Friday, May 30, 2014

To be like Jesus! from "His Kindness Year Round"

What would a mosquito say if it bit you?

No, this isn't a trick question.  When I saw this quote, I had to laugh!  I thought how much I would like for any pesky mosquito that bit me to be able to say this about my life.



Think about your life.  Do others see and hear you, and know you are a follower of Jesus? 

What would a mosquito say if it bit you?  'Whew, that blood tastes bitter.'  'That blood tastes sour.'  'That blood is simply lukewarm.'

Or will that mosquito go away singing, 'there is power in the blood'!  

Oh, to be like Jesus!  Just think about it . . . .

Ephesians 2:12-13 "Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Your sister in Him,

Robin


Friday, May 23, 2014

Do you want to be happy? from "His Kindness Year Round"



Well, do you want to be happy?  Most people would answer ‘yes’. 
The word 'happy' or 'happiness' is used often and very broadly.  Happiness depends upon our current circumstances in life.  Do you have a nice home?  Do you enjoy your job?  Do you own a dependable car?  Do you have family and friend support?  Is it Friday yet?  Is the coffee ready?  Do you have, do you have, and do you have?  Happiness depends upon what we own, where we are, who we're with, what we enjoy. 

Experiencing happiness is a splendid situation to have.  I'm delighted for any (moral and ethical) pleasures of happiness surrounding you.  However, happiness can be short lived, not long term. Our home or car or job or people or weekend may alter, and our level of happiness will increase or decrease. 

Philippians 4:11-12 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

God gives joy.  God gives peace.  Within our hearts.  Whether or not our circumstances are ideal and enable personal happiness, God has given us peace and joy within our hearts no matter the situation.  Joy is available in all circumstances.  It's ours -- a great, true gift from the Creator. Gladly and willingly accept His sweet offering of joy with open arms!   

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!"

Psalm 40:16 "But may all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who long for Your saving help always say, "The Lord is great!".

Your sister in Him,

Robin

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Share Kindness from "His Kindness Year Round"


The earlier part of this year, I posted about our kindness levels, and if we needed to reevaluate our thoughtfulness to others. 

No matter what sort of trial we may be experiencing or how we may be feeling, there are still small, yet extremely important ways we can show kindness on a daily basis.  We can offer a smile, and we can offer a spoken greeting (or a text, email or written message of “hello” or “hugs”).  There are many people who don’t recognize the importance of these two rather effortless acts.

May I add, it truly is okay to smile or wave or speak to someone you know.  Also, it really is okay to smile or wave or speak to someone you don’t know.

We often don’t realize that a smile or friendly greeting is exactly what a particular person needs that day.  We take for granted that a smile or greeting isn’t important.  They are.

And it's also okay to genuinely include an appropriate person into your group or circle on occasion.

Don't think you can wait until next week or next month to show kindness.  It may be too late.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Against such things there is no law.”

Aiming to show kindness, your sister in Him,

Robin

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Behind the Scenes from "His Kindness Year Round"



Several weeks ago a sister in Christ and I were discussing how sometimes God seems invisible in our lives, although we truly know in our minds and in our hearts that He is always with us.

It’s very comforting and reassuring to know that even if we can’t visually see in the natural what God is doing, we always know He is working behind the scenes.  

Before Resurrection Sunday, I had the pleasure of seeing a production entitled “Redeemed with Passion” performed by an extremely talented church choir.   As I was absorbing the scenes and music, I began thinking of all the time, hard work and dedication each person contributed to this play.  None of it ‘just happened’.  Everything had to be planned, from auditions to constructing scenery and lighting, creating costumes and rehearsing more hours than I can imagine.  Those on stage were tremendously important to the production, but so was each and every person in the planning, creating, lighting, sound – all the behind the scenes people I never saw.  This vital group was working thoroughly to get their jobs done, in order to produce a successful event.

That is sometimes how it is with God.  We know our ‘part’ and are working diligently and obediently at its completion.  But we can’t accomplish God’s will alone.  He has to be the center of our lives.   And even when we don’t see Him and the work He is doing, we know He is there, always, working for our good, to prosper us, and not destroy.

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.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin


Monday, May 5, 2014

Praying, from "His Kindness Year Round"


Prayer -- talking to God!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray continually."

(Several have asked where I have been!  I've been writing, but rather than to share, my letters have been to God.)

Our nation recently observed the National Day of Prayer.  I spent extra, designated prayer time concentrating mainly on two different areas:  the need for our nation to return to the Lord, and personally, to be more like Jesus.

If you listen to or read any local or national news, it seems this great nation continues to walk away from God.  Now is the time to run to Him.  I pray we seek our Christian boldness, strength and confidence from the Holy Spirit to stand for the Creator.  I pray we step up and spread the gospel, and be an example of Him.  As a sister in Christ was discussing the upcoming elections, we need to vote for the Bible.  Amen!  Our votes should be in the way the Word leads, not the world, and for those who will most closely live out God's direction and path for our citizens, cities, states and nation.  God loves us, and wants the best for us. 

And what an awesome experience to stand on the outside of the courthouse steps with fellow believers, singing, praying and praising in the name of Jesus Christ!

In my own relationship with the Father, I continue to pray to be more Christ like.  It is my daily desire, and will always be an ongoing goal.  To be more like Jesus, we have to know Him, in a very real way.  We need a close relationship through prayer, studying His Word and spending time with Him.

"To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus,
All I ask is to be like Him.
Through this hard trial from earth to glory,
Oh how I long, to be like Him."

1 John 2:6 "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin