by Carol Roberts | Dec 21, 2018 | Love
When Solomon asked for wisdom instead of material things, God gave him both. The Bible speaks often of wisdom and the protection it offers. Wisdom keeps us from getting into trouble. It warns us beforehand if we are headed for something that can have harsh consequences. Wisdom helps us to keep silent when otherwise we would speak with quick words.
Wisdom helps us daily to make choices that save us time and effort. Something as simple as driving a block further to get to a traffic light instead of pushing through traffic can protect our mood and save time. If we see trash on the floor it’s the polite things to do to pick it up and toss it in a trash bin. It could very well save another person from slipping. Wisdom shows us that simple actions can create many rewards and opportunities, not only for ourselves but for others too.
From a spiritual stand point wisdom can alert us when someone isn’t telling us the truth or something is going on that leads to destruction. We can know specifically when to politely walk away. Wisdom allows us to have these gut feelings when something isn’t right or a bad choice. God has made the precious gift of wisdom available for the asking and the listening. If we are a person who likes to do all the talking and very little listening we run the risk of pushing aside wisdom. Listening allows God to put wisdom into our hearts about things we need to change. It makes sense that the book of Proverbs in the Bible stresses wisdom and the importance of asking for more. It is an honor to God for us to use the wisdom He gives us.
James 3:17 Living Bible
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere.
by Carol Roberts | Dec 19, 2018 | Hope
When we focus on our own goals and achievements and compare them to the accomplishments of others we will be disappointed each time. Our only goal is to be more Christlike and He will see to it we achieve the maximum of what He called us to do.
No famous person becomes popular by copying the behavior of someone else. Each person has his or her own trademark on this earth by being who God calls them to be. We have seen people try to impersonate famous people and it gains a quick laugh or two but underneath it all is the unique person God created them to be.
As we continue to seek the instructions of God for ourselves there will be no need to compare ourselves to anyone except us. There will also be no need to criticize or tear down others who do not do things exactly like we expect. We will be too busy maturing in Christ to even notice.
If we continually promote Christ, He will store up for us blessings that last for an eternity. While God blesses along the way during our stay on earth, the incorruptible blessings await us in heaven.
Psalm 31:19 Living Bible
Oh, how great is Your goodness to those who publicly declare that You will rescue them. For You have stored up great blessings for those who trust and reverence You.
by Carol Roberts | Dec 16, 2018 | Love
God inhabits the praises of His people. The Bible is very specific when scriptures tell us to sing or play instruments. A joyful noise of praise from the heart pleases God. God has gifted numerous people with precise skills on certain instruments and others to give praises with a beautiful voice. Still others praise within a crowd to create an atmosphere of worship.
All voices and musicians God sends to a church are to join in together. One church leader put things beautifully when he stated that he selects his music based on the people God sends. He said he would never select the Hallelujah Chorus if he does not have a first tenor to sing the part. Using wisdom with matching the abilities, skills and number of musicians to the music is how a leader maximizes the potential of who God sends.
God makes no mistakes in who He sends to serve at a church. Some churches are blessed with a gifted organist, instrumentalists, singers or band players. When God sends talents to a church He will also let it be known how each person can be used. Unfortunately a trend has evolved and a lot of praise musicians are tossed aside. The organ and choir, for example, has been tossed aside to be replaced by small groups of singers and bands. Why not use all people? God has a place for every musician to be used. Music leaders should also appreciate and make a place of service for the musicians God sends.
This growing trend of abolishing choirs, orchestras and organists is astonishing and depressing. God sends people to serve and when services are not needed people move on. For each one who moves on they take with them their family and many times their friends. This is proof that Jesus is correct in saying that if the people do not praise Him the rocks will. People long to praise. It’s a part of our spiritual lives and well being to praise.
It’s astonishing the number of churches closing their doors because too few people attend. Unfortunately many times it starts with limiting the number of people who are allowed to praise and sing. A healthy worship experience includes everybody. If two people come each week to praise and both play banjos and several people play a trumpet, it’s the right thing to do to use these people each week. God sends these specific people for a specific reason. There is nothing more lonely than to see a gifted musician sitting in the pew and told not to serve because it doesn’t fit a particular sound that may or may not please man. God cannot grow a choir, orchestra or even a congregation if most people are tossed aside.
The music speaks. People long to be used each church service. In God’s house there is a place for everyone. If people are continually being turned away or told to sit in a choir as a courtesy but not serve, is it really a joyful noise? God sends these musicians for His own reasons. Use them.
2 Chronicles 5:13 New Living Translation
The trumpeters and singers performed together in unison to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices and praised the Lord with these words: “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the Lord.
by Carol Roberts | Dec 14, 2018 | Encouragement
We all live under the authority of someone whether we choose to acknowledge them or shun them. While we don’t always agree with the ones placed in charge of us God requires us to pray for them.
It’s easy to post opinions on social media or to each other opposing the ways of the ones who represent us but have we taken time to pray? God can soften even hearts that are as hard as rocks. When we pray God opens the heavens to focus on the people we call out to Him. We may not see results right away but we can know God takes our prayers and concerns seriously. It takes time to break down habits of pride or contentment in routines so no prayer is wasted.
As we focus on God in these situations of political agendas we can know that His ways are higher than even the most powerful elected official. We can be assured that God will take care of corruption in His way and His timing. The answers are always from God. No political arena can take care of the needs of the people. Compared to God nobody has power.
God has certain people in authority for His Own reasons and while it’s proper to obey earthly authority it is necessary to obey the One over these authorities. God will see to it we are protected in all things. He requires us to pray and trust then wait for Him to act.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 Living Bible.
Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all He is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord.
by Carol Roberts | Dec 12, 2018 | Encouragement
As a child our parents would reach to the countertop to get the things we could not reach. As God’s children He will reach for us the things we cannot reach.
There are things in life that are easy to attain such as preparing a meal or calling a friend but what about the things we cannot control. The things in life that are devastating to us are situations we turn over to God to handle. While we do not understand certain hardships or hurts God has the end result already planned.
It is an automatic action for many of us to clinch our hands or wrinkle our brow each moment things are not resolved. However God assures us He will do all the planning for us so we can be peaceful along the way.
What we do not understand God understands fully. What we cannot attain for ourselves God will attain for us. God assures us our uncertainties are totally in His care and we are not expected to do what we cannot. He extends His loving arm to us in all situations no matter how great or small.
John 16:33 New Living Translation
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.