I finally got the car in the garage after four years. There has always been room for it. But, up until now, we have needed the space for storage. First we needed it for the lawn mowers and tools. Then it was one child’s furniture or another’s. Most recently we used the space for the materials for the fence until it was finished.
Last week we looked at the garage and decided to get organized. We divided the stuff into “keep,” “give away,” and “throw away” piles. Then we bought some new shelving that would go along the wall. We were both amazed to see that once the piles were dispersed, and the “keep” pile was shelved, we could pull the car in the garage with room to spare. The biggest surprise was how much we kept. Our problem was not space, it was organization.
I find that time works like my garage. Sometimes I just have to take an inventory and divide my activities into “piles.” Then I have to organize the “keep” pile. But when I get done it is amazing how much better everything looks. I may even have time for something I want to do, and not just the things I need to do.
In Psalm 45:1, the psalmist declares, “My tongue in the pen of a ready writer.” In those days writing was a complicated activity that made Scribes and educated profession. To say that a writer was ready meant that he was seated before a table with his scroll unrolled to the right place and all his writing tools and inks were laid out and organized for his immediate use. This is how we are to be before God. We should be organized and ready to be useful for Him.
As the psalmist said, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King.” It is another way for us to say, “I am ready to be useful, Lord.”
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Pray for Rain
I am still trying to figure out if a 40% chance of rain means that the odds are 40% that it might rain, or does it mean that it will definitely rain 40% of the day. The day of the ballgame we had a 40% chance of rain and the game ended up getting rained out in the fifth inning. On the other hand, yesterday there was a 60% chance of rain and I do not recall seeing much, if any, rain at all. Joyce and I were talking about it and decided we would like to know the weather forecasters percentage of accuracy.
In the Old Testament they did not have weather forecasters with fancy equipment and statistical analysis. They had Prophets. When Elijah said it would not rain, it did not rain. When He said it was going to rain you better run for cover. It did not matter that there was only one little cloud in the sky. God is not hindered by relative humidity. (1 Kings 18:44)
Prayer made all the difference. James sites Elijah’s example when he says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, (James 5:16). The difference is Prayer and the fact that the prophets tied everything they did to the spiritual condition they were trying to change. Elijah was not interested in just getting things wet. He wanted to see the country change directions. He wanted to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to see a change in your life? Pray for rain. I am not talking about the wet stuff. I am talking about the Spiritual stuff. God told Solomon, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seed my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 nkjv)
Put your trust in God’s Word. He has the highest percentage of accuracy. He predicts 100% chance of good weather – in Heaven!!
Dr. Robin
In the Old Testament they did not have weather forecasters with fancy equipment and statistical analysis. They had Prophets. When Elijah said it would not rain, it did not rain. When He said it was going to rain you better run for cover. It did not matter that there was only one little cloud in the sky. God is not hindered by relative humidity. (1 Kings 18:44)
Prayer made all the difference. James sites Elijah’s example when he says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, (James 5:16). The difference is Prayer and the fact that the prophets tied everything they did to the spiritual condition they were trying to change. Elijah was not interested in just getting things wet. He wanted to see the country change directions. He wanted to see an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want to see a change in your life? Pray for rain. I am not talking about the wet stuff. I am talking about the Spiritual stuff. God told Solomon, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seed my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 nkjv)
Put your trust in God’s Word. He has the highest percentage of accuracy. He predicts 100% chance of good weather – in Heaven!!
Dr. Robin
Friday, July 25, 2008
Funny Things Heard on the Chile Mission Trip
Now that we are back from Chile I thought you might enjoy The List’s Top Ten from Chile:
1. “I thought these places were all closed, but they just weren’t open.”
2. “This road would be a booger in the winter time” (in Chile, it was winter)
3. “Someone with a good camera could get a good picture from here”
4. “Sometimes it seems like we’re the mature ones of the bunch” (said by a youth)
5. “Jose Christo” referring to Jesus in a testimony.
6. “Escupe me” (trying to say excuse me in Spanish but saying “spit on me” instead)
7. “That’s one even Tarzan would not understand” (our missionary)
8. “I made us rush on accident, but it wasn’t on purpose” (also our missionary)
9. “I am amazed that there are so many Americans on this flight” (as we boarded for the US)
10. “Take all the time you want, just do it quickly.” (TSA agent at DFW)
Honorable mention goes to Cathy Rozas, one of our translators. When talking about Christmas being in summer in Chile I asked if Santa wore a bathing suit. She said, “No, he looks just like you.” I then replied, "Ho, Ho, Ho, thank you very much."
Dr. Robin
1. “I thought these places were all closed, but they just weren’t open.”
2. “This road would be a booger in the winter time” (in Chile, it was winter)
3. “Someone with a good camera could get a good picture from here”
4. “Sometimes it seems like we’re the mature ones of the bunch” (said by a youth)
5. “Jose Christo” referring to Jesus in a testimony.
6. “Escupe me” (trying to say excuse me in Spanish but saying “spit on me” instead)
7. “That’s one even Tarzan would not understand” (our missionary)
8. “I made us rush on accident, but it wasn’t on purpose” (also our missionary)
9. “I am amazed that there are so many Americans on this flight” (as we boarded for the US)
10. “Take all the time you want, just do it quickly.” (TSA agent at DFW)
Honorable mention goes to Cathy Rozas, one of our translators. When talking about Christmas being in summer in Chile I asked if Santa wore a bathing suit. She said, “No, he looks just like you.” I then replied, "Ho, Ho, Ho, thank you very much."
Dr. Robin
Thats Easy for You to Say
As a person whose career is using words I have heard people say a lot of funny things without thinking, sometimes from my own mouth. I began to notice several years ago that they seem to happen often on mission trips. Perhaps it is the combination of stress, fatigue, and wonder that is experienced on these trips. There is a level of comfort attached to spending so much time with the same small group that it is easy to speak without thinking. Or maybe I just attract funny people. I began writing them down a few years ago and now it has become a running joke to make “The List.”
I have made my own list on a number of occasions. Things that make the list always make us laugh and laughter is good. Most often they are sayings that just do not make sense, the kind that make you say, “Huh, what did you say?” Like the time I could not find my luggage and walked up to an airport help desk and heard myself saying, “All I want to know is where do I need to go to be where I need to be?” (Don’t we all want the answer to that question?) Sometimes they are language mistakes that turn out funny. I once tried to order fish in Malawi, to the amusement of several church leaders, who told me afterward that my pronunciation was only slightly off. Because of one little vowel they heard me order marijuana instead of the national delicacy, in a fancy restaurant.
At least my mistake was repeatable. We won’t discuss the private list.
I think God has a good sense of humor. Psalm 2:4 says, “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” (nasb) Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” I read the newspaper and wonder if we have lost our collective sense of humor? Then I read the Bible, Psalm 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” And, John 15:11, which says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Being a Christian is more fun when it is funny.
We count up the statistics from a summer of mission trips and evaluate with much satisfaction our successes. We remember the souls saved, ministries started, new friends made, lives touched and changed. With tired bodies and a few tears let us also remember that there is rejoicing in heaven, (Luke 15:7). At the end of the day we can say, smiling, it was fun. After all, we are not saved by our works, but by God’s amazing Grace. That should make us happy.
Dr. Robin
I have made my own list on a number of occasions. Things that make the list always make us laugh and laughter is good. Most often they are sayings that just do not make sense, the kind that make you say, “Huh, what did you say?” Like the time I could not find my luggage and walked up to an airport help desk and heard myself saying, “All I want to know is where do I need to go to be where I need to be?” (Don’t we all want the answer to that question?) Sometimes they are language mistakes that turn out funny. I once tried to order fish in Malawi, to the amusement of several church leaders, who told me afterward that my pronunciation was only slightly off. Because of one little vowel they heard me order marijuana instead of the national delicacy, in a fancy restaurant.
At least my mistake was repeatable. We won’t discuss the private list.
I think God has a good sense of humor. Psalm 2:4 says, “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” (nasb) Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” I read the newspaper and wonder if we have lost our collective sense of humor? Then I read the Bible, Psalm 16:11, “In your presence is fullness of joy.” And, John 15:11, which says, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Being a Christian is more fun when it is funny.
We count up the statistics from a summer of mission trips and evaluate with much satisfaction our successes. We remember the souls saved, ministries started, new friends made, lives touched and changed. With tired bodies and a few tears let us also remember that there is rejoicing in heaven, (Luke 15:7). At the end of the day we can say, smiling, it was fun. After all, we are not saved by our works, but by God’s amazing Grace. That should make us happy.
Dr. Robin
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Preparing to Preach (or Teach)
I have been asked to teach a group of lay preachers how to prepare a sermon. I thought this would be useful for anyone who teaches.
When I was a fresh young preacher I thought the only verse of scripture that applied to preaching was Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” I struggled with that for a while until I realized that while the Holy Spirit was a dependable speaker, I was not a dependable listener. I then took Paul’s advice to Timothy, another young preacher, as though it were to me, in 2 Timothy 2:15. He said that I should study to show myself approved unto God.
The first step is prayer. And every step thereafter must be bathed in prayer. Without prayer you cannot hear God. And without a word from God you have nothing to say. Prayer is the key to discovering what to say, how to say it, and the power that makes what you say understandable to the listeners. Prayer takes you to the text, through the text, and empowers the Word of God.
The second step is preparation. It begins with daily reading the Bible. Familiarity with God’s Word allows God to speak to you with a fuller voice. Study the passages that stand out to you. When a passage catches your attention it may be God trying to get your attention. Memorize scriptures that speak to you the most. Meditate on passages to get the meaning from your head to your heart.
Third, Pick a passage to preach on. Every sermon should have at least one point. Outline and organize the points to point to one point, the conclusion.
Finally, Preach out of the fullness of prayer and the word that is in your own heart. A passion about your own relationship with God will be contagious.
Anyone can listen to God and what we hear must be shared.
Bro. Robin
When I was a fresh young preacher I thought the only verse of scripture that applied to preaching was Mark 13:11, “Do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.” I struggled with that for a while until I realized that while the Holy Spirit was a dependable speaker, I was not a dependable listener. I then took Paul’s advice to Timothy, another young preacher, as though it were to me, in 2 Timothy 2:15. He said that I should study to show myself approved unto God.
The first step is prayer. And every step thereafter must be bathed in prayer. Without prayer you cannot hear God. And without a word from God you have nothing to say. Prayer is the key to discovering what to say, how to say it, and the power that makes what you say understandable to the listeners. Prayer takes you to the text, through the text, and empowers the Word of God.
The second step is preparation. It begins with daily reading the Bible. Familiarity with God’s Word allows God to speak to you with a fuller voice. Study the passages that stand out to you. When a passage catches your attention it may be God trying to get your attention. Memorize scriptures that speak to you the most. Meditate on passages to get the meaning from your head to your heart.
Third, Pick a passage to preach on. Every sermon should have at least one point. Outline and organize the points to point to one point, the conclusion.
Finally, Preach out of the fullness of prayer and the word that is in your own heart. A passion about your own relationship with God will be contagious.
Anyone can listen to God and what we hear must be shared.
Bro. Robin
Praying for Mission Teams
Thank you, Church Family, for sending mission teams across the street and around the world. You are sending us to La Serena, Chile, South America, while others go to Alaska, Nebraska, and the far ends of the earth. You go with us in heart as you also hold the ropes for us in prayer.
Pray for us each night before you go to bed and again each morning when you get up. Keep in mind that circumstances often change schedules. Read the scriptures with us, also. We will be reading these same verses and praying with you.
Thank you for praying. Pray for our safety, harmony, and Spiritual preparation. Pray that we will have enough energy for each task, get enough rest, and that we will all stay healthy on the food that is set before us. Pray for the anointing of the Spirit on God’s Word, us His messengers, and that those who hear us will hear gladly and receive Jesus into their hearts. Pray for our families at home, and for our church family, that those who sent us will also receive a blessing and that all of us will have a heart for the Great Commission that reaches across the street and around world with the Gospel.
