No Turning Back

Posted on April 25, 2013 by

no_turning_back_by_expiredcupcake

A few days ago, I was thinking about Abraham and his son, Isaac. Thankfully, because of Jesus Christ and the new covenant, we no longer have to make such sacrifices today as in Abraham’s day, but as I thought about Abraham, I couldn’t help but wonder how different my life might be if I possessed his level of faith, courage, and obedience.

When God tested Abraham, Abraham was faithful and obedient.  Abraham was willing to obey and honor God’s command and sacrifice that which must have meant the absolute most to him in the entire world, his son Isaac. As I thought about this, I asked myself, “How far would you be willing to go in obedience to the Father?”

Later, I thought about the hymn, “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”.  The lyrics to this song are pretty profound:

“I have decided to follow Jesus;

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;

The world behind me, the cross before me;

Though none go with me, still I will follow;

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

No turning back, no turning back.”

“No turning back” REALLY? How many times have we expressed a willingness to follow Jesus but given up when the going got tough? Given up, when we didn’t see the progress we thought we should see?  Given up, when we had to walk away from things or people in the world that we didn’t want to walk away from?  Given up, when we had to stand up and stand out from the rest of the crowd?  Given up, because we were afraid of being criticized?  Given up, because we were afraid of failure?  Given up, because ___________?

Mark 8:34-35 tells us that Jesus, “called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.’” 

Then again in Luke 9:23-24 Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”

In Matthew 10:38-39 He said, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

What does it mean to take up your cross, to deny yourself, to lose your life?  I believe it means to crucify our flesh.  I believe it means to kill our own earthly desires and surrender ourselves absolutely and completely to God and his will for our lives. I believe it means to die to anything and everything that would cause us to turn back and give up on what God has called us to do. I believe it means to get over ourselves and to do whatever God asks of us even when we don’t want to do it. That is exactly what Abraham had done.  When God tested Abraham, Abraham crucified his flesh, his own desires, and he desired to obey God at all costs.  Abraham didn’t give up!  Abraham didn’t turn back!

As Abraham reached in his pocket and pulled out the knife to slay his son the angel of the Lord appeared to Abraham and called out to him saying, “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Genesis 22:12

After the angel of the Lord called out to Abraham and stopped him from sacrificing his son, the scriptures in Genesis 22:13-18 go on to tell us, “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’  The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, ‘I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspringall nations on earth will be blessed,because you have obeyed me.’”

God spared Isaac! God provided an offering! God blessed Abraham and his descendants because of Abraham’s obedience! I can’t help but wonder how many times I’ve failed God’s tests and sold myself short of God’s blessings through my disobedience or how many I have refused to allow God to bless through me.

Far too often we lose sight of eternity because we get so caught up in ourselves and this life.  We all need to remember that this life and all that is in it is only temporary.  The only things that really matter in this life are our investments in eternity.   When we understand this, then there will be no turning back.

Heavenly Father, please grant us faith and courage to be obedient in all that you ask of us.  Help us to take up our cross, to die to self, and fulfill your will and purpose for our lives.  Lead, guide, and direct our paths so that we may bring you honor and glory in all that we think, say, and do.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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Lord, Carry Me Through the Fire!

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

fire

The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy!!! He is nothing but a liar and a thief!!! He wants to deceive us into believing the Lord doesn’t hear our prayers and that He doesn’t care about our pain, but I know He does because Jesus Christ came to give us an abundant life!  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

I saw something the other day that said, “The only hell a Christian will ever experience will be here on earth.”  We all go through our own form of hell on this earth but how wonderful it is to know that the hell I experience on this earth will be the only hell I will ever have to endure.

Each day can present so many challenges, so many fears, and so many unknowns. Life can often feel like we’re trying to swim up a waterfall but we have to hold on.  We have to cling to the Truth of God’s Word and his promises.  We have to refuse to listen to the enemies lies.  We need to seek God every day but seek him fervently on those days when we just feel like giving up and hiding from the world and the issues we sometimes face in life.  On days that are overwhelmingly difficult we don’t need to turn away from God, we need to turn too God.  We need to spend time in the Word, spend time in prayer, get alone with God and pour our hearts out to him.

We will face things that we don’t understand in life but we must trust the Lord always.  We are told, “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8-9 

We are loved so much by the Father.  John 3:16 tells us “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

 Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, evenwhen we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved.”

One thing I know for certain is that the Lord loves us.  I know whatever we may face; whatever situation we may have to endure, our Lord is with us every step of the way and wants to carry our burdens for us.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2

Psalm 55:22 tells us, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” And 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Whatever you may be facing today, I pray that you know Jesus Christ loves you enough to suffer the cross for you.  He hears you and is there for you.  He’s waiting to relieve you of your cares, your worries, your fears, everything that is weighing you down today.  Cry out to Him, “Lord, carry me through the fire!”

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Discord and Division Within the Church

Posted on March 18, 2013 by

troubled water

In Galatians 5:22-23 we are told “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Therefore, there is no room in a heart where the Holy Spirit dwells for such things as pride, arrogance, hatred, jealously, greed, or a desire to create discord.  In Proverbs 6:16-19 we are told there are six things the Lord hates and seven are an abomination unto him.  The seventh thing is a person who sows discord among his brethren.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  Don’t you think Satan would seek to create division in order to destroy a church that is on the move in the community, reaching the lost, growing in membership, and building the kingdom of God?

Sometimes in our churches members are given roles of leadership which they take very seriously, as they should.  However, sometimes the enemy invades their hearts by sneaking in with pride.  He begins to create havoc and destroy what the Church has built.  Sometimes a person’s feelings may be hurt when they’re asked by the church members to give another member a chance to serve in the position they are currently serving or if they are corrected by their Pastor in the way they’ve handled a situation.  Perhaps they were a founding member who helped to build the church and aren’t happy because they feel they’re losing control due to the majority of the members voting against an issue of importance to them.

As Christians we should ask the Lord to “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23  We should ask the Lord to consume our hearts and remove anything that is unpleasing to Him. As Christians we are Christ’s representatives on earth.  What is in our hearts is what shines through into a lost and hurting world.  Have you ever met someone and noticed something about them that that you couldn’t really identify but you knew you wanted whatever they had?  I have!!!  I know now that it was the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them; shining through for the world to see. Sadly, it’s only been a few times that I’ve encountered it. It is the desire of my heart to be so consumed by the Holy Spirit that others sense His presence in me.

What is in your heart?  What does a lost and hurting person see in you?  What does your church family see in you?  What does a visitor experience when they enter your church?  This is something each and every one of us needs to give thought to.  We are living in a time that we do not have time for pettiness, discord, and division in our churches.  Today I am praying for churches facing division and discord.  I pray the Lord will strengthen the congregations to stand in truth and love to overcome the enemy and be victorious.

Here are some scriptures on dealing with conflict within the church:

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;”  Hebrews 12:14-15

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  Ephesians 4:31-32

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”  Colossians 3:13

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,” Luke 17:3

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”   James 1:19-21

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:15-16

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  1 John 4:7-8

“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:17

“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” Proverbs 17:14

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” Romans 12:17-19

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;” Psalm 1:1-6

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” James 4:1

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;” 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

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Growing in Christ

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

Growing in Christ

The Serenity Prayer asks God to grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change and courage to change the things we can.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

However, there are those things that we cannot change nor can we accept; this is when the change must occur within us.  This is a time to grow in Him.  As Christians we are called to grow up in Christ.

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”  Ephesians 4:14-15

“Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.”

–Reinhold Niebuhr

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3, 5-6

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Blog Hop “The Next Big Thing”

Today my blog is part of something bigger than usual. Last week, Jeannie Pallett invited me to be part of a blog hop called The Next Big Thing. I’m not real familiar with doing a blog hop, but I decided to try it. The truth is, I want to be generous in blessing other authors. The purpose is to help readers discover the next great book or author; i.e., the one they will be compelled to read or the author who’s work they simply can’t put down. Check out Jeannie’s latest book & blog:   http://psalm119greaterthangold.net/
beckonedbytheking_big

What is exciting about this blog hop is the opportunity to learn about authors from various genres & styles. Her work might be The Next Big Thing, or perhaps mine is. Who knows?

These are the ten questions we were asked to answer:

What is the working title of your book? The Pursuit of Purpose: A Journey to Forgiveness and Healing

Where did the idea come from for the book? In my late thirties, as I reflected over the course of my life I saw so much pain and suffering throughout the years. I realized there had to be some greater purpose to all the experiences I had endured in my life.  I sought the Lord in prayer seeking to understand what He wanted me to do with all of these experiences to glorify Him. The Lord pointed out to me that I had survived so many experiences that many people give up and commit suicide when faced with. He showed me that my life story can be a wonderful testimony to others that there is life after the pain; no matter what you’re facing today as long as your hope is in Him.

What genre does your book fall under? Religion/Christian Life/ Personal Growth

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? HA!  I have been told by many that my life’s story should be made into a movie which would require a wide array of cast members to portray the various events over the years.  Actors? I don’t really have a preference!  Characters?  Oh well, we would definitely need a wide array of those too including a Mad Hatter, a Crazy Queen of Hearts, and a Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hide just to get started!

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Written to inspire those who feel their sin is too great for God to forgive and their pain too deep for God to heal.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? It was published by Tate Publishing in May of 2012.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? It took me seven years to finally submit to the Father’s will and actually begin writing. However, once I began writing the manuscript was complete in ten months.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? I asked people who have read The Pursuit of Purpose this question because I honestly haven’t read another book just like it to compare it to and was told “I would not try to compare… we are all created unique and so is your story”.  Many of us may experience similar situations in very unique ways with different effects and outcomes. However, we can connect on core levels to find strength and encouragement in each other stories of overcoming painful situations in life.

Who or What inspired you to write this book? Without a doubt the Holy Spirit!  I ran from this task for seven years.  It was after losing my job and my husband was in Afghanistan that I realized the Lord had created the time and the space necessary for me to complete the assignment.  I decided it was time I submit and surrender to the Father’s will.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? How about I share with you what others are saying about The Pursuit of Purpose?

Here is what some are saying about The Pursuit of Purpose: A Journey to Forgiveness and Healing:

“The Pursuit of Purpose by Alecia Roberts is a must read if you have ever sinned or been sinned against. The Pursuit of Purpose is a love story—a love sought for that is no real love at all, and a love found that is the unconditional love of God. You will find here a transparency that you rarely find in the church. You will find sin that ran amok in her life because of bad choices made and the unconditional forgiveness of God who sought her out and would not let her go. If you have ever been a victim of the out-of-control sin of others or have victimized others, you must read Alecia’s story of God’s love and grace.” – Jim Hughes, Author, C Through Marriage

“The Pursuit of Purpose it is one of the bravest feats of literature, and soul-bearing, that I have ever read. I had the honor of writing a formal endorsement of the book after some mild editing, so I can tell you just how amazing her story truly is. Get your hands on a copy, I promise it will change the way you think, feel, appreciate, and pursue the Lord.” – Brandy Runyan, Author, 101 Things My Daughter Needs to Know

“In The Pursuit of Purpose: A Journey to Forgiveness and Healing, author Alecia Roberts shares her painful journey from a life of child abuse, rape, drugs, failed marriages, abortion and attempted suicide to a life of survival, fulfilled hope, forgiveness and healing through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Alecia’s story will encourage you along the path as you seek to find light in the darkness. For those who have survived similar situations, you will be able to relate as the author shares each step of her journey toward wholeness. Her honest and inspiring story is powerful as she shares what God can do with a broken life.” – Carol Round, author of Journaling with Jesus: How to draw closer to God

“Have you ever felt like there was no way God could love you? There were too many skeletons in your closet? In The Pursuit of Purpose, author Alecia Roberts shares her life…not only her struggles but those deepest, dark secrets she never wanted revealed. Or maybe you wonder, ‘Why do they stay in that situation? Why don’t they get out and do better for themselves?’ If so, this book will help you understand the thoughts and actions of loved ones in dire circumstances. Either way, this book will leave you wanting to make things right and/or reach out in prayer for those struggling. You will find hope, knowing what God did for her, He can do for you! He is no respecter of persons.” – Amy Gatliff, Author of “The Power to Never Give Up”

“I read this book while it was being published. I was struck with awe at the honesty, the humility and the passion that Alecia has for sharing with others. To open up and tell of all the trials and temptations that she has gone through and to realize that even when all the bad stuff was happening-God had a plan for her life; is so profound and yet so simple. For anyone that questions the “Why me’s?” or “what does this mean?” This book will make you take a second look at your life and recognize God’s hand in it. Awesome book!” – Joy Bowser, Author of A Wife and A Witness

Next week take the opportunity to hop on over to the blogs these authors have.  These people have been areal blessings to me and have treasure to share with you.

Sheryl Griffin of A Scarlet Cord of Hope Ministries Sheryl Griffinhttp://www.sherylgriffin.blogspot.com/

 

 

amy gatliff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Gatliff author of The Power to Never Give Up http://amygatliff.tateauthor.com/blog/

 

 

Joy Bowser author of A Wife and A Witness
http://joybowser.webs.com/apps/blog/ a wife and a witness

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Daniel Merritt 9781462706372_cover.indd

http://drdanielmerritt.com/

Aside | Posted on December 19, 2012 by | 2 Comments

How Does God Plan to Use You?

Posted on November 30, 2012 by

Can God use me

God called Nebuchadnezzar his servant though he was a Babylonian pagan. Cyrus the king of Persia was called “God’s anointed one” in Isaiah 45:1 and God referred to him as “my shepherd” in Isaiah 44:28 even though Cyrus was an unbeliever.  Romans 8:28 tells us “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Proverbs 16:4 tells us “The LORD works out everything for his own ends–even the wicked for a day of disaster.”  So the bottom line is that God is most certainly in control and all people can and will be used by God to fulfill his divine purpose.  Therefore, the question is not if God is going to use you or not.  The question is how does God plan to use you?  This is a fact each of us needs to clearly understand.

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The Alarm Is Sounding!!!

Posted on November 8, 2012 by

Remember when Jesus told the disciples of His forthcoming death Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him? “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Matthew16:22

Then Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Mathew 16:23

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” – Matthew 16:24-27

I feel that there are many like Peter in this country today (self included). We know within our hearts that bad things are going to happen and it is our nature to try to prevent and avoid them. However, this is what I sense the Lord is telling me. We should continue to do what we know in our hearts is right.  However, it’s time we take watch.  It’s time we consider the concerns of God instead of our humanly concerns.  Many things will happen that go against God’s Word and they will happen exactly as they should because the one true God is still in control.  We are not to be discouraged or dismayed. In fact quite the contrary, we should be rejoicing! Because the hour is approaching!  Many things will be unpleasant but Jesus Christ endured many unpleasant things while on earth Himself to fulfill the Father’s will; namely His crucifixion.  I believe we, the Church are being warned.  I believe the alarm is sounding; because let’s face it, the Church is sleeping.  I believe we are being called to take up our cross.  I believe the alarm is sounding!!!  Wake up!!!

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