by Carol Roberts | Apr 2, 2016 | Hope
Have you ever tried to drive while the parking brake was on or ride a bicycle holding the brakes? Holding a grudge against somebody or remaining angry does the same thing.
There can be a big party in your honor but because you are mad at one of the guests that’s all you think about. A lot of people can pass your way and offer good cheer but all that gets overlooked. All concentration is on that one person or one situation that didn’t work out properly. To remain focused on something that is hurtful or keeps anger going changes nothing. It does not hold back the hands of time. The past keeps getting further away.
To forgive that person will not change what happened but it will take the brakes off allowing you to move ahead to bigger and better things. Moving ahead and leaving behind the situation or person or maybe even yourself in the hands of God will open more opportunities for peace and happiness. God will see to it all things work together for the good of those who love Him but He must be the main focus.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Sir, how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!
by Carol Roberts | Apr 1, 2016 | Encouragement
There are times when God’s instructions are to stand with Him and resist the devil. There are other times God says to flee. There will always be temptation and there will always be the choice of how one deals with temptation.
To deal with temptation the right way is to either confront it or run from it depending on what God instructs through His word. To try to overcome it alone is a recipe for failure.
To listen to God and run from a situation that causes sin every single time is not weakness but instead wisdom. Any good soldier will shed anything that stands in the way of obedience to a command. Any child of God should do likewise. There are certain situations where God calls His people to do an about face into a totally different lifestyle in order to be of the best service to God. Seeking God’s instruction first is the answer to all things, no matter what feelings are involved.
2 Timothy 2:4-5
and as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the One who has enlisted you in His army. Follow the Lord’s rules for doing His work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize.