Three Words from Reflecting . . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Goodness.  February is almost over and a new month before us.  And the Lord continues to speak!

As the reflections of the season of Lent continue, I’ve been hearing three distinct words from the Holy Spirit the past few months.  They don’t compose a sentence or phrase.  Three separate, yet related, words in His Kingdom.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Focus.  (February 13) I’ve been reminded for a couple of years to Focus on Him and remove distractions preventing focus.  Concentrate on what He does and will do for me, rather than on what circumstances look like in the natural on earth.

More recently, Still.  Be still and wait.  (February 19 and 22)  As difficult as waiting can appear, I’m achieving.  Being still is proving to be more difficult.  I diligently strive for this on an hourly basis.  But I will not give up; I am prevailing.

The third and most recent word is Strength.

Strength can be perceived in a variety of ways, and my desire is for greater strength of my soul. 

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

Strength of the soul, my thoughts and feelings.  Satan enjoys trying to deceive followers of Jesus by filling our minds with garbage.  Without focus, without proper rest, with too many distractions, it’s easier to allow the devil, the deceiver, to engulf our thoughts and emotions with his lies.

We know our thoughts and words are extremely powerful and have authority.  I am strengthening my thoughts to ward off the ploys of the devil.  I can’t allow the enemy to persuade me of anything that is not Word breathed from the Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 29:11 “The Lord gives strength to His people;”

Even more reason to Focus on Him.

Even more reason to be Still and listen to Him.

The tactics of the enemy cause even more reason to affirm Strength of my soul. 

Isaiah 40:29-31 “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

 

Be Still . . . . Part Two . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Romans 8:37 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us.”

I want to share a few more thoughts, in connection to the post on Tuesday, referring to the Holy Spirit directing me to be still.

A dear sister and I have corresponded about this subject recently:  be still.  She has acknowledged that in sharing a few words from our written conversations, there may be others who will benefit from our discussion.

As children of our Father, we are learning, and re-learning, daily.  There are some recent words brought to light which are valid reminders in my achievement to be still.

Pace ourselves, rather than press, drive, push, rush and still feel we’re not going forward.  Ever seemed, as the old saying goes, for every one step forward you feel you’re going two steps back?

I can’t recall an instance in which Jesus was rushing around to and fro in a busy pace of being driven.  Yet, recall His dedication, His passion, His productivity, His focus.  Four rather powerful words for me to re-visit.  Speak those four words again.

As this sister reminded me, the act of driving ourselves can be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually damaging.  Do we want destruction in our lives, or production?  (I’m not suggesting not having achievable goals.  I'm not suggesting in not believing the supernatural acts of God.)

Destruction and the state of being driven are from the world and the devil, and not the Savior.  Satan uses whatever tools he possibly can in which to distract us from our rightful focus on the Lord.

I am becoming more Christ like.  I am exercising my strength in being productive today; in being passionate today; in being focused today; in being dedicated today – moving forward in God’s Kingdom and not that of the enemy, at a pace pleasing to our Father.

 

2 Peter 1:3-8 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a productive, and not destructive weekend, and ensure to allow the dwelling of the Holy Spirit to rest!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

 

Robin

Be Still and Wait . . . . again . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Sometimes I wonder.  I suppose you need further explanation to understand my thoughts. 

Why do I, and others, have difficulty being still?  It sounds like such an easy task!  Focus!

The past several years have seemed like one whirlwind after another.  At the close of several areas of that busy season, I distinctly knew the Holy Spirit summoned me to “be still and wait” (for God’s direction as to which path to march toward next).  Several obstacles which could easily pull my focus off God were now gone, just before the 2012 Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season began.  Shout it!

The “be still” part lasted about a week.  New training at work was scheduled the first week of December.  Add the busyness we create for ourselves during the holidays.  I reminded myself to be still, knowing that by the conclusion of the year, I would be able to do that . . . . be still . . . . Ah . . . . . after pulling out of a whirlwind, the anticipation was thrilling!  I need to be still to hear the course of action from my Father.  Focus. 

Whoa!  What happened?  2013 rang in quietly and then the hustle and bustle began, again.  I replaced prior commitments – yes, those that were previously, (to my delight!), removed from me – with new to-do lists.  What’s happening in this scenario?  Anyone besides me notice a trend . . . . . . ?  Focus. 

Waiting on God’s timing isn’t always easy, but by His divine grace, I’m waiting.  It’s the being still part that seems to be a hindrance for me.  Through the Holy Spirit, I may have already been given the answers to the “waiting”, but possibly haven't heard due to my busyness. If so, what a dishonor.  My soul knows differently than that.  Rather than stepping out of the race at God's prearranged resting point, I jumped back into the race at full pace.  Father, please forgive me.  

I glanced at my ‘lists’ for this week and upcoming weekend.  Obviously, some tasks cannot be overlooked, or I would be negligent.  But some projects have been removed.  I am once again discerning what I need to do versus what I want to do.  I may want to do it all, but don't need to do it all.  I’m also ensuring the service areas to God aren’t overtaking the worship with and obedience to the Father.  I will be still and listen for the Lord.

I will listen and obey as He signifies to be still . . . . . and wait.  I will continue to press forward as the Holy Spirit guides.  I will follow the direction and purpose of the plans He has for me; the life He has for me.  All for His glory!

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among in the earth.”

Prayerfully, being still in Him,

Robin   

Love Day . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Happy Valentine's Day to each of my brothers and sisters in Christ!

As we celebrate this day of remembrance of those we care about, let's especially not forget to show our Lord and Savior our love for Him!

He gave us the ultimate gift of love when He gave His life for us. 

Show Him you love Him today, and every day!  Shout it!

John 14:21 “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.”

Romans 8:39 “No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

"Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Oh, how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me!"

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Thoughts on Ash Wednesday . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

This is my favorite time of year – the season of the Resurrection!  Shout it!

Two years ago on Ash Wednesday, I decided during the Lent Season to strive further to do something that is important in the life of a Christian – focus more on Christ than any situation at hand.

I typed the word FOCUS multiple times on a sheet of paper, cut out the words, and taped them in various places – my work desk, in my car, on my mirror, on the refrigerator, etc.

I wanted the constant reminder to FOCUS on God.  FOCUS on the source of all the answers, rather than ‘all’ the problems.

I’m very grateful that I do focus more on Him than any situation in my life.  I seek His answer and response first.  I seek His Word.

There are FOCUS signs still taped around in my daily routine.  This year, I’m going to do the same, and add more reminders.  I’m so thankful the reminders of those little signs of the Lent season of 2011 are still prominent in my life.  And will be even more so this year.

As we reflect and prepare for this season, let’s remember to love Him and FOCUS on Him!

John 6:35 “Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.

Prayerfully, focusing on Him,

Robin

We have authority . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

This writing was completed a couple of weeks ago, and it's been sitting as a draft.  Today is the time to share these thoughts, in memory of a sister in Christ who has helped me realize we, as followers of Jesus, do have authority over the enemy.  I'm very thankful to another sister for first introducing me to my authority over satan.  I know today, the 10th, is the day to express these words to my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Many ions ago, Adam and Eve were in the Garden and committed a tremendous sin.  It may seem innocent, but eating of the forbidden fruit changed the lives of humanity forever. 

Because of their sin at the time, we lost our authority and power over satan, the enemy. 

Until . . . . Jesus, the sacrificial lamb without sin, died on the cross for us and was resurrected from the dead.  His blood redeemed us and once again, we have power and authority over the enemy.  Praise You, Jesus, for that!

With this current Resurrection season, always remember:  Through Jesus’ death on the cross, and through His blood shed for us AND His resurrection, Jesus has defeated satan.  He’s already defeated, as in past tense, already happened.  Not “He will defeat”, but, through His death and resurrection, He has already defeated him.  The war has been won, even though all the battles have not been fought.  Followers of Christ are always the winners because of Jesus’ victory over the devil.

I’ve mentioned many times how powerful our thoughts and spoken words are.  They can either slam the door in satan's face, or open the door and invite him in for tea and cookies.  We don't have to listen to him.  (Yes, perhaps easier said than done.)  But we have and we are what we say! 

Recently I heard a minister suggest taking negative statements we make and end each statement with “and that’s the way I want it”.  Such as “I don’t have any money and that’s the way I want it.” “I’m so sick and that’s the way I want it.”

Try saying “I feel sick”.  You’re not claiming or owning the sickness or announcing to the enemy that you have sickness, but expressing how you feel.  Slam the door in the enemy’s face!  It may be a new mindset, process, adjustment.  And I’m a WIP (Work in Progress), too.  As satan strikes with his lying, deceiving, malicious attacks, remember and use your authority over him!

James 4:7 “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

Luke 10:19 “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Pressing forward . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Recently, I was listening to a beautiful song by Phillips, Craig and Dean entitled "Tell Your Heart to Beat Again".

A sister in Christ shared the song many months ago, and again recently.  The lyrics of the chorus are:

"Tell your heart to beat again
Close your eyes and breathe it in
Let the shadows fall away
You’ll live to love another day
Yesterday’s a closing door
And you don’t live there anymore
So say goodbye to where you’ve been
And tell your heart to beat again"

Thanks to God's transformation in us and His forgiveness to us, the past is over; done.  (This is a great time to praise Him for that!)

Has my life always been or is it currently "my" ideal?  No.  Have I ever experienced or do I still feel the trials and hurts and negativity and fatigue and attacks from the enemy and, and, and, etc.?  Yes.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

I want God to see my faith in Him by not claiming the things of my past, present or future that are not in His will for me.  Do I always succeed?  No.

Since I know the thoughts we have and the words we speak are extremely important, I'm not going to claim to be broken.  I may feel it, but I pray not to claim it. (More to follow on this subject in the next posting!)

God has mended me.  Mended.  Past tense.  He has in every way healed me.  Even on days I don't feel it.  I want to show Him my love by displaying the faith that He has shown me to tell my heart to beat again.  He has said He has mended me.  I'm not going to tell Him He hasn't, or that I'm broken again.  I don't want to deny the cross in my thoughts and words. 

Brothers and sisters, press onward, with your newly beating heart.  Forward, march!

Shout it!

Philippians 3:12-14 “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

(You can read about the song on www.phillipscraiganddean.com.)
 

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

Happy February!  It’s difficult to believe that January 2013 is behind us already!

In the pre-pre-dawn hours of the morning, I woke up with an old song very fresh in my mind; a song I haven't heard or thought about in years . . . . .

"Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name.
Master, Savior Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let all heaven and earth proclaim,
Kings and kingdoms will pass away
But there's something about that Name!"

A smile crossed my face, I rolled over in bed, and back to sleep I went.  Very thankful when I woke up several hours later with the vivid memory of this song still on my mind.

From the many letters of Paul, "May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace."

Your sister in Jesus,

Robin