by Whitey | Nov 10, 2012 | Thoughts
“So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.”(Deuteronomy 4:39 NLT)
This verse seems to be the heart of this passage, the heart of God’s message to His people through Moses.
You would think that Israel wouldn’t need to be reminded of this truth after all they’d experienced. But they did. You would think that we, as Christians today, wouldn’t need to be reminded either. But we do.
I certainly do.
Lord, You are God; the only God. And I want You to be MY God today.
by Whitey | Nov 9, 2012 | Thoughts
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.” (Deuteronomy 4:31 NLT)
Today I’m reminded of God’s promises, and His faithfulness to fulfill them. No matter how often I fail, fall or sin, He will not just abandon me or reject me. He always takes me back, restores and forgives. He’s promised us so many good things. If we trust Him, we will see their fulfillment. Like the promise earlier in this passage, that “if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NLT)
Let’s trust Him today. Let’s seek Him. He is faithful.
by Whitey | Nov 3, 2012 | Photos
by Whitey | Nov 1, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi Everyone,
Thank you for your prayers during October! In between English classes and other ministries, I was able to get away for a few days to attend the Global Partners Asia Area Retreat. It was a great time of worship, prayer, fellowship and fun with fellow missionaries who work in various parts of Asia. I came back feeling refreshed and with a new perspective on my ministry here in Japan. I’m really thankful I had the opporunity to attend.
The end of the year is shaping up to be a busy time of ministry for me. Please pray with me for the following:
1. This coming Sunday (11/4) I’m preaching at a church in Yokohama. This will be my first time doing a Sunday morning sermon in Japanese! It’s an outreach service too, so please pray for any non-believers in attendance.
2. The following Sunday (11/11) I’m scheduled for my monthly ministry at Shizuoka Church, where I’ll be teaching English and the Bible to teens.
3. On November 17, we have a special outing for my English students. We’ll be visiting a big park for some hiking and to see the fall colours. Please pray that through this, deeper relationships will be built.
4. On November 24, I’ve got youth group at Nagoya-Higashi Church.
5. On November 25, we’re having an English Club “Thanksgiving Party” outreach event.
6. I’d also really appreciate your prayers as I plan for the new year. It looks like there will be some new challenges and opporunities to take on. Please pray for God’s direction and for clearer vision as my ministry in Japan continues to evolve.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry here in Japan! Your prayers and support mean more to me than you can imagine!
Blessings,
– Robin
by Whitey | Oct 6, 2012 | Photos
We had a small turnout this time, but it was a lot of fun. Delicious too!
by Whitey | Oct 5, 2012 | Uncategorized
Again the phrase “Then they will know that I am the Lord” is repeated here. Today this reminded me of the New Testament promise that someday everyone will see and acknowledge Jesus; that “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” I want to be among those who willingly choose to bow. I choose to worship Jesus now.
by Whitey | Oct 5, 2012 | Uncategorized
In this passage God promises judgement for some and blessings for others. These kind of passages can be hard to understand, and even harder to apply to our own lives. But the key message in this chapter is, I think, found in the repeated use of phrases like “Then they will know that I am the Lord.”
God cares about His glory. He wants credit. This would be prideful for one if us, but the difference here is that He’s God and we’re not. He actually does deserve credit, praise, attention, and loyalty. He deserves our worship. He deserves the glory. He wants people to know Him and acknowledge who He is.
In this passage God promises to show His glory through the judgement of some and by blessing others. The question for us today is, how will God reveal His glory in our lives?
We have the choice to follow Him or not. My prayer is that He will be glorified through me in response to my faith and obedience, not in spite of me.
I want His blessing. I want His best. What about you?
by Whitey | Oct 3, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
I hope you are doing well. This Canadian is certainly enjoying the cooler weather here in Nagoya as summer turns to fall. I don’t know about you, but for me September went by really quickly. Life is busy, but as always there is a lot to be thankful for. Please join me in praising God for His blessings and praying for our ministry in Japan.
Praise:
1. The end of August marked 10 years since my first time in Japan!
2. We had 3 new people come to English Cafe in early September.
3. On September 15, we had a party for my English students. 18 people took part, without about half being un-churched. Some good conversations took place, lots of great food was eaten, and everyone had a great time.
4. This Sunday we had a Music Festival at our church, and we had several visitors in spite of the fact that there was a typhoon on the way. I was really thankful, too, that one of my un-churched English students, an elderly jazz musician, took part.
5. I’ve gotten into the swing of things with the Christian manga assistant job. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and enjoying the experience.
Prayer Requests:
1. This month’s English Cafe is this Friday. Please pray for good attendance and conversations. Please also pray for my regular weekly English classes.
2. Next Wednesday (10/10) I lead worship at prayer meeting.
3. Oct. 13-14 I’m scheduled to do youth/English ministry at Shizuoka Church again.
4. On Oct. 15-21 I’ll be travelling to the GP Asia Area Retreat.
5. October 27 I’m scheduled to help lead youth group at Nagoya-Higashi Church. In recent months, lots of things have gotten in the way of this “monthly” ministry. Please pray that I can maintain a good connection there and have an impact on these teens.
Thank you for partnering with me in our ministry in Japan! I couldn’t do this without your support!
– Robin
by Whitey | Sep 14, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
‘The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.’ (Isaiah 29:13 NIV)
What an easy mistake to make! How often do we find ourselves going through the motions of church attendance, devotions, rituals and rules, without actually connecting with God through these things? How often do we follow man-made rules and do at the expense of following Jesus’ teaching and example of love?
Thus is another great reminder if what true worship looks like. It’s not about rules or rituals; it’s about love. It’s not about ourselves; it’s about Jesus.
