Our Spiritual Superstore: July 2nd Devotional

Our Spiritual Superstore

Philippians 4:19

July 2nd Devotional

      On this day in 1962, Samuel Walton opened his first Walmart store in Rogers Arkansas. Walton was born in 1918 in Kingfisher Oklahoma. Samuel's family were farmers in his youth but due to the difficulty of the great depression and the dust bowl his father was forced to work for farming mortgage and insurance companies. Walton learned the value of work at a young age. Due to the severe suffering of the great depression, Walton would work long hours at a variety of different jobs each day to help his family make ends meet. During his youth, he also became the youngest eagle scout in the state. Walton would later work his way through college at the University of Missouri. Walton excelled both academically and personally. His degree was in economics and he would manage his first store at the age of 26. He would quadruple the value of this store by providing cheaper products and keeping the store shelves stocked. He continued to develop fantastic marketing ability and was extremely competitive with other businesses. He would open up multiple different five-and-dime stores, one of them being in Bentonville Arkansas where the corporate office of Walmart is today. He also owned multiple different Ben Franklin stores. His greatest success though would be Walmart. Originally the Walmart corporate design was to provide American-made products at a cheap price to compete with a foreign market. At one time Samuel Walton was the world's wealthiest man. Over time, Walmart has become the biggest private employer in the world. there are nearly 5,000 Walmarts in the United States, over 11,000 in the world, and over 2.2 million employees.

      Walmart today is known as a One-Stop shop where you can purchase anything you need in one store. Walmart revolutionized the shopping experience by creating super stores that provided a mass variety of different products. It seems that Walmart can provide everything that you need. The Bible speaks about somebody who provides for all of our needs. Paul writes in Philippians 4:19 "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Jesus is literally our spiritual superstore who we can come to about any matter, any time, anywhere. Philippians 4:19 is a promise from God that he will supply for us, that he will take care of us. He does this through the immeasurable riches of his son Jesus Christ. The immeasurable riches do not necessarily refer to the physical but to the spiritual. God takes care of his own in incredible and often jaw-dropping ways. Reflect at this moment on how God has provided for you.

It's a Colorful World: June 25th Devotional

It's a Colorful World

Revelation 21:18-21

June 25th Devotional

      On this day in 1951, the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) showcased the first-ever color tv program. The irony was that it went unnoticed since most people did not have color television at that time. The program was called "Premiere" and featured multiple stars in the entertainment industry. It aired in only five major cities, starting at 4:35 PM, and ran until 5:34 PM. In the year 1950, there was a mad rush between CBS and RCA to create the first-ever color tv. Both sides worked tirelessly to claim the crown of being the first. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) tested both versions and found that CBS's television was superior but multiple problems quickly arose. The first problem was that manufacturers did not want to produce the tv because of the cost to make. The profit margin was minimal and most companies felt that the average person would not spend such an exorbitant price. A color tv was considered an unnecessary luxury. Despite the superior design the tv still would flicker and the final straw was that it was not compatible with black and white tv's. Despite all of this CBS pressed forward with what they called "Operation Rainbow" where they blanketed department stores and storefronts all across the United States. RCA studied CBS's struggle and started to recreate a new design, one that would work with a black and white tv and would be cheaper. By the end of 1953, RCA won the color tv war, far outpacing CBS's model.

      Color television changed the entertainment industry. Each of you reading this probably have multiple different televisions in your home that you spend countless hours in front of each week. People were dazzled to see bright vibrant colors coming through instead of the plain gray, black, and white tones. The human eye can see millions of distinguishable colors but even then we cannot process all colors on the spectrum. The Bible speaks about a place filled with the most amazing colors. Revelation 21:18-21 says " The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. These beautiful colored stones are inlaid into the walls and as the glory of God shines through the walls it will create the most perfect scene, a huge stained glass effect. The city is called New Jerusalem and it is a gorgeous city for God's people. Unlike the color tv show "Premiere" which was only available to a scant few people the offer to abide in this city is for all people who believe in Jesus Christ.  Have you trusted in Christ as your own personal Savior?

A Fruitful Father's Day

A Fruitful

 Father's Day

 

    Wednesday came as any normal Wednesday, a day busy with planning and study, a day in which starts with the best of intentions to knock off most of the checklist only to find the checklist growing as the day goes on. One of my greatest realizations as a pastor is that being organized is important, and a schedule is a must, but be prepared to change your schedule at any given notice. Wednesdays are usually very different though, people respect the fact that I have to study and prepare for the evening lesson, so Wednesday's schedule is fairly set in stone. That is until this past Wednesday; I received a phone call early in the morning from my dad's place of employment. My dad calls pretty often to check up on the baby to see how he is doing, to hear him laugh, etc. Dad asked about the baby and then asked me about my plans for the afternoon. Naturally, I thought that maybe he and my step-mom wanted to come down and have dinner or a late lunch, but instead, Dad simply told me that he was taking off to pick cherries, but only if I was able to come along. My mind raced. I will be completely honest, my dad and I at times have had a very strained relationship, we have gone months without talking (both our faults), and it seemed that during my teenage years, my dad and I distanced ourselves from one another. There was always love there, but that great friendship that existed between a father and son had cooled and became nearly frigid at times. I think this is the case with many father and son relationships, we as men are tough as nails, and non-emotional (or at least that is how we are programmed to be). My dad and I are closer now than ever before, and I credit much of this to me growing up and doing "adult things" like having a house and garden, being married, having a child, etc. Dad and I have a lot more in common, we talk flowers and vegetables, we talk sports and construction projects, and even the best methods to grill, but I honestly couldn't remember a time when Dad and I did something alone like pick cherries, it must have been years, maybe even little league age. I looked at my calendar and what needed to get done that afternoon and I almost told Dad "I'm too busy" but instead I shut the calendar, said this can wait and told my dad that I would be thrilled to go and pick cherries with him. I was honored that my dad would take off work early to spend time with me, just me (not the baby included). Now that might not sound like much to some reading this, but just "male bonding" time with my dad was something foreign, something that was needed. Dad came by around one and we headed to an orchard in our era named Orr's (I highly suggest this orchard). 

     As we drove we talked about life, houses, bills, fruits, trees, etc. We arrived at the orchard and started to pick strawberries and then a tractor picked us up and took us out into the cherry orchard to pick cherries. Together we picked somewhere around thirty pounds of cherries, but something greater than cherries was achieved that day, a bond was fortified. I looked at my father with the greatest of admiration, sadly something that I have failed to do through most of my young life. I always looked at the traits of my dad that I didn't want, but now I notice the traits that I want in my life, and the shock to me is that many of the traits that I want to strive for were at one point and time the traits in which I never wanted! I can honestly say that in that cherry orchard on Wednesday that my dad and I renewed a relationship that hadn't grown the way it should have or at least the way it was intended to grow in Christ. Tears almost came to my eyes as I sat at home and dwelt on it afterward, making me regretful for the hateful things that I said to my dad in my younger fury, for the months of silence, for the lack of respect that I paid unto him. Now I wasn't a horrible son, a matter of fact if you ask my dad he will tell you that I never gave him trouble, but I know in the depths of my heart that I caused that man pain, heartache, and confusion.......but isn't that the case of a man. A man's duty seems to be that of bearing the full weight of the world and yet never showing it, never shedding a tear in front of the public eye, never flinching or showing worry. A man simply says "Everything is ok" when in the depths of his heart he knows it isn't. It is his duty to be the knight in shining armor for his family, it is his duty to protect the family name and the integrity of the family unit. These are all duties of fatherhood that I never fully grasped until holding my little boy. I look deep into Noah's eyes and I see a handsome boy, I see my son. Yes, he does give Tiffanie and I a hard time on occasion, but I look past that and I say he causes me no trouble. The work of a man is a thankless job, a matter of fact a job in which we receive more flack than respect!

