by Carol Roberts | Apr 21, 2017 | Encouragement
How often do we hear someone ask how they can pray for us? Rarely do we hear the words, “here, let me get that for you.”
When a parent, boss or even a coworker asks us to do something, what is our attitude in return? Occasionally a person in authority will demand instead of ask which will challenge our attitudes.
Jesus tells us that the person who serves us best will be our leader.
How do we serve our leaders? Do we serve with our best attitudes? If we cannot serve with gladness how does that qualify us to be a leader over the one giving the orders now?
What about the bosses and authorities in life? If we are in charge of someone else in any capacity do we treat our servers with respect? It’s always important to remember the golden rule that was introduced many years ago in the Bible. We should treat others like we want to be treated in return.
Luke 22:25-26 Living Bible
Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 20, 2017 | Friendship
Have you ever wanted to pray for a friend, coworker or family member but the words would not come? Sometimes it’s because you know very little about the situation or you know nothing at all. You have just been asked to pray.
Sometimes people will tell you that God already knows the situation, just pray and you say ok. If you are like many people you feel somewhat of a need to know enough about the situation to say a prayer that pertains to their request.
There is one thing for sure, God indeed knows every last detail of the request. Many times the reason you want to know the situation is so you can explain it to God. However God, Who knows everything about all things will only be receiving one more human account if you knew some of the details.
God gave us a beautiful prayer to say for these type requests. This same prayer works for you and it is appropriate for all situations in life. It is written out for you in the book of Colossians chapter 1 verses 9-12. This prayer is powerful and it covers all things. Whether you pray for yourself or for another person or group it is a prayer that is pleasing to God.
Colossians 1:9-12 Living Bible
So ever since we first heard about you we have kept on praying and asking God to help you understand what He wants you to do; asking Him to make you wise about spiritual things; and asking that the way you live will always please the Lord and honor Him, so that you will always be doing good, kind things for others, while all the time you are learning to know God better and better. We are praying, too, that you will be filled with His mighty, glorious strength so that you can keep going no matter what happens—always full of the joy of the Lord, and always thankful to the Father Who has made us fit to share all the wonderful things that belong to those who live in the Kingdom of light.
by Carol Roberts | Apr 19, 2017 | Hope
There are times we just cannot continue. Numerous circumstances can be instrumental in bringing us to the end of what we can endure. When we think we have things under control suddenly everything comes unglued. We are prepared and we have planned and things are working the way they should then suddenly it’s like we never planned or prepared. Things just are not working.
Things worked fine yesterday and the day before, why not today?
Occasionally God will bring us to the end of our strength so He can take over and make the results even more beautiful. Instead of being frustrated it’s time to choose to give the captain’s position of our ship over to the One who made the ship. God has everything taken care of.
Jeremiah 32:17 Living Bible
O Lord God! You have made the heavens and earth by Your great power; nothing is too hard for You!
by Carol Roberts | Apr 18, 2017 | Hope
We have all met people who are all about themselves. They continually brag on their accomplishments, looks and good deeds. If the conversation is not about them and their contributions in life they are not interested in keeping a conversation.
Such people have a deep void to feel loved and appreciated. However getting praise from people only makes their void deeper. They continue to seek recognition to fill an endless pit of loneliness. The only relief they get is temporary applause then it’s on to the next source for attention.
Unfortunately for these type personalities the only help is to hit rock bottom where they will find the Lily of the Valley which is Jesus. People can continue to try to offer praise and recognition but it only delays the inevitable. The Christ shaped void can only be filled by Christ Himself.
Prayer is the best thing to offer these people.
In today’s world where so many have refused to acknowledge God and the salvation grace of Jesus Christ it is forcing many to become their own god. There is an instinct in all of us to seek God. When it becomes wrong in society to acknowledge God it creates an epidemic of narcissistic behaviors that are all about them. These people need prayer and after that, unfortunately to be left with no praise in order that they may seek God.
Proverbs 27:2 Living Bible
Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!
by Carol Roberts | Apr 17, 2017 | Salvation
Many have gone to the Holy Land to tour the places where Jesus walked. The most cherished moment is to stand at the tomb and look in. Whether it is the actual tomb where Jesus was placed or one nearby the impact is the same. It is empty. It is dark. It is confining. Even with the emptiness people walk away being lifted up spiritually because the Savior placed in that tomb lives forever giving hope to all people.
There is one more point of view and that is the view from the tomb looking out. Inside the tomb is emptiness but looking out is light, warmth and comfort. Jesus came that we can live. Our sins are forgiven and we live forever in the light, not in the tomb. This is the greatest gift of all.
We can now look beyond our own faults and kiss them goodbye. We are free to live a life without clinging to a familiar lifestyle of undesirable habits. We are free to step out of our own emotional and spiritual tombs to live in the light of Jesus Christ.
John 20:3-8 Living Bible
We ran to the tomb to see; I outran Peter and got there first, and stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but I didn’t go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went on inside. He also noticed the cloth lying there, while the swath that had covered Jesus’ head was rolled up in a bundle and was lying at the side. Then I went in too, and saw, and believed that He had risen.