An Ever Changing World from "His Kindness Year Round"

October has almost come to an end.  The days and weeks and months of 2012 have flown so quickly by.

Without doubt, October has been a month of tremendous change.  The natural evidence of summer turning to autumn as the leaves change colors and the weather loses its heat and humidity.  The union of marriage for several couples.  Monumental birthday celebrations for a few.  A new job for one and retirement for another.  A house fire resulting in the loss of all possessions, but more importantly, the life of a sister in Christ.  The unexpected deaths of two other magnificent people.  An illness for another.  And military deployment for one.  A mega storm for many.

This month has been a time of multiple reminders that our time on earth will be packed with constant change.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take.”

In the midst of change, we are thankful for a constant in life.  We have one who never changes and is always with us through every aspect of earthly life:  our Heavenly Father never changes.  His Word always remains the same.  His promises are forever. 

Psalm 106:1 “Praise the Lord!  Give thanks for the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever.”

Change is a definite fact of life.  But much more powerful than any earthly change and more certain than the daily changes of life is our Savior.

Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.”

November will bring about another month of change.  As will December.  And January, etc.  That is a certain; a part of life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

And our Almighty God is still going to reign in our lives through every change.  That’s always a certain; a part of life.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.  I choose to stand with the solid rock. 

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Thankful in Autumn from "His Kindness Year Round"

I love autumn!

Autumn has always been my favorite season (with spring as my second favorite).  I've had many people ask why I prefer autumn above spring.  Their remarks will point out that when autumn arrives, it's the dying of the beautiful flowers and leaves and greenery from spring and summer.  It means the not-too-distant winter will soon be upon us.  Why isn't spring my favorite season, I'll be asked, because of the blossoming of new life and the celebration of my favorite holiday, the Resurrection season. 

If you're waiting for an incredibly profound answer, there isn't one.  I love the crisp feel of autumn after the hot and humid summer.  I love the colors of fall.  I enjoy the burst of fresh autumn energy that erupts after a busy summer season.  I appreciate the peacefulness and quiet this time of year brings.  And of course, it's a great season to hold a warm mug of coffee and savor the pleasure of drinking it.

James 1:17 "Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, Who created all heaven's lights.  Unlike them, He never changes or casts shifting shadows."

This year has indeed been a busy one in my life.  It's been a chapter of change and many "to-do's".  One thing I have noticed is that I am still in the same chapter I started in the spring of this year.  The chapter hasn't closed; nothing has ended; a new one hasn't begun.  Yet, within this chapter of the past six months, there have been many sub titles of chapters, signifying new beginnings and changes, all within this same chapter.  It's been an interesting passage and a journey of spiritual growth with my Heavenly Father.  It's been a chapter of exercising my faith and taking steps in faith.  I'm experiencing sub chapters of learning how to rest and relax again, among the many tasks in life to accomplish.  I can't say I've loved every minute of the chapter, but I am working diligently to extend thankfulness and gratitude to Abba for His goodness through this chapter of change.  (Satan has used these experiences to frequently invite me to my own pity party.)

Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."

Just as autumn is one of the four major seasons, it occurs every year whether people enjoy the season or not.  It is a season of change and preparation for the next season, whether we gladly await or dread the season ahead.  It's part of life and nature, just as the must needed season in my current life.  A true season of change for God's purpose. 

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."

There are many wondrous learning lessons in my current chapter of life.  I'm learning to be more thankful and more grateful for what I have.  I'm grasping on to being thankful in the present, before I see what God is doing, because I know God is going to make it happen.  It's exercising faith that He will see to my needs and His desires for me, in His timing.  

Amos 5:6 "Look for the Lord and live."

I'm learning to adjust to His true timing and being watchful, prayerful and obedient while I wait.  I'm watching God align the pathway in my life.  He puts all the puzzle pieces together that I have scattered about in many directions.

1 Chronicles 16:10-11 "Have joy in His Holy name.  Let the heart of those who look to the Lord be glad.  Look to the Lord and ask for His strength. Look to Him all the time."

Happy Autumn and God's blessings as you travel through each season in life.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Having Faith from "His Kindness Year Round"

No matter how the circumstances in life may appear or feel, have faith in the supernatural miracles our God continues to perform every day. 

1 Corinthians 2:5 “You do not have faith in Christ because of the wisdom in men.  You have faith in Christ because of the power of God.”

We may go through days or periods of time in which life seems bleak.  We may not “feel” God’s presence or see His mighty work in action.  But life on earth isn’t always as it seems.  We may not feel or think God is working His plan for us, but that is our human souls (thoughts, feelings, emotions) at work.  And while our souls may be working overtime in the dismal swamp, God is working also in His splendid manner.  His work is supernatural – far, far above anything we, in the natural, can accomplish. 

2 Corinthians 5:7 “Our life is lived by faith.  We do not live by what we see in front of us.”

Am I belittling the trials we go through?  Absolutely not.  Recognize God can change your life, your circumstances, your world, in a twinkling of an eye.  Sometimes when God moves, He moves SWIFT.  He doesn’t only turn circumstances around for others.  He does it for you.  He does it for me.  Whatever we see going on in our lives and around us, as a sister reminds me, we shall prevail!

James 1:6 “You must have faith as you ask Him.  You must not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave which is pushed around by the sea.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

(As I’ve shared with some, this morning as I was heating my tea, I thought of a song I haven’t heard in years and years.  I continue to sing it over and over to myself.) 

The opening of the lyrics to “Heaven Came Down”:

“Heaven came down and glory filled my soul. 

When at the cross, my Savior made me whole.

My sins were washed away,

And my night turned to day

When Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.”

How great is our God . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

September is here (!) and I want to share a bit of the wondrous ways of our Lord from the past couple of months.

Almost two years ago, God clearly made it known to me that I wasn’t placed on His earth to please anyone except Him.  After spending most of my life practicing the role of “people pleaser”, I found this rewarding revelation quite a change.  You may not think this would have been a challenge, but trading a life time of unhealthy habits for His freedom is a daily, and sometimes hourly, accomplishment.

It was simple to follow God’s direction with certain people and particular situations.  Yet with others, stepping across that comfort zone wasn’t easy. 

Within this two year time frame, God continues to repeat His original will.  I took His voice as reminders and nothing further. However, I realized I had not surrendered completely.  With a few people or situations, I was continuing to try to please, seek approval and meet expectations.  I had not followed His command to its fullest; to its completion.  It’s OK if I disappoint man on earth while pursuing the will of God, as long as I’m not disappointing the only One Who matters. 

I am diligently pressing on, living God’s will.  I am understanding what it means to seek the Lord every day for His direction for that day.  I am a work in progress.  It’s been a strong component in drawing me closer to Him.

Whenever you’re seeking the wisdom of a family member or friend or co-worker, it’s much easier to discern the answer if you speak the same language, hear and understand what the person is saying, and really listen.  With the Lord, it’s required my commitment to talk with Him more, listen to Him more, and read His written Word.  I am a work in progress.  Sometimes following His will has required doing what I need to do rather than what I want to do.

Ephesians 6:18 “You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray.  Pray for the things that are needed.  You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians.” 

God is always true.  His direction is always the only direction.  Everything he asks you to do, He will give you the ability to get His will completed.  Always.  He never fails. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Stay open to God’s direction.  Listen and fulfill entirely.  His will is not multiple choice, but absolute submission.  I surrender all.  And I am a work in progress.

“1 John 2:17 “The world and all its desires will pass away.  But the man who obeys God and does what He wants done will live forever.” 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

A Reminder from "His Kindness Year Round".

Life on earth is short.

We know that fact.  We speak it.  We remind ourselves and others not to take life for granted.  However, do we sincerely believe it?  Do we live by it?  Do we understand life on earth is indeed a blink, and eternity is forever? 

My mind doesn't even comprehend 'forever'.  Everything we know has a beginning and an end.  But not eternity.

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

Do we fully realize that life on earth is a journey and the destination is our heavenly home, and not any accomplishment or physical place on earth?

Jude 1:21 “Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

Sometimes an event will take place to remind us of the frailty of life.  But do we actually believe it and live it?

James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Treasure life.  Enjoy the journey.

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Happy August from "His Kindness Year Round"!

It’s amazing how quickly this year is progressing.  September is just a week away, with fall soon to be in the air.  Shortly to follow will be the changing of the leaves and the weather, and then the holidays . . . and a new year upon us again.  I trust you have been doing well and enjoying the summer of 2012.

I had the privilege of listening to an inspirational Christian speaker a few weeks ago.  We use to be co-workers, and I’ve known him for a couple of decades, but haven’t seen him in over ten years.  He has an amazing testimony of how God has worked, and continues to work, in his life daily. 

Sometimes you’ll meet someone and know that he or she will make a positive difference in the lives of others.  That certainly describes this gentleman, who loves God and gives Him all the glory for the accomplishments God has worked through this believer. It was rewarding for me to hear him speak of principles God has placed upon my heart in recent months. 

Colossians 2:6-7 “As you have put your trust in Jesus Christ the Lord to save you from the punishment of sin, now let Him lead you in every step. Have your roots planted deep in Christ. Grow in Him.  Get your strength from Him. Let Him make you strong in the faith as you have been taught. Your life should be full of thanks to Him.”

Isn’t it comforting to look at your life and notice how God faithfully takes care of His children?  Don’t you see situations in which you recognize God was/is always at your side, never leaving you during a trial, but carrying you through it?  Sometimes the place God brings us to on the other side of the hurdle is out of our comfort zone, but that is OK because He is still there!  He doesn’t bring us through and drop us off and leave.  Don’t give up, child of God, because He is still there. 

Galatians 3:26 “You are now children of God because you have put your trust in Jesus Christ.”

Know who you are in the Savior and allow your faith in God to devour any fears you may have. Fear is a sharp tool of the enemy which he does use to destroy us. Don’t stop during a storm from fatigue or fear.  Our Savior is always there to carry us through.  Hold onto Him; rest in Him; value the journey.

1 Peter 1:8 “You have never seen Him but you love Him. You cannot see Him now but you are putting your trust in Him.  And you have joy so great that words cannot tell about it.”

I look back at this gentleman I mentioned earlier.  IF he had stopped during any of the storms and gotten off track, he may not be the witness for Jesus that he is today. IF he didn’t desire to know God or know who he is in God; or want to walk daily with our Savior and grow through Him; or step across his own comfort zone and take a step of faith; or follow any fear instead of his faith . . . . . where would he be today . . . . . where would I be today . . . . where would you be today . . . . questions we don’t need to spend time or energy pondering because the past is over, and we are now walking with our Savior.  We have chosen to be His child, exercising our faith on a daily basis.  Oh, tis so sweet to trust in Jesus . . . . . !

John 1:12 “He gave the right and the power to become children of God to those who received Him.  He gave this to those who put their trust in His name.”

There are many who aren’t in step with God.  Continue to pray for open hearts.  Be a witness to those who are lost.  Some desires as His children are to grow stronger in Him, to grow more faithful and trusting in Him, and to bring lost sheep to Him.  We celebrate and praise Him when we gain another brother or sister in Christ.  We praise Him in the victories of blessings.  Let's also praise Him through any tough patch we may encounter, showing Him our gratitude and trust.   

Hebrews 11:6 “A man cannot please God unless he has faith.  Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.”

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

When God says "Move", from His Kindness Year Round . .

Blessings to you today . . . . .

Recently, God and I have discussed my complete trust and faith in Him, fully, entirely, in all things; about letting go and letting God; exercising the faith to believe it's not my struggle, as He is victorious for me.  The Almighty is taking care of me, and His care is the absolute best.  His care is supernatural, which doesn’t compare with our care in the natural.  I thank Him deeply.

Often when we think of movement, we think of literal, physical, “one-foot-in-front-of-the-other” movement.  I’ve been dealing with that sort of movement in a huge way – the consuming list of “to-do’s” – the earthly things to be done.  God has the plan.  I’m allowing Him to lead and He is getting the tasks done, in His timing (not mine!). 

I was having a random conversation with a brother in Christ I 'happened' to run into (no coincidence, remember . . . . . ).  Not knowing anything of the activities in my life, he shared from the Holy Spirit, “Sometimes God wants us to move.  When water stays still, stays stagnate, it is not healthy; it declines, weakens.  When water moves, there is refreshment and growth and rejuvenation.  Sometimes God says MOVE.”

Move, sure, absolutely, that I am doing!  One thing I can say is there is physical movement – the physical movement of things being completed.  In His timing.  At His direction, but not without the consistent temptations from satan.  I am, (sometimes still with resistance), letting go and trusting God for completion.  In His timing.  (Notice this seems to be a repetitive phrase?)  Without my trust and complete faith in Him, I would be stagnating the forward movement.  There is physical movement!

Then the revelation to me erupted.   The real movement isn’t the earthly responsibilities being completed – all the ‘stuff’ I’ve been learning to trust and have faith in my Heavenly Father to accomplish for me.  It isn't the doing, finishing, marking off the list of "to-do's".

I would never experience the real movement without first showing trust and faith in the current physical movement; without the trust of God taking care of the massive “to-do’s”.   I'm a work in progress; the trust and faith is now present for the physical movement -- but that's not the real movement! 

The real movement is much more important.  The real movement is my continued spiritual movement towards Him; the movement in me for Him, in my relationship with Him, in His Kingdom. 

With my faith and trust, God is taking care of the physical forward flow, but the spiritual movement – the real movement -- is up to me.  I’ve been concentrating so heavily on the physical without realizing it’s the spiritual movement God wants for me now.  He has the physical movement covered in His plan.  The past few years have brought me the most phenomenal spiritual movement with God!  That movement is to continue for refreshment and rejuvenation.  My intimacy with the Holy Father will stay refreshed in Him, through Him, by Him!

Are temptations and attacks from the enemy still going to occur – you betcha.  As satan throws his lies and deceptions and guilt, my God given confidence strengthens because I am His child.  Only through the cross am I worthy. 

I continue to cast all cares on Him.  Continue to speak the desires of my heart and what I want to be true.  I continue to line up my thoughts and words in The Word.  Believe.  Stay faithful to Him.  Trust. 

I do have “Victory in Jesus” because “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus”!

1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

Romans 8:25 "But if we hope for what we do not have yet, we wait for it patiently."

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin