God’s attention. Others pay attention to the wording of their prayers as if the formula of the words can turn God’s ear.
The Word of our God says, “God so loved…” (John 3:16). We have His attention. The challenge for us now is to give all our attention to God. There is the power of prayer.
Bro. Robin
Many years ago a wise preacher by the name of Preacher Hallock, in the little book Meditation and Prayer, described four main hindrances to effective praying. He said these hindrances were: Wandering thoughts, impure thoughts, sleepiness, and doubts that prayer can do anything. As I have studied prayer over the years I have come to appreciate this list of distractions that certainly hinder prayer.
In Matthew 6 Jesus talked about prayer and gave another list of hindrances. His list also included distractions. Jesus said, “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matt. 6:6) Rather than list everything that distracts us, Jesus gave us a cure for them.
Where do you go when you pray? Where is your focus? What is getting the attention of your senses? Where are your thoughts? You cannot pray in a busy place. Jesus did not restrict that to physical, mental, or spiritual. He included them all. When we pray we need to be in a place that is free from distractions. We need a place where we can hear God speaking.
God is always speaking. Our ears are always listening. But distractions can keep us from hearing, and from understanding what we hear. If our thoughts are wandering we may hear only part of what is said and misunderstand what others say, including God.
Other religions wonder how to get God’s attention. Some ring bells, sing songs, or make some other kind of noise. Some in the Bible were known to cut themselves or do something strange to get God’s attention. Others pay attention to the wording of their prayers as if the formula of the words can turn God’s ear.
The Word of our God says, “God so loved…” (John 3:16). We have His attention. The challenge for us now is to give all our attention to God. There is the power of prayer.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Smalltalk
This is that time of the year when we wish the weather would make up its mind. It occurred to me recently that if it were not for the weather, politics, and religion most of us would have nothing to talk about. We all like to talk about things that are important to us with people who agree with us. Smalltalk is the art of talking about nothing. Much is said, but nothing is changed.
Conversation can be our most important activity of the day. Even Smalltalk can tell us about more about each other and help grow our relationships. As you have heard me say many times before, there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship, even if that time is spent doing Smalltalk.
Conversation can also change things. Conversation can repair a broken relationship if the right things are said from an open and forgiving heart. If fact, it is impossible to repair a broken relationship without the right kind of communication. Conversation that has substance is also conversation that has heart, feelings, and honesty said with the right amount of sensitivity. It is the most difficult and potentially risky conversation you will have with another person. But it can also become the most valuable and treasured time you will ever spend with the great long term benefit of a restored relationship.
A restored relationship is a revived relationship. This is what Revival is all about. We sing the old song, “Have a little talk with Jesus,” but do we think about those words? The right conversation with another person can restore a friendship with lasting benefits. The right conversation with God can restore a relationship with eternal benefits.
When was the last time you sat down and had a heart to heart with a friend you have not seen in a while? When was the last time you had a similar heart to heart with God. The Bible says, “There is a friend who stays closer than a brother.” (Pr. 18:24)
Cut the small talk. Take the time today to have not just a little talk but a real conversation with Jesus. Revive the most important relationship in your life. You will be amazed at the difference His amazing grace can make in your life.
Bro. Robin
Conversation can be our most important activity of the day. Even Smalltalk can tell us about more about each other and help grow our relationships. As you have heard me say many times before, there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship, even if that time is spent doing Smalltalk.
Conversation can also change things. Conversation can repair a broken relationship if the right things are said from an open and forgiving heart. If fact, it is impossible to repair a broken relationship without the right kind of communication. Conversation that has substance is also conversation that has heart, feelings, and honesty said with the right amount of sensitivity. It is the most difficult and potentially risky conversation you will have with another person. But it can also become the most valuable and treasured time you will ever spend with the great long term benefit of a restored relationship.
A restored relationship is a revived relationship. This is what Revival is all about. We sing the old song, “Have a little talk with Jesus,” but do we think about those words? The right conversation with another person can restore a friendship with lasting benefits. The right conversation with God can restore a relationship with eternal benefits.
When was the last time you sat down and had a heart to heart with a friend you have not seen in a while? When was the last time you had a similar heart to heart with God. The Bible says, “There is a friend who stays closer than a brother.” (Pr. 18:24)
Cut the small talk. Take the time today to have not just a little talk but a real conversation with Jesus. Revive the most important relationship in your life. You will be amazed at the difference His amazing grace can make in your life.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Our purpose is HIS Mission
As I begin my seventh year as your pastor I have been thinking lately about our Church, our mission, and our vision for this New Year. Our recent business meeting pointed out that we are beginning a new chapter. We have known for some time that we need to make some changes. We are faced with some challenges that we can no longer put off until later. But my experience so far with the people of this church has shown me that we are up to the challenges we face. We are a Church made of people who sincerely desire to follow God’s leadership and I am excited to serve the Lord with people who share such a common purpose.
We point to our mission statement: “Our mission is to reach across the street and around the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Our mission is only a reflection of the Great Commission:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, HCSB)
Our purpose is HIS mission. Everything we do is to teach us and prepare us to go and to send others into the world to teach and preach Jesus. At the end of the day it is all about HIS mission.
We need to replace one of our buildings. We voted to tear down the old building and we need to raise some money to do it. We have never had a problem raising large sums of money to send groups of people on mission trips. We have gone in recent years to Africa, Chile, Bahamas, Alaska, Iowa, and Nebraska. Now we need to go to Gentry. We need a building to train people for the mission. But, we are not just building a building. We are building a kingdom, the kingdom of God, the cause of Christ, the Mission.
When I welcome new members to this church I pray with them. My prayer is always for God’s help as we work together serving Him in this Church. That is my prayer today.
Bro. Robin
We point to our mission statement: “Our mission is to reach across the street and around the world with the good news of Jesus Christ.”
Our mission is only a reflection of the Great Commission:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, HCSB)
Our purpose is HIS mission. Everything we do is to teach us and prepare us to go and to send others into the world to teach and preach Jesus. At the end of the day it is all about HIS mission.
We need to replace one of our buildings. We voted to tear down the old building and we need to raise some money to do it. We have never had a problem raising large sums of money to send groups of people on mission trips. We have gone in recent years to Africa, Chile, Bahamas, Alaska, Iowa, and Nebraska. Now we need to go to Gentry. We need a building to train people for the mission. But, we are not just building a building. We are building a kingdom, the kingdom of God, the cause of Christ, the Mission.
When I welcome new members to this church I pray with them. My prayer is always for God’s help as we work together serving Him in this Church. That is my prayer today.
Bro. Robin
Friday, February 13, 2009
Surviving the Wilderness
The study of Exodus has raised some thoughts about how we all handle the wilderness we are in. The children of Israel certainly had their struggles. Their experiences are lessons from which we can all learn. Several key lessons can give us an “ABC” outline for surviving our wilderness experiences.
An Attitude of Gratitude is important for surviving the wilderness. Attitude changes our outlook and can determine if we are on top of our circumstances or if our circumstances are on top of us. The Israelites had much to be thankful for and reasons to look up. They had the pillar of cloud and fire and the promises of God in the distance. But when they looked at the desert around them they got discouraged and complained. Complaining led to division and rebellion which always brought discipline from God.
The Behavior of a Believer is also important for surviving the wilderness. We need to act like we believe in the promises to which we are going. The Israelites often gave up and behaved badly. Our faith should lead us to follow God and to enjoy both His fellowship and the fellowship of others who are also following Him in the way. We are on this road together. We have a happy destination to reach. Our behavior on the road should reflect the destination and the direction of the One we follow.
The Cup of Contentment important for surviving the wilderness. We supply the cup and God supplies the contentment. He gave the Israelites everything they needed for the journey including manna, water, and clothes that never wore out. But, if our cup is already full of complaints, expectations, or anything else we put in it, there will be no room for the contentment God is waiting to pour into our cup, no matter how much He pours out. If we empty our cup of all the things we put there and hold it up to God He will fill it. Then we will understand why He called us to this place. He calls us to the place where He is. He calls us to follow Him to the other side of the wilderness where we will find the Promised Land.
Let’s all go there together.
Bro. Robin
An Attitude of Gratitude is important for surviving the wilderness. Attitude changes our outlook and can determine if we are on top of our circumstances or if our circumstances are on top of us. The Israelites had much to be thankful for and reasons to look up. They had the pillar of cloud and fire and the promises of God in the distance. But when they looked at the desert around them they got discouraged and complained. Complaining led to division and rebellion which always brought discipline from God.
The Behavior of a Believer is also important for surviving the wilderness. We need to act like we believe in the promises to which we are going. The Israelites often gave up and behaved badly. Our faith should lead us to follow God and to enjoy both His fellowship and the fellowship of others who are also following Him in the way. We are on this road together. We have a happy destination to reach. Our behavior on the road should reflect the destination and the direction of the One we follow.
The Cup of Contentment important for surviving the wilderness. We supply the cup and God supplies the contentment. He gave the Israelites everything they needed for the journey including manna, water, and clothes that never wore out. But, if our cup is already full of complaints, expectations, or anything else we put in it, there will be no room for the contentment God is waiting to pour into our cup, no matter how much He pours out. If we empty our cup of all the things we put there and hold it up to God He will fill it. Then we will understand why He called us to this place. He calls us to the place where He is. He calls us to follow Him to the other side of the wilderness where we will find the Promised Land.
Let’s all go there together.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Getting Ready for the Storm
When I left the house Monday morning I grabbed the list off the counter in the kitchen. It was not a very long list but the items were things Joyce and I had agreed were the most important that we might need if we could not get back to the store for a few days. Since ice was predicted, and we have been through an ice storm before, I also had to do a few things around the house when I got home. I had just put the generator away last week, so I got it back out again and put it on the porch, just in case. I checked the fuel, firewood and flashlights. I felt good about being ready for the storm.
Then it came. Tuesday morning, as we were getting around, the power went off. I went outside to crank up the generator. I ran a cord through a window and powered the fireplace blower and a lamp. I could read and stay warm. What more did I need?
“What is the weather supposed to do?” Joyce said. Then it occurred to me. I had every gadget known to mankind, except a battery powered radio. I was cut off from the outside world. No, wait; I still had my cell phone. I pulled up the weather channel and looked at the radar. We were good to go.
What does it take to be prepared for the storms of life? Do we really need all the extras we so often surround ourselves with? Or, do we already have the things we need the most?
During the icy days Joyce and I got to spend some time together. We found plenty to do right here. We had all we needed. We had a warm fire, a light, the love of the Lord in our hearts, and each other. What more did we need?
Bro. Robin
Then it came. Tuesday morning, as we were getting around, the power went off. I went outside to crank up the generator. I ran a cord through a window and powered the fireplace blower and a lamp. I could read and stay warm. What more did I need?
“What is the weather supposed to do?” Joyce said. Then it occurred to me. I had every gadget known to mankind, except a battery powered radio. I was cut off from the outside world. No, wait; I still had my cell phone. I pulled up the weather channel and looked at the radar. We were good to go.
What does it take to be prepared for the storms of life? Do we really need all the extras we so often surround ourselves with? Or, do we already have the things we need the most?
During the icy days Joyce and I got to spend some time together. We found plenty to do right here. We had all we needed. We had a warm fire, a light, the love of the Lord in our hearts, and each other. What more did we need?
Bro. Robin
Monday, January 12, 2009
Resolutions for a New Year
Most of us make New Year’s resolutions, whether we admit it or not. I will lose weight, (again). I will read the Bible through this year. I will spend more time with my family. Losing weight seems so obvious after the eating binge we just went on during the holidays. I could probably lose weight just by getting back to pre-holiday eating.
I am wondering, however, what is really new about them, besides the year? They seem to be mostly the same old resolutions every new year. You would think that if we were really serious about them that we would accomplish one once in a while and come up with something new.
I went to the internet and searched for New Years Resolution and confirmed my suspicions. Every list I found had a few of the same things on them. At the top of the lists were Relationships, such as spending more time with family and friends. I was glad to see that. You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time in a relationship. Also on the lists were health resolutions, such as getting in shape, eating healthier and losing weight. In the top ten were habits that needed changing, such as quitting smoking, and drinking, (which obviously don’t apply to those of us who never started), and changes in our finances, such as getting out of debt. Some things on these lists were even more positive like enjoy life more, learn something new, help others, and get organized.
As a pastor, I would like to see resolutions made that focus on the really important things in life that are specific and doable. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. Renew your wedding vows. Resolve to be a better husband/wife, and if you are not married, resolve to be a better friend to someone close to you.
2. Find a special place in your house that is your place of prayer and go there at a set time everyday. Pray with someone and by yourself.
3. Read the bible through this year. (Good for every year!)
4. Go on a mission trip and see something that only God can do.
5. Make a new friend, and invite him/her to church.
6. Call a relative you have not heard from in a while.
7. Volunteer. Go ahead, make someone’s day.
8. Exchange a bad habit for a good one. (you pick one of each)
9. Learn a new healthy recipe you can cook yourself.
10. Do something fun that makes you laugh.
Happy New Year. Let me know what your resolutions are for this year.
Bro. Robin
I am wondering, however, what is really new about them, besides the year? They seem to be mostly the same old resolutions every new year. You would think that if we were really serious about them that we would accomplish one once in a while and come up with something new.
I went to the internet and searched for New Years Resolution and confirmed my suspicions. Every list I found had a few of the same things on them. At the top of the lists were Relationships, such as spending more time with family and friends. I was glad to see that. You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time in a relationship. Also on the lists were health resolutions, such as getting in shape, eating healthier and losing weight. In the top ten were habits that needed changing, such as quitting smoking, and drinking, (which obviously don’t apply to those of us who never started), and changes in our finances, such as getting out of debt. Some things on these lists were even more positive like enjoy life more, learn something new, help others, and get organized.
As a pastor, I would like to see resolutions made that focus on the really important things in life that are specific and doable. Here are a few of my suggestions.
1. Renew your wedding vows. Resolve to be a better husband/wife, and if you are not married, resolve to be a better friend to someone close to you.
2. Find a special place in your house that is your place of prayer and go there at a set time everyday. Pray with someone and by yourself.
3. Read the bible through this year. (Good for every year!)
4. Go on a mission trip and see something that only God can do.
5. Make a new friend, and invite him/her to church.
6. Call a relative you have not heard from in a while.
7. Volunteer. Go ahead, make someone’s day.
8. Exchange a bad habit for a good one. (you pick one of each)
9. Learn a new healthy recipe you can cook yourself.
10. Do something fun that makes you laugh.
Happy New Year. Let me know what your resolutions are for this year.
Bro. Robin
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