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