Singing a Psalm from "His Kindness Year Round"

Merry Christmas season!

Psalm 23:1a “The Lord is my Shepherd”

Several weeks ago, I began to silently recite the 23rd Psalm.  I kept getting ‘stuck’ on the first verse.  I could almost hear David playing his lyre and singing the Psalms.

“The Lord is my Shepherd” . . . . that means I am a sheep.  He knows His sheep by name and cares for us above the highest level possible to man.  He protects, guards, and keeps us safe.

As I repeated the verse . . . . the Lord is MY shepherd.  Not A shepherd -- but MY shepherd. The sheep know the voice of a shepherd.  They (we) are somewhat helpless and can’t take care of themselves well.  Sometimes they can’t find their own pastures or water. Sheep are very dependent on the shepherd, and good shepherds never leave their sheep alone. God knows each of us -- loves us for who we are. At the cross, the Good Shepherd gave up His life for his lambs.

As I continued to recite the rest of the Psalm, I was reminded of the greatness of our God . . . .

His provision in all situations;

His comfort in all circumstances; 

His guidance as He leads, giving us His Word as a guide book and the Holy Spirit as a guide; 

His restoration of our souls;

His walk with us, through the shadows, to the Light;

His offering of faith over any fear;

His supply of a rod to protect us and a cane-like staff to keep us from going astray;

His bounteous table set before us in front of our enemies -- a table of health and joy and peace and strength and purpose and love and victory;

His honor of anointing us, His chosen ones, with oil;

All this, as He overflows our cups . . . . not running out of mercy or grace or hope or love, welcoming us into His Kingdom;

His goodness and mercy following us;

As we “will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 

John 14:2-3 “In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” 

2 Corinthians 1:3 "All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us."

1 Chronicles 16:34 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  His faithful love endures forever."

As His child, He will personally take you with Him to His eternal home.  God will be with you on earth, through pain and illness and suffering and trials and grief and fatigue and fear and disappointment and loneliness and dark days -- we are with Him. Before you were born, He had already claimed you and reserved your room in heaven -- a room with your name on it. Life on this earth IS temporary.  We are here for a short time in comparison to our home in eternity.  Live preparing for your heavenly home.

Take time in this busy season to enjoy the Good Shepherd today!

Prayerfully, your sister sheep in Him,

Robin

All Ye Faithful Ones from "His Kindness Year Round"

Merry Christmas season to you!

Genesis 15:6 “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith.”

During the Thanksgiving holidays, I began listening to the Christmas music radio stations have begun to play.  It took me back to a time almost seven years ago.  I sat in the hospital chair, as my husband lay unconscious in the bed beside me.    

Each night, a local chorus would come and sing Christmas carols.  One particular, cold December evening, a group came by, singing “Silent Night”.  As I did each night, I sang along very softly with them.  When they finished the song, the leader of the small group asked if there was a particular song I’d like to hear.  Without even hesitating, I replied, “O Come All Ye Faithful”.  Immediately after speaking, I wondered why I’d asked for that song.  It wasn’t among my ‘favorites’ as far as Christmas carols.  It was not a song Lee cherished for any reason.  Why didn’t I suggest “Joy to the World” or “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”? 

There have been many occasions each Christmas season since that year that I have wondered why I selected that song.  Obviously, rather than being an insignificant moment to forget a song selection, it has been a request I’ve remembered.  But most importantly, I still ponder why I chose that particular song.

Just a few days ago on Thanksgiving evening, I mulled over that same thought – why “O Come All Ye Faithful”?  The past decade, more specifically the past few years and even more specifically, the past six months, I’ve experienced such a growth in my faith and trust in our Heavenly Father.  Dependence upon Him.  Direction from Him.  Obedience from trust and faith in Him does bring God’s blessings, in His timing. 

John 5:24 “I assure you, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.”

The Holy Spirit spoke on Thanksgiving evening:  ‘O come all ye faithful’.  The song was for me.  Now I know why I singled out “O Come All Ye FAITHFUL”.  FAITHFUL.  As I was getting ready to embark upon the most life changing event of my life thus far, I was already being reminded to be faithful.  This was the beginning of the great stepping out in faith experience of my life.  Have faith.  Trust Him.  Believe in the Almighty.  Think and speak God’s desires for you and hold them in your heart.  Believe!  Persevere.  Prevail!  Because of Him.  And be thankful!  To God be the glory!  ADORE Him as He should be esteemed.  Our Christ the King!

“O come all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him,

Born the King of Angels;

O come, let us adore Him

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord!”

Expect.  Believe.  Receive, all ye faithful ones!

God loves us.  The maker of the stars would rather have His son die for you than to live without you.  That’s a powerful love.  

I hope you will take the time today to read Psalm 91. 

Psalm 91:11 “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

Today is from "His Kindness Year Round"

Thanksgiving blessings to all!

We have all heard, or said, "Today (tomorrow) is the first day of the rest of your life."

Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it."

In recent months, I've realized every day is the first day of the rest of my life.  Each day is a new day with 24 hours to use as life determines and we choose.  Each day brings new life.  Each day brings new beginnings.  Each day, our Heavenly Father has given us new mercies and strength.  As I was recently reading from Rick Renner's "You Can Get Over It", 'You don't have to live today with the residual effect of what the devil did to you yesterday.  But it's time to move on and let the past be the past.'

All our todays and tomorrows are in God's hands.  We cannot change anything that happened yesterday or anything we did yesterday or anything someone else did yesterday.  We have today.  Today to grow and learn in the Lord.  Today to live to glorify Him.  Ya didn't like yesterday?  Today is new.  Like today!

Philippians 1:6 "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion."

I recognize it may seem easy to say “like” today.  But in actuality, we have to train our thoughts and our hearts and our spoken words to believe the new and not believe and declare the old.  It’s a process, which begins one step at a time.

When we feel life has so many changes occurring at once, we need to hold onto the constant, never changing Heavenly Father.  We learn further to depend upon Him and to follow His will for your life.  Not anyone else's will, but His will.  We listen to His direction.  Oh yes, you will have trials and you will have tests.  The enemy will try to tempt you.  Those things are stated in His Word and you know they will happen.  Be prepared.

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Psalm 138:8 "The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me."

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.  And when tomorrow arrives, it will be the first day of the rest of your life.  Make a choice to live it God's way.  Speaking from recent situations in my personal life, His way -- His timing -- always THE way. 

Colossians 1:16-17 "All things were created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend, giving thanks to Him who does bring forth all blessings, giving glory to Him for the great things He has done, and will continue to do. 

Prayerfully, your sister in Him,

Robin

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