Wednesday, August 29, 2012

A Reminder from "His Kindness Year Round".

Life on earth is short.

We know that fact.  We speak it.  We remind ourselves and others not to take life for granted.  However, do we sincerely believe it?  Do we live by it?  Do we understand life on earth is indeed a blink, and eternity is forever? 

My mind doesn't even comprehend 'forever'.  Everything we know has a beginning and an end.  But not eternity.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Do we fully realize that life on earth is a journey and the destination is our heavenly home, and not any accomplishment or physical place on earth?

Jude 1:21 “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

Sometimes an event will take place to remind us of the frailty of life.  But do we actually believe it and live it?

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Treasure life.  Enjoy the journey.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Happy August from "His Kindness Year Round"!

It’s amazing how quickly this year is progressing.  September is just a week away, with fall soon to be in the air.  Shortly to follow will be the changing of the leaves and the weather, and then the holidays . . . and a new year upon us again.  I trust you have been doing well and enjoying the summer of 2012.

I had the privilege of listening to an inspirational Christian speaker a few weeks ago.  We use to be co-workers, and I’ve known him for a couple of decades, but haven’t seen him in over ten years.  He has an amazing testimony of how God has worked, and continues to work, in his life daily. 

Sometimes you’ll meet someone and know that he or she will make a positive difference in the lives of others.  That certainly describes this gentleman, who loves God and gives Him all the glory for the accomplishments God has worked through this believer. It was rewarding for me to hear him speak of principles God has placed upon my heart in recent months. 

Colossians 2:6-7 “As you have put your trust in Jesus Christ the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him.  Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.”

Isn’t it comforting to look at your life and notice how God faithfully takes care of His children?  Don’t you see situations in which you recognize God was/is always at your side, never leaving you during a trial, but carrying you through it?  Sometimes the place God brings us to on the other side of the hurdle is out of our comfort zone, but that is OK because He is still there!  He doesn’t bring us through and drop us off and leave.  Don’t give up, child of God, because He is still there. 

Galatians 3:26 “You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Jesus Christ.”

Know who you are in the Savior and allow your faith in God to devour any fears you may have. Fear is a sharp tool of the enemy which he does use to destroy us. Don’t stop during a storm from fatigue or fear.  Our Savior is always there to carry us through.  Hold onto Him; rest in Him; value the journey.

1 Peter 1:8 “You have never seen Him but you love Him. You cannot see Him now but you are putting your trust in Him.  And you have joy so great that words cannot tell about it.”

I look back at this gentleman I mentioned earlier.  IF he had stopped during any of the storms and gotten off track, he may not be the witness for Jesus that he is today. IF he didn’t desire to know God or know who he is in God; or want to walk daily with our Savior and grow through Him; or step across his own comfort zone and take a step of faith; or follow any fear instead of his faith . . . . . where would he be today . . . . . where would I be today . . . . where would you be today . . . . questions we don’t need to spend time or energy pondering because the past is over, and we are now walking with our Savior.  We have chosen to be His child, exercising our faith on a daily basis.  Oh, tis so sweet to trust in Jesus . . . . . !

John 1:12 “He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him.  He gave this to those who put their trust in His name.”

There are many who aren’t in step with God.  Continue to pray for open hearts.  Be a witness to those who are lost.  Some desires as His children are to grow stronger in Him, to grow more faithful and trusting in Him, and to bring lost sheep to Him.  We celebrate and praise Him when we gain another brother or sister in Christ.  We praise Him in the victories of blessings.  Let's also praise Him through any tough patch we may encounter, showing Him our gratitude and trust.   

Hebrews 11:6 “A man cannot please God unless he has faith.  Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.”

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin