by Carol Roberts | Apr 23, 2016 | Encouragement
There is no championship without a battle. There is no victory without obstacles. There is no achievement without hard work.
Jesus has already won all victories. During life’s battles we determine which has the upper hand and for how long. We can concentrate on the obstacle or the solutions. It is what we give attention to that has the upper hand at the time.
Life does not have to be a close game when we trust Jesus Who has been undefeated and continues to remain undefeated.
Psalm 20:5
May we shout for joy over Your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 21, 2016 | Salvation
A beautiful sheet of snow covers the ground. A budding tree comes in the spring. Warm sunshine cheers the heart. A full moon lightens the darkest of nights. A colorful sunset draws attention. A cloudless day shows a magnificent shade of blue. Fall time trees paint a scenery of orange, red and yellow. Seasons are on time. Night and day happen with no effort. Oceans are stocked with food. Land allows crops to be planted. Talents and skills of people working together makes a quality life. All things point to God.
Romans 1:20
Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of His existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 19, 2016 | Hope
Each year television repeats programs that were aired earlier in the season. We know the outcome and how every character role is portrayed. For a different outcome it’s necessary to switch channels and view another program.
There are times in life when same situations and hardships come up over and over. Even though the characters, location and scenery may change the outcome is the same. Feelings are hurt, friendships are lost or similar disappointments happen as before. Many times God uses these repeat situations to direct us to our own hearts in order to change an attitude or habit from within. We can change jobs, friends or where we live but along with us comes what is in our hearts. To see a different outcome in life, switch attitudes of the heart. Allow God through prayer and His word to reveal deep rooted habits and hurts then let Him work. This will allow the channel of the heart to be switched to a story with a more positive outcome.
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires. Don’t toss me aside, banished forever from your presence. Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 19, 2016 | Salvation
There are church bodies who come on television where every few minutes the show is stopped to have a commercial. It’s not just any commercial but it is the pastor who is trying to sell books, CDs, DVDs and solicit donations. There are other places of worship that are all about numbers both in having large congregations and large incomes from donations.
There was an article written recently where a young child asked a simple but serious question. When a body becomes a business, isn’t that prostitution?
Jesus gives several examples of the value of one soul. When a shepherd will leave ninety nine sheep to search for the one that is lost, it is love.
Love is what Jesus is all about. People are not numbers. People are not cash cows. People are created in God’s image and He says it is good. He has each hair on each head numbered. His love is unconditional. Praise God for that.
Matthew 11:25
And Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 17, 2016 | Love
It’s amazing how green a pasture looks from a distance. It’s solid green to the eye that does not see the gaps in the soil or the rocks. From a closer view the distant pasture is no greener than the one just left.
Judging what is unknown leads to disappointment either way.
With people, sometimes it appears a person will be one we think we can not live without. The slick words, impressive attitude and magnetism that draws people turn out to be disappointing when it is learned that the person is just putting up a front. All that person wants is to take what they can get from others and give nothing in return. On the other hand a quieter person gets overlooked because nobody wants to take the time to uncover the treasure chest of love, compassion and fulfillment that is inside the quieter person.
A first impression does not determine the worth of a person but instead it is what is in the heart. Time is the most valuable gift a person can give to another. Without it, unfortunately all there is to base opinions on are the first impressions.
In a pasture, what turns green is the section that is watered and rocks are removed. With people, what grows into a lasting intimate friendship are those who get time. What about time spent alone with God? He loves us enough to remove our rocks and water our pastures with His love.
Luke 6:37-38
“Never criticize or condemn—or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.”