And here I go again . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

I know, as you do also, that we cannot rush God.  No, indeed, His timetable is the right one and that's the one we will abide with, or risk going against His will and missing a rich blessing.

Yet, knowing this for quite some time, this past weekend I still had to say to Him, "Lord, if You could just give me a glimpse . . . . just a slight hint . . . . just a tiny inkling . . . . of the next shift in my life".   

The neon sign didn't appear on the wall.  The answer didn't come knocking at the door.  I didn't hear a thunderous voice of revelation.  In fact, not even a still, small whisper.

The Father told me almost six months ago to be still and wait.  I did very well at the waiting, but being still was a bit more difficult.  I had come out of a very busy season and stepped into another as equally busy season.  Now, I'm learning to be still and loving it!  Yet the waiting part of His instruction is now becoming more difficult.  As the calendar and weather show the signs of spring have arrived (OK, maybe not feeling that weather today), I'm getting the stronger desire to know of the upcoming shift!  I know He is preparing me during this "be still and wait" time.  He instructed me at that same time months ago to thoroughly read and study His Word and spend time with Him in prayer.  I'm being trained.

Yet, with my soul's thoughts, feelings and emotions, I will occasionally still ask for a slight glimmer of what is to be . . . . . rather than praise Him in the now.  And as the Father has reminded me numerous times -- exercise my faith.  He will follow through with His promises.  He always has and always will.  Praise the Lord for all the great things He has done!

Whatever you may be experiencing, join me in strapping on the shield of faith tighter and keeping that shield well taken care of and ready for use on a daily basis.  Even with a strong shield of faith, satan will try to throw those fiery darts your way. Prayer and the Word strengthen our faith shields.  I revisited another builder of faith this week.  When satan attacks, get angry at him for his intentions of destruction in your life.  He is your enemy!  Remind him he has been defeated by the blood of the Lamb!  If only I had recalled that defeat of the enemy several hours earlier . . . . . it would have saved me a half day of dodging those fiery darts . . . .

Ephesians 6:16 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure that we will get what we hope for.  It is being sure of what we cannot see.”

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

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

God's got it covered! . . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Last month, I had the remarkable privilege to hear a presentation from the co-producer/assistant director of Facing the Giants and Fireproof. What a wonderful testimony he had of the greatness of our God!

He told instance after instance of God's evidence clearly and completely orchestrating these movies, especially with the first, Facing the Giants. It was an amazing event, hearing more of the wondrous victories of our Lord!

I received three distinct messages from the speaker.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in the meeting room was very moving.

The faith of the Kendrick brothers (from Sherwood Pictures) is beyond extraordinary.  Their relationship with and constant prayer to our Father for provision in all circumstances of the movies reminded me to pray without ceasing.   Without ceasing – not ending, not stopping.  Consistently praying and praising. Prayer will build a hedge around us against satan. 

I was reminded of three words I wholeheartedly accept as truth:  Expect.  Believe.  Receive.  Those involved in creating these movies enthusiastically expected the Lord to deliver.  They never questioned His abilities or His faithfulness.  It was expected.  They also believed He would come through with His promises.  They didn’t doubt.  They were confident in Him.  And they received!  They richly received the blessings He provided from beginning to end.  Expect; believe; receive.  It works for you and me also.  I know this firsthand.  God’s provision and miracles aren’t ‘just for everyone else’.  They are for His faithful followers.  Nothing is too small or impossible for God!

I welcomed the reminder that our timing is not necessarily God’s timing, yet His timing is always right.  The movie was not released on the timetable of Sherwood Pictures, but many, many months later.  If Facing the Giants had started showing at the Kendrick Brothers’ timing, it would not have been on the heels of the highly successful The Passion of the Christ, at a time in which Hollywood wanted another “God” movie.  (Before it was released, it was rated “PG” because of “extreme religious content”.  This helped the marketing of the movie, as the media jumped at this information!  Another provision from the Lord – free advertising!)  God is SO good!

1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18 “Always be joyful.  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:31 – 32 “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?  If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Since He did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t He also give us everything else?”

 

As always, prayerfully in Him,

Robin

I want to be more like Paul . . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

I do not believe in coincidence. I don't think connected events or circumstances happen by accident.

Hearing the words "surrender" and "faith" the past week or so is not coincidence in my life. It is the Holy Spirit speaking His message from the Father to me.

I have a tremendous faith in our Father and know the immeasurable gift of the Trinity. I know the power and authority of the Most High and the authority we have in the name of His Son. I realize the importance and power of our thoughts and spoken word. Last fall, I had the wowing experience of seeing God perform the supernatural in my life. I know He is real. I know He manifests greatness in our lives. I know He is my friend.

“Surrender”, I am hearing . . . . . the thoughts (emotions, feelings from the soul) that are preventing me from receiving a gift from the Almighty.

“Faith”, I am hearing . . . . . not the reminder of faith in the Father, but the prompt that He believes in me to complete my assignment and all future assignments. It’s my own thoughts that are causing me to feel otherwise.  Lies. Lies of the enemy to try to prevent me from fulfilling God’s will in my life.

Am I going to fall for the words of the professional con artist, and allow the brutal torture and death of my Savior on the cross be pointless? Never.

Faith. A powerful and victorious word. To illustrate the power of our faith, two weeks ago someone I know was diagnosed by a physician with a progressive eye disease that would eventually end in blindness or the need for a transplant. Last week she went back to the doctor. Tests showed no defect or disease. Of course, the test results must have been a “mistake” and were taken twice more, each time showing no disease. Physicians have no way to explain her disease-free eyes.

I know the explanation. Believe in miracles? Believe God’s healing power in present day times, and not limited to Biblical times? Believe in faith in the Lord Almighty? My answers: Yes, Yes, and a resounding, Yes!

As I mentioned to two sisters in Christ last week, I want to be more like Paul.  I want more of Paul’s faith in His Lord, the relationship with his Lord, and faith in himself through the Lord.  AMEN!  (Hence, another ‘assignment’!)

If the God Who saves our bodies and spirits knows I will complete His work through the abilities and strength He has given me, then so do I. Why? Because He said so.

Matthew 9:22 “Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter, be encouraged!  Your faith has made you well.”  And the woman was healed at that moment.”

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil.”

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

How are your relationships? . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

In life, we develop many relationships.  We have relationships with family members, neighbors, friends, spouses, co-workers, with ourselves, etc.  But I'm referring to the level of closeness or distance in the relationship we have with each individual.

Recently, I considered not commenting on something I wanted to tell a dear sister in Christ.  Depending upon events and circumstances in our lives, we may be sensitive to a particular topic at a specific time.  After sharing my thoughts, she thanked me and told me she didn't want a "tiptoe friendship" with me.  A tiptoe relationship is one in which we feel the need to tiptoe with what we share with a person.  It doesn’t mean we deceive a person, but hold back heartfelt words of truth. 

I've never thought about the number of people I feel comfortable enough to be completely honest, of course, with a Christian approach.  How many relationships have I held back my thoughts which I believed to be beneficial or needed to be said, yet did not speak because of the concern I would offend someone and cause anger or hurt, or because it would be uncomfortable to have the conversation?  How many "tiptoe relationships" versus real, heart-to-heart relationships do I have? 

In my own life, I have very few heart-to-heart relationships.  The much larger majority are tiptoe relationships. (And with some, the tiptoeing is very great!) 

I am not a superficial person.  The Lord is teaching me to be more confident and bold in Him and through Him.  The most important relationship, the most vital relationship, is our relationship with our Lord and Savior.  Is your relationship with Him a "tiptoe friendship", or a real, heart-to-heart friendship?  He knows everything you think and feel, everything you do, every desire of your heart, so why not share with Him?  He wants to hear from each of us, often.  And not only in times of want or need or desire, but everyday conversation, everyday praise.

John 15:15 “I do not call you servants anymore.  Servants do not know their master’s business.  Instead, I have called you friends. I have told you everything I have learned from my father.”

To God be all the glory, great things He has done, is doing, and will always continue to do!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

There's more to the Crucifixion . . . . from "His Kindness Year Round"

Happy Resurrection Day!  Oh, what a glorious day!

Ever notice sometimes followers of Jesus, as well as non-believers who celebrate Easter, will refer to Jesus’ death on the cross, and then stop, as if that's the end?  His crucifixion is a huge factor of the season indeed.  Jesus, our Savior, died for the physical and spiritual healing of the world.  Hallelujah!!!

However, let’s not forget what happens next.  Jesus was resurrected!!!  He arose from the grave!!!  We serve a risen Savior!!!  He lives!!!  How do I know?  Because His Word tells me so!!!  He wasn't found in the tomb.  He is not in the tomb now.  His body wasn't stolen.  He arose!

Because of His free will as man, He could have chosen not to be crucified.  But, He did die, and He did arise from the grave, and He is alive!  Shout it!!!

I sometimes am speechless at the awesomeness of this season.  Jesus was born, became a man, ministering on earth healing the body, spirit and soul.  Then died for us.  God gave His only Son, a sinless man, to die for us, sinners, undeserving.  He arose from the grave and gifted us with the Holy Spirit, while now preparing our eternal home.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, for great things He has done, and will continue to do!!!

Matthew 28:5-7 “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, Who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay.  Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.”

(Don’t you just love when the angel says “He has risen, just as He said.”!!!)

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

No matter how things seem in the natural, it truly is a Good Friday from "His Kindness Year Round"

He’s betrayed.  He’s denied.  He’s arrested.  He’s shackled and brought before religious and government leaders, passed from one to another and back to the prior again.  Over and over again He is ridiculed, beaten, spit upon, deemed guilty while a man blamed of murder is set free.

Pilate did not think our Lord was guilty.  He looked for ways out of the situation by sending Him to Herod, but when faced with the final decision, in order to maintain his job, he declared Him innocent, but handed Him over for crucifixion.

Matthew 27:22-26 “Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?”  They shouted back, “Crucify Him!”  “Why?” Pilate demanded.  “What crime has He committed?”  But the mob roared even louder, “Crucify Him!”  “Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing.  So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood.  The responsibility is yours!”  And all the people yelled back, “We will take the responsibility for His death – we and our children!”  So Pilate released Barabbas to them.  He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned Him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.”

Wearing His crown of thorns, He carried His cross to Golgotha and was crucified along with two criminals. He suffered for hours, darkness came upon the region.

Matthew 27:50-51 “Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released His spirit.  At that moment, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened.”

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus requested His body from Pilate and placed His wrapped body in a tomb, which belonged to Joseph himself.  And sunset concluded the day.

As we proceed through our day, please take time to meditate in the Gospels as to what our Lord did for you and for me.  People ask me why I get so passionate about this season.  And I wonder how people cannot get passionate about it . . . . .

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Maundy (Holy) Thursday from "His Kindness Year Round"

I trust you’re enjoying your meditation in the Word and basking in the awesomeness of this entire week; the true Holiness of the week.

What a busy day!  I’m referring to almost 2,000 years ago.  We know the happenings of Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper.  We know the events to follow and the outcome.  The disciples, however, did not know this information at the time of the Last Supper.  First, they were astonished at the act of love Jesus displayed when washing His disciples’ feet. 

John 13:34 “A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The final meal with the Lord was indeed an eventful evening.  He was preparing His disciples for His upcoming departure.  He told of the prediction of His betrayal by one of His own, one of those at that very table. 

Luke 22:21-23 “But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.  The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed.  But woe to that man who betrays him!  They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.”

He shared the bread and wine with His followers.

Luke 22:19-20 “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  And in the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

More news for that evening, as He speaks of the denial by Peter. 

Luke 22:33-34 “But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

Imagine after the Last Supper, Jesus and three disciples, John, Peter and James, walking to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, before His arrest.

Matthew 26:42 “He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may Your will be done.

His spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.  He said this prayer three times, checking on His disciples after each prayer, finding them sleeping.

Jesus knew of the betrayal by one of His disciples.  He knew of the denial by a friend and follower.  He knew of His arrest and crucifixion.  He knew it all.  But was willing to endure – for us – for you and for me.  The sheer wonder of this still astonishes me!  Who else, other than my Savior, would do this for me, knowing exactly what He would bear.   

We know the answer.  He is the answer.  He is THE ONE who would die for you and for me.  He, and He alone. 

Have I ever told ya I love the Resurrection season!  What a powerful time!  Anyone who knows me or has read anything from me during this time of year certainly knows!  Shout it!  We love You, Lord, and thank You for sacrificing the punishment of your body and Your life for us!

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin