As for me from "His Kindness Year Round"

It’s approaching the time of year in which many select New Year’s Resolutions.  Some people uphold those goals, and others do not.

This desire is very simple.  Either you choose to serve the Lord or not.  Yes or no.  No in-between gray area. 

If you’re not yet serving Him, or not serving in the capacity you know He is calling you, now is an ideal time to decide:  Will you serve Father in 2014, or not?

Joshua 24:14-16 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!”

Graciously accept the blessings and provision of the Lord this year through your obedience and service to Him.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

December 23 from "His Kindness Year Round"

“Call it” the doctor spoke.  “10:52” replied the nurse.  

This was the moment I saw my husband, the best friend I’ve ever had on earth, leave this home for his new home with the Lord; a day my life truly changed forever.

There are many who feel awkward when I mention his name in conversation, written or spoken.  I’m not uncomfortable.  I’m not going to fall in the floor in despair.  I'm not going to cry a river at the mention of a memory.  Just because you or I mention someone no longer on earth doesn't mean we haven't "moved" on.  I live in the present, and not the past. 

"Thankful" doesn't even begin to describe the gratitude for the time we had together.  Memories I will cherish, as they are a treasure.  

When Lee left to be with the Father, he did not take the Father with him.  The Trinity is still with me, and because of my choices, my Heavenly Father; His Son, Jesus; and the Holy Spirit are closer by my side than ever before.    

I am tremendously thankful for the birth of our Savior, and His great sacrifice on the cross. If not for Jesus, my life would be void and empty; non existent.  

My best friend, Lee, isn't with me anymore, but my best friend, Jesus, certainly is and will never leave.  Because of His birth, life and ministry on earth, death and resurrection, He ensured us the opportunity to live with Him for eternity in our heavenly home.  We are allowed the privilege of seeing our loved ones who are believers and followers of the Lord for eternity.  

As we approach the day we commemorate as the birth of our Lord, take the time to read Luke 2 in its entirety. It's a beautiful story!

(Have you decided what kind of birthday cake to prepare for Jesus this year? Hmmm . . . . Lee would have had that figured out by now!)

Merry Christmas to all my brothers and sisters in Christ!  Celebrate the reason for this season.

Robin 

Anticipation from "His Kindness Year Round"

Generally, there is a great deal of anticipation, by young and older, during the Christmas holidays.  We're waiting the arrival of the day to celebrate the Savior's birth.

I can't even imagine the anticipation Mary experienced when she was approached by Gabriel, announcing she would be the mother of Jesus.  Mary, a virgin, to deliver the Messiah.  Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy will one day walk on water? 

I don't know if I could be as humble as Mary or as accepting as Mary (without asking dozens of questions) upon hearing such news.  But she accepts, telling Gabriel she is the Lord's servant, and it shall be as He has said.  

And then the anticipation begins for her to give birth to the Son of the Most High.

I want to be more like Mary, in believing, stepping out in faith, not by what we see in the natural, but gladly accepting what God, Who is supernatural, says.

2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we live by faith, not by sight."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Where do you live? from "His Kindness Year Round"

Your entire body can’t be in two places at once.  No matter how badly you may want to be at times, you can only be in one place at a given moment.

Therefore, you can’t live of the world and in the obedience of Father at the same time.  Believers live in the world, but should not live in its ways.

Romans 12:2 "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.  Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

For whatever reasons, some people believe their bodies and souls can be in both places at once – in God’s will and in the ways of the world.  It can’t happen, anymore than my entire body can be in North Carolina and Tennessee simultaneously.  (I can have one foot in each state, but not my entire body!)

Stay on the narrow path, and don't let the lies of the enemy talk you onto the path of worldly destruction.  Focus on the true Word and its Creator.  Life on earth is just a blip, but eternity in heaven is forever.

Ephesians 4:23-24 "Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.  Put on your new nature, created to be like God -- truly righteous and holy."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

SHINE! from "His Kindness Year Round"

I recently read a Christian novel in which a talent show was part of the story line.  A young, energetic child, around the age of four or five, walked on the stage and proudly belted out a childhood song I remember so well:

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine,

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

As children, we boldly let our lights shine for Jesus.  We loudly sang the songs of His love, learned our short memory verses, intently listened to our Sunday School lessons, and eagerly stood on a stage to profess our Jesus.  We proudly carried our little Bibles, the true Word of God.

Deuteronomy 6:5 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”

As adults, do we continue to let our lights shine boldly for our Father?  Or as the song continues, do we try to hide them under a bushel, to prevent others from seeing our profession of the Savior?  (Oh, no!) Do we allow satan to blow out our service and spark for the Lord?  Do we continue to shine brightly until Jesus comes, everywhere we go?  Do we have to carry a Bible and wear a button stating "I am a Christian" in order for others to know we are children of the King?

