by Carol Roberts | Jul 6, 2015 | Hope
There is nothing too hard for God. He has won many battles with small armies. There are times when it’s just one person against a large number of people going the wrong way. The truth always wins no matter what things look like. As we turn things over to God the size of the battle will slowly become smaller. One day we will look and the battle will no longer exist. There is nothing too hard for God. It doesn’t matter how numerous or how big.
Jeremiah 32:27
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?
by Carol Roberts | Jul 6, 2015 | Love
Every child wants to hear the word “yes” from a parent when it comes to getting permission to do something they want. The word “no” is not very popular because it means having to give up something they really want.
What if a parent said yes to every request? It grants instant gratification for all things. The disadvantage is there is no longer a protective umbrella of loving barriers. When calamity comes as a result of getting too involved in things that come with consequences, the “no” answer becomes a much sought after act of love.
A “no” answer from God is a demonstration of His love. It is the most comforting word God can give to any of us. He sees consequences we do not see. Occasionally when we need to see for ourselves and God allows us to continue, we later see the horror He tried to protect us from. The devil is full of deceit and lies. The worse a situation is the greater the smooth seductive lies the devil presents. It’s those beautiful lies many people find irresistible until the consequences come. The word “no” from God is one of protection, love and comfort. The rewards God gives for obedience are genuine and never covered with glittering words. God keeps no secrets. Things are what they are with God.
Job 5:17
Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 6, 2015 | Salvation
A winter’s snow is one of the most beautiful sights ever seen. Everything is clean and bright. It is smooth and pleasing to look at. However underneath the snow are twigs, dirt, uneven land and even worms.
All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory but He forgives. Compared to the forgiveness of our Lord, the beautiful snow comes nowhere close. When God forgives us He no longer remembers what we were but who we have become. The snow can only cover up but God can take away where we are clean inside and out.
God loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins. There is no love greater than this. We should consider others when they anger us. No matter what they do or say it is a command to forgive. If a perfect God forgives then we should also.
Colossians 3:13
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
by Carol Roberts | Jul 6, 2015 | Encouragement
There are many disasters today such as earthquakes, floods, droughts and wide spread sicknesses. These type calamities will bring people to the house of God for comfort and He hears and answers them.
In our hearts we know right from wrong. The continuous urge to become involved in the fleeting pleasures of the world is hard to resist. When friends are encouraging us to join in and go against our consciences it adds additional pressure on us. When these inner battles become so intense to the point of being a full blown war we are invited to stand in the presence of God and ask for grace. He will equip us with everything we need to resist. Many times He will require us to walk away from situations that tempt us or separate from certain lifestyles in order to regain strength to resist. There is nothing too hard for God. He changes hearts. He changes mind sets. All that is needed is a sincere willingness to stand for what is right and faith in God to see us through. He will accept us no matter what we are facing in life. He understands all things.
2 Chronicles 20:9
They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in Your presence before this Temple where Your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and You will hear us and rescue us.’
by Carol Roberts | Jul 6, 2015 | Hope
It’s a fact of life we will lose things important to us. Secure jobs suddenly fold up leaving people with no income. Investments sift like sand through our fingers. Leadership for the people becomes a disappointing power struggle among themselves with no concern for the needs of the people. Churches are closing their doors because there is no longer enough interest to afford staying open.
These situations go unnoticed by many people because they have not experienced these type losses. They are indeed blessed. However most of us have endured these heart breaking losses where efforts have dissolved in front of our eyes.
As we stay focused on our Lord we can have peace in all circumstances. Jesus is our only hope in all things. He created us, loves us and cares for us. As we live each day looking at the things that have worked out we can see that our greatest treasure is in the love of Jesus Christ and that treasure is never taken from us. The more we stay focused on God and what He is doing we will start to see the clouds will give way to sunshine. Our greatest asset is the priceless love that only Jesus can give and He never takes it away.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
