by Whitey | Apr 12, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
A passage about “Signs of the End of the Age” could be seen as scary. Or depressing. But what stood out to me this time were these phrases: “do not be alarmed,” (vs. 7) “do not worry,” (vs.11) and “he who stands firms to the end will be saved.” (vs. 13) Jesus is not only warning us; He is also encouraging us. As He says elsewhere, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus never denied the reality of suffering. He never promised that life would be easy. But He promised that we are not alone. He is with us and He has overcome the world.
Later on Jesus gives us this warning: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.” (vs. 22-23) We live in a world where many claim the name of Christ but live according to their own whims. Religious leaders, calling themselves Christians, teach things that blatantly contradict the clear teachings of Jesus. Unfortunately those outside the Church equate that with true Christianity and are turned away from faith. Perhaps more unfortunately, true believers can be lead astray.
It’s so important to keep our eyes on Jesus. It’s so important to know His Word and keep our relationship to Him strong. Let’s not be overcome. Let’s stay close to the one who has already overcome the world.
by Whitey | Apr 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” – Jesus (Mark 12:34)
This line from Jesus really stands out to me, especially because of who He was talking to at the time. Jesus didn’t usually get along with the teachers of the Law, the religious leaders of His day. They were always focused on the letter of the Law, but usually seemed to miss God’s heart for us in it. And they legalistically enforced their particular, narrow interpretation of the Law.
Yet Jesus complimented this particular teacher.
This guy got it. He agreed with Jesus when He said that the greatest commandments were to love God with everything you have and to love your neighbor as yourself. This teacher understood that love is “more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (vs. 33) He knew that it was all about love.
The question is, do we? Do I?
When I’m tempted, is it legalism or fear that keep me from sin? Or is it love? When I do ministry, do I do it out of duty? Or do I really want to worship God and share His love with people?
Jesus, thank You for Your love. Thank You that Your kingdom is all about love. Help me to truly understand and live in that truth. To live in Your love. To live a life of love. Amen.
ロビン
by Whitey | Apr 5, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
私も盲人です。ときどき自分の弱点や罪が見られない。もちろん将来も見られない。毎日イエス様の導きが必要です。イエス様、今日、助けて導いてください。
I am a blind man too. Sometimes I can’t see my own sins or weaknesses. And of course I can’t see the future. Every day I need Jesus’ guidance. Jesus, please, lead and help me this day.
ロビン
by Whitey | Mar 31, 2011 | Ministry News
Thank you for praying for Japan! And thanks for the encouraging messages many of you have sent me in the past few weeks. I haven’t been able to respond to all you individually, but rest assured your emails were read and appreciated.
The week following the earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, I went to help out at the CRASH (Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope) Tohoku Relief command center in Tokyo. I was there for just over a week before retuning to my responsibilities in Nagoya. Honestly, it has been tough to go on with “business as usual.” The need in the affected area is so great that I keep wishing I could do more. But I’ve come to realize that the biggest need right now in Japan — all of Japan — is for hope. Here in Nagoya we are safely hundreds of kilometres away from the disaster area, but we are definitely feeling the affects. Almost every conversation seems to turn to the topic of the Tohoku disaster. Many are heartbroken; many are worried and scared.
This past Saturday, I had a new student visiting my English class. After class, he and I went out for lunch. He expressed a sense fear and worry after all that has happened in Japan recently, wishing he could move abroad and escape the risk of earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear disasters. I was able to tell him that I wasn’t worried or afraid because I believe in God. It was a small thing, but I never would have had that opportunity if I had canceled all my English classes to go help with the relief efforts.
We who know Christ are heartbroken over all that has happened, too. The difference is that we do not mourn without hope.
While it is tragic that it had to happen this way, I get the sense that this could be the event that God uses to bring about a much-needed spiritual breakthrough in Japan. Please pray that God will indeed use this tragedy for that greater good. And pray for me, too, that I will know how to minister effectively in the current climate. Pray especially for my work with the Nagoya-Higashi Church youth on April 9, and the English Club even here at the Nagoya Church on April 24 (Easter Sunday). Pray that I can clearly convey a message of hope and salvation in Christ.
As I said, the need in North-Eastern Japan is still great. Pray for the still-unresolved situation at the nuclear plant in Fukushima, for the people in the affected areas, and for the ongoing relief efforts. If you would like to help out financially, I would highly recommend giving to CRASH. You can visit their website (www.crashjapan.com) for more info, and check out my blog (www.japanlog.tumblr.com) for more on my experiences with them.
Thank you so much for your partnership in my ministry to Japan!
