Day 53

Well, I am just outside 9 hours from having to take my first final in college. Unfortunately there were there was a few inches of snow today and walking around is rather hard. I do not mind the cold weather and the snow is actually just another reminder of how great God is. He has helped me through so much this past week and I am finally beginning to grasp how to overcome the desires that my human nature has and to follow what God has for me. The Spirit is starting to take more of a role in my life and thanks to a great mom, I finally started to take things more seriously. I know there are people I can run to and I know that I always have more help. I am excited for break and the things I am going to be able to do to help people and the way things are going to change for me. Next semester is going to be two times better than this one and I cannot wait. I have some words of encouragement for all of you and it also applies to me and those that are helping guide me along.

Paul states in Phillipians 2:12-18, "Therefore my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-- not only in my presence but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe, as you hold out the word of life--in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not tun or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad to rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad to rejoice with me." This is pretty much how I feel when I post these blogs. I want people to be able to grow and strive to be great in order that I will know that I have been able to touch people's lives through my own experiences and insights into life. God is not just having me do this for me, he is having me do this to make a profound impact on people that will in turn impact other people.  There is so much that we must do to be pure and blameless but it is not impossible and God will be pleased with our goal to be excellent in everything we do. 

I know that it is hard to strive to so what God wants me to do and to do it without complaint or argument. But as I have said before, it is our duty to shine like stars and be like lights. I want to shine like the child of light that I am and I want to be pleasing in my creator's sight. I want to do everything that he has planned out for me and I want to be successful in his eyes. I am not one who likes to disappoint (unless it comes to those who want me to fail) but as Paul said, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose." For it is not the people of this world that I should fear, but I should fear God. The purpose is not for him to scare us into his presence but we should be conscious of what he has the power to do and we should want to do what is best for us eternally. Now if you are still a little skeptical about whether God really has the power to do what he says, or you are not sure if the whole heaven and hell thing is real, talk to me about it and we will see what we can come up with. There are always explanations in Christ but we have to be willing to seek the answers and be fervent in our search. Once again, "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm." Seek guidance in everything and do not give up. I have learned that over the past year and I have come a long way, if you want to know just how far I have come, ask me and I will be more than willing to tell you.  There is no compromise in salvation, it is black and white meaning there is no in between, it is either a clean slate that you and those who know you are proud of, or it is a dirty slate in which God wants to help you. There is no escaping God, there is only temporary hiding and in the end it will not be fun. 

Keep seeking God and all he has for you. He has something special for each and everyone of us and accepting it is definitely beneficial to us. Do not hold back, go all out and continue to let him work. I hope you all have a good night.

God bless,

Joseph Robinson