by Carol Roberts | Jan 23, 2016 | Encouragement
No two people see eye to eye on every single thing. God made us all with loving care and with many fine details then broke the mold. Each person serves God’s Own purpose. It is reasonable to know there will be many differences of opinion even when both people are right.
It is like two people explaining how an elephant looks. One is describing in detail the elephant’s foot and is exactly right. The other explains in detail the trunk and is exactly right. The two correct opinions differ but it’s nothing to quarrel over. Instead, it’s an opportunity to get more information to better understand the whole picture.
Arguments sometimes happen, especially when one person is misinformed but winning an argument doesn’t mean anything has actually been won. What did the argument do to enhance a testimony or to encourage the other person? To kindly agree to disagree quenches heated discussions before allowing them to start. It saves friendships and reputations. God has His own timing, situations and ways of clearing up misunderstandings and nobody gets hurt.
Psalm 37:7-9
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
by Carol Roberts | Jan 23, 2016 | Love
When someone you never expected picks up the phone and calls, or sends a card or even smiles, it is a big blessing. It comes at a time when it is needed the most. That person listened to God and warmed a heart.
To experience one blessing is to receive such a demonstration of love.
To experience two blessings is to give such a demonstration of love. To pass along an act of love is to please God and lift up another person too. How exciting it is to see an enemy’s anger turn into a smile. There is hope in all things by showing a little love. Jesus loves us no matter what, pass it on.
Matthew 5:44-48
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
by Carol Roberts | Jan 22, 2016 | Love
Things in this life do not always go according to plan. While others seem to have things under control and things fall into place for them, we never know what is in their hearts. Many times a person with much confidence in their own wealth and abilities are the ones who are empty inside. Others seem to have one hurdle after another and nowhere to turn for help.
God’s loving arms are always stretched out toward us. He waits patiently for us to trust Him so He can resolve it all for us. There are things that cannot be resolved by human efforts but only by God’s touch. There is nothing shameful about surrendering things to God. There is no failure in telling God we do not have the ability to handle certain trials. He is patiently and lovingly waiting for us to gather under His wing.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
by Carol Roberts | Jan 21, 2016 | Salvation
His name is Jesus. He loves. He forgives. He saves. It doesn’t matter who you are, your job, your talent, the language you speak or what you look like. Jesus loves. Jesus forgives. Jesus saves. Be blessed today and every day.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
by Carol Roberts | Jan 20, 2016 | Salvation
Nobody has to be a super human being to pray. God takes the prayers of ordinary people and changes circumstances. Words may not come out right but Christ intercedes before the throne to make what we say pleasing to God. We may be sinners but God provides a way to be forgiven through Christ just by confessing. Our situation may be bigger than anything we can even approach but God Who creates can recreate. God, Who created everything from nothing can do all things.
James 5:16-18
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.