Tag: god is working

Motivational Monday

On December 16, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Well friends, we only have one more Monday before Christmas. Are you ready? I’m ready to see my family and watch everyone open presents. That is my favorite part of Christmas. Sitting back, sipping coffee, watching those I love and smiling. Seriously. It brings me an abundant amount of joy. Which just so happens to be TODAY’s topic! Shocker, I know. So, let’s talk about it.

In the beginning, the God of joy made a world full of joys. I like to call these normal joys. Now, let me be clear for a second, none of these joys are exactly “normal”. I mean, I can’t create animals or vegetation. But, that is what I call a normal joy and not a “great joy”. I know most of you here are thinking, “Umm Jennifer…if creation is just a normal joy what is a great joy?” I am so glad you asked! But hold that thought a second.

The word “joy” appears in the Bible over 200 times. Just like your parents when they repeat something over and over, it’s important. Apparently God wanted us to know and experience joy which is why it’s repeated. But did you know there is great joy? Seriously! And great joy is only referenced in the Bible single digit times. I feel like if God could have circled certain things in the Bible as important, I feel like “great joy” would be circled because those things are pretty important. Let me give you some examples of great joy: the anointing of David’s own son as his successor, at the height of Israel’s kingdom — “great joy” (1 Kings 1:40). At the restoration of the Passover after generations of neglect — “great joy” (2 Chronicles 30:26). At the dedication of Nehemiah’s rebuilt walls after the return from exile — “great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). Matthew and Luke celebrate “great joy” at his resurrection and ascension (Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:52). There’s a few more but I think you get the point on the importance level. Except I left one out…

Christmas is a great joy.

God created the world to just remake it again. God gave us our first covenant to just give us a second. God gave us a garden so we could have a garden city later. God gave us all these normal joys because He knew it would be surpassed with Jesus. He gave us these “normal” joys just so we know deep, great joy. Just like everything else, you have to know good before you can know better.

From Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem to his crucifixion death, this Joy aka Jesus was born of insignificance. Meaning, He was born in a stable and laid on a manager where animals ate. He was rejected by His own people, betrayed by His friend and killed. And it was a “normal” death. He was beaten and made to carry the cross He was to die on through the streets while wearing a crown of thorns shoved on His head. He was spat on, cursed and hated. He was NAILED to that cross where He hung there in the heat. Yet he was still witnessing to the thief next to him. Then, THEN He died. But guess what? Even in death, He could not be extinguished. It was too deep..it was great.

Every Christmas, we talk about Christmas joy. I think most of us get caught up in the season. We know it’s Jesus’s birth. But like everything else, we treat it as just a “normal” joy. Friends, it is so much more than that. We can’t love Him and appreciate Him enough for what He has done for us because we aren’t perfect. And He knows that!! Yet, He still takes care of us.

So this week, as things get pretty hectic, remember Christmas Joy. And a lack of presents, decorations, food, or family can never take that joy from you. Ever.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 9, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!! Did y’all see the Cantata? Listen, I love that our little church in Montevallo puts on a BEAUTIFUL show every Christmas. The adult and kids choir, the musicians and the sound booth really make it all come to life. But none of those things would happen without Amy. It is so apparent how much time and dedication she puts into the music ministry of our church. She is appreciated more than she knows.

Yesterday, Jon and I had the opportunity to light the Peace Candle on the second week of advent. And it got me thinking about peace in general and what that really means. So let’s talk about it.

Today, I had to go to the eye doctor for a checkup. As I was sitting in the waiting room, I was sitting next to an elderly woman who was waiting on her husband who was seeing the doctor. When he came out, she got up and walked to him. She held his jacket out for him and then proceeded to help him put it on. Then, she quietly asked him if he wanted it buttoned up and he said, “Just one button.” She quietly buttoned just one button and they left. I loved everything about this situation. The love they had for one another. How she helped him and how he allowed it. It was obvious they were content. Peaceful if you will…

You see, to me, peace isn’t just the absence of conflict or animosity. Peace is also the presence of joyful tranquility and a richness of interpersonal communication. So what is the key to peace?

Five times in the New Testament, God is called, “the God of Peace” (Romans 15:33; 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). And Paul said, “[Jesus] himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). So if you want peace but not God or Jesus, then that is not possible. If you want peace to rule your life, then God has to rule in your life. He IS your peace.

What connects you to God and His peace? Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing.” Believing. In, by and through believing the promises bought and PAID FOR by the blood of Jesus.

If you want peace, the foundation has to be God. Nowadays, our minds race with thoughts. It could be because of Christmas holidays, money or just a lot of past mistakes. Our minds take us places where peace can be scarce. Peace inwardly and outwardly is based on your relationship with God. Are you friends? Do you talk to Him? Do you glorify Him? Do you admire Him? Do you thank Him? When you do these things, not only are you glorifying Him but you are thinking about forgiveness, blessings and having an open and receptive heart. Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith [by believing], we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Having been justified by faith…believing, trusting him and all of His promises to me…I have peace.

So, it doesn’t matter if you are Baptist or Methodist or Presbyterian. It doesn’t matter if you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or if you give ALL your money to the needy. Peace comes solely by faith. When faith happens, we are united with Him and His righteousness on this side of heaven. That unitedness is…peace. Peace with God.

Are you at peace?

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 2, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey Friends! IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! December! Christmas! THE CANTATA!!! WOOHOO! Seriously, the Cantata is THIS SUNDAY. Listen, we might be a small church but the Cantata sure is mighty. Amy, the choir, those playing instruments, and guys in the sound booth do such a great job every.single.year. Please go if you have never been. Please go if you have been!

When I first mentioned December and Christmas, what was your response? Were you happy, sad, or stressed? I want to go down the stressed road today. Why are you stressed? I am going to go out on a limb and say it’s finances. Am I right? Let’s talk about it.

When Jon and I got married, we were broke. And when I say broke, we were broke. And then BAM! I got pregnant with Logan. God planned him perfectly but Jon and I were not prepared. So after a year of daycare, diapers, formula and all of our other bills that we couldn’t afford, we were bankrupt. Literally. The house was in foreclosure. The cars were getting repo’d. It was bad. We had no choice but to declare bankruptcy.

We wanted to keep everything we had (because we couldn’t afford NOT to). So we filed a chapter 13 which means we had to pay it all back within 5 years. And guess what? We paid it back in 3 years! But there were a million tears shed. Lots of hours worked. And we became a connoisseur of hotdogs. 😏

When Christmas rolled around during those years, my stomach would hurt because of stress. I wasn’t worried about Jon and I. I mean we knew our situation and we just dealt with it. But Logan. We loved that little boy more than ANYTHING and we wanted to give him the world (still do). We never wanted him to know we were struggling. So it was a facade. I was so thankful for our families picking up any pieces we fell short on when it came to gift giving. We got through it. Logan was not impacted negatively. And we are better financial stewards because of this time. So I wouldn’t change it.

So why do we give gifts at Christmas? I mean hello! It’s not our birthday, it’s Jesus’s birthday. And the last I checked, I don’t get gifts on my husband’s birthday.

I think what is important to remember when giving gifts is the meaning behind it. 2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” he wasn’t talking about that Bath and Body Works set you were eyeing. He’s talking about His son. The very essence of Christmas is about generosity, kindness, grace and giving. God gives God for the enjoyment of his people, whom he saves by giving his Son to suffer. That’s beautiful. It is the heart of Christmas.

Second, we give to Christ. Now, I want to be clear here. God does not want you to buy anything. I mean, he has zero use for a Lowes gift card. He’s not interested in you trading anything with Him. Seriously, He gave you His son. You can’t compete with that (and He doesn’t want you to!). But what He does want…your time. Commitment from you. Yes, I know it’s hard and there are a million reasons why “you can’t today”. But stop and think about what gift would be equal to what He did for you. I’ll wait. Spoiler alert! There’s not one. You can make time for Him.

Lastly, we need to give in the right mindset. 2 Corinthians 8:2, “for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” One more…Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” When giving gifts, you need to do it in the mindset of giving back to Christ. That is the gift of trust, hope, admiration, joy and affection.

So, if you are worried about gift giving at Christmas, please hear me when I say, STOP. I promise God did not give you His son for you to worry about gifts. Christmas is truly not about financial hardship. Your children will love you if you can’t afford that XBox. And if you can’t afford it, that doesn’t make you less of a parent. And it sure doesn’t mean you love them less.

So, if you are someone feeling this stress, please pray. I would pray specifically for peace, love and joy in your life and for your family. If you are someone who is more fortunate, remember you are blessed. Your generosity can positively impact someone’s life forever. Can you remember a time someone was generous to you? You have never forgotten it or how it made you feel. That feeling needs to be shared because it gushes love, joy, trust, and hope…like God. Like what Christmas should be.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On November 18, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! I am so glad you are here! Y’all. I love Thanksgiving. I used to be the person that felt like it was a “eh” holiday but as I have gotten older, I really appreciate it. I am super excited about it this year and I hope you are too!

This week I want to talk about the Bible. I know, I know! I talk about it every week. But THIS week, I want to talk about what’s NOT in the Bible. Am I crazy? Of course I am! Let’s talk about it!

I believe most people in this world are good, well meaning people. Look, I know there is evil in this world. I am not naive. However I believe, as Christians, we say (and believe!) things we have heard that’s in the Bible and we repeat them. We repeat them out of love and support because these things sound really nice. But these things are…unbiblical. So I want to talk about some unbiblical statements that we hear the most often.

“God wants me to be happy.” I appreciate that you relate God to happiness. But God wants you to be obedient. He wants you to trust Him. He wants us to believe that everything He does for us is for our own good. And sometimes, what is good for us will not make us happy. And we need to realize that is ok! It’s ok to be unhappy. I know that’s a VERY unpopular opinion. But listen, you can’t justify sinful behavior with, “God wants me to be happy.” It just doesn’t work that way. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“We are all God’s children.” Hopefully the person who said it originally meant God created everyone. And that is true. But unfortunately, we are NOT all God’s children. Only those who have repented of sin, placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and possess the Holy Spirit of God inside of them can claim Him as their Father: “But you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:15–16).

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Such a good southern saying! I know as a child when I came in sweaty and stinky my parents wanted to just bathe. And, as a parent, I can appreciate that! I mean, we have all been around some stinky people. It happens. But nowhere in the Bible does that statement occur. Can you imagine the smell of the lepers? Or heck! What about people in general at that time? There was no deodorant! You didn’t see Jesus saying, “You stink. I can’t help you because you are dirty.” It was quite the opposite.

“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” My personal favorite. This is always said when you are overwhelmed with life. And, I know the person telling you this is well meaning. But friends..this statement is just not true. Life is more than we handle because we live in a fallen world. It is more than WE can handle which is why God wants us to surrender to Him! God has a way of getting you on your knees…so give it to Him.

“Bad things happen to good people.” I know you’re thinking, “well I don’t see how that statement is inaccurate.” But in order to believe this statement, you would have to believe we are all inherently good. And as Romans 3:10 states, “As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one’”. We, human Christians, are the ones judging what is good and bad. This is human nature but inaccurate. When we say this (or believe this), I think our heart hurts for someone else because we see them hurting. We need something to help us make sense of what’s happened and that statement is sort of a bandaid. When we just need God.

I can name more but these are just a few. And I do want to say, I truly believe when people use these sayings they want what is best for you. And I believe they believe it’s in the Bible. I don’t believe Christians purposely spread false information. I believe their heart is in the right place. One thing I’ve had to learn (and I’m still learning) is your words can’t fix their problem and vice versa. So I think it is best to listen to state facts. Even if all you can say is, “I am so sorry you are going through that! What can I do to help you? I will pray for you.”

This week, I would like to assign you a little bit of homework. Reflect on a statement you have said or one you have heard. Then, I would like you to look up scripture in the Bible to see if it’s there OR supports what you have heard. I think you will be surprised at what you learn.

See you next Sunday,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On October 7, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! It is so good to be back. I am so thankful for my time away to just regroup when it comes to these motivations. I’ll tell you…the hardest part is figuring out a topic (kinda like deciding what’s for dinner!). Well, while I was away this country had a few things happen…like a hurricane. And there’s another catastrophic one headed straight for Florida. We have seen devastation and sadness all over the news. People missing their loved ones, animals, and everything they have worked for. Where is God??! Why would He allow this to happen?? Well, let’s talk about it.

This is my personal opinion. But, I feel like when you talk about God and natural disasters together, you have to tread lightly. Does anyone else feel like that? I’ll explain. I never want to lead someone to believe that God is “bad” by not stopping what happened. But to be fair to the person the disaster impacted, you can see where they would feel abandoned, hurt and lonely. You could see why they can’t understand why this happened to them and their community when they are a “good” christian.

God isn’t punishing anyone with these disasters. God doesn’t do that BUT if He did, my guess is He would just punish YOU and not everyone else. You’re special but not that special.

In Genesis 1:1, God created the universe and its law of nature. What does that mean? Well, if you live in Alabama, you know when a cold and hot front collide, we have the potential of tornados. Everyone knows that, right? That’s a law of nature. As well as James Spann predicts the weather, he is just a man. God is 100% in control but we are not. He wants us to know it. These types of disasters remind us that life is unpredictable and uncertain. But God is always there to guide us through (Joshua 1:9).

Could God have prevented this? Well of course! He can literally do anything. But if you are like me and something like this happens, you have to look at it with optimism. There is a reason for everything. Yes, even when you have lost everything. You were meant to go through this. Will you ever know why? Maybe. Maybe not. But when you get to heaven, ask Him. He will tell you. I’m sure Noah asked a lot of questions….

When disasters occur, I look at it differently. Again, to be fair, I am an outsider looking in so my perspective is different. One question is why didn’t/doesn’t God intervene? My question back is how do you know He didn’t? It can ALWAYS be worse. If you are alive, it can be worse. That sounds negative but it is the truth. But how many times have you seen a tornado drop out of the sky, LEVEL miles and miles and then poof! Back up in the clouds and never touched that school full of kids. That was a miracle, right? That tornado SHOULD HAVE blown right through that school. No. That was God.

There are times, disasters are a wake up call. Do I think they happened so YOU would wake up? Ummm….let’s just say I think maybe you and several others. Sometimes when our lives get off track, we forget a few things. And when something catastrophic happens, we tend to know who to seek. Kinda like your child when they are scared…they come running to you for comfort and protection. Well, that is no different than you running to your Father. And that is EXACTLY what you are supposed to do.

Listen, we live in a fallen world. We know this and we talk about it every week. As a christian, what should you do? It’s ok to grieve for these people. It’s ok to grieve WITH these people. We can pray for comfort and healing. We can volunteer and help if we are able. We can continue to worship and praise Him despite this! If Job could continue worshiping, you definitely can as someone looking in. Don’t allow these disasters to get you down and doubt. He’s there…just look.

Please keep Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and everyone impacted by these storms in your prayers. They appreciate it more than you know.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On September 2, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Motivational Monday- the 5 “L’s” of Life Series

Hey friends! When I started this series, I would love to tell you that I planned to talk about labor on Labor Day but I am not that organized. It just worked out that way. Speaking of work…what does God say about work? How hard do we need to labor? So, let’s talk it!

For those who don’t know, I am 44 years old. I have worked since I was 16 years old and I have quite a bit of my work life left in me. I think about the day I can retire but I am not sure what I will do when that time comes. If I turn out like my mother, I’ll be busier retired than working! She never really stopped working. Her focus just shifted to working for the Lord.

The Bible makes it clear that work matters to God. And it doesn’t matter how much you make or what your occupation is. God cares about your work (He really does!). There are some points the Bible makes about working/laboring. It provides us with a practical foundation for Christians asking about what the Bible says about how we should approach our work.

First, work is part of God’s big picture. Let’s start with Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Work was planned by God from the beginning until the very end. He created it. So working is a gift from God. You don’t have to love working but you should acknowledge that He gifted you the ability to work.

Second, God provides us with unique skills, gifts and talents and calls us to certain roles and activities. I know one of my skills is people. I can make people feel at ease and therefore, they open up to me (like in the middle of Walmart. True story). For my mental state, I never wanted to be a counselor but I knew I SHOULD work with people. I think like everyone, I worry if I am fulfilling God’s calling with my life but all I can do is pray and stay open to His guidance. In my professional life, when people open up to me, I try to approach all subjects with love and understanding. So far, it hasn’t failed me yet!

Third, a foundation of work is quality, character and ethics. We are responsible for our quality of work we produce, our faithfulness to God in the way we pursue work and our own character while working. Early in my career, I was asked to do something that was unethical. I really needed my job and we couldn’t afford for me to be terminated (which was the stated outcome if I didn’t comply with what was presented). I had to make a quick decision and I didn’t have time to talk it over with Jon. Not only did I refuse but I dared them to fire me. Now, I probably shouldn’t have dared them 😬 (anger slid in and took over a minute) but I don’t regret the decision. I knew my time with them was limited because of the decision I made but it was the right decision. I left my job a few months later. My ethics are based on right and wrong. Biblical ethics in my professional life. For the record, I talk about my ethics in job interviews so this is never an issue again.

Fourth, we are called to rest. Can I tell you how MUCH I appreciate the Lord stating we need to rest? I am someone who never stops. I can never get it all done whether it’s at home, at church or work. There are things that stay unfinished and I feel guilty for resting. But there are days (like today), I need to recharge and rest. I have to remind myself that it’s ok to do this because God! When God created us, He didn’t have to design us to sleep but He did. Have you ever thought about that? He could have designed us to be the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going and going…

I appreciate Labor Day because it’s a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made in America’s strength, prosperity and well being. But laboring isn’t about our country. It doesn’t matter how young or old. Never stop laboring for God.

Love you all and see you next week!

Jennifer

Motivational Monday- June 17, 2024

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 17, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey Friends!!I hope everyone had a great week last week. Man! It is getting hot. I hate to think how hot August is gearing up to be this year. 🥵

This week I want to talk about God’s silence. We have talked in the past about silence. Sometimes we ask God or an answer and there is silence. And we know silence IS an answer. But as humans, we can’t see the road ahead. We don’t understand the lack of communication and we can pull away from Him because we are frustrated. Today, I want to talk about how to connect with God during the silence. So let’s talk about it!

Years ago, when Jon and I were just married we financially had it rough. This isn’t uncommon but it seemed like we struggled more than our friends and family. Neither of us had a college education at that point. We had “good” jobs but they didn’t pay well. Then, BAM! I’m pregnant with Logan. Wow. Such a blessing but definitely not planned for that moment.

Long story short, when Logan was a year old, we filed bankruptcy. In order to keep the house and cars, we filed a Chapter 13 which means we paid it all back. And we did! But those times were ROUGH. I remember our meal rotation for the week included hotdogs, ramen, spaghetti, etc. Logan was on baby food and honestly ate nutritionally better than Jon and I. I remember praying and praying for God to just help us. I didn’t want to be rich. I just wanted to pay all of the bills, and eat without working 2 jobs (which we did). God was silent. When prayers go unanswered, discouragement creeps in and waiting provokes doubt and questions. Why can’t SOMETHING go our way?

Be honest how you feel

You know what I am going to say here. But yes! Pray! Tell God how you feel! Guess what? He knows how you feel anyway. So you might as well vent to Him and get it over with. But second, tell a good spiritual friend. I know some might shy away from this but everyone goes through something! Most people can at least relate to you. Trust me, calling a friend is vital when you feel the silence.

Believing God is a CHOICE not an EMOTION

Isn’t it easy to measure our spiritual condition by whether or not we feel close to God? Listen, I KNOW better but I will still fall into this trap by relying on emotions to evaluate my spiritual connection. Emotions are NOT an accurate gauge of your relationship with God.

Examine your heart without self-doubt

“God. What have I done wrong? Why are you giving me the silent treatment? Are you mad at me?” Sound familiar? What do you do? You start confessing any and all sins asking for forgiveness. Hoping and praying that the silence will be “cured”. Friends. It doesn’t work that way. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

Spiritual warfare! INCOMING!!!

“Well I guess I did something to make God mad. He’s not blessing me OR EVEN TALKING to me! He doesn’t love me. I’ve really messed up. Since I don’t know what I did, I’m over it.” Right there! That’s a spiritual attack. The enemy waits until you are vulnerable and he can be relentless with your thoughts and emotions. He spreads lies and misinterpretations. Be careful.

Which leads to…

Stand strong in your faith

Listen. You got this. The absolute BEST way to navigate silence is standing strong in your faith. If you need help, pick up the Bible. The word of God is a powerful weapon when there is spiritual warfare.

Trust God with your spiritual condition

So, here’s the thing. YOU, my frond, is not in control of your spiritual condition. God is. God sets the pace for our spiritual growth. Our role is to love, trust, obey and respond to God. When God feels distant, you need to trust he has not stopped working. He is more interested in that spiritual growth than you are!

God communicates various ways

Straight up friends…there are lots of times God IS communicating and we don’t hear or see it. 1 Corinthians 2:16, “God speaks in various ways including His Word, the church, circumstances, godly counsel and the mind of Christ within you.” Have you ever been in church and you feel like Pastor Scott is talking to ONLY you? Or you are on Facebook and a verse literally jumps off the page at you? You know, that was probably not a coincidence.

And lastly..

Believe God has a purpose for His silence

I am not going to begin to try to understand His silence because I’m sure it’s different with different scenarios. But the underlying theme to His silence is usually a reason to continue to seek Him. He wants your faith to grow but there are growing pains. My advice here is to embrace the silence. Sometimes when there are things going on in the background we don’t know about, there is nothing to say RIGHT NOW. Be patient.

I can’t tell you the invaluable lessons Jon and I learned during our bankruptcy days. I could go on for days about the lessons involving financial decisions, self doubt, self worth, the bond in our marriage, friends and family connections but most importantly God’s love. Listen..we made it. We paid everything back quicker than expected. We always had a roof over our heads, food on the table and an over abundance of love. These lessons have (hopefully) been passed down to Logan.

If you are going through a silent period, please don’t fret. I cannot say this enough but God loves you more than you can fathom. Silence is an answer and that’s ok. Embrace it. Seek Him. If you have a friend who is struggling, be a good friend. Don’t try to fix it! Just listen. Let them know you are there for them if they need you.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer