Psalm 34:2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Today has been an eventful day. I tried to be aware of God and the impact of God’s ways in my life throughout today in respect to Psalm 34:2. Since reflecting on this passage, I can see how God (i.e. ELOHIM) is teaching me through recent experiences to allow my soul to boast in ELOHIM so that the humble can hear and be glad. As I walked into the building this morning and I started my descent down the stairs, I thanked ELOHIM for this day and the gift of being an MDiv student. I asked Him to help me steward my responsibility well and to help me remain sober in my spirit, soul, and body. This is a prayer that I normally pray at some point in my day. Usually, I pray this prayer when I first come into the building. This prayer helps me focus so that I can be mentally present in my classes to learn. The prayer also helps me center myself so that I can be a healthy associate, friend, and student in the DDS community. More importantly, this prayer helps me honor God and others around me in all that I say and do.
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Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. October 22, 2019, included events that allowed me to learn to rest in the providence of God and to partner with others to get an issue resolved. It is quite interesting how something can cause irritation in a moment in time, but it is minor and unworthy of the attention I give it and the negative emotions and thoughts that ricochet in my being. I’m still learning the lesson that even if I’ve done all the right things and have been proactive that I am still subject to things not falling into place, I can be denied, and I can be delayed. Thankfully, I have matured over time and I am increasingly accepting this fact of life. I am still learning the balance of self-advocacy, expecting the best of people, contributing my best in the world, and doing all of this with love and grace. In Matthew, 6:14-15, Jesus said "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Unlike a wrestling match, when offenses come, i.e. insults, disagreements or fights, no one gets to tap out, give up or quit.
No one is immune to offenses. Some of us are reluctant to enter relationships because we have been hurt, rejected and abused in the past. Jesus warned his followers of people who would deliberately offend them. Because he was preparing them to function without his human presence, he reminded them they would be mistreated. To comfort them, he promised them a Comforter and peace to overcome those who offended them. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulations: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). On Resurrection Sunday, the seven-mile walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus village was sad, confusing, and perplexing for Cleopas and his friend who were disciples of Jesus Christ. Earlier that morning, they heard that a group of women who visited Jesus' tomb found the stone rolled away, his body missing, and two angels in dazzling white garments! The angels asked the women, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead. He is not here. He is risen from the dead. Do you remember what he told you while you were in Galilee? The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise to live again. Then they remembered his (His) words." (Luke 24:5-8) Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and other women rushed out of the tomb and reported what they saw and heard to the apostles and to the rest of the believing community. Their report seemed to them as idle tales. The Greek word for idle tales, in this case, is leros, which is a medical term meaning delirious, out of touch with reality. The apostles did not believe them (Luke 24:9-11). We all experience emotional and physical pain differently. We press on daily knowing that Jesus loves us and wants to use our hurt and pain for His glory and to grow strong, mature Christians (I Peter 4:12-13 NIV). We must walk the pathway that Jesus planned for our lives because he promised that there is a blessing in our pain (II Corinthians 4:17).
One evening just before supper, as my father washed his hands in a small washbasin, he asked me if I had fed and watered our farm animals and closed the gate to the fenced area where they were kept. Feeling far too grown as a teenager, I disrespectfully said, "I will get around to it sooner or later." Do you spend a lot of time and energy avoiding or escaping the problems and difficulties in your life? I believe that adversity is such an important part of the human experience that should not be sidestepped because we will miss the experience, knowledge and wisdom it teaches us.
Allow me to give you some valuable keys to life... After working for a week on my dad's farm, I could hardly wait for the weekend. Sometime during Thursday or Friday, I ask my parents if I could hang out with Andrew or Henry, two of my closest boyhood friends. The fact that their parents and my parents were best friends made this task easier. I decided to use a strategy that my parents taught me as a child. I remember my first worship experience in a spirit-filled church in New York. My girlfriend at the time (who is now my beautiful wife) invited me to go with her. It was somethin' else. The people were rejoicing and praising God with such liveliness. Even though I had experience with God and knew him, my lifestyle had drifted away from the LORD. During the experience, the love of Jesus confronted my heart and started me on a journey to know Him in a deeper way. Honestly, the worship service was NOT something that I was accustomed to at the time. Did you know it's a popular thing to share what you got for Christmas after the New Year on YouTube? Yep, it is. I decided to share what I got for Christmas right here on the BWET blog, but I'm going to put my on twist on it..... THE BEST GIFT EVER It is impossible to guess the day we start gift shopping for Christmas and New Year every year. There is growing excitement and anticipation for giving and receiving gifts during this season. This excitement causes some of us to behave like children once a year. Hello and Happy New Year! It's 2019!
Thank you so much for coming back and reading and commenting and liking the blog posts. SMILE. My name is Mrs. Robinson and some also call me Mother Robinson. My husband and I are the grateful senior leaders of Bible Way Church. We've been sharing a little about ourselves these last 6 weeks on the BWET Blog so that you can get to know us better. This blog series is called "Learn About Bible Way and Our Leaders!" Check out prior weeks by clicking the link(s) below... Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 So what am I gonna share this final week of the series? Click the "Read More" link below to see. |
AuthorWords of wisdom to live by from our Senior Leader, Bishop Earnest E. Robinson, Sr. and other guest writers. Archives
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