by Carol Roberts | Mar 30, 2017 | Encouragement
A band consists of many instruments each playing its own part. The beauty created when all instruments come together to play a song is pleasant to a listening audience. The music heard is the song as a whole and never a lone instrument.
Some may feel that playing second, third or fourth is humiliating when it’s totally the opposite. If it were not for the supporting parts the first part would be noticed as an unpleasant sound. Looking at things realistically, all instruments are first on the part it plays. While one may play a higher tone and more notes there would be no band without all instruments.
There is no disgrace playing second trumpet because without the seconds, thirds and fourths there would be no first. In God’s eyes all instruments are first. His Omnipresence makes it as though each instrument, each tone and each note is the only one He hears. When offered to God in love it is received as a pleasant aroma in His throne room.
Ephesians 4:16 New Living Translation
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
by Carol Roberts | Mar 29, 2017 | Love
There are times we encounter an angry person. His words are harsh and insulting. The look on his face is like a stop sign meaning to stay away. He dislikes everybody.
Other people we approach are angry for the moment. They are angry at a situation or angry at us for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Neither of these type people are secure in their heart. They have been disappointed or hurt previously in life and live a defensive lifestyle. Chances are they have no clue what they are defending.
Prayer and a polite smile and maybe even a wave will eventually soften their hearts and win their trust. It may take a while but with God all things are possible.
There are times we will encounter a flare up of an angry person and wonder what to do when it happens. The answer is simple yet the hardest to do.
This angry person is shouting at the top of his lungs calling us everything but human but we are to stand firm. Maintain eye contact which is a characteristic of strength and say nothing. While listening to their harshness it is important to make an effort to discern past the words and feel what they may be going through. Just our silence and listening ear alone will disarm them. As they come to a close and we say a polite thank you they will not know what to do with that. If we ask if there is anything else they would like to add, especially if we maintain eye contact and a pleasant attitude, it will put the whole encounter back on them. They are forced to listen to their own words which many times is humbling to them.
Proverbs 15:1 New Living Translation
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
by Carol Roberts | Mar 27, 2017 | Hope
Have you ever known somebody that gives you an uneasy feeling whenever they are around? While others are bragging on this person and how sweet they are you sense something isn’t quite right. You start to notice little things that others do not notice.
You may work as a file clerk. While others bring you things to file throughout the day your friend waits until almost time to leave before bringing you a ton of things to file. The files are out of order and it’s time consuming to file. She brings you these files with an angelic smile on her face. Nobody notices but you.
There are numerous ways your friend can set up these hardships for you while others think she’s the finest person on staff. This person never raises her voice. In fact she is always kind, especially in front of others. However her kindness becomes more kind as time progresses. The longer you do not react the nicer she gets while her set ups for you get more intense. You endure hardship after hardship at the hands of this person. The hardest thing to bear is being all alone in this situation. Others brag in your face about how your friend will give the shirt off her back while you make a forced smile and nod.
Your heart is broken. You are angry. You are upset on the inside while on the outside you have to be the greatest actor that ever lived. Your spiteful friend knows this even though you act differently.
This situation is a prime example of a spiritual battle that only a discerning heart would know. The devil is once again using person against person to create his turmoil for those of you who love Jesus. You are in a situation where you cannot tell anybody but God knows. God awaits your prayers to invite Him to partner with you in getting this situation resolved. While your friend is arranging for nobody to know but her, you are arranging for God to shine His face in this situation.
God has numerous ways of dealing with people that continually set traps for others. Sometimes God will choose for others to have a snare set by this same person in order for two people to know. Other times a person like that will be noticed as the trap is being set and confronted about it. Still other times God chooses to move this person to a different location or even you to be promoted. It all works out when you place your trust in God in these spiritual battles.
Mark 4:2 2New Living Translation
For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.
by Carol Roberts | Mar 25, 2017 | Encouragement
Today there are trials in our lives like never before. Numerous requests are being made for others to pray for them in certain situations. These requests are real and it is a true fact that without God in our lives we can do nothing.
The devil is still on the warpath because his days are numbered. It is his goal to trip up as many people possible before his ultimate demise forever. He has numerous tactics mainly discouragement that have people upset. Things just aren’t working out and the people in charge are not doing what is expected in order to help things along.
Many people in high places are totally blind to the truth. They do not see reality for what it is yet the ones trusting the those in charge are experiencing real hardships and real disappointments.
It is understandable that more than ever before people are making a plea for people to say a prayer on their behalf. While we ask for prayers that things will work out, it usually does not occur to us to ask people to stand with us in prayer against the principalities of darkness. The devil and his imps are a constant instigator of discord that divide people.
The devil is the tempter that makes people care only for themselves. These people do not notice they have fallen into a spiritual trap because the earthly rewards of prestige, fame and fortune continually lure them. They hurt people to keep this status and have no remorse.
When we ask for prayer along with others these days we are dealing with a spiritual battle. God has blessed us through the blood of Jesus Christ the authority to resist the devil no matter how desperate the situation. Resisting the devil leaves more room for God to intervene with these obstacles that keep coming up in life. While there are times to let go and let God, there are other times our involvement must be on our knees claiming authority over these spirits causing such warfare in our lives. It’s important to remember that nothing is impossible for God and as we follow His divine instructions we can start to see results. If at first results appear worse it’s a sign that the devil’s plans have been disrupted. Just like breaking down a hornet’s nest causes a swarm of anger, so it is when we work with God in His way and His timing to break down these strongholds in life.
God has a beautiful plan for us. The time is now to take a stand against these obstacles through prayer so we can start enjoying the peace that passes all understanding.
Ephesians 6:12-18 New Living Translation
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
by Carol Roberts | Mar 24, 2017 | Love
When the snow is melted will anyone remember your footprint was once there? When you walk through seasons of life, will the people you encounter remember you? If people remember you, what will they remember about you?
Do your actions encourage others to want to be their best? Do your words of comfort point to Christ? Do you follow through on what you say you will do? Do you wear a smile and accept people just the way they are? Do you gently point others to a pathway that leads them away from a destructive lifestyle?
Is there enough evidence to convict you of belonging to Jesus Christ?
Even though people may not remember your name or anything about you, they will remember the comfort and positive feeling they received in your presence.
1 Peter 2:12 New Living Translation
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.