by Carol Roberts | Jul 7, 2015 | Encouragement
No matter how rainy of a day we have, the sun still shines. No matter how dark the night, the sun is still shining. To focus on the beauty of what we are not seeing at the time is to exercise the faith that pleases God the most. The clouds will give way to bright sunshine in God’s perfect timing. The darkness of night will stop when the beauty of the sunrise comes on time each day. HE is Lord.
Philippians 4:8-9
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 7, 2015 | Salvation
To stray from the comfort of God’s arms is to step into snares that lead to serious consequences. Some of the fleeting pleasures of the world come with a lifetime of damages. Deception can be very beautiful, how else would it be attractive enough to lure people away. Sadly, a deceived person has no clue he is deceived. He will fight with every ounce of strength to defend his deception. As deception gets harder to hold on to friends will be driven away and all the comforts of being in God’s will are gone.
The good news is that God’s door is always open and we are welcome to enter in any condition we are in. God’s home is safe. It is peaceful. It is true. Everything we need and desire has already been supplied by God Himself. It’s all a waste to leave the comfort of God’s will to look for something we have never lost. All the world offers is empty excitement that comes with a price.
Psalm 27:4-6
The one thing I ask of the Lord—
the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections
and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high
above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
singing and praising the Lord with music.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 7, 2015 | Friendship
There are friends who stick closer than a brother. There are family members who are always there offering a safe refuge. There are mentors who love us unconditionally and pray us through our biggest challenges. There are caring people who love us enough to tell us the truth. They risk friendships in order to save us from a serious consequence. There are enemies who point out the truth in such a way that hurts us so they can laugh. There are enemies who will not give the time of day no matter how nice we have been to them. The important thing is there is something to benefit from all people. Whether we have that shoulder to cry on or left totally alone after being brought to tears it is cause for praise. While there is much comfort in a caring person, there is much growth opportunity in a person who intends to harm us. There is nothing that says we have to flock to be best friends with our enemies but prayers work wonders. Prayer for an enemy is the greatest demonstration of love we can give even if they never know. God knows all things and He is honored by our obedience.
Matthew 5:43-44
You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
by Carol Roberts | Jul 7, 2015 | Hope
The battle has been won. There will be times when things appear to be a defeat but the truth always comes forth. The devil will sometimes score a touchdown but he does not win the game. Jesus gives the authority to rebuke and the devil has to go. No matter what it looks like, Jesus is Lord and He has already won all battles.
Isaiah 54:17
But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord; their vindication will come from me. I, the Lord, have spoken!
by Carol Roberts | Jul 7, 2015 | Encouragement
God tells us in His word in 2 Chronicles 7:14
Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
The most beautiful thing about this passage is He didn’t say all people or how many people, He just said His people.
He didn’t say certain things would be excluded. He said He would heal our land and forgive our sins. There is nothing too big for God.
God is true to His word. He hears us. He answers us. When we pray He meets us where we are. His presence fills our hearts. Even when we are all alone the Holy Spirit will join us in prayer so we are never praying alone. We can ask for anything, even a good grade in school or a restored friendship and He will hear us. He said anything, no exceptions.
Matthew 18:19
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.
