It’s Me!

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Robert Springer

Isaiah 30:21 (NKJV)
21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.

Famous people have difficult lives. We watched a movie about a famous guy who ran off on his wedding day leaving the bride behind because he did not know how to handle the marriage. He was gone for eight years and finally showed back up in her life. People around these stars (like managers) want to separate them from those who matter because it makes them easier to control. Others may have an agenda which does not have your best interest in mind. Our enemy, the accuser, operates in much the same way. He tries to separate you from those who do have your best interest in mind.

Sometimes, we lose our way. We think we know where to go but get lost along the way. Voices in our head give us wrong advice. Mostly, the voices tell us we aren’t good enough, we lack the talent, we lack the resources. You have to be careful to whom you listen.

Isaiah was a prophet of the Lord Most High. Prophets tell the people what the Lord says. They do not speak their own opinion. Isaiah said, “This is the way, walk in it,” You must know to whom you are listening. Is it the Holy Spirit or is it someone else? It is like an old cartoon with good Goofy on one shoulder and bad Goofy on the other. There are negative voices on your shoulder telling you bad things? You should just go. You will never be good enough for her. She would be better off without you! Stop! Listen carefully! Is there a voice from behind you?

I heard that voice. I was in Honduras. God said, “trust Me!” This voice was audible and I was alone.

It is said you should compare the situation to Scripture. You must know Scripture to do that. Isaiah told us what the Lord wants us to do. He wants us to walk in His way. You will know in your gut which voice is His. Listen carefully. He still speaks. And if you are quiet enough, He will speak to you.

All those who wander are not lost. We take a different path. Sometimes, we wander to draw closer to Him. This is the way, walk in it!

Hello Lord, it’s me. By Your Spirit, guide us in the way we should go. Many voices want to distract us and pull us away from You. Do not let them! Help us to keep You ever in our consciousness and draw us ever closer to You. In Your name we pray.

 

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What Time Is It?

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Robert Springer

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 (NKJV) Everything Has Its Time

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:

2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;
3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away;
7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;
8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

How many times do you look at your watch each day? Probably hundreds of times per day. What is this obsession with knowing the time? There are companies who make special watches to cater to this obsession. Ecclesiastes speaks of all types of times. Times to do many different things including a time to die.

What time is it for you now? A time to build? A time to plant? A time to mourn? A time to heal? A time to laugh? A time to speak? What season of life are you in?

Are you giving your attention to the right thing at the right time? Life is hectic. We go through our days doing the urgent but not the important. Can we change our priorities to do better things? How can we know what is best? Luke 10:42 says, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Have you chosen the good part or are you just hurrying along trying to complete your to-do list?

Jesus gave us the insight we need. Sitting at His feet is the good part. Instead of rushing through your day, maybe you should start it earlier and slower. If you are a morning person, get up earlier than the rest and spend quiet time with the LORD. And if you are really quiet, with an open mind and heart, and listen very carefully, He will share the plans He has for you. They are good plans. His way is always better. When you go His way, He will open doors that no one can shut. He will lead you to people. He will take you places. He loves you. He will never leave nor forsake you. He will be with you in all the times of your life. When all else is done and you come to the time to die, He will be with you too! In fact, He will take you to be with Him where he is, in His Father’s house. There, you will be with Him forever!

Lord, It’s me. I have trouble believing You love us that much. Quiet our hearts from the doubts and open it to Your love. You have put eternity in our hearts. Silence the voice that tells us we will never be good enough. Remind us that our time is to be spent with You! That is the always best choice!

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Celebration

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Robert Springer

John 10:7-10 (NIV) The Good Shepherd
7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Celebration is a beautiful part of life that many do not enjoy. We do not celebrate ourselves enough. Human tendency is to see the bad rather than the good. John 10:10 says that Jesus came that we might have the abundant life. If we were obedient to that statement, we would be living that abundant life. I have chosen to listen to Jesus here and live a life of joy and peace, walking in His ways.

“Celebration is central to all the Spiritual Disciplines. Without a joyful spirit of festivity, the Disciplines become dull, death-breathing tools in the hands of modern Pharisees.”1 Since it is Spiritual to be joyful and celebrate, why do so many resist? Abe Lincoln said, “People are just about as happy as they made up their minds to be.” Happiness or joy is a choice, a decision! What choice will you make? Be thankful for the gifts God has given you. Have an attitude of gratitude, and let it flavor all you do. Celebrate any event when something is completed. Recognize yourself for an accomplishment. You may be walking through the valley, but don’t stop. Keep walking!

Jesus was all about Joy! We can rejoice always because we can trust in God. He is faithful! At Easter, it looked like all the Disciple’s hopes and dreams had come to an end. But, He is risen. He is risen indeed! We can rely on Christ because not even death could stop Him. God said His Word will not return to Him void. David Schroeder says, “The triumph of Jesus has already been attained: He has provided a satisfactory sacrifice for our salvation by His crucifixion, and he has victoriously conquered death by His resurrection.”3 His resurrection procured the Holy Spirit for us, our Comforter and Teacher. And with the Holy Spirit came the Fruit of the Spirit. I can work with some love, joy and peace right about now.

“Disciples of the kingdom are forward-looking people. We live expectantly, believing that the future belongs to Jesus because he is coming back to possess it and all that his Father created.”2 Focus on good things and endure the bad. Walk through the valley. Laugh as often as possible, especially at yourself. Joel 2:28 (NKJV) says,28 “And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.” Celebrate your imagination; your visions. What is the strongest nation in the world? The imagination!

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) says, 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. How do you celebrate holidays like Christmas? Is it all about what you get or what you give? The widow celebrated all God had done for her even though it may be small in other’s eyes. Being in Jesus is something to celebrate all by itself. There is no greater blessing!

Being alert is being obedient. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake (alert) and pray for Him because He was in distress knowing what was coming. They failed at their task and Jesus was alone. Or was He? The only time Jesus was alone was when He hung on the cross after absorbing your sins and mine. But for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross (and His separation from God) for our salvation. Our salvation was His joy and the reason for His coming. He came to seek and save the lost. That’s us! Obedience leads to joy because when we walk in the Father’s ways, it leads to blessings. Jesus obeyed, and we are blessed. By one man’s obedience, we are saved. That is all the reason we need to celebrate. Celebrate with me and thank God the Father that He sent His Son to seek and save the lost. In His name I pray!

1Foster, Richard J.. Celebration of Discipline, Special Anniversary Edition (p. 191). HarperOne. Kindle Edition.

2Schroeder, David E.  Follow Me, The Disciple-making Strategy of Jesus, (p. 227) Xulon Press

32Schroeder, David E.  Follow Me, The Disciple-making Strategy of Jesus, (p. 237) Xulon Press

 

 

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Look to Me!

Posted on April 17, 2020 by Robert Springer

Isaiah 42:16 (NKJV)
16 I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

One summer, I was working on installing new air conditioning in my house. I am used to working alone. I have been given gifts and talents to do some incredible things. All my life, I have been able to do things that amaze me. Most of the time, I can do them by myself. That is good and bad. Sometimes I try to do things alone that I shouldn’t. One day during the a/c installation, I knew it was a two-man job. I arranged for a friend, whom I have helped often, to help. I got everything set up waiting for him to arrive and get the job going. Around the time scheduled, I got a call that he wasn’t feeling well and would not be coming. I was not happy. All I needed was an extra pair of hands for a little while but now, I was stalled and disappointed. In fact, I was angry. With all the time I invested in others, I sat on the floor of my attic fuming because no one was helping me. It speaks to my baggage of second best.

Yes, I carry baggage. The baggage, which is from the enemy, says no one appreciates me, no one cares, I’m always second best. They just take what I am willing to give when it suits them. I want people to like me so I go out of my way to help others. Realistically, I know that’s not true. In fact, I got calls from my church friends Sue and Joe to see how I am doing. But that doesn’t change the nagging voice which says no one cares. One of the other things is always feeling alone. I always offer to help others but no one is around when I need help. Part of that is my poor skills at asking for help. Our culture teaches us we are supposed to do things on our own. But that is not God’s way. Genesis 2:18 says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” We were designed to be in community and not by our self. Besides being in relationship with each other, we are to be in relationship with God. He will never leave nor forsake us.

Isaiah tells us that God will lead the blind [us] through the darkness into His light. He will make their paths straight. And He promises to never forsake us. While the rest of the world leaves us hanging, the Lord will never forsake you. That doesn’t mean He will come bodily and hold up the other end of whatever you are working on. But He will make a way.

Something was revealed to me recently. Sometimes I get in a down mood because the evil one chirps in my ear about all that is going wrong. My default model it to turn to “second best” mode, to be offended. But something was different this time. I felt different. I got the sense it was time to lay down the insecurity and do something different. Actually, I heard a voice. He said, “Look to Me!” That changes everything. My disappointment with others no longer has to haunt me. Instead of being disappointed, I can look to Him Who can make the crooked places straight. He will never leave nor forsake me or you! Instead of depending on people, I am to look to Him. Life is going to be different. He will bring blind me into His glorious light. He will be my strength and shield. But here is the best part! He is there for you too. This wasn’t just good news for me. It is good news for you. Join me in looking to Him. He loves you.

Lord, You still speak to Your people today. Thank You for speaking to me. Thank You for letting me know how important I am to You. I am one of Your beloved. There are many of us. Please let others know how much they mean to You as well. Help us to remember to look to You and You only for all our needs knowing that You will provide. In Jesus name I pray!

 

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Absorbed!

Posted on April 12, 2020 by Robert Springer

Romans 3:21-28 (NLT)   Christ Took Our Punishment
21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

Why did Jesus come into the world? He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Who are the lost? Verse 23 above says, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means we all need saving; we are all lost. Jesus came for us! He is the Christ, the Anointed One; the Savior of the world. In order to save us, He had to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice. That sacrifice was made on what we now call Good Friday. I have always wondered why it is called Good Friday.

Anyway, there was need of a sacrifice and Jesus was it. He gave His life for you and me on the cross. Many are not sure what that means. Since I was a kid, I heard the expression, “Jesus died for our sins.” Most people do not understand the depth of His sacrifice. It was just as if Jesus took our place on that cross and suffered the wrath of God that belongs to us. But not just the wrath. Everything that the world and our enemy has against us, Jesus came to remove. That includes our sin, our disease, our death, our separation from God, everything. He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

How did He do it? How did Jesus take away all the bad and give us more good than we can ask or imagine? What was required to pay for all that sin and death. Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) says, “22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.” Jesus willingly shed his blood for you and me. He was the perfect sacrifice. He made us right with God by that sacrifice. He reconciled us back to Abba, Daddy God and all creation with us. We don’t have to work for it; Jesus already did all the work for us on the cross. We just need to put our faith and trust in Him.

Have you put your trust in Him? If not, why not? He has given everything for you. All He wants in return is your heart. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is the way to the Father. The debt was paid on Friday. Now comes the blessings of Deuteronomy 28. You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. Blessed when you go out and blessed when you come in. He will cause your enemies to be defeated and guard you in all your ways. The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself. Isn’t that what you want? Here is your chance to be holy to Him. Take it. He died and rose again all for you. He loves you! So much, in fact, that He gave Himself up for you. Come to Him. Today is the day of Salvation. He is risen for you!

Lord, there are no words to express our gratitude for all You have done for us. You have absorbed all our sin, and sickness into Yourself. How can You love us so much? It is more than we can ask or imagine. You gave it all for us. On this Easter, help us to give our all for you. In Your name I pray!

 

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The Source!

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Robert Springer

Philippians 4:19 (AMPC)
“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

On my remote control for my TV, there is a button named Source. That button decides which signal will be routed to the TV screen. I press that button and am presented with a menu of sources for the programming I am to watch. It is quite simple on my TV. Not so in this world.

People are fearful about provision. They are worrying about being able to get the supplies they need. People are hoarding things. Try to get toilet paper in any store. The shelves are empty. Why would there be a run on TP?

Tonight, I met with friends in a Zoom meeting. There was talk about anxiety and fear about the future. There was discussion about how some people are more fearful than others and how some people seem to be calm. Being calm and peaceful in the storms is desired. Would you like to remain peaceful and calm? To do that, you may want to consider what is your Source. Are you dependent on this world and the supplies in Food Mart? Maybe you can do like I do and choose a different Source. My Source is He that created the world and everything in it. “And my God will liberally supply your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” So who is your Source? Do you look to God or do you look to the governor of your state? I look to my Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) says, “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Lord, thank You that I do not have to depend on this world for my future. I am in You and You supply all my needs. Knowing You are my Source gives me peace. Please make Your peace known to others so they will be able to be calm and wait out this storm. Walk us through the valley to the table You have prepared for us on the other side. At that table, we will enjoy Your peace and rest. In Your name we pray.

 

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Three Crosses!

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Robert Springer

Luke 23:32-55 Selected (NLT)
32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. ……
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

 

An Armenian friend told me that whenever you get two Armenians in a room, you get three opinions. It seems as there is no shortage of opinions. How could there be more opinions than people? There is often more than meets the eye. There is the seen and the unseen.

Jesus still offered grace and mercy even while on the cross. He pleaded for our forgiveness to the Father while the world was crucifying him. He told the one criminal he would be with Jesus in paradise. He offered one sentenced to death, eternal life.

We have an enemy whose goal it is to kill and steal and destroy. He also wants to separate us from God. He will use whatever means needed to keep us from reaching our destiny. Satan was here in this world even before Adam and Eve. He was thrown down from heaven to earth. With fear, uncertainty and doubt, he will try to stop us in our tracks. He will even use a virus to stop us. It is amazing how something so small can cause such havoc. All it takes is the spreading of a little doubt. “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1b). Just a little doubt is all it takes to lead us down the wrong path. The media took that doubt and ran with it.

I took a course called the Masterworks Leadership Academy with David Schroeder. It was phenomenal. I learned so many things. I learned that there is more than meets the eye in many places. We have this world and the Spiritual realm. There were three Crosses at Golgotha but four deaths! Jesus had a criminal on either side of him so there were three crosses. So who was the fourth death. It was Satan! When Jesus breathed His last, the sacrifice was made. The price was paid in full. It was finished! Sin and death were overcome and Satan was defeated. He just hasn’t fallen down yet. The lake of fire awaits.

Our enemy has sent us a distraction. Something he thinks will stop us. Something to distract us. You didn’t think it was from God, did you? Are you going to buy in to Satan’s lies or will you keep your eyes on the Prize? We are the beloved of God. We are holy, righteous and redeemed in Him. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. I know you are worried. Remember who is in charge. A thousand may fall at your side. Ten thousand at your right hand. But it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes…. Fear not, for He is with you.

Lord, thank You for caring for us. Our hope is in You. Since You have our back, we can rest peacefully in You. Although we face serious challenges in the world, we are always held in the palm of Your hand. By Your grace, You will prosper us in the face of trouble. In Your name we live and breath. Amen.

 

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Undevourable!

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Robert Springer

1 Peter 5:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

 

The devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. That means that there are those whom he may not devour. I wonder what makes some people devourable and some people not undevourable? We are going to try to figure that out together. I know I want to be undevourable! I’m thinking you might also.

In a conversation with a brother today, I was reminded that Satan [which means deceiver] has access to heaven. In the book of Job, Chapter 1 says, “6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.” He has full access to the world and to Heaven. So he goes “to and fro” seeking those who are not wearing their full armor as it tells us in Ephesians 6:10-20. Here are the Lord’s instructions: “13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  If you need the step-by-step, you can go to your Bible and read verses 10-20. That is what we are called to do. To stand in His power wearing His full armor. That will make you undevourable.

Satan may prowl around all he wants. He also roars to scare you. But if you are in Christ, all you need to do is stand. The enemy has no power over you. Ignore his roar. He is a toothless lion. The battle, which is the Lord’s, is over. Christ won it for us. Satan cannot devour you! Praise God!

But what if you are not sure you are in Christ? Maybe you need to recommit. What if there is still a god-shaped hole in your heart? Christ is willing to come and fill it. All you need do is ask Him. Just say Lord Jesus, thank You that You love me. I need you. I am a sinner who can only be saved by Your grace. Come into my heart. I ask you to be my Lord, Savior and Friend. In Jesus name we pray.

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Lifted Up High!

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Robert Springer

Numbers 21:6-9 (NKJV)
6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

Sometimes, bad things come our way. Really bad things. Disease can stop us in our tracks. For the Israelites, it was poisonous snakes that were biting the people and they were dying. Why did these snakes appear? It seems that “…the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses…” God doesn’t like it when His people criticized His servant Moses. The Lord sent these fiery serpents against the people which bit them, and many died. This was an example of cause and effect. Be careful what you say about God’s servants.

In our country, people have been railing about the things of God and how He should stay out of our lives and our business. Ann Graham Lotz spoke in an interview and said “Americans in a sense have shaken their fist at God and said, God, we want you out of our schools, our government, our business, we want you out of our marketplace. And God, who is a gentleman, has just quietly backed out of our national and political life, our public life. Removing his hand of blessing and protection.” Some have asked us to remove the Ten Commandments from public buildings like court houses. People are thumbing their noses at the Lord’s ways and, while He may not send fiery serpents upon the land today, there are always consequences of not following His ways. The fifth Commandment tells us to honor our father and mother so that it may go well with you. God gives us direction so things will go well with us. He desires our blessing. Because He has great plans for us, He will not let us stay in the valley. He will lift us up high. Those who looked at the bronze serpent were healed, and they lived. Another benefit of listening to God.

Speaking of lifted up, John 3:14-15 NIV says, 14  “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15  that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Jesus is our Bronze Serpent! He was lifted up high. And up on that cross, He freed us from sin, death and disease. By His stripes, we are healed. Not going to be healed. It is past tense. It is finished! While chaos reigns in the world around you, peace can reign in your soul. All you need do is look upon your Bronze Serpent and be healed. Do not be afraid. The Lord your God will protect you! Fear not! For He is with you! In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit! Amen!

In Him,

Robert “Dr.Bob”  Springer

The Computer Doctor – I’m not really a doctor but I play one at Network Meetings. _____________________________________
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Why Fast?

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Robert Springer

Matthew 4:1-4 (NKJV) Satan Tempts Jesus
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Are you thankful at all times? Are you content? My Dad was Mr. Contentment. He was always happy with what he had and thankful. Perhaps it was because of some of the things he had been through. He faced very serious trials as a young person. He managed to live through that; he can get through the trials of daily living. Many today have never faced any serious challenges. They don’t know how.

In the verses above, Jesus in being tempted for forty days in the Wilderness. The tempter or devil tries to get Jesus to break His fast by turning stones into bread. Jesus uses Scripture to answer saying that Man lives by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Richard Foster says, “Fasting reminds us that we are sustained “by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Food does not sustain us; God sustains us. In Christ, “All things hold together” (Col. 1:17).  Foster, Richard J.. Celebration of Discipline, Special Anniversary Edition (p. 55). HarperOne. Kindle Edition.

I am in a class called Spiritual formation. Our assignment this past week was on Fasting and why and how to do it. I managed to fast 24 hours. I’m not totally sure what difference it made yet. That’s why I write. It helps clarify my thinking. Many do Journaling. That does not seem to work for me. But writing stories does. Let’s see where this goes.

I learned that fasting shows us what it means to do without something. It reminds us that food is not everything. There are those in the world who don’t have enough food to eat. In Honduras, where my Church has a school, the kids who attend get their only daily meal at the school. Going without for an entire day reminds me that every breath, every heartbeat, every bite of food is a gift from our God. The purpose of fasting is always supposed to be to draw us closer to God. Doing without made me realize how much He provides. Nothing matters apart from Him. Without Him, I am nothing. But there is good news. In Him, I am everything! And I am in Him. And I am thankful.

Father, without you, we are lost. Thank you for the opportunity to fast reminding us of all you do for us. Every breath is from you. Thank You that You invite us to feed on you. Your Word sustains us. Keep us safe in You. We know You love us and that is enough. Your great love give us all we need. In Jesus name we pray.

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You Can’t Take it With You!

Posted on March 25, 2020 by Robert Springer

Luke 12:22-34 (NKJV) Selected
22 Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on…. 30 For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Or can you? They have said you can’t take it with you. But you can send it on ahead. Jesus spoke about treasures in heaven where they will last and not be destroyed nor stolen. In this world, treasures are stolen, and moths eat through. Our world steals and kills and destroys. In heaven, it is not like that. So why do we try to gain so many possessions in this life. Greed seems to be everywhere. Much of our culture centers on self and what benefits our own cause. There is the saying the you never see a U-Haul following a hearse.

When we pass from this life, we cannot take possessions with us. But Jesus tells us we can send things ahead. What does he mean by that? There is another line in there which sheds light on His meaning.  “33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys.”  Instead of being self-centered, it seems as our Lord wants us to be outwardly focused. If we look out for others, we are building treasures in heaven. Jesus calls it “money bags” which do not grow old. Those treasures will be waiting for you when you arrive. So you can send it on ahead.

Right now, there are many things that worry us. Jesus also told us not to worry. It is curious that Jesus would speak about worrying and treasures in heaven in the same passage. It is hard to worry about yourself when you are focused on others. So maybe outward focus is a solution for worrying and saving treasures.

As I sit in our home isolated from the world to avoid the Corona virus, I wonder about where we are putting our focus. Looking at the stores, many are focusing on their own needs. What is the deal with the toilet paper? Hoarding has always bewildered me. When I looked at the paper isle and it was totally empty, I began to wonder. Are we focusing on ourselves or on those around us? What do tough times teach us? During 9-11, people went out of their way to help one another; to love one another. What about the days of Covid-19? How will they be remembered. How do you want to be remembered? I visited a Church we attended years ago because I had an appointment with the Pastor. In my Ministry, I am visiting with Pastors to keep them encouraged. Anyway, the current Church Secretary, Cathy, remembered me. She said I was the first person to greet her and her husband when they came to that Church. Now that’s how I want to be remembered.

What will you do in light of the current situation? We are all staying at home where possible. I pray for essential services workers who have to face the public every day. Do you want to build your personal wealth, amass possessions or build treasures in heaven? With every challenge comes opportunity. What opportunity do you have? Are there phone calls you could make? Jesus is asking you to be His hands and feet. From where you are, you can still make a difference!

Lord, help us to see what we can do for You in this current crisis. How can we love and care for one another if we can’t touch each other? Obviously, You know how because You have done it forever. Thank you for loving us. Teach us Your ways so that we may love one another as You have loved us. In Your name we pray!

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Glad I Did!

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Robert Springer

1 John 3:18 (NIV)
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry because it’s over; Smile because it happened!” Many things in life really matter. We all grieve when something is lost or over. But in order for something to be over, it had to come into existence in the first place. And for that to happen, someone needed to do something. Anyone can talk. My Uncle Freddie said, Talkers don’t do and doers don’t talk. You must act if you want things to happen. Zig Ziglar said, “You can say ‘I wish I had or I’m glad I did.’” I want to be a “glad I did” person. How about you?

John tells us that words alone will not suffice. We must love with actions. My friend Lee Rouson says love is a verb. I think that is what John means. Loving others means acting in their best interest. The important part is acting. Talking about love is a waste of time. How do you show someone you love them? What steps do you take that benefit them or improve their lives?

Many people hold their emotions back. I come from a very affectionate family. Feelings are easy for me to share. Not everyone can do that. I have a long-time friend whom I told I loved him. I got a “deer in the headlights” look. He did not know what to do with that. He is getting better now. He is up to the point where he will say, “I know, you love me.” I show him that is true. A little while back, both he and his wife got sick at the same time. To love them (verb), I bought food, took it over there and fed them. Don’t be shy. When you see something that needs to be done, do it! Don’t make excuses or think someone else will come along and take care of it. Show your love by taking action!

What about when something you enjoyed comes to an end? I have gone to Honduras in the Spring for several years now as part of the Dental Mission Trip. We are not going in 2020. It seems our leadership team cannot pull things together because they all have personal commitments. I have looked forward to this trip each year. We have made a lot of friends there. To make it worse, although we have been working our way out of this job for years, it seems as the Team in Honduras can now handle it on their own. One of the students who was in the second class at the school twenty years ago graduated dental school last year. She now handles the dental clinic with some help from her friends. Little did we know that this six-year old girl who first met the dentists when she came to HFH School would grow up to run the dental clinic. That is wonderful news. The bad news (at least from my point of view) is they don’t need us anymore. That era has come to an end. I am sad. But I am trying not to cry because it is over. I hope to sit back and smile because it happened. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him because there is a dental team in Honduras who will carry on the work of loving the children in Jesus name.

In Him,

Robert “Dr.Bob”  Springer
The Computer Doctor – I’m not really a doctor but I play one at Network Meetings.
____________________________________________
Robert “Dr. Bob” Springer, CMHG         P 908.625.8149
225 Peachtree Drive    Rural Delivery #2
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3503
[email protected]
www.EncouragementDaily.us
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Keep the Cup

Posted on February 9, 2020 by Robert Springer

Leviticus 17:11 (NIV)
11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.

In the Older testament, in the Book of Leviticus, we are told that the shedding of blood is required for atonement. When Adam and Eve sinned, they became aware that they were naked. At that time, God made them coverings out of the skins of animals. In order to obtain those skins, the animals had to die. The blood of those animals made atonement for Adam and Eve’s sin. Many years later, Jesus shed His blood at the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22 NIV).

In our Church, Communion has been served weekly using little plastic cups. We walk up to the front of Center Court and are given the elements of Bread and Juice. During Communion, we have a Prayer Partner in the back of the room for any who need prayer. On my assigned Sunday, I usually partner with my friend Jan. The Communion servers come to the back of the room after serving in the front to serve the Prayer Partners and the AV people as well as any who could not come up for Communion. This particular Sunday, I was praying with a person when they came back so Jan took the elements, waited until I finished praying and then served me Communion. That is when something curious, even supernatural happened.

I finished Communion and remained standing in the back of Center Court. There are spotlights in the ceiling over my head. I was standing right underneath one light. As I stood there holding the cup, the light caught the residue of the juice in the bottom and twinkled in my eye. It kept glimmering and getting my attention. And then it hit me! Nothing short of washing the cup could remove the juice in the bottom which symbolizes the Blood of Christ. The Blood will always be there for me and for you. I realized the cup is a reminder of how much He loves me and you. I now keep the cups. They are everywhere; in my car, my office, my bookcase, my den and everywhere. Keep the cup! He loves you! He loves you so much that He was willing to lay down His life so that you can have an abundant life. He took your pain, grief, sickness and disease in exchange for His life or righteousness and abundance. And the cup is a symbol or reminder of all of that. Wow!

Atonement was made for you by the Blood. Notice it is past tense. It is finished. The cup is the proof and the reminder. Thank You Lord for shining the light into that cup to remind us how much You love us. Many of us profess to love you but our love for you pales in comparison to Your love for us. I can’t fathom this kind of love. So thank You for the reminders. I will keep the cup. Thank You for keeping me! In Your name I pray.

 

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Knowing!

Posted on January 11, 2020 by Robert Springer

Matthew 16:13-17(NKJV) Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Knowing God changes everything. All my life, I have known God existed. I could see it in all of creation. Psalm 19 says “the heavens declare the glory of God….” It is hard to look at the universe and not believe there was a Creator though some people do. My default question is what about DNA? Did that develop out of a swamp? Did some big bang cause a helix of chromosomes to come together in this intricate fashion by accident? If one chromosome is slightly off, you get Downs Syndrome. Is that all by chance? I don’t think so!

I knew about Jesus but I did not know Jesus. Knowing about Him is not the same. Legend had it that Jesus was (and is) the Son of God. Intellectually, I knew that. There were stories pro and con about His status. But deep down, I did not yet believe the whole Son of God thing. Virgin birth; yea right. But what if it is true? What if the Holy Spirit visited Mary and became the father of a baby that was sent to redeem the world? Lee Stroebel set out to prove it was impossible and the Son of God was bunk. He, like me, found the information compelling. When you study the Scriptures and the historical materials surrounding that time in history, the pieces start to fit together; they begin to make sense.

I have been going through David Schroeder’s Masterworks Leadership Academy. Part of the training is determining your Spiritual Gift. Mine is encouragement. Something else I learned is about manifestations of the Spirit. Sometimes, your gift will show out in a different way that fits the current situation. Sometimes, I receive a Word of Knowledge. That is where you come to know something that you have no reason to know. It is not one of your gifts, you have no training in this area and there is no logical reason why you should have this knowledge. It is not natural. In fact, I have learned, it is supernatural. You know that you know that you know!

Coming to faith in Jesus can only be supernatural. You receive a Word of Knowledge by the Holy Spirit and you know that you know that you know. You have studied and investigated all the facts but are still not convinced. You can have a debate with a believer and still not be convinced. The thought of virgin birth and the Son of God is absurd until it isn’t. I promise you, even if you are the biggest skeptic, if you investigate with an open mind, you too will find the information compelling. There will be a point where your heart will take in all the information and you will believe. You will know that you know that you know and life will never be the same again! Mine isn’t!

Lord, open our minds to Your message. Help us receive the Good News. Remove the skepticism and doubt planted by our enemy and let us see clearly the love You have for us. Your plans are to prosper us and not to harm us. The accuser plants doubt. Be our shield protecting us from those doubts so we can really see the Truth. Your Son is the way, the Truth and the life. Let the Truth come to us through the supernatural so we know that we know that we know! In Jesus name I pray.

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Want to Get Stoned?

Posted on December 28, 2019 by Robert Springer

Leviticus 24:16 (NKJV)
16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.

Sound good to you? Many people today get stoned at a party. It’s not what it would appear in today’s culture. In biblical times, getting stoned was not a pleasant experience. It was the punishment of death to the perpetrator. It was capital punishment which did not seem like it fit the crime. Just using the Lord’s name in vain was punishable by death from stoning. It sure seemed that God was mean. Like He was out to stone you, doesn’t it? Here is the good news. He isn’t out to stone you. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

When we break the Law, there are consequences. Cause and effect. The Law was given to us so we would know exactly how far we fall short. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Death by stoning. But even back then, when the Law showed how far we fall short, our Lord had a plan to redeem us. You see, He wants to bless us. He wants us close to Him. He is a God of blessings. He loves you so much He took on human form and sacrificed Himself so that you could live. He satisfied the demands of the Law, the consequences, so that you could be the righteousness of God in Christ. Quite an exchange. Your sin for His righteousness. More than we could ask or imagine. But we didn’t. It was God’s doing and His alone. He did that for you!

Do you want to get high? What if I could offer you the most exhilarating experience of your life? What if you could have more joy than you have ever known? That is the joy that comes from loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus asked you to do just that. If you want real joy, follow His lead.

Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son. There is nothing so exciting and partnering with You to love people as You love. Allow us to partner with you to bring peace, joy and love to a hurting world. By Your Spirit, help us to live as You would have us live. In Your name we pray.

In Him,

Robert “Dr.Bob”  Springer
____________________________________________
Robert “Dr. Bob”. Springer, CMHG        P 908.625.8149

225 Peachtree Drive    Rural Delivery #2

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3503

[email protected]

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What Just Happened?

Posted on December 26, 2019 by Robert Springer

Luke 2:11-14
11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Something special has happened. I’m not sure we can even comprehend its meaning or the total ramifications. Even though it happened 2000+ years ago and we have the Newer Testament which gives us details, this event is more than we can ask or imagine. For unto us, a Child is born; Unto us, a Son is given. And the government will be upon His shoulders. The Prince of Peace has come to us. It is a present-day event as He is still with us. Are you walking with Him?

It is the anniversary of Christ coming into our world. It is just the beginning. He would walk the earth for more than thirty years and show us how we should live. He would offer all people the greatest gift ever given. Some would scoff and say it is too good to be true. But it is for real. Jesus offers us the gift from the Father of eternity spent with Them in paradise. In fact, you can start enjoying the benefits of that life in the here and now. You see, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. It is within you. Today, you can start enjoying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Wow. All that is available to us now because of what Christ has already done at the Cross. Remember the reason for Christmas is Christ and His love for you. That’s why He did what He did. It is finished!

Lord, there is no way we can thank you enough for all You have done for us. However, we would like to spend our lives trying. Lead us in the paths of Your Holy Spirit to be who You call us to be. And help us to shine Your light so others can find their way to You as well. In Your name we pray.

In Him,

Robert “Dr.Bob”  Springer

____________________________________________

Robert “Dr. Bob”. Springer, CMHG*         P 908.625.8149

225 Peachtree Drive    Rural Delivery #2

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3503

[email protected]

www.EncouragementDaily.us

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Encouragement Daily Book          366 Daily Devotions

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He Appeared!

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Robert Springer

Matthew 2:9-11 (MSG)
9-10 Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

11 They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

This morning, while listening to a Hillsong Worship service, I heard the words of O Holy Night in a new way. I have listed them here. “Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” This was a whole new concept; an eye opener! When Jesus appeared, our souls began to feel their true worth. Listening to the song touches me. Music reaches places in the soul where words cannot go!

 

O holy night the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

 

His Grace is amazing! By His presence alone, your soul can begin to blossom into the beauty He placed within you before the beginning of the world. Before His coming, we merely existed. After His coming, we now stand in the Glory of God. Everything has changed. In Christ, we are new creations. By His appearance we have come alive in Him. When He knocks at the door of your heart and you open it to Him, He will abide with you forever. His Spirit inside will make you glow. People will wonder why you are so joyful. Your soul will feel its worth.

He is looking for you. He wants to make your soul merry and bright. Tis the season. Open your heart and let Him in. Watch how those around you perk up in your presence because they can sense His presence in you! Merry Christmas!

Come Lord Jesus! Make us new creations in you. Push back the darkness in our souls with Your glorious light. In Your name we pray.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJgJVF7pSBQ

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He is Coming!

Posted on December 13, 2019 by Robert Springer

Isaiah 40:9-11
9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Who is coming? What is the news? And why is this Good News? Isaiah tells us that He is bringing good news to Jerusalem as well as His reward. We could use a reward about now. Things are tense at a time when we are supposed to be joyous. We are supposed to be anticipating the coming of our Lord. Instead, people are arguing and focusing on things rather than relationships.

At this time of year, I struggle with the fact that Jesus is coming and the world is still deep in darkness. I am almost embarrassed about the condition of the world. And I have not cleaned up my corner. As if I could. I get down when I hear about all the purchases I could make to insure a Merry Christmas. It seems we have forgotten the meaning of Christmas. Isn’t it about Christ?

Yes, it is about Christ and what He came to do. He came to offer Himself as our Savior. He came to absorb all our sin, failure, disease and shame. He completed His mission by going to the Cross. And on that Cross, He said “it is finished!” By that He meant He had absorbed all our failures into His body and free us from all that baggage. He took the sin; we get the righteousness! That’s too good to be true, isn’t it? Yes it is but it is true. “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Yup! He loves you that much. Enough to take all that trash in exchange for your redemption. By His stripes you are healed. You are the righteousness of God in Christ.

Lord, how can we thank You for all You have done? You said “it is finished”. And so it is. It is not about what we have to do; it is about what You have already done! No matter how dark the world still is, You are the Light of the world. Help us to shine Your light. For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given. And you changed the world. Thanks! Come Lord Jesus come.

In Him,
Robert “Dr.Bob”  Springer
____________________________________________
Robert “Dr. Bob”. Springer, CMHG*         P 908.625.8149
225 Peachtree Drive    Rural Delivery #2
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3503
[email protected]
www.EncouragementDaily.us
Encouragement Daily Book          366 Daily Devotions

“Helping People Understand the Operating System of Life!!!”

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I buy you books; you eat the covers!

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Robert Springer

2 Thessalonians 1:2-6 (MSG)
2 Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be.  3 You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. 4 We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. 5 All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, 6 but justice is on the way.

I have seen people struggle with a lot of things. Sometimes, God reveals things to me that could help them but they just don’t take the advice. My friend Roy says that “unsolicited advice is criticism.” He is right. So how do you let someone know that there is a way in which they could go that would bring them joy, peace and happiness. Instead, they ignore all the good they have been given and do not use the knowledge they have. It’s like they have books with answers but use them as door stops. I buy you books and you eat the covers!

Most people go through their lives “in quiet desperation”. They do the same things over and over again not grasping why things don’t improve. They doubt they can make a difference. They doubt life will get better.

You have everything you need to live out the life your Creator planned for you. A life of blessing, health, provision and joy. It is all inside you. In fact, Jesus said in John 17:22 (NIV) “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one”— The glory of God is in you. What else do you need?

I have coined a phrase called self-compassion. We humans are cruel to ourselves. Why? We go through life wondering what others think of us but not acknowledging what God says about us. We have “all we need” yet don’t use the gifts, talents or resources at our fingertips. I have a friend who suffers from depression. She struggles with thoughts of inadequacy without realizing the glory of God within her. Someone once criticized her and that is what stuck. Why do we listen to people and not the Creator who loves us more than we can ask or imagine? She has the answers within her reach but doesn’t take advantage of them. It is like self-sabotage. Like she doesn’t believe she deserves better. But she does!

Does this all sound familiar? Are you doing the same things over and over and expecting different results? That is the definition of insanity. Your Heavenly Father designed you for better. On top of that, He gave you everything you need to succeed. If you follow His lead, joy and peace are the results. Also, when you seek His Kingdom, everything else will be added to you. Insanity and depression or peace. You decide! But it is up to you. Choose joy, peace and happiness. They are waiting for you.

Lord, remove the doubt that entangles us. You made us for far greater. I know You are up there shaking your head over our foolishness. How about you slap us around a little and knock that not-worthiness out of our heads and, by your Spirit, remind us just how much You love us. So much, in fact, that You were willing to enter time and humanity and take all of the world’s pain, sin and sorrow upon yourself. Thank You for that incredible love. In Jesus name!

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Victory!

Posted on September 21, 2019 by Robert Springer

John 19:28-30 (NKJV) It Is Finished
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

What is finished? Jesus cried out in a loud voice “Finished” and died. If you recall, Scripture tells us He came into the world to die. It also says He came to seek and save the lost. What did His dying on the cross have to do with saving anyone? And what is “finished”? The Greek word used is “tetelestai” which means to bring to a close, to complete, to fulfill. It was used as a business term showing the conclusion of a transaction. It is also in the Greek perfect tense which means it is ongoing or into the future. What is the significance of all this? We will see.

This morning, I went to a Bible Study with guys I have known for years. It is a practice there to take prayer requests. One of the guys asked for prayer for a condition he has that he sees as having no end. He will have these issues the rest of his life. The way he mentioned the ongoing issues sparked something in me down in my Spirit. This was an admission of defeat. The battle would continue against this condition without end.

So what did Jesus finish? Scripture tells us that by His stripes we are healed. It is in the past tense. When you pray asking for healing, you are asking for an action to take place in the future. I have this issue now and I am asking God to heal or remove it. But that is wrong. Scripture does not say “by His stripes we will be healed.” It says we are [already] healed. We already have that healing. We have victory over the disease.

We need to pray from a place of victory! Our healing, righteousness, holiness and victory were already determined more than 2000 years ago at the cross! You are holy, righteous and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. It is FINISHED! You do not need to ask for healing. You are already healed. Instead of asking the Father for healing, praise the Son for having healed you. The transaction is complete. Jesus took your sick, diseased body in exchange for His perfectly healthy body in the transaction. It is finished. So stop asking for healing. Instead, thank the Lord for taking away your disease 2000 + years ago! By His stripes, you ARE healed!

Thank You Lord that You love us enough to have already taken away any sin or disease we will ever encounter. A thousand may fall at our side but, by Your stripes, it will not come near us. We are healthy, vibrant and strong by Your Spirit and Your actions. We thank you that You have made us perfect by Your one sacrifice all those years ago. We don’t deserve it, we can never earn it and we can never pay You back. But God, having loved us more than we can ask or imagine, has already given us victory over sin, disease and death by the blood of the Lamb. In Jesus name we pray.

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Under Attack

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Robert Springer

John 10:10 (NKJV)
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Have you ever felt that something was attacking you? You were doing fine and then all of a sudden, you are feeling anxious and having trouble breathing. It is as if some irritant was introduced into the area and your discomfort begins to rise. Most would call it inexplicable. I am at a place where I am beginning to recognize an attack.

