Christmas begins when the tree is decorated. At least that is the way it was when I was growing up. This tradition has continued with our family as we watched our children, and now grandchildren, grow up. This year our grandkids helped decorate. Decorating is always more fun with the help of little hands.
When I was young my job was always the tinsel. The ornaments were fragile and mom preferred putting them on the tree herself. Tinsel has all but disappeared these days. The tinsel we used was in long strands of shiny foil that we draped over the branches of the tree to look like icicles. There were two kinds of tinsel to put on the tree. There was the old tinsel and the new tinsel.
The old tinsel had been carefully removed from the tree strand by strand the year before and laid in a flat box for easy use next year. However, sometime during the year the box had been moved and every year the tinsel had formed an unruly ball of slightly dull sparkle at one end of the box. We would painstakingly remove as much usable tinsel as we could, put it on the tree, and throw the unusable remainder of the tinsel ball in the trash.
The new tinsel was not only easier to use it was also much shinier than the old. We tried to blend the old with the new in such a way that you could not tell the difference. But the only way to do it was to put the new tinsel over the old. That way the tinsel looked thicker from the old tinsel underneath and shiny from the new tinsel on top.
When Jesus comes into our lives he does not merely mingle his new life with our old life. Some things in our life that are contrary to Christ have to be removed. A few things that are useful to him, such as our talents, he covers completely so that the life we live shines with his presence.
Like Christmas trees we decorate our lives with symbols that tell a story. It is up to us what story we reveal. We can try to make the most of the old tinsel or we can let Jesus cover us with the shiny new light of his grace for all to see. As we all shine together the world will see that His gift to us, the real gift of Christmas, is his love that gives us new life in him. Merry Christmas.
Robin & Joyce
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to visit family. When our kids were small we would spend Thanksgiving with my parents in St. Louis and Christmas with her parents in Oklahoma. It was a practical thing since St. Louis, in those days, was at least a twelve hour drive from where I was pastoring in Oklahoma. Her parents lived closer and since the weather was more likely to be bad around Christmas we opted to stay closer to home for that holiday. This plan called for a long trip with four small children in a small space every Thanksgiving.
We planned ahead. We would pack the car with our luggage, pillows, and toys for the kids. Then, on Wednesday morning we got up early, carried the sleepy children to the car, and headed down the road. They woke up briefly, and excited, then went back to sleep, for a while. It was an adventure.
When we got to the house we settled in and looked for ways to be helpful preparing the feast for the next day. Since we were the only ones staying at the house Joyce was always asked to put the turkey in the oven. So we had to set an alarm the morning after that long trip to take care of our annual duty. This became a running joke and today when one of our daughters stays with us the night before thanksgiving we remind her that it is her job to get up early and put the turkey in the oven. Of course, with grandkids around no one sleeps in anyway.
The original thanksgiving was a celebration of survival. The Pilgrims had a festival that lasted several days and included feasting and games. Today we celebrate God’s blessings on a different scale. Now we celebrate survival the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is a day of blessings. We are blessed with family, food, a warm home, and lots of laughter. Most of all we remember that all of these blessings come from God who loves us and sent us his Son.
Thanksgiving Day to Christmas should be a season of Thanksgiving. Jesus is the reason for which we have so much to be thankful.
R. Cowin
We planned ahead. We would pack the car with our luggage, pillows, and toys for the kids. Then, on Wednesday morning we got up early, carried the sleepy children to the car, and headed down the road. They woke up briefly, and excited, then went back to sleep, for a while. It was an adventure.
When we got to the house we settled in and looked for ways to be helpful preparing the feast for the next day. Since we were the only ones staying at the house Joyce was always asked to put the turkey in the oven. So we had to set an alarm the morning after that long trip to take care of our annual duty. This became a running joke and today when one of our daughters stays with us the night before thanksgiving we remind her that it is her job to get up early and put the turkey in the oven. Of course, with grandkids around no one sleeps in anyway.
The original thanksgiving was a celebration of survival. The Pilgrims had a festival that lasted several days and included feasting and games. Today we celebrate God’s blessings on a different scale. Now we celebrate survival the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is a day of blessings. We are blessed with family, food, a warm home, and lots of laughter. Most of all we remember that all of these blessings come from God who loves us and sent us his Son.
Thanksgiving Day to Christmas should be a season of Thanksgiving. Jesus is the reason for which we have so much to be thankful.
R. Cowin
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Road Trip
Road trips can be fun times for family and friends. Our grown children like to tell stories about our road trips when they get together. We soon forget about the stress and headaches and remember only the fun and laughter.
Jesus traveled everywhere on foot with his disciples. The system of roads maintained by the Romans improved commerce for the public and made it possible for the gospel to be spread all over the known world. Using the roads to spread the gospel was a big part of His plan. In Mark 6:7-13, and 30-32, He gave His disciples some rules of the road to follow as they carried the gospel from place to place.
Take someone with you. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. No matter where you are going, whether you are going to Church, going on a mission trip, or just going through life you should always travel with a friend. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, Solomon tells us that, “Two are better than one.” You need a friend for companionship. While we may enjoy being self-sufficient we do not enjoy being lonely. You need a friend who will tell you what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. You need a friend who will hold you to higher standards, who will pray with you and for you. Do not go alone.
Take a few supplies but travel light. Jesus was practical. He told them to take a staff and sandals but not take extra luggage, food, or money. In other words, take care of your body but remember it is a journey of faith. God promises to take care of us along the way. He also expects us to take care of those things He has already given us. He will feed us and clothe us. We need to eat healthy and wear clothes suitable for the mission. A deacon with a heart for missions once told me that if you say you are willing to go wherever God calls but do not have a passport you are not really ready to go.
Take time to rest when the journey is done. When things got really busy Jesus invited the disciples to come with him to a secluded place to rest, (Mark 6:31). We too should accept hospitality from those who help us along the way. The day of rest is in the law for a reason. We need to take the time to rest and share our experiences, remember our blessings, renew our strength, and return to the road.
Bro. Robin
Jesus traveled everywhere on foot with his disciples. The system of roads maintained by the Romans improved commerce for the public and made it possible for the gospel to be spread all over the known world. Using the roads to spread the gospel was a big part of His plan. In Mark 6:7-13, and 30-32, He gave His disciples some rules of the road to follow as they carried the gospel from place to place.
Take someone with you. Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs. No matter where you are going, whether you are going to Church, going on a mission trip, or just going through life you should always travel with a friend. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, Solomon tells us that, “Two are better than one.” You need a friend for companionship. While we may enjoy being self-sufficient we do not enjoy being lonely. You need a friend who will tell you what you need to hear, whether you want to hear it or not. You need a friend who will hold you to higher standards, who will pray with you and for you. Do not go alone.
Take a few supplies but travel light. Jesus was practical. He told them to take a staff and sandals but not take extra luggage, food, or money. In other words, take care of your body but remember it is a journey of faith. God promises to take care of us along the way. He also expects us to take care of those things He has already given us. He will feed us and clothe us. We need to eat healthy and wear clothes suitable for the mission. A deacon with a heart for missions once told me that if you say you are willing to go wherever God calls but do not have a passport you are not really ready to go.
Take time to rest when the journey is done. When things got really busy Jesus invited the disciples to come with him to a secluded place to rest, (Mark 6:31). We too should accept hospitality from those who help us along the way. The day of rest is in the law for a reason. We need to take the time to rest and share our experiences, remember our blessings, renew our strength, and return to the road.
Bro. Robin
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Hospitality
There is no doubt in my mind that hospitality is a spiritual gift. Those who have it make it look easy. I appreciate that because I have to work at it. I have seen some great examples of hospitality who have taught me much about showing mercy to others through hospitality. There are those close to me who have the gift and part of the nature of this gift is that they would not want to receive any credit for it.
One of our dear friends from the past was a real southern lady named Rae. Many times we ate at her table in Kentucky with her husband, John. There were plates of fried chicken or country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and there were always pies.
After dinner she would pull a tall stool up to the sink and start on the dishes. We always offered to help but she always turned us down in her gentle but firm way.
“No,” she said, “I’m just working my way out of a job.”
She wanted us to enjoy the visit and not work. We often stayed at the kitchen table to talk while she listened. I think she liked that. She spoke with a smile in her voice and a twinkle in her eye. Yet you also knew there was no point arguing with her. She was a small lady who had a big presence in her home. Her husband, John, looked twice her size when they stood together, yet in her home it was obvious that she was the queen of the house.
Rae had the gift of hospitality. One of the most restful vacations we ever took was a trip to Rae’s house when the children were small. Rae watched the children while John took Joyce and me fishing. Rae taught the children that chores can be fun. She taught them hospitality and the meaning of kindness.
Hebrew 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (ESV)
Rae is in heaven now and I am sure she is still entertaining angels. I can hear her now whenever I get close to finishing a project, (and if you are helping me you might just hear me say), “I’m just working my way out of a job.” Let’s all celebrate the gift of hospitality with an act of kindness today.
Bro. Robin
One of our dear friends from the past was a real southern lady named Rae. Many times we ate at her table in Kentucky with her husband, John. There were plates of fried chicken or country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and there were always pies.
After dinner she would pull a tall stool up to the sink and start on the dishes. We always offered to help but she always turned us down in her gentle but firm way.
“No,” she said, “I’m just working my way out of a job.”
She wanted us to enjoy the visit and not work. We often stayed at the kitchen table to talk while she listened. I think she liked that. She spoke with a smile in her voice and a twinkle in her eye. Yet you also knew there was no point arguing with her. She was a small lady who had a big presence in her home. Her husband, John, looked twice her size when they stood together, yet in her home it was obvious that she was the queen of the house.
Rae had the gift of hospitality. One of the most restful vacations we ever took was a trip to Rae’s house when the children were small. Rae watched the children while John took Joyce and me fishing. Rae taught the children that chores can be fun. She taught them hospitality and the meaning of kindness.
Hebrew 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (ESV)
Rae is in heaven now and I am sure she is still entertaining angels. I can hear her now whenever I get close to finishing a project, (and if you are helping me you might just hear me say), “I’m just working my way out of a job.” Let’s all celebrate the gift of hospitality with an act of kindness today.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Almost Perfect
The other night I made dessert for my grandsons Nick, Ben, and Xander. Two of them, Ben and Xander, wanted root beer floats and one, Nick, wanted a purple cow, an ice cream float made with grape juice. I was running out of vanilla ice cream so I carefully divided what I had in juice glasses. I filled Nick’s glass with grape juice and the others with root beer and sat at the TV while they enjoyed their floats. I was concerned about the shortage of ice cream. So, when they were done I asked Nick how he liked his purple cow.
“It was almost perfect,” Nick said, as he flopped into a chair near me. I said nothing about the ice cream as I smiled at his response.
I thought about Nick’s response and wondered what it was that made that one so good that Nick would pronounce it “almost perfect.” Was it that particular ratio of ice cream to juice? Was it a combination of things earlier that ended with just enough sweetness to make the whole affair, “almost perfect?”
I wonder about my attitude sometimes. When things are going good we can easily spot the bad things that keep it from being better. When things are going bad we find it so easy to complain. But, when was the last time I took my eye off all that, focused only on the good, and pronounced the day, “almost perfect.”
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.” He did not say it was all good but that it all worked together for good. Maybe there is not enough ice cream but there is more than enough juice.
Sometime when you find yourself at the end of the day focusing on the bad things that happened go get some ice cream and your favorite juice. Put them together in a glass, sit back and say to yourself, “That was almost perfect.” It may surprise you how quickly a change in focus can produce a change of attitude.
Bro. Robin
“It was almost perfect,” Nick said, as he flopped into a chair near me. I said nothing about the ice cream as I smiled at his response.
I thought about Nick’s response and wondered what it was that made that one so good that Nick would pronounce it “almost perfect.” Was it that particular ratio of ice cream to juice? Was it a combination of things earlier that ended with just enough sweetness to make the whole affair, “almost perfect?”
I wonder about my attitude sometimes. When things are going good we can easily spot the bad things that keep it from being better. When things are going bad we find it so easy to complain. But, when was the last time I took my eye off all that, focused only on the good, and pronounced the day, “almost perfect.”
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.” He did not say it was all good but that it all worked together for good. Maybe there is not enough ice cream but there is more than enough juice.
Sometime when you find yourself at the end of the day focusing on the bad things that happened go get some ice cream and your favorite juice. Put them together in a glass, sit back and say to yourself, “That was almost perfect.” It may surprise you how quickly a change in focus can produce a change of attitude.
Bro. Robin
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Getting Ready for Revival
There were a few tears shed this week as the old three-story education building came down. It had served its purpose well over the years. Construction began in 1946. The wood was milled locally and the frame was all made of oak. The frame was still strong but the wiring, plumbing, and numerous other problems made it necessary to remove the building. We will now be planning a new building on that site to house our education ministries to meet the challenges of a new generation.
It is fitting that we turn from tearing down the old building to Revival this coming week. Life always moves from old to new. Seasons change and we continue to grow and change with the changing world around us. As people we sometimes complain about change as if it somehow caught us off guard and we are not ready to change. As Christians we are taught that Christ came to transform us into his likeness and prepare us for the greatest change of all, eternal life.
Paul said: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
It is not so much change as it is transformation. It is not and end but a challenge for the future. Because we are new in Christ, and have a new relationship with God, we have the ministry from Christ to bring others to him for the same relationship.
I see people who claim to be Christians but live their lives separated from God. I see no involvement in the ministry of Christ that indicates that they are reconciled to God. They don’t get it. And we had done a poor job explaining it. We need Revival. We all need Revival.
Come to Revival and bring someone with you.
Bro. Robin
It is fitting that we turn from tearing down the old building to Revival this coming week. Life always moves from old to new. Seasons change and we continue to grow and change with the changing world around us. As people we sometimes complain about change as if it somehow caught us off guard and we are not ready to change. As Christians we are taught that Christ came to transform us into his likeness and prepare us for the greatest change of all, eternal life.
Paul said: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
It is not so much change as it is transformation. It is not and end but a challenge for the future. Because we are new in Christ, and have a new relationship with God, we have the ministry from Christ to bring others to him for the same relationship.
I see people who claim to be Christians but live their lives separated from God. I see no involvement in the ministry of Christ that indicates that they are reconciled to God. They don’t get it. And we had done a poor job explaining it. We need Revival. We all need Revival.
Come to Revival and bring someone with you.
Bro. Robin
Friday, September 10, 2010
Shifting Gears
I remember the first time I got behind the wheel and drove a car. I was in grade school, when grade school went through eighth grade, and an older friend of mine had driven his dad’s car to school. I was in fourth or fifth grade and could barely reach the pedals and see over the dash at the same time. It was a stick shift on the column, as were most cars of that time. I pushed on the gas, let up the clutch, and drove around in circles on the playground for a few minutes. I never got out of first gear. Fortunately it was someone else’s turn by the time the principle came out and put a stop to it.
Later in life I would get a driver’s license and own cars that would take me places all over the country. I love to drive and I love to travel. Sometimes I think our spiritual life is a lot like those standard transmission cars. You have to shift gears if you want to get anywhere.
First gear is for starting. A car is heavy and it takes a low gear to move it from dead stop to action. Salvation gives us life in Christ. When we are first saved we learn so much about following Christ. We go through baptism and become a member of a church. We learn how to pray and study the Bible and tell others about Jesus. Just as a car was not made to run in first gear we were not saved to stay in a spiritual learning mode. We will only be able to go around in slow circles unless we get up to speed and shift into a higher gear.
Second gear is for accelerating. We shift into second when we want to get to third. We also fall back to second when we have been in third but the road gets steep and conditions around us slow us down. My prayer time every day is my second gear. Every morning I pray with Joyce and then I pray over a list. I pray and then read the Bible and listen and God gives me strength for the day. Sometimes we get slowed down by circumstances beyond our control and it is good to know we can downshift and get back the power and speed we need.
