Thank YOU, Lord, for guiding my steps and directing my ways!
THANK YOU for ordering my days!
You ALWAYS know best!
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Focusing on Him from "His Kindness Year Round!"
Over the past year and a half, I have been reminded numerous times, through various avenues, about the parable of the Prodigal Son.
(I decided to check out the dictionary definition for “prodigal”. The gist of several entries defines it as the ‘spending money or resources freely and recklessly; rashly or wastefully extravagant; lavish’.)
I would like to share a few thoughts that have caught my attention over these several months from this parable . . . .
God’s love is so abundant! There are not enough words to describe His love for us. Our minds in the natural could never comprehend His true agape love -- how absolutely amazing is that! In the parable, the father runs (not walks or strolls or toddles or meanders over to . . . . . but RUNS!) out to meet the returned (prodigal) son and warmly welcomes him. The son, in his fatigue and despair and filth and hunger . . . . . But the love of the father far more prevails.
We incredibly limit the capabilities and love our Father has for us. He wants us to have far more than we ask. The son was going to be satisfied with being one of his father’s hired workers. But the father brought him the finest clothes and food for a remarkable celebration feast.
(Let’s pause and think about the party for a moment . . . . the celebration of the son’s return home! Our Father willingly and lovingly takes us back when we’ve wandered off. We need to believe in Him and His promises and accept the immense love and goodness He wants for us. Quite astounding, huh?)
Do we realize our lives can be better than ever imaginable with our God! With Him, all is possible. There are no limits, remember? Let’s choose to live the life He has for us because what He has planned far exceeds the mind’s eye.
(I wonder if the returned son ever stopped to think that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side . . . . I sometimes find it is not . . . )
And oh, so sad. The eldest son. The behavior displayed by the elder son. His jealousy and bitterness and rebellion. I read what he endured and the cost for him because he, unlike the father in the parable, could not accept his brother’s return. Rather than let it go and forgive, as his father did, the brother did not attend the party. He would not enter the house. He would not participate and enjoy the glorious reunion. All because he could not forgive.
I do not want to think of the opportunities I may have missed by not following God’s will in my life. By not believing in Him for His goodness to manifest. By settling for less than His desires for me. By limiting what He can do and has done. How many feasts have I missed because of stubbornness, anger or unforgiveness? All because I would not “let it go”. Lord, help us all to celebrate and fulfill what You have available for each of us. Thank YOU most gracious God!
The Almighty truly wants to be our best friend. Do we treat Him like one? Do we love Him like a best friend? Do we go to Him in trials and treasures like a friend? Do we confide in Him like a friend? Do we talk to Him as often as we do our friends? When we receive a blessing, do we thank Him first, or run to our phones or computers to see who we can notify. . . . ?
Romans 5:5 “God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
Mark 11:25 “When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in Heaven will forgive your sins, too.
Luke 23:24 “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive these people, because they know not what they are doing.’”
Luke 15:10 “In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Achieving for the Lord at "His Kindness Year Round"!
I have been writing the past week on a post about something that has been repeatedly brought to my attention for over a year. However, that post is on hold because the Lord is truly educating me on an entirely different subject.
My goal in life -- my purpose in life -- my true desire in life is to serve my Heavenly Father with an open and willing heart to my absolute best. And boy, does He know my heart’s desire!
I have always thought of serving God as achieving for Him in an “organized ministry”. Thankfully, through dear friends in Christ and through reading in His Word the past week, I have fully come to grasp that my Monday through Friday employment outside the home is part of His ministry through me also.
Yep, it sure is. Everywhere we go, we are ministering for Him. No, we may not be handing out pamphlets or quoting scripture or carrying our Bibles close to our chests or singing aloud His praises, but the manner we present ourselves for others to view -- we are witnessing and ministering for Him.
Whether you have employment outside the home or work inside the home or are a student or in “full time” ministry -- as long as we are following God’s will, we are ministering for Him. And in doing such, He expects us to perform the best we can through Him. It is part of His plan for us. Unless He tells us to move on, we are to consider our daily job as His ministry and do it as we would do any other part of ministry for Him. I should not complain or whine or be apathetic about what I’m doing or not doing. Instead, I should delight in serving Him! I should rejoice each day that He is blessing me with that opportunity to serve Him!
Colossians 3:23 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Ephesians 6:7 “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Enjoy the opportunities we have been given to serve Him!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
My goal in life -- my purpose in life -- my true desire in life is to serve my Heavenly Father with an open and willing heart to my absolute best. And boy, does He know my heart’s desire!
I have always thought of serving God as achieving for Him in an “organized ministry”. Thankfully, through dear friends in Christ and through reading in His Word the past week, I have fully come to grasp that my Monday through Friday employment outside the home is part of His ministry through me also.
Yep, it sure is. Everywhere we go, we are ministering for Him. No, we may not be handing out pamphlets or quoting scripture or carrying our Bibles close to our chests or singing aloud His praises, but the manner we present ourselves for others to view -- we are witnessing and ministering for Him.
Whether you have employment outside the home or work inside the home or are a student or in “full time” ministry -- as long as we are following God’s will, we are ministering for Him. And in doing such, He expects us to perform the best we can through Him. It is part of His plan for us. Unless He tells us to move on, we are to consider our daily job as His ministry and do it as we would do any other part of ministry for Him. I should not complain or whine or be apathetic about what I’m doing or not doing. Instead, I should delight in serving Him! I should rejoice each day that He is blessing me with that opportunity to serve Him!
Colossians 3:23 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Ephesians 6:7 “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Enjoy the opportunities we have been given to serve Him!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thank You, Lord, for Kindness, from "His Kindness Year Round"!
Truly desire to share this with you today! Keep in mind, the title of God's blog is "His Kindness Year Round" . . . . .
On the way to work this morning, while running an errand first, I was going to be driving by a local convenient store. No big deal, right? This particular store sells Dunkin Donuts coffee at a cost of 99 cents if you bring your own travel mug. What a bargain! I will occasionally splurge and get "real" coffee. (And thank you, thank you dear friend for the recent DD gift card!)
I was walking in the door at the same time another lady was walking in, with her empty mug. We both smiled and spoke because we knew we were headed in the same direction, and for the same reason. We were surprised when we saw there was no coffee ready. Nor brewing.
The one employee this morning (the time is 7:30 AM and people are frequenting the store on the way to work) was working diligently with a line of customers. The other coffee lover and I looked at each other and wondered exactly how many people does it take to make coffee (meaning she and I). . . . She emptied the old filter while I cleaned up the littered and dirty area. She saw the new filters (and gee, they are huge). A gentleman walked in during this time (but not for coffee -- what's up with that?) and we decided how to insert the filter into the grinder to grind the coffee beans. The fellow coffee lover and I placed the filter of coffee in the machine and determined the "brew" button looked like a good choice to select. Voila! In a matter of less than a minute, hot, fresh coffee was brewing!
I'm sure to many, this sounds a bit trite. However, there was much needed humorous, friendly bonding at 7:30 AM with two people on a common mission -- to purchase a cup of coffee. As she and I got in line to pay for our coffee, the sole employee told each of us the coffee was at no charge today. For taking the time to help him, he blessed us each with a delicious, hot cup of coffee, free of charge. A firecracker blessing indeed!
Don't ever pretend kindness doesn't go a long way. No, not every incident of kindness on our behalf will produce an act of kindness from someone else. Serving each other is God's will. Our Jesus was a great servant for His Father and served others. Why can't we do even the smallest acts of kindness for each other? We CAN!
Ephesians 4:16 "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."
John 15:16 "You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
I truly praise God and give Him ALL the glory for the new friendships I'm making; for rebuilding past relationships; and for strengthening them all!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
On the way to work this morning, while running an errand first, I was going to be driving by a local convenient store. No big deal, right? This particular store sells Dunkin Donuts coffee at a cost of 99 cents if you bring your own travel mug. What a bargain! I will occasionally splurge and get "real" coffee. (And thank you, thank you dear friend for the recent DD gift card!)
I was walking in the door at the same time another lady was walking in, with her empty mug. We both smiled and spoke because we knew we were headed in the same direction, and for the same reason. We were surprised when we saw there was no coffee ready. Nor brewing.
The one employee this morning (the time is 7:30 AM and people are frequenting the store on the way to work) was working diligently with a line of customers. The other coffee lover and I looked at each other and wondered exactly how many people does it take to make coffee (meaning she and I). . . . She emptied the old filter while I cleaned up the littered and dirty area. She saw the new filters (and gee, they are huge). A gentleman walked in during this time (but not for coffee -- what's up with that?) and we decided how to insert the filter into the grinder to grind the coffee beans. The fellow coffee lover and I placed the filter of coffee in the machine and determined the "brew" button looked like a good choice to select. Voila! In a matter of less than a minute, hot, fresh coffee was brewing!
I'm sure to many, this sounds a bit trite. However, there was much needed humorous, friendly bonding at 7:30 AM with two people on a common mission -- to purchase a cup of coffee. As she and I got in line to pay for our coffee, the sole employee told each of us the coffee was at no charge today. For taking the time to help him, he blessed us each with a delicious, hot cup of coffee, free of charge. A firecracker blessing indeed!
Don't ever pretend kindness doesn't go a long way. No, not every incident of kindness on our behalf will produce an act of kindness from someone else. Serving each other is God's will. Our Jesus was a great servant for His Father and served others. Why can't we do even the smallest acts of kindness for each other? We CAN!
Ephesians 4:16 "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love."
John 15:16 "You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."
I truly praise God and give Him ALL the glory for the new friendships I'm making; for rebuilding past relationships; and for strengthening them all!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
"I AM ABLE" from His Kindness Year Round!
I want to thank a dear, dear friend for sharing those words with me, "I AM ABLE."
Sometimes with different circumstances in life pulling us from one place to another to another, the journey may seem to downpour from time to time. I am reminded of the devotion I read last week: “If you’re frazzled, frantic and frustrated because your life is out of control, it’s time to make some changes.” “Priorities don’t stay straight but we have to keep straightening them out.”
God requires us to rest. He requires us to take care of ourselves in all areas of our lives. He loves us so much and wants us to flourish! You are of great value to Him. (I can't even begin to picture the scenario of Jesus running from place to place, frantically looking at the sundial, urging His disciples to "Hurry! We're late!" I can't begin to picture Him jumping from a miracle to a healing to making water into wine at a wedding or telling His accusers to "Move it; let's get this crucifixion over with.")
On earth, we have the present time (not yesterday nor tomorrow. And we have eternity in heaven!) Live, worship and serve Him during this present time.
In the present, I AM ABLE to do what God directs. I AM ABLE to accomplish this particular task in front of me, in this particular hour. I AM ABLE -- not I am UNABLE; not, I cannot. We are what we think and speak.
Sometimes rather than looking at the individual "tree" in front of me, I see the entire "forest" instead. The entire journey ahead on earth is much more intimidating than the single step in front of me. I AM ABLE to take that step in front of me, even if it's a baby step. I AM ABLE to do that.
I should not get overcome by circumstances in life. Rather, I will conquer each venture at hand. Why? Because, I AM ABLE!
Exodus 15:2 "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."
Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."
Habakkuk 3:19 "The Sovereign Lord is my strength!"
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Sometimes with different circumstances in life pulling us from one place to another to another, the journey may seem to downpour from time to time. I am reminded of the devotion I read last week: “If you’re frazzled, frantic and frustrated because your life is out of control, it’s time to make some changes.” “Priorities don’t stay straight but we have to keep straightening them out.”
God requires us to rest. He requires us to take care of ourselves in all areas of our lives. He loves us so much and wants us to flourish! You are of great value to Him. (I can't even begin to picture the scenario of Jesus running from place to place, frantically looking at the sundial, urging His disciples to "Hurry! We're late!" I can't begin to picture Him jumping from a miracle to a healing to making water into wine at a wedding or telling His accusers to "Move it; let's get this crucifixion over with.")
On earth, we have the present time (not yesterday nor tomorrow. And we have eternity in heaven!) Live, worship and serve Him during this present time.
In the present, I AM ABLE to do what God directs. I AM ABLE to accomplish this particular task in front of me, in this particular hour. I AM ABLE -- not I am UNABLE; not, I cannot. We are what we think and speak.
Sometimes rather than looking at the individual "tree" in front of me, I see the entire "forest" instead. The entire journey ahead on earth is much more intimidating than the single step in front of me. I AM ABLE to take that step in front of me, even if it's a baby step. I AM ABLE to do that.
I should not get overcome by circumstances in life. Rather, I will conquer each venture at hand. Why? Because, I AM ABLE!
Exodus 15:2 "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."
Psalm 28:7 "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Psalm 118:14 "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory."
Habakkuk 3:19 "The Sovereign Lord is my strength!"
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Sunday, April 8, 2012
He is Risen!
He is Risen!
I wear a pin every day from Ash Wednesday until Resurrection Sunday. On the pin is a sunrise, a cross, and the words, "HALLELUJAH! HE IS RISEN!"
Matthew 28:8 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples."
As the women who left the empty grave ran to tell others that He is Risen, we should also tell others that He died for our sins but He is Risen!
Bathe in God's rich love and blessings today!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him!
Robin
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Saturday Greetings from "His Kindness Year Round"!
I’m one who enjoys hearing good Christian music. It brightens my heart and soul. Music ministers to me in a great way.
I awoke this morning with an old hymn in my heart. I’ve been humming it all morning. I can still hear my father, while in the church choir, singing this song when I was a small child.
May you continue to be blessed this weekend by the glory of our Lord!
“To God be the Glory”
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life and atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
I awoke this morning with an old hymn in my heart. I’ve been humming it all morning. I can still hear my father, while in the church choir, singing this song when I was a small child.
May you continue to be blessed this weekend by the glory of our Lord!
“To God be the Glory”
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life and atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday Greetings from "His Kindness Year Round"!
Friends and family in Christ,
As we honor Good Friday today, rest in His love. If during this season of Lent you have not been meditating in God's Word, I encourage you to do so.
The Lord has been encouraging me the past couple of months to meditate in His Word. His Word is always true, always reliable; His Word is constant. Just as He is.
Read, study, meditate in His Word! Be reminded that doing things for our Heavenly Father does not replace spending time with Him through His Word and prayer. When we realize who we are in Him, we will grow a healthy, God-given self confidence and self image to be who He sincerely wants us to be. And isn't that a priceless thought -- being who HE wants us to be! As we are on this journey to be the child He desires, enjoy Him. Rest in Him and learn from Him. Strengthen and grow your relationship with Him.
Psalm 63:6 "I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night."
Psalm 138:3 "When I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me the strength I need."
Psalm 143:5 "I remember the days of old. I ponder all Your great works. I think about what You have done."
Psalm 145:5 "I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendor and Your wonderful miracles."
Let's remove ourselves from the walls we have created and live the way God has intended for us to live. Realize the worth and value we have in Him! Pray, meditate in His Word, and always praise Him!
I hope you're spending time meditating . . . . learning about Him and growing with Him . . . .
John 19:30 "It is finished."
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
As we honor Good Friday today, rest in His love. If during this season of Lent you have not been meditating in God's Word, I encourage you to do so.
The Lord has been encouraging me the past couple of months to meditate in His Word. His Word is always true, always reliable; His Word is constant. Just as He is.
Read, study, meditate in His Word! Be reminded that doing things for our Heavenly Father does not replace spending time with Him through His Word and prayer. When we realize who we are in Him, we will grow a healthy, God-given self confidence and self image to be who He sincerely wants us to be. And isn't that a priceless thought -- being who HE wants us to be! As we are on this journey to be the child He desires, enjoy Him. Rest in Him and learn from Him. Strengthen and grow your relationship with Him.
Psalm 63:6 "I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night."
Psalm 138:3 "When I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me the strength I need."
Psalm 143:5 "I remember the days of old. I ponder all Your great works. I think about what You have done."
Psalm 145:5 "I will meditate on Your majestic, glorious splendor and Your wonderful miracles."
Let's remove ourselves from the walls we have created and live the way God has intended for us to live. Realize the worth and value we have in Him! Pray, meditate in His Word, and always praise Him!
I hope you're spending time meditating . . . . learning about Him and growing with Him . . . .
John 19:30 "It is finished."
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Thursday, April 5, 2012
A Joyful Maundy Thursday from "His Kindness Year Round"!
As I’ve mentioned before (and will mention again), God has been placing different people and various matters into my heart the past few months.
He continues to speak about resting in Him. (Maybe I don’t seem to be getting the drift yet.) Taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually is as important as physical care.
If we remain obedient to Him, no matter what He has asked us to do, He will give us the strength and abilities to complete. Amen!
He continues to speak of His perfect timing and His priorities in our lives versus our timing and priorities . . . are they the same?
I read in a devotion recently, “If you’re frazzled, frantic and frustrated because your life is out of control, it’s time to make some changes.” (Ouch.) “Priorities don’t stay straight but we have to keep straightening them out.”
Ephesians 1:10 “This is His plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ -- everything in heaven and earth.”
Isaiah 25:1 “Oh, Lord, I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now You have accomplished them.”
Romans 12:12 “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble and always be prayerful.”
A few thoughts from recent days . . .
It’s great to help others, but be sure your heart is in the right place in doing such deeds. Stay true to your heart and to God.
Our worth and value are in knowing Christ and having Him as your Savior in a real relationship! As I’ve recently been reminded, we are adopted into His family; we are His children; we are no longer orphans.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
He continues to speak about resting in Him. (Maybe I don’t seem to be getting the drift yet.) Taking care of ourselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually is as important as physical care.
If we remain obedient to Him, no matter what He has asked us to do, He will give us the strength and abilities to complete. Amen!
He continues to speak of His perfect timing and His priorities in our lives versus our timing and priorities . . . are they the same?
I read in a devotion recently, “If you’re frazzled, frantic and frustrated because your life is out of control, it’s time to make some changes.” (Ouch.) “Priorities don’t stay straight but we have to keep straightening them out.”
Ephesians 1:10 “This is His plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ -- everything in heaven and earth.”
Isaiah 25:1 “Oh, Lord, I will honor and praise Your name, for You are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now You have accomplished them.”
Romans 12:12 “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble and always be prayerful.”
A few thoughts from recent days . . .
It’s great to help others, but be sure your heart is in the right place in doing such deeds. Stay true to your heart and to God.
Our worth and value are in knowing Christ and having Him as your Savior in a real relationship! As I’ve recently been reminded, we are adopted into His family; we are His children; we are no longer orphans.
What a friend we have in Jesus!
Hebrews 13:5 “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”
Prayerfully, your sister in Him,
Robin
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thankful Greetings from "His Kindness Year Round"!
I Chronicles 16:34 “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.”
I come with a heart of thankfulness today! (Something I should do much more often.) Our Heavenly Father is so good. Our minds cannot even comprehend all His goodness and all that He does for us. Sometimes our “thinking” will inhibit us from seeing and accepting the remarkable love He has for us.
1 Timothy 4:4 “Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts.”
Thank You, Lord, for opening my eyes as I accept Your love!
Romans 8:39 “Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
As there are several things I haven’t written lately that are still bouncing around in my heart (stay tuned), may I remind you of . . . . .
Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
In honoring this blessed Holy Week . . . a reminder this scripture is for you and me, ladies and gents . . .
John 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Prayerfully and thankfully your sister in Him,
Robin
I come with a heart of thankfulness today! (Something I should do much more often.) Our Heavenly Father is so good. Our minds cannot even comprehend all His goodness and all that He does for us. Sometimes our “thinking” will inhibit us from seeing and accepting the remarkable love He has for us.
1 Timothy 4:4 “Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it. We may receive it gladly, with thankful hearts.”
Thank You, Lord, for opening my eyes as I accept Your love!
Romans 8:39 “Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.”
As there are several things I haven’t written lately that are still bouncing around in my heart (stay tuned), may I remind you of . . . . .
Colossians 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
In honoring this blessed Holy Week . . . a reminder this scripture is for you and me, ladies and gents . . .
John 3:16 “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Prayerfully and thankfully your sister in Him,
Robin
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