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Motivational Monday

On January 20, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!! Well, today was a big day for our country as we have a new president. I know some of you reading this might be happy and some might be apprehensive. And for the record, no matter how you feel, it’s ok. I love that I live in a country where I can disagree with someone’s politics (and religion!) and not worry about persecution. We are VERY blessed to live in the United States no matter how your cookie crumbles.

In the past, we have talked about presidents and world leaders. Growing up, I was always taught to respect those in leadership positions. Remember, respect and agreeing with them on all topics are two very different things. So today, I wanted to talk about leadership roles. From the President to a CEO to your church. What does God say about it? Let’s talk about it.

Years ago, I was an Executive Assistant to the President of a large company. It was my job to KNOW this man….and I did. I knew what foods he liked, when his wife’s birthday was, his kids names, and even how he liked his coffee. One day, I was sitting in his office discussing work items when he asked me if I liked my job. I was stunned. By him asking me this question, I felt like he thought I wasn’t good at my job. I frantically started telling him all the things I knew about him. He stopped me. “Jennifer, do you feel like this job is a waste of your talents? Do you like your job?” I had never thought I was smart enough to do anything else until he asked me this question.

All throughout the Bible, we see a series of leaders who submit to God’s authority and those who don’t. People prospered under leaders who honored God and sought after Him, but were oppressed by leaders who did not. The first two commandments God gave His people were to have no other gods before Him and we should not make any image that we worship before Him (Exodus 20:3-4). As we have talked about in previous Mondays, the idols we worship today are more likely to be people than statues. We value and honor those in leadership roles sometimes more than we value and honor the Lord. With leadership often comes recognition. And with recognition comes the temptation to put ourselves or our positions before God. If we’re not careful, we can worship the position instead of the One who promoted us to that position.

True leaders roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches when times call for it. In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus tells His disciples that leaders should not exercise authority over people. Instead, whoever wants to become great must lower himself to be a servant. Leaders realize that serving others is the only way to lead with a pure heart, free of pride and arrogance.

Leaders know you. They come up and ask you about the wife and kids. That’s the kind of leader Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, describes in 1 Peter 5:1-5. Peter reminds us that leaders should be like shepherds, caring for and watching over the group of people they’ve been entrusted with. You see, back in the day, shepherds KNEW their sheep. They named them, cared for them, and trained them to respond to their voice. If the sheep wandered away, the shepherd went and found it and brought it back to the flock. This is the type of leader God calls us to be.

Lastly, a leader is someone you want to follow. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Like today, there are many people who are excited and ready to see what is in store for the US. Others are reluctant. No matter what side of the fence you are on, you understand these emotions. We’ve all had a new boss we weren’t sure about!

Whether you are excited or reluctant, our country needs your prayers. In 1 Timothy 2, Paul tells us to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Paul wrote these words under one of the harshest rulers in history, Nero, who was much worse than any leader the United States has ever had in power.

This week, pray for our leaders to have wisdom, to be able to discern what is best for the people they are leading, and for unity. Don’t use your words to tear down or degrade your leader, but lift them up to the only One who can help the situation. Pray for a leader who asks you questions to help you become a better person and see your talents. I am thankful there have been a few on earth who have helped shape me but there is only ONE who made me who I am today.

Love you and see you soon,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 30, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! So here we sit…7 days after Christmas and just like that! It’s New Year’s. Every year about this time, I always like to sit and ponder what my personal goals are for the upcoming year. Of course, I know myself better than anyone. So my goals have to be realistic or they will never stick. I try very hard to listen to the Lord and determine what I need to focus on for the upcoming year. So far, I am struggling! So, is it necessary to set goals as a christian? Let’s talk about it!

I know a lot of people talk about “resolutions”. Listen, I let that term leave my vocabulary (in regards to me personally) years ago. You see, a resolution is a “firm decision to do or not to do something”. I can’t make a firm decision on dinner and you want me to decide for the year??! This is why I had to go BACK to college because I couldn’t decide firmly on what I wanted to be when I grew up! But a goal…I can work with a goal. My goal is to cook dinner for my family and eat. Bam! I got that. See the difference in my brain. 🙂 It’s what works for me.

