by Carol Roberts | Apr 29, 2016 | Salvation
When writing a letter and a word is misspelled how quickly we erase the word and rewrite it or even throw away the note. Sending emails to friends or coworkers sometimes have mistakes that can be easily corrected with a simple delete or backspace button. Some computer programs have spell check where words will automatically spell correctly.
What about spiritually? When we are so quick to make everything just right for friends, bosses, online chats or tweets why not make things right with God. Instead of avoiding a confession or repentance which causes a lot of discomfort we have a covenant with our God Who will eagerly erase all sin for good. He never shames anyone or laughs, He just erases our mistakes and makes a new beginning.
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 27, 2016 | Hope
Temptation will happen because the devil is on the war path. The devil will use all situations, encounters and thoughts to bring people to his level. His days are numbered and he knows it so he will use everything possible to trip up God’s people.
It’s interesting how sitting in church will put a person’s mind on everything except what is being said from the pulpit. Other times reading the Bible will be interesting then suddenly the focus becomes on what needs to be prepared for lunch or even thoughts that are unthinkable.
The source of temptation is always the same, the devil. Jesus offers ways to deal with these temptations. Continue reading and studying the Bible to know the tactics of the devil and the techniques to deal with him. In Jesus’ name rebuke the devil and he will flee. Even if this means rebuking several times a minute, rebuke him every time these temptations happen. If it is a situation causing temptation get rid of the situation even if it seems like fun, it’s a trap. Jesus advises to keep alert and pray. Draw near to God and He will draw near to us. Seek the Lord and we will find. He will help us every time.
Luke 17:1
One day Jesus said to His disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!
1 Corinthians 10:13
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Mark 14:38
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
by Carol Roberts | Apr 26, 2016 | Encouragement
Sometimes it seems God waits until long after we feel it is too late and all hope is gone. God has many reasons for His timing and every reason is good.
If everything was worked out on our time table then where is the opportunity to build faith? Where is the opportunity to see miracles happen? What is left to where we place our trust and hope?
When answers to prayer seem delayed to the point of no hope, it is then we can know it is all about God and we are totally out of His way.
Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 25, 2016 | Love
It is not about how mean a person has been but how kind we are in return. At times it may not be easy but it’s God’s best way to bring about a solution or a punishment. God’s ways are always the best.
Romans 12:17-21
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,
“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”says the Lord.
Instead,
“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 24, 2016 | Love
The Bible speaks of trusting God and looking to every man as a liar. No matter how many times we are forgiven there is the temptation to stretch the truth or out right lie when confronted with an issue we do not want to face.
Jesus tells us to forgive seventy times seven, meaning to always forgive.
There are other situations where a person deceives in a serious way or deceives over a long period of time where trust can never be placed in that person again. No matter how hidden an untruth may be sooner or later the truth comes out. It’s a horrible shock for a young person to go out to lunch with her parents to find her steady boyfriend with a new girl. He told her earlier he had too much homework to do.
It’s a slap in the face to have a group project where all people are needed. A lady who is counted upon tells the group of a sick mother and cannot help out. Later she is seen in another group at the same time she would have helped the original group.
There is no humanly possible way to trust such deceit yet God tells us to forgive each time. With deception nobody wins. The person betrayed has a long healing process ahead of them. The betrayer continually feels uncomfortable trying to avoid the people they deceive.
The truth indeed sets us free and it prevents a multitude of consequences later. There are times when people can ask others for forgiveness and be forgiven and efforts are made to change. Friendships are restored and relationships can start over. Other times there have been too many damages done where the trust is gone. We are instructed to forgive but there are no requirements to be friends with one who continues to deceive.
God, Who is always honest and true is where we should place our trust. God will reveal to us the ones who are true friends.
Psalm 118:8
It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.