We need special prayer for our families at home. I cannot stress that enough. We will be out of touch with them much of the time and it is difficult to minister when you are worried about things back home. Pray as much for them as you do for us. Pray that no emergencies arise on either front. Everything you pray for us pray also for our families.
King David once left some tired troops to watch the supplies while the rest fought and won a battle. When he returned to them from the battle he said, “…as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike,” 1 Samuel 30:24. Those who pray share the reward with those who preach. Those who send also share with those who go. Thank you for praying and sending.
Pray for us each night before you go to bed and again each morning when you get up. Keep in mind that circumstances often change schedules. Read the scriptures with us, also. We will be reading these same verses and praying with you.
Thank you for praying. Pray for our safety, harmony, and Spiritual preparation. Pray that we will have enough energy for each task, get enough rest, and that we will all stay healthy on the food that is set before us. Pray for the anointing of the Spirit on God’s Word, us His messengers, and that those who hear us will hear gladly and receive Jesus into their hearts. Pray for our families at home, and for our church family, that those who sent us will also receive a blessing and that all of us will have a heart for the Great Commission that reaches across the street and around world with the Gospel.
We need special prayer for our families at home. I cannot stress that enough. We will be out of touch with them much of the time and it is difficult to minister when you are worried about things back home. Pray as much for them as you do for us. Pray that no emergencies arise on either front. Everything you pray for us pray also for our families.
King David once left some tired troops to watch the supplies while the rest fought and won a battle. When he returned to them from the battle he said, “…as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike,” 1 Samuel 30:24. Those who pray share the reward with those who preach. Those who send also share with those who go. Thank you for praying and sending.
Five Basic Practices of the Christian Life
I have been thinking a lot about the way Christians should behave. Our behavior is affected by our Christ-like practices. I have been trying to state these practices in non religious language. This is what I have come up with so far: Talk to God, Listen to God, Do Good things for others, Go to Church, and Invite others. Let me explain.
Talk to God. Prayer is the beginning and substance of our relationship with God. You cannot have a relationship without communication. Being a Christian means having a relationship with God through Jesus. There is no substitute for time spent in a relationship which means being together and communicating with each other.
Listen to God. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. He also speaks to us in many other ways but the Bible is still the measure that we use to determine if what we are hearing is from God. That makes knowing what is in the Bible so important. (If fact, to know more about these basic practices read Matthew 5, 6, & 7).
Do good things for others. Yes, doing good deeds is important. Jesus did them and we should do them. The important thing to remember is that as Christians we do not do good deeds to get into heaven. Rather, we do good things to get closer to Jesus. Righteousness is the word the Bible uses to describe God’s nature to do good that He puts in us at salvation. Jesus wants us to take on His nature to practice Mercy, which simply means to do good even when people don’t deserve it.
Go to Church. Fellowship with other Christians is a source of strength along with many other benefits. Worship is a result of communicating with God and is even better in a group at Church. We are a community of faith.
Invite others. Both missions and evangelism are summed up in the invitation of Jesus to, “Follow me.”(Matt. 4:19) If our good news of the Gospel is really that good should we not want everyone to know Him? We can all invest in the lives of people and invite them to Church, and to Jesus.
That’s it. I know it sounds too simple. If you do these things you will be amazed at how your walk with God will take off.
Bro. Robin
Talk to God. Prayer is the beginning and substance of our relationship with God. You cannot have a relationship without communication. Being a Christian means having a relationship with God through Jesus. There is no substitute for time spent in a relationship which means being together and communicating with each other.
Listen to God. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. He also speaks to us in many other ways but the Bible is still the measure that we use to determine if what we are hearing is from God. That makes knowing what is in the Bible so important. (If fact, to know more about these basic practices read Matthew 5, 6, & 7).
Do good things for others. Yes, doing good deeds is important. Jesus did them and we should do them. The important thing to remember is that as Christians we do not do good deeds to get into heaven. Rather, we do good things to get closer to Jesus. Righteousness is the word the Bible uses to describe God’s nature to do good that He puts in us at salvation. Jesus wants us to take on His nature to practice Mercy, which simply means to do good even when people don’t deserve it.
Go to Church. Fellowship with other Christians is a source of strength along with many other benefits. Worship is a result of communicating with God and is even better in a group at Church. We are a community of faith.
Invite others. Both missions and evangelism are summed up in the invitation of Jesus to, “Follow me.”(Matt. 4:19) If our good news of the Gospel is really that good should we not want everyone to know Him? We can all invest in the lives of people and invite them to Church, and to Jesus.
That’s it. I know it sounds too simple. If you do these things you will be amazed at how your walk with God will take off.
Bro. Robin
Teachers
One of the rewards of a long ministry is to see people grow spiritually. I have had opportunities over the years to mentor several young people who have gone on to serve the Lord in ways great and small. Some of them were youth that I taught and gave opportunities to practice ministry. Some were brought on as staff. Some were in classes I taught through the association. We touched each other’s lives in positive ways.
I had my teachers too. I look back on them and realize how they molded my ministry today. I cannot list them all, but in light of the recent Revival I was thinking about a few of them in particular.
I and another Baptist student had it in our hearts to start a coffee house ministry to reach fellow college students. Herb, on staff with Teen Challenge, spent several weeks taking us through CS Lovett’s book, Soul-Winning Made Easy. We memorized a handful of scriptures and a plan. Soon we were blanketing the campus and surrounding area with the gospel. I already knew God had called me to preach. I had been in Sunday School all my life. But this was different. Herb taught me to preach on street corners. Dr. Messer, the Baptist Student Union director, was another teacher who gave me the opportunity to preach in Churches.
I have continued to learn about soul-winning, preaching, and much more. I find teachers in friends, associates, books, conferences, and unexpected divine encounters. I could go on about other teachers such as Ralph, Jerry, Jack, Mike, Dan, etc. We should never stop listening to others.
The word disciple simply means student, or one who follows the teachings of another. Jesus had twelve disciples. In that day, if you wanted to learn more than basic education you would go to someone who knew what you wanted to know and attach yourself to him as a disciple. It was a relationship in which the student and the teacher both had to choose each other.
There are times in our life we need to be the student and times when we need to be the teacher. Both experiences are important. You cannot be a teacher unless you have first been a student. You cannot be a great teacher unless you continue to be a great student.
When Jesus sent out His Disciples He did not tell them to go start a Teachers College. He told them to go make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What have you learned today? Who have you influenced?
Bro. Robin
I had my teachers too. I look back on them and realize how they molded my ministry today. I cannot list them all, but in light of the recent Revival I was thinking about a few of them in particular.
I and another Baptist student had it in our hearts to start a coffee house ministry to reach fellow college students. Herb, on staff with Teen Challenge, spent several weeks taking us through CS Lovett’s book, Soul-Winning Made Easy. We memorized a handful of scriptures and a plan. Soon we were blanketing the campus and surrounding area with the gospel. I already knew God had called me to preach. I had been in Sunday School all my life. But this was different. Herb taught me to preach on street corners. Dr. Messer, the Baptist Student Union director, was another teacher who gave me the opportunity to preach in Churches.
I have continued to learn about soul-winning, preaching, and much more. I find teachers in friends, associates, books, conferences, and unexpected divine encounters. I could go on about other teachers such as Ralph, Jerry, Jack, Mike, Dan, etc. We should never stop listening to others.
The word disciple simply means student, or one who follows the teachings of another. Jesus had twelve disciples. In that day, if you wanted to learn more than basic education you would go to someone who knew what you wanted to know and attach yourself to him as a disciple. It was a relationship in which the student and the teacher both had to choose each other.
There are times in our life we need to be the student and times when we need to be the teacher. Both experiences are important. You cannot be a teacher unless you have first been a student. You cannot be a great teacher unless you continue to be a great student.
When Jesus sent out His Disciples He did not tell them to go start a Teachers College. He told them to go make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
What have you learned today? Who have you influenced?
Bro. Robin
Monday, April 14, 2008
Pulling Together
This month we saw a tremendous Revival. The touch of God’s Spirit was seen in many areas of our Church. The messages from Ken Freeman were anointed by God. People came and were moved by God. Our Church pitched in and helped in every way that was needed from setting up to follow-up.
As I thought about what makes a Revival great one thing that kept coming to mind was how great the attendance was. Not only did our people support the Revival, we also had groups from at least four other churches, and each of them also reported many decision. Attendance is a major factor in the freedom of God Spirit at work among us. It matters if we come to church, not only for us, but for everyone who is there with us. A big group that is focusing on God experiences God in a big way.
This reminds me of a story.
He was a math teacher in my High School and I took geometry from him my sophomore year. He drove a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. He was so proud of it that he did not want to take any chances with it in the parking lot. That was the reason he parked everyday between two trees overlooking the football field. He thought it was safe there from bumps, dings, and scratches. That was true until a bunch of football players figured out that the length of his Beetle was exactly the distance between the trees. A group of them surrounded his car, picked it up, and turned it with each bumper touching a tree.
When the prank was discovered he was initially upset but then had to admire their accomplishment. He also had to offer pardons in exchange for their help. The only way he could get his car out was to get the same group of young men to lift up his car and set it right.
It was a lesson in what can be done when everyone shows up for a common purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name I am there in the midst of them.” Jesus fed thousands with one lunch in the presence of great crowds. He also was kept from doing miracles in His home town because of their unbelief, (Matt. 13:58)
You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship with God or with others. In Revival, there is no substitute for time with God and others. When we stay away we rob others, and ourselves, of a blessing from God. God is here. He is just waiting for us to get here to get the meeting started.
Bro. Robin
As I thought about what makes a Revival great one thing that kept coming to mind was how great the attendance was. Not only did our people support the Revival, we also had groups from at least four other churches, and each of them also reported many decision. Attendance is a major factor in the freedom of God Spirit at work among us. It matters if we come to church, not only for us, but for everyone who is there with us. A big group that is focusing on God experiences God in a big way.
This reminds me of a story.
He was a math teacher in my High School and I took geometry from him my sophomore year. He drove a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. He was so proud of it that he did not want to take any chances with it in the parking lot. That was the reason he parked everyday between two trees overlooking the football field. He thought it was safe there from bumps, dings, and scratches. That was true until a bunch of football players figured out that the length of his Beetle was exactly the distance between the trees. A group of them surrounded his car, picked it up, and turned it with each bumper touching a tree.
When the prank was discovered he was initially upset but then had to admire their accomplishment. He also had to offer pardons in exchange for their help. The only way he could get his car out was to get the same group of young men to lift up his car and set it right.
It was a lesson in what can be done when everyone shows up for a common purpose. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name I am there in the midst of them.” Jesus fed thousands with one lunch in the presence of great crowds. He also was kept from doing miracles in His home town because of their unbelief, (Matt. 13:58)
You have heard me say often that there is no substitute for time spent in a relationship with God or with others. In Revival, there is no substitute for time with God and others. When we stay away we rob others, and ourselves, of a blessing from God. God is here. He is just waiting for us to get here to get the meeting started.
Bro. Robin
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
The Power of Touch
Remember the telephone commercials that invited you to, “Reach out and touch someone?” I enjoy my phone but it is never the same to talk on the phone as it is to sit down with someone in person and have a conversation. This week we saw some of our kids in person and some we saw on webcam. We went to the zoo with the ones who came to visit in person. The webcam is a wonderful invention but it cannot replace a day at the zoo with your family.
We read of the many times Jesus touched someone and healed them. He was personal. He did not send letter or call on the phone. Even when He healed at a distance He was personal with the person who came to Him and requested the healing. Even when a woman touched Him for healing His power was there available for her as He responded to her touch.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus was the story of the blind man who needed to be touched twice. (Mark 8:22-25) With the first touch Jesus restored his sight but not his focus. With the second touch he saw all things clearly. I think this miracle is a parable about the way God touches many of us. We see Jesus, we have been touched by Him and know we have eternally life, but we have no focus. We see men as trees walking. The people around us might as well be trees because to us they are just objects in our world. We need to see people. We need to see them clearly. We need to see the world as Jesus sees them, a world of people for whom Christ died. We need to reach out and touch someone with the touch of Jesus.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could phone in all your responsibilities? You could take care of your spouse and children with a phone call. Some people work over the phone, or internet, so, why not? If you need glasses can you get your eyes checked over the phone? You can make the appointment over the phone. But if you want to see clearly you will have to see the doctor in person.