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Let your light for the Lord shine all the time!

Your sister in Jesus,

Robin 

Grateful, as we celebrate Thanksgiving from "His Kindness Year Round"

I am most thankful for my Heavenly Father.  For without Him, I would be nothing.  

I am especially thankful for my sisters and brothers in Christ.

I am so very grateful for the "little" things, because to me, they are not little things, but especially meaningful.  A smile.  A hug.  A friendly comment or note or small gesture.  A cup of warm coffee.  A friend.  (Grilled, baked or barbecued chicken.)

And my weekly short interactions with the recycle and trash collectors.

What?  

Usually the time I'm heading to my car in the mornings coincides with the arrival of the recycle and trash collectors.  I always wave and speak.  And they do the same.  OK, probably doesn't hurt that occasionally I'll leave a bag of cookies or goodies.  But the waves and greetings and good day wishes to each other began before that.  And it always brightens my morning.  

Does your list of thankfulness include the "little things"?

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Have a happy and thankful Thanksgiving.

Your grateful sister in Him,

Robin 

I need You from "His Kindness Year Round"

There is a contemporary Christian song in which I consistently repeat a few lines over and over: 

“Lord, I need You, oh, I need You

Every hour I need You

My one defense, my righteousness

Oh, God how I need You.”

I probably am not the only child of the Father who has said more times than we can count “Lord, help me.”  Or, “Lord, I need You.”

Pause for a minute and think of the best, closest relationship you have on earth.  Have you ever asked that person for help, or told that person that you need him/her? 

Ensure to ask God for help!  Tell Him you need Him!  He’s our Creator, our Savior, our Helper. He knows our heart. Who better to ask?

Romans 5:6 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Tell Him you need Him.  He’s waiting.

Psalm 145:18 “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.”

Every hour I need Him,

Robin

Expect. Believe. Receive. from "His Kindness Year Round"

Some days I’ll wake up early in the morning, stay comfy in bed, and pray. One morning I was praying for a sister in Christ and was very excited of the future she is to encounter.  I was thanking God for taking care of her, for guiding her each step and for the wonderful plans He has for her.  He gently spoke, asking me why I was surprised.

He's right -- why?  Why did I not always feel this enthused about her future journey, but only after hearing good news of her plans?  As His sons and daughters, our Father has promised us remarkable plans.  His promise.  His Word.  He has spoken.  But have I always listened? 

We genuinely have to expect only greatness from God.  Expect it.  Believe it.  And receive it.  Expect an exceptional future from Him.  Believe with all your heart and mind that it will come to be.  Then receive it.  The entire passage -- from expecting to receiving, continue to thank and praise and obey Him, giving Him all the glory.   
As we go through life, there are going to be trials, obstacles thrown in our path. Each hindrance we overcome is one step closer to God's 'prize' for us. We have to continue moving forward.  Continue to push through.  Continue to stay in His will. Expecting, believing and receiving. And very importantly, exercising our faith and thanking the Almighty.  

If your day (trial) seems a bit gloomy and gray, expect a bright future now, not after it starts occurring.  Honor God daily by exercising your faith, expecting and believing what He has planned for you.  Continue to ask for guidance, as you would your best friend on earth.  He is my best friend. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.  "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find Me."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

God can do anything, but -- from "His Kindness Year Round"

As I hum a line from a little song I remember from childhood, I experience such comfort . . . .

“God can do anything, anything, anything.  God can do anything but fail."

Isn’t that a welcoming thought!  He spoke the universe into place.  He created man from dust. He has an exceedingly special home provided for us with many mansions and streets of gold.  He saves.  He delivers.  He heals.  He provides.  He protects.  He is the great I AM!

Yes, God can do anything, but fail. 

Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for Me?”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Ask; listen from "His Kindness Year Round"

Generally, if we have a question or if we want an opinion, we ask.  That's a fairly easy concept to understand.

If we want to know the answer to a question, specifically one we have asked, we listen. Another easy idea to grasp.  That doesn't necessarily mean we will abide by the answer we hear, but we have asked a question and received an answer.  

So many times we have a question, or a need, or require guidance, yet don't ask God.  Maybe we have forgotten to ask.  Maybe we don't want to hear the answer.  Maybe we don't have the time.  Excuses, all excuses.  

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be not anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.”

No matter how large or how small, ask God whatever you ponder or for much needed direction from the Holy Spirit.  Ask.  Listen for His answer, which may require waiting.  (I never said it would always seem easy.)

James 5:15 “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

Ask.  Listen.  And very importantly, obey.  If you seek the Lord's guidance, be His obedient son or daughter and obey His voice.  

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray continually,”

But don't forget to ask!  How many blessings have you missed from the Heavenly Father because you never asked.  He truly does want to hear from you and delights in your voice. 

God, what can I do for You today?

Psalm 116:2 “Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

I want to see Christmas trees, with lights! . . . . "from His Kindness Year Round"

I want to see Christmas trees, with lights!

Yes, I realize it’s just the beginning of November. I don’t exactly mean I want to see Christmas trees (with lights) now, today. But I want to see them this Christmas season!

Last year's holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas was . . . . different, mildly stated. Due to a great deal of circumstances – not necessarily “bad”, but essential and required circumstances, the holiday season wasn't as traditional as it had been in years past.

I'm fully aware trees and lights and food and cards and gifts, etc. are not the reason for the season. And I truly don't need the entire gamut of holiday offerings. I celebrated the birth of the Messiah last year -- the real reason for the season. But I did miss the sights, the food, the fellowship, the aromas, and the joyfulness mankind usually displays during that time.

That was then, and this is now.

John 8:12 "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said,"I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

I will still first and foremost celebrate the true reason of the Christmas season. This was the time for the Savior, the Redeemer, the King, to enter the world. And He is Who will always be important to me. I see THE Light.

Luke 2:10-11 "But the angel assured them. 'Don't be afraid.' he said. 'I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!"

I do want to see Christmas trees, with lights, and enjoy the fellowship of others during the holidays this year. And I thank God for the remarkable opportunity to do so!

Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three gather together because they are Mine, I am there among them."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

 

You are blessed! from "His Kindness Year Round"

Our nation and world is in a condition I have not seen in my lifetime.  And that’s not said in a positive manner.

I hear of so many who take what they have for granted.  Many feel they are entitled to more.  It's not enough.  Deserve.  More.  I am not saying don't expect or believe in God's best for us.  But counting your current blessings, as you receive more.

We are far more blessed than we realize, even in a time of trial. 

If you receive a hug a day, you are blessed.

If someone you don’t know gives a smile or kind word your way, you are blessed.

If you know in your heart that beyond a shadow of any doubt someone loves you unconditionally, you are very blessed.

If you can visually see a sunrise or sunset each day, you are blessed.

If you are able to hear the crickets chirp or birds sing, you are blessed. 

I know many are thinking these blessings are so cliche.  They’re not enough.  We need food and shelter and all the other necessities of life -- God's absolute best for us.  And you’re right; we do. 

But please, please don’t take the “little things” of a hug or smile or sunrise or another person for granted.  You've missed out on a great deal if you do.

Psalm 121 “I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  He will not let your foot slip – He Who watches over you will not slumber; indeed He Who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  The Lord watches over you – The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; and the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” 

Your sister in Him,

Robin

Need a lift? from "His Kindness Year Round"

Love lifted me!

Many may remember the refrain from the hymn:

“Love lifted me,

love lifted me,

when nothing else could help,

love lifted me.“

These particular lines don’t escape my mind, as I sing them over and over.  

Romans 5:5 "God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love."

I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t want to be loved.  A real, genuine, not superficial love.  We need love, as God created us to love and be loved.  

John 13:34-35 "Now I am giving you a new commandment:  love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

I'm very grateful for my brothers and sisters in Christ, with whom we share love! 

Ephesians 2:19 "You are members of God's family."

James 1:18 "In His goodness He chose to make us His own children."

Love lifted me!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

Listening to Silence from "His Kindness Year Round"

Silence.

Some people are uncomfortable even thinking about it. They savor the need for continuous activity or always being surrounded by people.   I bring this up because an acquaintance who fits this description mentioned recently that she never hears from God. 

I asked her about her quiet time, her alone time with Him -- just with the Father.  She replied that she has none, as she's usually watching TV or multitasking during her “God time”. 

Our busy lives require a great deal of interaction and cause noise.  Most of the time, even in a room alone, we turn on the television or listen to music or hear the tap, tap, tap as our fingers hit the computer keyboard.  

Being alone is a necessary part of life.  Silent solitude can be beneficial for our physical and mental well being.  But more importantly, silent solitude is necessary for our spiritual relationship with the Lord.  

Jeremiah 29:12 "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you."

Praying to our Father and hearing His words through the Holy Spirit can occur anytime, even during the busy and noisy times of life. However, we need to give the Most High our complete attention, without distractions or other chatter.  It’s often in those still, quiet times we hear from Him.

Matthew 6:6-7 "When you pray, go into a room by yourself.  After you have shut the door, pray to your Father Who is in secret.  Then your Father Who sees in secret will reward you.  When you pray, do not say the same thing over and over again making long prayers like the people who do not know God.  They think they are heard because their prayers are long."

When you haven't heard from Heavenly Father, have you asked yourself when He last heard from you? 

Psalm 116:2 "Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!"

Have you asked yourself if you have been quiet and still enough to listen?

Hebrews 2:1 "We must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."

Communication is vital to a relationship.  Expand your relationship with God by staying in touch with him, and listening for His voice.  

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin