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 

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.)