During this time of not being able to attend church because of Covid 19, Pastor Rob is sharing
Virtual Video Sermons. We invite you to visit Music Videos, too.
Pastor’s Messages Page – June, 2020
You may also enjoy visiting our Video Sermon Link to hear Pastor Rob's Sunday Video Messages
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Other translations have it:
“I have strength for anything through Him who gives me power.” (Weymouth New Testament)
“For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me.” (Young’s Literal Translation)
In our lives, we often run up against things that seem way beyond our control; things that appear bigger than we are; things that we see as impossible to overcome in our own force and might. For some of us may be a sudden burst of anger or rage that comes from within us periodically, or it could be some-sort-of addiction, lust, or longing of some kind which never seems to leave us alone for too long. It may be an all-consuming resentment toward someone else due to something that happened between us in the past. Some people repeatedly face sorrow, grief, or remorse because of what they’ve had to face in life, while others are caught up in an overwhelming sense of guilt because of their past. All of these things—and more—tend to paralyze us, and prevent us from living a satisfied, fulfilled existence, especially as we stand before our God.
As we are provoked by such things, our natural inclination is to grit our teeth, straighten up our shoulders, and through sheer determination, do all we can to overpower the situation. It becomes nothing more than our effort to try harder to prove ourselves capable of being all that we possibly can be as we walk this earth. Then, add to that frustrating struggle the invisible enemy we’re battling each day in our communities (COVID-19), and many of us are completely stifled.
Yet, here in Philippians 4, the apostle Paul admits that even he doesn’t have the strength in-and-of-himself to accomplish anything. He must call on his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all the strength and power he needs.
However, let me share a word of caution. When Paul says that he ‘can do all things,’ he’s not saying all things are without limitation. Nor is he saying that he can do all the things that Christ did when He was here on earth. Rather, he is sharing the idea that ‘he can be content in every state in which he finds himself, and could know how to behave in adversity and prosperity; that is, amid poverty and plenty, and that same attitude could be extended to all the duties pressing upon him as a Christian and an apostle.
Within each of the situations he finds himself, the apostle Paul is sure that he will be able to consciously live a life void of offense toward the Almighty—as well as toward his fellow Man (both male and female), as his Lord grants him the strength!
Paul is saying that he will be able to care for all the business he’s involved in (which was establishing and dealing with numerous churches, laboring over sermons and letters to congregations, as well as the afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions he experienced because of it). Yes, he would willingly, and even cheerfully, endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ, if he were forced into it—not in his own strength—but through the One who strengthens him.
Consequently, the ability to perform our duties and to bear suffering in the name of Christ comes directly from entreating our Lord who will fortify us internally for the task(s). So, how can we make it when we are faced with a trial? Through Christ. How can we overcome those strong temptations or compulsions? Through Christ. How can we rise above our grief and/or despair?
Through Christ.
Oh, there are times we will need the assistance of other professionals: physicians, counselors, therapists, financial advisors, pastors, and the like. But our ultimate strength comes from Christ... that’s why all summer long—and beyond—we need to turn to Him to find the confidence, joy, and strength that Paul, the apostle, found when facing whatever life threw at him. Let’s you and I keep looking to Jesus as we invite Him to go before us in every situation of life… even coronavirus!
Have a good summer! I hope you’re one who will be watching our weekly video’s and one who attends church once we get back to worship once again.
‘n God bless y’all REAL good.
Pastor Rob
You may also enjoy visiting our Video Sermon Link to hear Pastor Rob's Sunday Video Messages
Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Other translations have it:
“I have strength for anything through Him who gives me power.” (Weymouth New Testament)
“For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me.” (Young’s Literal Translation)
In our lives, we often run up against things that seem way beyond our control; things that appear bigger than we are; things that we see as impossible to overcome in our own force and might. For some of us may be a sudden burst of anger or rage that comes from within us periodically, or it could be some-sort-of addiction, lust, or longing of some kind which never seems to leave us alone for too long. It may be an all-consuming resentment toward someone else due to something that happened between us in the past. Some people repeatedly face sorrow, grief, or remorse because of what they’ve had to face in life, while others are caught up in an overwhelming sense of guilt because of their past. All of these things—and more—tend to paralyze us, and prevent us from living a satisfied, fulfilled existence, especially as we stand before our God.
As we are provoked by such things, our natural inclination is to grit our teeth, straighten up our shoulders, and through sheer determination, do all we can to overpower the situation. It becomes nothing more than our effort to try harder to prove ourselves capable of being all that we possibly can be as we walk this earth. Then, add to that frustrating struggle the invisible enemy we’re battling each day in our communities (COVID-19), and many of us are completely stifled.
Yet, here in Philippians 4, the apostle Paul admits that even he doesn’t have the strength in-and-of-himself to accomplish anything. He must call on his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all the strength and power he needs.
However, let me share a word of caution. When Paul says that he ‘can do all things,’ he’s not saying all things are without limitation. Nor is he saying that he can do all the things that Christ did when He was here on earth. Rather, he is sharing the idea that ‘he can be content in every state in which he finds himself, and could know how to behave in adversity and prosperity; that is, amid poverty and plenty, and that same attitude could be extended to all the duties pressing upon him as a Christian and an apostle.
Within each of the situations he finds himself, the apostle Paul is sure that he will be able to consciously live a life void of offense toward the Almighty—as well as toward his fellow Man (both male and female), as his Lord grants him the strength!
Paul is saying that he will be able to care for all the business he’s involved in (which was establishing and dealing with numerous churches, laboring over sermons and letters to congregations, as well as the afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions he experienced because of it). Yes, he would willingly, and even cheerfully, endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ, if he were forced into it—not in his own strength—but through the One who strengthens him.
Consequently, the ability to perform our duties and to bear suffering in the name of Christ comes directly from entreating our Lord who will fortify us internally for the task(s). So, how can we make it when we are faced with a trial? Through Christ. How can we overcome those strong temptations or compulsions? Through Christ. How can we rise above our grief and/or despair?
Through Christ.
Oh, there are times we will need the assistance of other professionals: physicians, counselors, therapists, financial advisors, pastors, and the like. But our ultimate strength comes from Christ... that’s why all summer long—and beyond—we need to turn to Him to find the confidence, joy, and strength that Paul, the apostle, found when facing whatever life threw at him. Let’s you and I keep looking to Jesus as we invite Him to go before us in every situation of life… even coronavirus!
Have a good summer! I hope you’re one who will be watching our weekly video’s and one who attends church once we get back to worship once again.
‘n God bless y’all REAL good.
Pastor Rob
Pastor Rob's Good Friday Message April 10,2020
You may also visit our Video Sermon Link to hear Pastor Rob's spoken April 2020 Good Friday Message.
Pastor’s Page for April 2020
A lady named Jill Price remembers everything. She has hyperthymesia, or what has been called hyperthymestic syndrome, which is automatic autobiographical recall of every day of her life from the age of 14.
It’s been said that the average person’s autobiographical memory is highly selective. We tend to remember the very emotional experiences or—but not every day and every moment of those days. In fact, scientific studies report that just 3% of our life events are highly memorable.
Well, you would think that something like what Jill has would be a wonderful gift. I mean, we’d never forget birthdays or anniversaries again!
However, from Jill’s memoir, The Woman Who Can’t Forget, we read: “Imagine being able to remember every fight you ever had with a friend; every time someone let you down; all the stupid mistakes you’ve ever made; the meanest, most harmful things you’ve ever said to people and those they’ve said to you. Then imagine not being able to push them out of your mind no matter what you tried.”
Yep, for people that can’t forget, the emotions are forever just as strong and potent as the day they were initially experienced. These people are prisoners of their own memories.
That makes me think about those of us who are still imprisoned by our memories—even though we don’t have hyperthymesia. We are either consciously or subconsciously held captive by our past. As Christians, we may have confessed our sins, but we still feel condemned. We continue to beat ourselves up, sabotaging ourselves by recalling self-defeating lies that come to us from Satan himself.
However, the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8 to reassure us that we’ve been set free from such a sadistic thought process. It’s here, you see, that that the early disciple shows us that ‘the law of sin and death’ is deprived of its power by the holy law of God that freely and openly receives believers who are living obediently to Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Yes, Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, so that we who believe in Him are made “the righteousness of God in Him”
(2 Cor. 5:21). Romans 8 put it like this: “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins” (The Living Translation).
So, friends, since God Almighty has FREED you of your sins, you are no longer condemned; Praise the Lord! This means that we can live as Easter People! We are men and women of the Resurrection! One day we will be with Jesus in a new life after this one—Praise be to God!
Rejoice in God’s Grace and celebrate by staying connected to your church. Although we are not open for regular gatherings with one another like worship and studies, we are together in spirit and truth. And your church needs you!
As a reminder, the church office is normally open in the morning hours of Monday through Thursday and you can drop off God’s Tithes and your offerings there; just call first 252-453-3559.
Or you can mail in your gifts to the church:
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 648
Grandy, NC 27939
A lady named Jill Price remembers everything. She has hyperthymesia, or what has been called hyperthymestic syndrome, which is automatic autobiographical recall of every day of her life from the age of 14.
It’s been said that the average person’s autobiographical memory is highly selective. We tend to remember the very emotional experiences or—but not every day and every moment of those days. In fact, scientific studies report that just 3% of our life events are highly memorable.
Well, you would think that something like what Jill has would be a wonderful gift. I mean, we’d never forget birthdays or anniversaries again!
However, from Jill’s memoir, The Woman Who Can’t Forget, we read: “Imagine being able to remember every fight you ever had with a friend; every time someone let you down; all the stupid mistakes you’ve ever made; the meanest, most harmful things you’ve ever said to people and those they’ve said to you. Then imagine not being able to push them out of your mind no matter what you tried.”
Yep, for people that can’t forget, the emotions are forever just as strong and potent as the day they were initially experienced. These people are prisoners of their own memories.
That makes me think about those of us who are still imprisoned by our memories—even though we don’t have hyperthymesia. We are either consciously or subconsciously held captive by our past. As Christians, we may have confessed our sins, but we still feel condemned. We continue to beat ourselves up, sabotaging ourselves by recalling self-defeating lies that come to us from Satan himself.
However, the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8 to reassure us that we’ve been set free from such a sadistic thought process. It’s here, you see, that that the early disciple shows us that ‘the law of sin and death’ is deprived of its power by the holy law of God that freely and openly receives believers who are living obediently to Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Yes, Jesus, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, so that we who believe in Him are made “the righteousness of God in Him”
(2 Cor. 5:21). Romans 8 put it like this: “there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins” (The Living Translation).
So, friends, since God Almighty has FREED you of your sins, you are no longer condemned; Praise the Lord! This means that we can live as Easter People! We are men and women of the Resurrection! One day we will be with Jesus in a new life after this one—Praise be to God!
Rejoice in God’s Grace and celebrate by staying connected to your church. Although we are not open for regular gatherings with one another like worship and studies, we are together in spirit and truth. And your church needs you!
As a reminder, the church office is normally open in the morning hours of Monday through Thursday and you can drop off God’s Tithes and your offerings there; just call first 252-453-3559.
Or you can mail in your gifts to the church:
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 648
Grandy, NC 27939
Pastor Rob's Important Message on Coronavirus March 23, 2020
Pastor Rob's Important March Message
“Carpe Diem” Luke 18:31-43
Well, today’s scripture reading may seem like two disjointed segments of scripture— and some of us may wonder what they have in common. I mean, at first, we observe Jesus walking towards Jerusalem with a sense of determination because His life’s mission is going to be fulfilled.
Yet this wasn’t the 1st time His disciples heard such words.
And back in Luke, Ch. 9, the author mentioned how Jesus spoke of His mission, saying: “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
For sure, many people even in our day can’t understand how God’s kingdom can go forward through something as cruel as the cross.
Yet it was different with Jesus;
So here—as paraphrased from another theologian—we have:
Now, of course, we read that the disciples didn’t quite understand what Jesus was saying (vs. 34).
He set--Himself to the task.
Next, the scene changes.
Mercy is the grace of God extended toward those who’re helpless;
· Have you realized that your sin is a crime against Almighty God?
· … a debt owed to Him? …
· … an ugly stain upon your record as you stand before a holy, loving God?
Nevertheless, like countless verbal appeals to the Almighty in public, the criticism comes from those nearby.
Yet, with respect to this morning’s scripture, we need to ask:
Hebron UMC Mt. Zion UMC
7411 Caratoke Highway PO Box 648
Jarvisburg, NC 27947 Grandy, NC 27939
Let’s KEEP your Church Open for your sake, and God’s!
“Carpe Diem” Luke 18:31-43
Well, today’s scripture reading may seem like two disjointed segments of scripture— and some of us may wonder what they have in common. I mean, at first, we observe Jesus walking towards Jerusalem with a sense of determination because His life’s mission is going to be fulfilled.
- In verses 31-34, Jesus tells His disciples what awaits Him in Jerusalem.
- He says that ‘He must be handed over to the Gentiles, mocked, insulted, spat upon, flogged, and killed—but on the 3rd day He will rise again.’
- This, He says, is to fulfill everything that was written about Him by the prophets.
Yet this wasn’t the 1st time His disciples heard such words.
- Nearly six months earlier in Caesarea Philippi, He told His disciples practically the same thing (Matt. 16:21).
- It was at that point that Peter rebuked Him, and Jesus famously replied, “Get thee behind me, Satan!”
And back in Luke, Ch. 9, the author mentioned how Jesus spoke of His mission, saying: “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).
- It was just what the prophet of old had prophesied many years before speaking of God’s Servant, proclaimed: “Therefore I have set My face like a flint” (Isa. 50:7).
- Yes, Jesus set His face like flint to fight for the salvation for you and me.
- He was set to go to Jerusalem,
- where he was going to be arrested, beaten, whipped, and nailed to a cross.
- It’s not a life’s’ mission that anyone would really want--
- but our Lord knew it was what He had to do to carry out God’s intention for humankind.
For sure, many people even in our day can’t understand how God’s kingdom can go forward through something as cruel as the cross.
- It’s completely contrary to human comprehension and logic.
- We kind-of accept that brutal persecution and callous chastisement could cause nearly any ‘forward progress’ of an anti-social movement of the status quo to put an end to such an undertaking.
- I mean, anything good resulting from a leader’s execution is highly impractical.
Yet it was different with Jesus;
- You see, while he predicted His own death, He also predicted His own resurrection:
- He said that He was going up to Jerusalem where everything that was written about Him in the prophets will take place.
- Then He says, “In three days (I) will rise, alive.”
- You see, in Jesus, death isn’t the final word.
- In fact, in all the writings of the NT there isn’t a single incidence when Jesus foretold His suffering that He didn’t--at the same time--foretell His Resurrection.
So here—as paraphrased from another theologian—we have:
- the seal of His finished work,
- the sign of His glorious triumph,
- the affirmation of His coming resurrection and
- the certainty of life everlasting. ….
- Yes, Jesus ‘set His face like flint’ to go to Jerusalem not as a victim, but as victor.
Now, of course, we read that the disciples didn’t quite understand what Jesus was saying (vs. 34).
- Theologian John Calvin reasons about it like this in one of his commentaries:
- He says, “Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand what He’s saying, not because they can’t comprehend the words, but that they can’t comprehend the suffering of the Messiah, nor could they grasp how this would fulfill scripture.”
He set--Himself to the task.
Next, the scene changes.
- While Jesus is walking to Jerusalem through Jericho, He comes across a blind beggar.
- Now, at first thought, this doesn’t even seem to fit with the previous verses.
- I mean, here’s a story of a divine miracle taking place that seems to be connected to one where Jesus explains His REAL life’s mission,
- and His disciples are somewhat oblivious to what’s being said.
- Hopefully, we’ll see.
- And as our Lord walks toward that town, He comes upon a man who was unable to see,
- and thus, unable to work & earn an income--
- so he clearly had little dignity; little self-respect; little self-worth. …
- He may even have been someone who felt like his life was aimless, or, perhaps, worthless.
- and thus, unable to work & earn an income--
- And he heard the crowd, so he asked what was going on.
- we learn that this blind beggar was named Bartimaeus.
- And he had at least one thing going for him:
- In spite his blindness, he was able to see what others could not see.
- And he had at least one thing going for him:
- Bartimaeus at once calls out, “Son of David, Mercy! Have mercy on me!”
- You see, though he was not able to visibly see,
- Bartimaeus could call out,
- or “cry out” according to a number of translations;
- Peterson’s Message has it, 'He yelled.’
Mercy is the grace of God extended toward those who’re helpless;
- i.e., toward those who can't change their situation or circumstance. ….
- Have you ever felt helpless?
- Have you ever felt as though you had no hope? No future? That you were at wit's end?
- That you had nothing to look forward to?
- At times like these, God often hears the cry of His people.
- He is there for you. Just wait upon--depend upon—Him!
- He cried out, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” (Ps. 51:1-2).
- Truly, David understood the nature of sin and the character of God’s forgiveness, as one theologian put it.
· Have you realized that your sin is a crime against Almighty God?
· … a debt owed to Him? …
· … an ugly stain upon your record as you stand before a holy, loving God?
Nevertheless, like countless verbal appeals to the Almighty in public, the criticism comes from those nearby.
- In vs. 39, “Those (walking) ahead of Jesus told the man to shut up …” ….
- We either become Bold, or Shrink in Shame.
- Well, look what it does to blind Bartimaeus.
- The scripture tells us, “he only yelled all the louder: “Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”
- and freely praise Him.
- Carpe Diem is interpreted, "seize the day,"
- or more accurately, "pluck the day."
- More recently, in the movie Dead Poet Society, the late Robin Williams plays an English teacher named Mr. Keating in an exclusive all-boys school.
- His first lesson takes them out of the classroom to focus on the idea of this Latin phrase.
- He does so by showing them pictures of former students in the school’s trophy case.
- He tells them that all of them are now, ‘but fodder for worms.
- All human beings die and go back to being dust.
- But then he gets his students to lean in toward that trophy case which contained the pictures of those former students.
- He tells them, “Listen, to what they are saying.”
- As the boys bend toward the photos, the whisper is heard: “Carpe Diem; Carpe Diem;”
- – Seize the day! … i.e. make each day count; Reach for the trophy!
- He cried out for mercy from Jesus.
- He wasn’t to be silenced.
- He may’ve been blind, but he wasn’t mute.
- He could’ve remained silent because of his low social status.
- He could’ve thought, ‘What if I called out and He doesn’t heal me?’ …
- Or, ‘What if He really doesn’t care about little ole me?’
- But he wasn’t paralyzed by such a low self-image
- No, he didn’t say to himself, ‘Gee, I’m just a poor beggar; I’m a nobody; He won’t listen to me.’
- He could’ve remained silent because of his low social status.
- So, when the others told him to ‘be quiet,’ blind Bartimaeus simply seized the day!
- He jumped at the opportunity that was available to him.
- He didn’t let the hindrances prevent him from that opportunity;
- the restrictions of those in the crowd only deepened his resolve: … Carpe Diem!
- He didn’t let the hindrances prevent him from that opportunity;
- He jumped at the opportunity that was available to him.
- When Jesus told them, what lay ahead for Him in Jerusalem, they basically seemed to become immobilized;
- they said nothing, because they didn’t grasp the meaning behind the words.
- They didn’t even inquire from Him about what He was saying. …
- Yet the blind man saw through eyes of faith that Jesus, the Son of David, the Messiah, was passing by—
- so he called out for help.
- They didn’t even inquire from Him about what He was saying. …
- Our sincerity to Jesus is often tested by Satan’s hindrances.
- He’ll try all kinds of things to obstruct us,
- put barriers before us,
- place obstacles in our way,
- set hurdles in front of us,
- lay difficulties in our paths,
- weigh us down with heavy burdens, tests, and deterrents.
- Yes, Satan tries to outwit us (2 Cor. 2:11).
- Satan falsely accuses us (Mark 14:55-65; Acts 24).
- Satan lures us into sin (James 1:13-15).
- Satan brings oppression and ridicule upon us (Luke 6:22).
- Satan sows’ seeds of discord all around us (James 3:14-16).
Yet, with respect to this morning’s scripture, we need to ask:
- What will we do when he tries to silence us? ….
- Bartimaeus refused to be quiet.
- He charged ahead, calling out to his Savior,
- and after Jesus met His needs, he followed Him, glorifying God every step of the way.
- He charged ahead, calling out to his Savior,
- Yes, he seized the day … and it met his need. … will you seize the day?
- and when came near, He queried:
- Bartimaeus replied, "Lord, I want to see."
- And immediately he received his sight, and began following Him glorifying God;
- and then, “Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.” …
- What a Witness to God!
- and then, “Everyone in the street joined in, shouting praise to God.” …
- It has been said of this incident, “He stopped, looked, listened, healed, and encouraged.”
- & that’s what Jesus can do for us!
- We are amazed at a blind man receiving his sight,
- but have we ever thought about that blind man’s great faith that refused to give up? …
- He showed great faith by responding to what he heard.
- He showed great faith in trusting the request for mercy.
- He showed great faith by standing to his feet when Jesus summoned him to do so.
- He showed great faith by making his request clearly known.
- He showed great faith by following Jesus immediately.
- He showed great faith by glorifying God as soon as he knew of his Lord’s touch.
- And in Mark’s account, he also threw aside his garment to free himself from all hindrances (10:50).
- What kind of faith do we have? …
- Jesus is still able to bless our lives with His touch—will we call out to Him? …
- We may be all caught up in this coronavirus hoopla—and I’m not saying we shouldn’t be;
- But we’ll need something else to stabilize us through it--
- and that something else is Jesus.
- When troubled, call on Him.
- When worried, ask for His strength.
- When confused, seek His calming Spirit.
- But we’ll need something else to stabilize us through it--
- We may be all caught up in this coronavirus hoopla—and I’m not saying we shouldn’t be;
- He will do just that as we call upon Him: “Son of David, have mercy on me.”
- … Carpe Diem. …. Amen.
- We take Prayer Requests-and actually PRAY for those needs.
- We still LISTEN and try to Answer those who text us with their problems; issues; concerns.
- We send out Spiritual encouragement periodically through email, texts, and/or phone calls.
- We are trying to put forth Sunday messages via Facebook and/or YouTube, but have been unsuccessful so far.
- Nonetheless, we still have to pay:
- the Mortgage
- the Utilities
- various budgeted items
- and, of course, some salaries.
- Nonetheless, we still have to pay:
- Just call first: 252-453-3559.
Hebron UMC Mt. Zion UMC
7411 Caratoke Highway PO Box 648
Jarvisburg, NC 27947 Grandy, NC 27939
Let’s KEEP your Church Open for your sake, and God’s!
Pastor Rob’s Abbreviated Epistle: Life at Mt. Zion UMC & Hebron UMC during these Uncertain Days
March 16, 2020
Society has rapidly changed among us in this last week or so. As you know, we are being highly encouraged to distance ourselves from the rest of society for some time for health reasons. It may be somewhat difficult for many of us to ‘put the brakes on,’ so-to-speak, and conform to this request, but for all intents and purposes—as the authorities are telling us—we can put a sizeable halt to the spread of this virus by isolating ourselves and our families for at least the next few weeks. During that time, we should all obey the warnings of avoiding close contact, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, staying away from crowds, etc. Keep in touch with the government and medical officials to hear about their various restraints, and definitely STAY HOME if you are not feeling well.
Perhaps each of us can use this down time to personally benefit by being more productive in our home life. We can spend more time reading, we can actually relate to our family members with REAL communication, or by simply getting together to play games, do crafts, and the like. We could likewise spend some time enjoying the music we so much love to hear on our musical various devises within our homes or devote more time and concerted effort to reading our Bibles or our devotional material.
Then too, we could simply begin a prayer ministry of our own, reaching the lives of people far and wide with particular needs or concerns. We could also learn to finally relax more than we have in recent weeks; take naps occasionally—I hear they’re very beneficial to our health. Just think of the numerous things we can do to occupy these days in a productive way. I’m sure many of us will come up with a significant number of things to benefit the time that is detached from our regular schedules.
One thing that has impressed me over this past weekend is the sermons that were placed online or Facebook by some of my colleagues. So, I’m in the process of trying to be educated in technology so as to bring such a message to you from your pastor. If successful, I will be able to ‘preach my weekly sermon’ to you via that internet social network (I hope many of you are Facebook members and can obtain it). You see, even though this isn’t ‘church’ as we know it, it will—at the very least—give us a ‘taste of church’ for those viewing it.
Along those lines, let me say, the Church is still and always here for you. If you have needs, call me (609) 306-7886 or a member close to you and share your situation; we will do what we can to meet your needs. In fact, what I like to say is, “The Church is being the Church when the church is the Church.” Confusing, eh? What I mean by that is that when we, as Church members, reach out to those around us with God’s loving care and concern, we are being the Church for our Lord and Savior.
With that said, during this time of isolation, please be conscientious of those living nearby. If you know of fellow church members, friends, or even neighbors who might be struggling, call them and ask if there’s anything you can do for them during this frustrating time. You may be able to drive and get their prescriptions filled or retrieve their medications; you could go food shopping for them, or travel a short distance to grab something else they may need from another store. Whatever, instead of just sitting within your home brooding over the loss of activities, reach out and touch those around you with the love of Jesus (just refrain from physically touching, according to the CDC). Use what means you can within this confinement to be a blessing to your family and others as true representatives of your Lord.
And furthermore, the Church goes on even when we are not meeting together weekly. Salaries need to be paid; utilities continue within our building, general expenses from our budget need to be met. Therefore, we are Still Receiving God’s Tithes and your Offerings. They can be dropped off at the church office when it is open Monday-Thursday, or you can simply mail them in to:
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
PO Box 648
Grandy, NC 27939
You can do this even if you’re from Hebron UMC. Just designate on the memo line, and we will be sure to have the Hebron UMC receive it.
Thank You, ‘n God Bless you REAL good—till we meet again.
Hopefully on March 29th!
Pastor Rob
P.S.—Here is a very good article that was sent to me by my cousin that I thought could be very helpful to read in times like these:
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/03/im-a-nun-and-ive-been-social-distancing-for-29-years-here-are-tips-for-staying-home-amid-coronavirus-fears.html?fbclid=IwAR1DUcADmx_73H4r-F9R1mRbHNOkoqw7F5sM7s6sX6xHBxNU7KD4xC2xeLE
March 16, 2020
Society has rapidly changed among us in this last week or so. As you know, we are being highly encouraged to distance ourselves from the rest of society for some time for health reasons. It may be somewhat difficult for many of us to ‘put the brakes on,’ so-to-speak, and conform to this request, but for all intents and purposes—as the authorities are telling us—we can put a sizeable halt to the spread of this virus by isolating ourselves and our families for at least the next few weeks. During that time, we should all obey the warnings of avoiding close contact, frequent hand washing or sanitizing, staying away from crowds, etc. Keep in touch with the government and medical officials to hear about their various restraints, and definitely STAY HOME if you are not feeling well.
Perhaps each of us can use this down time to personally benefit by being more productive in our home life. We can spend more time reading, we can actually relate to our family members with REAL communication, or by simply getting together to play games, do crafts, and the like. We could likewise spend some time enjoying the music we so much love to hear on our musical various devises within our homes or devote more time and concerted effort to reading our Bibles or our devotional material.
Then too, we could simply begin a prayer ministry of our own, reaching the lives of people far and wide with particular needs or concerns. We could also learn to finally relax more than we have in recent weeks; take naps occasionally—I hear they’re very beneficial to our health. Just think of the numerous things we can do to occupy these days in a productive way. I’m sure many of us will come up with a significant number of things to benefit the time that is detached from our regular schedules.
One thing that has impressed me over this past weekend is the sermons that were placed online or Facebook by some of my colleagues. So, I’m in the process of trying to be educated in technology so as to bring such a message to you from your pastor. If successful, I will be able to ‘preach my weekly sermon’ to you via that internet social network (I hope many of you are Facebook members and can obtain it). You see, even though this isn’t ‘church’ as we know it, it will—at the very least—give us a ‘taste of church’ for those viewing it.
Along those lines, let me say, the Church is still and always here for you. If you have needs, call me (609) 306-7886 or a member close to you and share your situation; we will do what we can to meet your needs. In fact, what I like to say is, “The Church is being the Church when the church is the Church.” Confusing, eh? What I mean by that is that when we, as Church members, reach out to those around us with God’s loving care and concern, we are being the Church for our Lord and Savior.
With that said, during this time of isolation, please be conscientious of those living nearby. If you know of fellow church members, friends, or even neighbors who might be struggling, call them and ask if there’s anything you can do for them during this frustrating time. You may be able to drive and get their prescriptions filled or retrieve their medications; you could go food shopping for them, or travel a short distance to grab something else they may need from another store. Whatever, instead of just sitting within your home brooding over the loss of activities, reach out and touch those around you with the love of Jesus (just refrain from physically touching, according to the CDC). Use what means you can within this confinement to be a blessing to your family and others as true representatives of your Lord.
And furthermore, the Church goes on even when we are not meeting together weekly. Salaries need to be paid; utilities continue within our building, general expenses from our budget need to be met. Therefore, we are Still Receiving God’s Tithes and your Offerings. They can be dropped off at the church office when it is open Monday-Thursday, or you can simply mail them in to:
Mt. Zion United Methodist Church
PO Box 648
Grandy, NC 27939
You can do this even if you’re from Hebron UMC. Just designate on the memo line, and we will be sure to have the Hebron UMC receive it.
Thank You, ‘n God Bless you REAL good—till we meet again.
Hopefully on March 29th!
Pastor Rob
P.S.—Here is a very good article that was sent to me by my cousin that I thought could be very helpful to read in times like these:
https://www.nj.com/opinion/2020/03/im-a-nun-and-ive-been-social-distancing-for-29-years-here-are-tips-for-staying-home-amid-coronavirus-fears.html?fbclid=IwAR1DUcADmx_73H4r-F9R1mRbHNOkoqw7F5sM7s6sX6xHBxNU7KD4xC2xeLE
Mt. Zion UMC Pastor Messages by Pastor Rob Robinson
Take time each day to read the Bible!
Pastor's Page: February, 2020
Trivial Pursuits
Occasionally, Dr. Tony Campolo has used the board game Trivial Pursuit as a sermon illustration. He says that “so many of us spend a good chunk of our lives in trivial pursuits.” And then he usually has a great illustration of some meaningless activity that people at times become involved in. Like the man he read about who spent five years of his life constructing a model of the Empire State Building out of toothpicks. He says, this is hardly a way of “redeeming the time,” as the apostle Paul urges believers in Christ to do.
In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul writes, “Be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (or as the King James Version has it, “redeeming the time”) because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Yet how can we “understand what the Lord’s will is,” if we’re living lives of trivial pursuit? Now, of course, each one of us has to decide for ourselves just what happens to be the meaningless activity that we hold onto--and then readjust our thinking and activities to actually “redeem the time” for our Lord. I mean, all of us who are employed must spend a certain amount of time at our jobs. We have to earn a living to help make ends meet for our families, but in our spare time are we involved in trivial pursuits—or do we “make the most of every opportunity” for Jesus Christ? Of course, it’s a good thing to relax and enjoy a hobby—that is, unless that hobby keeps us from the ultimate pursuit of knowing and serving our Lord. After all, isn’t that a Christian’s number one priority? And getting to know the Lord and serving His cause isn’t usually something that comes naturally to us. We need to develop Christian Disciplines in order to assist us in living godly lives and allowing God’s love to flow out of us to others. (Jesus said that the greatest thing we can do is to love God with all out heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love our neighbors as ourselves [Matt. 22:36-40]). In other words, if we truly love the God who sent His Son to die in our behalf, such love will be seen in how responsive we are to our fellow human beings needs.
And Christian Disciplines are things like: Bible reading, prayer, church worship attendance, fellowship with other Christians, Bible studies and/or small groups; these encourage godly living. Yet these things in our day seem to be preempted by other things, like sports (either watching them, participating in them, or watching family members participate in them), weekend excursions that will set us free from our daily routines, shopping trips, internet usage that is not work related, sleeping in, or just plain laziness or lethargy. Quite simply, we’d rather do what we want to do than what our Savior would have us do.
Now, that’s critical. It’s a message we don’t really like to hear—because it stretches us a bit. Yet it seems as I read my Bible that I’m usually stretched a bit. When I apply what it says to my life, I realize where I don’t quite match up to God’s standards, and then I have three choices: I can disregard God’s message; ignore God’s message (which is another form of disregarding it); or I can seek to fulfill God’s message through my actions and disciplines.
Why not join me in fleeing from trivial pursuits to follow divinely ordained actions and activities that sustain our faith and support those in need?
See you in church!
Pastor Rob
Trivial Pursuits
Occasionally, Dr. Tony Campolo has used the board game Trivial Pursuit as a sermon illustration. He says that “so many of us spend a good chunk of our lives in trivial pursuits.” And then he usually has a great illustration of some meaningless activity that people at times become involved in. Like the man he read about who spent five years of his life constructing a model of the Empire State Building out of toothpicks. He says, this is hardly a way of “redeeming the time,” as the apostle Paul urges believers in Christ to do.
In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul writes, “Be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (or as the King James Version has it, “redeeming the time”) because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
Yet how can we “understand what the Lord’s will is,” if we’re living lives of trivial pursuit? Now, of course, each one of us has to decide for ourselves just what happens to be the meaningless activity that we hold onto--and then readjust our thinking and activities to actually “redeem the time” for our Lord. I mean, all of us who are employed must spend a certain amount of time at our jobs. We have to earn a living to help make ends meet for our families, but in our spare time are we involved in trivial pursuits—or do we “make the most of every opportunity” for Jesus Christ? Of course, it’s a good thing to relax and enjoy a hobby—that is, unless that hobby keeps us from the ultimate pursuit of knowing and serving our Lord. After all, isn’t that a Christian’s number one priority? And getting to know the Lord and serving His cause isn’t usually something that comes naturally to us. We need to develop Christian Disciplines in order to assist us in living godly lives and allowing God’s love to flow out of us to others. (Jesus said that the greatest thing we can do is to love God with all out heart, soul, mind, and strength—and love our neighbors as ourselves [Matt. 22:36-40]). In other words, if we truly love the God who sent His Son to die in our behalf, such love will be seen in how responsive we are to our fellow human beings needs.
And Christian Disciplines are things like: Bible reading, prayer, church worship attendance, fellowship with other Christians, Bible studies and/or small groups; these encourage godly living. Yet these things in our day seem to be preempted by other things, like sports (either watching them, participating in them, or watching family members participate in them), weekend excursions that will set us free from our daily routines, shopping trips, internet usage that is not work related, sleeping in, or just plain laziness or lethargy. Quite simply, we’d rather do what we want to do than what our Savior would have us do.
Now, that’s critical. It’s a message we don’t really like to hear—because it stretches us a bit. Yet it seems as I read my Bible that I’m usually stretched a bit. When I apply what it says to my life, I realize where I don’t quite match up to God’s standards, and then I have three choices: I can disregard God’s message; ignore God’s message (which is another form of disregarding it); or I can seek to fulfill God’s message through my actions and disciplines.
Why not join me in fleeing from trivial pursuits to follow divinely ordained actions and activities that sustain our faith and support those in need?
See you in church!
Pastor Rob
Pastor’s Page: December, 2019
The Spider's Web
There are numerous Christmas legends in our world today. I would like to highlight one of them at this time and, of course, many of you may have heard it prior to this, but I think it’s worthy of reflection once again.
This legend is about a Christmas spider. According to it, when Joseph was warned in a dream to flee from King Herod and the massacre which he intended to inflict upon the children of Bethlehem, several animals from the manger decided to accompany the Holy Family on their journey. Each of the animals was determined to protect the baby Jesus, and each felt sure his or her particular abilities would prove faithful to that task. There also happened to be a spider who wanted to come. Yet none of the other animals felt the spider would be helpful. After all, she was only an insect. She had no sensitive ears or sharp teeth, no strong bones and no claws whatsoever. Nonetheless, the spider persistently pleaded to be included, until at last the other animals agreed to let her join them—provided she did not get in the way.
Unfortunately, as the journey unfolded, all of the other supposedly brave animals either tired of the long travel, grew weary, or were distracted in some way. They ended up returning home or embarking on a more appealing adventure of their own.
With Herod’s troops on the march, and with the Holy Family growing more and more tired, Joseph and Mary had little choice but to try and find a shelter to hide in and rest. They soon found a small, inconspicuous cave where they huddled inside with the donkey and the spider their only remaining companions. Holding Jesus in her arms, Mary gently rocked him to sleep, and, for a while, it appeared everything would be fine. The only immediate problem was the chill in the air. Seeking to be of help in some small way, the spider carefully wove a web over the opening of the cave to try to keep the baby warm.
When the spider had just finished her weaving, voices were heard outside the cave. The soldiers had caught up with the Holy Family, and they were diligently searching the entire area. When they came to the cave where the Holy Family was hidden, both Mary and Joseph held their breath certain their doom was upon them. Yet, when the soldiers passed by the cave, one of them said it was a waste of time to search it because if anyone had recently entered that cave they would have broken the spider’s web over its opening.
Thus, it was that seemingly insignificant spider that saved the day!
The legend goes on to say that this is why we hang tinsel on our Christmas trees … to remind us of the silver strands of the web which the little spider wove … and to remind us that no act of kindness, no act of courage, no act through which we seek peace in our world is ever wasted. And furthermore, it doesn’t matter how insignificant others think we are, we can still impact our world for good.
Then too, we are likewise reminded that ‘the Herod’s of our lives’ are in the Christmas season, as well. You see, Herod worshiped the love of power rather than the power of love. He sought to maintain his position through might, strength, and violence. So, you see, Herod reminds us all that we do not live in an ideal world, but one where we often face the threat and the destructive reality of obvious opposition, adverse aggression, and human hostility.
For the followers of Jesus, then, to be alive in Him is to frequently defend all those who are vulnerable, even as the Christ Child, Himself, was vulnerable. It is to live in defiance of those who see the helpless as expendable. It is to refuse to bow to any and every ‘Herod’ among us. It is instead to kneel in the manger before the Prince of Peace, and then to go out to weave whatever webs we can in the name of godliness. It’s then that we commit ourselves to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Won’t you join me this Christmas season in weaving a web of security in the ways of Christ within the society in which we live? Let’s make His attributes readily seen in our world today.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
‘n God bless you REAL good.
Pastor Rob
The Spider's Web
There are numerous Christmas legends in our world today. I would like to highlight one of them at this time and, of course, many of you may have heard it prior to this, but I think it’s worthy of reflection once again.
This legend is about a Christmas spider. According to it, when Joseph was warned in a dream to flee from King Herod and the massacre which he intended to inflict upon the children of Bethlehem, several animals from the manger decided to accompany the Holy Family on their journey. Each of the animals was determined to protect the baby Jesus, and each felt sure his or her particular abilities would prove faithful to that task. There also happened to be a spider who wanted to come. Yet none of the other animals felt the spider would be helpful. After all, she was only an insect. She had no sensitive ears or sharp teeth, no strong bones and no claws whatsoever. Nonetheless, the spider persistently pleaded to be included, until at last the other animals agreed to let her join them—provided she did not get in the way.
Unfortunately, as the journey unfolded, all of the other supposedly brave animals either tired of the long travel, grew weary, or were distracted in some way. They ended up returning home or embarking on a more appealing adventure of their own.
With Herod’s troops on the march, and with the Holy Family growing more and more tired, Joseph and Mary had little choice but to try and find a shelter to hide in and rest. They soon found a small, inconspicuous cave where they huddled inside with the donkey and the spider their only remaining companions. Holding Jesus in her arms, Mary gently rocked him to sleep, and, for a while, it appeared everything would be fine. The only immediate problem was the chill in the air. Seeking to be of help in some small way, the spider carefully wove a web over the opening of the cave to try to keep the baby warm.
When the spider had just finished her weaving, voices were heard outside the cave. The soldiers had caught up with the Holy Family, and they were diligently searching the entire area. When they came to the cave where the Holy Family was hidden, both Mary and Joseph held their breath certain their doom was upon them. Yet, when the soldiers passed by the cave, one of them said it was a waste of time to search it because if anyone had recently entered that cave they would have broken the spider’s web over its opening.
Thus, it was that seemingly insignificant spider that saved the day!
The legend goes on to say that this is why we hang tinsel on our Christmas trees … to remind us of the silver strands of the web which the little spider wove … and to remind us that no act of kindness, no act of courage, no act through which we seek peace in our world is ever wasted. And furthermore, it doesn’t matter how insignificant others think we are, we can still impact our world for good.
Then too, we are likewise reminded that ‘the Herod’s of our lives’ are in the Christmas season, as well. You see, Herod worshiped the love of power rather than the power of love. He sought to maintain his position through might, strength, and violence. So, you see, Herod reminds us all that we do not live in an ideal world, but one where we often face the threat and the destructive reality of obvious opposition, adverse aggression, and human hostility.
For the followers of Jesus, then, to be alive in Him is to frequently defend all those who are vulnerable, even as the Christ Child, Himself, was vulnerable. It is to live in defiance of those who see the helpless as expendable. It is to refuse to bow to any and every ‘Herod’ among us. It is instead to kneel in the manger before the Prince of Peace, and then to go out to weave whatever webs we can in the name of godliness. It’s then that we commit ourselves to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Won’t you join me this Christmas season in weaving a web of security in the ways of Christ within the society in which we live? Let’s make His attributes readily seen in our world today.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
‘n God bless you REAL good.
Pastor Rob
Pastor's Page November 2019
"BE THANKFUL AT ALL TIMES"
This month is a time when we’re supposed to be thankful. Actually, though, as followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ought to be THANKFUL at all times. But are we? After all, that’s exactly what Philippians 4:6 teaches us; there we read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
That’s telling us in a round-about-way that we can rid ourselves of our anxieties—our worries and frets--by praying and petitioning God with thankful hearts. Now, the word in Greek (the original writing) for ‘be anxious’ is ‘merimnao.’ In it’s verb form (merizo) it means “to distract, to divide, to draw in different directions,” which is exactly what happens to us when anxiety takes over our lives. It causes within us a strong feeling of being burdened, and, although that can be a positive concern, most often for us personally—and here in Philippians—it refers to a nervous concern based on apprehension about possible dangers or misfortune; encumbered with many cares. In other words, these words imply anxious expectation and an aching sense of grief. What good, then, is worry? As it has been said, it doesn’t empty tomorrow of it’s sorrows, it only empties today of its’ strength.
And, while some anxieties in life may be legitimate, when “the worries of this life” so dominate our attention as to distract our consideration from God’s Word, our lives become unfruitful (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). You see, when we ‘worry over the pressures of this life’ our attention becomes so focused on worldly matters that we forget or neglect to relate our needs and concerns with our Lord.
Worry has an interesting etymology (the study of word origins). It can be traced to an Old High German word “wurgen,” which means ‘to strangle.’ Webster adds, in ‘dialect British’ worry means ‘to choke,’ but his initial definition is “to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat;” or “to afflict with mental distress or agitation.”
So I ask, have you had ‘an uneasiness of mind or brooding fear’ about something or some possibility; a fear of frustration, failure or disappointment? Then, you’re most likely carrying the burden yourself. It’s unreasonable anxiety over things of which you have no control.
A pastor took his young son with him one day to run some errands. When lunchtime came, the two of them went to a familiar diner for a sandwich. The father sat down on one of the stools at the counter and lifted the boy up to the seat beside him. They ordered lunch, and when the waiter brought the food, the father said, “Son, we’ll just have a silent prayer today.” Dad got through his prayer first and waited for his son to finish praying, but the boy just sat there with his head bowed for an unusually long time. When he finally looked up, his father asked him, “What in the world were you praying about all that time?” “How do I know?” the youngster replied, “it was a silent prayer.”
Much of our praying is like that. We don’t really say anything to the Lord. We may call words to mind, but often they are repetitious or insincere. What the Lord wants to hear from us is earnest heartfelt prayers and petitions—prompted by the Holy Spirit, and offered in the name of the Lord Jesus. The result. According to Paul, will be “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” that “will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus: (Phil. 4:7). And friends, when we pray in such a manner, we can truly implore God with Thanksgiving since we are confident that God Almighty will be handling each one of the issues we yield to Him. As someone has written, “True prayer does not require eloquence, but earnestness.”
Give Him each perplexing problem
All your needs to Him make known;
Bring to Him your daily burdens--
Never carry them alone! --Adams.
See you in Church.
Pastor Rob
That’s telling us in a round-about-way that we can rid ourselves of our anxieties—our worries and frets--by praying and petitioning God with thankful hearts. Now, the word in Greek (the original writing) for ‘be anxious’ is ‘merimnao.’ In it’s verb form (merizo) it means “to distract, to divide, to draw in different directions,” which is exactly what happens to us when anxiety takes over our lives. It causes within us a strong feeling of being burdened, and, although that can be a positive concern, most often for us personally—and here in Philippians—it refers to a nervous concern based on apprehension about possible dangers or misfortune; encumbered with many cares. In other words, these words imply anxious expectation and an aching sense of grief. What good, then, is worry? As it has been said, it doesn’t empty tomorrow of it’s sorrows, it only empties today of its’ strength.
And, while some anxieties in life may be legitimate, when “the worries of this life” so dominate our attention as to distract our consideration from God’s Word, our lives become unfruitful (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). You see, when we ‘worry over the pressures of this life’ our attention becomes so focused on worldly matters that we forget or neglect to relate our needs and concerns with our Lord.
Worry has an interesting etymology (the study of word origins). It can be traced to an Old High German word “wurgen,” which means ‘to strangle.’ Webster adds, in ‘dialect British’ worry means ‘to choke,’ but his initial definition is “to harass by tearing, biting, or snapping especially at the throat;” or “to afflict with mental distress or agitation.”
So I ask, have you had ‘an uneasiness of mind or brooding fear’ about something or some possibility; a fear of frustration, failure or disappointment? Then, you’re most likely carrying the burden yourself. It’s unreasonable anxiety over things of which you have no control.
A pastor took his young son with him one day to run some errands. When lunchtime came, the two of them went to a familiar diner for a sandwich. The father sat down on one of the stools at the counter and lifted the boy up to the seat beside him. They ordered lunch, and when the waiter brought the food, the father said, “Son, we’ll just have a silent prayer today.” Dad got through his prayer first and waited for his son to finish praying, but the boy just sat there with his head bowed for an unusually long time. When he finally looked up, his father asked him, “What in the world were you praying about all that time?” “How do I know?” the youngster replied, “it was a silent prayer.”
Much of our praying is like that. We don’t really say anything to the Lord. We may call words to mind, but often they are repetitious or insincere. What the Lord wants to hear from us is earnest heartfelt prayers and petitions—prompted by the Holy Spirit, and offered in the name of the Lord Jesus. The result. According to Paul, will be “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” that “will guard [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus: (Phil. 4:7). And friends, when we pray in such a manner, we can truly implore God with Thanksgiving since we are confident that God Almighty will be handling each one of the issues we yield to Him. As someone has written, “True prayer does not require eloquence, but earnestness.”
Give Him each perplexing problem
All your needs to Him make known;
Bring to Him your daily burdens--
Never carry them alone! --Adams.
See you in Church.
Pastor Rob
Pastor's Page September 2019
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you..."
When September rolls around we almost naturally think of the new school year beginning once again. Whether we have children presently in the education system or not, we realize that the children of the neighborhood are no longer running around enjoying themselves outside—instead, they are hurrying to meet the bus in the morning, or packing into the car to be transported to their schools.
All of us—parents especially—encourage children and youth to attend school. We know that obtaining an education is a way in which to develop our minds and a means by which many of us find our life’s vocation. It makes us fit for society as we grow into adulthood.
There’s a sense in which none of us should outgrow education. We can and should always learn new things, and it’s not something that we should waste. I mean, we may grow older, our physical bodies may weaken, but if we cease our mental growth, we virtually cease lasting in our lives.
That’s why I think it’s a very good thing as followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to make an effort to be part of a Christian education system. And I’m not implying that you sign up for classes in a nearby Christian college. Instead, I’m encouraging all of us to grow in our Christian Faith through the means available to us in our local church. We have a Sunday school program within the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church that will meet part of this need. Plus a six-week evening Bible Study is being contemplated for sometime later this fall that will enhance and hopefully enrich our spiritual lives to a certain extent (you will hear more about this as it develops). And furthermore, we also have a wonderful worship service that draws us closer to God’s preferences for our lives each Sunday.
Paul, the apostle, wrote saying, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth: (2 Tim. 2:15). Elsewhere (Col. 3:16), he encouraged believers to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly….” Another apostle, Peter, had it, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…” (1 Pet. 2:2).
You see, we are instructed to be students of God’s Word throughout our lives. We should begin heeding this call upon our lives by making a concerted effort to attend worship (especially if we’ve slacked off over the summer months for various reasons), involve ourselves in Sunday school activities, and participate in the additional studies that will be offered as incentives to increase our knowledge, fellowship, and experience in our Savior and Lord.
This church—your church—has a lot to offer, all that’s needed is your participation. May almighty God, by His Spirit, urge you to join us as we grow together in the Christian Faith. ‘N may God bless you REAL good as I hope to see you at Mt. Zion UMC.
Rev. Dr. K. ‘Rob’ Robinson
Pastor’s Page - July 2019
"I Can Do All Things through Christ!"
Other Translations have it:
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (NIV) Philippians 4:13
“I have strength for anything through Him who gives me power” (Weymouth New Testament)
“For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me” (Young’s Literal Translation)
"I Can Do All Things through Christ!"
Other Translations have it:
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (NIV) Philippians 4:13
“I have strength for anything through Him who gives me power” (Weymouth New Testament)
“For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me” (Young’s Literal Translation)
In our lives, we often run up against things that seem way beyond us; things that appear bigger than we are; things that we see as impossible to overcome in our own strength and power. For some of us it may be a sudden burst of anger or rage, or it could be an addiction, lust, or longing of some kind which never seems to pass from us. It may be an all-consuming resentment toward someone else due to something that happened between us in the past, or even a memory from the past that we cannot seem to put beyond us. Some people repeatedly face sorrow, grief, or remorse because of what they’ve had to face in life, while some are caught up in an overwhelming sense of guilt because of their past. All of these things tend to paralyze us, and prevent us from living a satisfied, fulfilled existence—especially as we stand before our God.
As we are provoked by these things, our natural inclination is to grit our teeth, straighten up our shoulders, and
through sheer determination do all we can to overpower the situation. It becomes nothing more than our effort to try harder to prove ourselves capable of being all that we possibly can be as we walk this earth.
However, here in Philippians 4, the apostle Paul admits that even he doesn’t have the strength in and of himself to accomplish anything. He must call on his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the strength and power he needs.
Now, let me share a word of caution. When the apostle says he "can do all things," he’s not saying all things are without limitation. Nor is he saying that He can do all the things that Christ did when He was here on earth. He is rather sharing the idea that he can be content in every state in which he finds himself, and could know how to behave in adversity and prosperity; that is, amid poverty and plenty, and that same attitude could be extended to all the duties pressing upon him as a Christian and an apostle. Within each of the situations he finds himself, Paul is sure that he will be able to consciously live a life void of offense toward the Almighty (as well as toward his fellow Man—both male and female), as His Lord grants him the strength.
Paul is saying that he will be able to care for all of the business he’s involved in (which was establishing and dealing with numerous churches, laboring over sermons and letters to congregations, as well as the afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions he experienced because of it.) Yes, he could willingly and even cheerfully endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ, if he were forced into it- not in his own strength--but through the one One who strengthens him.
Consequently, the ability to perform our duties and to bear sufferings in the name of Christ comes directly from appealing to our Lord who will fortify us internally. As we dream dreams and see visions--implementing them for our Lord—to enable our church to move forward, we are not in the process by ourselves. For truly without Him, we can do nothing (see John 15:5).
So, how can we make it when we are faced with a trial? Through Christ.
How can we overcome those strong temptations and/or addictions? Through Christ.
How can we rise above our grief and/or depression? Through Christ.
How can we accomplish those tasks that are set before us? Through Christ. …
Oh, there will be times when we will need the assistance of other professionals: physicians, counselors, therapists, financial advisors, pastors, and the like. But our ultimate strengthening comes through Christ. … That’s why all summer long—and beyond—we need to turn to Him to find the confidence, joy, and strength that Paul, the apostle, found when facing whatever life threw his way. Let’s keep looking to Him as we invite Him to go before us in every situation of life.
Have a good summer! I’ll see you in church, 11 AM on Sundays. Bring a friend!
Pastor Rob
Dr. K. A. 'Rob' Robinson
As we are provoked by these things, our natural inclination is to grit our teeth, straighten up our shoulders, and
through sheer determination do all we can to overpower the situation. It becomes nothing more than our effort to try harder to prove ourselves capable of being all that we possibly can be as we walk this earth.
However, here in Philippians 4, the apostle Paul admits that even he doesn’t have the strength in and of himself to accomplish anything. He must call on his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the strength and power he needs.
Now, let me share a word of caution. When the apostle says he "can do all things," he’s not saying all things are without limitation. Nor is he saying that He can do all the things that Christ did when He was here on earth. He is rather sharing the idea that he can be content in every state in which he finds himself, and could know how to behave in adversity and prosperity; that is, amid poverty and plenty, and that same attitude could be extended to all the duties pressing upon him as a Christian and an apostle. Within each of the situations he finds himself, Paul is sure that he will be able to consciously live a life void of offense toward the Almighty (as well as toward his fellow Man—both male and female), as His Lord grants him the strength.
Paul is saying that he will be able to care for all of the business he’s involved in (which was establishing and dealing with numerous churches, laboring over sermons and letters to congregations, as well as the afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions he experienced because of it.) Yes, he could willingly and even cheerfully endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ, if he were forced into it- not in his own strength--but through the one One who strengthens him.
Consequently, the ability to perform our duties and to bear sufferings in the name of Christ comes directly from appealing to our Lord who will fortify us internally. As we dream dreams and see visions--implementing them for our Lord—to enable our church to move forward, we are not in the process by ourselves. For truly without Him, we can do nothing (see John 15:5).
So, how can we make it when we are faced with a trial? Through Christ.
How can we overcome those strong temptations and/or addictions? Through Christ.
How can we rise above our grief and/or depression? Through Christ.
How can we accomplish those tasks that are set before us? Through Christ. …
Oh, there will be times when we will need the assistance of other professionals: physicians, counselors, therapists, financial advisors, pastors, and the like. But our ultimate strengthening comes through Christ. … That’s why all summer long—and beyond—we need to turn to Him to find the confidence, joy, and strength that Paul, the apostle, found when facing whatever life threw his way. Let’s keep looking to Him as we invite Him to go before us in every situation of life.
Have a good summer! I’ll see you in church, 11 AM on Sundays. Bring a friend!
Pastor Rob
Dr. K. A. 'Rob' Robinson
Pastor’s Page June 2019
"In the Shadow of Your Wings"
"In the Shadow of Your Wings"
In the 2nd part of Psalm 57:1 we read, “I will take refuge in the shadow of Your wings, until the disaster has passed.” The King James Version has it, “...in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”
It’s believed, of course, as the superscription indicates in most Bibles, that David wrote these words during his flight to safety from King Saul. To avoid him and his army, David ducked into a cave and barely escaped his pursuer.
We ALL have our "caves," don’t we? Oh, it may not be a literal cave of sand and stone, but when we’re pursued by something that strikes fear or anxiety in our hearts, we try to escape somehow. Maybe it’s the fear of an unknown future, or the known (or perceived) future - where everything’s the same; nothing gets better; and we’re stuck in lost hope with little or no satisfaction to dream of. It could be the deep sorrow that follows the loss of someone we love and care deeply about. Or it may even be an oppressive physical illness that never leaves—in spite of medical care. Whatever our "calamity" or "disaster," we try desperately to hide from it.
When we’re caught in situations such as these, God doesn’t always remove our circumstances to make things easy for us; at times - more often than not - God allows the difficulty so as to prove our faithfulness or endurance; to enable us to devote ourselves entirely to His everlasting love, care and continual concern while we’re going through our trials. After all, He wants to demonstrate to us that His presence is always with us.
Oh, how we wish most often, that almighty God would swoop in and resolve the situation; that He would whisk us away to safety- just as David may’ve wished for a quick end of Saul’s search for him. Oh, how we plead with God to stop the pain, end the temptation, sooth the memories, and/or make our way smooth and straight. Essentially, all we want is for our God to step in and eliminate our struggle. But no matter how long and hard we beg the situation or circumstance remains.
It’s then that we have to "take refuge in God" as David did. While he was hiding in that cave, he said, “In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed away.”
That is to say, David waits patiently with faith in God as it is greater than the turmoil at hand. Notice, that David didn’t demand deliverance, as though he had a right to expect it. However, he asks it as a mercy from the Almighty Himself as a blessing stemming from God’s kindness. So David snuggles in the cave, much like a chicken does within its’ mother's wings; and he will remain there until the storms of life are over. That is to say, David cries out to the Most High God in confidence that no one or nothing would hinder God from accomplishing the purposes He had in mind for His people.
So David waits, and when the answer comes from above, it means deliverance for the trusting heart, and dishonor for those who disregard such trust. It’s simply an unforgettable message of God’s love and dependability for His faithful children.
Are you amid trials, tribulations, difficulties, or distresses? Take refuge within the cave that Almighty God has provided.
An anonymous poet put it this way:
Christian, when your way seems darkest
When your eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God your Father hastening,
Tell your troubles all to Him.
Amen.
See you in church,
Pastor Rob
Dr. K. A. ‘Rob’ Robinson
It’s believed, of course, as the superscription indicates in most Bibles, that David wrote these words during his flight to safety from King Saul. To avoid him and his army, David ducked into a cave and barely escaped his pursuer.
We ALL have our "caves," don’t we? Oh, it may not be a literal cave of sand and stone, but when we’re pursued by something that strikes fear or anxiety in our hearts, we try to escape somehow. Maybe it’s the fear of an unknown future, or the known (or perceived) future - where everything’s the same; nothing gets better; and we’re stuck in lost hope with little or no satisfaction to dream of. It could be the deep sorrow that follows the loss of someone we love and care deeply about. Or it may even be an oppressive physical illness that never leaves—in spite of medical care. Whatever our "calamity" or "disaster," we try desperately to hide from it.
When we’re caught in situations such as these, God doesn’t always remove our circumstances to make things easy for us; at times - more often than not - God allows the difficulty so as to prove our faithfulness or endurance; to enable us to devote ourselves entirely to His everlasting love, care and continual concern while we’re going through our trials. After all, He wants to demonstrate to us that His presence is always with us.
Oh, how we wish most often, that almighty God would swoop in and resolve the situation; that He would whisk us away to safety- just as David may’ve wished for a quick end of Saul’s search for him. Oh, how we plead with God to stop the pain, end the temptation, sooth the memories, and/or make our way smooth and straight. Essentially, all we want is for our God to step in and eliminate our struggle. But no matter how long and hard we beg the situation or circumstance remains.
It’s then that we have to "take refuge in God" as David did. While he was hiding in that cave, he said, “In the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed away.”
That is to say, David waits patiently with faith in God as it is greater than the turmoil at hand. Notice, that David didn’t demand deliverance, as though he had a right to expect it. However, he asks it as a mercy from the Almighty Himself as a blessing stemming from God’s kindness. So David snuggles in the cave, much like a chicken does within its’ mother's wings; and he will remain there until the storms of life are over. That is to say, David cries out to the Most High God in confidence that no one or nothing would hinder God from accomplishing the purposes He had in mind for His people.
So David waits, and when the answer comes from above, it means deliverance for the trusting heart, and dishonor for those who disregard such trust. It’s simply an unforgettable message of God’s love and dependability for His faithful children.
Are you amid trials, tribulations, difficulties, or distresses? Take refuge within the cave that Almighty God has provided.
An anonymous poet put it this way:
Christian, when your way seems darkest
When your eyes with tears are dim,
Straight to God your Father hastening,
Tell your troubles all to Him.
Amen.
See you in church,
Pastor Rob
Dr. K. A. ‘Rob’ Robinson
