The Band

by | Aug 28, 2012 | Uncategorized

P524

A little late, but here’s a pic of the worship band from this year’s youth camp. I’m the guy with the hat.

Isaiah 10:5-15

by | Aug 20, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes. For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings.'” (Isaiah 10:12, 13 NIV)

This is one of those passages that can seem a little unfair at first. God uses a Marin to discipline Israel, and then He punishes that nation too. But the real issue is pride, as we see here. And it’s a real issue for many of us today too.

I really want to see results in my ministry. But Lord, protect me from pride. Keep my motivations pure. Keep me from being jealous of the success of others. And when results do come about, may I never forget to give You the glory. May I never think I’ve accomplished anything worthwhile without Your help. And may I remember what kind of results are actually important to aim for and pray for.

Isaiah 7:1-9

by | Aug 14, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9)

As I was reminded last night during the first message at Youth Station, we shouldn’t think of our faith as simply one category of life, separate from our roles at work, in our families, as citizens, etc.

True faith is more than that. It’s like a foundation on which our whole life stands. And as this verse reminds me, if that foundation is not firm, the rest will come crashing down.

God should be more than my top priority. He should be my center, my very life. My everything.

Lord, may You be my everything today.

Isaiah 5:13-23

by | Aug 11, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. 

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” 

(Isaiah 5:20, 21 NIV)

My own wisdom is not enough. If I think I don’t need others, or if I don’t think I need God’s Word and wisdom, I’m a fool. 

We get so many mixed messages in this world. Yes, we need to think think for ourselves. But without staying connected to God through His Word and prayer, it’s easy get right and wrong confused. It’s easy to get distracted and end up on the wrong path. Without God’s light, it’s easy to get lost in the dark.

Lord, I’ve been guilty of neglecting my need to seek You in prayer and through Your Word. I admit my weakness. I admit I’ve allowed distractions to become excuses. Please help me make my time with You the priority it needs to be. Please don’t let me forget my need for Your wisdom, direction and presence. I need You, Jesus.

Isaiah 3:1-15

by | Aug 7, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized

“Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.” (Isaiah 3:10 NIV)

In this passage we see the Lord warning the people of the consequences of their actions. But here in the midst of it He provides encouragement, that righteousness brings rewards. The Bible doesn’t promise riches or power in life to those who follow Jesus; but it does promise that God will take care of us. 

And maybe the rewards He’s talking about aren’t for ourselves, but for those whose lives we can impact by living a righteous life. It’s encouraging to think that God could use me to change someone’s life.

Lord, please use me today. Full me and make me righteous, and may I see the fruit of that righteousness in my ministry today and in the days to come. 

August 2012 Prayer Letter

by | Aug 6, 2012 | Ministry News

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all having a great summer.  I know I am!  August started out with a week’s vacation, thus the lateness of this prayer letter.  I had a great time in Aomori, and now am getting back into the swing of things in Nagoya.

A lot has been going on! Here are some highlights…

On July 15, I was at Immanuel Shizuoka Church, where we held a kids’ outreach event, and 16 kids showed up.  We played games, sang songs, and ate ice cream, and I had the chance to share a short message about God’s love.  These are all kids who don’t normally come to the church, so I’m thankful that so many showed up.  Pray that we can continue to build good relationships with them in the months to come.

On July 22, we held a slightly late Canada Day party at my church in Nagoya, as our summer English Club event.  We had a guest Canadian musician and lots of Canada-themed fun. There was great turn-out: about 40 people total, 14 of whom were from guests who don’t normally attend the church. This included a few of my English students. Praise God that spiritual bridges are being built in Nagoya!

On July 29 and 30, I ministered at Immanuel Toyota Church’s two-day VBS for kids. This event had a smaller attendance, only 5 kids.  But I got to teach 3 messages them and really interact with them and share God’s love.  It was a great two days.

Tomorrow I leave for youth camp in Nagano, where I’ll be playing on the worship team.  Please pray for this week’s youth camp, as teens from all over Japan gather together; and for next week’s Youth Station — an event aimed at young adults taking place in Tokyo — which I’m also taking part in.

As always, thanks for your prayers and support! I really couldn’t do all this without all of you in my corner!

– Robin