by Carol Roberts | Sep 29, 2015 | Love
The Bible is very specific when It speaks of these difficult times. As we approach the end of the age God promises never to leave us nor forsake us.
Governments may choose to remove the words, “In God We Trust,” from coins but God is still trustworthy.
Certain groups may be offended when people promote the love of Jesus Christ but He understands their misunderstandings.
Authority figures may prevent people from giving praise to God, but Jesus said if the people do not praise Him, the very rocks will cry out. Jesus is still praised.
People may no longer be allowed to wear a symbol of the cross in certain gatherings but the empty cross from two thousand years ago still overcomes death today.
Jesus is Lord in all situations and in all generations. He is alive and well and stands among us. His love can always find a way.
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 28, 2015 | Hope
A mill that is operated by running water produces much flour and corn mill. That mill operates day after day producing a great product that meets the needs of many people. Then the day comes when the mill is closed down because newer technology and machines can produce much more. Is that mill a worthless building now? No. It is now a historical site that still stands. Each faded spot on the mill represents a beauty that nothing can compare to. It is a building where photographers continue to gather creating beautiful photos that are used in magazines and newspapers. Even though it is the same building, the purpose has changed where more people can enjoy it.
God gives special talents to each person. He opens the door of opportunity to use these talents for His glory. There is fulfillment in having a vocation where everything fits. Jobs are enjoyed, talents are respected and rewarded and this creates even more productivity. The company notices, the bosses promote and the customers are pleased. It’s a win win situation to the worker and the world. Suddenly the job comes to an end. Another person is hired for the job creating total devastation to the one who once thrived.
Is this the end? Did God not appreciate the hard work? No. Until He comes for us it’s not over. God is ready to change direction to more of a spiritual benefit. Earthly vocations do not offer eternal life. Only Jesus Christ offers an eternity with Him. When we are faithful in what He gives us, He gives even more. Dollars are only a temporary reward to be used during a lifetime. When talents and vocations are used to please God, not only will He meet our earthly needs, He will also use us to bring glory to Him where rewards never rust away. God notices. For God to recognize obedience is better than all the bosses in the world to recognize our work. Talent belongs to God. Ask God for an open door and He will supply one. He will open this door no matter the walk of life.
Luke 11:9-10
So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 27, 2015 | Salvation
Revelation 1:3 says: God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
The things spoken about throughout the Bible are quickly unfolding. Friends are betraying friends. Theft is happening all over the place where nothing is safe. Humans are treated like pawns in a chess game being used to gain power and popularity in the world.
For single people who are dating a night cap is expected where no importance is given to the time spent together to know one another. School children are out of control where teachers cannot teach yet the teacher gets the blame. Parents are approached about the out of control behavior in the classroom only to be told their child does not act like that and will not give permission for a consequence.
This list gets longer each day. These things happen when God is removed and people fight to keep the name Jesus from being mentioned. Throughout the Bible it is mentioned that God will step back when people want to take over. Once things are all messed up people realize that only God knows all the answers.
The time is coming very quickly when God will stand up for His people and stand against the mindset of those who will have no part of God. God protects us in the shadow of His wing through all things. His love for us in unconditional.
Revelation 3:10
Because you have obeyed My command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 26, 2015 | Love
When we do not understand something, ask a young adult. When we wonder how to get through a major problem in life, ask a teenager. As we grow older we learn that many obstacles and hurts stem from dealings with people. The younger the person the more they advise to just walk away, hurt back or just not care.
The older we become the more we see that love gives the most comfort and it gives the most pain. Younger people love but as they get older they learn the value of being loved and become more grateful to those who care for them.
God loves us more than we can imagine. As we grow into His likeness spiritually we learn very quickly that we know nothing at all. The biggest asset we have is the love from God.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to Him,
and he will make your paths straight.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 25, 2015 | Love
When the greatest commandment to love God first then love our neighbor as ourselves becomes a challenge, God understands.
There are times emotions will not allow any actions of love. Some situations are devastating at best. A loving husband of many years comes home from work and his wife has packed and moved out for good. He was unaware anything was wrong and is not offered a chance to work things out. A caring mentor walks a young person through obstacles in life spending years in loving prayer and counsel. Then a day comes when the counsel is not popular and suddenly the mentor is told to get out of his life, for good. A school teacher stays after school day after day studying with a student who doesn’t understand the assignment. The student makes a failing mark and tells that teacher he doesn’t care. This husband, mentor and teacher get reports of the happiness of their loved ones only to know that the type happiness they are entertaining will eventually end in ruin. That is even more painful than the rejection.
Having evil or an uncaring spirit returned for good creates a host of mixed hurts that cannot be healed over night. It takes sometimes years to recover from these hurts.
Jesus Christ understands it all. When we cannot love no matter how hard we try, God is available to grant us additional grace for the asking. Jesus loves us all, no matter what. When asking Jesus to love a person in our place because we cannot, He will gladly love that person for us while we continue to forgive and to pray for that unlovable person.
On the cross, Jesus said: Father forgive them for they know not what they do. Jesus understands. He was despised, rejected and wounded. The worst rejection is the one Jesus faces daily. He loves us enough to give His life and there are those who never love Him in return. When the ends of their lives happen it is goodbye forever. The love of Jesus is far greater than the greatest love any human can offer. He understands.
Ephesians 3:18-19
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.