Mentoring Ministry - Dr. Bob Abramson

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

Detours (Dr. Bob’s Journal January 2012)

bob — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:34:36 +0000

Here is the link to my January 2012 entry in “Dr. Bob’s Journal.” It is called “Detours.”

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

Where’s the Line to see Jesus?

bob — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:57:58 +0000

I want to share a beautiful moment I experienced in a Christmas morning service at my church. We were shown a video in which a young woman walked past the line of youngsters waiting to see Santa. As she did, she began to sing, “Where’s the line to see Jesus?” As I was watching, the Holy Spirit reminded me of my dear friend, Dr. Jide Olutamyin. In 1997, he was an elder in my church in the Fiji islands. He has since gone to be with the Lord. Some years ago, God gave me a vision that Jide and I one day would dance together before the Lord. We would be rejoicing in the presence of Jesus.

Psalms 150 (NKJV) says, “Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! {2} Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! {3} Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! {4} Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! {5} Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! {6} Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” As the video was playing in church that Christmas morning, I had another vision. In it I was with Jide in heaven. We were in an unending line of people dancing before Jesus, as He sat upon His throne. We were celebrating our eternal life. We were filled with such joy, that all we wanted to do was dance and then fall down before His feet and cry “holy.” Then we would get back up and dance before Him a while longer, and again, fall down and cry “holy.” We never tired of this. Now, that is a line of which I want to be part. It is going to be a wonderful way to spend eternity. The beautiful thing about serving Christ now is that we do not have to wait until we get to heaven to dance before Him. You and I can start dancing… right now. Well, don’t just stand there. Start dancing!

Where is the Line to see Jesus

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

On Time and On Purpose

bob — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:30:44 +0000

I want to remind you of your true identity. Galatians 4:4 (NKJV) says, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,” Now listen to what that means for you. Galatians 4:7 (NKJV) says, “Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” Verse 7 finishes the thought from Verse 4: The Son of God came so that you would no longer be a slave. Now you are a child of God, with all the privileges it holds. Take comfort and assurance in the reality that there are no surprises, confusion or uncertainties in heaven. Everything in God’s plan for you has been established from eternity past. His timing is perfect, even in the midst of what you might see as random or unpredictable circumstances. You can always trust that God is never surprised or loses control. Another thing you can always trust in is that God has purpose waiting within the potential of every circumstance you face, even the bad ones. Romans 8:28-31 (NKJV) says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. {29} For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. {30} Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. {31} What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” I’m Dr. Bob. Trust is the engine that drives a believer’s determination to move confidently ahead. I suggest you move closer to God and as you do, go with high expectations for something good.

On Time and On Purpose

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