     To be a father is to be many things, things like a coach, a hard worker, a provider, a runner, and a fixer of all different things, you have to throw a ball, shot some hoops, you have to give sound advice on subjects that you feel uncomfortable with, and most of all you are called as a dad to be the spiritual leader of your household. What a burden to bear! Personally being a father is one of the greatest tasks God has ever given, but it also bears a tremendous amount of responsibility and a task that can only rely upon the Lord for understanding and wisdom. Fatherhood is the greatest blessing, but it can also cause us the greatest heartache! God also tells us as a father what we need to be doing, Paul in Ephesians 6:4 tells us to raise our children in the fear, training, and admonition of the Lord, WHAT A HEAVY BURDEN TO BEAR! We as dads are called to raise our children in a God-honoring way, without excuse! If God was so gracious to give unto you an heritage (child), then the least we can do is to properly raise that child, to train them up in the way they should go! Proverbs teaches us that if we raise our children properly that they will be life unto us, but beloved if we do not raise our children correctly then we are bound to fail and instead of life being passed down unto them we only pass to them death! Moses was told by God while wandering these words

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

~ Deut. 6:4-9

     Fathers, let me encourage you, be obedient unto the Lord, and teach your children diligently out of God's Word. Teach them how they should live and to whom they are under authority. Use your life as a shining example unto them. Continue to hold fast to the Words of the Bible, be faithful to your Church, support your pastor, pray often, and let your child "catch you" praying or reading the Word! But beyond this, make time for your child, no matter how old they might be. Who knows, a trip to the cherry orchard might change your entire perspective on your father/son relationship!

Finding Victory in Defeat: June 18th Devotional

Finding Victory in Defeat

Psalm 37:23-24

June 18th Devotional

      On this day in 1985, the New York Knicks picked Patrick Ewing as the number one pick in the NBA draft. The 1985 draft was the first of its kind, created to prevent teams from tanking to get the best draft pick (ironically teams still do the same thing today). The Knicks pick at number one was mired in controversy because David Stern the NBA general manager was an adamant New York Knicks fan. Many people felt that the envelope with the Knicks logo inside was marked in a way that Stern would pick it. Either way, the pick of Patrick Ewing changed the future of the New York Knicks for the next 15 years. Ewing was born in Kingston Jamaica and attended college for Georgetown, where three out of the four years he led the hoyas to the NCAA championship game, winning the national title in 1984 against Villanova, the final score being 66 to 64. Patrick Ewing stunned audiences in Madison square garden during his rookie year with his incredible talent and authority in the paint, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His looming seven-foot stature was an incredible force of nature. Patrick would play seventeen years in the NBA, fifteen for the Knicks, one for the SuperSonics, and one for the Orlando Magic. His most notable years were spent with the Knicks where they were constantly a playoff team. He was an 11-time All-Star and a two-time gold medalist. Ewing's career was always overshadowed by the greatness of Michael Jordan, but the Knicks were able to play in two championships while Ewing was with them. In 1994 they lost a 7-game series against the Houston Rockets and then again in 1999 losing in a 5-game series to the San Antonio Spurs. Patrick Ewing was most recently the coach of the Georgetown Hoyas.

      Despite Patrick Ewing's great talent, he was never able to bring a championship to Madison Square Gardens. Everyone that has ever played a game or a sport loves the taste of victory but despises the pain of losing. More often than not we will lose more than win, and that applies spiritually too. We will endure hardships and battle temptation, and we will not always find ourselves on the winning end. We will have fought and resisted and yet found ourselves in defeat. But as Christians, we cannot allow our defeats to define us. Psalm 37:23-24 says “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." The psalmist makes it clear that we will indeed stumble, we will indeed fail, but God is faithful and is bigger than our failures. We will not fall because God holds us up with his hand. When we find ourselves on the losing end let us not linger in our defeat but let us learn lessons in our defeat so that we would find victory in the Lord the next time. You will win, you will lose, but God is everlasting in his faithfulness and his love for you changes not.

June Prayer Letter

“Mobilizing the Church Through Short-term Missions

June 2023

      One of my favorite movie scenes is from the Lord of the Rings adaptation of “The Two Towers.”  In the movie, King Théoden stands in the rain looking at a massive approaching army of Orcs coming to invade Helm’s Deep.  Théoden gazes out and says “So it begins” knowing that the time of battle had come.  Summer ministry feels a lot like that at times.  After months of planning, preparing, and organizing the time has finally come for summer ministry to go into full swing.  We currently have two VBS programs, two camps, assisting at another camp, a mission trip with over thirty people, and multiple speaking opportunities these next few weeks.  We are eagerly waiting to watch God work.

      But before we look into the future, we want to share a few updates about our family.  Our three children recently finished school.  By God’s grace, they all maintained straight A’s and have grown tremendously.  Believe it or not, Noah will be going to Middle School next year!  We love that our children minister with us, but we also try to plan fun activities for them too.  They are taking swimming lessons this summer, and Noah is participating in a local play in Martinsburg.  We also recently returned from a nice refreshing vacation with Tiffanie’s family!  It definitely energized us for the next few busy weeks!

    We are currently at Cove Valley Youth Camp speaking at Independent Bible Church’s young adult conference.  Matt is speaking on the subject matter of satisfaction.  The goal is to challenge the young adults to strive for the perfect things that God promises us instead of settling for the temporal trifles of the world.  God has blessed us with over 50 people in attendance.  Pray that the words that are sown will be taken into their hearts and used for the glory of God.

Our next two major summer ministries will be vacation Bible school at Pond Bank and Chambersburg Bible.  This summer’s theme is Truassic Park.  We will be taking a look at what the Bible says about creation.  There will be lots of fun, adventure, dinosaurs, skits, songs, snacks, etc.  Our kids are excited to lead worship and be major characters in the skits.  Pray during the weeks of June 18^th and 25^th as countless children will have the opportunity to clearly hear the Gospel.  Pray especially for salvation decisions.  After that Matt will be doing Gospel magic tricks for a Brethren in Christ church in Williamsport MD.  This church is currently facing a difficult time after their pastor had a fall and broke a majority of the bones in his lower body.  Naturally, the church is hurting.  Pray that this outreach event will not only be a blessing to the little ears listening, but also to the adults.  This doesn’t even touch on the plans for our trip and camps!

     My family and I can’t express how grateful we are for each of your prayers and financial support.  We have been trying to grow our support this year and we are in awe of your faithful partnership.  We see God’s faithfulness through you.  If you are interested in having us come and share please reach out to us.  Our calendar is rapidly filling up.

Gifts sent to:  P.O. Box 51519 Durham, NC 27717

Or give online via www.churchesinmissions.org      

Designate for Matt & Tiffanie Robinson

The Comeback Kid: June 11th Devotional

The Comeback Kid

Matthew 28

June 11th Devotional

      On this day in 1956 the football legend Joe Montana was born in New Eagle Pennsylvania. His family was of Italian stock and desired to find a way to acclimate to American culture. Joe's father felt the best way to adapt to a new culture was to play sports. Joe played quarterback for the Ringgold Rams and excelled. His play on the field earned him a scholarship to attend Notre Dame University. In 1977 Joe found himself third on the depth chart for quarterback but early in the season, he became the starter and never looked back. Notre Dame won the national college championship that year. Because of his play in the national championship game he was drafted in the third round, 82nd pick of the 1979 season by the San Francisco 49ers. Montana would spend 14 exceptional years for the San Francisco 49ers and would spend the last two for the Kansas City Chiefs. Montana played in 8 pro bowls, was a two-time NFL MVP, four-time super bowl champion, and three-time super bowl MVP, and holds various records still in the NFL. Joe was most noted for his ability to come from behind in the fourth quarter. Montana led 31 4th-quarter comebacks (including playoffs) earning him two iconic nicknames, Joe Cool and The comeback kid. the most famous comeback in Montana's career was in super bowl XXIII. The 49ers were playing an excellent Cincinnati Bengals team. For three quarters Joe Montana played a fantastic game but at the end of the fourth quarter the 49ers were still down 16 to 13. With three minutes and 20 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, starting on their own 8-yard line, Joe Montana surgically let his team 92 yards, completing 8 of his 9 passes. Montana finally connected with John Taylor with 34 seconds remaining in the game, sealing a 20-16 victory.

      Montana was known for bringing victory from the jaws of defeat. When all seemed like it was lost Montana would give his team hope in the most dim of situations. This reminds me of another time when it seemed like all hope was gone. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, laying down his life for the sins of all mankind. Shortly thereafter he was laid in a tomb and that seemed to be the end of the story. His disciples and followers despaired thinking that all was lost. Their countenance had fallen and doubt plagued them mightily. They were ready to raise the white flag. Early on the third morning a group of women went to visit his tomb, and the Earth shook with violence. An Angelic host came and removed the stone. And Matthew chapter 28:5-6 the angel gave the message "But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Shortly after Jesus appeared before the women verifying that death could not hold him, that he arose victorious over the grave. Jesus brought forth victory from the jaws of defeat. When all look lost and dark Jesus shed forth hope and light. We can heartily agree with the words of Paul in 1st Corinthians Death is swallowed up in victory.” O death, where is your victory?" Death is defeated because Jesus rose and lives forever.  O death, where is your sting?”

Prepared for Battle: June 4th Devotional

 Prepared for Battle

Genesis Chapter Four

June 4th Devotional

      This day in history marks the first major day of conflict during the Battle of Midway. The Battle of Midway earned its name because it took place on the Midway Aleutian islands, which was a military base located between America and Japan. This WW II battle was fought in the Pacific between the Japanese Imperial Navy and the United States Navy. It took place a mere six months after Pearl Harbor. The goal of the Japanese Navy was to destroy the American naval presence in the area. The American Navy was already reeling from the effects of Pearl Harbor. Pitted against each other was Admiral Isaraku Yamamoto who oversaw the imperial Japanese Navy and Chester Nimitz who oversaw the American naval fleet. Interestingly, overseeing the Japanese aircraft carriers was Admiral Chuchi Nagumo who helped coordinate the attack on Pearl Harbor. The American Navy was prepared for the battle due to breaking the Japanese naval code. They knew when and where the attack was going to take place. On the day of the battle the Japanese Navy greatly outnumbered the American Navy. They had over 300 aircraft, multiple battleships, submarines in the vicinity, and four aircraft carriers. The Japanese Navy boasted an undefeated record for 50 years. All expectations were on the Japanese to win the battle. But due to great preparation and the use of radar on the ground, the American forces were able to defeat the Japanese in a matter of four days. They destroyed all the Japanese aircraft carriers and aircraft that were engaged, and over 3500 Japanese soldiers died. The Battle of Midway is considered the turning point in the Battle of the Pacific. It provided much-needed confidence to the American Navy and started a slow fade of power for the Japanese Imperial Navy

       What gave the Americans the advantage was a warning that the enemy was coming. The Bible warns us about a coming attack from our enemy too. In Genesis chapter 4 two brothers made an offering to God.  One brother, Abel made a right offering to God, while Cain made an offering that was rejected. In turn, Cain was filled with hatred and anger. God came to Cain and said in Genesis 4:7 "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door." Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it. God tells Cain that sin is crouching at the door ready to attack. God gave the warning and Cain refused to hear it. The next day he shed his innocent brother's blood. Cain is not the only person to have sin knocking at the door. Every day sin crouches at the door of our hearts, ready to pounce. Sin doesn't need a big opening in the door. If we give sin an inch it takes a mile. God warned us to be prepared. We become prepared for the attack by being in prayer, reading the Word, and enjoying sweet fellowship with God's people. The warning has been given, get prepared to do battle.