God speaks: "Move forward" from "His Kindness Year Round"

Father recently reminded me to release (February 19).  Then yet another reminder to build spiritual family (February 25).  Wonderful words during His perfect timing are exceedingly freeing and comforting.

He continues to speak, and I’ve been given words of instruction to move forward.  After a year of direction to “be still and wait”, I am now being summoned to move forward in ministry and service and community with Him.   Well, brothers and sisters, forward movement it shall be!   Take off the cement shoes and go. 

Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow Me.”

We serve a Father of unconditional love, truth and fulfilled promises.  We, as His children, need to be obedient, and move into the promises God has assured, in His timing.  When He says “be still”, be still.  When He says “release”, release.  When He says "build community", build community.  When He says “move”, move!  Row with Him and not against Him.  

Exodus 3:14 “God said to Moses, “I am Who I am.  This is what you are to say to the Israelites:  ‘I am has sent me to you.”

Sometimes God places His firecracker blessings in our lives.  Sometimes we have to more forward in whatever way He directs to receive His great favor. 

The WHO in our life is vital.   Praise Him and glorify Him for the amazing Father He is Who provides!  

1 Peter 4:10-12 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever.  Amen.”

The upcoming month and season are going to be filled with firecracker blessings for me!  Grab yours, also, as they pop up in your life!

Is God waiting for you to pull off the cement shoes and move forward to glorify Him?  Is it your time to move?  Then move!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Recent reflections from "His Kindness Year Round"

Proverbs 27:19 “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”

I recently read the true story of a successful businesswoman meeting a pre-teen boy, an exchange that changed both their lives forever. He was a child without a childhood, subjected to a life of adults with drug addictions. He was caring for himself the best he could.

This book had a strong impact on me.  It caused me to reflect upon a couple of very important aspects in life, and a reminder not to take the 'little' things for granted, such as a toothbrush.  

I really began to contemplate and focus on how I need to ensure to be grateful for everything I have, "one of the most important lessons a person can hope to learn".  And I don't necessarily mean material items, but also vital intangible things and people in life.

Quoting the author about the book, "Most of all, this is a book about how, if we learn to let go of fears and burdens and expectations, we can find ourselves plunged into the sweet, unplanned blessings of life." I've mentioned "firecracker blessings" many times before. These are unexpected blessings that pop up in your life during a day.  I'm being reminded to look for the many firecracker blessings that may spring up in my day. 

The book further strengthened a need in me for the desire of belonging.  For several years, I’ve spoken and written about spiritual family, spiritual community.  God instructed me a bit over three years ago to build spiritual family.  It has been a wonderful journey doing so, and also has seemed more challenging than I would have imagined.  There is a difference between building this core group of people from “any spiritual people” and “God-chosen spiritual people”.  Those people God has specifically put in my life have been for such a time as this.  Referring back to the book, the author writes, "Their hearts were sewn together with an invisible thread”.

Galatians 6:9-10 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

I was at a meeting in which the speaker made a comment that accurately describes my spiritual family:  interaction with those who have my area of passion.  He emphasized the ‘who’ in our lives (people) are more important than the things.  I speak a hearty AMEN to that! 

Even more importantly, we all need to make sure the WHO in our life is Jesus.  Who should hold our passion?  Who should be our focus?  Who should take our priority?  Who would we be without Him?  In the worldly setting, we may look important without Him, but that’s quite a false impression.  For without the Savior and His great love for us, we are nothing. 

Matthew 19:17 “Why do you ask Me about what is good? Jesus replied.  “There is only One Who is good.  If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

(Words written in Italics are from the book, An Invisible Thread, by Laura Schroff.)  

When the Lord says "Stop" from "His Kindness Year Round"

It is finished.

Words I recently heard from a pastor.  He wasn't referring to the day when our Savior died on the cross for our sins.  And neither am I.

He was speaking in reference to a time almost a decade ago when he asked the Lord what he was to do in service with his church.  God relayed the message to him that he wasn't to do anything, because the minister was finished at this particular church.  His assignment was completed; the Lord had another pastor in line for the church; and another mission in line for this pastor.

It is finished.

A year ago in January, the Lord told me I had finished a particular assignment He had put me to task for three years.  It is finished, He told me. I did proceed onward as God directed in many, many ways. However, not deliberately, I retained part of the assignment, tweaking it here and there, trying (notice I didn't say 'succeeding') on occasion to repair it, improve it, cleanse it, make it 'right'. Hearing the pastor tell his story of how the Lord spoke to him that day in his former church, the Father again spoke the same to me.  

It is finished.

Ecclesiastes 3:10-12 “I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.  He has made everything beautiful in its time.  He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.”

My assignment was complete. It is finished.  And I'm letting go, completely, fully.  I have a new assignment of ministry and service -- better and brighter than the last. I've been cherishing the beginnings since December, and look forward to new growth.  But I have to empty my hands of the old, before I can openly receive the new. I had only emptied one hand, while trying to hold on to the old with the other. I'm thankful for the blessings received with my open hand. I praise God for blessing me with His love, His true, unconditional love and belonging.  I'm His child; a part of His Kingdom.  He leads my paths, and sometimes He changes my seasons. It is finished. And now I have two open hands, expecting and accepting God's favor!

Acts 1:6-8 “Then they gathered around Him and asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the Kingdom to Israel?”  He said to them:  “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem , and in all Judea and Samaria , and to the ends of the earth.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

How Great is Our God! from "His Kindness Year Round"

The lyrics of a contemporary Christian song have been spinning in my head recently.  The message of the refrain very simply describes our wonderful Father:

“How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God, and all will see

How great, how great is our God.”

Take a moment to think about those lines – how great is our God!  There are truly no earthly words to express His excellence. 

The song, “How Great is Our God”, refers to the King’s splendor and majesty; His never ending existence; the Godhead of the Father, Spirit and Son; and the celebrated proclamation that He IS the Name above all names, worthy of our praise!

As many people will be honoring love tomorrow, this weekend, this month -- and hopefully, every day, let’s never forget the indescribable love our Father has for each of us!

Love the Father!  Show Him and tell Him.

Matthew 22:36-38 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied:  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.”

Love one another.  Don’t keep your love for others a secret.  Tell them.  Show them.  Make sure those you love are aware you love them.  Gift them with the knowledge of belonging.  It’s much more important than you think.

1 Corinthians 13:2-5 “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Celebrate love – every day!

Your sister in Him,

Robin

Choose Faith from "His Kindness Year Round"

This post has been sitting in my 'draft' box for at least a couple of weeks now.  As certain words from this writing have been topics of many discussions the past week, it's time to press the 'publish' button and send these few thoughts about faith versus . . .

Are there words you hear that strike you like the scraping of fingernails on the chalk board?

There are some words or phrases that make me cringe.  And I've been hearing one of those buzz words a great deal recently.  

Worry.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

We all have concerns for people and situations and circumstances, but some people seem to literally worry about everything.  A person cannot hold faith and worry at the same time.  You have to hold one or the other.  Either have worry or have faith.  Please don't shun the Father by not having faith in Him and the great things He is doing.

Luke 12:6-8 "And not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.  I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges Me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God."

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be 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 Christ Jesus."

And on a personal note, may I take a moment to honor a lady who showed faith and unconditional love and belonging to me -- my mom, who observes her 84th birthday today.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 

Real? Or artificial? from "His Kindness Year Round"

Close your eyes and imagine you are extremely hungry . . . . .

Then you sense the most wonderful aroma you have ever smelled.  Ah, food!  You're seated at a table, ready to receive the gourmet feast that will soon be put before you.  As the smell becomes stronger and more intense, you realize the food will soon be your reality.  And you can hardly wait!  The mixture of the smells makes you even hungrier.  And then, you hear footsteps and the placing of a plate of food before you.  It's here and you're ready to eat!  You open your eyes to see a meal is non-existent.  There is a plate before you, but there is no food, only a dog bone.

Did you receive what you expected?  No.  Instead of a delicious spread prepared for your hungry tummy, you received an empty plate.  Rather than a real, genuine meal, you received a cold serving dish, just a plate, and a dog bone.  What you thought was real, was really artificial.

Who are you as a person or friend or co-worker or Christian:  are you real -- sincere, genuine, honest? Or are you artificial -- fake, insincere, superficial?

This is a wonderful time of year to examine yourself.  Are you genuine with people?  Are you true to God? We cannot hide anything from the Father.  We may be able to convince others of our friendship or good deeds or extensive prayer life or relationship with the Lord, but He knows if we are real, or artificial, as a person and as a Christian.

The Bible instructs us not to have false gods.

Exodus 20:2 "You should have no other gods before Me."

Deuteronomy 32:17 "They sacrificed to false gods, which are not God -- gods they have not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your ancestors did not fear."

Our Heavenly Father is not a supporter of false gods.  He's not an advocate of false character.  There is One God, Creator of all.

And goodness, don't even think about being on the "fence post" -- not real or artificial, but "lukewarm".

Revelation 3:16 "So, because you are lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Be real, genuine, sincere and honest.  God knows your heart, even if you can deceive others.  And serve the One God, because He is the One.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin 


    

Heed the Word from "His Kindness Year Round"

Very clearly stated in the Truth, God's Word:

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

It's sad to see many professing Christians who still don't seem to understand this passage of scripture.  The thief is the devil, our enemy.  He comes only to steal, kill and destroy.  He doesn't come bringing goodness in addition to his destruction, but only aiming to defeat us.

I'm certainly not going to allow anyone into my domain who has the desire to steal from me, kill me or destroy me. Some people are opening the door, decorated with a welcome mat, and not only allowing him in, but appear to be inviting the enemy into their existence.

1 Peter 5:8 "Be alert and sober of mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Again, I'd certainly not allow a prowling, roaring lion around me to devour.

That's the enemy.  You have to accept there is a real enemy.  He wishes you nothing but complete harm and destruction, and will try anything he possibly can to accomplish that.

We, as followers of Jesus, have to take authority over him and put a stop to his tactics. We have the power and authority to command him beneath us, because he is not equal to or above us.  Use that God given control and demand him as often as necessary to leave!

James 4:7 "Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

The devil steals, kills and destroys.  He is a prowling, roaring lion wanting to devour. However, if you resist, he will flee.  Please take the authority you have and resist the enemy.

Your sister in Him,

Robin