A High Price!
Sep 17
by Victoria Robinson
In life we must always consider the cost of our purchases. Sometimes we tend to think that only wrong purchases are costly, but the truth is that our Lord has admonished us that following Him comes with a high price. Oh, but the rewards on that eternal investment are wonderful!
Jesus Christ is a Pearl of great price, a Jewel of inestimable value, which will make those who have it rich, truly rich, rich toward God; in having him, we have enough to make us happy here and for ever.A true Christian is a spiritual merchant, that seeks and finds this pearl of price; that does not take up with any thing short of an interest in Christ, and, as one that is resolved to be spiritually rich, trades high: He went and bought that pearl; did not only bid for it, but purchased it. What will it avail us to know Christ, if we do not know him as ours, made to us wisdom?But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NASBThose who would have a saving interest in Christ, must be willing to part with all for him, leave all to follow him. Whatever stands in opposition to Christ, or in competition with him for our love and service, we must cheerfully quit it, though ever so dear to us. A man may buy gold too dear, but not this pearl of price.Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Sin also comes with a high price. However, sin does not result in eternal rewards, but comes with a high price of suffering. The Word of God clearly says, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” In fact, the ultimate price of sin is death. The book of Romans states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
If you are dealing with “buyer’s remorse” because you have already paid the high price of sin, take heart—there is hope. Your heavenly Father loves you unconditionally and will never abandon you. This does not always negate the price we pay for sin, but it does give us tremendous comfort in knowing we are loved and will never be cast away. The apostle John tells us that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This promise ensures us freedom from our sins when we confess with a repentant heart.
Dearest girlfriends, I pray the next time we consider sin, we would consider the price too high and would instead look at the rewards of the high price of following our Lord and Savior.
Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ ~ Luke 14:27-30 NASB
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?. ~ Luke 9:23-25 NASB
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. ~ Matthew 19:29 NASB
Peter said, “Behold, we have left our own homes and followed You.” And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.” ~ Luke 18:28-30 NASB
But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NASB
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 6:23 NASB
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. ~ 1 Timothy 6:10-11 NASB
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ~ 2 Timothy 2:22 NASB
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Peter 1:3-8 NIV
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ~ Galatians 6:7-8 NASB
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:8-9 NASB
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” ~ Joshua 24:15 NASB
Tags: 1 john, 1 peter, apostle paul, apostle peter, Christ Jesus, desires, disciples, eternal life, eternity, girlfriends, God, godliness, heavenly father, sin, Victoria Robinson 
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Thought Catchers
Feb 24
by Victoria Robinson
The Word of God is like a sentry catching and tossing out ungodly ideas that try to enter our minds. Our Lord and Savior exemplified this so perfectly when Satan gave Him thoughts that were pure Scripture. To which Jesus responded with the Word of God. Sounds convoluted. How can one fight the Word with the Word? In this case Satan was distorting the Word and Jesus was correctly handling it. Using the Word of truth, He was able to catch these thoughts before they gave birth to sin.
Not all thoughts that need to be taken captive are wonderful sounding such as the scriptures Satan quoted to Jesus. Most are subtle ideas that lead towards sin and inevitable death. While still others are obvious to discern and yet if we savor them for even a moment they can destroy us. Dearest girlfriends, I pray we would strive to correctly handle the Word of truth so that the wrong thoughts that come to our minds would get caught by the truth of the Word.
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. ~ Romans 8:5-8 NLT
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus … ~ Philippians 2:5 NKJV
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ”‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. ~ Mathew 4:1-11 NIV
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ~ James 1:15 NIV
… Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ~ Philippians 4:8 NLT
Tags: 2 corinthians 10, Christ Jesus, forty days and forty nights, holy spirit, inevitable death, lord and savior, nkjv, philippians, pretension, romans 8, satan, sentry, sinful nature, subtle ideas, tempter, thought catchers, using the word, Victoria Robinson, Word of God, word of truth
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Service With a Smile
Feb 06
by Victoria Robinson
Don’t you just love being waited on at a restaurant or store by someone who is smiling and being attentive to your every need. Hmmm … sounds a lot like the greatest servant of all time, our Lord and Savior! In the book of Matthew He describes his true heart of service as, “… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Girlfriends, do you serve with a smile or do you sometimes find yourself complaining? It is so easy to allow the enemy to plant the seeds in our hearts of self-centered desires which is the opposite of our Lord and Savior. This in turn grows into weeds of complaining and discontent. It is necessary to take these seeds out of our hearts immediately and allow our Lord and Savior’s attitude of “service with a smile” to permeate our hearts.
The only way we can serve with a smile is to serve in the strength God provides. This then will bring glory to God as it says in the book of First Peter, “If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
Dearest girlfriends, I pray we would serve with a smile as we rely on the strength of our heavenly Father and bring glory to Him.
Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. ~ Romans 15:17 NIV
Do everything without complaining or arguing, ~ Philippians 2:14 NIV
Be dressed ready for service … ~ Luke 12:35 NIV
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does … ~ Ephesians 6:7-8 NIV
… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. ~ Matthew 20:26-28 NIV
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who… made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant … ~ Philippians 2:3-7 NIV
Tags: Christ Jesus, discontent, ephesians 6, girlfriends, glory to god, heavenly father, Jesus Christ, lord and savior, philippians, ransom, romans, servant, service with a smile, serving the lord, son of man, strength god, strength God provides, true heart, Victoria Robinson, weeds
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Embrace Today!
Jan 07
by Victoria Robinson
Girlfriends, fashion experts tell us to dress for the body we have today. Sometimes this is a painful thought as most of us do not feel perfect and would rather wait to embrace the body we imagine having someday, instead of the one we have today. When it comes to our life, we need to be able to embrace our today instead of waiting for the life we imagine having someday. Even with all the imperfections in our lives, our heavenly Father has given us this day to enjoy.
Do you accept your “lot in life” as King Solomon put it? If so, he said you will not need to look back with sorrow on your past. Are you frittering away all your todays waiting on a better life. If so, embrace today by giving your heavenly Father thanks for all He has done for you. Recognize that He is aware of all your circumstances and cares for you.
Dearest girlfriends, whatever today brings, I pray we would embrace the life our heavenly Father has given us.
… I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ~ Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
… To enjoy your work and to accept your lot in life—that is indeed a gift from God. The person who does that will not need to look back with sorrow on his past, for God gives him joy. ~ Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 TLB
So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him? ~ Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV
Be joyful always; … give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16,18 NIV
However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. ~ Ecclesiastes 11:8 NIV
Tags: 1 thessalonians 5, better life, Christ Jesus, circumstances, fashion experts, gift from god, girlfriends, heavenly father, imperfections, king solomon, philippians, sorrow, Victoria Robinson
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Letting go …
Dec 26
by Victoria Robinson
There are so many things to let go of in life. To accomplish a fulfilling life we must learn to let go of awful things as well as some great things. Some awful things to let go of are; your past, your hurts, your failures, and your sins. Some great things to let go of are; your wealth, your position, and even your very own life.
God’s ways are so often contrary to how we see life.
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If I am hurt—I must forgive.
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If I want to enjoy life—I must give up sinful pleasures.
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If I want to be rich—I must give up my wealth.
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If I want to save my life—I must lose it.
Dearest girlfriends, I pray we would allow our heavenly Father to remove all hindrances from our lives, whether awful or great, in order to accomplish a fulfilling life in Christ.
Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? ~ Luke 9:23-25 NKJV
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ~ Colossians 3:13 NIV
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ~ 1 Peter 4:1-2 NIV
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Matthew 20:25-28 NIV
Tags: 2 corinthians 5, attitude, Christ Jesus, colossians 3, desires, fulfilling life, grievances, heavenly father, hindrances, life god, life in christ, love, philippians, sinful pleasures, Victoria Robinson
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What to do … What to do?
Dec 20
by Victoria Robinson
When your back is against the wall and you just do not know what to do, a story in the book of Second Chronicles gives the answer. When under attack, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, said, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Girlfriends, when you just do not now what to do, set your eyes on your heavenly Father and believe He holds the answer to your quandary.
Sometimes the thought of what to do does not come prior to facing the situation. Such is the case when Jesus told us in the book of Luke not to be concerned about what to say when we are brought before rulers and authorities. The Holy Spirit will teach us what to say when we need it.
It is easy for panic to set in when one is unsure of what to do. The peace of God can calm you at times like these. Simply present your petition for help to God with thanksgiving, knowing He will direct you and the peace of God bring comfort for your troubled soul.
Dearest girlfriends, let us set our eyes upon our heavenly Father when we do not know what to do and trust in His direction.
O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” ~ 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” ~ Luke 12:11-12 NIV
Tags: 2 chronicles, army, authorities, Christ Jesus, hearts, heavenly father, holy spirit, king of judah, peace of god, petition, philippians, prayer, quandary, thanksgiving, Victoria Robinson
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A Positive Word
Dec 06
by Victoria Robinson
I am by nature a very positive person. I cannot tell you how many times I have had the thought, “I am positive I am going to fail.” Seriously, do you need to develop a habit of speaking positive words to yourself and others? When the psalmist was grieved, he pleaded with God to give him an encouraging word. All the positive words you will ever need can be found in the Word of God.
Girlfriends, are the words you speak positive or negative? Are you always the “Negative Nellie” amongst your friends. The one who is always saying what could go wrong or what is presently wrong. Being a positive person does not equate with an ostrich sticking their head in the sand. That would just be unrealistic and foolish. It does however, in the darkest of times, require taking out a magnifying glass and searching for a glimmer of hope. I call this looking for “sweet moments”. In every persons life there is even the tiniest bit of sweetness to look at and find encouragement from. King Solomon said, “Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
Sometimes a positive word even needs to be spoken to your adversary. The apostle Paul did just that when the guards in charge of transporting him and the other prisoners did not heed his warning to not set sail. When a storm threatened their lives, Paul said, “But now I beg you to cheer up, because you will be safe.”
A positive word can cheer a friend up and brighten their day. Dearest girlfriends, let us be God’s messengers of good news by speaking positive words to one another. Girlfriends, please allow me to leave you with a positive word written by the apostle Paul. “Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends.”
Good people enjoy the positive results of their words, but those who are treacherous crave violence. ~ Proverbs 13:2 NLT
I weep with grief; encourage me by your word. ~ Psalm 119:28 NLT
The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt. ~ Proverbs 10:32 NLT
Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! ~ Ecclesiates 9:4 NIV
… Paul stood up and told the men: You should have listened to me! If you had stayed on in Crete, you would not have had this damage and loss. But now I beg you to cheer up, because you will be safe. Only the ship will be lost. I belong to God, and I worship him. Last night he sent an angel to tell me, “Paul, don’t be afraid! You will stand trial before the Emperor. And because of you, God will save the lives of everyone on the ship.” Cheer up! I am sure that God will do exactly what he promised. ~ Acts 27:21-25 CEV
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ~ Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. ~ Proverbs 12:25 NLT
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. ~ Proverbs 15:30 NIV
Now Christ Jesus has come to show us the kindness of God. Christ our Savior defeated death and brought us the good news. It shines like a light and offers life that never ends. ~ 2 Timothy 1:10 CEV
Tags: adversary, apostle paul, Christ Jesus, christ our savior, encouraging word, girlfriends, glimmer of hope, head in the sand, king solomon, magnifying glass, messengers, persons life, proverbs, psalmist, sweet moments, Victoria Robinson, Word of God
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Are You Holding on to Your Sisters?
Nov 04
by Victoria Robinson
Girlfriends, do you look around at your Christian sisters and wonder why some of them are falling away? Could the answer be found in you? Our heavenly Father has called each of us to hold on tightly to each other. Our eyes should always be watchful over our friends and our lips should always be speaking words of encouragement.
Sometimes encouraging a sister means that we have to handle the delicate task of showing them their sin. This should always be done only after we have sought God concerning our own sin. It also requires speaking to them gently and lovingly. Never use a sledgehammer when a gentle tap on the shoulder will do. This does not mean that you cannot speak truthfully and firmly to them. Just make certain you have the attitude and heart of our heavenly Father.
Sisters, I must confess that I am a softhearted weakling. When a nature show comes on the television where a pack of animals is getting separated by a predator, I quickly change the channel. Without even watching the show you know there will be that one poor animal that gets separated and whose fate is sealed by going it alone. This is a clear picture of the body of Christ. When a sister secludes herself from the rest of the body, she is potentially sealing her fate for the enemy to destroy her. You are the one God could use to make a difference in her life.
Dearest girlfriends, let us be ever watchful over our sisters and encourage them to remain faithful to our Savior.
My friends, watch out! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God. You must encourage one another each day. And you must keep on while there is still a time that can be called “today.” If you don’t, then sin may fool some of you and make you stubborn. We were sure about Christ when we first became his people. So let’s hold tightly to our faith until the end. ~ Hebrews 3:12-14 CEV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:5-6 NIV
You can see the speck in your friend’s eye. But you don’t notice the log in your own eye. How can you say, “My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye,” when you don’t see the log in your own eye? You show-offs! First, get the log out of your own eye. Then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend’s eye. ~ Luke 6:41-42 CEV
My friends, you are spiritual. So if someone is trapped in sin, you should gently lead that person back to the right path. But watch out, and don’t be tempted yourself. You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand. ~ Galatians 6:1-2 CEV
My friends, if any followers have wandered away from the truth, you should try to lead them back. If you turn sinners from the wrong way, you will save them from death, and many of their sins will be forgiven. ~ James 5:19-20 CEV
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Tags: Christ Jesus, encouragement, Jesus Christ, sisters, Victoria Robinson
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Praising Him for His Wonderful Light
Oct 13
by Victoria Robinson
Girlfriends, we were once living in darkness and now through Jesus Christ we are living in His wonderful light. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of where we came from. Yes, our past is gone forever, but we can become so comfortable with our new life that we fail to appreciate the love and mercy that brought us into His wonderful light. At times, we can find that we have become callous in our attitude towards the behavior of lost people. My husband says so often, “They are lost, how do you want them to act?” When we look deep within our hearts and remember how shamefully we lived before we accepted Jesus Christ it can bring about a renewal of the joy of God’s salvation in our lives. Do you remember the excitement and thankfulness you had when you first received eternal life? I wanted to tell everyone and I was so thankful for His precious gift. The psalmist experienced a loss of joy and asked of God, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation.” He then went on to ask for his lips to be opened so that he could declare the praises of the Lord. If you have been remiss in declaring praise to God, ask Him to open your lips. Dearest girlfriends, let us praise Him who brought us out of darkness and into His wonderful light.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ~ Psalm 51:12 NIV
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. ~ Psalm 51:15 NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Tags: Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ, King, Victoria Robinson
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Aiming for Perfection
Oct 06
by Victoria Robinson
People seem to either love or hate a perfectionist. If you like things done in a meticulous way, you probably like a perfectionist. If not, they probably drive you crazy. It does not matter how you see perfection, whether as a positive or a negative, it is a standard God desires us to aim for. Though we must be certain to keep it in the context of scriptural accuracy. The apostle Paul was praying for the Corinthians to come to perfection. The Greek word for perfection in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Second Corinthians is katartizo, which means to strengthen, make one complete and what one ought to be. Does this mean we have to be perfect? The apostle Paul showed us that he knew he had not attained perfection, but understood he was to pursue all God desired for him. Falling short of perfection is not to be seen as absolute failure. Remember, we will never be perfect on this side of eternity. Even so, if striving to come to perfection is what God desires, than we should desire it as well. Not in the natural sense, but as a goal of working towards spiritual perfection. We should strive to become strong and complete through knowing and obeying God’s Word. Dearest girlfriends, I pray we would work hard to aim for the perfection that imitates our heavenly Father.
… Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. … ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:9
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. … I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:12,14
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. ~ Matthew 5:48
Tags: Christ Jesus, Victoria Robinson
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