Some things have to be done in person. Jesus did not command us to sit down and write a letter. He commanded us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
A Revival is an opportunity for us to get a second touch from Jesus. We have Sight. But we still need Focus. You can only get that in person. I will see you there.
Bro. Robin
We read of the many times Jesus touched someone and healed them. He was personal. He did not send letter or call on the phone. Even when He healed at a distance He was personal with the person who came to Him and requested the healing. Even when a woman touched Him for healing His power was there available for her as He responded to her touch.
One of my favorite stories of Jesus was the story of the blind man who needed to be touched twice. (Mark 8:22-25) With the first touch Jesus restored his sight but not his focus. With the second touch he saw all things clearly. I think this miracle is a parable about the way God touches many of us. We see Jesus, we have been touched by Him and know we have eternally life, but we have no focus. We see men as trees walking. The people around us might as well be trees because to us they are just objects in our world. We need to see people. We need to see them clearly. We need to see the world as Jesus sees them, a world of people for whom Christ died. We need to reach out and touch someone with the touch of Jesus.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could phone in all your responsibilities? You could take care of your spouse and children with a phone call. Some people work over the phone, or internet, so, why not? If you need glasses can you get your eyes checked over the phone? You can make the appointment over the phone. But if you want to see clearly you will have to see the doctor in person.
Some things have to be done in person. Jesus did not command us to sit down and write a letter. He commanded us to, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)
A Revival is an opportunity for us to get a second touch from Jesus. We have Sight. But we still need Focus. You can only get that in person. I will see you there.
Bro. Robin
Monday, March 10, 2008
Check Your Messages
What did we do before cell phones? It is hard to remember. I remember when I got my first one. I was taking my oldest daughter out to lunch, from school, and got a call about a person who had just gone to the hospital. My daughter was concerned that we would never again be able to have our special time with just her and me and no interruptions. I tried to do this with each of the kids at least once a month. The phone was a threat to that special time. Her immediate reaction was, “I hate that thing already.”
Fast forward a few years and the same daughter has children, a great life, and her own cell phone. I check my messages on my cell phone in the morning. This morning there were two, both of them from this daughter. The first was an excited call about the youngest grandson and the emergency room. In her message she says she has tried my phone and mom’s phone and “I can’t find you.” The second message was that he was ok. We also got an email, complete with pictures.
How have we come to depend on something so unreliable? I check my land line messages and my email more often than my cell phone yet pride myself on being “accessible.” Or, perhaps it is more about me and my habits than it is the phone system. But isn’t that the way it is with our spiritual communication as well?
There is nothing wrong with the system of prayer. The message never fails to go through. There is always someone on the other end who can do something about your request. Prayer only fails when we fail to pray. They used to say the same thing about letters. You have to send some to get them. If you send messages to God, He will send messages back to you.
Effective prayer is a habit. Just like checking your messages. The difference is that the benefits, of prayer are eternal. When was the last time you messaged God? When was the last time you checked your messages from God. His messages come in many forms, just like ours. Wouldn’t now be a good time to check your messages from God?
Dr. Robin
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Bible Thoughts
Bible Drill
It was a pleasure to watch out Bible Drill Team in action on Sunday night. I think some adults were a little intimidated by the Bible knowledge of these bright young students. They have gotten excited and worked hard to learn their way around the Bible. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I am hoping it will spread through the Church.
The Bible is our source of life and hope, the very Word of God. The great heroes of faith took comfort in not only hearing the words of God but also in reading and reflecting on the written Word of God. The Ten Commandments were first written by the finger of God. Moses gave them God’s blessing if they would not only keep those commandments in their hearts but also talk about them, and write them down, and hang them up on themselves and their houses, (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Joshua began his campaign to take the Promised Land with a promise to meditate daily on the Bible, (Joshua 1:8). The longest chapter in the Bible is about meditating on God’s Word, (Psalm 119). In the New Testament, Peter called on the Church to read Paul’s writings comparing them to the other scriptures, (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul’s great comfort in the end was a cloak, his books, and parchments, his collection of Bibles and letters.
Jesus quoted from Scripture so often that even great scholars called him Rabbi. He was recognized as a teacher of the Word by his contemporaries, even many who were his enemies. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Stay in the Word. God will guide you.
Bro. Robin
A Warm Fire
Cold weather means a fire in the wood stove. When I was growing up we had a fireplace in the house but I do not remember it producing a lot of heat, unless you were standing right in front of it. Our main source of heat was a gas furnace. My parents were very frugal and did not think we needed heat while we slept. So, every night they would turn down the furnace and pile on the blankets.
As we raised our own children our thinking was different. We tried to find a temperature that was suitable for us all the time. We like being comfortable, not too hot, not too cold. In the evening when we all settled in for after supper relaxing we added throws, and for the last twenty years, a wood stove or wood burning fireplace. Heat is comforting.
After the cross the disciples went fishing, not knowing at the time what else to do. They fished all night and caught nothing. As they were coming back to shore they saw Jesus who called to them and asked about the fishing. Then he suggested that they try again, on the other side of the boat. When they listened to Jesus they caught an over flowing net full. Then, at the highlight of the story for me, Jesus invited them to bring some fish to a fire he already had going.
He started the fire when there were no fish, when they had been out all night and were tired, and cold, and discouraged. He called them to the fish. Then, he called them to the fire. He still does that today. He calls to us when we are cold, tired, and discouraged. He knows what we need. He invites us to His fire, the comfort of His life, and warmth of His love.
Bro. Robin
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
It was a pleasure to watch out Bible Drill Team in action on Sunday night. I think some adults were a little intimidated by the Bible knowledge of these bright young students. They have gotten excited and worked hard to learn their way around the Bible. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I am hoping it will spread through the Church.
The Bible is our source of life and hope, the very Word of God. The great heroes of faith took comfort in not only hearing the words of God but also in reading and reflecting on the written Word of God. The Ten Commandments were first written by the finger of God. Moses gave them God’s blessing if they would not only keep those commandments in their hearts but also talk about them, and write them down, and hang them up on themselves and their houses, (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Joshua began his campaign to take the Promised Land with a promise to meditate daily on the Bible, (Joshua 1:8). The longest chapter in the Bible is about meditating on God’s Word, (Psalm 119). In the New Testament, Peter called on the Church to read Paul’s writings comparing them to the other scriptures, (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul’s great comfort in the end was a cloak, his books, and parchments, his collection of Bibles and letters.
Jesus quoted from Scripture so often that even great scholars called him Rabbi. He was recognized as a teacher of the Word by his contemporaries, even many who were his enemies. Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Stay in the Word. God will guide you.
Bro. Robin
A Warm Fire
Cold weather means a fire in the wood stove. When I was growing up we had a fireplace in the house but I do not remember it producing a lot of heat, unless you were standing right in front of it. Our main source of heat was a gas furnace. My parents were very frugal and did not think we needed heat while we slept. So, every night they would turn down the furnace and pile on the blankets.
As we raised our own children our thinking was different. We tried to find a temperature that was suitable for us all the time. We like being comfortable, not too hot, not too cold. In the evening when we all settled in for after supper relaxing we added throws, and for the last twenty years, a wood stove or wood burning fireplace. Heat is comforting.
After the cross the disciples went fishing, not knowing at the time what else to do. They fished all night and caught nothing. As they were coming back to shore they saw Jesus who called to them and asked about the fishing. Then he suggested that they try again, on the other side of the boat. When they listened to Jesus they caught an over flowing net full. Then, at the highlight of the story for me, Jesus invited them to bring some fish to a fire he already had going.
He started the fire when there were no fish, when they had been out all night and were tired, and cold, and discouraged. He called them to the fish. Then, he called them to the fire. He still does that today. He calls to us when we are cold, tired, and discouraged. He knows what we need. He invites us to His fire, the comfort of His life, and warmth of His love.
Bro. Robin
Can you hear me?
I grew up in a house that sat on an acre of land at the edge of a forest. I knew how far away I could go and still hear Mom call. If it was close to supper I stayed in the yard. If I did not want to hear her call then anywhere in the woods would give me the freedom to play as I wanted. Of course, I might get in trouble when I came home. And, if I needed help, she could not hear me either. Temptation comes when we get out of earshot.
We are all tempted and the Bible tells us we all sin, (Romans 3:23). If we search the scriptures we can discover the character and content of sin and how to find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. We can also find teaching in the Bible that will help us avoid temptation in the first place.
First and foremost is the need to stay in God’s Word, the Bible. In Genesis 3 we see that when sin entered the world the serpent lied to Eve, and Adam, to get sin started. His first lie begins with, “Has God said…?” When we doubt God’s Word we open the door to temptation. We tend to doubt the word of someone we do not know well. The closeness of our relationship with God and our faith in His Word go hand in hand.
When Jesus was being tempted by the devil He was tempted first to turn stones into bread. He answered that temptation by remembering that man does not live by bread only but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. “Every Word,” keeps rolling around in my mind. All of the Bible is important as food for our spirit. It is the food we need not only to grow spiritually but our very survival depends on the spiritual nourishment of daily taking in His Word.
David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against God,” (Psalm 119). Read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word. Make a commitment now to read through the Bible in 2008. Stay in earshot of God. The life you safe might be your own.
Bro. Robin
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wholly, holy, holey
Then, last week, I overheard Joyce talking about it on the phone with a daughter. The words that caught my attention were, “Things like that are just not as important to men as they are to us.” Hmmm. I suddenly realized that my hole was more than a simple misstep by me. It was a flaw in the home of the one I treasured most in this world. Furthermore, it was a flaw I caused and should have fixed a long time ago.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Spiritual Priorities
How do we prioritize our spiritual life and bring it into focus? How can we relate that to our ministries as a church?
Proverbs 29:18a, King James Version, says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish. But he that keepeth the law, happy is he” The New Living Translation says, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” This verse describes the need for focus with the word of God as our priority.
I would say that our first concerns should be the things that define us as Christians. What is our relationship to Jesus Christ? Do we read and obey His Word? Do we pray? Do we fellowship with believers? Do we tell others about Him as a witness?
My second group of concerns would be the things that define me as a member of this church. Do I attend? Do I contribute? What is my ministry? Am I doing my part in making the vision of this church a reality? With what group, or Sunday school class, do I fellowship?
My third group of concerns would be very simple. What else can we do to lift up Jesus and make worship a more meaningful experience for everyone?
I am sure many of us would have different lists, or word them differently. I would like to know what you think. How would you prioritize the ministries of your church? How would you prioritize your spiritual life? Email me at dr_robin@fbcgentry.org, or drop off your thoughts at the office.
At the Southern Baptist Convention a question was asked about a kind of theological triage to sort out issues under discussion. (search “triage” at almohler.com). The idea was suggested that primary issues identify us as Christians, secondary issues identify us as Baptists, and tertiary issues can be discussed and disagreed on without disrupting the fellowship. This rating scale for issues got me thinking about how we prioritize our Church ministries, and our own spiritual lives.
In keeping with the above rambling thoughts, how would you perform spiritual triage on your church? How would you perform spiritual triage on yourself?
Bro. Robin
Proverbs 29:18a, King James Version, says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish. But he that keepeth the law, happy is he” The New Living Translation says, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.” This verse describes the need for focus with the word of God as our priority.
I would say that our first concerns should be the things that define us as Christians. What is our relationship to Jesus Christ? Do we read and obey His Word? Do we pray? Do we fellowship with believers? Do we tell others about Him as a witness?
My second group of concerns would be the things that define me as a member of this church. Do I attend? Do I contribute? What is my ministry? Am I doing my part in making the vision of this church a reality? With what group, or Sunday school class, do I fellowship?
My third group of concerns would be very simple. What else can we do to lift up Jesus and make worship a more meaningful experience for everyone?
I am sure many of us would have different lists, or word them differently. I would like to know what you think. How would you prioritize the ministries of your church? How would you prioritize your spiritual life? Email me at dr_robin@fbcgentry.org, or drop off your thoughts at the office.
At the Southern Baptist Convention a question was asked about a kind of theological triage to sort out issues under discussion. (search “triage” at almohler.com). The idea was suggested that primary issues identify us as Christians, secondary issues identify us as Baptists, and tertiary issues can be discussed and disagreed on without disrupting the fellowship. This rating scale for issues got me thinking about how we prioritize our Church ministries, and our own spiritual lives.
In keeping with the above rambling thoughts, how would you perform spiritual triage on your church? How would you perform spiritual triage on yourself?
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Unity and Agreement
The Southern Baptist Convention is wrapping up its work in San Antonio
The most important decision so far has been a strong affirmation of the Baptist Faith and Message, our doctrinal statement of faith. This statement on the BF&M was adopted earlier this year by our executive committee and reads as follows:
"The Baptist Faith and Message is neither a creed, nor a complete statement of our faith, nor final and infallible; nevertheless, we further acknowledge that it is the only consensus statement of doctrinal beliefs approved by the Southern Baptist Convention and such is sufficient in its current form to guide trustees in their establishment of policies and practices of entities of the Convention."
This statement does several things. First it says the BF&M is good enough as it is and we don’t need to add to it to please every little group that comes along. The statement also says something about who we are as a Convention. We are a collection of autonomous churches who have agreed to cooperate for the sake of missions and for the gospel. An important part of our cooperation is our agreement on the most important doctrines. That is the purpose of the BF&M. Beyond that we realize that there will never be an end to what we can disagree on. But we all agree that the Gospel is the main thing, and we need to keep it that way.
Unity and agreement are not the same things. Jesus calls us to unity. Together we will be victorious, but division is defeat. Agreement, total agreement anyway, is an impossible dream. I once heard that for every two people there are at least three opinions. With the love of Jesus comes respect and with respect comes unity. We can work together without having to be carbon copies of each other.
Besides, if we were all alike, wouldn’t that be boring? Read Psalm 2:4
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Empty Nest
The big wedding day has come and gone and Joyce and I are finally getting rested up. We appreciate so much this church and all the people who helped with, and attended, the wedding. We are blessed with the choices our children have made as we see our family grow.
Someone decorated my truck, as our attention was on the newlyweds, with the words, “Empty Nest,” and, “Free at Last.” I understand the sentiment of both expressions but see them both as misnomers.
All of the kids have been out of the house for several years, counting college, work, and marriages. So the nest is only empty part of the time. When they are all away it is quiet but Joyce and I have learned to enjoy the time together. When they are here the nest has never been fuller, and gets fuller with every passing year. Now there are grandchildren to enlarge the nest. What I always heard is true. They are more fun than their parents were. But their parents also seem to be more fun now. So maybe we have gotten better too.
I also would not say we are free at last. Every stage of life brings new responsibilities and blessings. Our relationships with our families change like seasons with the seasons of our lives. There is a touch of sadness when we do not get to see them as often as we would like. Our children are scattered all across the country living their own lives. But that is what we raised them to do. At some point the fruit leaves the tree, is planted, and grows into its own tree. There is also a joyful satisfaction as we see our children grow into their own persons.
There comes a time when we all say goodbye to our childhood and become adults. I have discovered that adulthood has many major shifts as well. We can try to hold on to the past, but the past does not cooperate well with that approach. Or, we can embrace each new turn in the journey of life as an adventure. I prefer the adventure.
Bro. Robin
1 Corinthians 13:11-13
Someone decorated my truck, as our attention was on the newlyweds, with the words, “Empty Nest,” and, “Free at Last.” I understand the sentiment of both expressions but see them both as misnomers.
All of the kids have been out of the house for several years, counting college, work, and marriages. So the nest is only empty part of the time. When they are all away it is quiet but Joyce and I have learned to enjoy the time together. When they are here the nest has never been fuller, and gets fuller with every passing year. Now there are grandchildren to enlarge the nest. What I always heard is true. They are more fun than their parents were. But their parents also seem to be more fun now. So maybe we have gotten better too.
I also would not say we are free at last. Every stage of life brings new responsibilities and blessings. Our relationships with our families change like seasons with the seasons of our lives. There is a touch of sadness when we do not get to see them as often as we would like. Our children are scattered all across the country living their own lives. But that is what we raised them to do. At some point the fruit leaves the tree, is planted, and grows into its own tree. There is also a joyful satisfaction as we see our children grow into their own persons.
There comes a time when we all say goodbye to our childhood and become adults. I have discovered that adulthood has many major shifts as well. We can try to hold on to the past, but the past does not cooperate well with that approach. Or, we can embrace each new turn in the journey of life as an adventure. I prefer the adventure.
Bro. Robin
1 Corinthians 13:11-13
Blossoms and Fruit
The ice is finally over, we hope, and things are beginning to bloom, again. The rain we have been seeing lately has brought out green growth everywhere. Spring is here and it is a joy to see things bloom and grow. It is no different in the church than it is outside.
I see blossoms of children as I look at plans under way for the summer children’s’ program and children’s camp. It is always a joy to see so many children here two days a week all summer as they go on activities, learn about Jesus, and have fun together.
I see sprouts of youth getting ready for leadership training, the Iowa Mission Trip, and Youth Camp. We will see our leaders shine and all of the youth grow in ways that will bless us all, and maybe even surprise themselves a little.
I see the fruit of missions setting on as the Bahamas Mission Crew starts training to sail. We will be doing Vacation Bible School and Sports Evangelism for two days each at two different locations in the Bahamas. We will also be doing market place evangelism, holding beach services, and crewing our own boat, (with the help of Captain Steve). Pray for us as we take 18 members on this unique mission trip.
I also see the garden being tended by a helpful group of servants as many of you take time to serve the Lord this summer. There will be projects with the Outdoor Ministry, Building and Grounds Ministry, and many others with opportunities for everyone to serve, have fun, and fellowship together in the Lord.
One big building project will be the remodeling of the Gates house for offices. We are already in it but a lot of work still needs to be done. We also need to raise around $20,000 for the project. We need your help. Give generously of your time and resources and let’s make this the best summer ever at First Baptist Church, Gentry.
Bro. Robin
I see blossoms of children as I look at plans under way for the summer children’s’ program and children’s camp. It is always a joy to see so many children here two days a week all summer as they go on activities, learn about Jesus, and have fun together.
I see sprouts of youth getting ready for leadership training, the Iowa Mission Trip, and Youth Camp. We will see our leaders shine and all of the youth grow in ways that will bless us all, and maybe even surprise themselves a little.
I see the fruit of missions setting on as the Bahamas Mission Crew starts training to sail. We will be doing Vacation Bible School and Sports Evangelism for two days each at two different locations in the Bahamas. We will also be doing market place evangelism, holding beach services, and crewing our own boat, (with the help of Captain Steve). Pray for us as we take 18 members on this unique mission trip.
I also see the garden being tended by a helpful group of servants as many of you take time to serve the Lord this summer. There will be projects with the Outdoor Ministry, Building and Grounds Ministry, and many others with opportunities for everyone to serve, have fun, and fellowship together in the Lord.
One big building project will be the remodeling of the Gates house for offices. We are already in it but a lot of work still needs to be done. We also need to raise around $20,000 for the project. We need your help. Give generously of your time and resources and let’s make this the best summer ever at First Baptist Church, Gentry.
Bro. Robin
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Cold Snap
It is amazing what a little cold weather can do. I was really enjoying this spring. All the flowers and trees were budding out. The leaves on my Japanese Maple were really looking like this would be the year for it to come into its own. Then the cold came. Like many of you, I covered as much as I could with drop cloths and sheets, night after night. But it was just too cold too long. That which started out beautiful is now wilted.
The experts I read and hear are saying that we should wait and see what the plants will do. The damage is done and trimming or feeding the plants could cause more damage. It is sad but there are limits to what we as humans have control over. When we reach those limits we have to let God do what God can do.
I thought about our spiritual lives and how this cold snap relates to us. We too can be doing so well in our Christian walk and one cold incident can set us back. It can be something outside our control like an illness or tragedy, or something to someone close to us. It can be a lapse in our behavior, giving in to temptation, anger, or some other bad habit of the flesh. Like the cold weather on the plants it can take the glow of Christ off our faces, drag us down, and lead to something worse if we do not take important precautions.
What can we do? We can cover ourselves against the cold just like the plants. Instead of drop cloths and sheet we cover ourselves with prayer and bible reading everyday. If the cold lingers we need to get to church for worship and fellowship. We then need to apply these coverings in the way that God directs for each of us. He has a plan that puts us in the center of God’s purpose and will.
Cold winds blow, on plants and people. That is why Paul said, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Dr. Robin
The experts I read and hear are saying that we should wait and see what the plants will do. The damage is done and trimming or feeding the plants could cause more damage. It is sad but there are limits to what we as humans have control over. When we reach those limits we have to let God do what God can do.
I thought about our spiritual lives and how this cold snap relates to us. We too can be doing so well in our Christian walk and one cold incident can set us back. It can be something outside our control like an illness or tragedy, or something to someone close to us. It can be a lapse in our behavior, giving in to temptation, anger, or some other bad habit of the flesh. Like the cold weather on the plants it can take the glow of Christ off our faces, drag us down, and lead to something worse if we do not take important precautions.
What can we do? We can cover ourselves against the cold just like the plants. Instead of drop cloths and sheet we cover ourselves with prayer and bible reading everyday. If the cold lingers we need to get to church for worship and fellowship. We then need to apply these coverings in the way that God directs for each of us. He has a plan that puts us in the center of God’s purpose and will.
Cold winds blow, on plants and people. That is why Paul said, “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)
Dr. Robin
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Do Overs!
In the summer time my neighbor had a basketball goal. I was never very good one on one playing basketball; he was taller and had more reach. But I could shoot good enough to keep up playing “horse.” We took turns shooting and trying to duplicate each other’s shot and when one missed the other got a point and could choose the next shot. Sometimes the game got intense and we resorted to more creative measures to get the other to miss. So, we had to come up with some rules. You could not actually touch the player who was shooting or directly interfere with the shot. If you did the player was allowed a “do over.” He got to do it over again.
It would be nice if everything in life allowed for a “do over” when we make a mistake or someone interferes with us. We could have made better grades in school. We would all have started saving money earlier. We would have no regrets about anything. It could all be fixed with a “do over.”
God has given us the next best thing to a “do over.” He provided a way for us to be forgiven for all our sins, through faith in Jesus, and start our life at a fresh new point as if the past had never happened. It is not a total “do over” in the sense that we cannot go back and fix things and still have to live with the physical consequences of some of our mistakes. But it is as close as we can get from God’s perspective. He forgets our mistakes and His memory is the one that counts in eternity.
Spring represents God’s attitude about life. Every year the earth gets a fresh start. This new start has to build on the growth and decay of previous years. But that can also be a good thing when we allow God to do the building. He is the master designer. If He can build a universe out of nothing He can build a life for you out of what you have so far.
That is what it really means when Paul says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Is it time for a “do over” in your life?
Dr. Robin
It would be nice if everything in life allowed for a “do over” when we make a mistake or someone interferes with us. We could have made better grades in school. We would all have started saving money earlier. We would have no regrets about anything. It could all be fixed with a “do over.”
God has given us the next best thing to a “do over.” He provided a way for us to be forgiven for all our sins, through faith in Jesus, and start our life at a fresh new point as if the past had never happened. It is not a total “do over” in the sense that we cannot go back and fix things and still have to live with the physical consequences of some of our mistakes. But it is as close as we can get from God’s perspective. He forgets our mistakes and His memory is the one that counts in eternity.
Spring represents God’s attitude about life. Every year the earth gets a fresh start. This new start has to build on the growth and decay of previous years. But that can also be a good thing when we allow God to do the building. He is the master designer. If He can build a universe out of nothing He can build a life for you out of what you have so far.
That is what it really means when Paul says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Is it time for a “do over” in your life?
Dr. Robin
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