Discovering Grace with Dianna Carroll: Recent Episodes
Dianna Carroll
A weekly 2-minute podcast helping you discover the riches of God's grace from the Bible. https://www.diannasdiary.com
His promise to us is that He will never leave us nor forsake us but will strengthen us through every hardship we endure (Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Don’t let the songs of praise be words written with ink, but let the sweetest name ever sung bring healing to the soul.
Burdens are extra heavy loads that people have trouble dealing with at times. To bear someone's burden means that you are willing to help carry that load with endurance.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength (the sufficiency) of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). Satan wants to attack your faith and the sufficiency of Christ. But remember, God's grace is sufficient for you.
Some people say, “My nerves are out-of-control.” What causes people’s nerves to be unmanageable?
Whatever the trial is, trust that God has allowed this test for His purpose and will give you the wisdom you need to endure it.
”Out of the Depths” is an unbelievable true story of the men who survived the USS INDIANAPOLIS sinking during WWII.
We have all failed God, but have you experienced God’s grace in salvation and restoration? "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
You can read the works of God in Psalm 92:5, “O Lord, how great are thy works!” Then my soul will sing, “How great thou art.”
The unconditional love of Jesus comes through faith, believing in who He is, and what He has already done for us.
The Bible is not a self-help manual but provides hope through the pages of its narratives and the timeless truths that offer grace and mercy to fallen man.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ” (Romans 8:35)? We are His beloved; nothing can separate us from His passionate everlasting love.
Everyone has problems, but the question is, how do you deal with your problems? Lord, may I learn to trust You in every difficulty.
The Bible has much to say about a fool and who he is. Fools repeatedly do the same foolish things, leading to their destruction and humiliation.
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison (Acts 12:6). God miraculously and providentially answered prayer and Peter's chains fell off his hands and he was free. What a mighty God we serve!
We need the strength of Christ to enable us to do what He has asked us to do. Lord, in every test You allow, may I obey You first.
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us . . ." (Titus 3:5).
Before Jesus is crucified, He describes to His disciples the marks of a faithful follower of Christ. The very purpose for which you and I exist is to glorify God.
”For it is better to suffer for doing good,… than for doing evil.” Don’t fear them or be troubled, but with a good conscience, honor Christ.
Satan’s tactic is to use our past to ruin our future. He wants to use guilt feelings to discourage us.
How does God's Word transform your life? His power sets our sinful souls free through the Gospel of Christ.
The signs of the end do not tell us when Jesus will return. We only know that it is inevitable that He will.
We have been bought with an indescribable price, Christ’s precious blood, a price so unbelievable and extreme that no one can adequately describe it.
God's hand, the Master Potter's hand, can take a marred, unusable vessel and completely transform that vessel into something usable for Him.
We pursue joy and acceptance in the circumstances of life, but Jesus promised to give us something far better: the satisfaction of our hope and eternal life with Him.
Don’t let Christmas bring anything but joy and gladness to your heart. Set your affections on the things above and allow your mind to ponder the glorious gospel of Christ.
The City of David, known as Bethlehem, would experience a miracle while shepherds watched their sheep in the fields.
What life-changing events our God designed for the world to behold and embrace. What a magnificent birth!
During WWII, Hundreds of thousands of men enlisted to sail on merchant ships across the Pacific and Atlantic. Two hundred forty-three thousand mariners served in the war, and 9,521 perished while serving.
It’s harder to judge someone else when looking at your sin. God never uses fear, guilt, or shame because compassion draws us into forgiveness, and we also need to give grace, mercy, and love to one another.
No matter what failures have occurred in our past or how wrong we may have been, there is no situation so impossible or so great that God will not provide all that is needed to meet the challenges of our pain.
Jesus declares, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
What requirements have you heard of as must-haves for prayer to be powerful or effective? James’s letter provides reasons we can trust in the true power of prayer.
We rely on Him for everything, even our very being, and no one can serve Him effectively without being connected to the True Vine by faith. "Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:11).
Have you ever struggled with what you should be praying for? Are there limits to what we can ask? We are not left to wonder what God wants us to pray. In his letter, James has provided four identifiable prayers we can confidently bring before God.
So many people struggle with the assurance of their salvation. They begin to play the guessing game, and questions flood their minds.
Ask God to teach you how to walk through this time of heartache and despair, and trust Him to do His will in you.
How many times have you thought, "Why this trial, Lord? Why the broken heart or painful illness? Why has the one who called me a friend rejected me and turned their back on me? Why am I being slandered or wrongfully accused?"
What would it be if you could change anything about some past parenting failures? Most of the time, the problem children reveal is faulty parenting.
It is an unconditional love that relieves the pressure of demands, forgives all our failures, and replaces our unrelenting fears with faith.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." The capability to inspire laughter is a gift, but a joyful, merry heart comes from putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.
We can replace a bad spirit or attitude with words of praise and adoration to the One worthy of all honor and glory. Choose to turn from complaining and ask God to forgive your rebellious heart.
Have you ever wondered? If God has the power to remove cancer, prevent harm, feed, clothe, and provide a home for us, and yet He doesn’t? Does He care about us?
What unnecessary suffering we cause our Father when we pursue to deceive. Lord, forgive my deceitful, untruthful ways.
The Battle of Antietam during the Civil War raged for approximately 12 hours. The Lord of Heaven suffered an unbelievable death for our souls by crucifixion on the cross lasting 6 hours.
Show genuine concern towards those that are lonesome and rejoice in the Lord with and for them. Aim for restoration, and you will be gaining a beloved friend.
The book of Exodus is written so that we may trust in God, acknowledge His power, and experience His extraordinary love. This testimony shows God's mercy and enduring affection toward His children.
John conveys complete confidence in their sincere faith, bringing hope to believers by calling them “beloved” or “my little children.”
Crosses were seen all over the region of Jerusalem and used to bring the people under subjection.
The Jews were disappointed that Jesus would not take action by liberating their land from Rome. They continued to rush upon Him in their self-righteous attitudes.
What things hinder you from running the Christian race? Do you need to get rid of things that tempt you to sin?
The power of forgiveness releases us from the shame that has paralyzed us in unresolved guilt.
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. Resting and living a spiritually whole life occurs when one believes that Christ alone completely satisfies the thirsting soul by grace through faith in Him.
No one would want to go to prison to find their source of joy there. However, while imprisoned, Paul writes the book of Philippians to express his source of true joy and rejoices in the Lord.
The Bible tells us that the gospel is the power of God unto Salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
God knows our circumstances, and nothing catches Him off guard. The various testings of our faith will produce steadfastness in our lives (James 1:2-4). Trust His Word, seek godly counsel, and rest in His promise to never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
We thank the Lord for not giving us what we truly deserve. We should never act as if we do not deserve what the providence of God brings into our lives. But we should be humbled that God is as merciful to us as He is.
When we serve God to gain self-esteem or self-gratification, we put our appetites before God and make what we DO into idolatry. May our hearts willingly and purposely serve the Lord first.
Pride seems to be the number one reason why God’s people are not usable in the work of God. Whatever keeps us from denying ourselves and living for God is ultimately the sin of pride
We need not fear life or death, things present or things to come because Jesus Christ loves us and has given us victory.
Being morally reformed without regeneration or salvation is never effective. Sinful men will always revert to the same wicked behavior as before. Joy comes when we diffuse the power of sin by replacing wrong thoughts with God’s Word (Philippians 4:8).
Our Lord delights in solving what we would call "The hard cases." Our joy is not in the trial itself but in knowing that the result is for His praise, glory, and honor.
The story of the crucifixion of Christ is the high point of redemptive history and the center of God's purpose for salvation. If you don’t know the Savior and have not believed in Him or what He has done for you, today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Can a person demolish the influences of the evil one and defeat falsehood? Only by the gospel can one be rescued from the lies and deception of hell (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you" (Isaiah 43:1,2).
It’s important to acknowledge that all the things we have in this world come from God. Everything we have is for this life only; we will not take it with us.
Education is important, and we are instructed to teach our children, knowing that a sovereign God is working in our homeschool as we honor and glorify Him.
If we are the children of God, then we ought to fellowship with the Father. We are to walk as children of light in wisdom and purity.
Jesus was at the well of Sychar to share the true and living water with the Samaritan woman, not from a well but from God Himself, the Redeemer of her soul.
Have you ever hurt so bad that you felt like your heart would burst inside? Did you feel like the pain you were experiencing was overwhelming, and there seemed no end in sight? A Christian’s life is not excluded from perplexing circumstances that are uncomfortable or even painful.
What do you do when someone comes to you and says, “I’m worried, I’m afraid, I’m hurting, or I’m depressed?” Do you have to personally experience their specific pain or suffering to listen to them or care about them?
Paul gives an exhortation to the Philippian church, encouraging them to be anxious over nothing but rather be diligent in prayer.
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to encourage them to stand firm in their faith and look to God for strength during times of persecution.
Jesus called God His Father, making Himself equal to God. This infuriated the Jews and is why they were seeking to kill Him.
When the angry winds assail, and the storm clouds seem victorious over us, He will keep those who trust in Him on eagles’ wings. "... but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isaiah 40:31).
According to the gospel, remembering what Christ has done for you and what is true is essential. It is in Christ that your heart is guarded and secure.
What life-changing events our God designed for the world to behold and embrace. What a magnificent birth!
Perhaps you’ve struggled in times of deep despair, remember these words, “God is not dead, nor does He sleep.” Trusting God with all things will give you the hope and peace you desire (Romans 15:13). “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
You may ask, “Why pray? What purpose does God have in mind when urging me to pray? What is God accomplishing in me through prayer?”
Spiritual adultery is unfaithfulness to God and having an excessive fondness for the things of the world (James 4:4).
Burnout is sometimes described as an exhausted state of mind in which a person loses interest in a particular activity and life in general.
Remember His great benefits, redeeming love, tender mercies, and limitless forgiveness of sin. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2).
How often do we experience the crippling effects of fear? “The LORD is for me; I will not fear" (Psalm 118:6).
Our prayer should be that God would transform us by His grace through faith, creating qualities in us that are willing and able to obey His will.
God promises to stand guard, protect, and shield our hearts and minds. What more could we ask for than to have a watchman in the night?
Do you believe that you are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, and by Christ alone, and not by something you have done?
We need someone who will rescue us from our prison of sin because we cannot free ourselves from that sin debt.
For most people, the Bible has become only an instruction manual on living the Christian life.
For most people, the Bible has become only an instruction manual on living the Christian life. But, we should also see the Christ of the Bible as “the Light of life,” the only way to salvation.
Have you taken great pains to have a clean conscience before God and man, or have you allowed the world to instruct you to ignore your guilty feelings and make your conscience weak?
As God has forgiven us and does not count our sins against us, we, too, are to forgive.
How often do you experience the crippling effects of fear? What circumstances or situations send you into uncontrollable waves of anxiety? “The LORD is for me; I will not fear; What can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6).
The responsibility of all believers is to yield to one another. Submitting mutually to each other with humility, unselfishness, self-denial, and a desire to meet the other person's needs is a command.
Does your life show any signs of a transformed life, or are you living a false, dead faith (James 2:14-26)?
When you become a believer, you instantly possess all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Jealousy and envy are emotions we all feel from time to time. But, if they are allowed to control our lives, they distort our perspectives and, in some cases, lead us to act out in malicious behavior.
Our identity in Christ is “precious” according to Psalm 139:17, and His thoughts towards us are immeasurable, “. . . they are more in number than the sand” (Psalm 139:18).
I wrote this poem on my way to Utah. My husband had answered the call of God to be a church planter there. But I didn’t want to go, and I made it known. With endless tears, I said goodbye to my family, friends, and the church I loved. My heart broke, and I was afraid.
Do you remember the day you walked down an aisle and said, "I do?" Do you have a grace-centered marriage?
The Christian submits his life to the Lord and is not presumptuous to think he knows what is best for himself or what tomorrow will hold.
And he said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Through perilous times, General Stonewall Jackson never lost hope in the Lord, the Shepherd, and Guardian of his soul (I Peter 1:3-5). What is there to fear when in God's mighty hand, we are comforted, protected, and given direction.
Christians should be profoundly moved by the perplexing realities of this astounding prophecy. Lord, thank You for such amazing love that You died for me.
There are times in our lives when our hearts are broken, and we don’t know what to do. We try to trust God, but it’s difficult and our circumstances are severely discouraging.
Have you ever stopped to think about why you hate sin? Is it because of what sin does to you after it has had its way with you?
How many times have we read the account of the fall of man in the garden and felt the unbearable shame of Adam and Eve's sin?
Are you facing challenges at this time and want to rely on God to work in your life? Psalm 42 reveals the character of God and ways He will help youto “walk by faith” when you are downcast, in despair, and depressed.
Why is temptation so attractive, unrelenting, and powerful? Every day we are confronted with temptations, difficulties, and overwhelming battles.
Love isn't what we feel but what we do. The Lord loved us enough to die for us and pay our sin debt even while we were dead in our sins.
The Word of God makes it clear that Jesus knew all that would happen to Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, and that nothing was a surprise to Him, nor out of His control.
Oh, what a Friend We have in Jesus! Joseph Scriven wrote the hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," for his dear mother. He wanted this song to comfort her in a time of deep sorrow.
Job’s reaction to hardship and pain was forever recorded in Scripture. Can a Christian face a variety of impossible circumstances and still find God to be good?
What purpose does God have in taking you through painful or difficult circumstances? Does God use affliction in your life to test and refine you?
What does unforgiveness look like in the life of the believer? Can a Christian continue in their unforgiving attitude and it not be a sin?
The Bible describes Heaven as a place in which sadness, pain, tears, and death itself will end, and the presence of the LORD will enrapture our souls for eternity.
1 Peter 3 says, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed."
Parenting through the hard questions or declarations a child may bring to you takes wisdom that only our God can give.
Parents need to inspire their child to seek wisdom from other godly people who will help secure their decisions towards a good and right path.
We’ve all seen and heard children acting out their sinful natures in public. Uh-oh, I wonder who's in charge now?
Though Mordecai brought peace to the Jews during this brief time in history, our Lord Jesus Christ will bring peace to us for all eternity. (The end of the book of Esther.)
Returning to the book of Esther, may we be encouraged and thankful for everything God has given to us, especially our freedom from the bondage of sin and death.
Every detail has been worked out for the world to see that Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His birth was supernatural, and his lineage amazing.
Without Christ, there is no true meaning to Christmas. I urge you today to put your faith and hope in the Christ of Christmas.
Men who place themselves against God do not prevail, but a wise man will hold a claim to the Lord’s side and stop opposing a God that is all-knowing.
Being on God’s side brings true wisdom, and those that fight against His sovereign power are considered fools.
God wills our being thankful in all things because thankfulness is the ultimate expression of love.
Do we desire circumstances that would harm or injure someone? Are we angry enough to plot something against them?
As Christians, we are admonished to pursue the things above, where Christ is, and not the pleasures and self-satisfaction of this world.
As Christians, we are admonished to pursue the things above, where Christ is, and not the pleasures and self-satisfaction of this world.
The sin of arrogance is inevitable in those who do not know Christ, but to the believer, the sin of pride can be forgiven as one repents of their sin.
God has a plan for our lives, and nothing that Satan does will alter His purpose for us. We must trust Him at His Word and know that He is in control of all situations.
The pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together, and we see God’s providential care of Esther and Mordecai working to their benefit.
Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
In the third year of King Ahasuerus’ reign, he gave a feast, and requested the presence of Queen Vashti.
The book of Esther: God’s character and attributes are revealed in His eternal purpose and plan for Israel, and moves in His providential care for the eternal benefit of His people.
John’s book is written with tenderness and a loving desire to demonstrate a real joy in fellowship with one another and with Christ.
Human beings have a deep longing for acceptance and fellowship with fellow human beings, but as wonderful as human relationships are, they are never perfect in this world.
Training children is not an easy task, but it is gratifying. We are instructed to train up children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
The book of Proverbs is a practical guide for mothers and fathers to be able to impart to their children God’s wisdom.
The Word of God teaches us that we are to abide in Christ (John 15). To abide means to be in a state of spiritual rest, regardless of outward circumstances.
Are you a yeller? Do you yell when you’re frustrated with your children, things, or problems?
Anger and pride are mentioned in the same context in Scripture almost invariably. The Bible teaches us that fighting, arguing, and anger always stem from pride and self-centeredness. Love and forgiveness, by contrast, come from self-denial, from a heart that is submissive to God’s authority.
Overcoming a temper, or anger is not at all accomplished overnight. As a child, I didn’t know how to respond to my brother’s explosive and obsessive behavior.
Paul encourages the Philippians to worship God and have no confidence in their flesh. I pray that you truly know Christ and are living the Christian life by faith.
The woman at the well had been thirstier than she realized, and she went away from that well with her spiritual cup full and running over.
The assurance that Christ renews our strength day by day contributes to an absolute dependence upon Him.
Every precious child is a gift from God and is a miraculous privilege to behold. A new life in Christ and a newborn baby are the most wonderful gifts that come from the heart of God.
Scripture tells us we may suffer for righteousness' sake, and in doing so, we are blessed, and privileged to suffer for His sake.
David violated four of the Ten Commandments given by God in one impulsive act of sin: thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not commit adultery, and thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
Job reminds us to trust God under all circumstances, especially when we do not understand what’s happening. “As for God, His way is perfect” (Psalm 18:30). Because God’s ways are “perfect,” we can trust whatever He does––and whatever He allows––to also be perfect.
The Bible identifies contentment as a virtue and a command. We are not sufficient in and of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).
It’s easy to fear man when we do not allow God to strengthen us during times of adversity and tremendous heartache.
Giving thanks is a good thing and is a foundational part of our faith and trust in Christ.
The word distress means extreme anxiety, sorrow, and pain. David, in Psalm 31:10, says, “My strength has failed me because of my iniquity.”
We must keep in mind that God is more powerful than any plan that Satan may have or had to destroy Jesus. He is sovereign over the universe and His Word is trustworthy.
There are many ways to miss Christmas, but the greatest of these is unbelief. His name, IMMANUEL, means, “GOD WITH US” which describes who He is and distinguishes Him above all others (Matthew 1:23).
Don’t let Christmas bring anything but joy and gladness to your soul. Set your affections on the things above, and allow your mind to ponder the glorious gospel of Christ— who is your life (Colossians 3:2-4).
Have you looked for other things to comfort your soul and found that they are empty and meaningless?
Perhaps you’ve struggled in times of deep despair, remember these words, “God is not dead, nor does He sleep.” Trusting God with all things will give you the hope and peace you desire (Romans 15:13).
Waiting patiently: "is the willingness to put up with waiting, pain, troubles, or hurts; calm endurance without complaining or losing self-control.”
We can indulge ourselves in His magnificent love–––an immense benefit of our so great salvation.
What is a hypocrite? The dictionary describes a hypocrite as “a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion.