Mentoring Ministry - Dr. Bob Abramson » Challenges

Until You are no longer Afraid: Part Two

bob — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:40:03 +0000

I want to finish the thoughts from my previous Mentoring Minute. If you will recall, I shared some thoughts from what my Pastor, Dr. Tom Peters said concerning fear. I have one additional thought about fear that I want to share with you. Here it is. In any situation you face, it is never really about your strength or weakness, but about the strength of God. Multiple times in the Bible, the Word tells us to be “Be strong and of good courage…” My pastor, Dr. Tom Peters also says, “Courage is the muscle that makes your faith work. It activates your set of beliefs.” That is worth thinking about. In Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV) says “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 7:21 (NKJV), says, “You shall not be terrified of them; for the LORD your God, the great and awesome God, is among you.

Dr. Peters also said, “God is greater than anything you will face this year.” We can take this to heart because God is not only with us by the presence of the Holy Spirit, but He is still on His throne of omnipotent stewardship of our lives. This is a constant condition in heaven. It continually operates in the believer’s life. Here is one more thing. In the previous Mentoring Minute, I quoted Dr. Peters as saying, “Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the conquest of it. Courage may mean doing it afraid – until you’re no longer afraid.” Well, it is worth repeating. In fact, keep repeating it until it becomes part of your victory walk on the way to your

Until You are no longer Afraid-Part Two

Until You are no longer Afraid: Part One

bob — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:22:06 +0000

Here is some wisdom from my pastor, Dr. Tom Peters. His words can be a tremendous encouragement in the face of trouble. He said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the conquest of it. Courage may mean doing it afraid – until you’re no longer afraid.” This profound piece of guidance can become a standard for your life. Just trust the Lord and wade into your fears. I know this seems beyond what you think your emotions may allow. However, your big Brother Jesus will wade in with you. This may not seem to be sufficient for your emotions to accept. However, it certainly will work for every situation you face. If you need another boost in your courage, remember the assurance Jesus gave His disciples, concerning what could be possible. Matthew 19:26 (NKJV) says, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” It comes down to a simple exercise of your faith that says, “This is too big for me, but with God, all things are possible and nothing is impossible.”

It is true that it may appear to be impossible for you to step into troubled waters on your own. I recommend that instead of stepping into them; try stepping onto them – with your eyes fixed on Jesus. You will walk on the waters of your trouble, as your faith becomes the bridge to your victory. I’m Dr. Bob. Become the winner and champion for Jesus that God has enabled you to be.

Until You are no longer Afraid – Part One

The Heart of the Wise

bob — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:36:06 +0000

I want to look into an extraordinary statement of truth with you. I discovered it as I was doing my devotions this morning in the Book of Proverbs. As I came across Proverbs 16:23, it stopped me from going any further. It spoke to me about how vital it is for every one of us to be aware of the influence our words have on others. Proverbs 16:23 (NKJV) says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.” I hope this catches your attention as strongly as it did mine. It caused me to think about those times, and there have been far too many, when I said something I later regretted. This happened because I failed to let my heart teach my mouth to say what would edify the person to whom I spoke. Here is my point. Please remember to listen to your heart before you say something hurtful, ignorant or devaluing to someone. If you will, your words will make your life and theirs better; and what you say will be well pleasing to God. I’m Dr. Bob. Today would be an excellent day to bless someone with your words, with the express purpose of bringing joy and peace to their hearts. The beautiful thing is that when you do this, joy and peace will flood your heart too. Now, wouldn’t this be an appropriate time to listen to the heart of the Holy Spirit about this matter and obey His wise counsel?

The Heart of the Wise

In All My Years

bob — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:30:10 +0000

I recently had a conversation with my seven-year-old grandson, Max. He was telling me about putting together a gift I had just given him for Christmas. He said to me, “In all my years I never had one of these.” I thought about how his words revealed so much about our perspectives on life. I am in the latter part of the sixth generation of my life, and “in all my years” I have learned many things, but this is among the most important. I have learned how short the time really is. This causes me think about the brief window I have to honor God. Honoring Him can translate to influence and fruitfulness. These two things are inherent in all of our efforts to honor the Lord. John 15:16 (NKJV) says, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”

What about you? What do you think about? Here are two questions for you to answer. First, in all your years that have come and gone, what has your life said about the One who so graciously saved you. Second, how will your life speak of God’s greatness in all your years to come? I’m Dr. Bob. “In all my years.” I cannot think if a better set of questions to ask.

In All My Years

Look at What You Don’t See.

bob — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:31:52 +0000

What it is that you have been seeing? Your answer could be that you see the obvious facts of what is going on all around you. I invite you to look beyond what you have been seeing with your eyes. Look through the lens of faith. If you will, your faith will show you that a great many things you held to be facts are subject to change. This is because faith sees beyond the natural circumstances into the supernatural potential held within God’s provision, presence and promises. When you use your faith lens to see with the eyes of faith, you will see that the natural facts are subject to change. This is because faith sees the potential held within God’s provision, presence and promises. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV) teaches us that, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. {18} So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Now, listen to Hebrews 11:1, in the (NLT). “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” If you will train your eyes to see the realities of your highly favored standing with God, you will see what you have not allowed yourself to see. I’m Dr. Bob. You will see that God is for you, and He is providing something far better than what you have been seeing. Now, listen with your spiritual ears to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

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Five “K,” Ten “K”… All the Way

bob — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:08:52 +0000

Here are some thoughts about the Christian race we run. There is a long-term goal for all of us, which is eternity with Christ. The way we get there is to take it one step at a time. Each of our steps turns into many. It’s like a person who runs a marathon. The idea is to set goals or milestones. The runner sets his or her goal to get to 5 kilometers, then 10, 15, 20 and finally to the finish line. This is a runner’s formula for endurance to complete the race. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, {2} looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” if you want a formula for success to complete in your walk with God, step into life each day with a goal in mind. Let your days turn into seasons. Take life one season at a time. Then let each season join with the next. Along the way, you will pass the milestones you have set for yourself. One day you will find that you made the finish line and did it in excellent form. I’m Dr. Bob. Regardless of what you might face, just keep the race going until you make it home. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

Five “K” Ten “K” … All the Way

Your Best …parent: Transparent

bob — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:08:56 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a mentoring Minute, I want to ask you what it is that people see in you? Do they see a person filled with insecurity and self-protective tendencies that darken and hide what is really inside? Or, do they see someone filled with light and transparency? Darkness can signify many things. It can mean insecurity and failure to understand that the God of light lives in us. Darkness in us can also mean a desire to hide the reality of a hidden sin. Is your life transparent because you are a son or daughter of light? The Bible says, in 1 John 1:5 (NKJV) that, “…God is light and in Him there is no darkness.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 (NKJV) says, “But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. {5} You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.”

It is often tempting to allow deception and darkness to have a home to inside your heart. The beautiful thing about the new birth in Christ is that you are now a son or daughter of light and transparency. Be what God says you are. When people look at you, all they will see is the winner and champion you really are… a son or daughter of the light. There will be nothing dark manipulating or clouding their vision. I’m Dr. Bob. Listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com

Your Best …parent: Transparent

Halloween

bob — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:30:37 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I would like to share a revealing statistic with you about an American holiday, which is called Halloween. I have heard that 68% of Americans celebrate Halloween. This holiday’s origin is ungodly and it celebrates all things demonic. It packages these celebrations in ways that appeal to little children and portrays Halloween as harmless fun. It makes you wonder how many of those who celebrate the holiday understand what it is they “hallow” or call holy? On the surface, the fun seems harmless enough, until you face the question I just asked. What is to be understood as hallowed and honored as holy? Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 (NKJV) says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Matthew 6:9 (NKJV) says, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.”

Satan is expert on laying the snare for us by disguising this holiday and so many other things to look like harmless fun. Like every deception, Halloween is a devilish trap. It is designed to present a lie that invites participation in something that offends God and leads people deeper into a pit from which escape becomes progressively more difficult. I’m Dr. Bob, and this is something to which you should give considerable thought. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministrycom.

Halloween

The Devil’s “Most Wanted” List

bob — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:42 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to share with you why the devil puts you on his “Most Wanted” list and tries to take you prisoner. He does this when he recognizes that you have become “armed and dangerous.” the truth is, he only captures those who are unarmed and of no danger to him and his demonic schemes. 2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV)says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,” Knowing you understand the use of weapons that are “mighty in God” just might convince the devil to remove you from his “Most Wanted” list, because you are too dangerous a target. Here are two principles, on which to stand, that will cause old Slew foot to look for easier targets. First, only do battle with the spiritual weapons you were given at salvation, but be sure you know how to use them. Second, believe the use of these weapons will remove your name from Satan’s “Most Wanted” poster. It will come off because the devil knows that “No weapon formed against you will prosper.” That’s truth from Isaiah 57:14 (NKJV). Have you learned to exercise those spiritual weapons in such a way that you are becoming a very difficult target, and dangerous to the devil? Here is another truth. You are a devil-stomping champion for Jesus… yes, you! So, while you are at it, put your foot on the devil’s neck. Go ahead. Try it in Jesus’ name. Now… is it time to change how you look at yourself, at what you face, and your ability to win? I’m Dr. Bob and that is a serious question that could set you free. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com. While you are there, check out my latest book. It’s called “Moral Manhood – Swimming with the Sharks.”

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Just as He says it will be

bob — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:31 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to speak about those times when you find yourself totally in the dark, without a clue about what is coming next. This will be the case when trouble comes and you have no answer for it. However, it can also be true when opportunity shows itself to you. Life will bring both kinds of circumstance. I am reminded of young King Solomon’s reply when God invited him to ask anything. Solomon asked for wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29 (NKJV) says, “And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.” It is unfortunate that Solomon soon forgot to use what he asked for.

When you find yourself in the dark, without any answers, the Holy Spirit is the one completely dependable source to whom you can turn. Ask for wisdom and understanding. He will provide it and you can proceed with confidence. Make Him your companion through all the journeys of your life. He will show you the truths you need and illuminate the paths you travel. With the Holy Spirit as your guide, you can expect the journey will be just as He says it will be. I strongly encourage you to let total dependence on God find its way into your life. You will move ahead in the light of His glory, because you chose to walk a path of obedience and faith. Then, you will see His glory released, as He leads and guides you to your destiny. Finally, you will gain the opportunity to let His glory be seen by others, because your fruitfulness will demonstrate His faithfulness. I’m Dr. Bob. Ask yourself how diligent you are to include the Holy Spirit in your daily walk through life. What could you change to allow more of His wisdom and understanding to influence you? You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

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