Archive for December, 2009

Setting The  Instruments When I was younger, I had opportunity to fly with my Dad quite a bit in his private plane. He hasn’t flown for several years and every once in awhile hints he would like to fly again. I have no doubt he could fly again and I would trust Him to go with him because he was a good -cautious pilot —as far as I know–other than the time he was experimenting flying a helicopter with a trainer –and landed in our back yard. ..My Mother quickly put an end to that aspiration! . One of the major reasons he flew well and safe was his knowledge and training, but beyond that -was his commitment as a pilot to “set his instruments” before taking off. I can remember him turning all the necessary knobs to make sure the instruments were set –the frequencies adjusted for the radio–and the fuel line checked. This morning, I stopped to make sure my own personal “instruments” were set. I wanted to rush out of the house, make a stop and visit at the hospital, and then rush on to my office before my meetings start at 10:00. I can tell you that when I “set the instruments” for the day with my first appointment at the feet of Jesus, it makes an incredible difference in my day. Chew on this scripture about “setting your own personal instruments” : Romans 8: 5 “Those who live (set their instruments) according to the sinful nature, have their minds set on what nature desires; but those who live in accordance (set their instruments) with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ….blessings -pastor robbie

I often stumble back across this statement someone gave me years ago: “you can only be as filled with God as you are willing to be emptied of self.” There is so much to be given by His Spirit to me this morning as well as to you. But coming to Him with a full cup of self and not emptying the cup at His feet right off the bat will keep us from His river of blessing and favor He wants to unleash in our lives this very day. Teacher – business man or woman-student-doctor-pastor-”retiree” -employee- today is the day –this morning in fact, when God wants to hear from you and me. “Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord, come and quench this thirsting of my soul -bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more, fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!”.

Too often we who have experienced the loving grace of Christ, miss” the mark”. We miss the mark by not knowing “the mark”. Psalm 15 was on my plate this morning. It was kinda like eating dry granola with no milk to comfort the grainy taste. A sugary frosted donut from the new Dunkin Donuts just about a half mile from my house would be much more pleasing to the taste buds . But too much sugar and not enough –you know–that healthy stuff–will weaken my immune system. So–with that thought- I chew on what I read from Psalm 15. “Who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?”. Vs. 2 -5 give me the answer. “Lord, help me live today in such a way and in “such a place” -on your holy hill”. -