Transformation
Holy Spirit
Do it NOW!
I don’t know if you are like me – but there are times looking back when I realize that I missed an opportunity to do a kind act. I might have thought, “It would be nice if I …” but, then somehow the moment passed and I didn’t follow through. Can anyone relate?
I have found that if I allow time to pass between the thought and follow through – there’s a good chance it won’t happen.
So! I am challenging myself and you to be quick in doing that kindness, in speaking an encouraging word, and in giving a helping hand.
“…do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Hebrews 13:16 NIV
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”
2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV
Your Sister in the Journey, Tina K. Roach
Focus on the Eternal!
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV
As time goes on, I observe my hair turning gray and wrinkles appearing deeper and more pronounced. My eyesight has dimmed and my body has changed. Yes, outwardly there is a “wasting away.” Time does indeed affect our physical bodies.
BUT, we are told to not “lose heart” – to not get discouraged. Even as our physical bodies may let us down, our spirit is not getting weaker, it is getting stronger as we are being renewed day by day! Hallelujah!!
As we go through challenges and troubles, the Lord reminds us that in and through them we are receiving an eternal glory that outweighs them all!
So, I won’t focus on the changes of getting older. I won’t focus on COVID-19. I won’t focus on all the turmoil that is raging around us. I will remind myself that all that I see is temporary.
Brothers & Sisters! May we not focus on the problems, but focus on the SOLUTIONS. When we pray, may we not bring a list of everything that is wrong to the Lord, but may we seek His vision, plan, and purpose and join Him in praying that!! God knows what we need in our lives. God knows what we need in the world. As we seek Him, and move our focus from the seen to that which is unseen – we will be focusing on the eternal!!
Oh God!! We join You in speaking Your will, plan, and vision for our lives, our church, and our world. Help us, Lord, to get our eyes off of the problems and onto YOU! We join You in the midst of it all! We want to be a part of the solution that You want to bring to a hurting world. Speak to us, Lord! We are ready to be Your hands, feet, and mouth. Pour through us and touch this world for Your glory! In Jesus’ Name. Amen! ~Tina K. Roach
Positive Changes From COVID-19
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
God loves us so much! We have all had to journey through some very challenging times during this COVID-19 pandemic.
It is such a blessing to know that not only has God been with us 24/7 during it all, but He actually is using it to transform and mold us into a stronger and more effective vessel for His presence in the world. I do not believe God caused this pandemic, but He is using it for our spiritual growth.
I believe that as we transition back into our communities, we will definitely not be the same!
What is a POSITIVE change that has happened in your life, family, job, community, church, etc. because of this pandemic season of time?
~Tina K. Roach
Acceptable Words & Thoughts!
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 NASB
I have been thinking alot about my words lately. I have to admit that with everything that has been going on during the last 3 ½ months, sometimes my words may not be acceptable to the LORD. I have allowed words of negativity and complaining to flow from my mouth. Forgive me, LORD!
As I look at the meditation of my heart, I see the same problem. My words are connected to what I am thinking – to what is in my heart. God’s Word tells us that out of the heart the mouth speaks.
What words do we find ourselves speaking to others and even to ourselves? Are they words of life…words of encouragement? Or are they words of discouragement and discontent? What do we meditate on during the day? What do we allow our thoughts to dwell on?
LORD, may Your Holy Spirit help us to filter our words and our thoughts. May we lift up and encourage all who we come into contact with. May we take every thought captive and bring our thoughts into alignment with You and Your life-giving truth. May we be vessels of reconciliation and peace. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. AMEN!
~Tina K. Roach
PENTECOST 2020
Today is Pentecost Sunday!
“Pentecost is a Christian holy day that celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit 40 days after Easter. Some Christian denominations consider it the birthday of the Christian church and celebrate it as such. Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish holiday held 50 days after Passover.”
The Scriptures describing the day of Pentecost can be found in Acts 2:1-4.
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 NASB
LORD! We beseech You to move once again in POWER upon and in Your people! Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to be Your body upon this earth! May the FLAME of YOUR LOVE burn brightly within us!! RISE UP, most HOLY ONE, and show Yourself in all Your glory!! AMEN!!
Memorial Day Thoughts
“Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.” (almanac.com)
I have never personally known someone who died while fighting in wartime or serving overseas. So, I know that I can never truly know the pain and suffering of those that have lost loved ones who “made the ultimate sacrifice.”
But, I do want to take the time to REMEMBER and HONOR all of our fallen heroes. Your sacrifice will forever be woven into the history, the now, and the future of our country.
I see your sacrifice as golden threads woven into the tapestry of the United States. Those threads allow our country to shine, allow us to stand proudly, and allow us to walk into the future carrying the flag of freedom. May we never take it for granted! May we never forget! ~Tina Roach
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” ~Franklin D.Roosevelt
[first posted in 2020]
