Coastal Callings: 2014

Merry Christmas 2014

by The Robinsons

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry CHRISTmas from our family to yours!!!

We love all of you!

-Carter, Kristin, and Duke

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

New Babies! We have new babies in the congregation this year! I know they have completely changed the lives of their parents, haven’t they? There are many congregants that know exactly what they are going through… You have been there before; some of you have seen your kids and grandkids go through the same process also.

Kristin and I have not have had that blessing in our lives yet of having a child. But we did get “Duke,” our black lab this year. We know having a child is completely different, but boy did our lives completely change when we picked up our cute little ball of fur that now weighs over 50 pounds! I know there are many in the congregation that understand that he is “our baby.”

As we approach Christmas this year, let’s remember that babies change lives. There is no baby in history that has changed lives as much as this one has. Jesus Christ changes lives. Let’s remember 3 things this Christmas about this change of life.

First, once we come into a relationship with Christ, our lives are changed. This is a permanent change. We can’t change back. Even on the days Duke is acting up, and we don’t want to have to deal with him, we aren’t just going to get rid of him! Our lives have been permanently changed by him coming into our lives.

Second, it is visible through our lives and actions that our lives have changed. Our neighbors know we have a black lab “Duke.” Our lives have changed so much that it is obvious to everyone that we know! Our neighbors see us out walking Duke all the time. When we travel or visit family, our life is different because we bring him along with us.

Third, we are so excited about “Duke” that we are always wanting to share him with everyone. We have pictures on our phones that we love sharing with anyone who mentions dogs or pets to us. Kristin has his picture on facebook for everyone to see and loves sharing all that he is “up to.” We have fun talking about him and telling everyone what a great dog he is!

This Christmas, a baby has come into our lives… The great things about Jesus is that He didn’t just come for His parents. He came for everyone, even the lowly shepherds out in the field. He came for you and me also. I pray that this Christmas we can live a life changed reflecting the fact that Jesus Christ has come into our lives, that it visible to all who know us, and that we are so excited about Christ that we can’t wait to share about Him with everyone we are in contact with!

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

November: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

Warning Against Neglecting Salvation

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:1-4

Awake? Paying Attention? What’s going on? Are we sticking to and focusing the message and salvation?

If salt loses it’s saltines, it is worthless and is thrown out. (Jesus — Gospel of John)

Are these the same two messages? That we need to stick with it, not neglect, and pay attention to what we have heard. It might seem simple, but how often can we lose focus and suddenly we are focusing on something that is not as important as this message from God, as our salvation? I am not even sure we even realize we are doing it, and then we are there…our eyes are focused on something completely different from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as revealed in scripture.

Maybe that’s the key. Scripture. Scripture is what reveals Christ, the message and salvation to us. Are we in scripture enough to be focused on those messages? If just for a moment we take our eyes off Christ, we can find ourselves sinking like Peter, or focusing on a class, or a person, or a building, or tolerance, a meal, or a ministry even. When they are our focuses, we are out of focus. Paul said he preached Christ crucified and that was the most important thing. Focus on Christ above everything else. Yes classes, people, buildings, tolerance, meals, ministries aren’t in themselves bad, but they become idols when the focus becomes those things over what the Bible repeatedly tells us to focus on: Jesus Christ and Christ alone.

What does that look like today? That solidarity focus? Maybe you are saying that we have to have all these classes, people, buildings, tolerance, meals, ministries to have a successful church. Honestly reading through the Bible, the early church didn’t seem to have much of any of those things. Actually the early church was persecuted to the point of death, and it grew exponentially through the Holy Spirit. So just hear me out…maybe we need more Holy Spirit, more focus on Jesus Christ and salvation. Maybe we need focus? Or is focus a lost art today in a world of “multitasking”? Maybe we need to reinvent the idea of focus and say no to “multi-tasking” and therefore focus on Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone. Maybe take a season in life and make that a priority. Make Him (Jesus Christ) a priority and focus on Him more specifically.

October: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. Luke 18:35-43

Wouldn’t life be easier if we were blind beggars? Then, we would know that we needed healing, right? We would know without a doubt that we needed to see because we couldn’t.

I’m willing to bet the blind beggar knew he was blind. What about people today? Do they realize their spiritual infirmities? It is easier to see physical infirmities. So many of us have those physical infirmities, and we are praying for healing! God is the Great Physician!

But what about our spiritual infirmities…can we see those? Do we even realize that we need healing?

I’m praying that we might learn to REALLY see as Jesus Christ would have us see. To know Him, and to see HIM first.

What does it mean to see Christ? Maybe it means that we take our eyes off ourselves for a few moments and look beyond ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Maybe its about submitting, humbling ourselves to a Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Maybe it means living for Him.

Once we see Him, let’s work on personally seeing like Christ. To actually see those around us as Jesus Christ sees them. How do we know how Christ sees them? The Bible does a good job showing how Jesus Christ sees people, how he sees religious people, and how he sees those who are in need.

September: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

As we have been talking about Worshipping Weekly for two Sundays, I have mentioned Justin Martyr (100-165 AD), an early Christian apologist. He has a wonderful piece on early Christian worship dated around 150 AD. This gives us a picture of how the early Christians worshipped in the first century. The beauty of it is our worship is still very similar! Isn’t it beautiful that worship in its truest form has not changed much over the last 2000 years. Yes the music changes, of course, they didn’t have an organ in 150AD or any type of music that we have in our worship service…But the basic elements and form of worship hasn’t changed for 2000years! Even reformed contemporary worship still holds to the basic format of worship from 2000 years ago. Need I say… God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever and ever AMEN!

Read how Justin Martyr described worship:

Weekly worship of the Christians:

And we afterwards continually remind each other of these things. And the wealthy among us help the needy; and we always keep together; and for all things wherewith we are supplied, we bless the Maker of all through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Ghost. And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succors the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers so journing among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need. But Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly, because it is the first day on which God, having wrought a change in the darkness and matter, made the world; and Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun, having appeared to His apostles and disciples, He taught them these things, which we have submitted to you also for your consideration. (from chapters 61-67 of Justin’s First Apology 150AD)

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a pelican!!!!

by The Robinsons

“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

What comes to mind when you see pelicans flying together? Carter and I FINALLY made it to the beach to chill out for a couple hours the other day. We saw pelicans fly over the ocean as well as above our heads and the sandy beach. On both occasions, the pelican who was initially the leader switched spots with a fellow pelican friend. I smiled, looked at Carter, and said, “That’s what leadership is all about. Our young men and women studies as well as the adult Sunday school class are doing this!!! How awesome is that?”

So often in the work place, churches, bible studies, people get in a routine. Let’s just sit here and let ONE PERSON do all the work. “I’m not good enough.” “I don’t know the Bible well enough.” “That makes me move out of my comfort zone.” “I can’t do that.” “You know more than I do.” “I don’t have time.”

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

James 4:10

I remember the first time I prayed out loud…bright red faced and sweating like crazy. Or the first time I co-taught a lesson for a Women’s Study with a mentor…scared to death, as nervous as I could have been. We all have to start somewhere, right? We all have these “I can’t do it” moments. I have said it many times, “If I, Kristin, were the one leading, I wouldn’t be! God is the One leading through me!” It’s so not about me, it’s about Him!!!!

It’s been awesome watching the baby steps being taken for our Young Adults here at PIPC. Some have found out they LOVED spending time with the youth or children. Or, “I survived teaching Sunday School! That wasn’t bad at all.” Or, “I can read scripture out loud…” “God equips me so that I can glorify Him!!!!”

Boy is God at work, and we love it! We see it all the time, but enjoy when others see it and share as well. Carter and I can’t do it all. We appreciate all who have trusted God, stepped out in faith, and have joined us in leading our children, youth, and young adults! Love you!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

Where are you in the line of pelicans? Are you ready to shift forward? If so, go for it! (I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13) If not, what’s holding you back?

Jordan Journey

by The Robinsons

Many of you were praying for us as we jumped on the opportunity to Walk in Jesus’ Footsteps over in Israel and Jordan this summer for two weeks. Stories will be shared here and there in regards to this amazing trip. One that keeps replaying in my mind occurred while traveling the LONG, desert roads of Jordan, where you pretty much saw only sand and dust for miles. We were in the middle of nowhere. As we drove and I gazed out the bus windows beyond the endless miles, I felt God tell me, “Keep on going. Don’t give up.”

