Mentoring Ministry - Dr. Bob Abramson » Patterns of Life

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

Highly Developed in What?

bob — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:04:25 +0000

I would like you to consider what might be called two sides of the same coin. One side says that you can become highly developed in the dark things the world has to offer. So many people spend so much time doing this, that they lose their perspectives on what is right, what is good and what is wise. The other side of the coin says that you can become highly developed in the things that come from the light. I have been on both sides of this coin; and because of Jesus, I am determined never to return to the negative side. What is right, good and wise is definitely the only place to be. It is where the light shines ever brighter and darkness flees with every step you take. Proverbs 4:18-19 (NLT) says, “The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. {19} But the way of the wicked is like complete darkness. Those who follow it have no idea what they are stumbling over.”

Jesus described himself as “the Light of this world.” He also said that we are “the light of the world.” These were statements of potential. He was telling us that we can become highly developed in the things of God that light up this darkened world. Then, our influence will drive darkness from the lives of those we touch. That is, after all, the great commission. I’m Dr. Bob. We have a choice. What have you chosen? If it has been darkness of any degree, it is not too late to flip the coin and land on the light side of life.

Highly Developed in What?

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

One Potato Leads to Two

bob — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:10:32 +0000

I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to share a conversation a person had at lunch. He happens to be diabetic. He was served a deliciously smelling stew and noticed it had potatoes in it. Potatoes turn from starch into sugar as they are digested. He declined his host’s well-meaning offer to have “just one potato.” When his host replied, “It’s only one potato,” he said to her, “one potato leads to two.” You see, he knew that to ignore small temptations would open doors to bigger ones. Then, the bigger temptations would bring damaging consequences, in this case, to his health. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Here is the lesson to be learned. Never underestimate the damage today’s small temptation brings to your tomorrows. Be a person of absolutely no compromise in your integrity. Desire always and in all ways to be well pleasing to God. …We all could apply that to our diets. I’m Dr. Bob. Perhaps you did not know it, but what I told you actually happened to me. You see, I am diabetic. I understand the value of this lesson. My decision was there would be no potatoes for me at lunch. I also do my best every day to see that there are no temptations in other areas of my life that could grow like the “one potato that leads to two.” Reflect on what “small potatoes” are in your life. How could you change so they would not open doors to something far bigger and more damaging? You can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com.

One Potato Leads to Two

Luggage in Your Lap

bob — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:36:32 +0000

I would like you to consider what a trip on an airplane would be like if you had to fly with your check-in luggage on your lap instead of it being stored in the bottom of the airplane? Can you imagine the discomfort? There would be this crushing weight constantly on you. You could not even find room to fold down your tray table. You would have a particularly difficult time if you had to get up in the middle of the flight to let the person next to you out of his or her seat. Then, imagine trying to get off the plane with a hundred and fifty others who were carrying their luggage too. Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Flying already has its discomforts. With luggage was on your lap, flying would be so uncomfortable that it would become an impossibility. Can you relate this to trying to go through life with the heaviness Hebrews 12:1 says can “so easily ensnares you.” We all take too much baggage, emotional and spiritual, with us through life. What has weighted you down that you know you could give to Jesus? Be honest and transparent with your answer. Trade your heavy baggage for something far lighter. Let Jesus have your baggage and He will give you something far lighter to carry. In fact, He will be your traveling companion and the journey will be a blessing.

Luggage in Your Lap

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

Living in the Jackpot

bob — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:40:22 +0000

I want to share a decisive moment of truth that struck me in a powerful way. On the way to church, I was joking with my wife, Nancy, about hitting the jackpot in the lottery. No, I do not play the lottery! God is my source and I try to steward with great care, all that He provides. Anyway, I was joking about hitting the jackpot. At that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart that when I accepted Christ, I hit the greatest jackpot there is.

Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Romans 6:22-23 (NKJV) says, “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. {23} For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What cold possibly compare to being given the gift of eternal life… and a trip into the favor of God? The best thing about this is that it was free. I was a guaranteed winner. That is what I call a jackpot. I’m Dr. Bob and that is worth shouting about. So… what are you waiting for? Give God glory with a shout of joy-filled gratefulness! Hallelujah! Now, you can listen to additional Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com. Be sure to check the bookstore page on my website, where you will find two hundred previous Mentoring Minutes available through my two books, “Reflections – A Devotional Journal: Volumes One and Two.”

living-in-a-jackpot-12-20-11

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

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