My goals have become more and more Christ centered over the years. I know! It should ALWAYS be Christ centered. But again, as I grow in my faith, my goals change to be Christ centered. But as a christian, do I need to make a goal for the upcoming year?

Yes and no. To be very black and white, the Scripture doesn’t say anything about goals at the end of one year and the beginning of another. But what Scripture does say is: contemplate our lives and commit them to the Lord (Prov 16:9). We are told to set our minds on things above (Col. 3:2) and to put our immoralities to death (Col. 3:5) while pursuing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12). I like there is no specific date because it goes to show you can do these at ANY time. Not just this time of year.

You know I like to keep these real, right? 80% of us who set well intended goals, will not see them past Valentine’s Day. I would love to tell you why this is but for me, I overestimate what I can accomplish. Of course, we have different levels of busyness. So, I try to create a focus for the year. Of course, my eyes are always set on the Lord. But I try to reflect on what I accomplished in 2024 and then decide what I need to work on for 2025. This year, for me, is being more intent with my time with the Lord. I need to set aside a set time for Him and not be all willy nilly with my time with/for Him.

When you set this goal, understand that you don’t need to know what the future holds. These goals help us face the future. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. These two verses tell us to trust Him, acknowledge Him and follow His plans. When you break it down like that it sounds easy doesn’t it? I know, I know! It’s not quite that easy but that’s why we set spiritual goals. To get better in areas we need to work on!

I am not going to assign you homework or give you a takeaway this week. I think that is on you. I pray that your walk with the Lord will grow this year.

Love you all and see you next year,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On December 23, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! A few more days until Christmas is here!! By now, HOPEFULLY your stress level is down and you are pumped to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I know I am. I can’t wait to sit back, drink my coffee and watch the fam open their gifts.

Yesterday, we spent Christmas with Jon’s side of the family for the first time since COVID. There are a lot of reasons why we haven’t seen each other, but at the end of the day, it was easier to not get together at this time of year (we all have to drive to a central location to see each other). This year, Jon said, “Nope. We are getting together!” So we did. And it was so nice! It was low key, easy, full of laughter and love. Jon, Logan and I realized how much we missed them and just how much we love them! We always loved them but you know the saying…absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This got me thinking about the season. For most of us, this season is about love. But what about those who are hurting? I can see where some find this time of year as the most loveless time of year. Where do you find love in the middle of this season where everyone is happy? Let’s talk about it.

No matter how you feel about the Christmas season, God’s Word gives us reason to rejoice when we consider the meaning behind this holiday. Scripture tells us that God loved ALL of us (yes, He loves those who don’t love Him) so much that he sent His only Son to save us. Clearly this was the plan all throughout history because it was prophesied MANY times throughout the Old Testament. When Jesus was born, the path was always to the cross where He would die to save us. If that doesn’t define love, let me give you a few other reasons. 🙂

God is love. If you are not familiar with God defining love, this statement might be confusing. The Bible tells us that God is perfect. He is patient, good and righteous. He is not loving…he is love. The miracle of Christmas is from the great love He has for us. “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16.

To show us, Jesus came to show us God’s love. We all are separated from God by sin because only He is perfect. We couldn’t fix our relationship with Him because it wasn’t possible and He knew it. He knew He had to intervene by sending Jesus. This was the only way we could receive salvation. Christmas is the time of year we remember Jesus’s arrival. “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Because of Jesus, we can show God’s love to others. As we have talked in previous weeks, it’s easy to get caught up in the gift giving aspect. But what this time of year should tell us is to love others as God has loved us. We need to be ready to love those who feel alone or discouraged. It’s the time of year where we encourage others to experience the gift we all received from God. “We love because he first loved us.”1 John 4:19

Lastly, God’s love is eternal. This season, if you are hurting, it is most likely over rejection, bitterness or heartbreak. God will never let you down. He will never break a promise, lessen His love or let you go. God gave us Jesus which is HUGE. Do you think if someone gave you their only Son would revoke their love from you? Nope. THIS is something we can all rejoice in this Christmas and all throughout the year! “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

So friends, this holiday season, remember those who need extra love. I know some say they don’t want or need love, but you know they are hurting. If you feel like you can’t show them love by inviting them over or giving them a meal, then just pray for them. You don’t have to tell them OR maybe you do want to tell them. If you are someone who is hurting this season and you need/want to feel God’s love, please come to our service tomorrow night at 6pm. It’s always short and we don’t care what you wear! What I can promise you is people will be smiling and happy. We will introduce ourselves but we won’t be annoying, I promise! If you want to sit next to me, I always sit on the right side as you walk in. I am a little more than halfway up and I sit on the vent. 🙂 It’s my unofficial assigned seat. No matter what, please come and feel His love this season.

Merry Christmas,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

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

Thankful Tuesday

By Jennifer Robbins

On November 26, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey Friends! I thought in honor of Thanksgiving this week, I would turn Motivational Monday into Thankful Tuesday (Thankful Monday just doesn’t have the same ring 🙂). Clearly, today, I want to focus on Thanksgiving. Is it a Christian holiday? What should our focus be? So…let’s talk about it.

I LOVE Thanksgiving. When I was a kid, it was just an ok holiday. I saw my cousins. We played. We ate. We played again. As an adult, I feel like Thanksgiving is overshadowed by Christmas. A lot of us LOVE Christmas decorations and we have already decorated (and that’s ok!). Personally I choose not to decorate early because I want to focus on Thanksgiving and if I decorate, it’s hard to keep my focus (again, this is JUST me!). I love that this holiday is not centered around gifts. In fact, the gift is fellowship. We literally sit around, talk, watch some football, go outside and take naps. It’s relaxing. And don’t get me started on the food! Man!

But is Thanksgiving a Christian holiday?

Well, yes and no. It’s a civic holiday with religious roots. I’ll explain. Thanksgiving is a civic holiday that came about from a custom by European Christians. These European Christians were Puritans and Pilgrims. When they came to North America, it was pretty traumatic in a lot of ways but they clearly triumphed. They wanted to give thanks as a community for God’s great provision and blessings. This tradition has been practiced heavily in North America since 1621. So, in 1863 during the Civil War, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

So, let’s peel the layers away and look at Thanksgiving a little deeper. When the Puritans and Pilgrims migrated hare, it was bleak. Out of 102 colonists, 44 died the first winter. At one point, their food ration was down to five kernels of corn. Y’all. That’s pretty bad. But then, a ship came and swapped grain for beaver pelts. This brought hope. Do you believe they were saved by happenstance? Of course not! God saved them! It was all in His plan for them to go through hard times and to be saved. For them to give thanks to Him. For a movement to make it a national holiday. For all of us to stop and thank Him for our blessings every year. That was all planned.

Even though the Thanksgiving holiday is not in the Bible, there are a ton of references of thanksgiving. Individuals offered up sacrifices out of gratitude in the book of Genesis. The Mosaic Law set aside three times each year when the Israelites were to gather together. All three of these times the Feast of the Passover, (Exodus 12:15-20), Harvest or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21), and the Feast of Ingathering or Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-36) involved remembering God’s provision and grace. Harvest and Tabernacles took place specifically in relation to God’s provision in the harvest of various fruit trees and crops. And if you are wondering, yes the New Testament is chocked full of verses to give thanks to God in your prayers.

So while you are sitting at the table with your family and friends, please remember Him. He gave the greatest gift and that is His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus paid our debts so we can peacefully sit at the table with our loved ones this season and for all seasons to come. Please take time at the table to talk about what God has done for you and what blessings He has provided for you. Remember what this day is really about. Make sure it’s not overlooked.

Happy Thanksgiving and 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 November 11, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! How was your week? Before we get started, I wanted to throw something out there. We have a Men’s and Women’s Bible Study that meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month (due to the holidays this month, we are only meeting this Wednesday). Listen, I can only speak for the women, but this is a really good Bible Study. This study flows in a way that you can join anytime and you won’t be lost. And even if you do get lost, that’s ok. Sit by me where we can be lost together. The men seem to have a good time because we can hear them laughing next door. So, please come. We would love to have new people to add spice.

How many of you are planners? If something doesn’t go “right”, how do you react? Well, let’s talk about it.

Years ago, Jon and I wanted a bigger house/yard for us but mainly for Logan. We lived in a little townhome and it was a great starter home but Lo had nowhere to really run. So, when the time was right, we put it on the market. It had a contract in a week. So, we were in crunch time to find a house. We looked at several and put an offer on a house. This house had everything I wanted BUT…I’ll be honest, I really didn’t like it. In fact, we called that house the “Pizza Hut House” because it was shaped like an old Pizza Hut! But I settled. We negotiated back and forth and we could never agree on a price. So, we walked away. And then, we went on vacation!! Talk about stress.

While on vacation, I was searching the internet for a house and NOTHING. Finally, I just prayed and asked the Lord for help. I ended the prayer with, “I’ll figure it out when I get home but I want to enjoy this vacation.” The next morning, I got an email of a new listing. I loved this house. It was cheaper than the first one and it had a bigger yard. It had everything we wanted. We sent our real estate agent over to check it out and she loved it for us. We put a contract on it and we had never actually seen it in person! I felt like it was meant to be. Well, 11 years have passed and we are still in that house and we don’t have any plans to move.

You know, some people believe that when you are Christian, everything in life is easy and things just naturally go your way. I have been a Christian for a long time and I can assure you, that is NOT the case. In fact, some of my biggest challenges in life have been when I chose to follow God’s way instead of the world’s. It is so easy to choose the path where you will be socially accepted versus stares, eye rolls, or huffs and puffs (you might get all three!).

Over the last several years, when my emotions get high, I do seek the Lord in prayer. But this was a learned behavior that literally took decades for me to do. So, if this is not your first response, know you are not alone. When my heart is pounding out of my chest with emotion, I will quickly say, “Lord, help me.” That’s my whole prayer. Why? Well, at that single moment, I have something going on and I can’t have a long, drawn out prayer! 😂 But He knows what I need. He knows what I need when I DON’T KNOW what I need! Luke 5:15-16, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Sinless Jesus used the same tools we have today! If it was good enough for Jesus, surely you will benefit too, right?

Lastly, let it go. Yep, like the song! Matthew 10:13-15, “If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town”. Jesus tells us to keep preaching. Keep pointing people towards Him. It’s ok to want to explain your side or clarify. But if you keep going and pushing, who are you helping? Is it for your own ego? You have to trust God will work out what He has planned for that person you tried to change. So, preach, point to Him and then, let it go!

So, if things had gone my way, would we still be living in the Pizza Hut house? Who knows. But what I can tell you from that experience, is that I had to turn it over to Him. Once I did, He was right there and handed me what I asked for on a silver platter. And no, my house isn’t perfect but it’s perfect for us. And I am so thankful for His blessings for allowing us to have what He picked for us.

So if things haven’t gone your way lately, don’t get down. Really. I know it’s hard and stressful! But you HAVE TO trust in Him that He has your best interest at heart. Just talk to Him about it. I mean really, what is the downside to praying? And then, once you get it all out…let it go. If you need a visual to help you through it, I have a suggestion. Pick out a beautiful leaf. Take great care in picking this leaf. Then, find a stream and let it go. Watch it drift down the stream. Notice how that leaf gets caught on branches, or get caught in a current where it drifts quickly OR it gets sucked underwater. That leaf that you picked with great care is your problem(s) that you are so stressed about and God is the stream. No matter how hard the situation or where it goes, He will deal with it.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On November 4, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

As always, it is so good to see you here whatever day it is for you! Tomorrow is a pretty big day so I would be amiss if we didn’t talk about it. The election. So, without further ado, let’s talk about it.

This Motivational Monday is posted later tonight because I have rewritten it several times. Tomorrow, I know who I am going to vote for and I back them quite a bit. Am I 100% happy with them as a person? Or am I 100% happy with all of their policies? The answer to both of those questions is no…for me. I try to approach all things from a christian perspective. In fact, this is probably the first time I have ever prayed for the best candidate to win (and I really meant it!). There have been times I have prayed that prayer but obviously wanted MY candidate to win.

By praying for the best candidate to win, am I voting for the least bad option?

I am, personally, extremely happy that I am not running for political office because Lord knows, I am not perfect. And I have lived a little in my 44 years on this Earth. 🙂 I am a Christian and I am not perfect. Just like your candidate you will be voting for tomorrow (Romans 3:10). So to answer the question…yes. You are voting for the least bad option because you live in a fallen world! But that’s where discernment comes into play.

The Bible teaches us about leadership. Exodus is an excellent source. Exodus 18:21 reveals that one of the most important qualities of leadership is competency. We need a leader who will uphold justice with written policies that align with our christian morals and values. In fact, Exodus tells us this leader should have good character and support godly policies.

This is where I struggled. No one is perfect. Everyone sins. Yet, I need to vote for someone with good character and support godly policies. That sounds like they need to be as close to sinless as humanly possible. Friends, this is where you weigh competency and morals. Political support and moral approval are two very different things. A question that helps me weigh the candidates is will your candidate reflect biblical values in their political decisions?

Life is not black and white. In fact, I think we live in a constant state of gray. That’s why it’s hard. Because we live in gray, most cannot back a candidate 100% and we struggle. But when weighing the candidates, they are vastly different (I know we are talking about the presidential election tomorrow but in all elections, they are ALWAYS vastly different).

I would bet 99.9% of you know who are, will or would be voting for tomorrow. I personally believe it is our worldly and godly civic duty to vote. Yes, I said godly. Here are some verses to help understand the significance of voting from the Bible: Deuteronomy 1:13, Proverbs 14:34, Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 29:2 and 1 Timothy 2:1-2. I am going to encourage you all to reflect on what is most important to you in your next worldly leader. Pray about it and read His word and then vote.

I hope to see you at the poll.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On October 28, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! I am so glad you are all here reading this today (whatever day you are reading it). I appreciate you being here. Today was an easy topic for me. I think most of you know I get inspiration from my own life, friends, family and coworkers. Well today, it’s about me. 😂 Hard decisions. They are zero fun. Especially making hard decisions in the light of God’s will. So, let’s talk about it.

Over the last several nights, I have not slept well. I am sure you have all been there, right? You know you have to do something unpleasant and it keeps you up. These decisions can be life threatening or life changing. And sometimes, these decisions are not necessarily life changing for you but for someone else. And honestly, I don’t like being a person that changes someone’s course in their life. In fact, I think I do better mentally when I am the only one affected!

So how can we make tough decisions in the light of God’s will?

First, pray. I know we talk about praying every single week. But it IS JUST that important. But when you are awake at 3am stressed about the next day, THIS IS THE EXACT TIME to have a conversation with God. I pray until I fall back asleep. And I ask Him for peace and comfort and to allow me to sleep. You see, I believe we are put in these situations to draw us closer to God. He knows, but we don’t. He wants us to make decisions that are according to His word and will. By doing this, we glorify and magnify Him in our own lives.

Second, get your heart right. This one can be a tough one for me. When making a tough decision, many people want it their way and not God’s way. To be fair, I don’t think people go into decision making as “against God”. I think we are all somewhat selfish. Even when we do look to Him for help, sometimes we look for “signs: or “feelings”. But we have to be careful not to bend those feelings towards our preference. The best thing is ALWAYS God’s will.

Speaking of feelings, those can be deceptive. The longer we walk with God the better we are discerning His voice (the ladies bible study on Wednesday nights are studying about this exact thing!). The easiest thing is not to base a decision on your feelings. In fact, try to see past it. One thing I can say for certain. If your feeling is against the Word of God, I assure you that is NOT God’s will.

Lastly, ask others to pray for you. Again, this can be a tough one for me. I don’t want to be a bother or draw negative attention to me. And this is my thought process when I ask for prayers…which is so silly! Why? When others ask me to pray for them, I don’t think twice about it! I don’t think they are bother at all! You see, being a part of the body Christ means we have an army of prayer partners. Your brothers and sisters don’t need to sit idle when you need them. They love you and want what is best for you! And what is best, is God’s will.

I am at a point in my life that I do thank God for His wisdom. And, I know I receive His wisdom in times like this. Life is full of decisions daily. Some good. Some are not so good. I pray everyday that God will show me the right way when I have to make decisions on the spot.

Hopefully this week, you don’t have to make a tough decision! But if you do, I challenge you to sit back, read His word, pray and listen. But making sure when you listen that you discern HIS voice and not your own. I know I am telling you all these things but the reality is…I needed reminding. And I thank you for being here to remind me.

Love you all,

Jennifer