by Carol Roberts | Sep 25, 2018 | Friendship
What exactly is a loyal friend? A true friend will serve yet not let himself become a robot to another person. Friendship is understanding someone even though things may cause him to have a bad day and lash out at us. At the same time we do not allow him pull us down.
True friendships do not hold grudges even if a moment of weakness causes this friend to turn on us. We are to forgive him and pray for him yet we use caution in the future toward our friend.
When we explain friendship in this way it’s easy to take offense because some hurts can never be repaired. Time will not heal these hurts and extra efforts on their part will not earn our trust again.
The Bible is specific in saying we are to treat others as we wish to be treated. However there is no mention that we must rush back into the embraces of those who continually bring us tears. Forgiveness means to lovingly accept people for whom God created them to be but there are no requirements to submit to their abuse. There are times we may find it necessary to ask God to love a person our behalf because humanly we cannot endure another hurt.
During these times when we come face to face with one we have avoided in order to side step another hurt we must remember that God is with us. He will see to it we have the proper words to say or He will see to it we have the ability to stand firm. God provides many comforts to us as we face painful situations.
God, Who created all things will overcome all things. Our most loyal friend is Jesus and He will see to it our needs for true friendships with others are met.
Proverbs 17:17 Living Bible
A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 25, 2018 | Encouragement
Many refer to a pet dog as man’s best friend. A new puppy takes a lot of harsh disciplining and the puppy may sulk for a while but when the master motions with a kind gesture he is quick to wag his tail and trust again. This type of discipline is needed for a puppy to grow into a valuable friend. If a master takes the time to groom a dog into a show dog or a service dog, even more harsh discipline is required. With the right master a dog can become an asset to many hurting people. A good master will always reward for hard work.
We are totally different than any animal but there is something to be learned in the prompt forgiveness and positive change of attitude of a dog. Our obedience to God helps us to steadily grow into His likeness. We are a work in progress while we are on earth.
God’s continuous discipline is proof of His love. It is a demonstration He is always right here with us. It’s the same with a loving master toward his dog. It takes years of grooming and training and that is only the beginning. There will be days ahead when the work and training that has gone into us will get a chance to solo for God to see.
A master and his dog is a prime example of how discipline, devotion and hard work pays off.
Just like a dog’s master is pleased with the showmanship of his years of grooming his dog, so it is with God and us. We walk through many trials and disciplines but He is pleased to have us as His child.
Proverbs 29:17 Living Bible
Discipline your son and he will give you happiness and peace of mind.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 24, 2018 | Salvation
When we consider large ships it’s important to consider the compass. As a ship leaves port to cross an ocean or great sea the view becomes totally water in all directions until it nears the destination. If the compass gets destroyed the captain must rely on his own instinct. These instincts may work for a while but it doesn’t take long for him to lose his sense of direction, especially if the sun is behind stormy clouds.
God has given to us a spiritual compass which is our conscience in life. Our minds are continually tugging at us letting us know what to pursue and what to avoid. We are taught things in the Bible to look for in life and we are prepared to follow specific instructions. However the focus on the creation in many cases outweighs the focus on the Creator. We can maneuver through life easily enough with our focus on full calendars and material things but gradually our sense of direction becomes more dull as time progresses. Unfortunately the more we focus on the luxuries in life the more others are taking their positions to control things and ultimately control us. There are others who gradually get overtaken by their own desires to the point God steps away. When the spiritual compass is gradually removed people no longer have remorse for even the worst of the worst things done to others. The people in charge also have no regard for what is right and automatically excuse what is wrong.
Have we been focused so long on luxuries that we have stopped noticing the absence of God’s presence in these situations? Are we guilty of excusing wrong doings because it will require a commitment from us to even go vote? Many times if things do not affect us immediately or it doesn’t interfere with our routine, we remove ourselves and hibernate in our own comfort zones. It’s time to consider it an emergency if we are too comfortable especially if we do not take time to survey our surroundings or the direction authorities are taking the world.
The time has come to get busy about our Lord’s work. He will provide His divine instructions and He can use us to create ways He can bless. There are many people who have reached the point where what is wrong seems right to them. If this is the case for some of us, it’s time to run to the alter and seek God’s guidance in order to have our spiritual compass restored. It’s not too late to seek God’s will.
Romans 1:28-31 Living Bible
So it was that when they gave God up and would not even acknowledge Him, God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip. They were backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, braggarts, always thinking of new ways of sinning and continually being disobedient to their parents. They tried to misunderstand, broke their promises, and were heartless—without pity.
by Carol Roberts | Sep 21, 2018 | Hope
Prayer opens heaven for God to pour out His spirit upon the object of our prayer. Prayer is a powerful privilege given to us by God and paid for by Jesus Christ. God is the first person we should run to when things work opposite of the way they should.
With political actions being in the forefront of many news stations it’s easy to get absorbed in the daily tit for tats going on with the people who represent us. People are quick to complain, post, protest or refuse to vote but did we remember to pray. God can do all things yet many times prayer is the last thing we do when things go awry. No man or group of people can perfectly solve complex problems or disagreements but God can.
The Bible tells us the prayers of a righteous man accomplishes much. Prayer is powerful. It will always be more powerful than any situation no matter how complex. Did we remember to pray for the people involved in the things that concern us? God can soften even the hardest of hearts.
When God is approached in love, expectancy and appreciation there are no limits to what He will accomplish. The greatest battles in life are won on our knees because the lower we get the further He reaches. Nothing is too hard for Him to achieve. It’s a matter of including Him then placing our trust in Him. He will resolve all things in His perfect way and in His perfect timing.
Ephesians 6:18 New Living Translation
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 | Sep 19, 2018 | Hope
We see a beautiful array of flowers. They are displayed with much splendor. The various colors, shapes and sizes create a gorgeous scene that is incredible. The pleasant aromas become sought after scents for cologne bottles. It isn’t long before the leaves take over and begin their work. However we overlook the most important thing which is the growing process beneath the flowers.
God continually looks beneath the end result at the things He can channel toward His purpose. A full grown flower or plant unfortunately has maximized its usefulness.
It’s the same with us. There are certain people who are poised with beauty and talent. These people are sought after by others to be awarded jobs, gigs and numerous other opportunities while others are still in the growing process and never get noticed. While it’s easy to become discouraged it’s important to know that we are the ones God reaches to.
We are growing, we can be channeled and we can be groomed for God’s purpose. God sees all things whereas people many times see only the end results. Growing in grace takes effort. We study God’s ways and listen for His still voice. Just as a flower has to push through much dirt and harsh weather we do the same. God takes us step by step through things in our lives we must give up or grow past to better see His light. The discouragements of people not understanding our growing pains is the hardest thing to overcome but it makes us stronger. It helps us to become more useful to God. It prepares us to assist others with a deeper understanding of what they face. Most of all it grows wisdom which honors God.
Proverbs 1:1-5 New Living Translation
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.