– Robin
(posted Mar. 31, ‘11)
by Whitey | Mar 30, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In yesterday’s devotional writing, I didn’t talk about the ‘unforgivable’ sin mentioned in Numbers 15:30-31. After Masaru-sensei’s message at prayer meeting last night, though, I think I have a clearer understanding. In these verses it talks about someone sinning “defiantly” and thus being guilty of blasphemy, his guilt remaining on him. No sacrifice is prescribed. In today’s passage we see this law in action, in verses 32-36, where a man breaks the Sabbath and is stoned to death for it. This seems really harsh, but the point is clear: sin (any sin) is serious.
But what makes some sins unforgivable? This is similar to what Jesus says about in the New Testament when He talks about ‘blasphemy against the Holy Spirit’. The issue, as I understand it, is not the particular sin, but the heart of the person who commits it.
God is capable of forgiving even the worst of sinners. Jesus’ sacrifice is more than enough. All it takes on our part is repentance. That sounds easy enough. But repentance is more than just saying “I’m sorry” — true repentance includes turning away from sin and turning toward God. Asking for forgiveness without a willingness to change (or be changed) is not true repentance.
Sin is serious. May we always remember that. May we not fall into sin thinking, “It’s OK because God will forgive me anyway.” No, may we avoid it like the plague. And keep pursuing Jesus.
We need reminders. Verses 37-41 talk about this. For the Israelites it was tassels on the clothing. What should it be for you and me? Whatever it is, may we never forget how serious sin is, how much of a sacrifice Jesus’ death was, and how great and loving our God is.
“I am the Lord you God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.” (Numbers 15:41)
by Whitey | Mar 29, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
When I read the Old Testament Law, it always seems so complicated. There seems to be a rule about everything. Of course, positive side of that is that God cares about every aspect of our lives. His love is thorough, desiring to do a good work in ever little part of our lives. This is something to be thankful for.
In Numbers 15, God outlines different kinds of sacrifices for different kinds of sin; intentional and unintentional. There are other sacrifices explained in other parts of the Law as well. As I said: complicated. But sin runs deep and needs to be dealt with.
The good news is, Jesus Christ came to replace all of those sacrifices with His own. Jesus is the ONE sacrifice that covers ALL of our sins — intentional and unintentional, seen and unseen, past, present and future. ALL are covered by Christ’s ONE sacrifice. It’s thorough, touching every area of our lives.
Thank you, Lord, that You care about every area of our lives. Thank You that made a way through Jesus to deal with sin and the effects of sin in every part of us. Thank You for forgiveness, thank You for cleansing. Help me to not take it for granted today. Help me to walk in the light of Your love today. Amen.
God’s love is thorough.
by Whitey | Mar 29, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
「…他国の人も、主の前には、あなたがたと等しくなければならない。」（１５）
皆は違います。違う国、違う文化、違う弱点、違う力、違う罪があります。でも、いつも同じ神様に同じ愛や恵みを受けられます。感謝しています。
“…You and the alien shall be the same before the Lord.” (vs. 15)
We are all different. We have different home countries, cultures, strengths, weaknesses and sins. But, from the unchanging God we can all receive the same love and grace. Thank God for that.
by Whitey | Mar 28, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage, after seeing the Lord’s disapproval at their lack of faith, some of the Israelites changed their minds. They chose to enter the Promised Land after all. But God was not behind this action, and so they failed. They’d missed their opportunity to receive God’s promises. He would not bless their attempts to take the Land in their own strength.
I’m reminded of the time King David wanted to build a temple for the Lord, but God said no. David’s son would have that privilege. Sometimes we want to do great things in Jesus’ name, but not according to His will or timing. The thing we have mind — a ministry, a career choice, a relationship — may be good, but if God is not in it, it will fail. And maybe, once we get past the disappointment of God saying no to our ‘brilliant’ idea, we’ll find He has something a lot better in mind.
The question is, do we really believe that God’s plans are better than ours?
by Whitey | Mar 23, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
God had Moses send spies into the Promised Land. 10 of them came back afraid of the enemies they saw; only 2 of them had faith to believe that God could help them conquer them. How often do I focus on the risks, the needs, the negatives? God would have me focus on His promises, His presence, His provisions.
Israel missed out on God’s best for them because of fear. It would take 40 years before they would enter the Promised Land. An entire generation missed their opportunity.
How often do we let fear control us? How much do we miss out on because we are afraid to take risks?
The current disaster in Japan has been a huge reminder of just how short and fragile life is. Life is too short, the future too uncertain, to let fear hold us back from living the lives God wants us to live.
by Whitey | Mar 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
CRASHって、何ですか？（日本語）What is CRASH? (Japanese with English subtitles)
(posted March 21, 2011)
