Robin Gilbert Luftig's Blog, page 7

Powerful Yet Little-Known

People often point to favorite verses in scripture–those verses that brings a tear to your eyes. These verses are powerful and often live-changing. But we cannot forget those little-known verses. The verses that get little recognition. Here’s a little-referenced verse:

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”
1 Timothy 4:13

Huh?

What’s so important about this verse? Isn’t this one of those “filler” verses? All excellent questions. But it was in an early-morning study time when I recently read 1 Timothy 4. When I got to verse thirteen, I put my coffee down, closed my eyes, and leaned back into my chair.

If you are scratching your head, thinking “Robin, what’s so special about these words?”, consider this:

All Scripture is God Breathed

We must never forget that the Bible is “God breathed”, meaning all scripture comes from the mouth of God. That fact alone makes all verses powerful. Ponder … it was God’s plan to include this and every other verse to pull us closer to The Father.

Once we see Scripture as it was meant to be seen, we open our heart to God’s plan for us.

Paul’s Focus on Service

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left …” shows us Paul’s attitude towards his young friend. Even while he sat in prison and faced all that prison brings, he was confident in Tyler’s ability and desire to be of service.

“When you come, bring … my scrolls, especially the parchments.”

Scholars surmise that Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote 1 Timothy. While this letter to Christians presents the most complete list of instructions for church leadership in the entire Bible, it also gives us gems like 1 Timothy 4:13. It shows us not only how to be focused at the task at hand (i.e., living for Christ), but also how to accept instruction from church leadership.

To preform service for others is offering the hand of Christ. In Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus tells of the beauty–or ugliness–surrounded offering, or holding back, service.

Reading scripture is a perfect way to get close to God, but what do you do with those powerful yet little-known, verses?
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So what does this mean to us?

I was ready to cruise past 1 Timothy 4:13, but God paused my heart so I could understand him better. In that pause, I learned a great lesson on service. Maybe he’s trying to do that to you as well. The Bible is filled with powerful yet little-known verses. Let’s do our best to seek them out and see what God is trying to tell us.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post Powerful Yet Little-Known appeared first on Robin Luftig.

Something to Ponder

Sometimes we make life more complicated than it was meant to be. Take a moment to listen to the words of the last Billy Graham, shared by Jonathan Merritt. It’s something to ponder.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-S3_s9pRZk/?igsh=ZXR6aHpoaGl2Zm85

My goal is to remember who I am … and who I am not. Take a moment on this. It’s truly something to ponder.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

The post Something to Ponder appeared first on Robin Luftig.

I’ll Pray for You

How often do the words, “I’ll pray for you” pass over your lips? This offer of encouragement–and often the intentions behind them–is meant to lift a person’s spirits. Why is it, then, we later feel a sadness in our heart?

That makes no sense, but stick with me on this.

Picture this: Susie and Molly (both fictitious names) bump into one another in the produce section of the neighborhood’s grocery. They’re truly good friends and are legitimately happy to see one another glad they have the chance to catch up, right there amongst the melons and apples. They talk about how wonderful life has been since they last spoke. All is well.

The Mood shifts

After the fluff of their conversation is over, Susie lowers her head and whispers. “I’ve been meaning to call you. To be honest, there’s more. Life’s been difficult over the past few weeks. Circumstances out of my control have ripped against the seams of my family.” Molly reaches for her friend and offers comfort. Tears streak both ladies’ cheeks. Molly hates the thought of Susie hurting and wants to offer her support. They hug and she offers, “I’ll pray for you” before they both go their own ways.

What does 'I'll pray for you' really mean?
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Does this scenario sound familiar? Possibly? Probably. God’s desire to bring comfort to those around, yet we’re too absorbed in our lives … our lists of things to accomplish … that we miss them.

What Is Missed?

In Susie’s pain, she reached out to a trusted friend for support. And Sally, albeit, well-meaning, offers empty words of comfort. If God can guide the steps of men (Psalms 37:23), doesn’t it make sense that Molly was meant to bump into Susie? If this example of a story is true …

Molly Misses a Blessing

We’re all Molly now and then. We mean well. When we talk to a friend in need we have all good intentions of praying for them later. Sometimes we do, but often life gets in the way. The kids need help with their homework. Dinner needs attention. Laundry’s waiting. The demands go on and on. And we forget to pray for our friend, like Susie.

Susie Misses a Blessing

While I’m sure Susie appreciates the words, she doesn’t get the blessing of experiencing Molly taking her needs–right then–before God.

Susie, like all of us, wants to know that God sees us. Consider James 5:15a (… the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well…). It’s not to bring attention to you, the pray-er, but to let God use us to remind the pray-ee that God sees them and hears their pain.

Lost Opportunity to Show Faith in Action

Susie had an opportunity to show her faith. Molly would’ve been blessed by the prayer, but it’s the memory of Molly expecting God to show up is lost would stick with her for quite a while.

Serendipity Effects of an Obedient Heart

God’s plans for us are bigger than we can imagine. He’s the master of painting a situation with serendipity blessings.

With that in mind, I plan to look at the phrase “I’ll Pray for You” differently and with more humility.

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post I’ll Pray for You appeared first on Robin Luftig.

We All Need a Story of Courage

These are turbulent times. What seems right is deemed wrong, and what has been unspeakable for years in now common. Conversations aren’t about communication, they’re about combat. It’s clear: we all need a story of courage.

Daniel, Chapter 10 tells a great story. I won’t add to, or detract from it. The passage stands on its own. I’m using The Message version, because it is easiest for all who read it to understand.

Take a moment. Look at this. It might help you see a bigger picture.

Daniel, Chapter 10

In the third year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, a message was made plain to Daniel, whose Babylonian name was Belteshazzar. The message was true. It dealt with a big war. He understood the message, the understanding coming by revelation:

2-3 “During those days, I, Daniel, went into mourning over Jerusalem for three weeks. I ate only plain and simple food, no seasoning or meat or wine. I neither bathed nor shaved until the three weeks were up.

4-6 “On the twenty-fourth day of the first month I was standing on the bank of the great river, the Tigris. I looked up and to my surprise saw a man dressed in linen with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body was hard and glistening, as if sculpted from a precious stone, his face radiant, his eyes bright and penetrating like torches, his arms and feet glistening like polished bronze, and his voice, deep and resonant, sounded like a huge choir of voices.

7-8 “I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn’t see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. Left alone after the appearance, abandoned by my friends, I went weak in the knees, the blood drained from my face.

9-10 “I heard his voice. At the sound of it I fainted, fell flat on the ground, face in the dirt. A hand touched me and pulled me to my hands and knees.

11 “‘Daniel,’ he said, ‘man of quality, listen carefully to my message. And get up on your feet. Stand at attention. I’ve been sent to bring you news.’

“When he had said this, I stood up, but I was still shaking.

12-14 “‘Relax, Daniel,’ he continued, ‘don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I’m here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what’s ahead.’

From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you.
Daniel 10:12

15-17 “While he was saying all this, I looked at the ground and said nothing. Then I was surprised by something like a human hand that touched my lips. I opened my mouth and started talking to the messenger: ‘When I saw you, master, I was terror-stricken. My knees turned to water. I couldn’t move. How can I, a lowly servant, speak to you, my master? I’m paralyzed. I can hardly breathe!’

18-19 “Then this humanlike figure touched me again and gave me strength. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, friend. Peace. Everything is going to be all right. Take courage. Be strong.’

We All Need a Story of Courage
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“Even as he spoke, courage surged up within me. I said, ‘Go ahead, let my master speak. You’ve given me courage.’

20-21 “He said, ‘Do you know why I’ve come here to you? I now have to go back to fight against the angel-prince of Persia, and when I get him out of the way, the angel-prince of Greece will arrive. But first let me tell you what’s written in The True Book. No one helps me in my fight against these beings except Michael, your angel-prince.’”

We must never stop praying. God immediately hears our prayers. Trust that in fact, when so much these days seem out of control.

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A Commentary on The Chosen

If you follow my blog or have read through any of my past posts, you’ll see I’m a big fan of Lori Roeleveld. She has the ability to cut right to the heart of my thoughts without ever picking up the phone or shooting me a text. I value her friendship and lean into her wisdom. One of her latest sub stack post is a commentary on The Chosen.

Check out this post from of Lori Roeleveld and ponder. https://loriroeleveld.substack.com/p/...
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Make sure you subscribe to her posts. You’ll be glad you did.

Oh, and after you finish Lori’s Chosen commentary, take a moment to read the posted comments from others. You may be surprised at a name you find there.

While Lori’s post is excellent, it also offers a strong reminder that our words carry power and travel far.

While Lori’s post is excellent, it also offers a strong reminder that our words carry power and travel far.

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post A Commentary on The Chosen appeared first on Robin Luftig.

To My PA Friends

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My First Fella

There is never a June that comes around when I don’t think of my first fella and favorite Father’s Day memory.

Nothing captivated my attention more as a child than a toy stuffed bird my dad kept in a curio cabinet in his man cave. This feathery splendor was about the size of my palm with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. I imagined stories about why this fragile object was set apart and displayed only for Dad’s eyes to see. Was it a gift from a princess he had rescued from the grips of a ferocious dragon? Was it a piece of treasure he had found while hunting with Indians?

One spring, with my vast five-year-old wisdom, I decided that, since Dad liked it so much, I should give it to him again.

The perfect solution

The Saturday before Father’s Dad I carefully snatched the stuffed bird from the case. Holding it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels, I fled with my stolen booty to my bedroom. Hiding my plunder, I left my room to bring back the newspaper and masking tape, certain that Dad would be thrilled with his Father’s Day present.

After dinner on Father’s Day, while Mom and Dad were having their coffee, I stood before him and ceremonially offered my carefully wrapped package. He looked at the crumpled ball of newspaper encircled with bands of masking tape and pulled me up into his lap so I could have the perfect view of the unveiling. As he carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird I had taken from his glass cabinet. He smiled his I-love-you-over-the-moon smile.

“I love it,” he said. “Thank you for the perfect present, Peaches. This is such a cute bird. I’ll keep it forever!”

There is never a June that comes around when I don’t think of my first fella and favorite Father’s Day memory.
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He smothered me with hugs and kisses and I erupted in giggles. After taking in his perfect love, I strutted away as if I had just been awarded a national medal for being the most loving and awesome child of the year.

Later that summer, we began preparations to celebrate Dad’s birthday in September. He never wanted much of a fuss, but we enjoyed honoring him the best we could. I had no idea how to out-gift Father’s Day.

Then the answer came to me

When Dad wasn’t watching, I returned to his room, opened the display case, and birdnapped the feathered masterpiece. And as before, I took it to my room and wrapped it with newspaper and masking tape.

When the time came for presents after Dad’s birthday dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the gift-giving pack. Dad, once again, scooped me up along with my ball of newspaper and masking tape and pulled me onto his lap.

When Dad opened his present and saw the plumage and beautiful colors, he never missed a beat. He raved on about how beautiful this present was and how he was so pleased that I knew just what he liked. He never let on that he recognized the bird from the glass case in his room or that he even knew I had taken it. Instead, he made a fuss over me and my re-re-gifted item that had belonged to him since before I could remember. He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received.

His love

Dad has been gone for over forty years now, and sadly, sometimes I forget what was so special about him. Then I remember how he was my first fella, revisit my favorite Father’s Day memory … and I smile. I can close my eyes and still see that look of complete love for me on his face. And, that’s a memory of why he was so special to me.

Blessed with this memory

I realize there are women/girls who don’t have fond memories of their fathers. That’s so terribly sad. Having a loving father helps me to understand–the best a person can, anyway–the love of my Heavenly Father. And that love carries me on, far after my first fella is gone.

Happy Father’s Day.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

What say you?  

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

The post My First Fella appeared first on Robin Luftig.

A Blessing or a Curse

Social Media … a blessing or a curse?

I’m old enough to remember a time when the only way to communicate with far away friends and relatives to either call them via long distance phone calls or write them letters. These days, however, I can speak to family and friends, see pictures of them and their children, and continue our bonds of friendship over the miles. That’s the blessing part.

Here’s the curse

Every coin has two sides, and unfortunately we also see the dark side of social media. Unwanted comments are posted to your site. Sometimes vile, and often not wanted. It’s a wonder: why do strangers feel they are invited to share judgement on you?

It’s not only you. Pictures of your kids. Thoughts and opinions. And if you haven’t experienced a Nigerian prince who wants to share his inheritance with you, all you need to do is wait. It’s coming your way.

What should we do?

Do we bail off social media completely? Do we go back to writing letters and phone calls? Not necessarily. Going forward, it may take some effort, but it’s best to learn boundaries. Be careful who we allow into our world.

Protecting our heart is as important as protecting our home. We lock our doors … let’s be cognoscente of who we allow on our sites. If friends don’t respect our boundaries, we have the right to push back.

Not long ago a dear friend began posting items on her site items that I found rather offensive. I could’ve jumped in and offered my opinion, but instead, I just stepped back and stopped following her.

Embrace being different

If we want folks to respect us, They need to respect ourselves. Boundaries don’t have to be set with shouting and foot-stomping. Respecting yourself can be done quietly with a simple, “No thanks. I don’t want to play along.”

Respecting yourself can be done quietly with a simple, “No thanks. I don’t want to play along.”

Don’t be discouraged

Remember the friend I told you about? She asked my why I stopped following her, and because I didn’t make a big fuss about it, I was able to talk with her and explain my actions. I  shared the why’s and what-for’s on how her words hurt me. I shared that I realized she didn’t set out to hurt me–after all, we’re friends–but I needed go step back from her because I was still effected.

Why am I bringing this up?

The reason I bring this up is because political posts are coming on strong. Conservative or liberal used to have great conversation starters. Now, opinions separate us …  smart vs. ignorant … victor or victims.

Here’s the thing: believe what you need to believe. Each of our experiences shape who we are and contribute to our makeup. If I had the same experiences as the friend I described, I might feel the same way she does. Spreading grace goes farther than spreading ugliness.

We have six months for differences to flourish in this election season. It’s my goal to make sure these window of time is limited with disputes and heartache.

Back to social media

Does social media play well with politics? It depends if you respect yourself and others. But it’s easy to let it divide friends. It’s okay if you need to unfriend a few people for a season, but do it quietly. Guard your heart. The damage or caustic social media confrontations isn’t worth what you gain.

Does social media play well with politics? It depends if you respect yourself and others.
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

 

 

 

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Controversial Topics

Have you ever been in a debate conversation when controversial topics came up? Often, trusting friends know they can do this for sport of it. These conversations are not done with malice, but only are focused on stretching of one’s mind or opinion. I overheard such a conversation.

“What is the most powerful passage or verse in the Bible?”

The listening person offered his opinion. “How about Mark 10:46-52, specifically verse 51?”

Huh?

He didn’t say John 3:16. Nor did he say Psalms 23. But he stressed the passage in Mark 10. It didn’t immediately come to me, so I looked it up on my phone. If it doesn’t immediately come to you, here it is in the New International Version (NIV):

Blind Bartimaeus Receives His Sight

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”

So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Afterward

After I got home I pondered my choice of the most powerful verse. I pulled out my study Bible, looked up the passage, and re-read it. This time, with an urgency. What was so special about Mark 10:46-52?

What's so special about Mark 10:46-52?
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That’s when I saw what had been referred to earlier. As I read these verses with a hungry heart, I saw:

A broken person seeking God for answersWhen Jesus was near, his shouting became intenseAlthough he was told to quiet down, his ache for Jesus grewJesus heard his plea and called him closeEven blind, he jumped and went to JesusJesus asked for this man’s need and the beggar answeredThe man gained his sight, then followed Jesus.My eyes were opened, too

How amazing scripture can be when we read it through our brokenness. That’s the beginning of our journey. And even in our blindness, we can run to Him for what we need. While our needs may be many, the first and greatest need we have is to be able to see Him and our need for what He can heal us from.

Here’s a thought

After pondering their conversation, I saw the wisdom. First, these two appreciated and respected one another to risk being different. That’s huge. Additionally, they recognized the power in brokenness is unmeasurable. That’s huge as well.

How amazing scripture can be when we read it through our brokenness.

If embracing controversial topics are challenging, don’t shy away from them. You may be surprised where they take you.

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

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It’s Beyond Terrible

Human tracking. We hear these words in the news. Pictures flash across the television screens about this. We know it’s beyond terrible and feel awful for the victims. Yet we feel safe knowing we live in a nice area of the country where trafficking never happens.

Then, we go on with our day.

Pause with me for a moment

If the term “Human Trafficking” doesn’t make you shiver, it should. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality (from https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking).

If you think it could never happen where you live, think again. It’s everywhere, from urban to rural areas all over the country.

My brave and beautiful friend, BJ Garrett, tells in her book, Unwanted No More, (Redemption Press) of her nightmarish life because of being trafficked as a child. The story takes the reader on a journey from them beginning of her nightmare to how she found redemption. No matter how I see life, I’ve been blessed to watching how God’s hand can move with his grace. I know, without a doubt, that my friendship with BJ has made me a better person.

That’s why she’s the perfect fit

God’s been readying her for this purpose … Executive Director to Selah Life Choices.  This organization was founded to serve women at risk of human trafficking by offering emergency stabilization for healing .

Here’s BJ talking about Selah Life Choices:

BJ owns her purpose

BJ stopped years ago dwelling on the fact that she was sold for a bag of groceries. Now she focuses her energy to being the person  God redeemed her to be. She embraces the responsibility God set before her–to love and empower others–and se leans on scripture for this. [God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:4-5

[God] who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:4-5

What’s my takeaway?

Actions never happen in a vacuum and it’s beyond horrible to suffer from the sins around us. But even then redemption, peace,  and healing is available to us all. That’s how big God is.

Are you in the middle of an abusive and manipulative  situation you never thought you’d be in?

When you look in the mirror, do you see the person you want to be?

Do you fear all is lost?

Oh friend, remember God loves you … right now … where you are.

Actions never happen in a vacuum and it’s beyond horrible to suffer from the sins around us. Is there healing after human trafficking?
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What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.

The post It’s Beyond Terrible appeared first on Robin Luftig.