Third gear is for going places. You cannot drive in third gear in the parking lot, at least not safely. This is the gear in which the car was made to drive. Different cars may have different cruising speeds but they were all made for the road, to take us places. A car that sits in the garage too long will deteriorate. Failure to use a car will cause the engine to corrode, the battery will fail, and the tires will rot. It was made for a purpose and that purpose was to go places.
We were made for a similar purpose. We were made to follow Jesus and then to follow his commission to take the gospel to the world. (Matthew 28:18-20) To stay in the garage, or even to drive in circles in the parking lot, is not our purpose and will cause us to deteriorate spiritually. He did not redeem us to become rusty relics. He redeemed us to race on the roads to make this world his realm.
Bro. Robin
(See also Hebrews 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
Later in life I would get a driver’s license and own cars that would take me places all over the country. I love to drive and I love to travel. Sometimes I think our spiritual life is a lot like those standard transmission cars. You have to shift gears if you want to get anywhere.
First gear is for starting. A car is heavy and it takes a low gear to move it from dead stop to action. Salvation gives us life in Christ. When we are first saved we learn so much about following Christ. We go through baptism and become a member of a church. We learn how to pray and study the Bible and tell others about Jesus. Just as a car was not made to run in first gear we were not saved to stay in a spiritual learning mode. We will only be able to go around in slow circles unless we get up to speed and shift into a higher gear.
Second gear is for accelerating. We shift into second when we want to get to third. We also fall back to second when we have been in third but the road gets steep and conditions around us slow us down. My prayer time every day is my second gear. Every morning I pray with Joyce and then I pray over a list. I pray and then read the Bible and listen and God gives me strength for the day. Sometimes we get slowed down by circumstances beyond our control and it is good to know we can downshift and get back the power and speed we need.
Third gear is for going places. You cannot drive in third gear in the parking lot, at least not safely. This is the gear in which the car was made to drive. Different cars may have different cruising speeds but they were all made for the road, to take us places. A car that sits in the garage too long will deteriorate. Failure to use a car will cause the engine to corrode, the battery will fail, and the tires will rot. It was made for a purpose and that purpose was to go places.
We were made for a similar purpose. We were made to follow Jesus and then to follow his commission to take the gospel to the world. (Matthew 28:18-20) To stay in the garage, or even to drive in circles in the parking lot, is not our purpose and will cause us to deteriorate spiritually. He did not redeem us to become rusty relics. He redeemed us to race on the roads to make this world his realm.
Bro. Robin
(See also Hebrews 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
40 Days of prayer
Your response to the challenge to commit to Forty Days of Prayer for Revival was overwhelming. I asked you to commit to special prayer on one of the forty days. There were 49 names on the list at the end of service and many more told me that they were committed to participate but did not get their name on the list. This kind of commitment to prayer will change our lives, our church, and our community. Thank you.
Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness being prepared for His ministry. He was tempted by the devil and delivered by the Word of God. When He came out of the wilderness Luke 4:14-15 reports: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues being glorified by all.” That is what we are seeking. We seek the power of the Spirit that sends a message through the surrounding country.
The Word of God has an answer for our struggles. Jesus’ experience points out three major temptations that we all face. We are tempted by pleasure, power, and pride. God’s alternatives are better. God’s eternal purpose outweighs our momentary pleasures. His power in us is greater than any power we could ever hope to achieve in this world. It is better to be obedient to God’s plan for us than to be destroyed by pride.
Visiting house to house on a mission trip stirs up talk in the community. On more than one occasion I have had people catch up with my group and ask us to please visit their house. When we really show Jesus in our lives people want what we have.
We have had revivals in this church that everyone wanted to attend because everyone knew something was happening that only God could do. A good word given in the power of the Spirit can reach a community.
Sometimes we are tempted to give up. Keep praying and keep looking up. When temptations come you know deliverance is on the way. And, with deliverance comes power!
Bro. Robin
Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness being prepared for His ministry. He was tempted by the devil and delivered by the Word of God. When He came out of the wilderness Luke 4:14-15 reports: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues being glorified by all.” That is what we are seeking. We seek the power of the Spirit that sends a message through the surrounding country.
The Word of God has an answer for our struggles. Jesus’ experience points out three major temptations that we all face. We are tempted by pleasure, power, and pride. God’s alternatives are better. God’s eternal purpose outweighs our momentary pleasures. His power in us is greater than any power we could ever hope to achieve in this world. It is better to be obedient to God’s plan for us than to be destroyed by pride.
Visiting house to house on a mission trip stirs up talk in the community. On more than one occasion I have had people catch up with my group and ask us to please visit their house. When we really show Jesus in our lives people want what we have.
We have had revivals in this church that everyone wanted to attend because everyone knew something was happening that only God could do. A good word given in the power of the Spirit can reach a community.
Sometimes we are tempted to give up. Keep praying and keep looking up. When temptations come you know deliverance is on the way. And, with deliverance comes power!
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Seasons Change
We have had a great summer here at First Baptist. Our summer programs, Terrific Tuesdays and Tremendous Thursdays, were a huge success thanks to the leadership of Mary Bailey and Regina Morris. Thank you Mary and Regina! They were also surrounded by an army of volunteers including some youth and parents. We have seen several children make decisions to follow Christ this summer and that is always a good sign of God’s favor as His Holy Spirit moves among us.
As I watered the garden early this morning I thought about the heat and how much longer we have until cool weather. This summer has been a hot one. The bugs I have fought for the flowers and the fruit seemed endless! I was glad to see the bugs die off and I know the gardening will slow down soon. The season will come to a close and a new season will start.
The end of summer is marked by events rather than weather at most homes. For us it means the end of summer programs at church. For some it is the end of family vacations. It is also the beginning of things like school and fall programs. Teachers and students prepare to return to the classroom. At church we are preparing for Fall Revival.
The end of summer is a time of change for everyone. A saying attributed to Mark Twain says, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” We smile at such sayings and maybe even deny that we are like that. It is everyone else who will not change the way we want! We are all in favor of change as long as we are in control of what changes.
Truth is, we are not in control of any change but the changes we make to ourselves. We can control how we react to change. We can change our attitudes and actions. We cannot change the people around us. We can pray, trust God, and let Him change us first.
Reinhold Niebuhr said, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Revival is the result of prayer. It is just that simple, and just that difficult. As we go through seasonal changes I hope you will take time to consider some spiritual changes we each need to make. Take time to pray for a new vision for your relationship with God. Pray for Revival, personally. Let God be in control of your changes and you will be much better for it.
Bro. Robin
As I watered the garden early this morning I thought about the heat and how much longer we have until cool weather. This summer has been a hot one. The bugs I have fought for the flowers and the fruit seemed endless! I was glad to see the bugs die off and I know the gardening will slow down soon. The season will come to a close and a new season will start.
The end of summer is marked by events rather than weather at most homes. For us it means the end of summer programs at church. For some it is the end of family vacations. It is also the beginning of things like school and fall programs. Teachers and students prepare to return to the classroom. At church we are preparing for Fall Revival.
The end of summer is a time of change for everyone. A saying attributed to Mark Twain says, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby.” We smile at such sayings and maybe even deny that we are like that. It is everyone else who will not change the way we want! We are all in favor of change as long as we are in control of what changes.
Truth is, we are not in control of any change but the changes we make to ourselves. We can control how we react to change. We can change our attitudes and actions. We cannot change the people around us. We can pray, trust God, and let Him change us first.
Reinhold Niebuhr said, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.” Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)
Revival is the result of prayer. It is just that simple, and just that difficult. As we go through seasonal changes I hope you will take time to consider some spiritual changes we each need to make. Take time to pray for a new vision for your relationship with God. Pray for Revival, personally. Let God be in control of your changes and you will be much better for it.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Memories of VBS
Do you have a favorite Vacation Bible School memory? This week we are having Vacation Bible School in our church. Vacation Bible School holds special memories for me. Several things from my past experiences stand out in my mind.
One of my favorite memories is Grandma Noakes’ cookies and Kool-Aid. When I first started going to VBS Grandma Noakes was a special person to our church. She would come to classes and tell us about coming to America on a ship when she was a little girl. Everyone was fascinated by her stories. She also served refreshments at VBS handing out sandwich cookies and cups of Kool-Aid. I remember it was then that I first started dunking my cookies in the Kool-Aid. It is such a special memory that I still like dunking cookies in my Kool-Aid.
There are memories of the friends made along with the crafts, songs we sang, and our pastor leading us in the opening assemblies. I think those are some of the reasons that I still enjoy Vacation Bible School.
Another experience that has stayed with me from VBS was the challenge to memorize verses of scripture. Many of the verses that encourage me today I memorized as a child in Vacation Bible School. I have forgotten the crafts I made and the games we played. But the verses I memorized from the Bible are still with me.
“Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
Every year I get to see the same look in the children’s faces that I remember having as a child. I see the touch of God through the hands of volunteers and the difference that touch makes in the lives of children. The touch of God through your hands will change lives too.
Bro. Robin
One of my favorite memories is Grandma Noakes’ cookies and Kool-Aid. When I first started going to VBS Grandma Noakes was a special person to our church. She would come to classes and tell us about coming to America on a ship when she was a little girl. Everyone was fascinated by her stories. She also served refreshments at VBS handing out sandwich cookies and cups of Kool-Aid. I remember it was then that I first started dunking my cookies in the Kool-Aid. It is such a special memory that I still like dunking cookies in my Kool-Aid.
There are memories of the friends made along with the crafts, songs we sang, and our pastor leading us in the opening assemblies. I think those are some of the reasons that I still enjoy Vacation Bible School.
Another experience that has stayed with me from VBS was the challenge to memorize verses of scripture. Many of the verses that encourage me today I memorized as a child in Vacation Bible School. I have forgotten the crafts I made and the games we played. But the verses I memorized from the Bible are still with me.
“Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
Every year I get to see the same look in the children’s faces that I remember having as a child. I see the touch of God through the hands of volunteers and the difference that touch makes in the lives of children. The touch of God through your hands will change lives too.
Bro. Robin
Friday, July 09, 2010
Simple Ingredients
The fourth of July weekend started for us the day before we all got together to celebrate. Joyce and I enjoy having the family over for celebrations. We not only enjoy the family together we also enjoy working together to get everything ready. One of my favorite things is to make ice cream and it starts the day before.
For me, ice cream begins with making custard. I separate the egg yolks, heat the milk and sugar, and combine them to make sweet custard that will be made into ice cream the next day. It is just cream, sugar, and eggs but combining them takes practice and timing. If you go too fast you end up with scrambled eggs. Done right you can make great ice cream to top one of Joyce’s delicious pies, or eat all by itself.
A few simple ingredients put together in the right way make a sweet treat. That is true about a lot of things. Many of the best things in life are simple. Put them together in the right way and you have something enjoyable. Put a mix of people in the right place and time and you have good fellowship. With practice and timing you can take God’s word to a quiet place and discover His will.
Knowing God is not complicated. We make it seem difficult when we want to take shortcuts to obedience and let God know we prefer to do it our way. He gave us His Son Jesus to save us, His Word, the Bible, He taught us to pray, He gave us an example of fellowship with His disciples, and sent them out to witness showing us what to do. He wants us to take the few simple ingredients He gives us and combine them with time and practice.
He reminds us in His word: “…I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1) With a few simple ingredients our life can become pleasing to God and be spiritual worship.
Bro. Robin
For me, ice cream begins with making custard. I separate the egg yolks, heat the milk and sugar, and combine them to make sweet custard that will be made into ice cream the next day. It is just cream, sugar, and eggs but combining them takes practice and timing. If you go too fast you end up with scrambled eggs. Done right you can make great ice cream to top one of Joyce’s delicious pies, or eat all by itself.
A few simple ingredients put together in the right way make a sweet treat. That is true about a lot of things. Many of the best things in life are simple. Put them together in the right way and you have something enjoyable. Put a mix of people in the right place and time and you have good fellowship. With practice and timing you can take God’s word to a quiet place and discover His will.
Knowing God is not complicated. We make it seem difficult when we want to take shortcuts to obedience and let God know we prefer to do it our way. He gave us His Son Jesus to save us, His Word, the Bible, He taught us to pray, He gave us an example of fellowship with His disciples, and sent them out to witness showing us what to do. He wants us to take the few simple ingredients He gives us and combine them with time and practice.
He reminds us in His word: “…I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1) With a few simple ingredients our life can become pleasing to God and be spiritual worship.
Bro. Robin
Friday, June 25, 2010
Upgraded
I plugged in my phone and there was a message that an upgrade was ready to be installed. I let it install the upgrade and then spent some time learning about the changes. They had added some new features and made improvements to some old ones. The upgrade to my phone is a new and improved version. I like upgrades.
I was flying back from Louisville with my daughter a few years ago. As we checked in for the flight the airline representative told us that there were extra seats so she upgraded us to first class for free. The seats were wider and softer, the food was better, (an actual meal with a sandwich and a salad), the service was better, and the mixed nuts were served warm in a special cup. We got to the same place at the same time as the cheap seats but it was a much more enjoyable flight. I never had flown first class, and have not since then, but now I know why they called it an upgrade.
Reading through the book of Revelation there is a lot said about the ultimate upgrade that is waiting for us. We will have a new body, a new place to live, (Jesus called it a mansion), and more wonders than we can imagine. In Heaven everything will be provided, “no longer will they hunger; no longer will they thirst…and God will wipe away every tear form their eyes.” (Rev. 7:16-17).
I had no idea what first class was like until I experienced it for myself. I just knew it was an upgrade and when it was offered to me for free I did not hesitate to accept. Heaven is the ultimate upgrade and it is offered to everyone for free. There are no cheap seats to Heaven. Jesus chartered a flight and paid the way for all His followers. We only have to accept God’s plan to upgrade our life and get on board.
Bro. Robin
I was flying back from Louisville with my daughter a few years ago. As we checked in for the flight the airline representative told us that there were extra seats so she upgraded us to first class for free. The seats were wider and softer, the food was better, (an actual meal with a sandwich and a salad), the service was better, and the mixed nuts were served warm in a special cup. We got to the same place at the same time as the cheap seats but it was a much more enjoyable flight. I never had flown first class, and have not since then, but now I know why they called it an upgrade.
Reading through the book of Revelation there is a lot said about the ultimate upgrade that is waiting for us. We will have a new body, a new place to live, (Jesus called it a mansion), and more wonders than we can imagine. In Heaven everything will be provided, “no longer will they hunger; no longer will they thirst…and God will wipe away every tear form their eyes.” (Rev. 7:16-17).
I had no idea what first class was like until I experienced it for myself. I just knew it was an upgrade and when it was offered to me for free I did not hesitate to accept. Heaven is the ultimate upgrade and it is offered to everyone for free. There are no cheap seats to Heaven. Jesus chartered a flight and paid the way for all His followers. We only have to accept God’s plan to upgrade our life and get on board.
Bro. Robin
Monday, June 14, 2010
On Mission
What does it mean to be a missionary? Simply put, a missionary is sent to go and tell. A missionary is sent by a local church on a mission to go somewhere and tell the people there about Jesus. We go because we love Jesus and that is what He told us to do. Our vision statement says we are “The Church Across the Street and Around the World.” Our mission is from Jesus.
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the mane of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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)
The Great Commission is for every Christian. How we carry it our may be different for each of us. But we are all called to be on some kind of mission. We are all called to go and tell.
This summer a lot of us are either going on a mission or preparing to go on a mission. Some are going to distant places like Iowa, or the Dominican Republic. Others are staying closer to home working with our summer ministry, a small group, or a Sunday school class to do ministry. Many stay at home and support those who are going with financial and material support and with prayer. Everyone can do something.
Are you on mission if your church is on mission? Not necessarily. Being on mission is deliberate. If you are called to be on mission you deliberately go and tell. If you are called to support you must deliberately give to missions. If you are called to stay and pray you must deliberately pray for those on mission daily, and for those lives they touch.
What is your mission this summer? Being on mission is active participation in the Kingdom of God. Be a missionary. Go and tell!
Bro. Robin
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the mane of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 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)
The Great Commission is for every Christian. How we carry it our may be different for each of us. But we are all called to be on some kind of mission. We are all called to go and tell.
This summer a lot of us are either going on a mission or preparing to go on a mission. Some are going to distant places like Iowa, or the Dominican Republic. Others are staying closer to home working with our summer ministry, a small group, or a Sunday school class to do ministry. Many stay at home and support those who are going with financial and material support and with prayer. Everyone can do something.
Are you on mission if your church is on mission? Not necessarily. Being on mission is deliberate. If you are called to be on mission you deliberately go and tell. If you are called to support you must deliberately give to missions. If you are called to stay and pray you must deliberately pray for those on mission daily, and for those lives they touch.
What is your mission this summer? Being on mission is active participation in the Kingdom of God. Be a missionary. Go and tell!
Bro. Robin
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Shortcuts
I like shortcuts when they save me time. When I get familiar with an area I will often take the back roads when it cuts off miles and gets me there quicker. I drive to see my mother in law and have learned the back roads to get to her home. Some streets have a slower speed limit than the main road but the more direct route is still quicker.
I have observed students taking shortcuts in classes when they are required to read books. There are movies of the books and notes that have summaries with condensed versions of the story. As an English major in college I always preferred to read the book. In fact, the notes were more helpful after reading the book for writing a paper or taking a test. I found that those who wanted a “C” used the notes while those who wanted and “A” read the book.
When you want to do something right there is often no shortcut. I am often amazed at how much effort some people will put into trying to avoid work. Yes, I could have paid more for tomato plants with tomatoes already on them. But I would still have to plant them and care for them the same as the ones I have. The work I put into them will only make the fruit taste sweeter.
There is no shortcut to doing God’s will. There are times when it is so rewarding that it seems effortless. There are also times when things go slow and it seems hard. Both times are necessary. It is like exercising to condition our bodies. It takes time. Without exercise we would become weak. With exercise we grow stronger. There is not shortcut to becoming strong in body or in Spirit.
Paul said, “…Train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8, HCSV)
Read “The Book” and you will be ready for the test.
Bro. Robin
I have observed students taking shortcuts in classes when they are required to read books. There are movies of the books and notes that have summaries with condensed versions of the story. As an English major in college I always preferred to read the book. In fact, the notes were more helpful after reading the book for writing a paper or taking a test. I found that those who wanted a “C” used the notes while those who wanted and “A” read the book.
When you want to do something right there is often no shortcut. I am often amazed at how much effort some people will put into trying to avoid work. Yes, I could have paid more for tomato plants with tomatoes already on them. But I would still have to plant them and care for them the same as the ones I have. The work I put into them will only make the fruit taste sweeter.
There is no shortcut to doing God’s will. There are times when it is so rewarding that it seems effortless. There are also times when things go slow and it seems hard. Both times are necessary. It is like exercising to condition our bodies. It takes time. Without exercise we would become weak. With exercise we grow stronger. There is not shortcut to becoming strong in body or in Spirit.
Paul said, “…Train yourself in godliness, for the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7b-8, HCSV)
Read “The Book” and you will be ready for the test.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Spoon
I finally returned the spoon. It had arrived at our house accidently with a dish we had taken to a fellowship at a couple’s house. The dish was empty except for the spoon which had accomplished its purpose finding the end of the dish’s contents for the last person who used it. We washed it and set it aside to return. I then carried it around in my briefcase for a while. Then one Sunday during the welcome time I remembered the spoon and returned it to its owner.
I like spoons. Spoons remind me of the end of an especially good meal when all that is left is the gravy that you cannot seem to get with a fork. Joyce will ask me, “Do you need a spoon?” I can pick up my spoon and enjoy every delicious taste. Spoons are also great with ice cream and pie!
I read a story about a fork, maybe you have too. There was a woman who wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why she said that it was because whenever she ate with someone and they told her to keep her fork it meant that dessert was coming. That is how she felt about Heaven. The fork reminded her that something good is coming.
A spoon reminds me that we should enjoy every blessing. I think we rush through things too quickly. When blessings come our way we shout a quick thank you before turning our attention to the next thing. We should take time to enjoy the blessings we have received and let the joy of His blessings linger on our heart..
Psalm 37:4 says: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Look around at the blessings you have seen recently. Take time to be thankful. Ask God for a spiritual spoon and enjoy every delightful taste of His presence.
Bro. Robin
I like spoons. Spoons remind me of the end of an especially good meal when all that is left is the gravy that you cannot seem to get with a fork. Joyce will ask me, “Do you need a spoon?” I can pick up my spoon and enjoy every delicious taste. Spoons are also great with ice cream and pie!
I read a story about a fork, maybe you have too. There was a woman who wanted to be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why she said that it was because whenever she ate with someone and they told her to keep her fork it meant that dessert was coming. That is how she felt about Heaven. The fork reminded her that something good is coming.
A spoon reminds me that we should enjoy every blessing. I think we rush through things too quickly. When blessings come our way we shout a quick thank you before turning our attention to the next thing. We should take time to enjoy the blessings we have received and let the joy of His blessings linger on our heart..
Psalm 37:4 says: “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Look around at the blessings you have seen recently. Take time to be thankful. Ask God for a spiritual spoon and enjoy every delightful taste of His presence.
Bro. Robin
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Faulty Faucets
A few weeks ago Joyce pointed to the handle of the hot water on the kitchen faucet and asked me if I had seen how bad it was leaking. I knew it was loose since I had to tighten it occasionally but now it was also leaking all over the cabinet.
Somewhere early in our thirty-five years of marriage she decided that I was Mr. Fixit when it came to things around the house. It is an illusion that I try to maintain by fixing anything I know something about, some things more successfully than others. A leaky faucet was a prime opportunity to maintain my reputation.
On my next day off I went to the store and sought out the plumbing supplies. I knew the problem was likely a worn seal and since it is always good to maintain seals and seats I found the replacement parts for both sides of the faucet, hot and cold. The hot side had always run slow, no pressure, and a plumber had told us that since the line ran under the concrete floor there was no way to fix it. Now it was not only slow but leaking too. So, I thought maybe I should replace the inner workings of that side in case that was where the leak was and save myself another trip to the store.
I turned off the water, took apart the faucet, replaced the parts, and turned the water back on. Whoosh!! Suddenly the hot side was running as strong as the cold side.
“Well how about that!” I thought. It was not a problem with the pipes after all. The faucet was fixed by replacing the old parts with new ones. It was a faulty faucet that foiled the flow!
How many of us are restricting the flow of God’s blessing through our lives with faulty faith? We try to live with it and convince ourselves that our weak faith is normal for us. We try to fix it ourselves by tightening up some habits. Eventually we realize that anything we do is only temporary. This is a work only God can do and only by giving us new inner parts. We cannot change our habits until God changes our heart.
God said, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from you flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
When God changes us on the inside His blessings will flow.
Bro. Robin
Somewhere early in our thirty-five years of marriage she decided that I was Mr. Fixit when it came to things around the house. It is an illusion that I try to maintain by fixing anything I know something about, some things more successfully than others. A leaky faucet was a prime opportunity to maintain my reputation.
On my next day off I went to the store and sought out the plumbing supplies. I knew the problem was likely a worn seal and since it is always good to maintain seals and seats I found the replacement parts for both sides of the faucet, hot and cold. The hot side had always run slow, no pressure, and a plumber had told us that since the line ran under the concrete floor there was no way to fix it. Now it was not only slow but leaking too. So, I thought maybe I should replace the inner workings of that side in case that was where the leak was and save myself another trip to the store.
I turned off the water, took apart the faucet, replaced the parts, and turned the water back on. Whoosh!! Suddenly the hot side was running as strong as the cold side.
“Well how about that!” I thought. It was not a problem with the pipes after all. The faucet was fixed by replacing the old parts with new ones. It was a faulty faucet that foiled the flow!
How many of us are restricting the flow of God’s blessing through our lives with faulty faith? We try to live with it and convince ourselves that our weak faith is normal for us. We try to fix it ourselves by tightening up some habits. Eventually we realize that anything we do is only temporary. This is a work only God can do and only by giving us new inner parts. We cannot change our habits until God changes our heart.
God said, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from you flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
When God changes us on the inside His blessings will flow.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Grits
I stared at the bowl of grits hoping and praying that by the time I lifted the lid they would be miraculously changed into oatmeal. No, there they were, bits of corn meal floating helplessly in a bowl of wallpaper paste.
What a waste of good corn meal! I considered offering cooking advice to food services. There is a way to cook grits that I happen to like.
Take that same bowl of goo, drain off the water, make a log and cool it in the refrigerator. When it is cool, slice off thin slices, dip them in flour, and fry them until you get a nice crispy crust on the outside. Serve the fried grits with syrup and you have a tasty breakfast.
I read about an author from the north who stopped by a café in the south. He looked at the menu and asked the waitress, “What’s a grit?” The waitress answered, “Honey, they don’t come all by themselves.” When God created the world He proclaimed everything good until He looked at Adam all by himself and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Gen 1:18)
We are not good alone. We need each other to be happy. We need each other to see and fulfill God’s purpose. “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8
I have friends who like grits any way you cook them. I respect their sense of taste even if I do not share it. I think that this is the way God looks at us. When we are bound together by the glue of His Holy Spirit God looks at us with pleasure and anticipation. He does not look at us as a waste but as a valuable person in His kingdom. He is not looking at me wishing I was someone else. I can only be who He made me to be. I just want to be one of His grits.
Bro. Robin
What a waste of good corn meal! I considered offering cooking advice to food services. There is a way to cook grits that I happen to like.
Take that same bowl of goo, drain off the water, make a log and cool it in the refrigerator. When it is cool, slice off thin slices, dip them in flour, and fry them until you get a nice crispy crust on the outside. Serve the fried grits with syrup and you have a tasty breakfast.
I read about an author from the north who stopped by a café in the south. He looked at the menu and asked the waitress, “What’s a grit?” The waitress answered, “Honey, they don’t come all by themselves.” When God created the world He proclaimed everything good until He looked at Adam all by himself and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” (Gen 1:18)
We are not good alone. We need each other to be happy. We need each other to see and fulfill God’s purpose. “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8
I have friends who like grits any way you cook them. I respect their sense of taste even if I do not share it. I think that this is the way God looks at us. When we are bound together by the glue of His Holy Spirit God looks at us with pleasure and anticipation. He does not look at us as a waste but as a valuable person in His kingdom. He is not looking at me wishing I was someone else. I can only be who He made me to be. I just want to be one of His grits.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Just One More Thing
One of the things that happened periodically during my time in the hospital recently was for a nurse or a doctor to come in and tell me what to expect before I would be allowed to go home. I began to quickly notice a disturbing pattern. One person would come in and tell me one thing and the next person would tell me that plus one more thing. One day it was a test that started as a simple scan and was changed four times before I actually took the test. Then it was the medication. Next it was one more night to observe me on the medication. It was always just one more thing.
When Jesus was on the Cross He said, “It is finished,” then He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit, (John 19:30). While His human task was finished there was still more to come. The third day after the cross He walked away from His grave resurrected from the dead. He had one more thing to do to prove God’s power of life over death. Later, He appeared to His disciples and told them to wait for one more thing, the promise of the Holy Spirit.
When God says, “Just one more thing,” He has something good in store for us. He promises eternal life with an eternity filled with more than He could tell us, more than we can imagine. He promises a life filed with His presence. When we pray for Revival we are praying for a renewal of His presence within us and our relationship with Him.
As the Disciples watched Jesus ascend into Heaven angels appeared to them and said, just one more thing, “This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
Bro. Robin
When Jesus was on the Cross He said, “It is finished,” then He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit, (John 19:30). While His human task was finished there was still more to come. The third day after the cross He walked away from His grave resurrected from the dead. He had one more thing to do to prove God’s power of life over death. Later, He appeared to His disciples and told them to wait for one more thing, the promise of the Holy Spirit.
When God says, “Just one more thing,” He has something good in store for us. He promises eternal life with an eternity filled with more than He could tell us, more than we can imagine. He promises a life filed with His presence. When we pray for Revival we are praying for a renewal of His presence within us and our relationship with Him.
As the Disciples watched Jesus ascend into Heaven angels appeared to them and said, just one more thing, “This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.” (Acts 1:11)
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Prayer Meetings
I remember when I was a child we would have people over at our house for prayer for a couple of weeks before Revival. They were called “Cottage Prayer Meetings” because they were always held in homes. They were happy times with conversation and the smell of coffee. Then they would all bow their heads and almost everyone prayed. I remember the Revivals that followed for all the people who went to the altar and went away changed by the touch of God.
Revivals have taken place over the centuries in many different places and groups big and small in and out of churches. The one thing they all have in common is the prayer meeting. Every great Revival in history began in a prayer meeting. From the time Jesus ascended into heaven the Disciples and followers of Jesus met for prayer daily. An unstoppable movement of God resulted that we call the Church. Revival is first a revival of prayer.
In prayer we make contact with the God of all creation. In prayer we appeal to the savior who has promised to redeem us by His mercy. In prayer we receive salvation and the seal of our salvation, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 hcsb)There is something special that happens when you meet in a group for prayer. Jesus is there with you.
I call on you and challenge you to meet together to pray for Revival between now and the Life Action Summit, April 11-18. If you teach or attend a Sunday School class, or belong to a group of any kind, set a date to meet in a home and pray for Revival. If your class is big divide into small groups and pray together. Pray for Revival when you pray with your family. Invite friends over for coffee and prayer. Meet at least once, more if you can, and pray together for Revival. By all means and at every opportunity pray for Revival.
Bro. Robin
Revivals have taken place over the centuries in many different places and groups big and small in and out of churches. The one thing they all have in common is the prayer meeting. Every great Revival in history began in a prayer meeting. From the time Jesus ascended into heaven the Disciples and followers of Jesus met for prayer daily. An unstoppable movement of God resulted that we call the Church. Revival is first a revival of prayer.
In prayer we make contact with the God of all creation. In prayer we appeal to the savior who has promised to redeem us by His mercy. In prayer we receive salvation and the seal of our salvation, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, “If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 hcsb)There is something special that happens when you meet in a group for prayer. Jesus is there with you.
I call on you and challenge you to meet together to pray for Revival between now and the Life Action Summit, April 11-18. If you teach or attend a Sunday School class, or belong to a group of any kind, set a date to meet in a home and pray for Revival. If your class is big divide into small groups and pray together. Pray for Revival when you pray with your family. Invite friends over for coffee and prayer. Meet at least once, more if you can, and pray together for Revival. By all means and at every opportunity pray for Revival.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pray for a Change
In 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Paul begins by saying, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone…” and concludes this thought with, “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” (HCSB)
It is obvious that we should consider prayer our most important activity, as Christians. If we are to have an impact on our world, if we are going to see lives changed, we must pray for people and for that change. Paul urges us to use every kind of prayer we know to pray for every person we know and those whose positions affect our lives.
We are to pray with “holy hands” lifted up. As I thought about this I realized that there are several reasons that we lift our hands that apply directly to prayer.
First, we lift our hands in surrender. That is what makes them holy. When we surrender ourselves to God our hands become His instruments, separated to do His work. Raising your hands is a universal sign of surrender. We cannot serve God unless we belong to Him and when we surrender to Him He becomes our owner, our Lord.
Second, we lift our hands to welcome. Waving to someone is a warm way to say hello or goodbye. It is a sign of affection. We open our arms to greet and embrace people we care about. We reach out our hands to shake the hand of another in a sign of acceptance. When we pray we must pray with affection toward God and toward those for whom we pray.
Third, we lift our hands to draw attention to ourselves. We raise our hand when we know the answer. We know that the answer to every question of our heart is Jesus. We raise our hand to acknowledge that we personally know the answer.
Finally, we raise our hands to celebrate. As I watched the Olympics this week I saw many winners raise their hands in victory as they crossed the finish line or completed a successful program. I remembered my training in high school gymnastics when I raised my hands at the end of the routine to show that I had stuck the landing and that I deserved a high score.
