The Spirit of the Lord

And Jesus returned [from the time of testing] in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Luke 4:14-15

When the Spirit of God is allowed full power in our lives, it is evident to everyone – even to those who may not understand, appreciate or agree with our faith, there is a quality about us that is unmistakable and unavoidable. Of course, few truly manifest that power. For many of us, our own agendas, messages, opinions, preferences, priorities, and attitudes get in the way.  What was it that He taught in the synagogues? That the Kingdom of God had come!

How do we return from our times of testing? Filled with new focus and energy on God, or worn out from the fight? Do we bring the glorious Kingdom of God with us, or do we bring tales of woe? Does our demeanor invite others into our stories of God’s love and victory, or does it tend to make others quickly duck down another aisle at the grocery story in haste when they see us coming?

God’s power invites others in, because it is His Will that all should know His great love and mercy.  That is why it is Good News, and that is the news we need to be bringing with us. Good News finds its roots in thankfulness and its expression in praise.

Let’s Do Something About It

Cultivate thankfulness Colossians 3:15b (The Message)

God’s Goodness is reflected in our praises and our thankfulness. When we cultivate thankfulness, we invite others in to our gratitude and joy.

·      Today, make it a point to cultivate [develop, nurture, promote, tend, work on] thankfulness,

·      then take a few moments at the end of the day to record the things you are grateful for.  

·      Share your list with someone.

Really? You Sent This to Me?

There has been a disturbing ‘joke’ going around the Internet lately. It goes like this:

"DEAR LORD, THIS YEAR YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTOR, PATRICK SWAYZIE. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE ACTRESS, FARAH FAWCETT. YOU TOOK MY FAVORITE SINGER, MICHAEL JACKSON. I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW, MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT IS BARACK OBAMA. AMEN"

            What is disturbing to me is not that this kind of coarse 'humor' is out there, but that it is being sent to me by my friends who claim to be followers of Christ. That this brand of mean-spiritedness is not only finding safe harbor in their thoughts, but is also being openly expressed and published truly saddens me. Furthermore, I am deeply ashamed that apparently my personal life has so poorly reflected the character of Christ that they would assume I would appreciate something like this.

            I know, some will say, “Come on Robyn, it’s just a joke, lighten up.” But that is just the problem. I can find no humor or light in this brand of coarse folly that brutalizes prayer, death, and diversity.

            Regardless of your (or my) political positions, instead of praying for the death of our political opponents, wouldn’t prayer be better encouraged for how we can join together to fulfill our mandate to “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows” (Isaiah 1:17)?

            Now, I assume (at least I hope) that no actual prayers are being thus said, so then why spread such divisive drivel? Can we not serve the Internet and our causes better by spreading words of hope and inspiration?  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24) and try to not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  (Ephesians 4:29)

            Ok, I know that even now I am no doubt being dropped from many “friends” lists, or maybe even being added to the ‘joke,’ “Dear God, Robyn is my ‘favorite’ blogger…”

But that’s ok I can live with that.

See you in May!

Robyn's Thoughts is going on hiatus for the month of April.


Look for new thoughts coming in May!

Ministered by Angels

Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matthew 4:11 (See also Mark 1:13)

            There is one more lesson we learn from Jesus’ time in the wilderness, and that is that God does not leave us unattended. At the end of His testing, hungry and exhausted, God sent angels to take care of Him.

            We who have the Spirit of God living in us never need to face the tempter alone – Jesus’ victorious spirit empowers, encourages, and directs us if we seek it. And through it all we are attended by angelic assistance. It may come in the form of heavenly messengers giving us words of comfort or support; or in the form of unexpected acts of mercy or grace given to us by friends or even strangers; a kind word, an unexpected smile or hug… there is no telling where or when, but if you are watchful, you will discover it, most likely just when you need it the most.

            Don’t miss the ministration of angels in your life.  Look for it, remember it, and then pass it on.

Let’s Do Something About It

·      Think back on times in your life when at just the right time someone encouraged you. Jot down your memory. Recall the details and how it made you feel. Spend a few moments thanking God that we need never face hard times or times of testing alone.

·      If you are going through a difficult time right now, or facing a time of testing, begin to look for God’s Hand of Grace in your life. Often we miss His “ministering angels” because we are so focused on our own problems. Look for them; take notice of them, thank God for them.

·      Consider the people around you. Is there someone in your life who needs an extra act of grace today? Consider how you might be an “angel” – a messenger of God’s love – to them.

Looking for Opportunity

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13

            Unable to distract, discourage, or defeat Jesus the devil gave up … for now. We miss an important lesson if we miss the detail that though he was overcome for now, the devil would nonetheless be on the lookout for another opportunity to strike again. 1Peter 5:8 tells us that, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  Successfully coming through a time of testing is not guarantee that the testing is over. We need to be on the lookout and prepared – continually testing our passions, perspective, and priorities ourselves, lest we fall prey to the devil’s wiles.

Let’s Do Something About It

Jesus responded to the devils tests with the proper use of scripture – how capable are you to respond appropriately to the enemy with God’s Word? One way to be armed and prepared for Satan’s attacks and tests is by constantly examining your passions, perspective, and priorities in the light of scripture. To do that, it is necessary to continually be reading, studying, discussing, and meditating on the Word of God. Prayerfully consider,

·      How regularly and in how many different ways are you exposing yourself to God’s Word? Ask God to show you ways can you fortify your understanding and application of scripture in your life.

·      Ask the Holy Spirit to show you ways to make studying the scriptures new and fresh. If you study the Bible regularly consider changing translations or methods for a while. 

Pass or Fail?

And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13

            Three temptations, three tests. The devil was determined to test Jesus, to see if He really was the Beloved, the Son of God. Three tests of character, three tests we all face at one time or another if we truly want to serve God.

1.     The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” Luke 4:3-4

The test of passion – are our desires for things of earth or heaven? Do we rely on earthly products, or is our primarily reliance on the resources of Heaven?

2.     And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” Luke 4:5-8

The test of perspective – do we entertain illusions of grandeur or are we committed to worship God as servants? Do we strive for position, power, and prestige, or are we committed to devotion in worship and humbleness in service?

3.     And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and  “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” Luke 4:9-13

The test of priority – do we attempt to use our faith as a tool to empower our own agenda, or is our faith simply and purely born out of devotion for God?

We will face temptations and tests everyday, but through His testing, Jesus has shown us the way of victory. Follow Him closely, and we will be victorious too.

Let’s Do Something About It

·      Prayerfully consider if there is a particular area that you are weak in, or that may be open to the devil’s temptations.

·      Ask the Holy Spirit to show you steps you can take to protect your heart and mind in times of testing, and to steps to keep you strong and attentive at all times. 

Sensational Entitlement

And [the devil] took [Jesus] to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,

             “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and

             “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:9-12

            

The devil took Jesus to the Holy City, to the Holy Temple, to the highest position in the temple, and tempted Him with sensation. “Perform a marvelous feat! Show God’s power by putting it on display! Exploit the miraculous!” Think of the tickets you could sell!

            Once again, Jesus reply reveals the true motive of the devil’s test: to “prove” God.  If God is real, if you are the beloved, then He will be obligated to perform according to our interpretation and/or manipulation of His Word. Jesus’ response denied the devil’s attempt to exploit God’s power.

            When the expression of our faith becomes an avenue for the sensational. When our prayer life becomes demand instead worship. When we begin to believe that we are entitled to specify God’s performance according to our own interpretation of His Word, then we have lost sight of true faith. We do not test God, we trust God. We do not demand that the Almighty “back our play,” we humbly submit to His Will. We must beware of the danger of entitlement thinking, of believing that God is somehow obligated to respond the way we have decided or concocted. We must guard against the creeping idea that God serves us.

Let’s Do Something About It           

·      Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your motives and goals. Are you seeking sensational or humbleness in your faith?

·      Honestly consider, who is calling the shots in your faith life? Are you expecting God to respond to your agenda, plans, or expectations, or are you submitting to His agenda, plans, and will? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into an attitude of worship.