by Carol Roberts | Aug 26, 2015 | Encouragement
It takes no faith at all to look back at the good old days. When the Israelites left with Moses God provided miracle after miracle. He did not promise an easy journey but a safe one. They were provided manna for free, guidance with a cloud and fire, a tabernacle and shoes that never wore out. When they focused on the country they left or the things they did not have it provoked God’s anger.
In today’s age when focus is on the things we do not have instead of the things we do, God is not first and we come out from under His protection. God’s protection is not on the enemy but instead on His people. Giving thanks for the things God has done for us puts the focus back on the will of God. It prevents us from becoming angry and discouraged. God Inhabits the praises of His people.
Philippians 2:14-16a
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
by Carol Roberts | Aug 25, 2015 | Friendship
There is nothing more peaceful than to sit with an older person who prays and calls your name out to God. The bond is special. Things on your mind that you don’t even understand yourself are somehow understood by this elderly person. As you stumble over words trying to explain feelings, facts, hurts and frustrations this elderly person genuinely listens and says very little. You walk away feeling like everything will be fine from that moment on. There is a trust that your name will continue to be called out in humble prayer. The most important bond is knowing Christ is the center of the entire conversation. Jesus has our situation safely tucked under His wing where two have gathered trusting Him to reveal His plan. When we take this one step further by praising God for His answers, that’s when God gets His glory and others are encouraged.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.
by Carol Roberts | Aug 24, 2015 | Grief
If God allowed us to see heaven just for a split second we would be lost for words. The beauty, peace, love and trust is beyond our greatest experience here. The Apostle Paul had such an experience and he had no words to explain.
For the numerous people who have gone before us, God has embraced them in His wholeness and perfection. We have the assurance of His word backed by His death on the cross. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.
2 Corinthians 12:3-5
Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside my body. But I do know that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell. That experience is worth boasting about, but I’m not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses.
by Carol Roberts | Aug 23, 2015 | Salvation
The garden of Eden consisted of many beautiful streams, bushes and trees yet the devil brought Eve’s focus to just one tree. How many times has the devil done that to us in today’s time? The press is being used by the devil to bring our focus to things that are only as big as a pebble in a beach of sand.
While focus is being brought to what is politically correct, or who is gay or which animal got shot, there are famines and plagues all around. Earthquakes are more often than before and weather patterns are warnings that the truth mentioned in the Bible is happening all around us. Betrayal of our leadership has become accepted and there is more value placed on material things than on the things above. There is time to gossip but no time to pray about it.
It’s time to get busy. Let us not be so focused on a pebble and miss the entire beach with all its glorious crashing waves and beautiful sunsets.
Philippians 4:8 New Living Translation
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.
by Carol Roberts | Aug 22, 2015 | Salvation
The most beautiful lamp will not shine unless it is plugged in. The most brilliant chandelier will not be seen unless it is displayed.
There is power in the Word of God. Time spent alone with God allows Him to reveal Himself in ways we never thought. There is strength in the love of our Lord. As His exciting ways are revealed it is understandable that we want to know more. The more God reveals the more we become like Him and the more others will notice a difference and will want to know Christ too.
Jesus gives a beautiful example of the vine and the branches. The sap that is in the vine is the same sap that flows into each branch.
John 15:4-5
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
