My Friend, Jesus . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Two questions today:  1) Do you ever sin?  2) Are you perfect?

If you answered "No" to question #1, then you had to answer "Yes" to question #2.

With every speck of my body and soul, I want to be the best child of the Father I can.  I yearn for it.  I aim for it.

We, as believers in Jesus, strive not to sin.  We want to please our Father.  But because we're WIPs (Works in Progress) on earth, we still sin.

1 John 2:1-2 “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One Who is truly righteous. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.”

It's our goal to repent from any sin as soon as we have realized our transgression.  But what about any unintentional sin we may have committed during the day that we aren't aware of?  Every unkind thought.  Any misspoken word.  Unintentional disobedience to God.

1 Peter 2:24 “He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right.  By His wounds you were healed.”

I have been reminded twice recently to ask God for forgiveness every day for any sin I may have committed during the day, including those I'm not even aware of.

Matthew 3:2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Obedience to my Lord is vital to me.  I don't want to complete my day without asking forgiveness for any possible sin of the day. 

I am a WIP and will be until I see Jesus face to face.  And I am very thankful that Jesus, my Savior, is a friend of sinners.

Psalm 103:12 “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

What a Difference a Year Makes . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

So pass it on . . . . .

I was recently reflecting upon a time a bit over a year ago when the Holy Spirit was telling me I was to begin writing a blog.  I also remember the many, many reasons as to why I was unable to do this.  In recent years, I've become much more obedient to the Lord (predominantly because I listen more).  But on this occasion . . . . well, am I the only one who has told the Holy Spirit that I cannot do something He has told me to do . . . . . ?  (Rhetorical question, of course.) 

Blogging was something I was clearly to begin.  The issue wasn't that I didn't want to do it, because I do enjoy writing and journaling for my own personal use.   But the "issue" I proclaimed was that I wasn't qualified -- didn't have the essentials that were needed to blog.  Sound familiar, Moses? 

I finally gave in.  Gave it back to the Heavenly Father and thus was the beginning of His Kindness Year Round. 

As far as the blog name, many may recognize from an event I created last year on January 12 in memory of my husband’s birthday.  It was a day in which I asked everyone to do something extra special for someone else.  I appreciate all the kind deeds that were done then, and again very recently at the Second Annual "Be Extra Kind to Someone Day".  A true, heartfelt thanks to you all.

As I was pondering the blog last year, I began to think about kindness . . . . specifically God's kindness.  His kindness is year round . . . . Think about it for a second.  Isn't God’s love bountiful to us all the time?  Aren’t His blessings available to us year round?  He doesn't only show up at Easter or Christmas.   He doesn't show up only in the good times or only in the difficult times.  He is present all the time.  We are never alone for we always have the Holy Spirit.  We should show our love, care, kindness and thankfulness to others not only at Thanksgiving or Christmas or Valentine’s Day or birthdays -- but year round.  Just as God does.

And I remember discussing the first blog with a long time friend of many (many) years, a dear sister in Christ, and the scripture to be attached to that first blog writing.  As this particular scripture had come up many times during the recent weeks before the introduction to the blog, her suggestion, which I immediately agreed upon . . . . . .

Jeremiah 29:11 “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.”

AMEN!  And what a year it has been.  My goal has been to obey God in creating His blog.  I knew if during the time I am to write, even if only one person is helped through anything I'm led to say, then my role has been fulfilled. 

Thus, I'll keep writing until the Holy Spirit says it's time to stop, and on to the next endeavor in His name.  

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

I Don't Know How "I" Did That . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

One morning last week as I was brushing my teeth, I was thinking of a seven month period of time last year in which a majority of my “free” time and energy was directed to a particular project.  Looking back, I began thinking “How did I do that?  How did I get all that work done?  How did I fit that into an already tight schedule?”

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength."

Then I began reflecting upon a very difficult two year period in 2010 and 2011.  After that situation lessened, again I asked, “How did I do that?  How did I get through that stretch of time?”

Isaiah 40:29 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Another period of time several years ago in which I was working (outside the home) seven days a week, for over five years.  Many times since leaving the part time weekend job, I’ve wondered “How did I do that?  How was I able to work seven days a week?” 

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

Of course, I, as well as you, am fully aware I wasn’t doing anything.  I didn’t accomplish anything.  We know the source.  We know the answers to all the “how” questions. 

Isaiah 43:2 "And when you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.

John 16:33 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Prayerfully, your sister in the Lord,

Robin

Thank God for Angels from "His Kindness Year Round"

Ever think about angels . . . . .

I’m speaking of real angels.  Those who live in heaven.  Those who God sends to us for protection.

Recently in a conversation with two sisters in Christ, the subject of angels came about.  One sister was going to be traveling out of town to hear a minister teach.  She spoke of her traveling angels going with her.

Years ago, Lee asked me once why we don’t ask God for protection whenever we get into the car, even to drive a mile down the road.  Well, as with some of his questions, I didn’t have a valid answer.  So thus began a short prayer for protection before any travels, no matter how brief or lengthy the trip.  (I have been more diligent again recently with this prayer.)

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

The other sister in the conversation and I spoke for a few minutes about angels.  She asked if I asked God for protection of angels in current negative areas of my life.  I admitted to her it has never crossed my mind to pray for angels in that way. 

Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”

Those who know me are aware that I’m reluctant in asking others for help (I sense heads nodding).  But I should never be hesitant in asking my Heavenly Father for help.  He gave us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, counselor, intercessor.  I have my own personal, 24/7 helper – a tremendous gift from God.  I’ve developed greatly in my relationship such that I do ask His guidance much more in directing my ways and my days, but . . . .

I’m still a WIP – Work in Progress!

Proverbs 18:10 “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Call upon your angels for protection in every area of your life.  They exist!  They are real!  They are available to protect you.  They are ready, willing and able!  Protect yourself and your life!  Don’t try to succeed or get through each day of your life yourself.  Let God be God!

2 Chronicles 20:15 “He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him!

Robin

Oh, How Marvelous! from "His Kindness Year Round"

A couple of weeks before Christmas, as I was driving home one evening (dodging deer deciding to cross the road), the Lord strongly placed upon my heart that 2013 is going to be a year of an even deeper relationship with Him. Of course, that blessed my heart! YES, bring it on, for He is my passion in life!  (I am the apple of His eye, ya know.  And so are you.)

Jeremiah 29:13 “You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.”

God wants as intimate a relationship with each of us as we allow Him. Our relationship significantly changed seven years ago.  Up until that point, I had the best companionship with my Heavenly Father that I had ever had.  Then I was put in the position in which I learned extreme dependency upon Him. Enveloped in the circumstances and responsibilities of life, He is number One; top priority.

Amos 5:6 “Look for the Lord and live.”

The journey isn't always easy, as sometimes I want to be in the pilot's seat, or I don't "feel" God's presence when I want it. When I put the focus back on Him rather than the circumstances of life, things fit together, just as they should.  There is no perfect relationship on earth, and we need to work at them.  They rarely ever "just happen". 

After the deer dodging drive, I immediately began working on the first aspect He revealed -- soak in His Word. Read. Study. Saturate in scripture. Delve into the Word with both eyes open and a receptive heart, and you leave a study session with a wealth of knowledge of the Father.  Ginormous (spell check is having spasms) difference between reading His Word and studying and absorbing it.  You can truly learn someone when you read a book about them.

Psalm 119:11 “Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against You.”

Oh, how marvelous!

During that evening's drive, I was also reminded of other relationship builders I'll experience with God this year.  A deeper and fuller prayer life . . . . yes, I see how a relationship can strengthen through communicating with someone, which does include speaking and listening. 

Romans 12:23 “Be happy in your hope.  Do not give up when trouble comes.  Do not let anything stop you from praying.”

And continued obedience.  That is an essential ingredient in the life of a Christian.  Show the Father how much you love Him by obeying Him. 

1 John 2:17 “The world and all its desires will pass away.  But the man who obeys God and does what He wants done will have forever.”

Please don't mistake the busyness we have for God as a relationship with Him.  It's great to serve, lead worship, teach, work in missions, etc.  But don't let that take the place of an intimate relationship with Him. Take the time to show Him how much you love Him!

In my life, "religion" will never take over relationship. Relationship is vital. It's not an option, but a necessity. 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Be Extra Kind to Someone Day! from "His Kindness Year Round"

Probably most of you have seen this already via another form of media, but just in case you haven't . . .

I have created an event on Saturday, January 12, 2013!  In memory of my deceased husband's birthday (53rd!), join the second annual "Be Extra Kind to Someone Day"! You will have a full 24 hours to do something extra kind for someone else (not me!) that you wouldn't normally do that day. It could be for a spouse, family member, neighbor, friend, co-worker, church member -- the postal carrier! No matter how small YOU may think the deed is, it will mean a great deal more than you think to the person on the receiving end.

Lee was a person with a truly kind heart. (We loved the movie "Pay It Forward".) I know he would smile at your kind deeds in his memory!

(Hmmmm . . . . as I bought some ingredients during Christmas that I didn't use, I'm baking a cake -- slicing and wrapping each piece -- and giving away every slice . . . . )

Our Savior gave us the ultimate display of love and kindness when He sacrificed Himself for us.

Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love for us in this:  While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Well, I can certainly take the time to bake a cake and other acts of kindness as the opportunity permits.

Prayerfully, your sister in HIM,

Robin

Give yourself a gift in 2013 from "His Kindness Year Round"

It's amazing to me that 2013 is here . . . . . . Praise God for a wonderful year to come!

One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to "let it go".  Is it worth it to you to hold on to bitterness and resentment and anger?  As I've just completed reading a book regarding confronting, forgiving and moving on, it's been a tremendous reminder of what we need to do in order to free ourselves from the burden of unforgiveness.  Holding onto feelings, things, and even people that we should let go of is a heavy burden.  This does include forgiving yourself.

Imagine waking up each morning, picking up a fifty pound bag of goo and carrying it around all day, until you go to sleep that evening.  Carrying baggage of any kind is a burden.  As so is carrying around unforgiveness.  Learning to forgive doesn't mean we are excusing an activity, but forgiving for the action.  Really, truly, absolutely forgiving; letting go.

Proverbs 20:22 “Say not, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and He will save you.”

Being human, forgiving is not always easy to do.  Sometimes we “forgive”, but don’t really “let it go”.  Perhaps we’ve exchanged our fifty pound bag of goo for a twenty-five pound bag.  And being of flesh, it’s easier for me to forgive someone who has genuinely asked for forgiveness.  But what of others who don’t seem to have the ability to ever admit they are in error because they truly think they are never in error?  Or what about those who know they are in error, but come across as incapable of saying, or meaning, “I’m sorry”?  They may accept your apology, but don’t appear to realize they have caused offense also. 

We forgive anyway. 

Ah, a bit more difficult isn’t it.  But we forgive anyway.  Just as our Father has forgiven us.  And will continue to do so.

Matthew 6:14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

Luke 6:35 “Be merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Sometimes I utilize the freedom of letting go.  And then again, I may exchange that freedom for the twenty-five or fifty pound bag of goo.  And then let it go again.  Need help with forgiving?  Ask the Lord.  He’s already given each of us the gift of forgiving others – exercise that precious gift from Him.

I am a WIP – Work In Progress.  And am thankful for God’s compassion and love and forgiveness. 

1 John 4:16 “And we have known and believed the love that God shows us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.

I challenge you to study Luke 17:6 this week:

“And the Lord said, If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you say unto this sycamine tree, Be plucked up by the root, and be planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

Let’s strive to verbally command the bitter root of one of the strongest rooted trees created and throw it into the sea, filled with salt water, which kills plants.  Destroy the root of unforgiveness with me!

Want a healthy 2013?  Want to lose a bit of weight?  Then destroy that heavy-burdened bag of unforgiveness and enjoy the freedom God wants you to have.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin