by Whitey | Jan 18, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“But the angel of the Lord said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.’…” (Mark 1:13)
I am not very good at waiting. Like many of us, I have dreams and desires I’ve been praying about for a long time. And sometimes that’s hard. I get frustrated. I get impatient.
But I haven’t waited nearly as long as Zechariah and Elizabeth, who waited until they were old before the Lord finally enabled them to have a child. It had been such a long wait that Zechariah didn’t believe it at first, even though an angel appeared to him to give him the news.
I’m reminded today to keep waiting, keep praying and keep believing God for the things I need, desire and dream about.
Thank You, Lord. Please help me to wait, and to wait well.
by Whitey | Jan 12, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Oh, praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,
you who serve at night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up holy hands in prayer,
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord, who made heaven and earth,
bless you from Jerusalem.”
(Psalm 134:1-3 NLT)
This Psalm seems to be a prayer and an encouragement on behalf of those who ministered before the Lord in the Temple. It reminds me of two things: First, the importance for those of us in full-time ministry of not only leading others in worship, but worshiping God ourselves. And second, that we need people to praying for us and our ministries, praying God’s blessing on us, as the singers of this song did for their priests.
I’m so thankful for the strong support base I have in North America, giving and praying so that I can serve in Japan. And I’m thankful, too, for my church family here in Nagoya, with whom I have the honour of serving God together, and who always pray for and encourage me.
by Whitey | Jan 7, 2012 | Uncategorized
by Whitey | Jan 7, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
This verse is a good reminder as I start 2012 to not live or minister in my own efforts or according to my own plans, but to let God guide and empower me instead. May God build my life and ministry this year. If I build by myself, they will not be what they could be. I want His best instead.
by Whitey | Jan 6, 2012 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
Happy New Year! Here’s a link to my latest newsletter. Please check it out:
• Low resolution (for viewing on computer)
• High resolution (for printing)
Thanks for your continuing prayers and support!
– Robin
by Whitey | Jan 5, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)
What about those who don't sow in tears? I wonder if the reason we don't see more fruit in our ministries sometimes is because we don't let our hearts break for those we're trying to reach. As we work for the Lord, do we keep in the real purpose in mind? Do we actually care?
How is prayer life? How much time do I spend praying for others rather than just myself? How often and how much does my heart break for others?
May my heart be broken by the things that break God's heart.
by Whitey | Dec 26, 2011 | Uncategorized
Walking in a winter wonderland…
by Whitey | Dec 22, 2011 | Uncategorized, Videos
[vimeo 34063916 w=500 h=281]
A look back at my life and ministry in Japan this past year.
by Whitey | Dec 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” (vs. 20)
It would be awesome if this described me. Sure, I have my moments. But how often am a consumed by other things, distracted from the Word and ways of God? And yet in God’s Word freedom is found.
“I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
Freedom. We don’t usually think of following commands as bringing freedom, do we? We think of freedom as doing our own thing. But God loves us, and His commands are for our good. And so, with His Word and Spirit and grace, we can follow His commands to freedom.
Today I choose to follow. Please teach me Your ways, Lord, and lead me.
by Whitey | Dec 19, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
I love the imagery in this Psalm, especially the part about “cutting down” enemies in the name or authority of the Lord. Our battle is not a physical one, but a spiritual one. I think we sometimes forget that, and that the battle is won in prayer and worship. We forget the power we have in Christ. We forget that with fath we can move mountains.
Lord, keep moving mountains in my life. I claim the victory and freedom You’ve already won for me. And I submit to You, my commanding officer. Lead me this week, I pray.