Hmmm…why did God tell me this at that particular time? Was it because I was frustrated that my sensitive stomach wasn’t holding up as we travelled? Was it about things going on teaching-wise? Was it because I was having anxiety towards a variety of things going on? How can I do ____? (Many things can fill in that blank.) Was it that I was questioning how I was going to be able to help facilitate another Women’s Bible Study in the Fall? Was it because of veterinary challenges/possibilities? Marriage busyness? Friends and what they are going through? How can I keep going at the pace we are? How can I be this and that and show up here and there day after day? The list and questions continued… I definitely didn’t have the answers then nor was I able to put my finger on the specific reason or worry of why God spoke loudly about this.

What I do know is that God’s word is there to teach us, encourage us, be grasped in truth, and to be the light when we land in darkness. That darkness can be something as simple as confusion, frustration, wanting to give up, etc. Basically anything that pulls you away from God…

Some verses that came to mind were:

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Heb. 12:1

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. I Cor. 9:24

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

My question to you is: where in life are you ready to just throw your hands up? Where do you want to give up? Do you have a favorite scripture verse that you lean on when you hit the “want to give up” wall? Lean on Him. Lean on His Word. Hand over fully any worries or stresses you have to Him. God is with us and wants the best for us! Keep running the race…towards Our Father. If you are praying, why worry? Are we glorifying God through how we respond to situations like the above ones mentioned? I could write on for hours about what all has gone through my mind and still fills my heart from just this one of many “God winks” from this trip. We could venture down many trails of conversation for this one…

August: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

Frogs and lizards are both amphibians, right? But they are very different, aren’t they? I am not a science person, (my wife Kristin is a science person) but I know there are some major differences between frogs and lizards.

Frogs — They have tongues that extend to catch their food as the food “flies” by them. The frogs sit and wait for their food to come to them, and then they fling their tongues out to catch their prey.

Lizards — I actually caught an Anole when I was younger and had him (I just assumed it was a he) as a pet for a few weeks. I went to the bait store, they gave me 2 crickets, and I put them in the cage with my Anole. I was lucky enough to be there and watch as the Anole was running around chasing the cricket. Finally I saw him spring into action and lunge after the cricket and swallow his meal whole. The lizard doesn’t sit around and wait for food; the lizard goes out and hunts his food.

July 20, 2014, I introduced the concept of Frogs and Lizards... Remember, I talked about how, in the Scripture we looked at how Peter and John were frogs, and Phillip was a lizard. Frank and I are the frogs in the congregation...we are seminary trained and people come to us. We teach, preach, and train lizards. You, the congregation, are the lizards, each and every one of you. You are called to share your story wherever you go and to share Christ everywhere. (Acts 8:4 “Those who had been scattered preached the Word wherever they went.”) People who are lizards are always mobile, see people, and go after them eager to share their story. Frogs are not as mobile; they sit and people come to them.

I mentioned that Frank and I are only 2, and the congregation is 460. What’s the difference between 2 and 460? HUGE. Your influence could be great! Think of the thousands of places Jesus Christ can penetrate if 460 lizards of the congregation share Christ wherever they go! It is truly amazing to think about what could happen, isn’t it?

I asked two questions in the service: 1-Is PIPC a congregation full of lizards? 2-Are you a lizard?

What do you think? Are you going out wherever you go...to country clubs, work, civic organizations, on vacation, the grocery store, (you fill in the blank), school, EVERYWHERE... sharing your story and sharing Christ? Our congregation needs to scatter, go out, and share Christ with others wherever we go!

Where are you going next?

July: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus...

We’ve just spent the best part of the last two weeks walking where Jesus physically walked. WOW, what an experience! If you have never walked in the footsteps of Jesus, I encourage you to put it on your “Bucket List.” I’ve been told by a few people that they really want to go but couldn’t make it this year. We will share about our trip sometime and you can see pictures and get excited about the next time we take the trip. Hopefully, you can plan to join us then.

We walked in the footsteps of Jesus, but it isn’t the most important thing to do actually. Walking where Jesus walked doesn’t mean much if we aren’t walking WITH Jesus. We walked in the physical place, but without spiritually walking with Christ, there isn’t much meaning to the trip. The goal this year at PIPC is to be “Like Christ” and we have set up eight disciplines that help us become like Christ. Who can remember what those eight disciplines are? How are you doing with those eight disciplines? Are you growing and becoming more like Christ by committing to those eight disciplines? If you are... You are walking in the footsteps of Christ in your life, which is what we are called to do as Christians.

Recommitment of Baptism in Jordan River

Mt. Carmel 1 Kings 18

June: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

“The Magnificence of the Unseen”

Read: 2 Corinthians 4

Have you ever seen what is unseen before?

That’s a contradicting question, isn’t it? Of course, we can’t see what is unseen because it is unseen. This passage is about striving for the Kingdom of God instead of earthly treasures. When it looks like the world is falling apart or when everything is going wrong (doesn’t it feel that way sometimes, or even all the time these days?), then we need to fix our eyes on something greater than this world. We need to Fix our Eyes on Christ.

More than just fix our own eyes on Christ, we need to help fix others’ eyes on Christ as well. We need to share what we’ve seen Christ do in our lives with others because they don’t know and understand the glory of Jesus Christ until someone tells them about it. This summer we are going to be focusing on the discipline of “Sharing Your Story.” The truth is, if we don’t tell our neighbors about the glorious things Jesus Christ has done in our lives, they might never hear it. At one point in time in this country, it could have been possible that someone might hear about the glory of Christ, but today, Christ’s story isn’t as well known as we think it is. It is now OUR job to share our story of Christ TODAY. This summer I’m going to be preaching from the Book of Acts and all about people sharing their stories about what Christ has done in their lives. The goal of this is to help us see Christ and know Him so we might be able to see what is unseen.

Kristin and I just got back from our yearly scuba trip to West Palm Beach, FL. Every year I am amazed at what all we see that is “unseen” by those who just look at the top of the water. Looking out over the water you never realize the magnificence of what is swimming right below the surface: the thousands of fish, the octopi, the eels, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and so very much more. We can get so set in our focus, that we never think about anything but what the top of the water looks like. We focus on worldly things and worldly lies, when all along the Bible tells us that there is so much more to life than what this world has to offer us. Just like looking out over the water, we can’t really see the glory of what goes on underwater. I never really understood what all was under the water until someone told me. Once I was told, I got excited and couldn’t wait to get under the water myself to see all that was there. Just like sharing our story of what Christ has done in our lives, once people hear, they will want to experience it for themselves!! This summer, let us commit to fixing our eyes on the unseen, on Christ Jesus, and then sharing the story of Christ with those around us!

Where is your gaze fixed? Are you gazing only on the top of the water? Are your sights fixed on worldly things or on what the Bible tells us to be fixed on?

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:18

MAY: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

What is the “Big Idea?”

I’m not sure if you have noticed or not but recently in my sermons, I have said, “The Big Idea is___” or “The Big Idea today is___.” This refers to the key phrase for the sermon that I’m hoping people are going to remember first and will be the main takeaway from the message.

This “Big Idea” preaching comes from Haddon Robinson (no relation), a great preacher and retired professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. His concept is that each sermon needs one central idea and that is the “Big Idea.” Haddon Robinson also says that the “Big Idea” comes from the scripture and that each passage of scripture has a “Big Idea.” My job as pastor is to study God’s Word to find the “Big Idea” from each scripture, and then I am supposed to take that “Big Idea” and teach it to the congregation. Of course, each sermon and every sermon’s goal according to Haddon Robinson is to be transformational for the listener.

So, what’s the “Big Idea?” I’m hoping to be teaching this through my sermons. Pay attention, listen up, and see if you can hear the “Big Idea” from my sermons. It’s not the illustration, its not just one point, but it’s the “Big Idea” of the entire sermon. Since this is a new idea and concept, I’m hoping that people are going to start hearing that phrase, remembering the key idea, and maybe even writing it down. I encourage notes. Remember, transformation into becoming more like Christ is the goal. How cool would it be if we ALL are constantly being transformed by the Word of God?

April: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

“Son of God”

Have you seen “Son of God” yet? If you did, what did you think about it? If you didn’t, I encourage it. If you have the time, read through the Gospel of John first. If you have more time, spend time reading through Matthew, Mark and Luke before you go. But, even if you don’t read John or any of the gospels first, I suggest you GO! The movie is a continuation of “The Bible” mini series with the same cast and characters.

So often we complain how there is nothing good on TV or in the movie theaters. Well, now there are a couple of movies out in the theaters that are good so we have no excuse not to go see them. “Son of God” is out now as I write this, and by the time this article is out, “God’s Not Dead” will be showing also.

So much that we watch does not glorify God. It is good to know there are a handful of movies right now that do glorify God. My advice is GO! GO see them! We, as Christians, have a duty to change the world, right? One very simple way is to go to the theaters and see the good movies...the movies that proclaim and glorify God. Hollywood is just about chasing the mighty dollar. We can help them and encourage them to make more Christian films by showing them that Christian movies can make as much or more than other films that profane the name of Christ.

Some might say that these movie producers are just trying to make money, and that they aren’t really Christians. I heard the producers talk at Catalyst Conference, two years ago, and they talk a good talk if they don’t have Christ in their hearts. This previous year at Catalyst, we heard the producer of “Noah” talking about his goal of bringing back the Hollywood Biblical Epic. I don’t know if Noah will be a good movie. I haven't seen it yet. I have heard many different things about it. The preview we saw at Catalyst last year looked good, but that doesn’t mean it will be a good movie. Only time will tell.

Mark 9:38-40
Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”

With so much that is against Christ today and many shows/movies that profane HIS name, let's take advantage of those that don’t profane His name, and support those producers who are trying to make Christ’s name famous on and off the big screen.

March: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

Thanks for the prayers! What an incredible two weeks I had in Charlotte during my Doctoral Residency. The two weeks flew by! God is doing great things in many of my resident mates' lives. It was awesome to be back with my classmates that I have not seen for a year, and also have new classmates joining our Doctoral journey.

During the two weeks, we got to know and learn from Dr. Scott Gibson, who is one of the foremost authorities on preaching today. He taught us the Big Idea Biblical Preaching, which teaches us that: 1. There is a “Big Idea” in every Bible passage and 2. We are to preach that “Big Idea” clearly. One of the first things I read as I prepared for the residency was that preaching should be transformational. Every Sunday we preach, we are preaching transformation. We ALL should be transforming into more passionate disciples of Jesus Christ and becoming more like Christ.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I don’t think it would be too far to stretch Paul’s thoughts to say that scripture is for preaching also. And most importantly, scripture is used for transforming lives as well as training us to become more passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.

During the class, each of us in the cohort had to study a passage, find the “Big Idea,” find the subject and complement, find the complete exegetical idea, find the homiletical idea, make a complete outline, and then preach the sermon without notes! It was an incredible experience! I’m hoping my preaching will change and improve greatly!

I hope you will take note of my preaching over the next few weeks, months, and years. I’m hoping we all will be able to see many differences and changes. Hopefully, everyone will be able to grow and know that transformation is the goal. I’m praying that we together can be transformed and learn to walk with HIM as a Body of Christ.

February: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

I will be in Charlotte at my second Doctoral Residency on February 2nd -15th. My first residency was two weeks in January- February 2013, and my third and final residency will be two weeks of February 2015. I can't believe my "middle" residency is here! Time has flown by. To prepare for this residency, I have completed some projects, read many, many, many books, written papers, studied scripture, and so much more. Kristin and I would greatly appreciate your prayers during these two weeks (well every day for that matter, but please take time these dates to lift us up to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ). I will definitely be challenged and stretched through this residency and the rest of this journey to come! This residency is called, Pastor as a Preacher, so these two weeks are about preaching and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the world. I know it will continue to be a lot of hard work, but I’m very excited!!

A large part of this residency is studying the Word of God. I am thoroughly enjoying being challenged by my class to truly study the Word of God. Digging deeper and studying scripture is a joy of mine.

What is your first reaction when you think about studying/actually study the Word of God?

Do you study the Word of God on a regular basis? Is it a joy to you?

What I mean by that is do you take time and do more than read but actually study it? Get into it, study the people, the places, the geography? Dig Deep?

If not, or if so, might I suggest a book: “Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word.” Rick Warren talks about 12 ways to dig into and study the Word of God. It has many practical steps to get into studying scripture.

Let’s Dive Deep into the Word Of God!

Worthy

by The Robinsons

“Hosanna, Hosanna. You are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praises. Hosanna, Hosanna. Come have Your way among us, we welcome You here, Lord Jesus.”

This was part of a chorus to a song I heard on the way to church a couple weeks ago. The words “You are worthy of all our praises” were in my head most of that day...and many days since then! How often do we praise Our Father? Do we praise Him daily for everything He’s given us? Or do we just turn to Him in the storms? Do we praise Him for who He is? Do we praise Him for the little things? What about the big things? What defines the difference of little and big? What about the struggles that in the end glorify God more than had the “journey” been smooth sailing? Do we stop long enough to truly say “thank you?”

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

This song really got me thinking and thanking God for:

Who He is! Scripture. A church. My godly husband. A roof over my head. A job. Family. Friends. My students. Worship. Accountability. Praise songs. A warm shower. Sunday School Family. Love. Various “struggles” (that in the end I would have not changed one bit). Grandparents (a special bond). A car that runs. Women’s Ministry. Having all 5 senses. Mentors. Good health. Past experiences. A testimony. Water to drink. Faith. Sunsets. Advanced education. JAM kiddos. The Beach. Upcoming opportunity to walk the footsteps of Jesus. Doctors. Challenges that have taught me to lean on Him even more. Food to eat. Forgiveness. Seasons of Life. Soft pillows and warm blankets. Hope. Communication. Prayer. And of course this list could go on and on.

This is an entry that could easily go on for pages, but I will close here with Psalm 92: 1-5.

It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O Lord,
how profound your thoughts!

January: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Who needs something new?

New Year, New Life in Christ!

It is a new year... As we begin 2014, why not start it with a new and renewed relationship with Christ?

If we are IN Christ, we are a new creation. How incredible is that? The old has passed away, and we are made new. All of our old failures, our old sins, our old insecurities are gone!!!! We are new, and we have a new life and a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I pray that if you have never lived in this new life that Christ has given you, then 2014 is a perfect time to start. Submit to Christ. Turn your life over to HIM and be a new creation! If you have any questions about this, feel free to talk with me or Pastor Frank!

Now if you are already IN Christ and a NEW creation, our challenge is to be ambassadors for Christ. What does that mean?

TO GO OUT! Bring NEW life to others around you who are in desperate need. We are challenged to plead to those around us who don’t know Christ, to introduce them to Christ, and to help them become the new creation that we are all called and meant to be.

There are so many people who are in need and are LOST...a neighbor? Friend? Family member? Colleague? A PIPC visitor? The list goes on... Let’s be ambassadors for Christ and share the LIGHT of Christ this new year with the lost.

This sounds like a great New Year's Resolution: To be an ambassador for one person you know who doesn’t know Christ. Just one. If each one of us is Christ’s ambassador to one person this year, we would change many lives, and help many be reconciled to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Are you going to commit to do this???? Come on! We are all in it together; let's be His hands and feet! What a difference this can make!

December: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

JOY to the WORLD the LORD is COME!

Are we ready for HIM to come? It’s that time again, Christmas time! Some have been counting down for months; many are excited; and there are some who are dreading Christmas this year for one reason or another. No matter where we are in the spectrum, Christ will come. Christmas is almost upon us, but are we ready? REALLY?

Kristin and I have had a few friends recently give birth or have announced that they are having a baby in the months to come. There is excitement about friends having babies. This excitement is good! We have also been hearing about all the work that is required to prepare for a new baby. Baby items to be purchased: diapers, strollers, car seats, and so much more. The baby’s room needs to be re-done, painted and fixed up, and sometimes even a new room needs to be built on or built in for a baby’s room. There is always LOTS of preparation for a baby, especially for a couple’s first baby.

Do we take this amount of time to prepare for the birth of Jesus, the King of the Universe?

Maybe our hearts and lives are in the wilderness and desert that Isaiah was talking about in Isaiah 40. Maybe, just maybe, we are a wilderness, a desert. What must we do to prepare for Christ’s coming? Are we talking about Christmas now or His triumphant return? Maybe it doesn’t matter because they need the same preparation. A preparation of hearts, which requires humility and submission to the Lord of the Universe, who was born as a baby at Christmas. A preparation of our heart requires heart surgery. It requires us taking our heart of flesh and exchanging it for a heart born of the spirit. It requires us to have our heart no longer oriented on our wants and desires but on the desires of Christ. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” Once we understand that, we can start the process of preparing our hearts for Christ this Christmas.

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