Rob's Ministry Minutes

"The Church Needs You Too"

2010-10-22T11:06:00.018-05:00

We as Christians are supposed to identify ourselves with the local church as members of one body. We also want others to feel welcome and included as those who may become members of the church. It seems to me that a majority of preaching and teaching and mentoring is done in the area of becoming a Christian and being a part of the church. This is certainly the command of the Great Commission issued by Jesus himself, and we should forever follow that.

However, what are we inviting everyone into? What's required or expected of me as an individual Christian and a member of the church? Do we let people know that enough? What does a New Testament, holy Bible believing and practicing Christian need to do after being baptized and added to the church? Is it enough for me to show up for Sunday service, or should I be doing more?

With this question, we don't want to become so rigid that we bind on everyone the same or possibly unreasonable expectations. But, we also don't want to go the way that seems to just let people call themselves Christians and members without really "bearing fruit" in the form of action, labor, cause and conviction.

What would have happened to the church if earlier Christians would have just been content to "coast on grace" and "punch in and punch out" on Sundays alone? The reality is we are supposed to be called out, set apart, and holy which comes with some requirements. The church today can no longer afford to have ten percent of the people doing ninety percent of the work or some other small ratio. That's how the church dies in towns and cities all over the country.

The bible says in 1st Corinthians 12: 25-27 "²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

So, what's your mission? Are you involved, connected, contributing, growing, caring and sharing? The church is you. The church is me. You and me equal we. We need to love someone, care for someone, reach and teach someone, lead someone, and serve someone. If you look at the Christians in the Bible, are you like them? The church is everyone of us.

...and that's what I'm talking about. Love, Rob

“What Are You Reading?”

2010-09-29T13:09:00.007-05:00

Are you a good reader? How much time do you spend reading each week? Are you a casual reader or a devoted reader? Do you enjoy reading or see it more as a necessary task? What do you like reading? Do you read the newspaper? Do you read fiction books or only that which is real, non-fiction? Do you read magazines that you can subscribe to or pick up in the check out lane of your local grocery store? Does it really matter what you read or how much you read?

There was a time when you had to learn how to read. It takes longer for some than others. It’s a time consuming process. Once you have the ability to read, you can then choose what to read and how much to read. Did you know that illiteracy is on the rise even in North America? Do you take your freedom and ability to read for granted? What does reading do for you? What happens when you read something?

All of you reading this have the ability and the privilege of also reading your Bible. It offers more for you than any other book or publication, but sometimes we would rather read something else. We seem to care more about someone else’s writings than the inspired writings of God. Some of us can name every book our favorite writers have written, but do you know much about the 66, the 39 plus the 27? I encourage you to give it’s writings more attention in your life. Just like other things you read, you might relate or understand more books than others, but there’s a lifetime of learning in THE book. Do you know God’s word? The opportunity awaits you. For all of you, it’s even free. Just read it.

...and that's what I'm talking about. Love, Rob :)

G.P.S. and Navigation

2010-09-16T17:23:00.007-05:00

I love technology when it's used in the right way. I find the developments fascinating as well as exhausting since things are ever changing. One of the modern devices I use quite a bit helps me to know where I am going, and I don't have to be glancing at a sheet map while driving (which is a good thing...safety first).

However, sometimes Molly, Steve, or whatever character voice of the day I use will tell me the wrong way to go even after having access to satellite signals and coordinates! So, I am often heard arguing with the device out of frustration when it gives me the wrong advice. When this happens, I have to employ what I call a common sense override as it "recalculates." Not every device does what it claims to do with the greatest accuracy and efficiency. That's why there's the constant need for updates.

What do you use to direct the pathways and directions in your life? For a lot of people, G.P.S. stands for good practical sense as their means for guidance. This is not necessarily bad, but this way has it's flaws. Our sense can only make sense of life sometimes, and then we need a better way for recalculating. May I suggest to you today that for Christians G.P.S. stands for "God's Positioning System" that goes with another G.P.S. "God's Plan of Salvation."

The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, " ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight." So, trust God today to get you where you need to be, to redirect you when you are lost, and to ultimately say to you at the end of your journey that "you have reached your destination."

...and that's what i'm talking about. Rob

Prayer Like Grass

2010-05-27T14:22:00.008-05:00

How often do you mow your grass? Once a week? Every ten days? Whenever you can get around to it? How about twice a week? I guess it all depends on your attitude towards the grass you have.

Some people enjoy their lawn full of grass. Cutting the grass is a joy for them. Others see it as a necessary chore that one must do to keep up with the norm. Some can cut their grass in 30 minutes and be done while others need hours at a time.

I was thinking the other day while mowing the grass that I have how prayer is like grass. Grass grows under the right conditions and so does prayer. Grass needs maintenance, or it will easily get out of control and weeded. Such is the same with prayer.

Some pray for a short while to maintain. Others see prayer as a joy and a beauty. Attitude is the key here. Your grass doesn't grow at your command which is why it needs mowing. Prayer does not do us much good on command either which is why it needs maintaining as well.

The Bible says, in Isaiah 40:7-8 " ⁷ The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. ⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

So, how's the grass where you live, or better yet, how's your prayers?
That's what I'm talking about. Rob

Cheeto fingers

2010-04-09T14:55:00.004-05:00

I ate from a bag of Cheetos today. They tasted quite good like I remember them. They have that certain flavor that seems quite unique. I found myself eating more than what I thought I would of them too. I thought at first I would just have a few. It was a big bag when I started. I did not eat the whole bag, but I ate enough.

The problem with Cheetos besides their nutritional value is that they stain your fingers with this orange powdery mess. It gets all over your fingers, your face, your mouth, and sometimes your clothes. It even gets below your finger nails as this picture shows.

The stain kind of ruins the experience for me. Maybe that's why I stopped indulging in the bag. There was just too much accumulating all over me to eat any more. However, that does not stop other people who just love their Cheetos! For everyone else, I suppose they avoid Cheetos all together.

So, what stains you worse than orange Cheeto mess? Do you realize what is happening to you while indulging in what the Bible calls sin? It's leaving behind a nasty stain that is unhealthy and could spread all over you. Do you care? Sin is a temptation like those Cheetos were for me, because it's seemingly attractive, fun or desirable. If it were not, we would not consider it.

The Bible says in James 1: 13-16 " When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. ¹⁵Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ¹⁶Don't be deceived."

If you have stains on you or in you that are worse than Cheetos, ask Jesus for the cleansing you need to remove all that is keeping you from being clean again.

...and that's what I'm talking about.

Brand New Socks

2010-04-08T14:23:00.007-05:00

When was the last time you bought or received a pair or package of brand new socks? F0r some of you it may have been recently. For others it may have been far too long. We are so blessed to live in a country where you could have a new pair of socks everyday if you wanted that.

Maybe you like shorter ones. Maybe you like longer ones. Maybe you prefer white and heavy socks or possibly colored light ones. You can even be the person with the socks that have different colored toes if you want to. Not many people have a problem with the simple comfort that comes from a new pair of socks.

So, what's your sock drawer like? Do you have a drawer just for socks? Or do you have other things crammed in there? In your sock drawer, do you have old socks that you have not worn in a while or ones with holes? Why wear old socks and ones with holes when you can have new ones fairly cheap?

I love the feeling of putting on new socks. Sometimes, I wear them right out of the package. However, sometimes I wear the old ones when I should not. There's a better set somewhere if I would look for them or wash some.

Life with God is a lot like that. God's grace, love and forgiveness are waiting to give you comfort way beyond that new pair of socks. However, it comes with a price. Jesus had to die to make that possible. Do you accept his sacrifice? Do you accept him as the source of your salvation and leader of your life?

If you will, it will give you a whole "drawer full" of overflowing comfort. The Bible says this in 2nd Corinthians 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. ⁵For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." New socks are great. God's comfort is greater.
...That's what I'm talking about.

Where do you turn for answers?

2010-02-25T11:06:00.007-06:00

Have you seen the commercials for this new company that answers any random questions you might have via text messaging? Their commercials are funny and hip promising to reply to any question you have with a prompt answer from their staff of agents. I was really tempted to try this service by sending a real deep question about a religious matter like "How do you know that God is real?" just to see what they would say. I also was just as tempted to send in something silly like "How can I get my dog to quit barking every time someone calls to talk to my wife?"

So, where do you turn for answers? While this service is fast and convenient, real answers to your toughest questions probably won't come that way. It seems to me that people are really lost or searching for somewhere to find answers that they are looking for. For Christians, we have been given two tried, tested and true outlets. They are prayer and God's book, the Bible.

How often do you go there for answers? Do you go there first before asking everyone else around you what they think? The Bible says this: Psalm 66:18-20

"If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!"

and also Isaiah 55:11 says "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Remember these two promises about prayer and the Bible the next time you need some answers...and that's what i'm talking about.

Fitted Sheets Frustrate Me

2010-02-24T13:29:00.011-06:00

Making your bed everyday is a nice discipline. It helps you start your day with some slight exercise and accomplishment as you leave your room. However, I really struggle with those crazy fitted sheets! The end that's at the bottom of where I sleep always comes off the mattress. I put the sheet back on every morning because of this.

This is no big deal. What seems to be a big deal is when the sheets get washed and are ready to be placed freshly on the bed. They smell good. All you really want to do is get them on there and lay down. This anticipation seems to be ruined every time by the first sheet that has to be done, the fitted sheet.

The sheet has four corners and an elastic band inside for stretching it. I seem to get the wrong end three times before finally being able to get the sheet to fit right. My wife laughs at me, because she usually gets it right the first time. God's plan for you is like a fitted sheet that has been made just for you. At times, it may seem like you will never be inside of it. Keep trying. Eventually you will find it to be just what you needed. Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
...and that's what i'm talking about. Love Rob

The Tiger In You

2010-02-24T10:58:00.008-06:00

Recently, Tiger Woods went before the whole world and apologized for many things related to the downfall of his extra marital affairs. I listened to his statements live and analyzed them just like everyone else. I found his many apologies to be quite impressive and believable. I realize that some moments were awkward and that much of this seemed staged and rehearsed. However, I took the position of one trying to listen with the mind of Christ.

When I did this, I couldn't help but think of how many times I have had to apologize for things I have done. Am I any better or worse in my debt and sin because my apologies and transgressions aren't as public? No way! Have I had an affair and cheated on my wife? No, but I have sure done my fair share of terrible things that need forgiveness and apology. So, how's the Tiger in you? Does he owe you or the general public anything? No, not really. One of his most profound statements was "just because I was a very high profile powerful celebrity who had everything doesn't mean that the everyday rules of life don't apply to me."

Think about this. Jesus was drawing in the dirt and sand when he said "those among you who can cast the first stone because you have not sinned...go ahead." Funny how no stones were cast. We also read in the bible that we "should not point out the speck in our brothers eye when we have a plank in our own eye" basically blocking our view. Look inside of yourself. Know that you need forgiveness and should be apologizing yourself. Affairs are terrible. No doubt. But so are many of the other sins we commit each day.
...and that's what i'm talking about. Love Rob

Seeing Better or Blurred Vision?

2010-02-22T12:26:00.002-06:00

One of the things that upsets me the most as i get older is my lack of good vision sometimes. My wife says that i crouch over the steering wheel like some kind of humpback whale when i drive looking both ways all the time like some giant turtle.

I guess I am not as cool as I used to be or was I ever? When I cannot see something clearly it frustrates me. However, I used to not need glasses. I can remember being able to see for miles it seemed where now I squint my eyes and it crumbles my face up like some old burger wrapper.

This lack of vision is frustrating because it means that you cannot see clearly without aid. This past week i changed the color and the resolution and size on my office computer so I can see and read better. Although I like the change, it's a clear sign that I need it. Maybe next week, I will need thicker glasses or maybe some sort of giant magnifying glass?

How does this apply spiritually? Well, there's a lot that happens around us everyday that we need to open our eyes up to. The truth is the Lord sends us opportunities everyday to do something for Him instead of for ourselves. The truth is there are people all around us who don't have the same sight you have in terms of your worldview. The truth is we can either look clearly at what's around us and ignore it or stare into the blur and wonder what does God really want us to see?

How many people do you know who are lost? How many people do you know who can't find their way in the darkness they are in? Do you care to see? Are your eyes entirely focused on you or not focused at all? Check your eyes. See what God wants you to see. If you do this, you will come in contact with your purpose and your mission as a Christian. It will be as real and as clear to you as pure water brought down from the sky you look to with such wonder and awe. God bless you as you see God's will more clearly.

...and that's what I'm talking about. Love Rob