Author: Rob Collins

Fascinated With the Familiar

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog, Messages, Videos

“Fascinated With The Familiar”

Some Things 2 Consider: 

Vision- “What you see will determine what you experience!”

A New Thing- If it’s new that means it’s never been done; but, that also means you have to recognize it to receive it!”

Fascinated with the Familiar- “Don’t become so fascinated with the familiar that you become frustrated and forfeit your future!”

Like most of you I like the familiar because it is familiar… and the familiar brings security; because, as good or bad as it is… you know what to expect.

We are all comfortable with the familiar. That’s because it’s familiar. However, If the future is going to be any different than the present; chances are it probably won’t look familiar.

Here are 3 things that the familiar can cause:

1. The familiar will cause you to be comfortable with what is; while keeping you from what could be.

2. The familiar will cause you to become critical of what is currently taking place; without initiating anything that will make it different or better.

3. The familiar will cause you to rely on what you know or see; instead of relying on God to do what only He can do.

Here’s 3 things to remember about the familiar:
1. The familiar is not bad unless it keeps you bound to what is.

2. The familiar is not bad unless it keep you bound to promiscuous patterns.

3. The familiar is not bad unless it keep you bound by hopelessness that hinders.

In John chapter 5 there is a story of a man on a mat by a pool called Bethesda. This man is waiting for the water to be stirred so he can be healed. Through his conversation with Jesus he reveals his frustration with people; this frustration has been been brought about by the all too familiar patterns of life that are taking place by the pool…

The Familiar Will Cause You To:

1. Complain- complaining displeases God and it will keep you stuck where you don’t want be; longer than you want to be.
– don’t complain about what you allow.
– don’t complain about what you have caused.
– don’t complain about what you can change.

2. Compare- comparing will keep you fixated on either your strengths or weaknesses; without changing anything in the process.                                                                            – comparisons create unhealthy competition.
– comparisons create complacency (well, I’m doing better than______.)
– comparisons create pride or pity.
– comparisons create jealousy, envy, and covetousness.

3. Compromise- compromise is conceived by convincing yourself its ok; it’s forfeiting what’s right; for what’s easy.
– its not hurting anyone.
– you tell yourself: no one will know.
– it’s not as bad as_______.
> “Don’t forfeit your future for immediate gratification.” *(thoughts for study)
– The Ark of the Covenant- comfortable with what they were carrying.
– The Temple of God- Eli’s wicked sons.
– The Birth Right- Jacob and Esau- “what is it to me?”
– Adam and Eve- the tree in the garden.

4. Be Critical- a critical spirit is usually a heart issue that affects your eyes / ears / mind / mouth – if you have a problem with everyone and everything; they or it may not be the problem; you may be the problem.
– a critical spirit is different than being insightful and constructive. *(its negative, hateful, and condescending)
– the Pharisees and Sadducees were critical.
– A critical spirit is seldom happy or satisfied.

5. Become Comfortable- being content with the way things are and don’t care to change. (there is a difference between being content and being satisfied)
– when you are comfortable you desire change without anything being different.
– when you are comfortable you don’t want to move. *(mat)
– “do you want to be made well?” (a question we must all answer) *(see John 5)

6. Be Content – to settle for what’s Common- (almost / good enough)
– everyone else is doing it.
– complacent vs. fulfillment
– I almost ____________.
– that’s good enough.

7. Cooperate with a Debilitating Co-Existence- (people who won’t help you up but put you down) – get some new friends!
– show me your friends today and I will tell you where your life will be in a year.
– don’t be the enabled or the enabler; be the encourager or the empowered.
– “don’t be deceived bad company will corrupt good behavior.”

This man was trying to find his way. However Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life! In John 5 there are two words that bring this reality to life for us… Those words are:
1. Bethesda: “A House of Mercy” or “A House of Flowing Water.” and

2. Sheep Gate: “The Sheep would pass through the gate on the way to being offered up as a sacrifice.”

The man on the mat was familiar with the pool, the people, and the problem. But, he wasn’t familiar with Jesus who was the Lamb of God that had entered through the Sheep Gate and passed by the Pool of Bethesda (a House of Mercy; A Place of Flowing Water). He was so familiar with his circumstances and surroundings that he almost missed Jesus. He was so busy sharing his frustration with the familiar the he almost missed an opportunity for something new and different! A future that would be so different from his current condition. But, thank God he didn’t miss it. He courageously picked up his mat and by faith walked away from the familiar surroundings that kept him bound and frustrated, and you can too! Don’t allow the familiar to cause you to become so frustrated that you forfeit your future… Get up!

Watch This… 

A Word. Some Water. And A Walk.

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog, Messages, Videos

Peter and the disciples had just witnessed another miracle involving a boy who had enough fish and bread to feed himself. However, when the boy gave it away, Jesus blessed it and broke it and fed thousands. The disciples had front row seats to the miracle and were last seen carrying twelve baskets (a basket for each of them) full of leftovers. 

Jesus sent the crowd away and told His disciples to get into their boat and cross to the other side. Jesus was on the mountain overlooking the water when a storm arose and He saw the disciples and their boat in distress on the water.

Jesus leaves His praying meeting with the Father and joins His disciples on the water in the midst of the sea. They see His image walking on the water. But, at first glance, they think it might be a ghost. Peter decides to test the water and says, “If it is you master, bid me to come.” And Jesus says, “Come.” 

Peter gets out of the boat and starts across the water through the storm to Jesus. For a minute he walks as he looks to Jesus. But, as he takes his eyes off the Master, he sees the winds and the waves and begins to sink in the midst of the storm.

Jesus reaches down and picks Peter up saying, “O you of little faith.” With a Peter in his arms He walks back to the boat through the storm that Peter had just walked through. That’s right! Jesus walked Peter back through the storm that caused him to be distracted and sink. And He wants to do the same for you.

  • Peter stepped out in faith.
  • Peter walked on the water.
  • Peter’s faith was enough to get him out of the boat but was not enough to carry him through the storm. 
  • Peter walked through the storm and sank. He walked back through the same storm with Jesus and was secure.
  • Peter and Jesus got in the boat and the storm ceased.

You have faith. It may be “little faith” that is underdeveloped. Nonetheless, it’s still faith. Peter had faith, it was just underdeveloped and just like Peter, Jesus wants to carry you through what is trying to conquer you. It took faith for Peter to step out of the boat. It also took faith for him to walk back through what had just conquered him, causing him to sink. This time he wasn’t walking towards Jesus. He was walking with Him. Someone has said, “When the waves are over your head; they are under His feet.” This is a great reminder for all of us today. The storm ceased when Jesus and Peter got back into the boat. It could have ceased prior to this. However, I think Jesus was trying to make a point as he walked with Peter on the same water, through the same wind, past the same waves that he had just tried to walk through to get to Jesus.  When you are afraid, weary, and discouraged Jesus will reach down and carry you through the storm that is trying to defeat you. He loves you. He is the lifter of your soul. When you fall He will lift you up and carry you. Maybe we could all pray this prayer. The prayer of the boy’s father in the Bible who brought his son to Jesus to be healed: “I believe. But, help my unbelief.” God is faithful. Therefore, we have know reason to fear or doubt.

This One Thing I Do

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

We have a membership at our local YMCA. Every year from January to about the second week of February the place is “jam packed” with people we usually don’t see on a regular basis. The cardio machines and nautilus equipment are seldom at a standstill and usually have a line waiting to use them. However, after February the place returns to normal and you can pretty much use any piece of equipment with no line or wait. I guess I might be speculating, but I think the increase of people at the YMCA probably has to do with New Year’s resolutions. Now I’m not making light of anyone’s effort. As a matter a fact, I believe any attempt at exercise or a healthier lifestyle is better than no attempt at all. Exercise is a great New Year’s resolution. However, for most of us its not about knowing what we should do to get the results we want. It’s about getting the desire to consistently do what we know we should do; so we can see the results we truly desire.

 I’m not one to set New Year’s resolutions or to always look at a New Year as a new beginning. Nonetheless, I do feel extremely excited for 2017 and the possibilities I sense it has for me and my family. But, with this in mind I truly believe that each day is an unfolding gift from God and every year is an opportunity for those days to unfold with endless possibilities. Nonetheless, I still pray that all your resolutions are fulfilled. For a resolution to be fulfilled it has to be more than just a wish list. It must have a plan of action. A resolution is made to create a result or resolve something until a different expectation is met. Paul give us a great “Spiritual Exercise” that will create great results and cause unlimited resolve if we will just heed to it’s words and apply it to our lives.

These words are found in Philippians 3:13-14: 13 Of course, my friends, I really do not think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. 14 So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God’s call through Christ Jesus to the life above. In this passage Paul says, “this one thing I do.” Maybe you are trying to hard? Maybe you are trying to many things at once? Don’t focus on everyone or everything. Focus on the things you are truly responsible for. Put effort into those things that you can change. Paul is very transparent in this passage. He tells us that he hasn’t already won the battle or totally obtained anything; but he still does this one thing! He forgets what is behind him. That’s the one thing he does. But, in these two verses he gives a formula for how to do it. This is a formula that will bring resolution and create lasting results.

Here it is: (1) Forget (2) Reach and (3) Run.

(1) Forget: to lose out of one’s mind by neglect; to not rehearse or recall continually. When you forget where you put your keys or parked your car; you forget by accident. If you are going to have peace you will have to forget on purpose!

(2) Reach: to stretch or strain until obtained or achieved.                                                        The reason must of us don’t receive what we desire is because we give up to easily. You may be closer than you think. Don’t give up on what God hasn’t given up on. And always remember: Because He is… You can… You will… and You are!

(3) Run: to press in; run swiftly in a race; to run away to flee or to run towards and catch. You will never obtain what you desire if you constantly run away form what matters or if you continually run towards what doesn’t! Don’t run after everyone or everything. You need to save your energy for the things and people that matter most.

Thoughts To Ponder As You (1)Forget, (2)Reach and (3)Run: 

  • You won’t lay hold of what’s next if you’re always looking back.
  • You won’t forget what you constantly talk about.
  • You won’t look to the future with hope if you are looking to the past in regret.
  • You won’t have peace for the future if you don’t have closure on the past.
  • You won’t possess “what is” if you always focus on “what could have been”.
  • You won’t find “right thing” if you are always focused on the “wrong thing”.
  • You won’t maximize the potential of a result if you minimize the probability of it coming to pass.

What the Birth of Christ Proves

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog

“Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I know for many this is not the case. However, no matter your view or reason why it is, or it is not, I pray that you and your family celebrate the true meaning of this season. It is also my prayer that you will receive the peace and love of God in a new and fresh way this year! During this time of the year I always read and reflect on the accounts of the birth of Christ.

Here are a few things that was revealed to me this year:

  • The Birth of Christ Proves Something Supernatural Can Come Upon Something Common and Make it Supernatural. Mary was a common maiden girl but when the Angel of the Lord overshadowed her with the favor of God; she became highly favored among all women.You and I have received Christ by grace through faith. He overshadowed us with His love and lives on the inside of us. Although we are common “flesh and blood” we are favored and blessed. The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives inside of you!
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Redemptive Plan for His Creation. In the garden of Eden creation sinned through disobedience. God spoke and said, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; they shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise their heel.” What was sown in disobedience in the garden was going to be broken by Mary’s obedience by saying, “Nevertheless at thy word Lord.” The prophecy of the seed led to the promise of a savior! Jesus sealed that promise through His obedience saying, “Nevertheless not my will, but thy will be done.” God redeemed humankind through the seed of obedience and by an act of love.
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God’s Love For His Creation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. God did not send His Son into the world to condenm us but that trhough Him we might be saved.” – John 3:16-17 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of Grace and Truth. God revealed Himself to us through Christ. It was God’s love for His creation that sent Jesus to be born in a manger, with the purpose of dying on a cross for you and me. The wise men revealed this truth in the gifts they brought to Jesus: Gold – for The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Frankincense – for our eternal and final High Priest; giving us access to God’s merciful throne of Grace. Myrrh – this is the oil used to anoint the bodies of the dead. He came in the form of a baby… Lived a sinless life as a man… Surrendered to death and rose victorious… He is seated at the right hand of God always making intercession on your behalf… He is for you… not against you… He was born for you… He died for you… And He lives for you… He loves you!
  • The Birth of Christ Proves God Doesn’t Want Anyone to Live in Fear. The first time fear was mentioned was in Genesis when Adam and Eve disobeyed. It says, “They were naked and afraid.” They hid themselves and clothed themselves with leaves from the trees; and every since that day mankind has been trying to cover themselves with man made coverings of camouflage called justification. In the Gospel accounts that record the birth of Christ it says several times, “Do not be Afraid.” It was spoken to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah and to The Shepherds, “Do Not Be Afraid!” It was as if God was saying, “I am here now, you have no reason to fear.” God became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His Glory full of grace and truth. The truth is God’s grace was revealed and he covers us in His righteousness putting us in right standing with God. In the book of 1st John it says, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” There is no reason to hide. There is no reason to fear. His name shall be called Jesus for he shall save His people from their sin. He is Emanuel, God with us!

Under a Tree

Posted on by Rob Collins in 2 Minute Take Away, Blog, Messages, Videos

What you agree with has a seed (that will produce fruit) “Standing under a tree” *a tree has roots and an Apple has a seeds. Seeds produce roots. Roots produce trees and trees produce fruit. Agreement is a powerful thing. Agree with God and His word and the roots of disobedience will be uprooted and replaced with God’s love.

– Roots of bitterness produces fruit of anger.
– Roots of fear produces fruit of paralysis.
– Roots of failure produces regret.
– Roots of low self esteem produces fruit of unworthiness.
– Roots of doubt produces despair.
– Roots of guilt produces shame.

The Potential of a Promised Prophecy

Posted on by Rob Collins in Blog, Messages, Videos

The Potential of a Promised Prophecy
Luke 19:29-40

Every prophecy has its promise and every promise has its potential…

A prophecy has to be given, received, confirmed and fulfilled. 400 years had come and gone since God had spoken through His prophets then Jesus was born through a virgin named Mary and approximately 33 1/2 years after that Jesus the promised king rode on the donkey colt… Just as the prophet Zechariah had prophesied! A horse was a sign of war, a donkey was a sign of work or peace. The finished work of Christ is what produces peace in the life of those who believe. The donkey’s promised potential wasn’t to stay tied up to a hitching post or plow the mans field,it was to carry the Messiah! You were created to be a carrier of God’s grace and peace.

7 Places Christ Shed His Blood

Posted on by Rob Collins in Messages, Videos

The precious Lamb of God would shed His blood for all mankind. It would be the final sacrifice for all who believe. We would be set free from sin and every other bondage that holds us captive as we apply the precious blood of Christ to those areas of our life. Christ’s blood is precious. It is all so powerful. There is significance in the shed blood of Christ.

He shed His blood in seven places. There is tremendous significance in those seven times. You see, in the Old Testament, the priest would catch the blood of the sacrifice in a basin and sprinkle that blood on the altar seven times. The children of Israel also sprinkled the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of their homes seven times. And finally we see that Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, shed his precious blood in seven significant places for all mankind. As we apply it to every area of our lives, we will find the power and freedom for those specific areas of our lives.

Christ stood his ground in the earth between what was, and what was to come. He said, “It is I, I am the one whom you seek.” He did so in His body. This is where talk turned into walk. He went forward embracing all the things that He knew would come upon Him. He shed His blood for you, and all mankind.