What are the 10 most important days of your life? Biblical writers often date significant events with the day, month and year (Ex. 12:l; 16:21; Haggai 1:1). Annually we celebrate Christmas, Easter, July 4th, Thanksgiving and other days. In American history SEPTEMBER IS A MONTH TO REMEMBER.
On 9/11/01 our nation experienced the most devastating invasion ever when four commercial passenger jet airliners crashed into the World Trade Center in NY City, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania. At the end of this trail of blood were more than 3,000 people who died. They were from more than 90 countries of the world and 40 of the United States of America. We will NEVER forget this day that signaled an era when "America will never be the same."
On 9/23/1857, another day that changed America, a zealous forty-six year old business man in New York City decided to pray for an hour on the third floor of the North Reformed Dutch Church. Jeremiah Lamphier had been appointed on July 1 to be a missionary to downtown New York City. After printing 20,000 handbills entitled "HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRAY?" he passed them out in offices, warehouses, homes and churches encouraging and inviting others to join him in a time of prayer. After climbing the steps of the church Jeremiah prayed alone for 30 minutes. By the end of the hour 6 others had joined him from 4 different denominations. On the next Wednesday there were 20 and the next week 40 and it became a daily meeting. By February, 1858 6,000 people were praying daily in New York City. Like a raging wildfire prayer meetings sprung up all over the nation in Philadelphia, Boston, Baltimore, New Orleans, Chicago and Mobile. This Third Great Spiritual Awakening moved a nation Godward. The essence of this spiritual movement was not fiery evangelistic preaching but "fervent, effectual, earnest, powerful and persistent praying."
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I PRAY? The Psalmist said, "I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice" (Psalm 55:16-17). Now is the time for all godly men, women and youth to cry out to God for an outpouring of God's Spirit upon us. GIMME FIVE! Would you be willing to allow God to use you as he did Jeremiah Lamphier 150 years ago to spark a NATIONAL REVIVAL of faith and obedience toward Him who has blessed us and invites us to His throne of grace? Would you GIVE HIM 5 minutes in the evening, in the morning and noon until He changes us in such way that it touches our family, church, community, county and country? If so--historians will write of what God did in 2007. Praise the Lord! Let us pray!
We invite you to share your comments and inform others of these articles if they touch your heart. We're waiting to hear from you: jgrobbins@verizon.net. Jack and Ginnie Robbins, Missionaries in west central Indiana.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Dancing in the Rain
Raindrops will fall on your head. An umbrella or shelter may shield you, but still they will fall. With the rain come wind, thunder, lighting, storms, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Water can quench the thirst of a soul and parched land or it can create a watery grave. All sunshine and no rain makes a desert but too much brings destruction.
Life at its best is not waiting for the storm to pass but dancing in the rain. An African Christian said, "Everything meaningful to a people will be sung and danced." When the Pharisees fasted twice a week Jesus and the disciples were "feasting and celebrating." Since there's a time and season for everything the Lord said, "the day will come when you fast." The question is--can we fast and dance simultaneously? Can we dance when sorrow, sickness, poverty, pain and disappointment overwhelm us?
Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Peter informs new Christians that they should not be surprised when fiery trials come. James, the Lord's brother, says in his splendid letter, "Count it all joy when various times of testing come." In other words, praise the Lord when it rains on your parade.
Three phases aptly describe Paul's life. He was constantly in a storm, had just come through one or was preparing to encounter another. Confined to a dark and dismal prison, without books and adequate clothing, he rejoiced in whatever state he was and exhorted the Philippian believers to do the same. In the world's eyes he had become a "fool for Christ's sake" but was "more than a conqueror through Christ who loved him." Only "fools" can sing and dance in the rain as they fear nothing but God, worry about nothing and give thanks in all things. This is the abundant and normal Christian life.
Your comments are appreciated. We can be reached at jgrobbins@verizon.net or 765-449-1988. If this ministry blesses you--tell a friend! Jack and Ginnie Robbins, Lafayette, IN, USA.
Life at its best is not waiting for the storm to pass but dancing in the rain. An African Christian said, "Everything meaningful to a people will be sung and danced." When the Pharisees fasted twice a week Jesus and the disciples were "feasting and celebrating." Since there's a time and season for everything the Lord said, "the day will come when you fast." The question is--can we fast and dance simultaneously? Can we dance when sorrow, sickness, poverty, pain and disappointment overwhelm us?
Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Peter informs new Christians that they should not be surprised when fiery trials come. James, the Lord's brother, says in his splendid letter, "Count it all joy when various times of testing come." In other words, praise the Lord when it rains on your parade.
Three phases aptly describe Paul's life. He was constantly in a storm, had just come through one or was preparing to encounter another. Confined to a dark and dismal prison, without books and adequate clothing, he rejoiced in whatever state he was and exhorted the Philippian believers to do the same. In the world's eyes he had become a "fool for Christ's sake" but was "more than a conqueror through Christ who loved him." Only "fools" can sing and dance in the rain as they fear nothing but God, worry about nothing and give thanks in all things. This is the abundant and normal Christian life.
Your comments are appreciated. We can be reached at jgrobbins@verizon.net or 765-449-1988. If this ministry blesses you--tell a friend! Jack and Ginnie Robbins, Lafayette, IN, USA.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Change Yourself--Change Others--Change the World
Someone said, "When you're young you want to change the world. When you're middle aged you want to change others. When you're old and mature you want to change yourself." Blessed is the person who never stops changing for the better! At 50 years of age I had an "awakening" that more than likely most of my earthly life was behind me. At the age of 65 I had a "great awakening" that God could give me 15 more years like he did King Hezekiah and I could possibly be climbing and claiming mountains like Caleb at the age of 85.
One thing we can count on in an ever-changing world is CHANGE. Twenty-four hours change the days; seven days change the weeks; thirty-one days change the months and twelve months change the years.
The eminent theologian Karl Barth believed the three greatest sins of man are (1)dishonesty, (2) pride and (3) sloth. Can you imagine a world where all are totally honest; humble and hearty working? Can we be honest with ourselves, with others and with God? Are we willing to exchange our pride for humility and consider work a blessing rather than a curse?
Jesus was so honest he claimed to be "the TRUTH." He "humbled himself and became obedient, even to the death of the cross." He said, "I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night comes when no man shall work." On the cross he confessed, "It is finished."
The Apostle Paul had a life-changing experience when he met, believed and decided to follow and obey Jesus. He spoke the truth in love, grew constantly from being the least of the apostles, to the least of the saints and finally saw himself as the chief of sinners. He affirmed he worked harder that all of the apostles and exhorted believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ. No man ever died with more peace and contentment than Paul who entered eternity saying he had finished his course, fought a good fight and kept the faith.
"If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things are new." Change is inevitable. We anticipate a new heavens and a new earth. Until then look at yourself. Look at others and the world. Be trustworthy, honest and influence others by doing good. Believe that you and others can change and that the world is still changeable. Love God supremely. Love others as you love yourself. Love your enemies...pray for them...do them good...bless them and I promise you PEOPLE WILL BE GLAD WHEN THEY SEE YOU COMING--INSTEAD OF GOING.
"We welcome your comments and the opportunity of getting to know you. You can email us at jgrobbins@verizon.net or reach us at 765-449-1988. If these thoughts bless you--tell others. May God lighten your load today and brighten your road!
One thing we can count on in an ever-changing world is CHANGE. Twenty-four hours change the days; seven days change the weeks; thirty-one days change the months and twelve months change the years.
The eminent theologian Karl Barth believed the three greatest sins of man are (1)dishonesty, (2) pride and (3) sloth. Can you imagine a world where all are totally honest; humble and hearty working? Can we be honest with ourselves, with others and with God? Are we willing to exchange our pride for humility and consider work a blessing rather than a curse?
Jesus was so honest he claimed to be "the TRUTH." He "humbled himself and became obedient, even to the death of the cross." He said, "I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night comes when no man shall work." On the cross he confessed, "It is finished."
The Apostle Paul had a life-changing experience when he met, believed and decided to follow and obey Jesus. He spoke the truth in love, grew constantly from being the least of the apostles, to the least of the saints and finally saw himself as the chief of sinners. He affirmed he worked harder that all of the apostles and exhorted believers to imitate him as he imitated Christ. No man ever died with more peace and contentment than Paul who entered eternity saying he had finished his course, fought a good fight and kept the faith.
"If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things are new." Change is inevitable. We anticipate a new heavens and a new earth. Until then look at yourself. Look at others and the world. Be trustworthy, honest and influence others by doing good. Believe that you and others can change and that the world is still changeable. Love God supremely. Love others as you love yourself. Love your enemies...pray for them...do them good...bless them and I promise you PEOPLE WILL BE GLAD WHEN THEY SEE YOU COMING--INSTEAD OF GOING.
"We welcome your comments and the opportunity of getting to know you. You can email us at jgrobbins@verizon.net or reach us at 765-449-1988. If these thoughts bless you--tell others. May God lighten your load today and brighten your road!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Three Men Who Changed the World
"When I was young, I wanted to change the world. The world still needs changing. I just tired of trying to change it." These words were spoken to me by a business man in Raleigh, NC in 1981, who had been a Baptist pastor and quit. Silently, I said, "Oh God! Don't ever let this be my attitude!"
Sam Thomas was my Associate Pastor at the Portland Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK in the 1970's. Today, he is 94 years old; lives in Huntington, TX; preaches in a Methodist Church and has NEVER spent a night in the hospital or taken a prescription drug. He often says, "I'm not dead yet." Which of these two men do you want to follow? The quitter or the believer who will be faithful until death?
Abraham, JESUS and Mohammed changed their world. The first gave us the Old Testament; the second the New Testament and third the Qu'ran (Koran). Nearly 50% of the world follow these 3 men in 2007. One lived 4,000 years ago, the other 2,000 years ago and the last one l,500 years ago. When Jews, Christians and Muslims can mutually love, pray and respect each other and teach and practice RELIGIOUS FREEDOM our world will be a safer and better place.
The JEWS anticipate the coming of the Messiah. The MUSLIMS honor Jesus as a Prophet. One third of the world believes that JESUS is the Jews' Messiah and the Prophet Moses said would come after him. They also believe that he is greater than all the prophets and is the Son of Man, Son of God, Saviour, Lord, Christ, Creator, Lord of lords and King of kings. When Jews believe Jesus is their Messiah and the Muslims confess that he is MORE THAN A PROPHET then the ONE AND ONLY PRINCE OF PEACE will bring peace to our hearts, homes and nations.
It's NOT too late to change the world. It can be done "one heart at a time," "one family at a time" and "one nation at a time." COME! Let's work together to change our world through prayer--through love--through the truth of Abraham, Mohammed and JESUS who said he was "the Way, the TRUTH and the Life."
Most people don't believe the world can be changed. A few "weird" people believe it can. Classify YOURSELF! As for me and my house we believe that "Nothing is impossible with God" and that "All things are possible through the prayer of faith." Let us PRAY!
Sam Thomas was my Associate Pastor at the Portland Avenue Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK in the 1970's. Today, he is 94 years old; lives in Huntington, TX; preaches in a Methodist Church and has NEVER spent a night in the hospital or taken a prescription drug. He often says, "I'm not dead yet." Which of these two men do you want to follow? The quitter or the believer who will be faithful until death?
Abraham, JESUS and Mohammed changed their world. The first gave us the Old Testament; the second the New Testament and third the Qu'ran (Koran). Nearly 50% of the world follow these 3 men in 2007. One lived 4,000 years ago, the other 2,000 years ago and the last one l,500 years ago. When Jews, Christians and Muslims can mutually love, pray and respect each other and teach and practice RELIGIOUS FREEDOM our world will be a safer and better place.
The JEWS anticipate the coming of the Messiah. The MUSLIMS honor Jesus as a Prophet. One third of the world believes that JESUS is the Jews' Messiah and the Prophet Moses said would come after him. They also believe that he is greater than all the prophets and is the Son of Man, Son of God, Saviour, Lord, Christ, Creator, Lord of lords and King of kings. When Jews believe Jesus is their Messiah and the Muslims confess that he is MORE THAN A PROPHET then the ONE AND ONLY PRINCE OF PEACE will bring peace to our hearts, homes and nations.
It's NOT too late to change the world. It can be done "one heart at a time," "one family at a time" and "one nation at a time." COME! Let's work together to change our world through prayer--through love--through the truth of Abraham, Mohammed and JESUS who said he was "the Way, the TRUTH and the Life."
Most people don't believe the world can be changed. A few "weird" people believe it can. Classify YOURSELF! As for me and my house we believe that "Nothing is impossible with God" and that "All things are possible through the prayer of faith." Let us PRAY!
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