by Carol Roberts | Jul 5, 2015 | Encouragement
It takes only one spark to set a forest on fire. It’s the same way with love. In a hurting world it only takes a smile for some people to feel the love of God. Today’s world has become a place where most hear what they want to hear.
Soothing and beautiful words without Christ create a grand illusion of splendor which turns out to be void later. The more deceptive it is the more beautifully it tries to cover. As untruths become more beautiful it’s hard for many to resist.
Standing for the truth many times means having to stand alone. Just like the beginning flower opens on a budding bush, it’s not very pretty at first. As other flowers start to open it becomes very beautiful. When it seems we are standing alone for what is right and popularity is not in our favor God is with us. He is making us strong and teaching us endurance. In God’s timing the truth will be revealed and others will then stand with us.
John 8:31-32
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
by Carol Roberts | Jul 5, 2015 | Hope
When a friend is hurting and we can see both sides of the story, what do we pray? When the home football team is playing against your favorite uncle’s team and he is your guest, who do we cheer for? When there are many tough decisions to make, some are life or death decisions, how do we pray? We can see both sides very clearly and both have a valid point.
Many times when we make a decision one person will be lifted up yet the opposing person will be hurt, even when both people are right.
It is during those decisions we turn things over to God. We allow Him to make the perfect decision while we let go of the decision and place it in God’s capable hands.
It is with a thankful and joyful spirit we trust God and give praise to Him for His choice of the outcome.
Romans 8:26
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 5, 2015 | Encouragement
Our Lord provides us with many beautiful things here on earth. When we multiply that by millions we can’t even imagine the beauty that lasts forever. The most beautiful thing is the love God places in our hearts that radiates from the heart outwards. This beauty never fades but only grows brighter and stronger as He chips away at all that does not please Him.
The chipping and pruning is never fun as we learn harsh realities about our own selves. However as we exchange old habits for new there is a peace that passes all understanding.
Outward beauty here on earth is very temporary just as a spring tree. As the beauty fades, the full purpose is revealed. Jesus loves us so much that He will groom us to be beautiful from within outward as the earthly beauty fades.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 5, 2015 | Salvation
Jesus loves you. It doesn’t matter where you were born or where you live now. Jesus loves you for who you are. It doesn’t matter what language you speak. Jesus speaks them all. It doesn’t matter if you are rich and popular or poor and rejected. Jesus lives in your heart and you are beautiful from the inside out. You need no phone to get in touch with Jesus. You need no college degree framed and on your wall to serve in the ministry. You need no air fare or trip booked to go overseas for your prayers to reach God who will reach the world. You do not need to be perfect to seek God. Everybody sins. Jesus understands that. Your sins are forgiven and His arms are waiting to receive you. You are loved just as you are.
Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 5, 2015 | Grief
The day after Jesus’ death on the cross until Easter Sunday is considered by some to be a lonely time. Jesus Himself said to destroy This temple and He will rebuild it in three days. Everything Jesus tells us is truth. When we trust in Him we are never disappointed. Some things may take longer for us to see but His word is always true. Waiting on God’s solutions to all things is the key to a successful and joyful life even until forever.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
