Reflections on God's Word

by Victoria Robinson

Today is a great day to look for the sweet moments our heavenly Father so graciously gives us. Even in the midst of trials, God has not left us without something sweet to hold onto. Though it might not seem like much, when you do find even one sweet moment, it is of utmost importance to hold on tightly and savor the sweetness among the bitterness of your difficulties.

Sweet moments are a literal expression of our heavenly Father’s love for us. The littlest of niceties can bring the most wonderful thoughts and encouragement just when we need it the most. Whatever you are facing, your heavenly Father has and is providing sweet moments to help alleviate the discomfort you may be experiencing.

When Jesus reminded His disciples He would be going away, it must have been difficult for them to grasp and hold onto the sweet moments they had together. Girlfriends, there were so many wonderful experiences they had together, yet when Jesus died the grief was enormous. Still, they had so much goodness to savor. There were healings, financial miracles, provisions for an unplanned feast for five thousand, even raising people from the dead! If you are pondering your sweet moments, maybe they seem trivial compared to all the disciples had seen. But God gives each of us what we need when we need it. Even the smallest provision in our lives is just as sweet to savor as a feast for five thousand. One loaf of bread in time of need is just as wonderful as all the bread the disciples had served the impromptu guests.

It really comes down to looking for the goodness of our heavenly Father no matter how imperfect your life may be. Dearest girlfriends, let us hold onto the sweet moments our heavenly Father lavishes on us in times of need.

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