by Whitey | Mar 11, 2011 | Ministry News
Hi everyone,
By now most of you have probably heard about the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan today. I just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know that I’m OK. We felt the quake here in Nagoya, but it was not strong enough here to cause any damage or injury. In fact, though the building shook for a couple minutes and it was pretty scary, I was able on with my day like nothing happened. I didn’t realize how large of an earthquake it really was until I got online a little later and read what other people were saying about it.
Please pray for those up north. At least 32 have been killed. Not sure of the extent of the injuries or damages, but this was a big one.
Blessings,
robin
by Whitey | Mar 11, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“So they shall put my name on Israel, and I will bless them.” (vs. 27)
「こうして彼らがイスラエルの人々のために、わたしの名を唱えるならば、わたしは彼らを祝福するであろう」。
To have God’s name on me. The image in my mind here is of a tattoo or a brand that everyone can see. Only in this case, the brand is on my heart, not my body. May God’s blessing be so obvious in my life that people will see Him when they look at me.
日本語で、その英語と違うイメージですが、同じメッセージがあります。神様の名前によって祝福をいただけます。その祝福をいただいたら、交わりの人々は私たちの生活に神様が見えます。そのような祝福をいただくように。
by Whitey | Mar 8, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“When a man or a woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed.” (vs. 6-7)
In Scripture, there is a definite connection between our relationships with each other and our relationship with God. In this passage, that connection is clear: wronging another person = sinning against God. The sin must be confessed and restitution must be made.
It works both ways: When there are hurt feelings between us and a friend, if unresolved, that will harm our relationship with God. And if we are not in regular communication with God through prayer and the Word, or if there are un-confessed sins in our hearts, that will have a negative impact on our relationships with others. As we saw in 1 John, to truly love others we need to receive God’s love.
Our relationships matter. Lord, please help us to receive and live in Your love today.
by Whitey | Mar 7, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage, the different clans and families of the Levites received their work assignments for the care of the tabernacle. This does not make for very exciting reading, but there is a lesson to be learned here: everybody had a part to play; each part was important.
I’m reminded of the New Testament teaching that we, the Church, are the Body of Christ. Each of has a unique and important role to play in service to the Kingdom, just as the different parts of a human body has a specific purpose. And while some roles are not very exciting or glamorous, each role is important. Each person is important. God loves us as a body and as individual parts. Let’s not forget that love. Let’s encourage each other as we work together for His Kingdom.
And let’s do the work. Let’s BE the Church, Christ’s Body in the world today. Together we are so much more than on our own.
by Whitey | Mar 1, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“イスラエルの人々は、すべて主がモーセに命じられたとおりに行い、その旗にしたがって宿営し、おのおのその氏族に従い、その父祖の家に従って進んだ。” (2:34)
“So the people of Israel did everything as the Lord had commanded Moses. Each clan and family set up camp and marched under their banners exactly as the Lord had instructed them.” (2:34)
神様が計画を持っていました。人々が従った。まだ計画を持っています。私たちも今日、信頼して神様に従うように。
God had a plan. The people obeyed. God still has a plan. May we, too, trust and obey Him today.
by Whitey | Mar 1, 2011 | Ministry News, Uncategorized
Hey everyone,
Here’s my latest JapanLog newsletter, the first one in several months. Please read and pray! Thanks so much for your support!
PRINTABLE (larger file size) VERSION:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12247320/014-print.pdf
LOW-RESOLUTION (faster download) FOR VIEWING ON YOUR COMPUTER:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12247320/014-web.pdf
– robin (Mar. 1, 2011)
by Whitey | Mar 1, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
After the Israelites left Egypt, they had many challenges ahead of them, the biggest one being to enter and conquer the Promised Land. An army was needed, so the able men were counted and recruited. But an entire tribe, the Levites, was set apart for another purpose: worship. They were a tribe of priests. Worship was so important that the Levites one job was to lead God’s people in worship. The tabernacle and worship were central to the community life of Israel.
Fortunately we don’t have to through a priest or offer sacrifices to get to God today. That’s why Jesus came. But worship is still central to our Christian communities. It’s central to our personal lives as well. Let’s keep that in mind as we go about our business throughout this week, and as we meet together each week in the name our great high priest — our “Levite” — Jesus.
by Whitey | Feb 24, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Sometimes the trials and temptations we face can seem overwhelming. We are weak. We are easily defeated. But we are not alone.
“…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (vs. 4)
God is stronger. Rely on His strength today. Live in His love. Live through Him. (vs. 9) In His strength and love, we can overcome.
by Whitey | Feb 24, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us.” (v. 23)
I love the simplicity of this verse. We tend to complicate things. But this sums up what it means to be a Christian, doesn’t it? Believe in Jesus; love each other. Not always easy. But not complicated either.
Keep it simple.
by Whitey | Feb 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
今日、神様の愛を思い出しました…感謝しています。神様の子供になたことを感謝しています。恵、許し、救い、感謝しています。今日、イエス様の愛の中で生きたいです。神様、助けて導いてください！
