Restoration Ministries http://srrestore.org The mission of Restoration Ministries is "to assist people to restore and renew their relationships with God, family and friends." Tue, 15 May 2012 11:06:01 +0000 http://snappages.com en When God Seems Far Away http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/15/when-god-seems-far-away http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/15/when-god-seems-far-away Tue, 15 May 2012 11:06:01 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/15/when-god-seems-far-away
]]> A Hopeful Future http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/06/a-hopeful-future http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/06/a-hopeful-future Sun, 06 May 2012 20:06:14 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/05/06/a-hopeful-future
]]> When God Shows Up http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/30/when-god-shows-up http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/30/when-god-shows-up Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:19:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/30/when-god-shows-up
]]> Surrounded http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/23/surrounded http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/23/surrounded Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:22:02 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/23/surrounded
]]> Quiet Strength http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/15/quiet-strength http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/15/quiet-strength Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:15:42 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/15/quiet-strength
]]> Three Words That Changed The World http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/09/three-words-that-changed-the-world http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/09/three-words-that-changed-the-world Mon, 09 Apr 2012 16:27:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/09/three-words-that-changed-the-world
]]> Empty Your Recycle Bin http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/01/empty-your-recycle-bin http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/01/empty-your-recycle-bin Sun, 01 Apr 2012 17:05:17 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/04/01/empty-your-recycle-bin
]]> God Never Forgets http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/18/god-never-forgets http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/18/god-never-forgets Sun, 18 Mar 2012 12:33:18 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/18/god-never-forgets
]]> Giving Life a Lift http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/05/giving-life-a-lift http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/05/giving-life-a-lift Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:38:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/03/05/giving-life-a-lift “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Myself”. John 12:32


Life can be draining. Stress can weigh us down.

Spiritual, emotional, and physical energy levels run low from time to time, needing a boost.

Jesus knew that. The Lord was well aware that living in a [...]]]> “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Myself”. John 12:32


Life can be draining. Stress can weigh us down.

Spiritual, emotional, and physical energy levels run low from time to time, needing a boost.

Jesus knew that. The Lord was well aware that living in a fallen, sinful world would drain the souls of men. Compassionate and sympathetic to our plight, He graciously provided the way for us to be redeemed and regularly renewed.

In the context of our verse, Jesus foretold the type of death He would die. The audience He addressed knew being “lifted up from the earth” meant crucifixion. Jesus’ agonizingly painful, sacrificial death on the uplifted Cross reveals His great love for us.

In dying there is drawing. The Cross is a magnet for our souls. Love at Golgotha draws us to the very heart of God.

Obviously, salvation is the first priority of Jesus drawing all men to Himself. He died to save us. Jesus is the focus of this life-changing truth. Note the emphasis in the Lord’s words on Himself. He uses personal pronouns three times. He, being lifted up above the earth on a cruel wooden Cross, is the agent of salvation. His promise is clear: “I will draw all men unto Myself”.

And thank God His death was followed and vindicated by a glorious resurrection three days later! (Matthew 28)

In resurrection there is renewal. Resurrection provides renewal and restoration for weary believers. When life needs a lift, the uplifted, Resurrected One draws men to Himself, renewing them with His resurrection life and power. Resurrection power flowing through Jesus’ glorified body draws us to the renewing and restoring energy of the Holy Spirit.

When we feel drained, we need to draw near to Jesus. James 4:8a reads “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Through dying on the Cross, Jesus draws men to Himself. Through faith in Him, we draw near to God.

Life gets a lift when we look to Jesus who was lifted up.

Three Steps To Giving Life A Lift

1. Take your eyes off your problem. Spinning our wheels trying to solve our problems by ourselves drains energy. Turn negative energy into positive energy by looking to the PROBLEM SOLVER. His name is Jesus.

Stop focusing on what ails you. Start focusing on the One who prevailed for you! Jesus Christ is the answer to every challenge you or I will ever face.

2. Lift your eyes to see Jesus. Believers look to Jesus and are saved. Hebrews 12:2a exhorts us to keep “Looking (fixing your eyes) unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” Why? Because life drains us and we need our faith revved up on a regular basis.

The Lord isn’t finished with you and me. The Cross is indeed a done deal. But Christian maturity and perfection in Christ is an ongoing process. The redeeming and renewing power of Christ’s death on the Cross lasts eternally. By faith, we can draw upon Him daily to find relief and be renewed from life’s drain.

3. Lift up the name of Jesus. Looking for a surefire way to get out of the dumps and lift life to another level? LIFT UP JESUS! Lift Him up through personal praise. Lift Him up through sharing your faith with unbelievers. Lift Him up through serving others in His name.

Lift somebody else up and you will be uplifted. Focus your heart on the harvest of souls that is ripe for the taking. Lift up the uplifted Christ to people in your life….and He will draw them to Himself!

When life needs a lift, remember to look to Jesus who died for you and rose again that you might have abundant and eternal life. This glorious truth is a life lifter!

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; for you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

A Word For Your Week: Life’s load lifts when we lift up Jesus Christ.


]]> In God I Trust http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/26/in-god-i-trust http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/26/in-god-i-trust Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:37:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/26/in-god-i-trust “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7



American currency has these words printed on it: In God We Trust. I am glad this faith statement is still stamped on our money, though I seriously wonder if that holds true for our increasingly anti-Christian [...]]]> “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:7



American currency has these words printed on it: In God We Trust. I am glad this faith statement is still stamped on our money, though I seriously wonder if that holds true for our increasingly anti-Christian nation.

“In God We Trust” challenges me to examine my life and decide if I, Steve Roll, trusts in God. Really trusts Him. As a Christian, I confess my faith in God. I believe my faith is genuine and based on biblical principles. I have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that began nearly forty-years ago when I was born again on October 6, 1972. Jesus is my Savior and my life.

I do my best everyday, with God’s help, to walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7). A faith walk is tested as every Christian can attest to. So when push comes to shove, do you and I really trust Him?

Do I Trust In God When…

• Sudden calamity crashes into my life.
• I don’t understand why something is happening.
• My dreams are delayed.
• Answers to prayer have not manifested.
• I can’t figure out what God is up to.
• I struggle with something that tempts me to doubt God’s best for me.
• The way out of the wilderness is nowhere to be seen.
• My body is wracked with pain, my mind is burned out or my emotions are shot.
• I have questions that seem to have no earthly answer.
• Loved ones are hurting and I feel helpless to assist them.
• Evil seems to triumph over good.
• Satan attacks and I feel overwhelmed.
• Things don’t work out the way I hoped they would.
• I worry about the future.

The context of our scripture, Jeremiah 17:5-8, contrasts two men and where they put their trust. The man who trusts in man and turns away from the Lord is cursed. He is like a bush planted in the stony waste of the wilderness. When life heats up, he perishes. (verses 5-6). The man called blessed is the one “who trusts in the Lord” who “makes the Lord his trust”. He is like a tee planted by the water whose roots run deep. When life heats up, his leaves are green, still yielding fruit even in a season of drought (verses 7-8).

Please note carefully that the blessed man trusts in the Lord and makes the Lord his trust. Not only does he trust God, but God is his trust!

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, not only trusted in God, but He trusted God…. period. GOD WAS HIS TRUST. Jeremiah confessed “In God I Trust”.

Do you trust in the Lord? Is He your trust? Your only source of trust?

Job understood that God could be trusted and the Lord was his trust. One of the most amazing confessions of faith in the Bible is found in Job 13:14-15.

“Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands? THOUGH HE SLAY ME, I WILL TRUST HIM.”

In the midst of Job’s trials over which he triumphed, he stood firm in faith, hoping and trusting in the Lord. God was not slaying Job and would never do so. Job’s faith was being tested. Job passed the test because of his fully surrendered, sold out, no holds barred trust in God.

Jesus, God’s only Son, trusted God. Matthew 26:36-46 records Jesus’ agonizing struggle with becoming sin for you and me. Praying fervently about the suffering that was coming, the Lord declared, “Not My will, but Your will be done.” Jesus didn’t trust in Himself or man. He trusted His father to take care of Him as He sacrificed Himself on the Cross and rose from the dead on the third day.

Jeremiah, Job and Jesus made God their trust. All three could say unashamedly and with complete confidence “In God I Trust”.

Can you say without reservation “In God I Trust”?

If your answer is yes, then walk by faith each day so others will see through your life that God can be trusted, and blessed is the man who trusts in Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

A Word For Your Week: Make God your trust because He can be trusted.

]]> Sweet Dreams http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/20/sweet-dreams http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/20/sweet-dreams Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:06:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/20/sweet-dreams “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

“Desire realized is sweet to the soul…” Proverbs 13:19


Hopes. Dreams. Desires.

We all have them…. and we want them to come true. And God does too. [...]]]> “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

“Desire realized is sweet to the soul…” Proverbs 13:19


Hopes. Dreams. Desires.

We all have them…. and we want them to come true. And God does too.

God-given dreams and desires are wonderful things. They are God’s gift to you and me. Life would be terribly boring without good, holy, healthy desires and dreams from God. Life pops with positive anticipation, excitement and joy when hope fuels the fires of pursuing God’s best for us.

Our scriptures this week teach us that when desire is fulfilled, life is sweet! A tree of life springs up in our hearts when dreams and desires come to pass. How fun life is when sweet dreams come true. Makes you want to shout and dance. Never feel inhibited when a desire is realized and sweetness fills your soul. Shout if from the rooftop of your heart.

You and I also understand that when hope is hampered and dampened, we become heartsick. I have felt that, and don’t like it very much. I prefer “sweet to the soul” over “the heart sick” any day, don’t you?

A dashed hope doesn’t mean hope is lost. A delayed dream isn’t denial of God’s vision for your life. A desire remaining to be realized doesn’t mean the longing of your heart won’t be fulfilled. God’s dreams for our lives are sweet, especially when accomplished His way and in His time. That’s where you and I struggle sometimes. We want our dreams and desires to come to pass our way and in our time. Be brutally honest….you know I am speaking truth!

So what should we do when we dream dreams that keep our spirit awake and our hearts pounding with godly desire? Glad you asked. David exhorts us to “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. Pretty straightforward advice. If we want God to give us the desires of our heart, we must first delight ourselves in Him.

Delight means to take pleasure in, to derive happiness from. So, do you and I take pleasure in the One who gives the dreams and places desires in our hearts? Or are we more consumed with the dream than the Dream giver?

I believe that if you and I would daily delight in the Lord and trust our dreams and desires to Him, we would be content, happy and in position to see our desires fulfilled.

I wonder what would happen if we talked more about Jesus and less about our desires? What would life look like if we quit whining about unfulfilled desires and instead, rejoiced in God’s daily blessing in our lives? What if we were happy in Christ whether a desire was fulfilled or not? What if Jesus was more than enough for our hearts? Just asking.

Delight in the Lord….or desire of the heart. What comes first in your life?

So let’s get practical.

• Do you delight in the Lord? I take pleasure in Him _____________________.
• What are you hoping for? I am hoping for ____________________________.
• What are you dreaming about? My dream is __________________________.
• What do you desire? My desire is to ________________________________.

How serious are you about putting the Lord above your desires? How serious are you about pursuing your hopes, dreams and desires God’s way? Are you serious enough to trust His plan and timing? Serious enough to keep believing when believing is difficult? Serious enough to keep forging ahead with faith when the devil tells you your dreams are pipe dreams and will never come to pass? Serious enough to leave the doubters in the dust? Serious enough to plow through disappointment, push through discouragement and advance through adversity? Serious enough to trust God, not your feelings?

If you are not delighting in Him (being happy with who you are in Christ, rejoicing in God’s goodness to you, being content with who you are in Him and what you have right now), but complaining, whining and griping instead and throwing pit-poor-me-parties, then don’t expect your dreams and desires to come to pass..

Hopes, dreams and desires that are fulfilled because we love the Lord and His will causes us to dance in the streets of our spirit. Joy that is almost unspeakable floods and overflows from hearts that know how good it is to see sweet dreams come true!

When Sweet Dreams Come True

• Dance in your heart. Rejoice that God has fulfilled your desire.
• Give thanks to God for making your dream your come true.
• Learn lessons from your dream-fulfilling process.
• Share with others what God has done for you and how He did it.
• Be sensitive and compassionate toward people still hoping for something.
• Encourage someone else to pursue and fulfill their dream.
• Start dreaming your next dream!!!


Dear friend, hold on to your hopes. Hang on to your dreams. Never lose heart. Trust God for your desires to be fulfilled.

The day will come when you will dance because your sweet dreams came true!

“May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your dreams.” Psalm 20:4

A Word For Your Week: God-given dreams and desires come true for us when we delight in Him and His plans for our life.

]]> Rebuilding Life http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/13/rebuilding-life http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/13/rebuilding-life Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:53:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/13/rebuilding-life “Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come and let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Nehemiah 2:17



Life can be challenging.

Things we build up can come crashing down. [...]]]> “Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come and let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Nehemiah 2:17



Life can be challenging.

Things we build up can come crashing down. Our seemingly secure worlds and comfortable lifestyles can be rocked and shaken. Shattered dreams, personal emotional upheavals, fractured friendships, ruptured relationships, sudden loss of loved ones, job layoffs, and serious financial setbacks, to name a few real life situations, can leave us reeling and feeling like life needs rebuilt.

This week we are going to look to Nehemiah who knows something about rebuilding. Study Nehemiah chapters 1-6. Dig deep into the Word. Walk with Nehemiah through the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Nehemiah lays out for you and me a road map for rebuilding our walls when life needs rebuilt.

How To Rebuild Your Life

Review The Ruins Nehemiah 1-2

Nehemiah’s heart was heavy. Jerusalem lay in ruins. Nehemiah left a cushy job to survey the damage. He assessed the ruins realistically. Faced what had fallen down.

What needs rebuilt in your life? Review the ruins. Survey what has happened. Assess what is needed to rebuild. Be realistic as you commit to rebuilding.


Resolve To Rebuild Nehemiah 2:1-5

Nehemiah determined the walls could be rebuilt. And he would rebuild them.

You can rebuild your life. Resolve to do so. Commit yourself to God’s restoration process. Decide to give yourself wholeheartedly to the rebuilding of your fallen walls.


Rally Support Nehemiah 2:17-20, 3:1-32

Nehemiah knew he couldn’t rebuild Jerusalem’s walls without help. So he enlisted the Israelis to assist.

You need a support system to rebuild your life. Who are the people you need to help you? Relatives, friends, your pastor, a counselor? Build a team to help you rebuild.


Remove The Rubble Nehemiah 3:23-30, 4:10

Nehemiah and the people cleared the rubbish. They rebuilt Jerusalem’s new wall on a cleared foundation.

Start removing rubbish. Chuck bad attitudes. Adjust dysfunctional behavior. Clear up and clear out what the Lord directs you to in order to begin again and rebuild.


Raise Up the Walls Nehemiah 4:6-7, 21-22

Neemiah and the people rebuilt the wall side by side. Families worked together to rebuild God’s holy city. The wall went up brick by brick.

Ask God what bricks you need to rebuild. Then lay bricks one at a time. Lay them soundly. Your new wall needs to be fall proof.


Resist The Opposition Nehemiah 2:10, 19-20, 4:1-8, 11-12, 6:1-14, 16

Nehemiah and the people were opposed every step of the way. They prayed, stood guard, and worked together to defeat their adversaries.

The devil does not want you to rebuild. Resist him every step of the rebuilding process. Keep your spiritual armor on. Pray. Stand fast with your support system.


Rely On God’s Resources Nehemiah 2:4-8, 4:4-15

God answered Nehemiah’s prayers for help. He gave Nehemiah favor with the king, support from the people, and victory over his enemies.

Look to the Lord to rebuild your life. Trust Him for everything you need.


Rejoice In Your Rebuild Life Nehemiah 6:15-16, 13:27-43

The wall was finished in record time. Party Time! The people gathered for a praise service on top of the walls. They shouted God’s praises so loud that San ballet, Tobiah and Geshem had to hear them. Rejoicing in the Lord was the order the day.

God will help you rebuild “your wall”. When your wall if raised up, take time to celebrate. Throw a praise party. Invite your friends. Tell them what the Lord has done for you.

Life need rebuilt? Start rebuilding. Begin today. Put your heart and hands to the good work of rebuilding what needs rebuilt. Rise up in the strength of Jesus Christ. Rebuild with the help of the Holy Spirit. Then rejoice, giving glory to God!

“And those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins, you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach; the restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” Isaiah 58:12

A Word For Your Week: Rebuild what needs rebuilt with God’s help.

]]> Rolls Rules For A Happy Marriage http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/06/rolls-rules-for-a-happy-marriage http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/06/rolls-rules-for-a-happy-marriage Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:07:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/02/06/rolls-rules-for-a-happy-marriage For Husbands:
“Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which God has given you under the sun; for this is your reward in life, and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9

For Wives:
“She looks well to the [...]]]> For Husbands:
“Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which God has given you under the sun; for this is your reward in life, and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun." Ecclesiastes 9:9

For Wives:
“She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” Proverbs 31:27-29

This week’s Word For Your Week format is a little different than normal. Having just met with a husband and wife whose marriage is struggling, and realizing that Valentines Day is just around the romantic corner, I decided to share with you some rules for marriage that I have found helpful in counseling married couples over the years. There are many more guidelines and principles based on the Bible that could be included here. But I came up with ten that are foundational to a happy, mutually satisfying Christian marriage.

Before I share Roll’s rules, here are a few cute comments about love and marriage by kids.

What do most people do on a date? On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. Martin, age 8.

Is it better to be single or married? It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. Anita, age 9

When it is okay to kiss someone? When they’re rich. Pam age, 7.

How would you make a marriage work? Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck. Ricky, age 10.

What do you think your mom and dad have in common? Both don’t want to have any more kids. Lori, Age 8

  • Rule One - Treat each other with respect, dignity and courtesy.

  • Rule Two - Be Gracious. Give each other the benefit of the doubt.

  • Rule Three - Be BIG FORGIVERS. Forgive sincerely,and as often as necessary.

  • Rule Four - Build each other up. Never tear down. Be mutual cheerleaders.

  • Rule Five - Do not take up the spirit of offense. Warm hearts. Thick skins.

  • Rule Six - No pity-poor-me parties. Grow up. Be secure. Act mature.

  • Rule Seven - No pouting or shouting. Establish a silent treatment and yelling free zone.

  • Rule Eight - Refuse to be bitter. Always choose to be better. Better is better than bitter.

  • Rule Nine - Serve each other. How can I serve my spouse today in practical ways?

  • Rule Ten - Keep the romance fire burning. Never let your marital love flicker.

BONUS RULES

• Surprise each other with special gifts.
• Get away from the kids for romantic rendezvous.
• Write a love note or love letter.
• Believe in each other. Trust each other. Bring out the best in your spouse.
• Compliment each other. Heap on loads of love, acceptance, approval and affirmation.
• Release the past. The future is forward. Reach for tomorrow together.

Want a happy marriage? Work on a few of these rules and suggestions. Put in the effort to improve your relationship with the one you love and want to grow old and happy with.

Have fun making your marriage healthier and happier!

A Word For Your Week: Happy marriages happen when healthy husbands and wives make them happen with God’s help.

]]> Too BIG to Miss! http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/29/too-big-to-miss http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/29/too-big-to-miss Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:23:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/29/too-big-to-miss “And David to Saul, ’Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” I Samuel 17:32


An insightful person remarked “A problem is nothing more than a miracle before God gets a hold of it!” What a refreshing perspective on problem solving! [...]]]> “And David to Saul, ’Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” I Samuel 17:32


An insightful person remarked “A problem is nothing more than a miracle before God gets a hold of it!” What a refreshing perspective on problem solving! The truth is God is always greater than our present problem. The bigger the problem, the bigger God’s solution is.

Facing a problem of gigantic proportions? Does your dilemma look so big that you feel overwhelmed and there is nothing you can do about it? Think again. Turn in your Bible to I Samuel 17 and take heart from the true, inspirational story of a lowly shepherd boy named David who defeated a nasty old giant named Goliath.

Israel faced a problem—a giant-sized one who towered over nine feet tall and had the army of God cowering in their combat sandals on the battlefield sidelines. Paralyzed by fear, Israel decided Goliath was too big for them to conquer.

It has been said the surest way to mishandle a problem is to avoid facing up to it. Face to face with Goliath, Israel retreated. God’s army bogged down in the shadow of Goliath. They thought he was too big for them to handle.

Problems can stop us temporarily, but we are the only one who can do it permanently.

It’s a fact of life: How you size up a problem determines how you solve it. If your problem is too big for you and your God—you problem will defeat you. If your God and your faith in Him is big enough--you will defeat your problem.

Enter David. David sized up Goliath as no big deal. Israel’s soldiers shrank back from Goliath in fear. Their errant conclusion: This mammoth man is too big to hit. Full of faith, David ran to fight Goliath. His conclusion: This big, mouthy menace is too big to miss!

What a target! Big bullseye right between his eyes. David told King Saul that with God’s help I once killed a lion and a bear and they were nowhere near the size of this overgrown, mutated mocker of the living God! This is a piece of cake. How could I possibly miss this massive mountain of ugly, ungodly man?

The young man of fiery faith and godly courage spoke back to the trash-talking infidel, told Goliath how the day would end up, and then took bold action. David charged Goliath, knocked him out cold with a slingshot, then cut off his huge head with the fallen warriors’ own sword. That’s what I call solving a problem!

The doubters and pouters shouted and no one doubted who the Living God was that day. Glory to God! Goliath was gone.

Faith attacks problems. Fear retreats from problems. Giants either scare us into inaction, or stir us up to action. We choose whether to allow a Goliath (big problem) to dominate us our not. Goliath is not the issue. Our faith in a God who eats Goliath’s for lunch is. (Just kidding about the eating!)

Do you have a Goliath taunting you? Mocking you? Trying to frighten you? You decide if this giant is too big to hit, or TOO BIG TO MISS!!!

With the eye of faith, view your problem as a possibility, not an impossibility. Remember: The things thought impossible with men ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD! (Matthew 19:26)

Don’t let your heart fail because of a gigantic problem. Face your Goliath with faith and solve your problem like David did. Trust God and take action.

A Word For Your Week: Size up your Goliath according to God’s Word and slay it by faith in Jesus’ giant-killing name.

]]> At Peace With God's Pace http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/23/at-peace-with-gods-pace http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/23/at-peace-with-gods-pace Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/23/at-peace-with-gods-pace “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23



“Are we there yet?” Like kids on a vacation trip trapped in the backseat of the [...]]]> “The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace because he trusts in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3

“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23



“Are we there yet?” Like kids on a vacation trip trapped in the backseat of the car—we are an impatient people. Rather than enjoy the journey, we clamor to arrive at our destination. And we want to be there NOW!

Everyone is in such a hurry today. You and I run here and there, and there and here, like chickens with our heads cut off. We have been duped into thinking that the fast lane of the rat race is where it’s at. Who says we have to run the rat race? I guess the rats do! So many people labor and live at a breakneck, feverish pace in order to keep up with the Joneses. If I read my Bible right, Christians are to keep up with Jesus, not the Jones.

When you study the life of Christ, you find that He paced Himself during His three year ministry. His steps were established (ordered, directed, laid out) by the Father. You never see Jesus stressed out. The Lord never put pressure on Himself to perform or be successful. In the midst of intense opposition and adversity, Jesus experienced the peace of God. Why? Because I believe He was at peace with God’s pace on the way to the cross and resurrection.

Someone said hurry is often the long way around in life. Hurry, scurry, and worry keep many people frustrated. Many people lack inner peace in their lives because they don’t pace themselves. No wonder we have so many stressed out, burned out, freaked out people in our society.

I have always been a high energy person. At times, high gear has been my Achilles heel. As a young boy, I remember watching my first long distance track race. The starter’s gun sounded, the runners took off. I was so disappointed that the runners weren’t sprinting and running in highest gear. The race was 5,000 meters. The distance runners knew something I didn’t.

They understood the principle of PACE. To complete the race, they had to pace themselves over the distance. They couldn’t possibly run the whole course full throttle. They would run out of gas before the finish line if they ran full blast.

As Christians, we are running a faith race (Hebrews 12:1-3). The Lord’s will is for us to finish our faith race victoriously (II Timothy 4:7-8). It’s to our benefit that we run our race at His pace. If we run ahead of God, we will burnout. If we run behindGod, we rust out. But if we run with God, hand in hand with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit, we WIN OUT!

God is a god of peace and pace. He is never in a hurry, He never worries, and He is never late or ahead of schedule. He is perfectly on time, all the time. His secret: a planned, purposeful, peaceful, productive PACE. God’s universe and Kingdom is one of peace when His creatures live life at His pace. A restful, productive pace that energizes us is God’s way.

Isaiah makes it crystal clear: Perfect peace is ours when we steadfastly focus on the Lord and trust Him to quicken the pace or slow it down. Note it is God’s perfect peace that the trusting person will receive. God’s perfect, complete, whole, fulfilling, satisfying peace is something we cannot produce ourselves. Our Heavenly Father is the god of peace who gives peace to His children.

I don’t know about you, but most of the time my problem with pace is not going too slow, but going too fast. Through the school of hard knocks, my hard head is learning that God loves me so much He will find a way to slow me down when necessary!

If we desire to be healthy, peaceful, and productive, we must come to terms with being at peace with God’s pace. If you are out of sync with God’s pace, fall on your face before Him. Confess your impatience. Repent of your dysfunctional desire to control outcomes and have things your way in your time.

Slow down long enough to receive God’s peace. As you fix your mind on Him, His perfect peace will flood your heart. Trust Him to direct your steps and to show you the proper pace to run your race.

You and I are off and running into God’s plan for us in 2012. Great opportunities lie ahead for us to glorify God. Peace with His pace will produce less stress and more success in our lives. So let’s commit ourselves to run our race at His pace this year.

“For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:15

“Great peace have those who love God’s law; nothing shall cause them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

A Word For Your Week: Christian winners run their race at God’s pace.

]]> Dealing With Disappointment http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/17/dealing-with-disappointment http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/17/dealing-with-disappointment Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:48:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/17/dealing-with-disappointment “For the scripture says whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11


Disappointment.

Nobody likes it. Everybody experiences it.

As you and I enter the New Year, I want to address disappointment. Why? Because disappointment is disappointing! And I don’t believe you or [...]]]> “For the scripture says whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11


Disappointment.

Nobody likes it. Everybody experiences it.

As you and I enter the New Year, I want to address disappointment. Why? Because disappointment is disappointing! And I don’t believe you or I want to begin 2012 disappointed.

It is a fact of life that if we don’t handle disappointment in a positive way, disappointment will handle us in a negative manner. Success or failure has a lot do to with how we deal with disappointment.

As Christians, a mark of maturity in Christ is how you and I deal with disappointment. In our verse for this week, Paul declares that whoever believes in Christ we will not be disappointed. Paul clearly states that Jesus will never disappoint His followers. Paul’s words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were also forged out of the fires of disappointment.

Paul experienced more than his share of personal suffering and disappointment. Paul defends his ministry in II Corinthians 11. In verses 22-33, he describes his encounters with disappointing circumstances. Chew on his disappointment list for a while. The next time you think you are having a bad day and tempted to throw a pity-poor-me-party, think again! Then ask God to forgive you for feeling that your disappointments are the end of the world.

Sources of Disappointment

1. Life will disappoint us. Life will let us down from time to time. Disappoint is a fact of life in this fallen world. Life can definitely work against us. The world system we live in is not rooting for us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Life often opposes our efforts to live for the Lord, delivering disappointment to our doorstep.

2. People will disappoint us. Human beings, like you and me, disappoint human beings. People disappointment cuts deep. It is heartbreaking when people we look to and trust let us down through disappointment. Each of us can recall when someone disappointed us. We know how awful that felt. We need to remember that we have disappointed others too…and made them feel bad.

3. We will disappoint us. Some of our deepest disappointments are with us. You and I can beat ourselves up pretty good when we bring disappointment upon on our selves. I don’t like the fact that I will disappoint myself. But I will and I must deal with it a healthy, redemptive manner.

4. The devil will disappoint us. Satan, our arch spiritual enemy, will never do anything but disappoint us. He is a liar, thief and murderer, hell bent on destroying our faith in Christ. One of the devil’s most effective strategies is to discourage Christians through disappointment. Discouragement can lead to doubt. Doubt can turn into despair. Despair caused by disappointment can tempt us to abandon the faith.

The good news is that God is never the source of disappointment. God will never disappoint us. It is not possible for God to disappoint….disappointment is not in His character. Disappointing His children is not an attribute of our Father in heaven.

Disappointment is not God’s appointment for you and me.

Three Positive Steps For Dealing With Disappointment

• Be realistic about disappointment. Disappointment happens. Don’t deny disappointment. Call disappointment what it is…..disappointment. Face it head on. Don’t excuse it. Don’t cover it up. Deal with it. Overcome it. Turn disappointment into an opportunity to move forward in life.
• Take responsibility for disappointment. If you disappointed yourself or someone else, own it. No blame shifting or pointing of the finger. Take personal responsibly for irresponsible conduct. Be proactive, not reactive. Do something positive about it. Turn disappointment into an appointment to do better next time.

• Release disappointment to God. Cast your disappointments on the Lord. He can handle them. Shut the door on disappointment. Slam the door on self-pity. Stop dwelling on disappointment. Delete your disappointment files. Don’t drag 2011’s disappointments into 2012.

Struggling with disappointment? Surrender your disappointments to the Lord. Ask Him to heal your heart and strengthen you for the battles ahead. Seek God’s wisdom. Be discerning. Learn how to make disappointment work for you in the future.

Enter 2012 encouraged in the God who will never disappoint you.

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed (disrupted or disappointed.” Isaiah 28:16

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

A Word For Your Week: The Lord Jesus Christ will never disappoint you.


]]> "One Thing" in 2012 http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/05/one-thing-in-2012 http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/05/one-thing-in-2012 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:40:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2012/01/05/one-thing-in-2012 “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14


A new year is here.

Have you ever [...]]]> “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14


A new year is here.

Have you ever wondered what Jesus’ disciples thought about when the calendar flipped over to a new year? Do you think Christ’s followers made New Year’s resolutions?

Maybe they did. Impetuous Peter probably asked the Lord to help him not put his foot in his mouth so much. Or James and John, fiery sons of Zebedee, might have resolved to have better control of their tempers. Thomas…doubt a little less. And John the beloved, help me Jesus to love people like You do.

Of course I am speculating. But I do have a pretty good idea what Paul might have resolved to do every day of the New Year. His desire and two step plan for carrying it out is found in our scripture for this week.

Honestly transparent and humbly truthful, Paul confesses I am not perfect (fully complete, mature or whole) in Christ yet. But I am being perfected in His righteousness (see verses 7-12). While being perfected, I am pressing on.

Pressing on to what? The high, upward call of Christ on his life. Paul’s personal spiritual goal, the prize he valued and pursued above all else, was to glorify God through his Christian life. Honoring God by pursuing Christ’s calling, Paul would have to have a singular focus. Note he said “this one thing I do”. One thing I do…just ONE THING. In our day of endless distraction, can you and I say this one thing I do? Pretty difficult huh!

But if we are to fulfill God’s call on our life, we need to seriously consider focusing our faith on one thing. Paul chose to ignore distraction and focus on his calling in Christ. To meet his goal, Paul would do one thing: forget yesterday and reach for tomorrow.

One thing I do….forgetting the past and reaching for the future.

As I reflect on Paul’s words, I am challenged to release 2011 and reach for 2012.

In releasing 2011, I first I rejoice and praise the Lord for so many good things that happened in this past year. I am a blessed man and thank God for every blessing. But I choose to release everything from 2011 that disrupted my dreams, blocked my goals, discouraged my heart, hindered my spiritual progress or robbed me of things I treasure. I soundly reject all negative things from 2011 and refuse to drag them into 2012.

Reaching for 2012, I wholeheartedly desire to stand firm in faith, hold on to hope and dream a dream for the glory of God. I resolve in 2012 to reach out to lay hold of everything that strengthens my faith, shores up my hope and makes my God-given dreams come true. I am filled with anticipation and excitement as I think about what God might do in 2012.

FAITH. HOPE. AND A DREAM. That’s what is on my heart for the New Year. So how will I do it? By keeping my heart and eyes fixed on Jesus. Looking to Jesus, He will perfect, complete, and finish my and your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).

What about one thing for you? As the clock ticks away, winding down 2011 and winding up 2012, it is time to do one thing: Release your past and reach with faith to the future because the future is forward, not backward.

Why not take a few minutes to get alone with the Lord. Take your Bible, a pen and a pad of paper (or your I-Pad for you young whipper-snappers!). Wait quietly and expectantly on Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to release and forget from 2011. Then, for 2012, trust the Lord to strengthen your faith, shore up your hope, and show you a big dream that won’t come to pass without God’s help.

My fellow Christian, 2011 is ancient history. Refuse to look back. Let go of yesterday. 2012 is history waiting to be made. Choose to reach forward. Keep pressing on today, tomorrow, and tomorrow…….every tomorrow God gives you.

Walk by faith, share your hope and watch your dreams come true!

“But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62

“Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.” Proverbs 4:27

A Word For Your Week: Look forward to 2012 with faith, hope and a dream.

]]> Hold You http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/27/hold-you http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/27/hold-you Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:15:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/27/hold-you “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23


My two year old granddaughter Parker is responsible for the title of this week’s devotional.

You need to know up front that I am [...]]]> “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which translated means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23


My two year old granddaughter Parker is responsible for the title of this week’s devotional.

You need to know up front that I am forever, totally, over the top, joyfully smitten by Parker. Our bright eyed, happy bundle of endless kid energy joined the Roll family and stole grandpa’s heart. Granddaughter and grandfather are pals of the highest order. She has twisted me around not only her little finger, but all of them!

Parker calls me Doodah. Parker thinks I am pretty cool and awesome if I may say so myself! My wife Jo Ann thinks Parker sees me as a big toy. I love to play with her…. and she knows it. She orders me where to sit, how to color, what puzzle piece to place where. What ever Parker wants or desires to do, Doodah makes it happen, with great joy!

Everything Parker does warms my heart. But one thing grabs grandpa’s ticker like nothing else. Doodah melts inside when she stretches her tiny arms toward me and says “Hold you”.

“Hold you” means hold me. Grammatically, Parker hasn’t quite figured out the difference between hold you and hold me. But that doesn’t matter to Doodah. Hold you or hold me is the same thing to me…. pick her up and hug her up.

Parker, big brown eyes flashing with anticipation, knows when she reaches out for Doodah and says “hold you” that I will hold her. She will be unconditionally accepted and loved by dear old Doodah, never rejected. I love holding her close, affirming my love, affection and protection for her. Parker feels safe, secure and valued when I hug her up and tell I love her.

It is amazing what we adults can learn out of the mouths of babes. Parker’s “hold you” has touched my heart and taught me once again how my Heavenly Father relates to me as His child.

Lessons Doodah Has Learned From Parker’s “Hold You”

• “Hold you” means hold me. I want you to hold me. We all need to be held. God knows that and holds us when we ask to be held.

• “Hold you” means hold me no matter how I have behaved. Accept me as I am. With all our flaws, God holds us because He loves us unconditionally.

• “Hold you” means I love you and I know you love me. Love never fails. God loving us makes it easy for us to love Him.

• “Hold you” means I trust you to take care of me because I need your help. When we need cared for, God can be trusted to meet our every need.

• “Hold you” means you make me feel secure when I feel insecure. God’s hug brings stability when life is unstable, certainty when we feel uncertain.

• “Hold you” means there is always a safe place for me to go. I am not afraid when you hold me. You and I are safe when we are wrapped up in the arms of Almighty God.

• “Hold you” means I am happy when you hold me. When you and I come to God to be held by Him, He is happy too! “Hold you” make everyone happy.

This Christmas, Parker has reminded Doodah that when we reach out to hold on to God, He holds us. How does He hold us? Through Jesus. Jesus is Immanuel…. God with us. Always with us, God’s Son holds us when we need held. Our Heavenly Father holds us near His heart because He is here in Christ

I don’t know about you, but I need to be held by Jesus. Every day.

As we enter the New Year, I believe 2012 is an opportunity to do a whole bunch of “hold you” in our relationship with the Lord. This is my prayer for me and maybe for you too.

Heavenly Father, may I never be afraid to say “hold you.” This year I will need You to hold me close to Your heart. Still my worries. Calm my fears. Quench my doubts. Wipe my tears. Renew my strength. Restore my joy.

I will confidently come to you to “hold you” because you love me, believe in me, and have a great plan for my life in Christ.

Thank you Father that when I come to “hold you” You always hold me.

“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

“Come to Me all of you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

A Word For Your Week: God “hold you” everyday of 2012.

]]> Real JOY http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/20/real-joy http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/20/real-joy Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:50:18 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/20/real-joy “And the angel said unto them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which for be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savoir, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11



The world is searching for joy. How do I know? If you [...]]]> “And the angel said unto them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which for be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savoir, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11



The world is searching for joy. How do I know? If you have been paying attention to the marketing and advertising campaigns for Christmas shopping 2011, you can’t miss the message. JOY is the theme of many advertisements. Here are a few that I remember.

  • Home Goods Be Home Goods Happy…Triumphant JOY!
  • J Crew Give Style. Give Color. Give JOY!
  • The Gap The JOY alert.
  • Kohl’s The JOY of giving…the JOY of saving.
  • Sears Real gifts. Real JOY. Guaranteed.

The Sears ad is probably the most revealing. Sears is hoping to lure shoppers to their stores by guaranteeing them “real joy” if they purchase their “real gifts”. Sears is smart. Their marketing gurus are playing off the fact that we live in a joyless society. True happiness and genuine joy is fading fast from the American cultural landscape.

My wife, daughter and I were “malling” over the weekend. To be honest with you, when I entered Sears I didn’t feel this overwhelming sense of joy. Quite the opposite. I felt sad that there are people who think real joy comes from a secular gift. Craftsman tools, fashionable clothes, or the coolest toy may bring momentary happiness, but not everlasting joy. I guess the word “guarantee” is the hook!

Sorry Sears. The real gift, the real joy, guaranteed, is Jesus Christ.

The genuine, guaranteed joy ad was delivered two thousand plus years ago (Luke 2:1-19). This advertisement was the advertisement for all time. Angels from heaven announced the real gift of real joy. Surrounded by an out of this world light show and backed up by the heavenly host choir, the angelic beings delivered an awesome announcement.

Good news....Great joy.... A Savior….Christ the Lord!

Shepherds attending their flocks under a starry night sky were the first to hear the word that would change the course of their lives and the world. A precious baby boy born in a manger in Bethlehem brought joy to the world. Real joy. Joy for all people.

Blown away by the angel’s announcement, the shepherds hoofed it as fast as they could to Bethlehem to see the Savior. Imagine their joy when they saw the baby Jesus sleeping peacefully in the manger. The Messiah had been promised for centuries. “Today” was the angel’s declaration. No more waiting for the Savior. Immauel, God with us, has come. Glory to God in the highest must have been the song of the shepherd’s hearts that first Christmas.

God’s gift of great joy was a Savior for you and me.

Jesus is God’s gift of joy to a joyless generation. The gift of joy is free. Joy can’t be purchased. Swiping a credit card will never produce joy. Real joy is the presence of Jesus Christ.

Joy in Jesus is not only free. It is guaranteed too! Christ’s joy was guaranteed, sealed for us, when He shed His blood dying on a cruel cross. Then He rose from the dead. Hebrews 12:2 states “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus’ joy was saving you and me from sin.

Christ’s final words from the cross “Father forgive them” and “It is finished” guaranteed God’s gift of salvation.

Christmas is Christ. Jesus is our joy. Man’s search for joy ends when he finds Jesus. Joyless people experience genuine joy when they receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. The good news Christmas 2001 is that Jesus, not Sears is the Savior of the world.

O Come, all ye faithful. JOYFUL and TRIUMPHANT
O Come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the king of angels.
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Joy to the world, the Lord has come…. and He is coming back to all who believe in Him. Tell someone this Christmas the good news about Jesus Christ.

A JOYFUL Christmas celebration to you and your loved ones

A Word For Your Week: Jesus is the gift of real joy…guaranteed!

]]> Theft Proof Joy http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/12/theft-proof-joy http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/12/theft-proof-joy Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:35:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/12/theft-proof-joy “Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice; and no one takes your joy away from you.” John 16:22



Is there anything in life that can never be taken away from us? I believe there is.

Jesus told His closet friends and followers that no one [...]]]> “Therefore you too now have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice; and no one takes your joy away from you.” John 16:22



Is there anything in life that can never be taken away from us? I believe there is.

Jesus told His closet friends and followers that no one could steal their joy.

The Lord had given the disciples a heads up concerning His future. Soon Jesus would die a violent death on a cruel cross. Sorrow would overwhelm the hearts of His faithful, devoted followers. But not for long.

Jesus promised He would see them again! His words “your heart will rejoice” stirred up hope in the disciple’s heavy hearts. Joy, not sorrow, would fill their future. Jesus compared their coming joy to that of a woman giving birth to a child. Labor is not fun. Ask any mother. But when the baby is born, joy and rejoicing eclipses the pain and suffering of childbirth (verse 21).

When my wonderful wife Jo Ann gave birth to our son and daughter, I witnessed the miracle of childbirth….. and a mother’s joy. I will remember forever the soft, radiant glow on my sweetheart’s face when she heard our babies' first cry. It was pure joy. A joy that only a mother knows. Joy that no one could ever take away from her motherly heart.

The disciples would soon be born-again into God’s Kingdom and family. Belonging to Jesus, they would be filled up full with His joy (John 15:11). The joy that His presence would produce in their hearts was a joy that nothing in life could touch.

What joy would they have? Resurrection joy. The joy of the risen Lord would be theirs. The joy of salvation would flood their hearts to overflowing (Psalm 51:12). Resurrection joy would empower their Christian witness. And to top it off, no demon from hell or man on earth could take their joy away!

It is vital to victorious living for Christians to know that no one can steal Christ’s joy in my life. Joy can be surrendered, but never stolen. The joy of the resurrected Savior in my heart is thief proof.

The devil is such a lousy loser. The evil one tries again and again to steal our joy. But Jesus said it is not steal-able (that word may not be in Webster’s). This is bad news for the devil and good news for you and me!

As a believer in Jesus Christ, His joy in me is not for sale, cannot be stolen, and should never be surrendered. The vault of my heart is a safe and secure theft free zone for joy.

I would like to make three comments about the joy of Jesus in our lives.

First, I want to say it again: my joy pocket can’t be picked. Christian joy, which is the joy of the Lord, is off limits to the chief thief (Devil) and all of his lowly apprentices (demons). Neither can any earthly being rip off my joy. No one or anything can touch the joy Jesus has planted in my heart.

Joyful Christians should never be joyless. Nothing in life can steal our joy.

Second, the joy of the Lord being our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), we, the church, should be picking Satan’s pocket! The devil’s pocket is pickable. In the name and power of Jesus Christ, Christians are to push back the gates of hell, delivering and setting free spiritually lost men and women from eternal destruction.

Sad sack, joyless faces will never back down the devil’s demons. Believers who look like they have been baptized in lemon juice never intimidate Satan. Resurrection joy defeats the devil every time!

And third, maintain your joy in Christ. If you are a joyless believer in Christ, it is because you gave your joy away. Life circumstances didn’t steal your joy; you surrendered it. Your joy wasn’t ripped off; you lost your grip on it!

So keep your grip on joy. Spend time with Jesus. In His presence is fullness of joy. Study and meditate on His Word. Sing His praises. Thank Him for who He is and all He has done for you. Put on the whole armor of God each day. Witness to the lost about God’s love. Let others know that the joy of the Lord is your strength. Joy grows, glows and flows when we share our joy in Christ with others.

Christian, take heart. You and I will see Jesus soon. While we wait for His glorious return, choose to walk in His joy. Refuse to surrender your joy to anyone or anything. And tell someone along the way why you are so full of joy!

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:11

“In Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

A Word For Your Week: Rejoice! Joy in Christ can never be ripped off

]]> Satan's Last Stand http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/04/satans-last-stand http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/04/satans-last-stand Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:23:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/12/04/satans-last-stand “And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you come out of him and do not enter him again. And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them [...]]]> “And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and dumb spirit, I command you come out of him and do not enter him again. And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came out; and the boy became so much like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand and raised him, and he got up.” Mark 9:25-27

Have you ever wondered why when a person becomes a new believer in Christ, the devil works him over? Have you asked yourself when a Christian couple is trying to restore their marriage relationship why does all hell seem to break loose? Or have you wondered why when you are trying to overcome a bad or sinful habit, the enemy’s opposition seems relentless?

I found the answer to these questions in Mark 9:14-29. I call it Satan’s Last Stand

Scenario. A curious crowd has gathered around Jesus. A distraught father has brought his demon possessed son to the disciples for deliverance. Christ’s followers failed to set the boy free. Jesus rebukes the disciple’s lack of faith, then turns His attention to the boy.

Jesus learns the history of the boy’s problem. He then locates the father’s faith. Hoping for a miracle for his son, the father declares “I believe, help my unbelief.” Jesus can work with an honest guy like that. The Lord rebukes the unclean spirit, commanding it to come out of the boy.

The unclean spirit is furious. Throwing the boy into terrible convulsions, the crowd believes the young man is dead. So what does Jesus do? Perform a funeral? Not exactly. Jesus takes the boy’s lifeless hand and raises him to life! The boy got up, dusted the dirt off his britches and went on his way with his grateful father.

Satan left the boy. But not without taking a final shot. Jesus, who is greater than Satan, kicked the devil out once and for all.

I believe this awesome story of the power of God contains seven lessons that we can learn and apply to our lives.

1. The Lord Jesus, a set free son, a thankful father, an amazed crowd, and the disciples were left standing, not Satan. The unclean spirit hit the road.
2. Satan kicks on the way out because he is a sore loser. The devil hates it when Jesus shows up. Satan knows he must go when God’s Son says go.
3. Jesus has the last word when Satan takes his last stand.
4. Satan’s last stand failed because the boy’s father took a stand with Jesus
5. Faith in Jesus is the victory that overcomes Satan’s last stand.
6. Faith is built up and enlarged through prayer and fasting.
7. The disciples and the crowd went away strengthened in faith.

Standing Against Satan’s Last Stand

If you are struggling with something in your life and feel that Satan has the upper hand, he doesn’t. He never does and never will. Something good is about to happen in your life and the devil doesn’t like it. He knows his time of harassing you is fast drawing to a close. Eternity in a fiery pit awaits the evil one. So he stirs up the powers of hell against you.

Take heart Christian. When Satan takes his last stand, stand firm in faith. Faith in Christ opens the heavens and sets loose the power of Almighty God to defeat demons from hell.

  • Expect Satan to take a shot at you on his way out. Don’t be surprised or taken off guard. His strategy is to set you back in fear, demoralize you and steal your faith.
  • You are a winner in Christ (Romans 8:31-39). Satan is always on the losing end. Boldly and confidently speak the name of Jesus and Satan will flee (James 4:7).
  • Jesus is your rear guard (Isaiah 58:8). The Lord has got your back. Satan is a backdoor devil. Slam the backdoor on Satan in Jesus’ name.
  • You are not the only one who experiences Satan’s last stand (I Peter 5:8-9). The devil takes shots at all who believe in Christ. So, rise up. Be strong in the Lord. Pray for others under attack. Resist Satan with the support of your brothers and sisters in Christ. We defeat the devil together in Jesus’ name.

You can be free like the boy in our story. What Jesus did for him He will do for you. When Satan is kicking, kick back in the name of Jesus. Tell the devil to taka hike back to hell in Jesus’ mighty, victorious name!

“The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” I John 3:8b

“You are from God little children and have overcome them; because greater is he (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world.” I John 4:4

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.” I Peter 5:8-9

A Word For Your Week: Stand in Jesus’ name against Satan’s last stand.

]]> In the Face of a Child http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/29/in-the-face-of-a-child http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/29/in-the-face-of-a-child Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:09:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/29/in-the-face-of-a-child “And they were bringing children to Him, so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw them he was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, “Whoever does not receive the [...]]]> “And they were bringing children to Him, so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw them he was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all. And He took them in His arm and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them.” Mark 10:13-16

When is the last time you looked into the face of a little child? And what did you see?

Jesus saw something special when He looked into a child’s face. I believe He saw the Kingdom of God.

The Lord loved little ones. He directed the disciples to bring children to Him. Do not hinder them from coming to Me was His command. The kingdom of God is theirs. How could this be? Because in the face of a child you see hope for the future. Innocence, dependence, and trust radiate through a child’s eyes. Their happy faces reflect a heart filled with simple, sincere faith. Children sense life is good and full of blessings, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

No wonder Jesus held children and blessed them.

Life can get complicated for us adults. That is why God made children and grandchildren to grace our lives with joy and happiness beyond expression.

Jo Ann and I have been blessed to raise two wonderful children. We know first hand the ropes of parenting. Not every day in the Roll tribe household was “Happy Days”. I am sure we were (and still are) a pretty typical Christian family. Our family is tightly knit and has enjoyed so many good times together. Our kids love the Lord and are excited about His plans for their lives. My father’s heart is filled with joy and excitement when I peer into Adam and Stacy’s eyes, sneaking a peek into their hearts to share their hopes and dreams for the future.

And I love it that their dreams include grandchildren for dear old Doodah! (My two year old granddaughter calls grandpa Doodah).

Parker, and her little brother, one month old grandson Dylan, keep Doodah young in spirit and light on his toes. Oh, how I love just being with them. Parker lights up my countenance when she flashes her little girl smile, tickles my spirit when she gets silly and giggles, and she melts my heart when she reaches to me and says “Hold me Doodah”. Parker is uninhibited, carefree, totally her innocent, precious self. Without hesitation or reservation, locked in discovery mode, she excitedly checks out the wide, wonderful God has made for her.

Holding Dylan, looking into his new born face, confronts me with the fact that there is a future and a hope. Dylan is precious…and so is life. I am holding the future in my arms. Dylan is a script waiting to be written, a picture waiting to be painted, a life waiting to be lived for the glory of God.

When I see a child, I see the future. As a Christian, my faith in Christ is all about spending the future with my heavenly Father in His eternal kingdom.

We adults need to recapture the spirit of a child.

In all honesty, it is too easy to get hung-up on our hang-ups, to sit back in our setbacks, to relive the pain of the past, to wonder where time has flown to, to question why dreams haven’t come to pass, to agonize over the aches and pains of aging bodies, to hope that we have lived a good life and will leave a respectable legacy for our loved ones.

Seeing the hope of the future in the faces of my children and grandchildren motivates me to keep fighting the good fight of faith for God and my family. When I am battle weary, all it takes is a little dose of one of my kids or grandkids and upward and onward I go again.

Looking in to the face of a happy child brings a peace and joy that is indescribable. It is amazing to me how a child can turn our hearts in the right direction when we drift and forget what life is all about.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. Most likely, you will gather with family to celebrate God’s goodness and blessings. Children and grandchildren will show up and be themselves…and I hope you will enjoy every sacred, happy moment being with them.

Maybe you and I should choose to be more childlike. Simplify our lives. Focus on our faith in Christ, our love and devotion for our family and our responsibility to tell others about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His love for them.

God’s kingdom is all about being like a child.

Like Jesus did, let’s take a child into our arms and bless them in His name.

“For I know the plans that I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

A Word For Your Week: See the future in the face of a child.

]]> Standing Tall Through Tough Times http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/21/standing-tall-through-tough-times http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/21/standing-tall-through-tough-times Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:58:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/21/standing-tall-through-tough-times “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.” II Timothy [...]]]> “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.” II Timothy 4:16-17

What do you do when tough times come your way? How do you handle tough times when no one stands alongside to help you through?

Two hard questions that need honest answers.

Nobody likes tough times. Tough times are trying times. Tough times can be very lonely times. Tough times will bring out the worst or the best in us. Tough times can bury us. Or tough times can carry us into the presence of the Lord.

The apostle Paul, in his parting words to Timothy, tells us how he responded when times turned tough.

Paul was called to defend his ministry before the Jewish and Roman authorities. No one accompanied or defended him. It is so much easier to take a stand when there is someone to stand up with us. But no man stood tall with Paul. Paul wasn’t bitter. The apostle didn’t hold anything against those who deserted him. The apostle of grace was gracious. He knew from experience that men don’t always come through for us during tough times.

Not to be discouraged or deterred, Paul determined to stand tall for His Savior. Though alone in the natural, Paul stood firm in his faith. He witnessed powerfully and persuasively for the Lord Jesus Christ.

How did Paul pull that off? He was strengthened supernaturally because the Lord stood with Him. What a great testimony! “But the Lord stood with me.” Paul knew the presence of the Lord in the midst of experiencing the absence of men. Paul said “I was delivered out of the lion’s mouth.” Sounds like Daniel and the lion’s den, doesn’t it? (Daniel 6:16-28).

Paul was delivered from the lion’s mouth so he could deliver with his mouth the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles. His call was to stand tall before men and tell them about the love of God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Paul fulfilled his call because Jesus stood tall with him.

Do you need delivered from a lion’s mouth? Are you experiencing some tough times right now as you faithfully pursue God’s will for your life? Have you been abandoned by some folks you hoped would hang in there with you? Do you feel alone as you take your stand for Jesus?

You are not alone. You can stand tall because Jesus stands with you to support you and give you strength.

In Christ, you and I triumph over tough times. Why? Because Jesus is greater than any trouble we will ever face. Jesus Christ is Lord of all and Lord over all. He has already conquered every tough time we will ever encounter!

So be encouraged. When men fail to stand alongside you through the fiery trials of tough times, stand firm and tall in the Lord. God has promised in Hebrews 13:5b “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” He will never desert. Never bail. Never forsake or fail. That’s good news in tough times!

I believe it was Winston Churchill, the tough-minded Prime Minister of England during World War II, who said “When going through hell, keep going!” In other words, don’t stop when times are tough. Stand tall. Refuse to stall or fall. Advance through adversity. Keep going when the going is tough.

Stand tall like Paul. Tough times never last. Tough people do. The Lord stands with you to support and strengthen you so you can successfully fulfill His will.


“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19

A Word For Your Week: When times turn tough, tough it out by standing tall in Jesus Christ.

]]> Comfort http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/14/comfort http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/14/comfort Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:48:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/14/comfort “Comfort, oh comfort My people, says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1



Have you ever needed comforted? I have. You probably have to.

Isaiah’s word to comfort people is so appropriate for our day. People everywhere are in need of comfort.

So what is comfort all [...]]]> “Comfort, oh comfort My people, says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1



Have you ever needed comforted? I have. You probably have to.

Isaiah’s word to comfort people is so appropriate for our day. People everywhere are in need of comfort.

So what is comfort all about? Comfort is supporting, helping, assisting and encouraging someone when life has become uncomfortable.

Life can become uncomfortable in a hurry. Disappointments. Setbacks. Losses. Reversals. Disasters. Tragedies. Persecution. Seasons of Suffering . Comfort is what we need when life turns south and is upside down.

This devotional is on my heart because I am currently attempting to comfort some precious people who are hurting in unimaginable ways. So I am speaking to me as well as you the reader.

God’s Comforting Process

The Apostle Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians with a word about comfort.

“Blessed be the God and Father or our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” II Corinthians 2:3-5

Paul praises God as the source of all comfort. God comforts us in all of our affliction and difficulties. Note Paul says that our comfort is abundant through Christ. God’s comfort to us through Jesus is more than enough to endure and overcome a season of suffering.

I see three simple steps when comforting people who need comforted.

1. Receive God’s comfort ourselves (verses 3-4). We can only give what we have. To comfort others we must be comforted ourselves. The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, the Helper, the one who comes alongside to assist in time of need (see John 14:16-26. 16:7-15). God comforts us with His comfort when we are suffering.

2. Reach out to people who need comforting (verse 4a). God’s comfort in my life is to be shared, not hoarded. You and I are able to comfort others because He comforted us. We can pass on God’s comfort to hurting people who seek comfort and encouragement.

3. Give them the comfort God has given you (verse 4b). Share your story of God’s comfort. Read scriptures that ministered comfort to you. Pray for the Holy Spirit to comfort them in the way you have been comforted. Agree in faith with them for the things they need to feel secure, stable, and strong in the Lord.

Here a few practical things I am learning about comforting people.

People who are suffering and needing comfort DON’T NEED: pious platitudes, flowery speeches, theological lectures, or shallow, sugar coated solutions to their problems. Feeling devastated, they don’t need to be told in a flippant fashion that everything will be all right. Be careful not to tell them you understand their pain if you have not personally experienced what they are going through.

Hurting people don’t need to hear “I am here for you” and not hear from you again.

People who are suffering and need comforting DO NEED: loved and supported unconditionally. They need people who love them to come alongside and minister to them on their terms. A listening ear…a compassionate heart…an appropriate hug is comforting. Words of hope are welcome. Sharing simple promises from God’s Word provides stability and strength. Suffering folks need practical acts of service …childcare, meals, cover chores, lighten their schedule.

They need to know that you and God are with them.

Golden Rule of Comfort: Comfort others in the same manner you would like to be comforted.

Have you received God’s comfort in your life? Do you now someone that you care about who is suffering and needs comforted? Why not reach out to comfort them with the comfort you have received?

Trust me. When you sincerely and prayerfully reach out to comfort a hurting person with God’s comfort, it will be received with gratitude.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that Thy word has revived me.” Psalm 119:50

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou are with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

A Word For Your Week: Comfort someone who needs comforted with God’s comfort.

]]> We Are Not Alone http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/06/we-are-not-alone http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/06/we-are-not-alone Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:07:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/06/we-are-not-alone “Then the Lord God said,” It is not good for the man to be alone…” Genesis 3:18a

“And lo, I (Jesus) am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b


If you read the title of this devotional and think that I am going to write about aliens among us, [...]]]> “Then the Lord God said,” It is not good for the man to be alone…” Genesis 3:18a

“And lo, I (Jesus) am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b


If you read the title of this devotional and think that I am going to write about aliens among us, you would be mistaken.

You and I are not alone. And it has nothing to do with extraterrestrial beings.

Surveys of American people reveal that the three top concerns our citizens have is loneliness, boredom and depression. And you thought it would be money or terrorism.

So how are we to deal with feeling lonely, bored and depressed? The answer is in acknowledging Christ’s presence.

I meet regularly with emotionally hurting people who express feelings of loneliness because they feel alone. One of Satan’s spiritual warfare strategies is to distract, isolate and depress. Isolation and idleness pave the way for loneliness and boredom. Being bored and lonely breeds depression

Our two verses for this week address loneliness.

Genesis 3:18 tell us that in the very the beginning of human history God Himself said it was not good for man to be alone. So God did something about it. He created Eve for Adam. A lifelong companion to share life’s journey with.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam walked with God and his wife. Our first father was not lonely in Paradise because of God and Eve’s presence. Then Adam and Eve sinned. Result? Banishment from Paradise and God’s presence. Loneliness became part of the curse of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace.

Loneliness is part of our life experience on planet earth. There are times and seasons where we feel alone. Life transitions, separation from family or friends, loss of loved ones and changes in relationships can tempt us to feel and believe that we are all alone.

But the truth is, we are not alone.

Just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He addressed the issue of loneliness. The Lord commissioned His followers to reach the world for God’s Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20). The Lord, whom His followers loved, was going away. The disciples would certainly miss Jesus and probably wondered how they would fulfill The Great Commission by themselves.

Jesus assured them they would not be alone.

Please note He said “Lo, or behold, I am with you always” (Matthew 18:20). I am (present tense) with you ALWAYS. Always means always. Always means in all ways and at all times Jesus is with His people. The Lord specifically said He would be with us to the end of the age, to the end of days. Wow! That means He is with us for our whole journey and we will never be alone!

Here are a few observations about not being alone.

• Feeling lonely doesn’t mean we are alone.
• Being in a lonely place doesn’t mean we are alone.
• When we are alone, we are not really alone.
• When we are by ourselves, we are not really by ourselves.
• When we feel isolated, we are not isolated from God.
• When we feel like an island, there are people who love and care about us.
• Faith declares and rests assured that God is with me SO I AM NEVER ALONE!

Isaiah 7:14 prophesied “Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will can His name Immanuel”. Immanuel means God with us. Mary gave birth to Jesus. Jesus is Immanuel….God with us.

If Christians believe what we say we believe, then we are never really by ourselves. Jesus is with us. We may be separated from people for a time or season, but never from our God. Nothing separates us from His presence and His love for us (Romans 8:35-39).

You may be feeling lonely right now. I understand loneliness from personal experience. But I also understand that in the lonely places, I am not alone because of God’s presence in my life.

Confess God’s presence and release your loneliness to Him. He is with you right now right wherever you are. No matter what is going on in your life, you are not alone. You have Jesus’ word on it.

You and I are not alone because Jesus is here. He is near…in our hearts.
So when loneliness clouds your day, remember that Jesus is with you. The light of His presence and love will scatter depression’s clouds. “I will never leave or desert you, I will never forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

A Word For Your Week: It is not possible to be alone when Jesus is with us.


]]> Don't Be Deceived http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/01/dont-be-deceived http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/01/dont-be-deceived Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:34:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/11/01/dont-be-deceived “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today’, lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

Sin is deceitful.

According to Webster, to deceive means “to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or [...]]]> “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today’, lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

Sin is deceitful.

According to Webster, to deceive means “to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid; to mislead, delude, beguile or ensnare.” Deceitfulness means “an attempt or device to deceive, trick.”

Sin deceives and is dangerous. Satan tricks us and trips us up with sin..

The writer to the Hebrews issues a warning and a word of exhortation. The warning: sin deceives and hardens hearts. The exhortation: encourage each other while we still can.

So what does “the deceitfulness of sin” look like? You and I might be deceived by sin if:

• Our heart has become hard to the truth.
• We justify sin.
• We rationalize sin.
• We excuse sin.
• We give ourselves a pass when we sin.
• We believe that God in His grace will blink at our sin.
• We fail to heed the warnings of people who love us that sin is destroying us.
• We don’t believe sin’s consequences will come upon us.

Sadly, having been in Christian ministry for thirty-five years, I have seen far too many people be deceived by sin, harden their hearts, and ruin their lives.

So what should you and I do? ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER!

Who doesn’t need encouragement when it comes to the deceitfulness of sin? I do. I hope you are honest enough to say you do too.

Sin is a stalker of our souls. Everyday Satan seeks to trap us and trip us with sin.

Sin is deceitful and will deceive anyone who does not keep his guard up. So, day after day, while we still have today, we are exhorted to encourage each other. Christians are to look out for each other. Keep our guards up together. Help each other defeat sin.

The deceptiveness of sin is that it is deceptive.

Sin deceives us until we become self-deceived. Self-deception means that I don’t call sin sin. I don’t see sin as sin. Sin is something other people do. My “sin” is not really sin. My shortcoming is no big deal. It is a mistake, a lapse in judgment, an act of ignorance. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I didn’t think it would hurt anyone.

Deception hardens our hearts to truth and righteousness.

It is hard to help people who are deceived by sin. People deceived by sin don’t want to face truth. Their hard hearts resist the softening of the Holy Spirit. Truth hurts…but truth heals. There is no healing, restoration or renewal without truth….the truth of God’s Word.

The body of Christ needs to call sin sin. When is the last time you heard a message from your pastor dealing with sin and its deceptive power?

Look deeply into your heart. Any deception lurking there? Have you deceived yourself by indulging in some sinful habit, a secret sin, behavior or activity? Are you less sensitive to sin than you used to be? Are you tolerating sinful behavior that you used to resist? Is your conscience being seared by deception?

When you and I call sin what it is, then we can deal with it. Sin that isn’t sin can’t be confronted and conquered. How can you hit a target when you refuse to call the target a target? It just doesn’t make sense to desire to be delivered from sin and choose to stay deceived by sin.

Don’t be deceived by sin…be relieved from sin. Jesus shed His precious blood and rose from the dead to save us from sin (Romans 5:6-11, Hebrews 9:14, I Peter 1:18-19).

My brother or sister in Christ, please, do not tolerate deception any longer. Deception will destroy your soul and steal from you everything that you love and value. If you are struggling with sin, call sin what it is. Name it. Face it. Repent. Receive forgiveness. Be renewed in Christ. Look to the Lord to give your victory over sin.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

A Word For Your Week: Don’t be deceived by the deceitfulness of sin.

]]> Dealing With Difficult Days http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/23/dealing-with-difficult-days http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/23/dealing-with-difficult-days Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:59:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/23/dealing-with-difficult-days “But realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come." II Timothy 3:1

While watching a favorite news commentary program, a very high profile woman in American social/political circles made the comment ”These are very difficult times”.

My response was something like “No [...]]]> “But realize this, that in the last days, difficult times will come." II Timothy 3:1

While watching a favorite news commentary program, a very high profile woman in American social/political circles made the comment ”These are very difficult times”.

My response was something like “No kidding!” This observant woman has no corner on declaring difficult days. The news bulletin she delivered was declared long before she ever graced the earth.

God’s Word predicted these difficult days.

The Word of God is always ahead of the world. That is why it is vital for Christians to be Word wise and forget about being world wise.

In our passage for this week, the Apostle Paul prophesized “difficult times” over two thousand years ago. The “last days” is the period we are living in between Christ’s ascension to heaven and His glorious second coming to earth.

The good news is that the bad news is coming true! Believe it or not, “difficult times“ are good because these days must happen before the “day of the Lord” when Jesus returns for His bride the church. God’s prophetic calendar is getting shorter and shorter with each passing day. Christ’s second coming, in glory and majestic splendor, is just around the corner. God’s people shouted AMEN! and COME QUICKLY LORD JESUS!

So how do we deal with difficult days while we wait expectantly for Jesus to take us home?

Here are six things we need to focus our faith on at this time of difficulty.

• REALIZE difficult days will come.

Verse one tells us we should not be surprised when life becomes difficult. Paul says “Realize this…”. He is talking about a reality check. I am shocked that so many professed Christians are surprised at these difficult days. Some even use words like “unreal” or phrases like “I can’t believe this is happening”. We need to get real and believe what is happening. God did us a favor through Paul by giving us a heads up that difficult days would come. Note, not might come, but will come.

Difficult times are here. Don’t react negatively, anxiously or fearfully. Respond positively to the fact that the difficult days God predicated are here.

• RECOGNIZE what difficult days will look like.

Read carefully verses 2-13. If you can’t see that these words describe perfectly our day, then your head is buried in the sand. Not Paul says “For men”. He tells us in unmistakable terms what men and women will be like. Men will be stuck on themselves It’s all about me time. Narcissism will run rampant. Men will love themselves and love money. Greed and corruption will reign. Unrighteous, unbelieving, worldly men will be arrogant, proud, boastful, void of humility.

Worldly men and women won’t love other people. Relationships will be irreconcilable. Disobedience to parents and other rightful authority will abound. Rebellious men will be brutal, malicious gossips and slanderers of reputations. Without self-control, reckless, treacherous, loving pleasure rather than loving God. The hedonistic, party spirit inhabits a world gone wild. Note forms of godliness. False religions. Looking spiritual. Always learning, but never coming to the truth. Deceivers of innocent, vulnerable people. Unholy and ungrateful. Opponents of goodness and good people. People predators will pervade our society.

In verse three, Paul uses the phrase “haters of good.” Have you noticed the spirit of hate in our society? Hatred is in your face, brutal, crass, crude, vulgar, indecent, and profane. Hatred’s target is what is good. Men of this world hate what is good and they hate good people. Read Isaiah’s warning to people who call good evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20-24). The prophet warns that judgment and destruction awaits those who “take away the rights of the ones who are in the right!” (Verse 23).

We are definitely in the difficult days Scripture reveals. There is no escape. Man’s true colors are evident. Worldly men hate Jesus Christ and all who represent Him.

Paul’s word to Christians: “avoid such men as these” (verse 5). Havenothing to do with them. Distance yourself. Reject their worldview and lifestyle. Then, he reminds us that their day will come, their “folly will be obvious to all” (Verses 8-9).

God will have the last word in dealing with men who make the days difficult.

• REALIZE difficult days will get worse.

In verse 13, Paul reveals “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. As optimistic as we would like to be, some things will not get better. Men living without Jesus Christ will proceed from bad to worse. Deception will increase and abound.

If you think it is difficult now, hold on to your spiritual hat. Paul states “And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (Verse 12). It will get worse before it gets better (Jesus returns!).

• REMEMBER who delivers from difficult days.

In verse 14 Paul says “You, however.” “You” is you and me in Christ. We are exhorted and admonished to “continue” in what we have learned from the Word of God. In verse ten, Paul states “you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love and perseverance, persecutions and sufferings. And you are witnesses how I endured all of this and how OUT OF THEM ALL, THE LORD DELIVERED ME!”

Difficulty demands Christian discipline. Don’t forget who delivers from difficult times. His name is Jesus. Study the scripture. Keep your faith focused on the Word that you have learned. The Lord will deliver us from difficult days.

• RESOLVE to share God’s wisdom with people disturbed by these difficult days.

If you think life is difficult as a believer, how difficult must these days be for unbelievers? Network news doesn’t have the answer to difficult days. The media is part of the bad news! Fellow Christian, shine brightly as light in a dark world. Share God’s Word with people who are caught up in the world system (Verse 15). Now is the time, right in the middle of difficult days, for Good News people to tell lost, confused, hurting people about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

• REJOICE that difficult days prepare the way for the “day of the Lord.”

If we are really living for heaven, then these difficult days are no more than a doorway for those who believe. Christians aren’t living for here and now. We are living for later and there (eternity in heaven!).

Difficult days demand steady faith in Jesus Christ.

Take heart. What God said would come to pass has. Difficult days are here. We who belong to Christ can be used by Him to deliver many people from the crushing pain and unrelenting loneliness of an empty heart in difficult times.

“But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there shall be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts. These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly minded, devoid of the Spirit.”

“But you, beloved, building you selves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life." Jude 17-21

A Word For Your Week: Difficult times don’t have to make life difficult for you.

]]> Lousy Days http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/16/lousy-days http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/16/lousy-days Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:20:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/16/lousy-days “Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17


Have you ever had a lousy day? Got your attention didn’t I!

Lousy days [...]]]> “Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17


Have you ever had a lousy day? Got your attention didn’t I!

Lousy days are part of life. A lousy day is one that could have gone a whole lot better! You and I will have a lousy day from time to time.

A lousy day comes with the turf of living as sin-scarred human beings in a fallen world.

When Adam and Eve sinned in Eden, life turned lousy. Our first parents were booted from Paradise. God promised the outcasts and you and me a Messiah who would rule and reign over lousy days (Genesis 3). But lousy days would be part of our human journey. Even Jesus Christ, God’s only son, experienced some lousy days while on earth. Suffering, torture and crucifixion is definitely a lousy day to name just one.

So what are we to do with a lousy days? I believe Paul tells us to redeem them.

Lousy days are part of the evil days Paul warns us of. He exhorts us how to walk out our faith in the time in which we live. Take care Paul says to walk as wise men, not foolish or unwise folks. Seek to understand what God’s will is for your life and make the most of your time. The King James Version reads “redeem the time for the days are evil.”

To redeem means to buy back. Buying back means taking back what belongs to us. A lousy day doesn’t change God’s good, acceptable and perfect will for our lives (Romans 12:1-20) God’s promise of a future and hope for a successful, prosperous and eternal life is not negated by a bad day (Jeremiah 29:11).

Lousy days can only hold power over us if we yield it to them.

Satan is a thief who loves to steal our days and our joy. The enemy of our souls is a lousy devil who delights in lousy days. The devil eats it up when we end our day and rack it up as lousy. His demons dance when we are discouraged or depressed over a difficult day.

Having a lousy day doesn’t make us a loser. Winners experience a lot of lousy days on the way to winning. Jesus had a lousy day on the Cross, and then rose from the dead three days later. Jesus Christ in Christians, is greater then the author of lousy days, Satan, who is in the world (I John 4:4).

Let’s be honest. Real honest. Not every day is going to be a great day. As Christians we “are glad and rejoice” in each day that comes from God’s gracious hand (Psalm 118:24). But that doesn’t mean the day will be exempt of challenges, pressures, stresses, bad news, disappointments, frustration or setbacks.

Why is it that we expect every day to be absolutely awesome and frustration free? Why do we think there must be something wrong with us if we experience a bad day? When we have a bad day, why do we think we missed something or we automatically messed up? Why does a bad day tempt us to feel bad about ourselves, our faith, and our relationships?

Maybe it is because we have a lousy attitude toward lousy days.

A lousy day is not our enemy. Out attitude toward it is. Lousy days uncover our true character. Lousy days reveal how we respond to life when it turns south. Lousy days provide opportunity to watch our God work. Lousy days are packed with potential for us to grow and mature in our faith.

May I suggest to you how to redeem your lousy day? Try this when a day has not been your best day.

Lord, this wasn’t my best day. Matter of fact, it was pretty lousy. You know all the reasons why. Before I fall asleep, I release this lousy day to you. I thank you for the gift of this day and the good You did for me in the midst of a less than best day. I take this day back and no longer call it or count it lousy. I count it a joy that I lived this day. I walked with You through a difficult day and I did more than survive. I am ending this lousy day more than a conqueror in Christ. I am looking forward to a better day tomorrow in Jesus’ name.

A lousy day or two is not the end of your life.

Redeem a lousy day. Buy it back with God’s grace. Take back what you can. Clear the deck. Chalk up a lousy day to experience. Learn lessons from the lousy day. Be wiser for passing through a less than satisfying day.

Life in Christ still lurks under the cover of a lousy day!

Never allow a lousy day take you out. Make a lousy day take you up…to a place of God’s grace and goodness. The Lord knows how to turn lousy days around for His children! (Romans 8:28).

So what are you going to do the next time you have a lousy day?

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

“So teach us to number our days (lousy ones too!), that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

A Word For Your Week: Redeem a lousy day…then expect a better day tomorrow.


]]> Weeping With One Another http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/10/weeping-with-one-another http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/10/weeping-with-one-another Mon, 10 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/10/weeping-with-one-another “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

Life can be hard and heavy.

Heaviness of heart is hard to bear by ourselves. When we are hurting, we certainly can go to God for comfort, strength and help. He is there and He cares. You and I can cast our [...]]]> “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

Life can be hard and heavy.

Heaviness of heart is hard to bear by ourselves. When we are hurting, we certainly can go to God for comfort, strength and help. He is there and He cares. You and I can cast our cares (burdens, troubles, anxiety) upon Him, knowing that He cares for us (I Peter 5:7). Thank you Jesus for caring for us and meeting our need.

But there are some times and seasons when I need God to have a face. A voice. A touch.

That’s why I believe Paul exhorted Christians to rejoice with each other and weep with one another.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice is fun. Everybody loves a party! Celebrating with each other is not difficult, unless we are jealous of another’s victory or success. Rejoicing comes easy because rejoicing doesn’t hurt. Celebrating is acceptable in our culture.

But what about times when there is no party. Life has crashed in. Tragedy strikes. Disaster turns life upside down. Our hearts are broken due to loss…a loved one passes away, a significant relationship goes south, a project fails, we are misunderstood and it costs us something we treasured. Life can be brutal. Life can leave us devastated in spirit, emotionally distraught and confused.

Weeping with those who weep is not fun. In our culture, crying is unacceptable in most circles. Tears are avoided like the plague. It is amazing to me how people will cry and apologize for crying. What are they apologizing for? For being human? For being a hurting person who needs healing? Too many of us would rather look the other way then weep with those who weep.

You and I can weep because Jesus wept. And Jesus wept with people who were weeping.

John chapter 11 records the death and resurrection of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. The shortest verse in the Bible states “Jesus wept” (verse 35). The scenario was heart-wrenching. Lazarus had been dead for four days. His sisters, Mary and Martha were mourning. Family and friends were trying to console the grief-stricken sisters.

When Jesus saw Mary weeping, verse 33 tells us that “He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled.” So Jesus went to the graveside. He cried at the cemetery. God’s son wept with the people who were weeping.

Jesus wept. Please take careful note that Jesus cried before He called Lazarus to come forth from the grave. His heart was moved with grief over the death of His friend and the pain of Lazarus’s sisters. Compassion preceded resurrection and rejoicing. Jesus loved His friends in their grief and when the party began!

It is significant to note that in verse 36 the Jews observing these events were saying “Behold, how He loved him.” Christ’s crying was all about love.

Weeping with people who are weeping means….

• I love you.
• I accept you as you are. It is okay for you to weep, to cry, to mourn.
• You are not alone. I care. I am willing to try and share your pain.
• I am beside you to shoulder your burden with you.
• My tears encourage my hurting friend to release their pain and find some relief through letting their grief out.
• Weeping is not for wimps. Weeping is not weakness. Weeping is for wounded warriors who are sincerely seeking healing, restoration and renewal from the hurt.
• Weeping with those who weep is a mark of Christlikeness. One of the most powerful things a Christian can do to show the love of Christ to a hurting person is to weep with them.

When you need to weep, weep. When others need you to weep with them, weep with them.

Do you know someone who is mourning and weeping? Come alongside of them. Share their sorrow and grief. Mourn with them. Cry. Shed some tears together. Then watch the Lord lighten the burden of the person you wept with.

“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8

“Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b

A Word For Your Week: Weep with someone who is weeping.

]]> Humility http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/03/humility http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/03/humility Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:07:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/10/03/humility “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
I Peter 5:5-6 [...]]]> “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
I Peter 5:5-6


When people come to me for restoration counsel, the first thing I share with them after giving them hope that restoration is possible is three things: be humble, be teachable, be willing to change.

To be humble means to not be proud!

Pride is humanity’s chief problem. The pride problem popped up in the very beginning of the human experience. A proud spirit got Adam and Eve booted out of Eden. Instead of humbling themselves to God’s Word and will, they got all puffed up, arrogantly doubted God, challenged His will and lost their place in Paradise (Genesis 3).

What would human history have looked like if our first parents had humbled themselves?

God Himself showed us fallen sinners the highway to humility. In Philippians 2:5-8 we read that Jesus “emptied Himself’ and “humbled Himself”. The Lord’s attitude was humility…to the point of death on a cross. The result: Eternal salvation for you and me. And, God highly exalted Jesus. His name is above every name. Why? Because Jesus humbled Himself (Philippians 2:9-11).

Here are some observations from our scripture for this week.

  • God is opposed to the proud. God is a foe, not a friend, of the arrogant.
  • Humility is my responsibility. Note: Clothe yourself and humble yourself.
  • Be humble toward each other. Humility is the oil of healthy human relationships.
  • God gives grace to the humble and exalts humble people at the right time.
  • Humble people are safe and secure under the mighty hand of Almighty God.
  • I believe Peter is saying that that we must humble ourselves or we will be humbled and maybe even humiliated.

Pride hurts. Humility heals.

Pride is a barrier to healthy relationships with God, ourselves and people. The pathway to humility begins by forsaking pride. Arrogance separates and stresses relationships. Pride is all about power struggles and pits people against one another.

Humility always precedes healing. Humble people don’t have to have their way. Humble people aren’t on power trips. Humble people don’t think more highly of themselves than they should think. Humble people care about how other people feel. Humility strips pride of its power and turns people toward each other.

It is a fact of life: wounds won’t heal without humility and submission to God’s healing process. Relationships will not reconcile without both parties casting off pride and clothing themselves with humility.

Helpful Hints For Becoming Humble

  • First of all, don’t brag on how humble you are! That’s false humility.
  • Secondly, honestly answer: Am I an arrogant or humble person? Allow God to search your heart and point out any pride that lurks inside.
  • Thirdly, admit arrogance. Forsake pride. Humbly submit yourself to God’s Word and will.
  • Fourthly, would others say I am humble or arrogant? Honestly deal with their opinion. Then change your attitude and behavior.
  • Fifthly, humble yourself to people you have hurt. Confess your wrongdoing. Express your sincere sorrow. Ask for forgiveness. Promise to walk humbly before them. Have Christ’s attitude toward the people you love. Serve them in His name.

If you are trying to regain someone’s trust, or win them back, or heal your relationship, HUMBLE YOURSELF. That’s right, humble yourself. Don’t just swallow your pride. Die to arrogance. Pride led to your fall (Proverbs 16:18). Humility will get you back on your feet to follow God and do life His way.

Life is one long lesson in humility…so keep stay enrolled in humility school. Humble yourself so God can exalt you.

“Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty (arrogant) in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited in your own estimation.” Romans 12:16

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” Philippians 2:3

Word For Your Week: Humble yourself if you want to experience healing, restoration and renewal.

]]> Never Retreat! http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/26/never-retreat http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/26/never-retreat Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:06:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/26/never-retreat “For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.” [...]]]> “For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever.”
Exodus 14:12b-13

Whenever you are watching a war movie and one of the battlefield generals issues the order to “sound retreat”, you know whose side is losing.

Israel was perfectly positioned. Right where God wanted His people. Behind them Pharaoh’s bloodthirsty army was in hot pursuit. In front of them, the Red Sea’s white-capped waves presented an impenetrable wall of water impeding further progress.

Stage set for a miracle. Israel was poised to witness a powerful deliverance from God’s mighty hand.

So what did God’s hand-picked people do? Sound retreat.

Crying out to Moses, the people whined “Why in the world did you bring us out here to die in the desert? Can’t you see oh fearless leader that it would be better if we were slaves again in Egypt? Pharaoh would take better care of us than God.” (Roll paraphrase of verse 12).

Moses’ rebuttal was straightforward. “Straighten up gang. Stop being so scared. Stand by, look and see what the Lord is going to do for you today. Keep your mouths shut while God fights for you. Exercise faith. Trust God. Go forward. Then look back to see Pharaoh will never harm you again. He and his army will be lying dead on the bottom of the sea.” (Roll paraphrase of verses 13-15).

Read verses 16-31 for the rest of the story.

When you know what God’s will is and He directs you to go forward, never retreat.

To retreat is to invite defeat.

Retreat is always the path of least resistance. Any body can go backward. But death hovers over the backdoor. Live in reverse and you will end up in a hearse!

Advance is the path that requires the most persistence. Not everybody goes forward because it always costs to be successful. It takes guts to leave the narrow, deep ruts of the past to plow a new, wide highway to the future where God’s richest blessings are found.

Retreat is the choice of losers. Advance is the choice of winners.

Reasons For Retreating:

1. Challenging circumstances suggest making a U-turn.

2. Going forward by faith doesn’t seem to make sense.

3. You feel pressure from the devil to go back.

4. Retreating seems easier than advancing.

5. People around you are retreating.

• If you choose a lifestyle of retreat, you will ultimately end up in the land of regret.


Reasons For Advancing And Resisting Retreat

1. Jesus Christ is bigger than circumstances.

2. Christians walk by faith, not by sight.

3. The devil travels backwards. God travels forward.

4. The price to go ahead is always less than moving backwards.

5. Men can miss God’s will. Resist the herd mentality.

• Never retreat from who you are, what you believe, what you do and what you are dreaming.

Are you facing a challenging situation? Are you tempted to retreat and run away from the opportunity before you? Are others around you sounding the retreat and inviting you to go backwards with them?

Decide that your future is forward, not backwards. Discipline yourself to trust in God’s plan, not man’s. Look forward to going forward and discovering what the Lord has prepared for those who refuse to retreat.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER RETREAT when God has called you to GO FORWARD!!!

“I will in travel in any direction as long as it is forward.”
David Livingston, Missionary

“Then Joshua said to the people “Go forward, and march around the city, and let the armed men go on before the ark of the Lord.”
Joshua 6:7

A Word For Your Week: If you don’t RETREAT, you won’t be BEAT!

]]> Managing Frustration http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/19/managing-frustration http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/19/managing-frustration Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:41:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/19/managing-frustration “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:1

Frustration is not my friend.

You may live a better life than I do and never get frustrated. But I find myself feeling frustrated more times than I would like. And frustration is not fun!

Feeling frustrated is all about feeling discouraged [...]]]> “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:1

Frustration is not my friend.

You may live a better life than I do and never get frustrated. But I find myself feeling frustrated more times than I would like. And frustration is not fun!

Feeling frustrated is all about feeling discouraged and disappointed that something we have hoped for doesn’t happen. Our purposes are thwarted, our progress is blocked, and our security is threatened. Unresolved problems or unmet needs stifle our satisfaction. Result: FRUSTRATION.

Five Facts About Frustration

1. Frustration is a feeling.
Feelings are fickle…they come and go. Feelings of frustration obscure our sense of stability and security. Frustration never feels good.

2. Impatience fuels frustration.
When I feel frustrated, I am impatient. The more impatient I am, the more frustrated I become. Impatience ignites the fire of frustration.

3. Frustration frustrates.
When I am frustrated, I get frustrated that I am frustrated! It frustrates me that I fall victim to feeling frustrated.

4. Frustration frustrates others.
Frustration never occurs in a vacuum. Other people pick up on my feelings of frustration and become frustrated with me (or at me).

5. Frustration Can Be Managed.
Christians walk by faith, not by sight or frustration. Frustration has a limited life span if we choose to manage it.

Our word for this week is about managing frustration. David wrote Psalm 46 to remind us what God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. He encouraged us to look to the Lord when we are afraid and life is frustrating. David tells us in verse 10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Kings James Version
“Be still and know that I am God.” New American Standard
“Pause a while and know that I am God.” Jerusalem Bible
“Desist! And know that I am God.” New American Bible
“Let be and know that I am God.” The Emphasized Bible.

BE STILL. When you and I feel frustrated, the last thing we want to do is to sit still. We want to wiggle, squirm and do stuff…. scream, throw a fit, let somebody or something have it. Pull out our hair, or kick the cat. Or pull out somebody else’s hair and kick their cat! Frustration pushes us to force issues, to try to control outcomes, to push some button to get what we want.

Stillness is the enemy of frustration.
Think about it. When you and I are frustrated, we are not still, we are stirred up. Being still before God takes the wind out of frustration’s sail. Why? Because while we are still, we acknowledge that God is God and everything will be all right.

God’s presence is a frustration free zone.
Frustration is not one of our Creator’s character traits. God isn’t sitting on the throne in heaven pulling His holy hair out or getting on somebody’s case. Almighty God is always calm, cool and collected….purposefully peaceful when His children are frustrated and in need His peace.

Being still before God defuses frustration by replacing impatience with patience. Stillness before God with the purpose of knowing Him and His ways helps us to recover perspective. Renewed perspective reduces frustration because we realize once again that we can be at peace with God’s pace.

So what frustrates you? Why not make a list of things that frustrate you. I have my list. And then, why not lay your list before the Lord in a quiet place and ask for His help to manage frustration when it raises its frustrating head.

Maybe you are frustrated right now. Call a time out and chill out. Take a deep breath. Sit down. Be still before God. Vent your frustration to Him. Then be quiet. Listen for His peaceful, reassuring voice. Then rise free of frustration.

“The steadfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee."
Isaiah 26:3

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful."
John 14:27

A Word For Your Week: Relax quietly before God and release your frustration.

]]> The Most Honest Person In The Bible http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/11/the-most-honest-person-in-the-bible http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/11/the-most-honest-person-in-the-bible Sun, 11 Sep 2011 18:03:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/09/11/the-most-honest-person-in-the-bible “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying; “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24


A boy possessed with an unclean spirit. An unnamed father. And Jesus.

The makings of a miracle. A lesson on heartfelt honesty.

A loving, desperate father approached [...]]]> “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and began saying; “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24


A boy possessed with an unclean spirit. An unnamed father. And Jesus.

The makings of a miracle. A lesson on heartfelt honesty.

A loving, desperate father approached Christ’s disciples to cast out the demon spirit that constantly tormented his son (Mark 9:17-18). They couldn’t do it. In verse 19, Jesus made a statement about an “unbelieving generation” and commanded that the boy be brought to Him. In the presence of Jesus, the unclean spirit acted up, sending the boy into convulsions.

In verses 21-23, Jesus gets the boys’ history from the father. The distraught dad asks Jesus for help. He asks “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Jesus responds that He can….and asks the father if he can believe. Immediately, without hesitation, with a burst of unashamed, unbridled emotion, the father cried out ”I do believe, help my unbelief.”

So what did Jesus do? He rebuked the unclean spirit and it came out (Mark 9:25-28). The boy was set free. The crowd witnessed a miracle. The disciples had some thinking to do. And the father? Jesus didn’t rebuke, judge or condemn the father for his faith statement. On the contrary. Jesus honored his humble honesty and granted his request.

Imagine how good dear old dad felt about his son’s freedom and that Jesus honored his request for his deliverance?

The Lord taught two lessons that day. First, the disciples need to pray and fast more often to cast out demons. Secondly, the father’s belief and battle with unbelief didn’t stop the miracle of deliverance. I believe Jesus sent a gracious message to the father and everyone watching: all things are possible to those who believe…and those who ask for help for their unbelief.

As a committed Christian who has trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior for thirty-nine years, Steve Roll believes. I also struggle with unbelief at times.

And you probably do too. So what are you and I to do when we believe and struggle with unbelief at the same time?

Do what the father did. Be honest. Confess our belief. And ask the Lord to help us with our unbelief.

I love this father. He is so real, so honest. His transparency and integrity blows me away. He is a breath of fresh air to my faith. This dad was bound and determined to believe and receive from the Lord. His honesty about his faith teaches me that there is nothing shameful or sinful about asking Jesus for help to believe.

I would go to war with this father. You know why? Because he is honest about his faith. I can identify with a guy like that. Side by side, armed with the whole armor of God, I would joyfully and gallantly fight the good fight of faith with him as fellow soldiers of Jesus Christ!

God gave us the example of this honest man so we could take pressure off ourselves when we are battling to believe. The devil loves to pound Christians with doubt and unbelief. The enemy of our soul is out to steal and destroy our faith. You and I have to be careful when we wrestle with unbelief that we don’t beat ourselves up over unbelief.

Struggling with unbelief doesn’t make us unbelievers or second class Christians. Just the opposite. Believing and seeking God’s help when we have a bout with doubt means we are human. God sees our hearts that desire to believe and need God’s help to believe sometimes.

Jesus helped this father with his unbelief. And He helps you and me with ours.

You and I need God’s help to believe. Grace makes belief possible. We don’t do well believing on our own. God’s love, mercy and grace draw us to the place of faith and trust in Him.

The next time you are battling unbelief, ask Jesus to help you believe. The next time a friend is struggling with doubt, don’t judge or condemn them. Pray for them. Go to Jesus with them. Agree for belief to overcome unbelief. And the next time some self-righteous, misguided professing Christian accuses you of being an unbeliever because you struggle with unbelief, tell them to take a hike to find grace and mercy!

Believe God fellow Christian. Ask Him to increase your faith. And rest in the fact that Jesus will help you believe when it is hard to believe.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it, the men of old gained approval.” Hebrews 11:1-2

A Word For Your Week: Believe God for what you can; trust God for what you can’t.

]]> Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/28/don%e2%80%99t-take-yourself-too-seriously http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/28/don%e2%80%99t-take-yourself-too-seriously Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:32:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/28/don%e2%80%99t-take-yourself-too-seriously “A joyful heart (one that can laugh) is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the spirit is sad, the spirit is broken” Proverbs 15:13

“A cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs [...]]]> “A joyful heart (one that can laugh) is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the spirit is sad, the spirit is broken” Proverbs 15:13

“A cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15b

Have you ever been told by someone who cares about you that you take life way too seriously? If they have, listen up. Then lighten up. Your friend is doing you a big favor.

Life is too short and eternity is too long for us to be overly serious about life. Some people’s countenances are so serious and sour that they look like they were baptized in lemon juice!

When I see people like that I want to ask “When is the last you laughed and enjoyed life? Why don’t you look in the mirror, see how unhappy you look, and then lighten up?”

Our Word for this week from Proverbs can be summarized like this. A joyful heart that can laugh is good medicine. Joyful hearts create cheerful faces. And cheerful hearts are like a continual feast. I don’t know about you, but I like joyful heart, cheerful face and a continual feast! Now that’s living the way God wants us you and me to live.

Laughter and joy sustains sanity. Too serious is insane. It really is because God is a good, joyful God who wants His children to be joyful and happy in Him. Laughter is a natural way to express a happy heart and joyful spirit.

I have learned that I don’t need to take myself too seriously because other people don’t. Things really aren’t as bad as I think they are. And things are better than I think they are. Life isn’t as hard as overly serious people make out to be.

You and I need to remove our serious hats and laugh at life. A sign of emotional security and maturity is to LAUGH AT YOURSELF. If you look long enough you will find plenty of things to laugh about yourself!

My family likes to laugh at me. And I laugh with them. Sometimes I do some spontaneous stuff that puts us in stitches as my grandmother Eplin used to say. We have laughed so hard that we cry and roll on the floor. Serious out….laughter in!

Jesus had a serious mission in saving sinners (see Luke 19:9-10). But I believe Jesus also knew how to lighten up and loosen up when appropriate.

Jesus was full of joy. I believe God’s Son laughed…and laughed a lot. Think about the motley, rag-tag crew of disciples He spent three years with. Peter sinking in the sea, James and John calling down fire from heaven, a child showing up the disciples, stupid questions and goofy reactions. My goodness, the disciples gave Jesus a lot of comedic relief!

How about you? Do you take yourself too seriously? I am not talking about taking a flippant attitude to life? Life is serious. But in all of its seriousness, life has to be balanced by being lightened up.

Laughter is good medicine. Medicine for our souls.

When is the last time Mr. or Mrs. Too Serious that you lightened up, loosened up and laughed a little….a lot? You will live a lot longer and enjoy life a lot more if you lighten up and don’t take yourself and life so seriously. And people you love will like being around you more too!

Jump Start Laughter Today
From Will Rogers

1. Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are two theories to arguing with a woman…neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
9. If you are riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it is still there.
10. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you are full of bull, keep your mouth shut!

If you didn’t have a laugh or two from Will Rogers, you are taking life way too seriously. And I mean that, fellow Christian!

It is said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. I also believe laughing everyday and living joyfully keeps us healthy and happy.

Do yourself a favor----lighten up and laugh!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

“The redeemed of the Lord will return, and come with joyful shouting to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 51:11

A Word For Your Week: Lighten up! Laugh today!

]]> Don’t Fear Bad News http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/21/don%e2%80%99t-fear-bad-news http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/21/don%e2%80%99t-fear-bad-news Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:50:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/21/don%e2%80%99t-fear-bad-news “He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is upheld, he will not fear, until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.” Psalms 112:7-8

We have all heard this before. Someone comes to you and announces, “I have good news, and I have bad news.” You and I [...]]]> “He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is upheld, he will not fear, until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.” Psalms 112:7-8

We have all heard this before. Someone comes to you and announces, “I have good news, and I have bad news.” You and I decide which “news” we want to hear first, good or bad. Speaking for myself, I would just as soon skip the bad news. Thank you very much for good news only.

But that is not living in a real world where bad news abounds. You and I are pummeled with negative reports and doom and gloom prognostications (where did I get that word!) on a daily basis. Bad news and evil tidings have one goal: to instill worry, fear and panic into the receivers.

Our word for this week reminds us that the righteous man who fears the Lord does not have to fear “evil tidings” (bad news).

The context of the Psalmist’s words in verses 7-8 is important. David begins with the words “Praise the Lord” and lists reasons why we should give praise to the Lord.

• Those who fear (reverence and respect) the Lord and delight in His commandments are blessed. Verse 1

• The blessed man’s descendents will be upright and mighty. Verse 2

• Wealth and riches are in the righteous mans house. His righteousness endures forever. Verse 3

• The upright man is gracious, compassionate, righteous, walks in light and has favor for giving to others. Verses 4-5

• The righteous man who fears the Lord will never be shaken and will be remembered forever. Verse 6

• God will exalt the man who fears the Lord. The wicked will see God’s blessing on him and fear him. Verses 9-10

The picture David paints is the portrait of a blessed and prosperous man. A major piece of his prosperity and peace of mind is that he doesn’t fear bad news. Evil tidings do not shake him up. Bearers of bad news don’t disrupt his day or distract him from praising God and trusting in Him.

The fear of the Lord means we don’t have to fear bad news.

So when breaking news alerts break with bad news, what are you and I to do? Can you and I stay calm, cool and collected while negative storms rage around us? How can we remain unmoved, unshaken, undisturbed, unprovoked and unrattled by bad news?

I am glad you asked. The answer is: “his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

The person who fears the Lord fears no man or bad news because his heart steadfastly trusts in the Lord. According to verse eight, his heart is upheld (established). His heart is set on trusting the Lord. What is there to fear when the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)?

Bad news never causes a righteous man or woman who fears and trusts in the Lord to waver.

If bad news (evil tidings) is shaking your life right now, do you fear man more than you fear the Lord?

If bad news disrupts your day and causes you to be discouraged or depressed, rethink who and what you are listening to. Look to the Lord. Put your faith in Him. His Word is good news that always drives bad news away!

Love and fear God. Don’t fear bad news because you belong to a Good News God!

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil: For Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day.” Psalms 91:5

“And who is he that will harm you if you be a follower of that which is good?” I Peter 3:13

“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” Hebrews 13:6

A Word For Your Week: Good News people don’t fear bad news.

]]> Strength in weakness http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/07/strength-in-weakness http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/07/strength-in-weakness Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:53:00 +0000 http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/08/07/strength-in-weakness
I don’t know about you, but it is awfully hard for me to admit when I am weak. We men especially avoid our weaknesses like the plague. I mean, who likes to admit they aren’t all powerful, all knowledgeable, and able to fix everything?

You and I want people to see how strong and together we are, not how [...]]]>
I don’t know about you, but it is awfully hard for me to admit when I am weak. We men especially avoid our weaknesses like the plague. I mean, who likes to admit they aren’t all powerful, all knowledgeable, and able to fix everything?

You and I want people to see how strong and together we are, not how weak and messed up we are.

So what should we do? What Paul did….seek the Lord to help us with our weaknesses.

Paul had received a revelation of Paradise (II Corinthians 12:1-7). He saw things no other man had seen. To keep him humble, a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan” was given to Paul to keep him from getting all puffed up. We are not sure what the thorn was, but it was discomforting enough to drive Paul to God three times to ask for its removal (verse 8).

God’s response was not removal, but another revelation. He said to Paul “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Not what Paul wanted to hear, but exactly what He needed to hear. The message: My power is perfected in your weakness Paul, and my grace makes it happen. My grace is sufficient to give you power when you feel weak because of the thorn.

Paul’s response: Read it in verses 9-10. It will blow you away. Paul was happy with his thorn and troubles because “when I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s grace was sufficient to make Paul strong in weakness. Really strong. Perfectly strong.

Just like Paul, you and I ask God to remove difficult things from our lives. Most of the time, His answer to us is “My grace is sufficient for you.” Steve, my son, listen up. My grace is sufficient for you in your situation. It really is…so trust me with your weakness.

What an encouraging word to guys like me who want to be strong when I feel weak. POWER IS PERFECTED IN WEAKNESS. God’s power is perfected, make whole and complete, in my weakness. Strength in weakness is all about God’s power, not Steve’s power, working in me.

Observations About Strength And Weakness

  • You are not as weak as you think you are.
  • You are stronger than you think you are.
  • God knows what you are going through while you are going through it.
  • Feeling weak means I am human. Weakness doesn’t mean I have missed God’s will or committed an unpardonable sin.
  • Our weakness is God’s opportunity to make us strong with His strength.
  • When we admit and submit our weakness to God, He commits His strength to us.
  • Grace is always your friend, never your foe.
  • Rejoice in God’s sufficient grace. Because of His strength, you don’t have to be strong in yourself.

So what are you going to do about your weaknesses? Wimp out and stay weak, or reach out for God’s grace and become strength? Ultimately, weak or strong is up to me. It’s my decision. I am learning from Paul and want to practice for myself that I can be strong in weakness.

Let’s you and me begin today to turn our weakness into strength by turning to God for His all sufficient grace that strengthens us.

“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”.
Ephesians 6:10

“But they who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31

A Word For Your Week:
Feeling weak? God’s grace is sufficient to make you strong.


]]> Smile at your future http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/17/smile-at-your-future http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/17/smile-at-your-future Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:16:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/17/smile-at-your-future Proverbs 31:25

Do you find yourself fearing the future? Are you worried about what tomorrow may bring? Do you frown at the future that awaits you?

God has a better idea for you and me when it comes to facing the future.

In [...]]]> Proverbs 31:25

Do you find yourself fearing the future? Are you worried about what tomorrow may bring? Do you frown at the future that awaits you?

God has a better idea for you and me when it comes to facing the future.

In Proverbs 31:10-31, Solomon describes the woman that God honors. She is a godly woman who has a heart for the things of the Lord. The wisdom writer elevates her as an example for women everywhere to emulate.

This worthy woman is an “excellent wife” (verse 10-11) whose husband trusts her. She is a wife and mother who “looks well to the ways of her household” (verses 15, 21, 27). She is diligent to take good care of her family and home. She is not afraid of the snow (verse 21). Snow sounds pretty good right now in hotter than Hades Tulsa! She is also an outstanding shopper (verses 13-14). And all the ladies reading this said AMEN!

Her exemplary example of godliness results in praise from her God (verse 31), her children (verse 28), her husband (verse 28-29), and her works (verse 31). Her crowning glory is expressed in verse 30. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” The godly woman is ultimately praised for her reverence and respect for God.

Because this godly woman trusts in the Lord, verse 25 tells us that “she smiles at the future.” Did you catch that phrase? SHE SMILES AT THE FUTURE. What a refreshing attitude and righteous attribute! Her face beams with a joyful smile when looking forward to her future.

Charles F. Kettering said “My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” Great thought and so true!

Our future depends on our attitude towards it. The Proverbs 31 woman’s attitude is superlative…..she smiles at it. No frown on her face when contemplating tomorrow. She embraces tomorrow with a smile today. How can she do this? Pretty simple. The godly woman has no fear of the future because she has faith in God. She is confident that her future rests securely in the hands of her Heavenly Father.

What’s your disposition toward your future? Frown or smile? Is the future a friend or foe? Are you looking forward to tomorrow or wishing it would never come?

Believing in the future helps us to have hope. Hope is always greater than history. A wise individual once said” The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.”

You and I can smile at tomorrow when we release yesterday and rejoice in today. So enjoy today (SMILE!!!) because today is part of your tomorrow. A happy face will help you through today and excite you about tomorrow.

In Christ, we can SMILE AT THE FUTURE for the following reasons:

1. The future is full of POTENTIAL. Have you ever thought seriously about what tomorrow holds for you as God’s child? WOW! Anything and everything we could ever imagine is waiting for us with each sunrise. Tomorrow has the potential to blow yesterday and today out of the water. Why? Because God is always doing something new!

* Smile at your future because your future is packed with the potential, power and prosperous blessings of the Kingdom of the Living God!

2. The future is pregnant with POSSIBILITY. God alone knows what is possible tomorrow. And everything is possible with God. “The things thought impossible with men are possible with God.” (Matthew 19:26). What may seem impossible today can become possible tomorrow. Our faith walk is all about seeing God turn impossibilities into possibilities. If we fear the future we may never discover the abundant blessings God has planned for us.

* Smile at your future and embrace all the wonderful possibilities within reach of the arm of faith.

3. The future will fulfill God’s PROMISES. His promises are for a lifetime. In His time, visions and dreams based on His Word of promise do come true! Promises we have stood on for years will come to pass in the days ahead. God always performs what He promises!

* Smile at your future. In the days ahead you will experience the fulfillment of His Word to you.

For those who smile at it, the future is a welcome friend. Tomorrow is a place to begin again. To apply wisdom gained from past mistakes. An opportunity to develop new friendships and relationships. A place of prosperity and success. A destination where dreams come true.

Smiling at the future is for both men and women. If you are frowning today, look to the Lord who loves you. Rest and relax in His presence as He smiles upon you (Zephaniah 3:17). Then plant a Christ-like smile on your countenance.

Smile at your future with a heart and face full of faith. You can be certain God has some wonderful things waiting for you in the days ahead called tomorrow. Trust Him for your future. Pursue your future with expectation and the joy of discovery.

Like the Proverbs 31 woman, SMILE AT YOUR FUTURE!

“And there is hope for your future declares the Lord…..” Jeremiah 31:17a

A WORD FOR YOUR WEEK:
Smile at your future because God is there.

]]> Stop complaining! http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/12/stop-complaining http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/12/stop-complaining Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:48:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/12/stop-complaining James 5:9

The Early Church was confronted with a relationship hindering, unity busting issue in its congregations: Christians complaining against Christians.

Sad to say, it [...]]]> James 5:9

The Early Church was confronted with a relationship hindering, unity busting issue in its congregations: Christians complaining against Christians.

Sad to say, it is no different today.

Churches are packed with complaining Christians.

Everything from the length of the Pastor’s sermon, his personal style, his family’s lifestyle, the worship team’s performance, ministry workers care for children, to campus décor, to expenditure of God’s funds, and on and on and on….. all are subject to subjective judgment by believers who take upon themselves the mantle of judge and jury.

The word complain means groan, murmur or bear a grudge. Ouch! Do we really realize what we are doing when we complain against a brother? I think not. For if we did, I think we would think twice before murmuring against our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We should be ashamed of ourselves. I have done my share of complaining over the years, and you probably have too. I have come to the conclusion there is no biblical justification for me passing judgment on any Christian brother by complaining about them.

James had a word from God for the Christians in his day and ours. Complaining was out! “DO NOT COMPLAIN” is the word.

Brothers, do not complain against your brothers. Why? Because when you do, you will be judged. The Judge, God Almighty, the Judge of all judges, will pass judgment on you for passing judgment on others. Note “the Judge is standing right at the door.” The Judge is Johnny on the spot! Right at the door. Listening to our words.

Criticizing, complaining, murmuring, gossiping, groaning and moaning against one another. A scourge and curse in the church. Complaining is immature at best, sinful at the worst. James tells us in chapter 3, verse 17 “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” We know as Bible-believing Christians to complain against our brothers is not right. So if we do it, according to God’s Word, it is sin. Pure and simple. It is sin because we are judging one another and we are commanded not to judge each other. (Matthew 7:1-5).

How many of our brothers and sisters have been hurt and disheartened by complaining? How many churches have been torn apart by strife and division because of complainers? How many pastors have been discouraged and burned out having to deal with constant criticism from the people they serve?

Criticizing and complaining is not a spiritual gift.

Ten Simple Steps To Stop Complaining

  • Do you like it when others complain against you? Probably not.
  • Take your complaint to God and pray for your brother.
  • Forgive your brother for all offense against you.
  • Control your tongue. Resist the fleshly temptation to murmur against a Christian.
  • Never tear down your fellow Christians. Always build them up.
  • Speak highly of your brother in the presence of others.
  • Check your motivation. Why are you complaining against a brother?
  • Is it Christ-like to complain against fellow Christians?
  • Stop and think. What will my complaining against a brother do to him/her and the body of Christ, and my witness to an unbelieving world?
  • Remember you are accountable to God for your treatment of your brother.


Think with me for a moment. If Christians stopped complaining against one another:

  • The devil would not have opportunity to divide the body of Christ.
  • Strife and disunity in the church would be non-existent.
  • Believers would have clear consciences toward one another.
  • Energy given to complaining would be directed to soul-winning.
  • The world would be attracted, not repelled, by Christians and the church.
  • The Lord would be pleased with how we treat one another.

Are you a complaining Christian?
Do you have such a critical spirit toward others that you hardly realize that you complain against your fellow Christians?
Would those who know you best say you are infected with a complaining spirit?

Is there someone you need to go to with a humble heart and ask for forgiveness for complaining against them? If so, go.

Maybe spiritual revival and renewal would come to the church of the Lord Jesus Christ if we stopped complaining against our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Just a thought.

“And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against another, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14

Jesus said in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me take the speck out of your eye” and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye?

A Word For Your Week:
Stop judging other Christians by complaining about them.

]]> The one constant http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/10/the-one-constant http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/10/the-one-constant Sun, 10 Jul 2011 12:28:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/10/the-one-constant Malachi 3:6

Change happens…and things change all the time, don’t they!

The twenty-first century is certainly an Age of Change. Positive and negative change affects your and my life everyday.

Technology. Relationships. Transitions. Life is in [...]]]> Malachi 3:6

Change happens…and things change all the time, don’t they!

The twenty-first century is certainly an Age of Change. Positive and negative change affects your and my life everyday.

Technology. Relationships. Transitions. Life is in flux. Fluid. Constantly changing.

UPGRADE (which is a change) is the boom and bane of our continually changing culture. Technologically speaking, the question is not whether you possess a cell phone, computer, Blackberry, Ipod, Ipad or Kindle. The real issue is do you have the latest version?

Being technologically challenged, constant technological changes create anxiety for me. I have a dinosaur version for a cell phone. Most likely it is on the endangered species list and headed for extinction in light of the latest models. My kids laugh and shake their techno savvy heads at my obsolete mode of communication. Sometimes I laugh too!

The thing about change is that it is uncomfortable for most of us.

Constant change can create uncertainty. Insecurity. Even confusion. Sometimes it seems as if the world changes for the sake of change. And that can shake up our comfort zones.

Not all change is necessarily good. Not all change is bad. There is good and bad change. Both types of change impact our lives.

Getting married, having a new baby, a desired job promotion, financial prosperity, purchasing a home, etc. are positive changes. Divorce, broken relationships, losing a job, financial setbacks, a new boss that is a bad boss, personal illness etc. are negative changes.

We love good change, but bad change, not so much. Positive or negative, change changes our life.

So what are you and I to do to feel secure and confident in a constantly changing culture? As the winds of change swirl and howl around us, what are we to hold on to? Where do we go to withstand storms of change that upset our lives from time to time?

Everything changes but God.

In no uncertain terms, our Creator Himself tells us through the prophet Malachi that God does not change. What a good word for God’s people! Because God doesn’t change, His people need never fear change.

When life is changing around me, and I feel my apple cart is being upset, I have found three things about an unchanging God that keep me steady in changing times.

1. God’s love is constant. God is love (I John 4:8) God loves the world (John 3:16). The world that God’s only Son Jesus died for includes you and me. Micah 7:18 declares “because He delights in unchanging love.” God’s love for us is an unchanging, eternal love. God cannot not love. His love makes me feel safe and secure.

When life is changing, I can count on the fact the God’s love for me is constant and will never change.

2. God’s grace is constant. Christians are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). God’s unmerited, undeserved favor is extended to us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ… and that grace never changes. God’s grace is sufficient for you and me everyday (II Corinthians 12:7-10). I need God’s grace to handle change graciously.

Change can never change God’s grace.

3. God’s faithfulness is constant. The God of the Bible is a faithful God (Deuteronomy 7:9). He has kept every one of His promises to His children (I Kings 8:56). God faithfulness means that He is who He says He is and does what He says He will do. God’s faithful nature holds us steady in unsteady times.

God’s faithfulness to me helps me deal with change confidently. In the midst of change, positive or negative, He will never let me down.

You I need a solid a rock that doesn’t move. An anchor that doesn’t drift. A fortress that doesn’t collapse. A refuge that stands strong. We need a God who remains constant and doesn’t change.

How about you today? Are you confronted by change? If so, what is constant in your life? Who or what are you depending on to keep you secure and confident while change swirls around you? What is the one thing that you can count on to remain constant and unchanging?

May I suggest to you that the one constant we need is a Person. His name is Jesus.

Study the life of Jesus in the Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament. All throughout His earthly life, and particularly the three years of His public ministry, Jesus was constant. The Lord’s convictions, character and conduct were constant and unchanging. He didn’t change what He believed, who He was, or what He came to do.

By faith, look to the Lord who does not change. He will help you remain constant and unchanging in a constantly changing world.

“For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3:11)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

A Word For Your Week:
When life is changing, build your life on the One who never changes.

]]> The healer of hurting hearts http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/03/the-healer-of-hurting-hearts http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/03/the-healer-of-hurting-hearts Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:21:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/07/03/the-healer-of-hurting-hearts “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Life happens. And life hurts from time to time.

If your heart is hurting, I want to tell you right up front who [...]]]> “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”

Life happens. And life hurts from time to time.

If your heart is hurting, I want to tell you right up front who the healer of heartache is.

His name is Jesus.

The Lord put on my heart to share with you this week how hurt can be healed. My purpose is not to be too theological or technical. My heart is heavy for you or anyone you know who is laboring under a broken heart that needs healed.

Heartache comes in many forms. Loss. Rejection. Betrayal. Isolation. Alienation. Loneliness. Discouragement. Disillusionment. Depression….just to name a few ways our heart can hurt.

Acts 10:38 tells us that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. This is good news. The bad news is Satan loves to break human hearts. The devil is the master heartbreaker. The good news for you and me is that Christ in us is greater than Satan who mercilessly and ruthlessly rules the unbelieving world.

I don’t know about you, but I like the words “doing good” and “healing”.

I need the goodness of God in my life. Every single day. And I need healing from life’s hurts. Hurt from the past. Hurt in the present. And most likely hurt in the future.

Study the four Gospels and you will find Jesus healing hurting people. People who were hurting physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually were healed by Jesus.

Everywhere He traveled, Jesus felt compassion for hurting people. Then He reached out to heal their hurts. On the cross, Jesus took our pain so we could be healed and free from pain.

Let’s be honest when it comes to heartache. Heartache hurts. And too often we think we can heal our own hearts. Time helps with healing, but time isn’t our healer. Other people can’t heal our hearts. And you and I can’t heal our own hurt. “Physician heal yourself” (see Luke 4:23) is a nice thought, but it does not work. We don’t possess the power to heal ourselves. I know when I have been hurting that I have been personally powerless to be healed. Healing has to come from a source beyond me.

God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s power to heal my hurt and do good in my life. When I released my hurt to Jesus, I received His healing power in my heart.

How To Receive Healing For Your Heartache:

  • Admit that you need healing. No more denial, cover up or excuses.
  • Acknowledge that Jesus heals what hurts. Confess Him as your healer.
  • Release your heartache. Let it go. Give it up once and for all.
  • Open your heart. Receive God’s healing, restoring love. Accept Jesus’ healing touch. Be comforted and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
  • Give the Lord thanks for healing your heartache. Rejoice in your healing.

Beloved brother or sister in Christ, don’t spend another day hurting. Hurting is nor our friend. Pain is not our buddy. Break pain’s paralyzing grip over you. Release your hurt to Jesus. Let God love on you through His Son who heals and restores.

Go ahead. Reach beyond your hurt. Reach to the Healer. Be healed in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

“For I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 30:17)

“For I the Lord am your healer.” (Exodus 15:26)

“And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (I Peter 2:24)

“For God sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from all their destructions.” (Psalm 107:20)

A Word For Your Week:
Open your hurting heart to the healing power of Jesus.

]]> Betrayal http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/06/26/betrayal http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/06/26/betrayal Sun, 26 Jun 2011 00:08:00 +0000 Steve Roll http://srrestore.org/blog/2011/06/26/betrayal “Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” And immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

And Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you have come for. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized [...]]]> “Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, Whomever I shall kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” And immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

And Jesus said to Judas, “Friend, do what you have come for. Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.”
Matthew 27:48-50

Have you ever been betrayed by someone you loved and trusted?

According to Webster, betray means “to lead astray, to fail or desert in time of need, to disclose in violation of confidence, to deliver to an enemy by treachery.”

Being betrayed is one of the most hurtful things life can serve up.

Jesus was betrayed by Judas. For three years, Judas lived and traveled with Jesus. As one of the twelve handpicked original disciples, Judas was loved and mentored by the Lord. In a single, destiny changing moment, Judas planted a kiss of betrayal on the cheek of God’s Son. A kiss is supposed to be a sign of love and affection, not betrayal and defection. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss…..a kiss bought with money. Judas’ betrayal kiss was a kiss of death for Jesus.

Betrayal is like death to our soul. Betrayal sucks the life out of our spirit. No beating around the bush with betrayal. Being betrayed is worse than awful.

I have been betrayed a number of times in my personal and ministry life. Each time was gut wrenching. Mind blowing. Betrayal pierced and broke my heart. Why? Because betrayal wounds to our core. Being betrayed leaves us feeling violated. Attacked. Assaulted. Victimized. Wrongly accused. Dumbfounded and disillusioned.

Betrayal leaves us wondering why in the world would my friend, a person I trusted betray me? What could I have possibly done to deserve being betrayed?

Note that Judas betrayed Jesus who was innocent and sinless. All Jesus could have been guilty of was loving Judas.

Even though Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, He called him friend. Amazing, isn’t it? Judas chose to become an enemy of the Lord. Jesus chose to call His enemy friend.

Do you think Jesus thought about Judas and his betrayal on the way to the Cross? Humanly speaking, it had to be on His mind. I do know this. Jesus didn’t let Judas’s betrayal prevent Him from going to the Cross. I believe Jesus nailed Judas’s betrayal to the Cross and covered it with His blood. Just before He died, Jesus cried out from the Cross “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. ” I believe the Father’s forgiveness was meant for Judas too.

Betrayal, though deeply painful for Jesus, did not keep Him from fulfilling His destiny as man’s redeemer.

Betrayers come in many shapes and sizes. A spouse, family member, work associate, boss, a spiritual leader, a friend can betray us. Betrayers try to take something away from us. Betrayers are deceived into thinking that they are somehow doing something good in betraying others. Did Judas really think it was a good thing to hand Jesus over to those committed to kill him?

If you have been burned by a betrayer, it is important for you to take the following positive steps to minimize the betrayal’s affect on your life.

• Release the betrayal. Give it up to the Lord. Let it go once and for all.
• Forgive the betrayer. Release the betrayer through forgiveness. Forgiveness will keep your heart from becoming bitter. You don’t have to be a betrayer’s friend. But you do have to forgive them to be like Jesus.
• Refuse to become bitter. Choose to become better. Don’t allow betrayal to create a trail of bitterness in your life. Don’t be buried in a grave of bitterness.
• Refuse to allow betrayal to cast a haunting shadow over the rest of your life. Someone hurt you once. Don’t let them hurt you again by dwelling on the betrayal.
• Bury betrayal in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Rest assured that betrayers will have to answer for their betrayal.

Be careful that you do not betray someone. Be on guard. Do not fall into the trap of betrayal of people who love and trust you.

Look past betrayal to the One who will never betray you. His name is Jesus.

“For the Scripture says “Whoever believes in Him (Jesus) will never be disappointed.” (Romans 10:11)

“…For He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)

“You have heard that is has been said, “You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute, so that you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven……” (Matthew 5:43-45)

A Word For Your Week:
Don’t allow betrayal to derail you from pursuing and fulfilling God’s will and plan for your life.

]]>