I went to lunch with my friend Len Deo yesterday and our discussion turned to building the Kingdom of God. Len told me about plans for the future of benefitting families in New Jersey. Then I got to talk about the call I am feeling to minister to Pastors and Churches. As I speak about the vision I have been given, my passion for the Lord begins to rise. I cannot contain my enthusiasm. I love the Lord and it shows. I began to get very excited about my calling. The same happens with Len. His calling and Mission produce the same results.

Just about the time we get rolling on how we want to glorify God, we began feeling anxious and coughing. I asked Len how he was feeling. He said he noticed the same thing. It wasn’t the food. We ate different things. I didn’t realize it in that moment but the enemy did not want us to have that conversation. When we start speaking about building the Kingdom, it was my feeling that we both came under attack. The accuser wants to prevent people from doing God’s work!

I headed off after lunch to do my errands but the anxious feelings and the stress would not leave. I wrote to Len after to see how he was feeling and did he feel attacked. Yes, he did! Len asked me to call so we could pray. I was on another appointment but when I arrived home, I called Len. We discussed the situation for a minute and then Len prayed. He asked for the Lord to send the Angel Michael to fight against our enemy and free us from this attack. After that, I prayed for the full armor of God to protect us and that the Lord would strengthen us so we could stand through this trial. At that point, my anxiety began to melt away. The lord had answered our request.

Do you believe Satan exists? Jesus knows he does.  Luke 10:18 says (NKJV)18 And He [Jesus] said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Jesus tells up about Satan’s existence so we know our enemy is there. People wonder why bad things happen. We have someone whose mission it to kill and steal and destroy. If you have plans to glorify God, you are on his hit list. Better wear the Full Armor of God at all times. Be prepared! The Lord will help you to stand.

Lord Jesus, thank You that You always help us stand. Thanks that we find shelter in you. Thanks that You came to give us an abundant life. By Your Spirit, protect us from these attacks. In Your name we pray.

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Whose Hand Was It

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Robert Springer

Matthew 14:29-31 (NKJV)
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Are you willing to stretch out your hand to another to offer help? I have a saying which is “two people working together can accomplish as much as five people working alone.” It is called synergy. I have a friend with whom I have worked over the years who knows how I think (as warped as that might be) and can most times anticipate my next move and be there to help. His efforts make my work easier, faster and better. Do you have a friend like that?

Jesus tells us in John 15:5 He is the Vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Today, Jesus asks us to be His hands and feet in this world. We are supposed to help each other. Things go better when we do. Angela Pipersburg from the Kingdom Chamber coined a phrase called “coopetition” which highlights synergy. It is always better when we help and serve one another.

One of the sites we visited on our pilgrimage to Israel was the Tomb of the Holy Sepulcher. We waited more than an hour to get in to the tomb. They let five people inside at a time and rushed us back out as the line was long. My friend Rob went into the vestibule with me. The opening to the actual tomb was about three feet high and two feet wide. You had to crawl in if you wanted to see the place where Jesus body lay. When Rob saw it, he panicked saying he could not bend down that far to get in. I always think about solutions and how the task can be accomplished. With that in mind, I leaned down toward Rob, stuck out my hand and backed in to the small opening. Locking our arms together, we became sort of an arch supporting each other and made it inside. We both got to touch the place where Jesus lay and then we backed out the same way.

To hear Rob tell the story later, he saw a hand come out from the opening reaching toward him and decided to take it. Our Lord Jesus uses our hands to reach out to those He wants to help. It was a God moment. Serving the Lord allowed us to both enjoy fellowship with Him in that sacred place. What divine appointments has He offered you lately? Have you accepted His offer? I have come to a place in my Spiritual Journey that I can recognize and respond to the Lord when He calls. I am a little embarrassed. Rob is making a bigger deal of it than I think is warranted. However, if Jesus were there, He would have stretched out His hand. I got the chance to serve Jesus by serving Rob. Thank you Lord Jesus!

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Coming to Life

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Robert Springer

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Selected Verses (NIV) The Valley of Dry Bones

 1The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them,… 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. 11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel.

Ezekiel got to witness God’s resurrection of dry bones. The people of Israel were brought back to life before his eyes by God’s power through his prophesy. That which was dead came alive through the Lord God Almighty. Would you like to witness such a miracle?

Sometimes, when you read something, it gives you a good idea of what was or is happening in a certain area. A good writer can bring you to where the story is taking place. You are transported to another time and place. There were many good writers in the Bible and they were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Even so, reading the story is not everything. Seeing it yourself changes things.

I went to Israel this past week. Coming here has put flesh on the bones of the Bible. I have read the stories and can remember many of them on my own. The first time I saw the Sea of Galilee and the places Jesus walked, things changed. At first, it was surreal, like watching a video. I knew where I was and I saw things and heard Abraham, our guide, explain what we were seeing. I was baptized in the Jordan river as was Jesus. But when we crested the Mt. of Olives and saw Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley, the dry bones came to life. I was now walking in the Bible. These were no longer stories. As I walked down the path Jesus would have walked from Bethany as He went to the Temple, I began to live the stories. As I walked the path, stood in a Jewish Cemetery, visited the Garden of Gethsemane and touched the rock on which Jesus prayed for you and me, something changed. I felt the power of those prayers two thousand years ago. In John 17, Jesus said 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.”  I felt that prayer! There was flesh coming on to the bones of what I had read in the Bible. I felt Jesus pray for me. But it is not just for me. He prayed for you too.

Israel is a special place. The Lord God Almighty destined His nation to go and live there. He called Abram out of Ur and started the series of events that would yield His Chosen People and the plan that would redeem us and draw us back to him. I’m sure you have your copy of the Bible and have read many of the stories. Come to Israel and live the stories. Come to understand how much God loves you that He would do these things for you. John 1:14 says “14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” God took on human form to give Himself up in exchange for you. He redeemed you. That is why He did all these things which speak to you as you walk through the Holy Land.

Lord, thank You for the blessing of Israel and the opportunity You have given me to walk where You walked and witness Your amazing love for us. Thank you for Your protection of each of us and of all Israel. May the opportunity present itself to those who will read this story and share it with their friends. Thank You for demonstrating Your incredible love for us then and now. May everyone who reads this be blessed by it and You. May they hear the rattling sound of their bones coming alive in You. In Your name I pray!

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Remember the Sabbath

Posted on February 25, 2019 by Robert Springer

Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it [made it holy].

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Interesting. What does it mean to keep it holy?
Dictionary.com says:

Holy  [hoh-lee]    adjective, ho·li·er, ho·li·est.

  1. as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated: holy ground.
  2. or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion: a holy man.
  3. In Hebrew, the word Kodesh  קָדוֹשׁ   also means set apart.

There are more meanings but I think you get the point. We left the Hotel Yehuda on Shabbat morning to visit Masada and the Dead Sea. The city and the roads were deserted with the exception of two other tour buses. It was like a scene from “The Day the Earth Stood Still” movie where all equipment ceased to work. Even the trams were all parked in the station. Not a creature was stirring; not even a mouse.

I have always wondered what it would be like to keep the Sabbath Day. At home, whether you choose Saturday or Sunday as your Sabbath, it is not really a day of rest. In Jerusalem, everything is closed, no one drives (except tour buses with us heathens) and it is a complete break from the rest of the week. What would that look like? It would look like Jerusalem on a Saturday morning.

We visited the Jacob Family for Shabbat Dinner on Friday night. This local family invited us pilgrims into their home to have a traditional Sabbath dinner with their family. In conversation, we discovered they were from West Orange NJ and had moved to Israel because they wanted the traditional Jewish life for their family. They wanted to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.

Are you overwhelmed with life and the craziness of our culture? I am. Sometimes, we are on a hamster wheel going nowhere but going none the less. Wouldn’t it be great to slow down? The Lord Thy God didn’t need to rest. Although He created the universe in six days, He rested on the seventh and set it apart for rest as an everlasting covenant. He did that for us. We are the ones who need rest.

Hebrews 4 says “9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.” God has invited us into His rest. What does that mean? Is it just keeping the Sabbath? No, it is much more. Keeping the Sabbath gives us Shalom peace. And I no no one who could not use more of God’s shalom peace.

Holy Father, remind us of why You rested. Life is about loving God and neighbors. Rest gives us the time to build those relationships. Go before us and clear the way for us to enter Your rest. In Jesus name we pray.

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Where is the Temple

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Robert Springer

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

We went to the Western Wall of Herod’s Temple in Jerusalem today. Our guide, Abraham, prepared us for our approach to the wall. He said this was the most sacred place in all the world to the Jewish people. I am one of the Jewish people so this is to be my Holy Place. However, I have recognized and accepted that Messiah (Christ) has come. I approached the wall with mixed feelings. Is this really my Temple?

Jesus said He would destroy the Temple and build it up again in three days. The Pharisees took great offense to that comment without realizing which Temple Jesus spoke about. He was referring to His own body as the Temple. The verse I shared tells us that God’s Temple is now with us and inside us since His Holy Spirit now resides within any believer. The Temple of the Holy Spirit is within me! I do not have to mourn about the loss of the place of sacrifice as in the Wailing Wall. My Perfect Sacrifice is my Lord in whom I trust.

My friend Christine asked if I would take her Cross necklace to the Western Wall and pray over it there. She requested I touch it to the wall. I did and I prayed over Christine’s necklace for her health and happiness. How is it that my Christian friend has more interest in the blessings from the wall than I?

A man at the entrance asked if we were Jewish and we asked him why. He offered to lend us phylacteries (Tefillin) so we could pray. I said no which is untrue. I follow a risen Lord who is a Jewish Rabbi. I am His disciple and very much Jewish. I am a completed Jew! I said no because I did not want to have to explain to him that my Messiah has come and I have put my faith in Him rather than customs, traditions and a place. I realize now that I missed an opportunity to tell that man about my Risen Lord.

I’m not sure why the mixed feelings. I still have growing to do in my Spiritual journey. One thing is for sure. I am a child of the Most High God no matter where I am. Whether at the Western Wall or anywhere else in the world, my Temple, the place where my God resides, is in my heart. Wherever I go, I take Him with me. In fact, He goes before me, beside me, beneath me, behind me, above me and within me. Thank Lord Jesus that You never leave us. You never slumber nor sleep but listen for the call of Your beloved. In Jesus name.

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Peace in the Storm

Posted on February 23, 2019 by Robert Springer

John 14 (NKJV)  The Way, the Truth, and the Life
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

As part of our tour of Israel, we went to the northern border with Lebanon. We visited a kibbutz there called Malkiya. A kibbutz is a commune where people live and work together in a mostly agrarian community for the benefit of the whole community. In their beginnings, these communities were a place where people who had no other family when they emigratded to Israel could become part of something larger than themselves. Those who lost it all  find a place where they still belong. Malkiya is across a valley from the terrorist controlled section of Lebanon. On the top of the mountain across this valley, you can see a military installation of Hezbollah where there are forces ready to attack Israel at any time. In the shadow of this threat lives a community of people going through the normal ways of life working, raising children and providing for the future. There are peculiarities in the socialist way of life but the peace in the shadow of the imminent threat is noticeable. What makes a people calm if the face of a constant threat?

Likewise, the Israel Defense Force, which patrols this northern border, goes about their daily routine in the face of an enemy which vows to destroy them. And yet, they joke and tell stories and greet visitors. Hezbollah has rockets that can easily reach Malkiya’s farmland. We visited in a large bus. We were easy targets. In spite of that, there was a sense of peace.

How do you want to live your life? Anxiety plagues much of our society. Social media makes people envious of the lives of others. Yet a simple people lives, laughs and loves in the northern hills of Israel! Do they know something we don? It would seem they do. They have learned to keep their eyes on the one thing that really matters. They focus on God and His promises. Although the brothers and sisters are not followers of Jesus, they are friends of the Father. They know He who promises is faithful. They come against a people of hatred with the love and peace of God. In a region where hate is the unifying force, the people of Israel and Malkiya choose to love their enemies. Don’t get me wrong. When Israel has been attacked in the past, they have fought back fiercely and won. Like David against Goliath, they know of God’s love for His Chosen people. Israel stands as a representative of the Peace of God.

Father, I thank You for Your protection in our comings and goings. I thank You that You never leave us alone. No matter the situation, Your presence can be felt in our Spirit. The knowledge of You can remove anxiety in the middle of a time of war. When our hearts could be troubled, You are our Peace!

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Jesus Prayed For You

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Robert Springer

John 17 Selected Verses (NKJV)

9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours….. 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are…..20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

We visited the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem today. I am with a group of brothers and sisters in Christ visiting the Holy Land of Israel. In the garden is a Church maintained by the Franciscan Order housing the rock on which Jesus prayed the night before His crucifixion. It is called the Basilica of theAgony. (https://www.seetheholyland.net/church-of-all-nations/) I touched that rock! It is hard to put into words the emotions and feelings that experience granted me which I share with you. It is somewhat surreal. I know I am awake and in Israel but it is like watching a video. Could I actually be in a place where Jesus prayed? The signs and the religious artifacts say so. Wow!

We were given the chance to touch the rock. I kneeled down and placed my hand on what is the top of the rock which is the part exposed in the front of the Church. The entire rock is probably six to eight feet high. Luke 22:44 (NIV) tells us that Jesus sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood as He prayed. As I felt a sense of His anguish, several verses were given me as shown above. They were the verses Scripture tells us Jesus was praying in the Garden. Jesus prayed for Himself, the Disciples and you and me. Who am I that Jesus would pray for me? Like you, I am His beloved.

Can you imagine someone praying so fervently that the stress of the prayers would cause them to sweat blood? How about that someone praying in that manner for someone He has not even met yet; someone who does not yet exist? Jesus said in John 15:13 (NIV) “13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Do you understand that? He is calling us, you and me, His friends and we hadn’t yet come into existence. How great is that loves that it extends more than two thousand years to reach us? Are you walking in that depth of love? Can you even fathom the extent to which Jesus loves you? I cannot! I’m not that good a person that He should love me. Yet, He does! Our love for the Lord pales in comparison to His love for us.

Jesus prayed so hard for you that He bled on the ground in Gethsemane. He bled and died for you. You are that precious in His sight. In light of His love for you, how will you live? Will you allow that incredible love to flow out from you to those around you who so desperately need the love of God? I pray that you will today and every day. In Jesus name!

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Can you care too much?

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Robert Springer

Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

When someone asks you to pray for them, you ask them details and write down their request. Then, as the Spirit leads, you find Scripture that is appropriate and you pray for them. Also, you follow up with them to see how things are going. Many people say they will pray for someone but they never do. I believe you should pray for them right away if possible. Say what you mean and mean what you say!

If you care too deeply, you take things very seriously; perhaps too seriously. You strive to do more than is required. You will probably be disappointed. Most of the world just wants to get by. They will tell you it is good enough. Good enough is rarely good and almost never enough! I don’t know about you but I want to be outstanding. I want to do things as if unto the Lord. When I have used my gifts and talents to their full extent and brought glory to God, that is good enough.

There is a way to not become disappointed. It is to look to the only One who really matters and follow His will and way. If you look to others to be appreciated and affirmed, you will be disappointed. If you look to God for guidance and go as He directs, you will feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. After all, the Lord established the work of our hands and ordained what He wanted you to do. Do it and you will be in the center of His will for you. What a place to be. Scripture tells us God will give us more than we can ask or imagine! Why then do we ask so little of ourselves and others. We settle for what we have and can do rather than ask God to work through us; better yet ask that we can work through Him!

Recently, I was asked to help with a project. Whenever someone asks me to work on something with or for them, I get excited. My mind races as to all the possibilities. One of the gifts God has given me is to be able to visualize the project and its completion. I can see it in my minds eye. As I have often found, the nay-sayers come out of the woodwork. I am faced with people who tell me it can’t be done before I even know what we are going to do. Life is filled with two kinds of people: cans and can’ts. You can’t do this. There is not enough time. We don’t have the budget for this. My experience has taught me to avoid the can’ts. Hang up and call back or just avoid them as much as possible. God’s resources are unlimited. Rely on Him and Him alone.

When you try to do a project for the Lord, the accuser will do his best to stop you. He will bring people against you. He will try to make you doubt yourself. He will slow down responses from those who have information you need. Go back and ask again. If it is really from God, He will show you a way. He will give you peace in your gut that this is His will. He will bring you people and resources. If it is His will, His word will not return to him void. Do not let anyone or anything stop you from what God has called you to do! But what if it is not His will? How will you know? I’m not positive. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. That does not me God will give you whatever you want. It means God will place what He wants in your heart and give you all the resources, gifts and talents to accomplish what He has ordained. I try ignoring things to see if they will go away. If God wants it, He keeps bringing it back. He will make it known to me again and again. God is like Beverly Goldberg (TV Sitcom “The Goldbergs”) to me but that is a story for another day. He just won’t let it go! If the idea, project, concept just won’t go away, guess what. He will have His way. Might as well do it His way. Ignore the nay-sayers and move ahead. The Lord has given you the desires of your heart. Use them!

Father, our enemy tries to stop us from doing Your will. Protect us from his attacks and nay-sayers. Let Your will be done. And please, let us do it to Your glory!

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Can you care too much?

Posted on May 22, 2018 by Robert Springer

Philippians 2:4 (NIV) 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

When someone asks you to pray for them, you ask them details and write down their request. Then, as the Spirit leads, you find Scripture that is appropriate and you pray for them. Also, you follow up with them to see how things are going. Many people say they will pray for someone but they never do. I believe you should pray for them right away if possible. Say what you mean and mean what you say!

If you care too deeply, you take things very seriously; perhaps too seriously. You strive to do more than is required. You will probably be disappointed. Most of the world just wants to get by. They will tell you it is good enough. Good enough is rarely good and almost never enough! I don’t know about you but I want to be outstanding. I want to do things as if unto the Lord. When I have used my gifts and talents to their full extent and brought glory to God, that is good enough.

There is a way to not become disappointed. It is to look to the only One who really matters and follow His will and way. If you look to others to be appreciated and affirmed, you will be disappointed. If you look to God for guidance and go as He directs, you will feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. After all, the Lord established the work of our hands and ordained what He wanted you to do. Do it and you will be in the center of His will for you. What a place to be. Scripture tells us God will give us more than we can ask or imagine! Why then do we ask so little of ourselves and others. We settle for what we have and can do rather than ask God to work through us; better yet ask that we can work through Him!

Recently, I was asked to help with a project. Whenever someone asks me to work on something with or for them, I get excited. My mind races as to all the possibilities. One of the gifts God has given me is to be able to visualize the project and its completion. I can see it in my minds eye. As I have often found, the nay-sayers come out of the woodwork. I am faced with people who tell me it can’t be done before I even know what we are going to do. Life is filled with two kinds of people: cans and can’ts. You can’t do this. There is not enough time. We don’t have the budget for this. My experience has taught me to avoid the can’ts. Hang up and call back or just avoid them as much as possible. God’s resources are unlimited. Rely on Him and Him alone.

When you try to do a project for the Lord, the accuser will do his best to stop you. He will bring people against you. He will try to make you doubt yourself. He will slow down responses from those who have information you need. Go back and ask again. If it is really from God, He will show you a way. He will give you peace in your gut that this is His will. He will bring you people and resources. If it is His will, His word will not return to him void. Do not let anyone or anything stop you from what God has called you to do! But what if it is not His will? How will you know? I’m not positive. Psalm 37:4 (NIV)4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. That does not me God will give you whatever you want. It means God will place what He wants in your heart and give you all the resources, gifts and talents to accomplish what He has ordained. I try ignoring things to see if they will go away. If God wants it, He keeps bringing it back. He will make it known to me again and again. God is like Beverly Goldberg (TV Sitcom “The Goldbergs”) to me but that is a story for another day. He just won’t let it go! If the idea, project, concept just won’t go away, guess what. He will have His way. Might as well do it His way. Ignore the nay-sayers and move ahead. The Lord has given you the desires of your heart. Use them!

Father, our enemy tries to stop us from doing Your will. Protect us from his attacks and nay-sayers. Let Your will be done. And please, let us do it to Your glory!

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May 5 Thank you for Your Protection

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Robert Springer

Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Do you worry when you travel? Will I get home safely? How will the trip be? You are not alone. These are the concerns of many a traveler. But after a week of hard work in another country, these may seem like larger concerns than average.

I’m not really a worrier but I do get those pangs of fear as I get ready to travel. Did I remember everything? There are many things that contribute. There is worry about safety. There is leaving behind friends. There is the work that not finished. It is bittersweet. I look forward to seeing my home and family but I will miss those with whom I have visited and labored for the past week. We have built relationships. Hopefully, I will see them next year, God willing. But you never know. I will see them again in Heaven though!

For people of faith, we know God goes before us and with us. Fear is a lack of trust in Him. It is human nature to experience fear. But you can reject it. When the world tells you that things can and will go terribly wrong, you can say “No!” I will not fear because God goes with me. In fact, I am never alone. The Lord will never forsake me. He is my strength and shield. So as we prepare for our departure from La Entrada, we shall not fear. Let us savor the joy of those with whom we visited, worked beside and served. And all the while, let us be thankful for the opportunity we have been given.

Lord, let an attitude of gratitude flavor and color everything we do. As we leave friends in La Entrada, give us peace in knowing we served in Your name to your people and we will see them again. Thank you for our brothers and sisters in Christ! In Jesus most precious name we pray.

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May 4 Leaving a Legacy!

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Robert Springer

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Each of wants to think we will build something that lasts. What if you could build something that lives on even after you are gone from this world? And on a smaller scale, what if you could be a part of something bigger than yourself, which could continue to serve even after you are no longer working at the project. Such is our chance each day. When we do our work as if unto the Lord, He will bless it in a way that will bring fruit that lasts. In fact, it will bear fruit again and again. So what does it mean to store up treasures in heaven? How can we build treasures in heaven? By investing in people.

When you invest in people, you never fully know how far that fruit will blossom. Zig Ziglar tells a story about his high school coach named Jobe Harris who was a mentor to him. Jobe Harris was one of the young men who was mentored by the first Boy Scout official in the state of Mississippi, Thomas B. Abernathy. Mr. Abernathy was like a second father to Jobe teaching him all kinds of things that would benefit him and others for his entire life. These things would play a part in the lives of all the young men Jobe mentored. Jobe Harris taught Zig Ziglar many values that made him the man of God he became. But here is the twist. Mr. Abernathy never knew that what he poured into Jobe Harris would later be poured into Zig Ziglar who would go on to marry Jean Abernathy, Thomas’ youngest daughter, after Thomas had passed away. Mr. Abernathy had a direct effect on his own future grandchildren. You never know how far your investment will travel and who it will benefit. How will you invest?

When we go on a short term mission trip, do we go to change lives or do we go to make ourselves feel better? I don’t know about you but I am in the business of changing lives! Many times, we swoop in to a place and do a bunch of things “for the less fortunate” and then head back to our own lives without having made a lasting difference. Our thinking is earthly not considering why we want to help and what God wants us to do for others. If we paint a building, it is cleaner for a time. What if we paint God’s love on a heart? What if we provide an education so people can better themselves? What if we tell them about God and how much He loves them and His gift of grace? Why we do things is always more important than what we do. Don’t just give them a fish; teach them how to fish!

By participating in Hearts for Honduras school (or any worthwhile organization) in any way, you are building up treasures in heaven not only for yourselves but for others. I have heard that the town of La Entrada, Honduras itself has improved its culture because of the school. People are being educated and are learning to do better. They are learning about God’s love for them and who they are in Him. They are beginning to value themselves higher. As such, they are treating others better. The school is making a lasting difference on the whole community all because Paty Villanueva saw the opportunity to build treasures in heaven that will last. She invested in children and the cycle of improvement began. How can you be part of building the Kingdom? By building up people! Speak life into them. Give them hope! Of course, you have to solve the short term problems. You can’t teach kids about building their future when they are hungry now. Feed them! Then tell them about Jesus and His love for them. Tell them that Jesus called you to come to them and that He wants the best for them. It is not about material things. It is about love. Don’t go out to help people; go out to love them. There is a sign around the school that says “love wins.” It is true! 1 Corinthians 13 says “8 Love never fails. …..13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Leave a legacy of love! Love them and teach them that God loves them and you will build up treasures in heaven.

Father, Thank You that You love us and want to help us build treasures in heaven. Help us to leave a legacy that brings glory to You. Thank You for teaching us to love one another as You have loved us. Teach us Your ways that we might know you better. Write your story on our hearts. In Your name we pray. Amen!

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