In prayer, we do not raise our hands for points. We raise our hands in prayer because we are celebrating in confidence that the God who made the universe has heard us. “And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.” (1 John 5:15, HCSB)
Robin Cowin
It is obvious that we should consider prayer our most important activity, as Christians. If we are to have an impact on our world, if we are going to see lives changed, we must pray for people and for that change. Paul urges us to use every kind of prayer we know to pray for every person we know and those whose positions affect our lives.
We are to pray with “holy hands” lifted up. As I thought about this I realized that there are several reasons that we lift our hands that apply directly to prayer.
First, we lift our hands in surrender. That is what makes them holy. When we surrender ourselves to God our hands become His instruments, separated to do His work. Raising your hands is a universal sign of surrender. We cannot serve God unless we belong to Him and when we surrender to Him He becomes our owner, our Lord.
Second, we lift our hands to welcome. Waving to someone is a warm way to say hello or goodbye. It is a sign of affection. We open our arms to greet and embrace people we care about. We reach out our hands to shake the hand of another in a sign of acceptance. When we pray we must pray with affection toward God and toward those for whom we pray.
Third, we lift our hands to draw attention to ourselves. We raise our hand when we know the answer. We know that the answer to every question of our heart is Jesus. We raise our hand to acknowledge that we personally know the answer.
Finally, we raise our hands to celebrate. As I watched the Olympics this week I saw many winners raise their hands in victory as they crossed the finish line or completed a successful program. I remembered my training in high school gymnastics when I raised my hands at the end of the routine to show that I had stuck the landing and that I deserved a high score.
In prayer, we do not raise our hands for points. We raise our hands in prayer because we are celebrating in confidence that the God who made the universe has heard us. “And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for.” (1 John 5:15, HCSB)
Robin Cowin
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Harvest Heart
We are all different. We come from different backgrounds and experiences in our lives. As a result, these experiences affect our hearts and also affect the way we receive God’s Word.
In the parable of the sower, (Matthew 13:1-23), Jesus uses the field to describe four different kinds of heart conditions and how that changes the way we receive God’s Word. In this parable we can also see what kinds of changes God makes in our heart in order for us to participate in His Kingdom.
The parable of the sower is taken out of the common experiences of Jesus and His listeners. Everyone who lives in a small agricultural community sees how the farmer works and usually has a hand in helping their neighbors with the field work.
As a young pastor in my first full-time church I learned quickly that when it was harvest time everyone was in the field. Our church was in a small town in Oklahoma wheat country. One day a farmer came by my office and asked me if I could drive a wheat truck and work for him during harvest. He said it was expected that I work for someone and that all our church was in the field anyway. That is how I learned about farming. I was no farmer but farming quickly became a common experience for me with that church.
Jesus no doubt had a similar experience as a boy. He grew up in a small town in an agricultural community. Tradition has long held that His family was carpenters. However, there are no major parables from the carpenter’s shop, but there are many from the field.
These parables describe for us spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God in language we can understand. The parable of the sower is important to our understanding of what kind of heart is necessary for us to receive the word of God and begin our relationship with God and His Kingdom. Here is a brief summary of the Parable of the Sower. (I will go into more detail later.)
The Calloused heart is the path that goes through the field. As the farmer sows the grain he carries a bag of seed and throws it out on the tilled soil. Where he walks creates a path. So, since the tilled ground is so important the farmer will always follow the same path so that he does not disturb any more soil than necessary.
The path is easy. The path is the place that has the appearance of being close to the farmer. However, it is too well traveled to take root in the soil.
The path is exposed to the enemy. Since the seed lands on the top of the hard path the birds can see it and take it for food. This soil of the path is not simply shallow. This represents a belief that is disconnected from the tilled soil. It is a faith that is held in the hand, not in the heart. That is where you want your things, not your faith.
The Castaway heart is the pile of rocks around the outside edge of the field. Faith in the rocks is shallow. Desperate people fall prey to shallow emotionalism. DL Moody noticed that people in poverty responded favorably to a message of God’s love. In God’s love there is hope. Emotions are essential to religious experience but cannot be the basis for your religion.
Faith in the rocks is faith on the rocks. Without depth we cannot withstand the storms that follow us in life.
The Cluttered heart is the place along the fence where the weeds grow. Clutter is distracting. You can get lost in the weeds. Clutter is restricting. You can get stuck in the weeds.
The Cultivated Heart is the Christ Centered heart. The cultivated heart is open to receive God’s word the way tilled ground accepts the seeds. The cultivated heart activates growth.
Robin Cowin
In the parable of the sower, (Matthew 13:1-23), Jesus uses the field to describe four different kinds of heart conditions and how that changes the way we receive God’s Word. In this parable we can also see what kinds of changes God makes in our heart in order for us to participate in His Kingdom.
The parable of the sower is taken out of the common experiences of Jesus and His listeners. Everyone who lives in a small agricultural community sees how the farmer works and usually has a hand in helping their neighbors with the field work.
As a young pastor in my first full-time church I learned quickly that when it was harvest time everyone was in the field. Our church was in a small town in Oklahoma wheat country. One day a farmer came by my office and asked me if I could drive a wheat truck and work for him during harvest. He said it was expected that I work for someone and that all our church was in the field anyway. That is how I learned about farming. I was no farmer but farming quickly became a common experience for me with that church.
Jesus no doubt had a similar experience as a boy. He grew up in a small town in an agricultural community. Tradition has long held that His family was carpenters. However, there are no major parables from the carpenter’s shop, but there are many from the field.
These parables describe for us spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God in language we can understand. The parable of the sower is important to our understanding of what kind of heart is necessary for us to receive the word of God and begin our relationship with God and His Kingdom. Here is a brief summary of the Parable of the Sower. (I will go into more detail later.)
The Calloused heart is the path that goes through the field. As the farmer sows the grain he carries a bag of seed and throws it out on the tilled soil. Where he walks creates a path. So, since the tilled ground is so important the farmer will always follow the same path so that he does not disturb any more soil than necessary.
The path is easy. The path is the place that has the appearance of being close to the farmer. However, it is too well traveled to take root in the soil.
The path is exposed to the enemy. Since the seed lands on the top of the hard path the birds can see it and take it for food. This soil of the path is not simply shallow. This represents a belief that is disconnected from the tilled soil. It is a faith that is held in the hand, not in the heart. That is where you want your things, not your faith.
The Castaway heart is the pile of rocks around the outside edge of the field. Faith in the rocks is shallow. Desperate people fall prey to shallow emotionalism. DL Moody noticed that people in poverty responded favorably to a message of God’s love. In God’s love there is hope. Emotions are essential to religious experience but cannot be the basis for your religion.
Faith in the rocks is faith on the rocks. Without depth we cannot withstand the storms that follow us in life.
The Cluttered heart is the place along the fence where the weeds grow. Clutter is distracting. You can get lost in the weeds. Clutter is restricting. You can get stuck in the weeds.
The Cultivated Heart is the Christ Centered heart. The cultivated heart is open to receive God’s word the way tilled ground accepts the seeds. The cultivated heart activates growth.
Robin Cowin
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
GPS
I drove my grandsons to school one day this week. I know where the school is but just for fun I brought along my GPS. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System,” and it looks like a miniature TV that mounts to the windshield just above the dash. I can put in an address and it will give me directions in a kind but robotic female voice that we have nicknamed “Carmen.”
The boys, Nick and Ben ages eight and Xander almost five, were fascinated by Carmen. I was equally fascinated by the conversation coming from the back seat.
“Poppa, what is that? Is that your coffee? Why does it look like a sippy cup?”
“Why are we going this way? Remember last year in Colorado when the GPS got us lost?”
I reassured them that it would not get us lost. Then, when we had one more right turn before we could see the school, I heard Carmen say, “Now turn left…”
“No Poppa. Turn right, our school is right there. See? The GPS is wrong!” I heard, with much laughter in their voices. I knew the way and they were right. Carmen was wrong.
On the way home, after dropping off the boys, I thought about all the directions we hear in our lives from many different voices. They do not all take us where we want to go. Some will even get us lost. We need to know the way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (hcsv)
God’s Word, the Bible, is the only sure road map we have. His directions will get us through life and take us all the way to Him. God has a different GPS called God’s Plan for Sharing, (through His Son, Jesus). Sometimes we need to pull over, stop, and look at the map. Then we can start again in the right direction toward the summit of God’s plan for your life.
Bro. Robin
The boys, Nick and Ben ages eight and Xander almost five, were fascinated by Carmen. I was equally fascinated by the conversation coming from the back seat.
“Poppa, what is that? Is that your coffee? Why does it look like a sippy cup?”
“Why are we going this way? Remember last year in Colorado when the GPS got us lost?”
I reassured them that it would not get us lost. Then, when we had one more right turn before we could see the school, I heard Carmen say, “Now turn left…”
“No Poppa. Turn right, our school is right there. See? The GPS is wrong!” I heard, with much laughter in their voices. I knew the way and they were right. Carmen was wrong.
On the way home, after dropping off the boys, I thought about all the directions we hear in our lives from many different voices. They do not all take us where we want to go. Some will even get us lost. We need to know the way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.” (hcsv)
God’s Word, the Bible, is the only sure road map we have. His directions will get us through life and take us all the way to Him. God has a different GPS called God’s Plan for Sharing, (through His Son, Jesus). Sometimes we need to pull over, stop, and look at the map. Then we can start again in the right direction toward the summit of God’s plan for your life.
Bro. Robin
Friday, January 29, 2010
Getting God’s Attention
My first job in High School was as a lifeguard at a public swimming pool. I scanned the water looking for signs of distress that I had been trained to identify. When I saw someone who needed help I used my training and skill to rescue them. Over those few years I rescued many who were thankful that I knew what to do.
In 2 Chr. 7:12-16 God tells us the signs He looks for to know when we need His attention to rescue us. We also think of these signs as conditions for Revival.
Verse 14 says:
"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." (HCSB)
God hears His children. There are several things that tell us that we are His children. First, His children are called by His Name. Calling ourselves a Christian is more than a title. It means that we identify with Christ and have invited Him into our heart. We call it being born again because we are born into His family by the Holy Spirit. Our lives start over from that point. We have a new name and a new family because we have a new life in Christ.
Our new life includes some new activities. His children humble themselves. Children humble themselves when they make themselves useful through obedience to their father. His children Pray. Children communicate with their parents by talking to them. We talk to our heavenly Father through prayer. His children seek his face. Children need to spend time with their parents in order to see things from their perspective. Today we use the expression, “See where he’s coming from.” To seek someone’s face means to see where he is going.
There is no forgiveness without repentance. In Alice In Wonderland, Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" The Cat answered, "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." Our moral decisions depend on where we want to get to.
God’s desire is to heal His Children. He forgives us when He hears us.
Bret Harte said:
If, of all words of tongue or pen
The saddest are these, "It might have been."
More sad are these we daily see;
"It is, but hadn't ought to be."
When we turn from our ways to God’s way He forgives us and will heal our land with Revival.
Robin
In 2 Chr. 7:12-16 God tells us the signs He looks for to know when we need His attention to rescue us. We also think of these signs as conditions for Revival.
Verse 14 says:
"If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land." (HCSB)
God hears His children. There are several things that tell us that we are His children. First, His children are called by His Name. Calling ourselves a Christian is more than a title. It means that we identify with Christ and have invited Him into our heart. We call it being born again because we are born into His family by the Holy Spirit. Our lives start over from that point. We have a new name and a new family because we have a new life in Christ.
Our new life includes some new activities. His children humble themselves. Children humble themselves when they make themselves useful through obedience to their father. His children Pray. Children communicate with their parents by talking to them. We talk to our heavenly Father through prayer. His children seek his face. Children need to spend time with their parents in order to see things from their perspective. Today we use the expression, “See where he’s coming from.” To seek someone’s face means to see where he is going.
There is no forgiveness without repentance. In Alice In Wonderland, Alice asked the Cheshire Cat, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?" The Cat answered, "That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." Our moral decisions depend on where we want to get to.
God’s desire is to heal His Children. He forgives us when He hears us.
Bret Harte said:
If, of all words of tongue or pen
The saddest are these, "It might have been."
More sad are these we daily see;
"It is, but hadn't ought to be."
When we turn from our ways to God’s way He forgives us and will heal our land with Revival.
Robin
Sunday, January 03, 2010
The Parable of the Snow
(Matthew 13:1-23)
Late Saturday night it began to snow. As the fluffy white snow fell to the earth some snow fell on the road. Although it was the same snow that fell everywhere else it was considered hazardous and the road crews were soon out removing it. They plowed and salted and plowed again until all that was left was a salty, sandy slush along the sides of the road. The roads are always the first place people look to see how much snow we have. But snow on the roads only gets in the way and is the first place we want it removed.
Some snow fell on the roof tops but it did not stay long. The wind blew some away and exposed part of the roof. When the sun came out it shone through the thin layer of snow and heated the roof to melt away the rest of the snow. Even though snow on the roof is sometimes considered the prettiest of all snow it is gone before we can really appreciate it.
Some snow fell in the yards in reach of all the children. As soon as they saw it they gathered up their winter clothes, put on their boots, and ran outside to play in the snow. For a while, there was laughter and squeals as they made snowballs, and snowmen, and used their sleds to slide down every clear hill they could find. The snow was fun but the fun was temporary. Snow men and sleds turn our attention away from the danger snow can be in other places. We can become distracted or lost in snow. Or, we can use it for our own purpose but even that only lasts a short time.
Some snow fell on the fields. The fields were beautiful in a blanket of snow. As the snow melted the moisture seeped down into the soil until it reached the hard winter wheat that was waiting for the snow to arrive. The blanket of snow kept the moisture in place allowing the wheat to soak in it and begin to grow. As the winter ends and the snow melts you can see the green tops coming out of the ground. The wheat will grow through spring and in the heat of summer it will be ready to harvest.
What kind of snow is your faith? The snow on the roads was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The snow on the roof was shallow and melted quickly with the heat of the sun. The snow on the yard was fun for a time but when the fun was over so was the snow. The snow in the fields made the wheat grow. Wheat becomes flour to give us life for many days to come. It fills and satisfies us in many ways, like the wheat roll I had for breakfast.
Dr. Robin H. Cowin
Late Saturday night it began to snow. As the fluffy white snow fell to the earth some snow fell on the road. Although it was the same snow that fell everywhere else it was considered hazardous and the road crews were soon out removing it. They plowed and salted and plowed again until all that was left was a salty, sandy slush along the sides of the road. The roads are always the first place people look to see how much snow we have. But snow on the roads only gets in the way and is the first place we want it removed.
Some snow fell on the roof tops but it did not stay long. The wind blew some away and exposed part of the roof. When the sun came out it shone through the thin layer of snow and heated the roof to melt away the rest of the snow. Even though snow on the roof is sometimes considered the prettiest of all snow it is gone before we can really appreciate it.
Some snow fell in the yards in reach of all the children. As soon as they saw it they gathered up their winter clothes, put on their boots, and ran outside to play in the snow. For a while, there was laughter and squeals as they made snowballs, and snowmen, and used their sleds to slide down every clear hill they could find. The snow was fun but the fun was temporary. Snow men and sleds turn our attention away from the danger snow can be in other places. We can become distracted or lost in snow. Or, we can use it for our own purpose but even that only lasts a short time.
Some snow fell on the fields. The fields were beautiful in a blanket of snow. As the snow melted the moisture seeped down into the soil until it reached the hard winter wheat that was waiting for the snow to arrive. The blanket of snow kept the moisture in place allowing the wheat to soak in it and begin to grow. As the winter ends and the snow melts you can see the green tops coming out of the ground. The wheat will grow through spring and in the heat of summer it will be ready to harvest.
What kind of snow is your faith? The snow on the roads was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The snow on the roof was shallow and melted quickly with the heat of the sun. The snow on the yard was fun for a time but when the fun was over so was the snow. The snow in the fields made the wheat grow. Wheat becomes flour to give us life for many days to come. It fills and satisfies us in many ways, like the wheat roll I had for breakfast.
Dr. Robin H. Cowin
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