Mentoring Ministry - Dr. Bob Abramson » Opportunities

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 Ahead. Walk on Solid Ground.

bob — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:10:40 +0000

I want share the key to staying on track in your walk with God. It is a two-part formula and it will work every day of your life. It is found in Proverbs 4: 25-26. The NIV version says, “Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. {26} Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.” According to Verse 25, the first instruction is to look straight ahead at what is before you. Fix your gaze on what God has placed in your heart, as you go through your daily encounters with life. Do not be distracted by anything life offers, whether good or not so good. Stay focused on what God has promised. If you make the Holy Spirit your walking partner, you will make the day’s issues stepping-stones to your success. Now, Part Two of the formula, in Verse 26, says to “Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.” This implies that the wisdom within your decisions will affect the paths you take. Consider carefully before you choose the path your daily walk today. What a combination for success those two parts make. That is a word to plant in your heart. It will lead to a path that grows brighter each day. That’s Proverbs 4:18 (NIV). Listen to it as I end this Mentoring Minute. “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Can you see the promises that Verses 25 and 26 add to Verse 18? Reflect on how this affects you. Now, you can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

Look Ahead. Walk on Solid Ground

A Brand New End

bob — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:27:26 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute I want to share something someone special to me said. He is a Fijian whose name is Naca and he is like a son to me. He said, “You may not be able to go back to the past to make a brand new beginning, but you can start today and make a brand new end. So, quit whining and start walking.” His message certainly spoke to me, and most likely will to you. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Listen to the New Living Translation. It says, “…those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” I have often said that the past is not qualified to determine your future. This is a liberating truth. Your old life left you when you accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. Some of your past has hung on when it had no right to do so. Now, shake it off because “A new life has begun.” I can tell you from my own experience, one thing is certain. Whining is a waste of energy and time. I’m Dr. Bob. Stop whining and start winning. Your beginnings no longer have any right to determine your end. You have a brand new end. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

A Brand New End

Inside Out

bob — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:16 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob, and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want set the record straight. God never designed us to be shallow, superficial Christians. His plan was never to have lukewarm people in lukewarm churches. When we were born again, He changed us on the inside, so we could shine on the outside. In other words, He turned us inside out! He fashioned us to carry a deep, fiery zeal for Him, His Word and His work. Knowing this has caused me to understand the value of growing on the inside. Beyond that, it has given me an awareness of my need to fan the flames He put in me. (Ephesians 5:8-10 NLT) says, “For though your hearts were once full of darkness, now you are full of light from the Lord, and your behavior should show it! {9} For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. {10} Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.” If God can get you growing on the inside, He knows you will be glowing on the outside. Take that to heart. If necessary, turn your thinking inside out, so it matches what God has done with your eternal destiny. Then, determine never to reverse the process. Keep growing on the inside. If you will, you can be sure you will be glowing on the outside. I’m Dr. Bob. That’s a Mentoring Minute that will light up your life and those around you. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

inside-out

Built to be a Hero

Dr. Bob — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:39:04 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to ask you a question. Do you know that you were built to be a hero? Before time even began, your life was being designed by the hand of God. He created a blueprint for heroic excellence with your name on it. On the day you came into the world, that divinely designed blueprint was put into action and you were filled with the potential to become a hero for Jesus. Psalm 139:13-14 (NKJV) says, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. {14} I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Jeremiah 1:5a NKJV) Says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you…”

Being a hero for Jesus means the influence and example of your life makes a difference to those it touches. You may not have realized it, but you are filled with heroic potential because you have within you the spirit of a warrior for Jesus. It was placed there in eternity past, ages before you were conceived, by the counsels of God. Now, you are dangerous to the devil. You are a series of victories waiting to be released from within your potential. Stop underestimating yourself and start dreaming big dreams. Oh, one more thing; being a hero also means that in the eyes of God, your hero’s testimony of faithful service and eternal significance is waiting to be recorded one day in the books in heaven. I’m Dr. Bob. That’s a Mentoring Minute to believe and receive. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

Built to be a Hero

An Accurate Picture Of Serving

Dr. Bob — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:59:25 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to challenge you with a simple, accurate picture of service to the Lord. Here it is. Serving God is an uncompromising, highly principled, often costly commitment to value and care for others. It is sacrificial in its foundations and character. It leaves no room for avoidance or an exit strategy. You just serve without regard to relief or rewards. Serving carries your personal decision for sacrificial action. Acts, Chapter 9, records that Saul of Tarsus has a life-changing encounter with Christ. In Verses 3-6 (NKJV) it says, “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. {4} Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” {5} And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” {6} So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Regardless of what life brings, service in obedience to God refuses to devalue its commitment to Him. This requires your refusal to devalue the Lord’s call to serve the people He gives you to serve. Servanthood is a reflection of the heart of God. Christ came to serve those He loves (which is the whole world), in spite of the reality that we do not deserve His sacrificial service. Serving others is the platform upon which God’s abundant blessings stand. These blessings are designed to be part of our service to each other and those less fortunate than we are. God’s blessings will multiply themselves in the midst of your commitment to serve. Be true to it and expect your greatest blessings will be your opportunities to serve. One more thing; the test of God’s servant is found in how he or she reacts when treated like one. I’m Dr. Bob and that is a look at a biblical principle that is truth and will set you free. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

An Accurate Picture of Serving

When We Get Hurt

Dr. Bob — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:30:03 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to speak to you about when we get hurt, disappointed, or frustrated. Many times when this happens, we try to lower our expectations to fit our experiences. This is because we fail to understand the potential within the problem. It all depends on how you look at it. You can take the negative point of view, or, if you truly believe in God, you can see what looks like a problem as a waiting opportunity. Think of yourself as an answer to someone’s question and a solution to someone’s problem. Think of how you can turn your problem into someone else’s possibilities for great blessings. Well, I just shared a secret for success with you. God called you and created you to be the catalyst for someone else’s success and perhaps even their salvation. Never loose sight of the truth that in Christ, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” That’s Romans 8:28 (NKJV). Oh, one more thing, the Apostle Paul said it best when he wrote, in Philippians 4:13 (NKJV), “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Oh yes you can! I’m Dr. Bob. Take hold of God’s Word as you take a positive approach to your opportunities… and even those that have looked like such negatives. You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

When We Get Hurt

Choices are the Hinges of Your Destiny

Dr. Bob — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:36:37 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to share some thoughts I have regarding something my pastor, Dr. Tom Peters recently said. Listen carefully. He said, “Choices are the hinges of your destiny.” When I heard this, the Holy Spirit immediately spoke to me. He burned the words that Dr. Peters spoke deeply into my heart. It was clear, and it was powerful. Think about it. The choices you make will be the hinges of your destiny. Let this truth speak to you. Let it encourage you. God has an amazing future for you that is full of amazing blessings. Like many of God’s blessings, those you can receive may be conditional. There is likely to be a big “IF” attached to them. “IF” you will make right choices, chief among which, in my opinion is to do as Jesus said in Luke 9:23 – to choose to deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow Him. When you do, amazing things beyond what you could hope for or dream of will chase you down and bless you. I assure you, these amazing things hinge on the choices you make. Now, don’t try to argue with this powerful truth. You can argue about many things, but there are two with which you can never argue. First, never argue with a man’s experience and second, never argue with the Word of God. I’m Dr. Bob. What I just shared comes from both what I have personally experienced and from what God declared in His Word. So… make the right choice. Be an uncompromising, determined Luke 9:23 Christian. You can listen to my previous Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

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Let Them Breathe Into Your Dream

Dr. Bob — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:45:50 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to share the secret that makes dreams come true. I bet that just caught your attention. This is an interesting secret because God designed it to be revealed, not concealed. Here it is. Be faithful and grateful for, and to the people God provides to watch for your soul. They are precious gifts to you. When the time is right, share your dream with them. Then, ask them to breathe life into your dream through the wisdom and the connections they possess. Help from those who have watched for your soul will open doors you could neither recognize nor open. These precious people just might be the ones God has already appointed to facilitate your dreams into becoming reality. Here is another thing. Be sure to remember and honor them in the years that follow. In that great day when the Lord hands you what you have been dreaming about, go to them and tell them how much they meant to you. Then, take advantage of the opportunities you have to acknowledge these people publicly to others. Now for a final thought that must not be separated from my pervious ones. As you honor those that watched for your soul, give glory to your heavenly Father who provided them for you… and who made your dream become reality. I’m Dr. Bob. That’s a Mentoring Minute that speaks of how dreams come true. You can listen to others I have provided on my website by going to www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.

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