Refuge in God!

In a relatively short time frame we have heard of many people in troubled situations. The loss of loved ones, car wrecks, frozen water pipes, loss of employment, tax problems, broken relationships, serious medical conditions, etc. In each situation it has been best to exhort the Christians involved to seek and trust the Lord. For those who don't know the Lord, there is not much in the way of help to be offered. If possible, sharing Christ with them is the perfect thing, for if they accept Christ as Savior and Lord, we know that they will then have hope and help.
In Psalm 9: 9-10 it says, "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."
Are we in a difficult situation? If so, then let's take God's word to heart and apply it to our lives by doing what it exhorts us to do. The Psalmist David said, "when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock." May we also pray for God to lead us to the rock!

What should I tell HIM?

A nine year old who had leukemia was given 6 months to live. When the doctor broke the news to her parents outside her hospital room, the youngster overheard the doctor's words. But it did not become obvious until later that she knew about her condition. To everyone's surprise, her faith in Christ gave her an attitude of victory. She talked freely about her death with anticipation in her voice. As she grew weaker, it seemed that her joy became more radiant. One day before she sank into a final coma, she said to her family, "I am going to be the first to see Jesus! What would you like me to tell Him for you?"
Let's suppose for a minute that I'll probably see Jesus before you, if so, what would you like me to tell Him for you? If it happens that you see Jesus before me, would you please tell him that I love him and that I'll see him soon!

He's Watching!!!!!

Have you ever noticed a small child when he or she is about to do something wrong, they begin to look around to see if anyone is watching. If they don't see anyone watching, they proceed with their mischievous deeds. What they don't realize is that often their mother or father has witnessed their actions. When asked about their involvement in the situation, they begin to deny doing anything wrong. Well, they are busted so to speak, and that will soon become apparent to them through their parents input.
I like this verse in Proverbs 5:21, which says, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings." God is indeed watching over us, and he is capable of seeing all in our lives. He sees our actions, thoughts, motives, love or the lack thereof. He sees all! With this thought in mind, its seems to be the appropriate time for us to allow him to work in these areas of need. He is the one who truly sees all, and knows our need to be forgiven and changed. Let's let him watch over our lives, and let's respond to his love and correction. Thank you, Lord, for watching over our lives, and thank you for loving us so much that you forgive our sin and you will help us to change into the image of your son. Amen or so be it!

Celebration

Recently I said to my wife, in a joking fashion, "we need to go out and celebrate today." She asked just what would be the occasion? I responded by saying "it's Thursday."
What better day than today for a celebration. What you ask me will we be celebrating? We will be celebrating God's salvation to us, allowing us to be born again. Because it is Thursday won't really factor into the situation, other than the fact that we should celebrate and be thankful for God's salvation in our lives daily. The latter part of II Corinthians 6:2 says, "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." There was in each of our lives a day when we weren't a people, but now we are a people. We are the people of God and we should celebrate this fact daily. It is important for we Christians to celebrate that God has acted on our behalf. However we choose to celebrate is up to us individually and corporately, but the truth is, we must choose to do so. Anyone up for a celebration?

Good Soldiers Of Jesus Christ!

When the going gets tough the Christian just keeping on going for the Lord. For Christians have learned that we must endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3). Verse 4 of the same chapter says, "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier." Well private Robbins how are you doing with this endeavor? Mostly I'm doing well, but there are times when some folks interfere. They seem to think that the world centers around them and that you and I are their personal servants. Truth be known, we are servants but of the Lord. He will be directing us to our call of duty, which makes it difficult to serve these folks every time they expect it or demand it. Best advice I can give in this situation is this, Private, you work for the Lord and Him alone. When he speaks to help these folks, then by all means do so, but don't fall into the trap of answering their every beckoning call without his speaking to do so. Enough said, Attention Private, forward march!!!!!

Make Good Decisions!

I remember that when our children would be leaving home to go somewhere, I would always say to them, "don't forget to make good decisions". This saying of mine still is a good one for us all to consider daily. For instance did we today remember to ask the Lord for his help and leading in all things? Did we decide today to forsake all, to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and follow him? Each day is filled to overflowing with decisions that are very important and need to be made in favor of God and his plan for our lives. Well anyway, just something to think on, or perhaps better said let's each of us remember to make good decisions!

From Death To Life!

I John 3:14 says, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Well this seems simple enough but to make sure we have it, lets review. We can know if we have passed out of death into life if we love our brothers, if we don't love them, then we are still enveloped in death.
Has anyone ever told you that they just hate that guy or that gal? No, you answer, well for myself I have to say yes this has been said to me several times. It usually involved two people in conflict, both of which were full of pride and therefore thought that they were never wrong. If we see our brother in need and don't help out there is no love being shown. Some might say that I didn't see their need, and others would ask why not? We can become so wrapped up in our own affairs that we scarcely notice others. Let's watch for opportunities to manifest love to our brothers and sisters. Remember that God so loved the world that he gave his only son that the world might be saved. Love could be defined as giving. Will we give to others our time, talents, money, listening ear, empathy, benefit of the doubt, or whatever they need? Let's pray that we will!