the courtroom

 

It occurred to me that picturing a courtroom is a good way to capture much about the Lord and our relationship with Him.  He is the Prosecuting Attorney who makes the case that we are guilty.  He is also the Defense Attorney, who intercedes on our behalf.  He is the Judge who upholds the law and rightly evaluates our case and the Jury who decides our guilt or innocence.  He is the Audience who witnesses my case as well.  He is also the One who accepts the Sentence on my behalf.  He is absolutely Holy when I am absolutely not and fulfills the requirement for righteousness while making provision for my restoration.  He is the entire Courtroom.

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Romans 4:23-25 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit.  It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.  He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

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blessings and may all the guilty find their innocence declared in Jesus!

Rob Smith 

driving lesson #2

 

Driving the interstate is a daily event for me each work day.  You see some interesting behavior on the highway as people are intent on reaching their destinations.  One phenomena that intrigues me is the "right lane / left lane" approach that many folks have.  Many drivers are eager to push up to the next car ahead in the left lane, regardless of the speed limit...they are eager to push the pack ahead.  Some aggressive drivers use the "lane weave" strategy to move ahead by bouncing from side to side in an effort to beat the crowd.  It used to be that the right lane was the normal location for steady state driving and the left lane was used to pass, with a return to the right lane after passing.  But many drivers stay in the left lane, as their normal lane. 

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I've been working on being content with right lane driving.  I find it more relaxing to hold a speed and maintain a safe distance to the car ahead.  When I remain in the left lane I feel like I'm pressing and tend to get too close to the car ahead.  It occurred to me that the "right lane / left lane" phenomena is something like life.  If we are content we can remain in the right lane.  Normal highway speed should get me to the destination just fine if I've allowed enough time for the trip.  Staying in the left is like discontentment...feeling like I need to "make it happen".  Making the right side my primary location makes sense as I travel the daily road with the Lord too!

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Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

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blessings this day,

Rob Smith 

driving lesson

  It occurred to me that when you are driving a care your vision is both to the front and to the rear.  As we move down the highway we primarily keep our eyes to the front to maintain proper lane position and manage distance to vehicles ahead, as well as to look for signs and exits.  But we also keep an eye on what is happening behind us, especially to monitor the closeness of following vehicles.  And when we are maneuvering out of many parking areas the rear view can be more important than the forward view, especially if we are backing.  As we move through life we are looking forward a great deal with focus on the current day and the upcoming events just ahead, or down the road a bit.  But we get perspective from looking back as well, drawing on wisdom and lessons learned from our past.  And, when it comes to our relationship with the Lord, we have built the faith walk that we experience from God's faithfulness in the past, and His real intervention in our lives.  This helps us as we move into the "unknown" of the road ahead.  We do a lot of "look back" as we read the Bible and the Old Testament provides colorful illustrations that are distilled as life lessons in the New Testament.

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We seem to need the "look back" to set perspective for the "look ahead".

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Psalm 77:11 I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember your wonders of old.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

a good man

 

Every life is a story written with indelible ink on eternity's canvas.  And every life carries great value as every person was fashioned in the image of the Creator.  When a person completes his allotted time on the planet and moves on to the everlasting dimension we reflect on that story and consider that great value.  Rob Seiler was a friend at church.  We sang next to each other often in the choir and Rob had a sweet and clear tenor voice.  He loved to sing to the Lord.  I really don't know a lot about Rob, but what I know speaks of great character.  I know that he was from Baltimore and that he and his wife, Wynelle, moved here to retire only to find out that he would have to continue working in retirement.  And so he worked at a local hardware store until a few years ago, only to find out that he had a terminal illness.  But Rob didn't let his illness prevent him from singing in the choir.  Despite the battle with sickness and fatigue, and the side effects of therapy, Rob stayed with the Chapel Choir and when it came time for our demanding Christmas concerts, he was ready.  He had lost a lot of weight and physical stamina but continued with determination to stand and sing through the two hour programs because of his love for the Lord and for all of us.  I didn't know enough about Rob Seiler, but what I do know challenges me in work, family and worship to keep following that higher calling.  I miss him now.

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John 11:35-36

Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!"

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with love for my friend,

Rob Smith

names

 

  Some cultures have a tradition of very long names.  Thailand and India follow this pattern.  In Thailand the goal is for every family to have a unique last name.  Indians develop names that include local gods and legends.  Every name is associated with a story or legend that the person can be linked to.  I'm guessing that nicknames are also popular in these countries!  But two of my favorite names are also two of the shortest names: "Mom" and "Dad".  These names are extremely common and if you shouted them in a busy place they would cause multiple heads to turn.  They only work well when you are very close to the one you are calling.  They are very common but they are extremely personal.  When you call "Mom" you are calling your mom and when you call "Dad" you are calling your dad.  It is a way of respectfully addressing parents in a personal way without using their actual first names.  Isn't it wonderful that, as believers in Jesus, we are also children of the Heavenly Father and we can rightly call him "Dad" as well?  And we can call to him wherever we are, whether in a place filled with people or whether we are alone, and he hears our voice.  God has different names in the Bible that tell us about his character but I like Dad, or Father, best of all.

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Mark 14:36 "Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you.  Please take this cup of suffering away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine [Jesus speaking]"

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blessings,

Rob Smith 

bow before him

 

It is very early spring.  A few buds are showing on branches and a few plants have sprung from the ground, but the days are still chilly.  As I drove home yesterday and spied a hawk soaring above I thought of how the Lord's imprint is on all I can see.  From the blue sky above, to the change of seasons, to every creature around, to my personal life...God had everything to do with it and I had nothing to do with it.  It occurred to me that I should have a continual attitude that bows down before the Almighty One! The Lord's presence is so great in terms of His Creation that it is easy for us to take Him for granted, but His presence is witnessed by His fingerprints on all we experience and see...all the time.  Who else should command my worship?

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Psalm 95:6-7

Come let us worship and bow down.  Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.  We are the people he watches over the flock under his care...

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blessings,

Rob Smith

 

It's a personal thing

 

"Religion is a personal thing."  That's something you often hear when people are talking about where they stand with God.  They usually say this when  they don't want to discuss what their personal religion is.  But it occurred to me that you couldn't be more right, as a Christian, than to say just that: "Religion is a personal thing!"  It is an awesome truth to consider that the God of the Universe, the author and completer of Creation, would be interested in having a one-on-one relationship with you.  But, I believe, this is one of the greatest wonders of all.  He is not just the "big picture" God.  He is the intimate, personal Lord.  He gave us, each of us, uniqueness of personality, choice, talents and circumstances of life that our journey would be personal and special.  And He fashioned salvation through the most unique individual of all, His Son Jesus, that we might come to Him one by one, through personal acceptance.  He finds us in our personal brokenness, heals us and sets our feet on the paths intended for each one.  So "religion is a personal thing".  If we are not experiencing the personal aspect...the intimacy of coming to Him and hearing from Him within the frame of our minds and hearts, we are missing out on the very heart of His plan and His best for us. But, wherever we are, we can bow before Him in our hearts and minds and turn to Him and He will hear...He knows us already!

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Romans 5:19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners.  But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

It starts with warmth

 

We are about to officially start the season of Spring!  It doesn't feel like it today because it is chilly and rainy...but we have had hints of the new season.  A few days ago the temperature nearly brushed 80.  On that day, as I stepped out of the office, it was pure comfort to be outside.  Spring is the season of new life...new flowers, new branches and leaves.  It is the season when we remember how Jesus gave His life to bring us new life as well.  But before we see the new growth on plants and before the lawns have begun growing and lawn mowers begin humming...we start with warmth.  There is something  about the quality of the sunlight at this point in the year.  It even begins to warm our cars through the windows, unlike the winter sun.  Good things start to happen when the atmosphere begins to warm up.  Good things happen in our lives when we draw near to the warmth of the Savior's presence and good things start to take place when we warm our relationships with others with acts of love.  The season of our life can move from winter to spring...it starts with warmth.

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Job 38:27

Who sends rain to satisfy the parched ground and makes the tender grass spring up?

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blessings,

Rob Smith

signs at the gate

  I was bumping along in heavy traffic recently, slowed by a stop light, and noticed a sign prominently displayed next to the entrance of a condominium community.  The sign made three clear statements: "No Hunting.  No Dumping.  No Trespassing".  That's an interesting way to greet folks as they pass your entrance, I thought.  I'm sure the sign was posted because they had experienced all of those violations of their property.  But it created a barrier mindset rather than a welcome.  Of course it is sad and totally improper when property is not respected.  It occurred to me, however, that we may put out signs like these to others as they pass us relationally.  We may place a sign near the front of our personality that says, "No dumping of problems. No hunting for help.  No trespassing of your issues on my life." I thought about  the words and ways of Jesus when He beckoned others to draw near:  Matthew 11:28-30  Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

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It is interesting to consider the sign we post by our personal entrances.   Is it a warning or a welcome?

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blessings,

Rob Smith

Walking toward Jesus

 

"Where am I going?", is a question that we carry inside all the time.  We attempt to answer the question on different levels every day.  We awaken, dress and head to work or other activities.  We may have choices on a daily basis, or be constrained by the demands and routines of our current lives.  On a deeper level we wonder about purpose.  "Where am I going?" becomes "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?"  It encourages me to remember that Jesus came here, both 2000 years ago, in the flesh, and a few decades ago in the spirit, to my life, so that I could find answers to these questions in the personal dimension.  It occurred to me that "Where I am going" finds its answer in Him.  I am walking toward Jesus every day.  He is my ultimate destination.  When all that can be said and done has been said and has been done and I leave earth's shore for Heaven's home there will be the arms of Jesus and nothing to separate or distract from Him.

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I hope that you, also, are walking, one step and one day at a time, toward Jesus!

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John 13:36  Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, where are You going?  Jesus answered, You are not able to follow Me now where I am going, but you shall follow Me afterwards.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

breathing with melody

  I was thinking about the joy of singing as we worshiped in church yesterday.  It is the part of the service where we all join in and actually release a great deal of energy, of body, mind, and heart.  The experience is both personal and corporate and builds a sense of oneness with each other and with the Lord.  Singing prepares our hearts to hear the message from God's Word and, after the message, helps seat that message more firmly within.  When we are singing, our focus is the focus of each song and it seems a picture of what Heaven may be like as the saints surround the throne and lift up praises in unity to the Lamb who was slain.  I was also struck with the truth that singing can  be done in an uninterrupted way because we breathe as we sing.  We exhale the words and melody and inhale between phrases.  This pictures the normal place of worship in our lives, woven into the course of our days.

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Psalm 47:6-7 Sing praises to God, sing praises!  Sing praises to our King, sing praises!  For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises in a skillful psalm and with understanding.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

in two worlds

  I was thinking about the perspective of widows and widowers, especially those who had been married for a long time.  They have experienced the closest of human relationships for most of their lives and then lost their life partner to the inevitable doorway of death.  They have journeyed together with their life partner from young adulthood, with all of its uncertainty and challenges, through child rearing (talk about challenges) and its blessings.  They have faced major and minor decisions on a daily basis with their spouse and so much of life has been colored by that closest of relationships.  They have faced the uncertainty and unknown of the future together and then coped with reality as it unfolded.  And then one has moved on to the next dimension of life, beyond this earthly one, and the other remains.  And so the surviving spouse lives with one foot on earth and one with the hope of Heaven very real in his or her mind.  You might say that they truly are living in two worlds and the reality of Heaven is all the more defined for them.  

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3 John 1:14  I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face.

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blessings,

Rob Smith 

Personality

 

I was thinking about my buddies from Naval Academy days...how different each guy was...how unique each personality.  And there was a great deal of variation in size and appearance too.  And yet the very nature of being in a military organization meant an emphasis on "sameness".  We worked for hours at shining shoes, wearing uniforms and marching to present a uniformity and a consistency of presentation.  But, back in our rooms and on the sports fields and at the meal tables all of the variety of personality would bubble up. What a wonderful thing is "personality".  In recent years I have renewed contact with some of those buddies from 40 plus years ago and it is amazing to me that, despite growing older, the personalities of each guy are pretty much the same as they were back then.  It occurs to me that our unique disposition, talents, interests, weaknesses and interpersonal qualities are great gifts from our Creator.  Through our one-of-a-kind makeup we are each able to touch this world and each other in ways that no one else can.  And we find that we need each other!

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I think we have each been planted here to make a difference that only we were intended to make.  In a way, life is a quest to fulfill that God-shaped destiny.

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1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.  There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.  God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. [written to believers in Jesus Christ]

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blessings,

Rob Smith

 

Season of anticipatio

  I love each season, especially as it begins.  The change is exciting and welcome when it comes.  I think spring is the most anticipated season, as we escape the harshness of winter and the whole world rediscovers life, color and warmth.  It occurred to me that, even during winter, there is a season  of anticipation.  While we still brave frosty air and icy roads we have a sense of expectation that spring is coming.  That season of anticipation helps carry us through winter, knowing that spring is just ahead.

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Seasons are a metaphor for life and we move through stages of life very much as we do through seasons of the year.  One difference, though, is that we have never been to the next season of life before.  Our season of anticipation in life must come through what we have observed of others who have gone before us...and from the promises that God gives us.  Will we anticipate the next season in fear, or faith?  It is encouraging to remember that the one who knew all of our days before the first one had been lived will accompany us through every season of this life and the glorious eternal season of being directly in His presence, when all the seasons of the year and of our lives here have moved on.

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Psalm 104:19

You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to set.

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blessings,

Rob Smith

Healing

  Last week I got a severe "bump in the night" when I walked into a protruding corner of two walls instead of into a hallway for a bathroom trip.  The result was a gash over one eye that called for four stitches at the Emergency Room.  When you have had an accident like that you just can't wait for the whole thing to clear up.  You are aware that everywhere you go you are displaying an obvious sign that something went wrong and you have to be prepared to explain it...  So, you just can't wait for the whole thing to go away...to be healed and look normal again.  But healing takes time.  What may have been caused in less than a second can take weeks to be restored.  The process of healing is wonderful, however.  The very fact that the body has the capacity to restore itself (with a little help from stitching!) is remarkable.  And I am grateful for a hard head that protected my eye from damage.

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Not all wounds are physical.  We also need inner healing from relational injury and poor decisions we have made.  But healing is once again possible as we "walk in right paths" and acknowledge our failures, with confessions to others and to the Lord as necessary.  But just as it must take time for most physical healings, and there may be reminders like scars of those stumbles, so the inner healing may take time as well...and there may be consequences that serve as reminders to help keep us on track in the future.

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It is good that generally speaking the healing process takes longer than the accident causing the injury.  We have a time to reflect and make changes (like adding a night light!) and even the small embarrassments can serve as motivation to make better choices in the future!

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Psalm 147:1,3-4 Praise the Lord!  How good to sing praises to our God!  How delightful and fitting!...He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.  He counts the stars and calls them all by name. 

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blessings,

Rob Smith

Conquest

  There is a brutal force in the Mid East that is bent on conquest. ISIS, the radical Islamist sect, is seeking to erase national borders and restore the Islamic brand over the entire region before moving on to establish a global caliphate, a world under Islamic control and Sharia law.  Conquest, the expansion of a people and a religion and a way of life, by brutality and sheer terror has been the method and the ambition of men since the earliest days.  There is no reason to believe that this will not continue until the Lord Jesus returns.  There is spiritual motive involved as well with followers of Islam convinced that their messiah (known as the Mahdi) will solve the worlds' problems and judge all unbelievers (of Allah)...that is the followers of Christ and the Jewish people.  In our diluted and deluded Western thought we no longer believe that any group could be so completely committed to a religion as ISIS demonstrates on a daily basis.

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There is another conquest, however, that we are called to.  It is the inner conquest of personal rebellion from the true and living God. I can't help but think that if many of the young firebrands who fight for ISIS were to realize their need for victory over sin within their own hearts, and bow before Jesus, who paid the price to win that victory...the inner peace that resulted would derail the outward conquest they are bent on.

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Hebrews 6:19  This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.  It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.

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Solemn thoughts with a blessing,

Rob Smith 

The Finish Line

  As I get older I find myself thinking a lot about "finishing lines".  A big finishing line in our culture is retirement.  My own profession is largely focused on helping prepare folks for retirement, from a financial standpoint.  We spend much of our lives pursuing these finishing lines...graduation from levels of school, marriage, raising children to adulthood, retirement and beyond...

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I tend to think that our motivation to bring our all to something wanes once a finish line is crossed.  Think of the Olympic track events, where world class athletes give their all to win the gold.  As the winners plunge across the finish line they often collapse, having spent every ounce of energy.  I wonder if we have the wrong "finish lines" in mind sometimes.  If we give our all to reach a finish line such as retirement...what to we bring to the game after we retire?

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We might do well to consider the ultimate horizon of our lives, as Believers in Jesus Christ.  In a sense, He crossed the finish line for us long before we were born.  The finish line of redemption allows us to pursue the horizon of a living relationship with God.  Because Jesus has paid the price that we owed for our faults, our sins, we can have an intimate bond with the Lord that begins during our life, here, and continues in an unbroken way on the other side of death's gateway.  In a sense, we can experience the "ultimate" on a daily basis, regardless of where we are on life's journey, because Jesus crossed the finish line of the Cross and the Resurrection.

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John 19:28-30  Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty."  A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!"  Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.

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blessings,

Rob Smith