Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

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

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

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 

Friday, November 15, 2013

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

Friday, November 8, 2013

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

Friday, November 1, 2013

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