My Country Tis of Thee…

My Country Tis of Thee…

 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. ¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord;  (Psalm 33:11-12 KJV)

Samuel Francis Smith wrote the words to the beloved patriotic song, “America,” in 1831 while a student at Andover Theological Seminary located in  Andover, Massachusetts.  Before I continue with today’s blog, let’s read his heart-felt lyrics from both verses one and four together:

My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From ev’ry mountainside  Let freedom ring!

Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright, With freedom’s holy light, Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.

Amen! Amen! Like so many fellow Americans, I, too, stand concerned over our “Sweet land of liberty.”  It seems that so many have forgotten the “cost” of Freedom and the “cost” of Liberty. Many have forgotten that “blessings,”  ALL BLESSINGS come from above; from God and not of ourselves.  We are a people, a nation,  indebted to God and to our Founding Fathers for making America what it is today….

But, without God-fearing, God-serving men like Samuel Francis Smith and a host of other patriotic Founding Fathers as well as modern-day patriots, our much-taken-for-granted Freedoms and Liberties are highly at-risk. The Freedoms and Liberties we enjoy today may soon be gone with the winds of time if “WE THE PEOPLE” don’t wake up and arise from our deep sleep!

We are a Christian nation built upon Christian values, Christian principles, and Christian standards found within the literal pages of God’s literal Holy Word, the Bible.  We do not need to apologize to any nation, tongue, kindred, race or creed for our blessings bestowed upon us by the mighty Hand of God; our Heavenly Father through His Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We are a people called out for God’s purpose, God’s design, God’s plan, and God’s timing; not man’s.

In less than two weeks, Americans will go to the polls to elect a new President, Commander-in-Chief.  Once again, liberties will prevail…But, what if those liberties are soon taken away?  What if the very man put into office as our nation’s leader turns and betrays the very voters he deceived?  Oh, my friend…It can happen…Just look back at history…Our prayers needs to include the words, “God Save America from ALL sins and evildoers…Amen….”

We must Pray and Seek God’s Face and Guidance in ALL matters and issues of life. (II Chronicle 7:14)…  We cannot allow a “few” to silence the voices and hearts of the “Majority.”  We cannot allow corrupt policies and blatant lies to govern our lives and that of our children’s and grandchildren’s.  We must seek God’s Hand in our nation’s future; if there is to be a future…For only a nation whose God is the Lord shall stand the test of time.

We must not back down. We must raise the Christian banner high…There is far too much to lose; more than any of us can ever imagine.  Oh, how my heart breaks this morning for my country; for its leaders; for its people.  We must come together united in Spirit and in Wisdom that only God can send upon a land.  For no one man or no one political party can rule the hearts of man; only God.

This morning, let me ask you this question….If you are an American, who are you voting for?  Who will prevail?  Which candidate will win this election?  Right now, only God knows, even though our media services engage in great debate to predict and declare who “is” winning and who will win to become our nation’s 45th President…

Oh, Let Freedom Ring to the leader who will not abuse our nation’s power nor turn their back on our nation’s constitutional foundation that includes liberty and justice for all….And, to me that includes the innocent lives of our unborn children and the protection of the Biblical definition of Family…One man and One Woman …For Americans, there is so much at stake…

Maybe, the right answer can be found in the man from Massachusetts, Samuel Francis Smith, “My Country Tis of Thee….”  In other words, “My Country COMES from Thee O, Lord…Let Thy Mercies Ring!”

Today, Let our hearts rejoice in the fact that no man can take away or take away from what God gives!  And, my friend…America, I believe, belongs to God!!!  Hallow be Thy Name…In His Service; Amen!!!

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Dead Batteries!

Dead Batteries!

¹¹ In him (Christ Jesus) we were also chosen,^[a] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.  (Ephesians 1:11-12)

How often do we underestimate or overlook God in the smaller things in life?  As believers, we “believe” and posses FAITH that ALL things are working out according to God’s plan for our lives as well as for His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Does this include “Dead Batteries?”  You decide…

My husband and I have just returned home from a weekend trip to the North Carolina mountains in the southeastern part of the United States.  May I add that God’s amazing kaleidoscope, panorama, majestic Fall scenery was just what we were needing in our lives!!…Ahhh, the peaceful and tranquil oasis of the Great Smokey Mountains fully clothed in their splendid Fall attire.

While we were there, we took a scenic  train ride on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad from Bryson City to Nanahala Gorge.  I knew that the batteries in my digital camera were starting to get low. I had already prompted my husband on the drive up that we needed to stop at a store to purchase new batteries. But, somehow both he and I kept “forgetting” about the batteries UNTIL we were on the train!

At the train station, I had snapped a couple of pictures before boarding.  Within minutes of the train’s departure, I grabbed my camera for one more shot….There it was…”No Battery.”  My husband saw my immediate facial expression and the enlargement of my eyes as he responded, “Oh, no. We forgot to get new batteries.” I glanced down at my wrist watch to see if I would have time to jump off the train, run to the gift shop, purchase batteries, and rush back to the train.  It was too late…There would not be time.

So, I took a deep breath and placed my camera down on the dining table in front of us.  As I did, the gentleman sitting across the aisle from us addressed me. “I have some extra batteries in my case. You can have them.”  I thanked him as I offered to pay for them. But, he refused my offer and insisted that I just take the two batteries.  I thanked him again and quickly changed out the batteries as the train reached its first notable spot of Fall beauty!

A little later into the ride, the same man and his wife invited my husband and I to join them at their table.  Most of the mountain scenery was on their side of the train.  We introduced ourselves to one another and quickly discovered that we had several things in common:  First, we both live in cities having the same name but in different states.  We live in Georgia and they live in Texas.  Next, we discovered that we both have three children including one set of twins!  We also learned that two of us were both retired school teachers. And, we discovered that we were all Christians active in our Faith as well as supporting the same Presidential candidate! A whole list of commonalities!

As the train moved along, each of us experienced and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.  As we continued to chat, we also discovered that our lives possessed similar patterns interacting with our adult children and grandchildren.  Soon, we were exchanging “grandparent” stories that seemingly brought us into the same sphere of life; even though we live in different sections of the country.  We quickly learned that geographical differences don’t affect the “heart” of parenting and grandparenting, nor does it affect the “heart” of being a Christian….Having so many things in common, you would have thought we lived across the street from one another; not across the country!

When the train trip was over, we shared how each of us felt enriched, encouraged, and blessed for having gotten to meet one another.  Upon our departure, we exchanged email addresses and suggestions for a few good books to read.  As my husband and I were walking back to our car I stated, “You know, we would have never met that lovely couple and shared our stories had it not been for the “Dead Batteries.”  My husband replied, “That’s true.”

God used “Dead Batteries” that day to bring about His purpose and plan to enrich our weekend vacation.  Now, that’s a God who really is in charge of EVERYTHING!!  To God be the Glory…Great things HE has done!  So, the next time you run out of batteries, it could just be God’s way of providing you an opportunity for a much bigger blessing!  Amen.

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

@ All Posts on this site are copyrighted by Lin T Rollins 2011-2012

Joseph’s Prison…

Joseph’s Prison…

In the book of Genesis, chapter thirty-nine, we learn that Joseph was taken “DOWN” to Egypt where he was sold as a slave to Potiphar, a captain in Pharoah’s mighty army.

Joseph was Jacob’s 11th son; the first son born unto Jacob by his beloved wife Rachel.  Because Jacob loved Rachel better than he loved his other wife and concubines, he loved and favored his son, Joseph, more than his other ten sons.  Scripture also teaches us that Rachel birthed a younger son unto Jacob as well; Benjamin (Genesis 46:19).  Thus, the Twelve Tribes of Jacob (Israel) were established.

Joseph was known as a “Dreamer.” And, he loved sharing his dreams with his older half-brothers.  Although, they did not receive his dreams nor his “favored” life so well. In one dream, he told how his brothers would one day bow down to him.  This, of course, angered his older half-brothers. So, they decided to get “even” with their “dreaming” younger brother!

As opportunity presented itself one day, as the brothers were out hunting, the older boys took hold of Joseph and lowered him into a nearby “pit.”  While discussing what to do next, something went terribly wrong…A group of traveling merchants on their way to Egypt saw Joseph in the pit.  So, they pulled Joseph up from the pit and took him with them.  When they arrived at the market place in Egypt, they sold Joseph into slavery…His buyer was none other than Potiphar.

As the story unfolds, we find that during Joseph’s enslaved years of service to Potiphar, that Potiphar’s wife became attracted to Joseph and tempted him to commit an affair with her.  However, Joseph, being filled with godly, moral character and goodness, refused. As a result, the now “rejected,” scorned wife immediately accused Joseph of trying to seduce her.  So, she screamed out for prison guards.  Joseph was immediately arrested and thrown into prison where he remained for many, many years for a crime he did not commit.

Figuratively speaking, have you ever felt as if you were thrown into “prison” for a crime you did not commit?  Have you ever felt you were being unfairly mistreated?  Wrongly judged?  Misunderstood?  Falsely accused?  Falsely represented?  Rejected? Betrayed?  Or,  Wronged? ….  I know I certainly have!  Even though our circumstances may be quite different from Joseph’s, at one time or another we have all been cast into our own custom-made, “Joseph’s Prison.”

Even with today’s modern-day jail systems, no one wishes to be in “prison.”  The first thing a prisoner learns about prison life is that their individual RIGHTS have been revoked and their lives are now dictated by guards and prison officials.  Prisoners are stripped of their freedoms until released and pardoned.  At times, that’s exactly how it feels when a Christian is suffering through one of life’s many trials.  It’s seem that Satan and his group of demons have stripped us of our RIGHTS and freedoms!  We feel helpless and even somewhat hopeless at times as the “trial” washes day-after-day across our lives much like pounding waves upon the sea-shore.

However, the one thing that simply amazes me about Joseph’s situation and circumstances, as well as the character of Joseph, is his persistent FAITH in God.  He knew that no matter his circumstances, NOTHING could separate him from the LOVE of his natural father, Jacob, nor the LOVE of his Heavenly Father, God.  Almost like Job, Joseph stood the test.

Possibly, in Joseph’s upbringing, Jacob had read the story of Job to his sons helping to empower their FAITH and to build a stronger more sustaining HOPE in God.  As a result, Joseph APPLIED the teachings of God’s unfailing LOVE into his own personal circumstances that eventually brought forth amazing results!!  Amen…Do I hear a PRAISE in the house!! Oh, yea!

Nonetheless, possessing such an amazing “sustaining” Faith is not always an easy thing to do; especially for people like myself who struggle with the ideologies of “unconditional” love.  When you were “raised” or “brought up” on receiving “love” or supportive “acclamations” based upon performance, or “performance-based,” it takes a life time to fully accept and understand God’s amazing, unconditional Love.  The very first song I ever wrote, at the age of twelve, is called, “God’s Love.”  “God’s Love has found a new home. God’s Love has found a new home. I opened up my heart and let God come in. God’s Love has found a new home.”    Even at the young, tender age of twelve, I knew first-hand that there was something completely new and different about God’s love than any other type of love I had ever experienced thus far in life.

So, let me ask you this question:  Is it possible, even today, for a Christian to be imprisoned within a spiritual battle and still maintain, sense, trust, and have faith and hope in God’s unconditional Love no matter the circumstances; as both Job and Joseph?  You decide…

This morning, as I pondered the above question, I began to think about how some people place their sense of “value” and “self-worth” upon external conditions. If they are surrounded by people whom they love and trust as well as love and trust them back, they feel “valued” and their self-worth soars.  Happy. Happy. Happy.  However, when the opposite presents itself and they are surrounded by people who are not so “in love” with them or their ways, they plummet down the mountainside into a pattern of low self-esteem and no-worth-value; whatsoever….It just shouldn’t be this way; especially for the Believer!!

Of course, some people, no matter their outward circumstances or situations seem to be able to maintain a well-balanced sense of “value” and “self-worth” no matter what… They find their “self-worth” from an internal component, hopefully based upon the Love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  For these people they do NOT value themselves based upon “eyes,” “ears,” “actions,” and “reactions” of others. They do not allow their self-value to become distorted based upon the feelings or accolades orf others…A well-balanced life of moderation!

Sadly and unfortunately, the first group of “responders” tend to bounce back and forth much like a bowie between feeling good about themselves and feelings of inadequacies; like being on a continuous see-saw…One day “up” and the next day “down.”  Their self-worth “freedoms” have been taken away much like being in a “prison.” Inner feelings of self-worth are based upon external conditions… Sad and tragic.

Joseph is a good example for ALL of us to follow…His self-worth and self-value were not based upon his external circumstances but his relationship with his FATHER; God.  It mattered not that he had been thrown into the pit by his brothers, kidnapped by traveling salesmen, and eventually sent away to ROT within the prison walls of life for a crime he did not commit….His heart remained secured…He was his Father’s son and that’s all that mattered to him…And, when time and opportunity finally came into Joseph’s life to prove that point; he did just that…He fully demonstrated his LOVE back to both his Heavenly Father and his earthly father…As through Joseph, Israel and all of their families were saved during a very dark and barren time in the history of Jacob and his twelve sons.  Oh, thanks be unto God for Joseph’s faith, hope, strength, and unconditional Love for the Father!

Today, you may be pacing back and forth inside your own mental prison.  Please don’t fret; take courage and keep the Faith, For God So love you that he gave his only begotten Son to die for you (John 3:16).  He also promises that He will never leave nor forsake you though the waters rage and the tempest roar.  He, GOD, is the Great Comforter who will be with you and me until the end.  He is Alpha and Omega the Almighty God and HIS LOVE is higher and far, far exceeds our every thought and imagination….So, Christian, Lift Up Thy Head, our promised Redemption draweth nigh….Amen.

Remember, God DOES LOVE YOU!

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Service to God…

Service to God…

“Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:4 KJV)

(Author’s Note** Today’s blog may appeal to an older, possibly already “retired” reader. As you read through my words, I am sure many of you will be able to relate. I hope my experiences and expressed feelings might be a source of encouragement to you. Thank you for “clicking” by, and have a blessed day.)

There are as many “opinions” on, “What IS service to God?” as there are pairs of shoes in all of the closets in Hollywood combined…The great Old Testament commander, Joshua, declared, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as far as me and my household we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

The “act,” or applied actions, of “Service” is, “To Serve.”  So, what does it mean to Serve God?  How do we Serve God?  Do we “serve” God through our faith, relationships, works, obedience, abilities, talents, strengths, opportunities, daily walk, and Worship?  Naturally, the answer is, “YES, on all accounts.”  We, as Christians, serve God through each of these areas of life and so much more.

But, what if we are missing something? What if a very important ingredient of true “service” to God is being left out, or accidentally omitted, or overlooked in our lives?  As Christians, we know and “rest” in God’s Mercy and Grace, but what about those of us who like to make “A’s” on every project, dot every “i” and cross every “t,” and most definitely received a good mark for All of our “efforts?”  What if we are sadly missing or overlooking an area of service?  What are we to do?  If you are like me, I can sense the “panic” now…”What if?”  “What if?”

But, I am LEARNING something BIG about serving God and Service to God…Let me explain.  Lately, I have been feeling very “disconnected” from my world; especially from those I attend church with.  My past experiences stemming from being a Pastor’s wife along with years and years of “service” within the church system makes me FEEL somewhat “different” from those that I am now trying to “connect” with in my new role as being a retired pastor’s wife, as well as a retired school teacher…(Ouch…The “retirement” thing does take time to adjust!)

Now in my life, once very, very busy hands that oversaw several tasks and projects at one time NOW sit calm, empty, relaxed, and even idle at times…(Thank God for blogging!). And, because of those treasured “past” experiences, I sometimes feel like a “duck out of water.” A feeling none of us enjoys.

For me, I began “serving” God in church at the age of “22” as the church’s organist.  I also worked a full-time job as an insurance clerk and medical transcriber at a doctor’s office. At the same time, my three babies were three and two years old (including twins)…That same year, I attended and assisted our Pastor’s wife in putting on a ten-weeks Bible Study written by Evelyn Christenson, “What Happens When Women Pray.”  Also, during that same time span, my husband announced his “Call” into the ministry as a Preacher…As a result, he, too, took on several “jobs” within the church that would one day lead to his becoming a senior Pastor.

For the next thirty years, our lives went wide-opened, full-speed ahead…If there was a job, task, role, duty, out-reach, or service…either my husband or I; or both, were in the picture; including our three daughters while growing up in our home:  Music Ministry…Been there; done that…Sunday School Teachers (all ages from nursery to senior adults)…Been there; done that…Youth Directors…Been there; done that…Homeless missions…Been there; done that…Prison Ministry…Been there; done that…Nursing Home Ministry…Been there done that…Both Men’s and Ladies Ministries…Been there; done that…Vacation Bible School Directors/Outreach…Been there; done that…Live Radio Broadcast (for over 20 years)…Been there; done that…Pastor and Wife (for over 25 years)…Been there; done that…If it pertained to “service” within the local church and community…Been there; done that…All to the best of our abilities and god-given strengths.  (Not “perfect” lives by no means, but consistent and faithful in service!)

But, even after all of those years and opportunities, I am STILL learning about “SERVICE TO GOD!”  And, this time I am learning it in a very different regard and aspect….IN SILENCE and totally behind the scenes….

I believe Christians sometime “overlook” a very important side or aspect of “service.”  One definition of service is:  “to be useful for a particular purpose at a particular time.”  Example:  The cardboard box “served” well as a table for the occasion.

Did you see that?  The cardboard box “served” a purpose at a particular time…No doubt, after its service as a “table,” it returned to being a box!  Not that its purpose is any less valuable by simply being a “box,” because we all know that a “box” within itself can serve “lots” of purposes, but for one brief “needed” moment, the box served as a table as well….(Stay with me!)

Within my self, I am a wife, mother, and grandmother…Those are my primary functioning roles.  However, for many years I was fortunate and blessed enough to “serve” in many different other capacities for God within the church and community…But, now my “current” service is to return to my primary functions in life: wife, mother, and grandmother…without the added, extra “purposes” in place….So, does this mean that my “value” in SERVICE to God has decreased, or is no longer as meaningful?  Answer:  No.  Just like the “box’ that served as a table, I, too, have “served” God for HIS purpose…And, I am still “serving” God each day as He leads.

I believe if you “serve” God for HIS purpose, it matters not what job, task, role, or title….Or, even for how long or how short of a time….You have “served” God well in HIS purpose….

So, what is “service” to God?  My answer:  Being available to God with your entire “being” for as long or as short of time God requires.  After all, “I would rather be a door-keeper in the House of God for one day than to dwell among the wicked for a thousand years!”  Amen…. 

Do I miss those “added” times of service?  Yes; of course, I do….But, I am learning that I serve God just as well now as I did thirty years ago…How?  We find the answer in the book of Psalm:  “SERVE the Lord with GLADNESS…” (Psalm 100)

See!! “Service to God” is a heart thing; a smile within the soul thing; an attitude thing; a mindset thing; a behind-the-scene thing or a limelight thing…it matters not… as long as our HEARTS are given to “SERVICE TO GOD WITH GLADNESS!”   So, I, too, can proclaim with JOYFUL assurance, just as Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will SERVE the Lord!”  How?  WITH GLADNESS!!!  Amen… 

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Be of Good Courage…

Be of Good Courage…

Be of Good courage, and He (GOD) shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord…Psalm 31:24 KJV)

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition of “courage,” is:

mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

In Psalm 31:24, King David adds a descriptive modifier before the noun, “courage;” GOOD courage.  As we all know, there are lots of different “types” of courage; some not so good!

We typically first learn about “courage” in elementary school during recess.  “I double-dog dare you to jump off the top of the sliding board!”  Or, “I triple-dog dare you to hang upside down from the monkey-bars.”  Oh, how many of us have learned courage by experiencing a broken wrist or arm!  Actually, we learn “wisdom” from those types of courageous acts…The next time someone “dares” us to a dangerous feat, we are not so inclined to accept the challenge!  Amen…

Nevertheless, King David is not talking about that type of “courage.”  Actually, King David was one of the most bravest and courageous men of the Bible…So, why is he saying, “Be of Good Courage?”  Because King David learned the hard way that it takes as much courage to trust in God at times as it does to face and defeat a seven-foot giant!

It takes “GOOD courage” to face the many giants (TRIALS) in our lives as well.  We all face giants at times in our lives…We all face “darker” times when our Faith is challenged and we must stand Strong in the Lord, filled with Spiritual Courage…Good Courage!

Today, you may be facing a “giant” in your life….If so, “BE OF GOOD COURAGE!”  Even though you may not be able to march out on a battlefield to use your sling-shot to defeat your giant, God is still just as much with you as He was with King David that day. On that day, the Bible teaches us that King David had five stones in his pouch…The number “five” means Grace.  King David had GOD’S Grace with him when he slew his giant. And, today, as believers, we, too, have God’s Grace in our hearts and lives to slew all the giants that come our way…

So, until all of your giants are defeated and gone, BE OF GOOD COURAGE…Able to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or the many difficulties of life in the strength, power, and Name of the Lord of Hosts…And God shall strengthen your heart; all ye that HOPE in the Lord…Amen!

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Today’s Worries? Vanished!

Today’s Worries? Vanished!

“Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6 KJV)

Have you ever woke up from a good night’s sleep to your brain or mind racing a mile-a-minute making a mental list of “all” the things you are concerned or worried about?  I suppose we all have.  And, you have to agree…”Not a great way to start the day…”

To combat the morning’s negativity, we, as believers, often start quoting Scripture that will help to put our nagging thoughts into their proper perspective and into the Hands of God. In other words, we grab a good morning dose of much-needed “FAITH” to help us get up and get out of the bed!  (Christian Beware: Satan never gives up on trying to discourage a Christian…Spiritual warfare comes early in the mornings and late in the evenings! We are always in Satan’s scope, but we have ALL the garments of warfare we need to face the battle as explained in Ephesians 6).

Over 365 times in the Bible, one for each day of the year, GOD tells us NOT to fret, worry, or be filled with anxiety; HE is in control…However, if you are like me, fears and worries seem to find their way on the inside from all that is happening around me on the outside!  Oh, how we must ever “keep” our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ!

I wish that I could tell you that I was some sort of “super” Christian believer who defeats fears, worries, concerns, and anxieties at the sightless onset…But, I would be telling a lie…I am weak; but He (GOD!) is strong…I must take my concerning thoughts to God every day; sometimes several times in a day and again at night.  I leave them each time at His feet, but they seem to have feet of their own to walk right back into my thoughts!….”Fiery darts of Satan.”   YET!!!  GOOD NEWS!!  With each worrisome “dart” from Satan, I am provided with the opportunity and CHOICE to seek God in Scripture…Again, Again, and Again…And, there is nothing wrong with seeking God in Scripture!!! Early in the morning; late in the evening; all through the day!

Let’s read some Scripture together right now:

“Casting ALL your care upon HIM; for HE (GOD) careth for you! (Amen!) I Peter 5:7

Let not you heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus Christ).  John 14:1

Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is STAYED on thee (God), because he trusts in God. Isaiah 26:3

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:25

But, my God shall supply ALL your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

I will say of the LORD, HE is my refuge and my fortress; my GOD; in HIM will I trust. Psalm 91:1-2

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, not things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE OF GOD, which is in CHrist Jesus our LORD. Romans 8:38-39

Fear not; for I am with thee. Isaiah 41:10

I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. Philippians 4:12

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, ALL things are become new.  II Corinthians 5:17… AMEN!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  II Timothy 1:7

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.  James 1:5

And, the peace of God which passes ALL understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6

Whew!! I don’t know about you, but that was Amazing!  Each Scripture just boosted and boosted my heart, mind, and soul…I hope it did yours, too!  Remember; There is POWER, POWER, Wonder Working POWER in the WORD OF GOD!!  AMEN…Today’s Worries? Vanished!!

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Back to the Basics

Back to the Basics…

“In the Beginning, God…” (Genesis 1)

Living in a world where “absolutes” tend to be argued, debated, or even dismissed, it has become a challenge to know where and how to “begin,” or how to return to our basic foundation of life.

In most sports, good coaches know that it is essential to return to “basics” at the beginning of each season when conditioning their players.  Even the cooperate and business worlds operate from a standpoint based upon Economics 101.  And, we all know that there are even “basics” to follow in successful politics as well as the world of education. Face it, life itself has a foundation…And, for the Believer, that Foundation is GOD!

At times, I believe that we all need to return to, “GOD 101.”  Returning back to the very basics of life itself…If we don’t, things tend to get blurry, out of scope, hazy, and indecisive.  But, as we all know, returning to “GOD 101″ can be as subjective as the many different religions themselves…So, what is a person to do?

In reality, a lot depends upon a person’s individual culture, socio-economic status, background, ethnicity, race, greed, and nation as well as geographic region within a nation…BUT, there is an absolute solution; yes, there is an answer…We can ALL agree in believing in GOD; our Creator…We can all go back to one basic book: Genesis…

Thank God for the “absolute” book of Genesis written by Moses under the direct inspiration of God, our Creator.  Sometimes, it’s a good reminder to simply pick up the Bible and read through the very first chapters! What an amazing, inspiring, wonderful, foundational TRUTH found in God’s Word; the Bible… (*Note:  The three “basic” and major religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all “agree” on the Book of Genesis, just as Moses pinned down…Amen…Actually, the first five books of the Bible are contained in all three books: Torah, Bible, and Qur’an.)

From the Book of Genesis, we learn about God and life and its challenging beginnings with sin, unbelief, and disobedience; as well as their results.  We also learn about God’s mercy, forgiveness, grace, and blessings upon his children.  Thus, absolute contrast is established; Good from Bad; much like day and night.

But, as we continue to study the Bible, we soon learn that those who obey God are sometimes faced with harsher obstacles, and those who disobey Him sometimes seemingly walk away unfazed and untouched.  What’s up with that?  Simple…We are finite creatures serving an INFINITE, ALL KNOWING GOD….We, as human beings, don’t always see the end from the beginning nor do we understand all that processes in-between!

Henceforth…FAITH…As Christian believers, we return to the Basics of Faith (The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen…Hebrews 11:1 NT KJV).  As Christians, our Faith is based upon the sinless Life, perfect atoning Death, and glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ; God manifested in the flesh.. (And, the Word became flesh and dwelled among us… John 1:14). 

Having and maintaining Faith in an all-knowing God who does see all and is constantly working ALL things (both good and bad) according to His purpose and plan (Romans 8;28) is our basic foundation!!!  For it is HE (GOD) who does see the end from the beginning…All the way from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, Almighty GOD is the Author and Finisher of our FAITH!  Amen…Back to the Basics!

Oh, the JOY (The Joy of the Lord is my strength. Neh. 8:10) of returning Back to the Basics and receiving a renewed, re-energized dose of Spiritual Conditioning!  Once we have reconditioned our “spiritual” legs, we can run, and not be weary; and we can walk, and not faint!  (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)…

What a blessed relief….Now, I can face the day while GOD takes care of the world and all things therein according to HIS very own purpose and plan…

Thank you Lord for reminding me today of YOUR BASICS!! .Amen!

Remember, God Loves You!

Lin T Rollins, Author

copyright by @ Lin T Rollins 2012

Hope in God…

Hope in God…

……Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of HIS countenance…(Psalm 42:5 KJV)

A few minutes ago, I needed to “calm” myself and my spirit in the presence of the Holy One; God. I needed to trade “my” countenance for HIS coutenance…Amen!

Unfortunately, I had turned on my TV set earlier and listened to one bad happening and event after another spiraled by the bias opinions and comments of the reporters/anchors…Then, out of nowhere one of the anchor people used his “five” minutes of dialogue to announce and reveal to the world his personal alternative life-style choices…What??

I was somewhat stunned…I was somewhat shocked…I thought I was just watching a local news program not a morning confession and “tell-all” session…My first thoughts were:  “Are you kidding me?  It’s 6:50 AM, and I’m watching the local news and this person is telling the world their sexual preference; unreal??!!”  Needless to say, I went straight to my telephone and called the station asking the question, “When did it become professional, appropriate, and acceptable for an anchor person to use their job for his or her own personal agenda?”  Of course, the person I spoke with defended the anchor’s segment as being, “Part of the current events.”   Wow!  I baked a delicious tasting “dump-cake” last night; is that a current newsworthy event?!”  I bet there are just as many people watching the show who would be more interested in my “dump-cake” recipe than who this anchor person wishes to sleep with!!!!

Labels…Labels…Everywhere Labels…We have become a global society of “labels.”  No longer do we just see, meet, or know someone from afar, we have to know their titles, backgrounds, and their life-style “labels.”  Question: Are we going to start sewing “who-we-are” labels into our clothing apparel much like “care/cleaning tags?”  Scary thought; isn’t it??…Much like the Jews were required to wear bright yellow stars on every article of clothing during the Nazi reign…Oh, how I see the platform being cleverly set for the end days and the forthcoming, “mark-of-the-Beast” as described in the book of Revelation.  So, after viewing the news, my soul suddenly needed comforting from the Lord!

As the world continues to plummet out of control…God is and always will be in full control…Yes; yes, I know that we are living in difficult and perilous times…wars and rumors of wars…nation against nation…the love of many waxing colder and colder…crimes and turmoil abounding on every side…Yes, it is a fact that we are living in a time when “rubber meets the road.”  We can no longer simply be “bumper-sticker” Christians…Either our belief system works for us; or it fails….”Choose you this day whom ye will serve..But, as far as me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Oh, how these words hold even more truth and meaning today than they did over 3,000 years ago when Joshua charged the people of Israel…Amen…

As a believer in Christ Jesus, I have a hiding place to go during troublesome and weary times. A place to find solace and peace of mind in a burdensome out-of-control world…The Bible teaches, “For this God is our GOD for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death. (Psalm 48:14 KJV)…Yes; all the way to our last step in this life; every minute, every day, I have God as my precious, wonderful, protecting, and mighty guide and comforter…”GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH; A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE…BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…(PSALM 46).

Today, “Break Away” from the main-stream media and all of the other distractions in your life and entrust your hopes, dreams, and future into the hands of the one and true all-knowing God through his Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember, God Loves You

Lin T Rollins, Author

@copyright by Lin T Rollins 2012

Under His Wings…

Under His Wings…

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  (Psalm 91:4)

Typically, when we are sick, injured, or do not feel well we make a trip to our doctor.  We ask him or her to “examine” whatever it is that seems to be bothering us or not working properly at the time.  We expect him or her to do a thorough and good job at assessing our concerns.  While the physician, nurse, or PA are in the examining room with us, face-to-face, we want their undivided, focused attention; and absolute best medical skills available!

Sometimes, the examination may require added procedures such as blood work, x-rays, or scans…At the time, it doesn’t matter to us all the details involved just as long as we have our concerns addressed and hopefully resolved as quickly as possible to our likings; if possible…And, in all actuality, none of us enjoy or even like waiting in a doctor’s office or hospital.  We actually wish that all of our examines, tests, and clinical procedures could be performed, along with their accurate results, at the same rate of speed as a popped bag of popcorn in the microwave!

But, physical life is not like that…And, neither are our spiritual lives…No wonder our nation’s pharmaceutical industry thrives as it does…As a society, we simply don’t like pain on a scale from either one to ten!… And, we also don’t like to wait…And, we don’t like being discomforted…I mean, this is America isn’t it??  For the most part, we like positive, happy results with banner parades marching down Main Street with cotton candy and caramel apples with sugar on top at our every turn!!  Just like Shirley Temple used to sing, “On the Good Ship Lollipop!” 

But, GOD is NOT a parade and He isn’t interested in one bit how LONG we may have to wait!  As a matter of fact, He gave a lot of attention to instructing His children to do just that…WAIT UPON THE LORD!!!  (Don’t worry, I don’t like to wait either!  But, I’m trying to work on it!!)

However, we need not forget that while we are waiting upon God to move in our lives and upon our circumstances, we have a place of refuge that He designed Himself…Under His Wings…Under His Wings…Oh, my friend, just like a mother chick that gathers up her little babies to hide them from the storms of life, so does our Heavenly Father gather us up…

My problem???  I would be the overly inquisitive little chick that keeps trying to peep out from under my mother’s wings to see what is happening, and in the process get blown across the barn yard!!!  Is anyone with me!!??  Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh….How often God keeps me Under His Wings while I twist and turn and jump up and down wanting to see what is happening!!  All the time, He is wanting me to Trust Him and let Him be in control and in charge…Of course, not an easy accomplishment for someone like me who feels the need to “know” and even “help” when called upon!  But, I’m working on it!

Today, you may be like me standing in need of just resting Under His Wings…Come on, we can do it…We’ll do it together; how’s that!  As a tear and yet another one falls down from my eye, I know God understands my heart and how much I really do want to please Him in all things…Especially, while I am Waiting Under His Wings….

Remember, God Loves You

Lin T Rollins, Author

All materials in this blog are copyrighted to Lin T Rollins, Author 2011-2012

“God’s Wisdom”

“God’s Wisdom…”

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him…” (James 1:5 KJV).

Have you ever actually stopped to seriously consider, ponder, and meditate upon this particular promise of God’s?  “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.”  Amazing!  Simply ASK!

By Faith, I can seek God’s wisdom in all matters in life…How?  By simply “asking of God!” Amazing!  I have recently started applying this particular promise to my prayers in all things…Wisdom to know how to handle relational concerns.  Wisdom to know how to handle finances and to make wiser financial and investment decisions.  Wisdom regarding my personal health.  Wisdom to know how to plan my day, routine, and activities.  Wisdom to know how to study God’s Word more abundantly and how to apply it greater to my life…WISDOM!!!

I believe the first thing that any newly converted Christian should do is to ask God for wisdom in all areas and aspects of his or her life.  I feel that every prayer should include asking for Wisdom in each matter.  Without Godly wisdom and divine intervention, our lives would actually become barren and possibly make no sense whatsoever…Without God’s wisdom, we can become just as confused and uncertain about things as the lost and dying world…Oh, for more Faith and added Wisdom to be applied in our hearts, minds, and daily lives.

I believe that it is through divine wisdom that we learn to accept and lean upon God’s full assurance that “ALL things” are working out according to His purpose and plan (Romans 8:28).  Not that “ALL” things are good, or even good for us at the moment, but that God, in his Omnipotent existence, can and will bring those things to pass in such a way as to bring honor and glory unto His divine purpose for our lives.  Oh, to possess such wonderful wisdom from God!

Is there a prayer request that you have been praying for days, weeks, months, or perhaps even years, and have not heard from God?  Then, ask God to grant and give unto you His Wisdom for the matter.  It could be that God has answered and our eyes are not seeing the answer because we “lack wisdom.”  As Christians, we must possess, by Faith, God’s wisdom in order to see God’s unseen hand…Without God’s wisdom we may not see, comprehend, accept, or know for certain God’s will in a particular matter…Wisdom is the “key” factor in receiving and understanding God’s will for our lives in all things…

Today, if you are like me and stand in need of answers….Ask God…Seek God…Knock on Heaven’s Gate until you are filled with God’s Wisdom for the hour and the day.  I believe Wisdom is the cultivated fertile soil that brings forth God’s Fruit of the Spirit:  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience (longsuffering), Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance (self-control).  Without God’s wisdom, we can not know how to recognize and apply these characteristics into our lives…Oh, the Joy of Wisdom; God’s Wisdom…

The Fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23,  is manifested in nine areas of a Christian’s life and without God’s wisdom we will not know, or possibly even realize, how to apply these in our daily lives for God’s honor and for our own benefit…  Oh, how we stand in need of God’s wisdom in all areas, regards, and aspects of our lives!  Today, I pray for wisdom…

Ask, Seek, and Knock upon God’s heart today for his promise of Wisdom….For in doing so you and I will find rest for our souls…Amen…

Remember, God Loves You!