 ` Praise God for separation. The Greek word that is translated "separated" is aphorizo. If you look at that closely you will see the beginnings of a word we English speakers use often and enjoy admiring (especially in Texas). Horizon. It can actually be translated as 'off horizoned'. When I think about the moment I fell on my face in my late twentys and told God I didn't care what it took, I just wanted to know HIM; I was picked up from one horizon and placed in a completely different horizon. I was off-horizoned...re-centered. Let's look at it like this: you are on a boat in the ocean sitting in the lookout crow's nest. As far as you can see is horizon, a complete circle. But you realize that at that moment somewhere on the ocean is another boat, that sees a completely different horizon. Your center of horizon is where you are, but when you begin a journey with Christ, you are picked up from your horizon and placed in a completely different horizon. You still go to the same desk, you still teach the same children, you still wash the same clothes. But your horizon is different. You are separated. You are off-horizoned...re-centered. And sometimes the pull to go back to the other center is strong. But HE will help us. How? Not by working at it. Instead by getting more of Him. And He becomes our center. We are re-centered, off-horizoned, separated into Him. Because He IS the I Am, i am robyn rochelle cox Robyn and Biff Cox RR&BC,LLC© RR&BC,LL© All writings protected by copyright laws. Contact author or link to this page or website if you use or reference.
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Three ways we can prevent missing powerful verses because of the familiar. Vol 1. Chap. 214/17/2017 Do you memorize scripture? Do you enjoy taking a verse, writing it down and thinking about it during the day, or hiding it in your bible to find it and remember the verse with fondness? Have you ever thought about all the verses we miss because we have a familiar verse our eyes fall upon when we read it in context? Are you like me? In my years of reading through the bible I have found really powerful verses falling through my brain cracks! I can read and study a particular passage and because of a verse that is familiar to me, my mind doesn't grasp the other powerful verses that are there. This happened as I was praying over a few verses to share in our Reading, Reflection, and Bible Community. Proverbs 3:1-4 are verses I know I have read many times before. However, because of one of my familiar and favorite verses following these verses, I had not spent time in reading these four and meditating on them. I have no recollection of hearing a sermon, or having a lesson on these four small verses with promises. Proverbs 3:1-4 have such a wealth of information and encouragement I was kind of surprised I had never spent time hiding them in my heart. Verses five and six have always for some reason in my mind outweighed the other four. You probably know 3:5,6. If not by its address at least when I write it. You, like me, might hold verses 5,6 in a special spot in your heart. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6 NASB These verses are important and should be pondered. They give us a peace when we are in situations that cause us confusion, and they help us move forward in wise decisions. But the other verses were powerful as well. The verses I read with new eyes are as follows:  1. My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. 2. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. 3. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 4. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 3:1-4 NLT Think about the promises given in these four verses. "You will live many year, and your life will be satisfying." "You will find favor with both God and people and earn a good reputation." Good grief who wouldn't want these promises. I know I do. Yet, these four verses have been hidden from me. With verses five and six standing out to my brain. I don't want to have treasures escape me because I have found nuggets in my past. I want to dig and discover. So, actively attempting to dig them out I thought I would share my findings. Here are three ways . 1. A verse that is a favorite always stands in a chapter in the Bible. Do some investigation and read the chapter. Are there any other verses that have powerful meaning and are valid to hide in your heart? Write them down and memorize these. 2. Do a word search in a concordance that matches your bible translation. You will be surprised how many verses with meaning that will be worth memorizing. 3. Do an internet search on your favorite bible verses from different translations. Expand the search with the verse before and the verse after. If the context doesn't reveal understandable passages, expand the search more. Many people have asked me how I could read and reread the Scriptures so often. Well, one of the reasons is that sometimes you find a fantastic treasure that your human brain just skipped over time and time again. These are just a few of the ways you may find treasure hidden around known verses. Seek and you will find. I found these four verses exciting. These promises are finding their way into my heart. I don't know why God didn't allow me to see them before, But I will trust him in this. His timing is not my timing. God doesn't do things the way I do them, I can trust that He is bringing these four verses across my path at just the right time when I need them. And I want to actively seek for more. And that, dear friend, is one of the reasons I love reading God's word. Treasures are hidden and discovered often when I read. I encourage you, dear reader, to seek beyond those verses you know. Peek around the verses before and after. Check to see if there are hidden treasures you have skimmed over. Enjoy discovering the nuggets laid out before us in His Word. Because He Is the I AM, i am Robyn Rochelle Cox May HE Be Your ALL, Robyn and Biff Cox, RR&BC,LLC© email: rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com website: https://www.readthebiblewithrobyncox.com/ Problems? Please contact Biff at rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com
Unsubscribe? Feel free at anytime. Simply write Unsubscribe on the subject line of an email: rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com RR&BC, LLC©2016 All writing is protected under copyright laws. NO COPYING ALLOWED on private membership page. There is a rapid increase in our Christian world today to be 'missional.' I do believe that sharing our faith, at any moment we are called to, is the basis of being Salt and Light in a dark world. But, there has become a mantra that cries louder than Jesus. Be extraordinary in your walk with Christ. Be out in the masses. If you aren't living dangerously, you aren't living a profound Christian life. Really?? I prayed a prayer over ten years ago. This prayer was heartfelt and oh so important. Keep me humble Oh LORD, keep me uncomplicated in how I share you. Soon after that, I was on the mission field and I got caught up wanting something BIG to happen. I wanted to build a ministry that would bring the masses to know Him. I was encouraged to move to the big city. I struggled with this. Praise God, I quickly realized - this was not my job. For a moment I forgot my original call: to live for an audience of One. Sharing the love I had for God with one person at a time. I have a small job. What is that job? Being faithful in the daily things. Over 30 years of learning how to do that well has been God moment after God moment. I read this quote recently: "Being a 'radical,' 'missional' Christian is slowly becoming the 'new legalism.' We need more ordinary God and people lovers. (Matt 22:36-40)" ⏤Anthony Bradley, world.wng.org He goes on to say: "How the push to be 'radical' and 'missional' discourages ordinary people in ordinary places from doing ordinary things to the glory of God." ⏤ Anthony Bradley What a profound thought. After I left my adult children, my church, sold my home, car, left my career, and entered the foreign mission field in a rural area in Germany at the age of 49, I was 'encouraged' by many to: Go to the cities and share beyond what you are capable of. Leave your comfort zones. Think about this. This was after I had already moved to a foriegn country, culture, and language. This might have been some people's call. It disconcerted me. I had to stop and get quiet again. If I had not stopped to discern my call, I believe I would have moved into depression. Possibly left the mission field way before the years of living and learning and sharing and growing with nationals that I did. There is this push that doesn't emphasize the 'CALL' to go to the masses. Instead it is all about doing something bigger than life whether or not you have been called. This push that says you are not living 'missionally' if you aren't in the throng of masses. I question this thought. I am reminded of the small yet life-changing book I read over 29 years ago: 'The Practice of the Presence of God' by brother Lawrence. (see links below) "A man of humble beginnings who discovered the greatest secret of living in the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is the art of "practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end." He often stated that it is God who paints Himself in the depths of our soul. We must merely open our hearts to receive Him and His loving presence." Quoted from cover of 'The Practice of the Presence of God' For nearly 300 years Brother Lawrence's words have blessed and encouraged those of us that have small, yet profound lives. "As a humble cook, Brother Lawrence learned an important lesson through each daily chore: The time he spent in communion with the Lord should be the same, whether he was bustling around in the kitchen ⏤surrounded by people aski n his knees in prayer." Years ago as a single mother of three, an elementary school teacher, and a bible study leader to only a living-room-full, I found his words encouraging. Without these words of wisdom, how to be in Jesus Christ in the mundane daily, I might not have heard the call to begin the process of going onto the foriegn mission field at 46 years of age. But, I did. Only to find myself caught up after a few years in the 'growth' concept. The concept that being in a rural area was not good enough. I needed to go to a city to really make an impact. But I wasn't called to the cities. I never left the rural area. And to God's glory, there was much growth in those small rural areas, directly related to what He had called me to. And that growth continues. In 2014, I asked God to show me where He would want me to go next. I thought He would have put me in another rural area, in Germany. Instead, he brought me to 'Little Blue Moon', in the USA. He brought me here to be married to a quiet, diligent, gentle, and godly man. He brought me back to discover a neurological disorder with my voice. I remembered that time I had specifically asked God to keep my thoughts focused on three things: Him, the mission - one person at a time, and my life filled with the important, but little things. And today, after returning at 58 to the USA, I find myself in a new endeavor. Bringing people the opportunity to read and meditate on the word and be in union with other Christians across denominational lines on the internet. Not using my voice as a teacher/mentor. Instead, here on the page - writing. Still with a heart of mentoring. At this moment our website (www.readthebiblewithrobyncox.com) is new (only 77 days) and young. It isn't anything fancy, it is nothing huge, but it is growing steadily. We have wonderful members that come repeatedly back to read/meditate/share. It is simple, faithful, regular. And those in search of finding a commitment to going into His Word on a regular basis with others (because they desire to intentionally seek God daily, to build a loving community across denominations, and/or they are unable to be involved in a physical community due to time constraints, family commitments, or health issues) - will find a safe haven here on this membership website. So, I am called in this moment to remain faithful on a daily basis. Bringing daily; one verse, or chapter, or book at time, with ideas on how to read/meditate/hide in hearts, the word of God to those that have joined our community. Praying with and for them. Something that God has gifted me in. It is a 'red prayer chair moment'... Please pray for me as I desire to share my passion of the Word of God on a Daily Basis in a safe Community with those interested in intentionally growing and uniting across denominational lines. "They will know we are Christians by our love." Because He Is the I AM, i am Robyn Rochelle Cox May HE Be Your ALL, Robyn and Biff Cox, RR&BC,LLC© email: rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com website: https://www.readthebiblewithrobyncox.com/  And this is my very old 'read prayer chair'. It had a different location in Texas. This picture was taken when I lived as a missionary in Germany. And now it sits in it's special spot in our 'Little Blue Moon.' This is where I go to read/journal/meditate/pray daily. This is really the only thing I have been consistently diligent in for years. The stabilizer that has allowed me to make wise choices. He has met me here. He has taught me much in 'prayer chairs' over the last 30 years. Things I am called to share. These moments are what I believe God wants us to invite others into on our website: https://www.readthebiblewithrobyncox.com/ 'The Practice of the Presence of God' by Brother Lawrence. (the free audio find here: you can skip the commercial...) (Also Brother Lawrence's book in pdf find it here: ) RR&BC,LL© All writings protected by copyright laws. Contact author or link to this page or website if you use or reference. I failed. Yesterday, I failed to have a blog posted. I traveled to my son's home in SC yesterday to enjoy his youngest child's birthday tomorrow. I failed this blog. And my wonderful blog readers. My sweet husband even told me that I didn't upload it and post it. He called me and said, "Honey, your blog is still set for last week." ⏤ I love him. And then my granddaughter yelled at me to look at her with her helmet riding her bike on the driveway. I forgot to download it. I've been told if I miss one blog post, it causes my readers to not trust that I will post. I'm new at this. It is a learning curve for me. All I can say is, I am so sorry. I woke up this morning at 4:00 am and remembered. I got on my mobile to try to post. It wouldn't download. I wanted to write something that would give a really good excuse, then I read this: Proverbs 10: 1-32 NLT 1. A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother. 2. Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. 3. The Lord will not let the godly go hungry, but he refuses to satisfy the craving of the wicked. 4. Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. 5. A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace. 6. The godly are showered with blessings; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. 7. We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. 8. The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. 9. People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. 10. People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace. 11. The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. 12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. 13 Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. 14 Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. 15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction. 16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. 17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. 18 Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. 19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. 20 The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. 21 The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. 23 Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. 24 The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted. 25 When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. 26 Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes. 27 Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. 28 The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. 29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to those with integrity, but it destroys the wicked. 30 The godly will never be disturbed, but the wicked will be removed from the land. 31 The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. 32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perverse words. Proverbs 10 has so many wise nuggets. The first that my eyes laid upon: 31. The mouth of the godly person give wise advice, but the tongue that deceives will be cut off. 32 The lips of the godly speak helpful words. Everything I wrote seemed like an unworthy excuse so, I decided to simply apologize. I decided to lay out the truth. Here it is: I am so sorry, I wasn't well enough prepared to travel to my son's. I also allowed my grandchildren and children to take priority on that Monday. I do not regret that, but I hope to learn from my experiences and hope to bring helpful words to you in the future.  I'm 60 yo and have lived away from this child until 4 months ago. I was either half-way around the world in Germany, or across the USA until they moved to the east coast. It is still a long drive from Blue Moon, but it isn't a plane ride.
Tomorrow is my grandson's 4th birthday. I am blessed to be with him. Had I not taken this time to be here, I would never have this memory, never have this moment, never have this treasure. An opportunity to hold a sleeping child in one's lap doesn't last for long. They are born, turn 4, turn 30 and have children of their own. They grow up. They fly away. They become warriors for God in their own worlds. From what I can read in the above Proverb. I believe I chose well. I just did not plan well enough. I pray I will never have the poor planning pummel me again. With God's help, may it be so. Because He IS the I AM, i am, Robyn Rochelle Cox RR&BC, LLC email: rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com website: https://www.readthebiblewithrobyncox.com/ Problems? Please contact Biff at rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com Unsubscribe? Feel free at anytime. Simply write Unsubscribe on the subject line of an email: rrandbc@readthebiblewithrobyncox.com RR&BC, LLC©2016 All writing is protected under copyright laws. NO COPYING ALLOWED on private membership page. |
Robyn Rochelle Cox
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