Life to the full from "His Kindness Year Round"

The devil is mean.  (Believe it or not, some people still don't seem to comprehend this.)   

In corresponding with a sister recently, we were discussing the wicked ways of satan. Never forget, the devil's goal is to kill, steal and destroy, devour like a lion.  

Often his tactics are to throw many fiery darts at once -- trying to make us feel overwhelmed by his evilness.  As I mentioned to this sister, the enemy knows our Lord is greater, stronger, and a wonderful multi-tasker.  (Ever thought of how the Mighty One always does multiple things at once?)  Satan may try to overwhelm us, but there is nothing he can send our way that our Father isn’t already victorious over.  The enemy knows that, but he will still try to deceive you into thinking otherwise. 

In dealing with the enemy and using the power and authority God has given us over him, I’m very aware of the devil's intentions.  Last week, the Holy Spirit told me to read the entire verse (John 10:10).  I was reminded not to stop after the first half, describing the awful enemy.  Be aware satan desires to harm, but God urged me to embrace the second half of the verse:

John 10:10b “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Focus.  Focus on the life Jesus has given me.  I’m not only referring to my every breath, but much more importantly, eternal life.  He died for us, so we may have this abundant life he speaks of.  Please don't take that lightly -- He died for you and for me.

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.  In this world you will have many troubles.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

I can only . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

The Holy Spirit has been planting this post in my mind for weeks.  It’s time to sit down, and “talk with my fingers” for a moment.

Around late 2001, a contemporary Christian music group (MercyMe) released a song entitled “I Can Only Imagine”.  At the time, I enjoyed the lyrics and music.  It’s the story of a person reaching heaven, and wondering, imagining, what it will be like when we first see Jesus.

“I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine.

[Chorus]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship You.”

In early 2006, months after Lee had passed away, the song began to take on more meaning for me.  I imagined the awe Lee must have experienced when entering the presence of the Lord.  How will I react when I see the face of the Savior?

After over a decade, the song is still played on the radio.  In recent months, I hear it at least a few times a week.   Again, especially during this Resurrection season, I think of how exhilarating it will be to reach His heavenly abode!  I can only imagine!

John 14:2-3 "There are many rooms in My Father's house.  If it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going away to make a place for you, and I will come back and take you with Me. Then you may be where I am."  

I can only imagine!

Your sister in Him,

Robin

Hello, from the heart, from "His Kindness Year Round"

I haven’t shared with anyone my addition or subtraction for Lent.  I had been asking the Lord what He wanted me to do during the season.  I didn't know my answer until the day before Ash Wednesday.  It’s very different from any prior years, and may sound odd.  So, I’ll need to explain.

I am to go forth and make my presence known.  You may be thinking this sounds strange.  It does.  It doesn’t mean I’m to walk in a room and announce my arrival.  No, I am not to stand on a chair and shout or wave or wear neon or dye my hair a brilliant color to gain attention.  The intent is not to gain attention, but to be present, introduce myself to others, gently connect with those I know, and with those I don’t.

For quite some time, I’ve been one to speak to a stranger in a parking lot or elevator or the grocery store or any place in which I feel safe in doing so.  It doesn’t need to be a lengthy conversation, but a smile, a hello, a wave, an “It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it?” sort of conversing.  This includes people I know, and people I don’t.  Engage with them; make them feel welcome, even if I’m the visitor. 

On behalf of the receiving end, I can personally state it may be the only greeting or smile (or hug if it’s someone you know who likes hugs) a person receives that particular day.  And it does mean a great deal. It’s not trivial or unnecessary. It’s very important.  

Still sound a bit unusual?  I realized the purpose of God’s instruction a week after Ash Wednesday.  I had been at a group function three days prior.  I was acquainted with some of the attendees and not with many others.  I noticed a lady I had seen before, did not know her, and didn’t speak to her that evening.  I’ll have the opportunity to speak to her another time.  Goodness, I couldn't go around speaking to everyone in attendance.   

But that occasion will never arise to say hello on earth.  Three days after seeing her, she went to be with the Father in heaven.  I didn't choose to speak, offer a smile or introduce myself.  And now the door is closed.

In Paul's letters, he repeatedly mentions greeting our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  

2 Corinthians 13:12-14 "Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All God's people here send their greetings.  May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Philippians 4:21 "Greet all God's people in Christ Jesus.  The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings."

Titus 3:15 "Everyone with me sends you greetings.  Greet those who love us in the faith.  Grace be with you all."

I've been richly blessed during this time of going "forth and making my presence known"!  I will continue to do so long after Resurrection Sunday.  

Hello, my name is,

Robin 

During this season of Lent from "His Kindness Year Round"

During this period of the Resurrection season, as a way to center on the Savior and to honor His upcoming death on the cross and resurrection, people sacrifice, give up something, just as Jesus did when He prayed and fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. It requires self discipline on our part, which some aren’t willing to devote.  Just as Jesus was tempted by satan in the wilderness, we, also, may be tempted by the enemy.

This is time used for spiritual preparation of celebrating the magnificence of our Lord. People frequently use this time for reflection, renewal, repairing, rebuilding their relationship with Jesus with a desire to become more Christ like.  It’s a time of year I take seriously to evaluate the relationship I have with the Lord, and what I can do to serve Him completely. 

Several years ago, the Lord told me rather than give up something, to emphasize something – increase, rather than decrease.  My instructions were to focus on Him more, and less on the circumstances in life.  It was a tremendous time of growth personal with the Redeemer, the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

As the circumstances of life appeared overwhelming, He was reminding me to concentrate on Him.  It was a reminder of the great possibilities of Christ.  Less thought on me, and more on Him.  Increase focus on Him.

Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Luke 17:5-6 “The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”  He replied, “If you have the faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea.’ And it will obey you.”

Last week I read something about adding to our service during Lent rather than giving something up.  It was referred to as “Reverse Lent”.  This still requires self discipline and sacrifice, but an addition rather than subtraction.  And in each day of obedience to Him, shout praise and glory and honor to Him!

Oh, thank You, Lord, for saving my soul!

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift from God – not by works, so that no one can boast."

Prayerfully, this season of Lent, your sister in Him,

Robin

A single thought on Ash Wednesday from "His Kindness Year Round"

A single thought on Ash Wednesday . . . .

No matter whether you observe the season of Lent or not, please, please remember during this Resurrection season:

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only One Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Reverently in prayer today, your sister in Him,

Robin

It's time! from "His Kindness Year Round"

Oh goodness, it's that time of year again!

Spring will soon be upon us with warmer temperatures and God's colorful buds blooming. It's time for rebirth and renewal.  (And baseball season.)

But my true reference today is Resurrection season -- my favorite time of year!

I know the birth of Christ is extremely important. However, He could have been born a thousand times, but if not for His complete sacrifice and death on the cross and resurrection, we would all remain doomed to eternity in hell.  It's that time of year to honor and celebrate HIM, as we should every day!

Romans 15:17 "Therefore I glory in Jesus Christ in my service to God."

The upcoming season of lent and the resurrection of our Savior are extremely important and special to me. Words can't describe my passion.  It is a special bond you and the Lord need to build and experience together.

2 Corinthians 4:14-15 "Because we know that the One Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to Himself.  All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."

This is going to be a great month and season of praise and rejoicing and celebrating for the Lord and I together.  His firecracker blessings are magnificent!  Join me in this celebration and give all the glory to God for what He has done for you, especially in giving the life of His Son for you.  Let this be the year to ensure to praise Him year round.

Jude 1:15 "To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!  Amen."

And by the way, have you asked yourself what have you done for Him lately?

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin