“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25 NIV).

Make it your aim to walk in the Spirit by inviting him into the details of each day. Let this prayer be quick to come to your mind: “How am I to respond to this challenge, Lord?” Or, “Direct me, please. Which way should I go?” Pause and listen. Keep an ear inclined toward the Spirit.

For us not to consult the Spirit of God would be foolish. He is here to teach us, and our privilege is to stay in mindful communion with him. Day by day, moment by moment. Listen as the divine instructor whispers wonders in your ear. And be assured that, as you smile, the Spirit smiles with you. After all, he is your teacher.

by Max Lucado
used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

Peace and the Holy Spirit

Power for Living

His Spirit Tells Us

The post Keep in Step appeared first on Thoughts About God.

We love Him because He first loved us.  – 1 John 4:19 (NKJV)

What is love? Is it definable?

Various dictionaries have defined love as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person, affectionate concern for the well-being of others, the benevolent affection of God for His creatures or the reverent affection due from them to God.

Where do you look for love to fill your heart?

• in status
• in money
• in people
• in a career
• in possessions
• in power or position?

If you’re looking for love in people or things, you’re looking in all the wrong places.

The right kind of love comes from the person of Jesus Christ.

He loves you with an everlasting, all-forgiving, unconditional, perfect love. You were chosen to love. The apostle Paul wrote, “[In His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:4a, AMP)

If I asked you what you love the most, what would your immediate response be? Your boyfriend or girlfriend, your spouse, your children, your car, your bank account, your physical appearance, your iPhone?

Jesus asks you,

“Do you love Me more than these others?” (John 21:15, TLB)

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect.” (1 John 4:16-17, NLT)

May you know and grow in this perfect Love!

Lord, I desire to know more fully Your precious love for me that I might be a vessel of Your love to others.

by Lynn Mosher
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Substitute God

Seeking God’s Face

How Can I Know God Personally?

The post Love Where Are You appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay and you are the Potter. We are all formed by your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

As children go back to school, it means new teachers, and new subjects to learn.  And as adults, you and I know those lessons are needed but it doesn’t make that process any easier.

In Psalm 32:8 God says, “I will teach you in the way you should go.”

My friend Nancy was one of those remarkable self-made women who seem successful at everything she does. But she got caught up in her own self-righteousness. And before long she sensed an emptiness in her life. A nagging that didn’t go away. She was reading the book, “In His Steps”, and God showed her that true success meant surrendering her will to her heavenly Father. Nancy prayed earnestly, “Lord, give me a teachable spirit! Help me learn Your lessons.”

Dear friend, how about you? Maybe it’s time for you to go back to God’s school!

by Vonette Bright
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Developing a Tender Heart

Let God Teach You

Like a Child

The post A Teachable Heart appeared first on Thoughts About God.

A Father’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for my children’s salvation. Thank You for choosing them to be children of mine and Yours. Thank You that You have lavished Your riches and Your inheritance on them, although they could do nothing to earn it or deserve it.

I pray for my children’s legs to walk always with You, not racing ahead, not lagging behind, not wandering off, but day-by-day walking with Jesus, so that He is their constant companion. God, take them where You want them to go and keep them from the places they shouldn’t go. Give them strength to continue when they feel weak. Give them courage to keep on walking with You, even when the road ahead looks uncertain and dim. Give them grace to bridge gaps, to leap walls, to span the separations between people and groups.

I pray for my children’s feet, that You would place them where You want them to stand. Plant their feet on the immovable rock of Jesus. Talk to them when storms come or the world’s attractions try to lure them down its path. Whisper in their ears and to their spirits, “Stand firm.”

Through my children’s arms, always do Your work. Strengthen them, hold them up, and direct them to do whatever You want them to do. Make their time valuable for eternity, not just the quick flash that is the span of their days on earth.

I pray for my children’s hands that they will often fold them in prayer. Make them mighty in prayer. Teach them to pray after Your own heart. Enable them to live their lives so that everyone will see Your signature, “This one is the Lord’s.”

Give my children the patience to wait on You, Lord, so that You may renew their spirits and they may soar as on eagle’s wings.

By Your enabling power, make my children’s will as strong as iron for clinging to what is good and resisting evil. Cause them to be unyielding in following righteousness and rejecting anything not pure, holy, and completely from You. Make their wills toward You as pliable as spun silk when You convict them of sin or following their own ways. Give them tender hearts and teachable spirits for You, God.

I pray for my children’s character, that You will make it strong and godly. Use godly men and women to mold, shape, and weave their character, beliefs, and views of You as You want to make them.

Enable by Your grace that their conscience will be clear. I pray they will keep a short list of accounts with You and quickly acknowledge sin to You and confess their wrongs. Give them the humility to seek forgiveness from the ones they offend. Enlarge their hearts to grant forgiveness freely, even before it is asked, when they are wronged.

I pray for my children’s heart, that You would guard it. Keep them protected, covered, shielded, and sheltered from all harm that seeks to touch them. Make their hearts soft when they should show compassion, firm when “tough love” is required, and always holy.

By Your power, protect their bodies. Keep them well and safe, and heal them when they are sick or injured. Hold them and comfort them when they are afraid, lonely, sad, or discouraged. Give them the strength and the courage to keep on keepin’ on when they feel they cannot any longer.

I pray for my children’s minds, that regarding the things of Christ they will be full of knowledge and wisdom, and regarding the things of sin they will be ignorant. Give them Your wisdom and discernment to evaluate what they see.

Light my children’s eyes with the light of Christ shining within them. Filter what they will see through holy filters. Protect them and keep them, for the devil masquerades as an angel of light. Give them holy understanding to see past the surface, to see the world from Your perspective, and to respond as You would.

Father, put Your Word in my children’s ears and in their hearts frequently. I pray that they will not listen to unwise counsel or foolish talk and will seek Your wisdom and Your ways all their days.

I pray for my children’s mouths, that words of praise and prayer will be on their lips always. Curb them from speaking rashly or without thought, so that they will bring honor and glory to You. I pray for my children’s countenances, that they will reflect Your glory and the radiance of the hope that is alive within them.

Sanctify their pocketbooks, and teach them to be good stewards of what You give them. Teach them the principles of Your economy, the way to manage and use the things that You loan them. Beyond finances and possessions, make them good stewards of their talents, time, and opportunities You send. Help them to acknowledge that everything is Yours, and because of that, they need not worry or fear loss.

I pray that they will abide in righteousness and live worthy of the One who purchased their lives from destruction and eternal death. Show them that life is in Christ alone, that there is no other source of life, joy, light, peace, comfort, love, or truth that can endure forever, and no other is pure or holy but You.

Father-God, I place all these things in Your hands in the name of the One who is able to do all things, beyond anything we ask or imagine, to whom is all glory, honor, and praise, Amen.

-Charley Gunter, praying for Richmond and Margie Louise

Looking at a picture of your children or grandchildren, or with the indelible memory of them before your mind’s eye, pray for them. Set them apart from head-to-toe for God’s purposes and glory. You might include their future mates in this prayer.

by Charley Gunter
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Father’s Day

•  My Dad’s Love – Frank shares a true story of how his father’s love affected his life.e

•  Salvation Explained

The post A Father’s Prayer appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)

For thousands of years, mankind has sought peace of the heart. All too often, however, we ask God to solve our problems and do not display the faith we should when prayers are not answered on our timeframe. True peace only comes when we say, “Even if God does not answer my prayers today, I will accept His wisdom and be at peace in my soul.” It is so easy to be jealous, impatient, and envious of others and wonder why God is blessing them and not us. God doesn’t promise faith will be easy, only that we have it!

It is amazing how many people say they moved from one location to another to find peace. I suspect that most were not seeking greater wealth, but peace of mind and heart. The Devil wants to lure us into the ways of the world and let material things become our focus.

Repeatedly, there are testimonies that wealth doesn’t bring peace and happiness, but often we have a hard time believing it until we see a life wasted. The quality of our life is determined by the peace and joy in our hearts and the strife we avoid, not by the fame or fortune we may obtain. True peace only comes from one source, and that is a relationship with the Lord.

The Bible connects physical and mental health with spiritual well-being, offering verses promising God’s healing, peace, and strength through faith, prayer, and trusting His Word. Key themes are found in passages like Isaiah 53:5 (healing through Jesus’ stripes), Philippians 4:6–7 (God’s peace guarding hearts), and Jeremiah 33:6 (God bringing health, healing, peace, and truth). It emphasizes that God’s presence provides strength, guards against fear, and offers rest for the weary soul.

The Bible connects peace with the presence of Jesus in our lives; with peace comes better health. Peace and health are deeply interconnected: you can’t have lasting health without peace, and peace is difficult to achieve without good health. The answer is Jesus.

Paul instructs us: “For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:5–6). This is at the core of the Christian faith. If we doubt this at all, we cannot enjoy the freedom that God wants for us to have—the type of freedom, and associated inner peace, that Jesus tells us about when He says, “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

by John Grant
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Inner Peace

Peace Has Been Provided

Peace in the Midst of Pressure

Finding Perfect Peace

The Wellspring of Peace

The post Health and Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

For many of us, the summer heat has settled in with a vengeance, and we are constantly being reminded to drink more water. Take a bottle with you. Refill your glass. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Stay hydrated.

We know how quickly the heat can pull moisture from our bodies, sometimes before we even realize what is happening. By the time we feel intensely thirsty, our bodies may already be telling us that something is depleted.

The same can be true spiritually.

The demands of life, prolonged stress, disappointment, busyness, caregiving, ministry, and simply carrying the weight of our days can slowly drain our spiritual reserves. We keep moving, keep serving, keep handling what is in front of us, and may not recognize how thirsty our spirits have become.

But spiritual thirst is not merely a warning that something is wrong. It can also be an invitation. The longing within us can turn us toward the One who is living water, the One who does not simply give us enough strength to keep going but gives us Himself.

Listen with your spirit to the Word of God and be blessed with the passionate cry of the psalmist in Psalm 63:1.

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you.”

And in Psalm 42:1:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.”

Spirit, be blessed to live from that deep cry of seeking God in your innermost being, longing for more of Him, digging in to know Him more intimately. Your Father desires constant communion with you spirit to Spirit. Be blessed with directing the thirst of your soul to communion with Him. Be blessed with getting out of your head and into your spirit, meeting God personally and profoundly.

Be blessed to know that God is who He says He is, and He can and will do what He says He can and will do. He is the I Am to do it in you today. He is personal and powerful, and He alone satisfies. Jesus is standing and knocking, waiting for you to open up to Him for satisfying fellowship (Rev 3:20). Jesus invites you to a table set for two. He wants your love, and He will be satisfied when you fulfill His heart by opening up to Him.

Spirit, be blessed with knowing your covenant-keeping God of promise as you seek Him and keep company with Him in Spirit and in truth. Be blessed to discover Him more as His Spirit lives in you to fulfill your deepest cries. Be blessed to encounter Him in such dimensions that you feel as if you have never breathed spiritually before. Be blessed in His name: Rewarder of those who earnestly seek Him (Heb 11:6).

In these hot summer days, we are learning again to pay attention to our physical thirst. Perhaps we need the same attentiveness to our spirits.

Where are you dry? Where have the demands of life depleted you? Where is your spirit longing for more of God? Do not ignore the thirst. Let it draw you toward Him.

Come thirsty. Come weary. Come aware of your need. You do not have to manufacture spiritual strength or replenish yourself from your own reserves. Jesus is still the living water. Your Father is still inviting you into communion with Him. His Spirit is still present within you, ready to meet the deepest cries of your spirit.

Drink deeply of His presence today. May you discover again that His presence is not merely where you are refreshed. His presence is where you were created to live.

by Sylvia Gunter
used by permission

© 2026 Sylvia Gunter Blessing taken from You Are Blessed In The Names Of God

FURTHER READING

Living Water for the Thirsty

Dry Towels and Thirsty Souls

Satisfaction for the Thirsty Soul

He Satisfies

The post Are You Spiritually Dehydrated? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

God can woo you both intellectually and emotionally.  That’s what happened to Alex McFarland.

Most of his life, Alex attended a church that is now 250 years old.  He learned about God, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity. But, it wasn’t personal until college.

Then, Alex was invited to a weekly Bible study. He only attended because a girl he liked would be there. And really thought he knew enough facts about God.

But then he learned that Christ wanted a personal relationship with him. Through prayer, Alex invited Jesus to take control of his life.  And then he couldn’t get enough of God and His word!  So much so that today he’s an apologist, a defender of the faith.

Oh dear friend, God wants a personal relationship with you, too!
If you don’t know Him, would you like to?  Visit this link for an explanation: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

By Vonette Bright
used by permission

 A Good Link: 

“10 Most Common Objections to Christianity“, by Alex McFarland

FURTHER READING

How to Know God Personally

Bible Studies + more

Tiny Lessons to Help you in your faith journey

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • ‘X’ Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Wooed and Won appeared first on Thoughts About God.

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23

We do it the first Monday in every September. We pause to celebrate labor. For many, Labor Day is a three-day weekend that helps us celebrate the conclusion of a great summer with a party and some tasty grilled food. But what is Labor Day, really?

There’s so much more to Labor Day than the weekend getaways and the funny (but relatable) Labor Day memes we see online. In fact, as its name implies, the holiday has historical roots in the labor movement.

In addition, work is not God’s way of punishing us. In fact, He blesses us with the ability to work, so that we can honor Him. Colossians 3:22 says, “You who are servants who are owned by someone, obey your owners. Work hard for them all the time, not just when they are watching you.”

Whether you are a student, employee or both, it is important to look at our work from a Christian perspective. After all, we spend a lot of time at school and in the workplace.

Everyone has a different attitude when it comes to work. Some have the tendency to overwork themselves, while others avoid it at all costs. However, having either of these attitudes can lead to negative consequences.

So, what does the Bible have to say about work? As Christians, it is important to align our perspective with God’s when it comes to this topic. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, (24) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Paul was a tent maker. In the New Testament – Jesus made…

132 public appearances – 122 were in the marketplace
52 parables that Jesus told – 45 had a workplace context
Of 40 miracles in the Book of Acts – 39 were in the marketplace
Work, in its different forms, is mentioned more than 800 times in the Bible – more than all the words used to express worship, music, praise and singing combined.

Don’t minimize your daily work – it is nothing less than a Holy calling. God has you right where He wants you… Right now!

When we go all the way back to Genesis, we can see that God worked when He created the world. Therefore, when we work, we resemble Him.

Colossians 3:22 says, “You who are servants who are owned by someone, obey your owners. Work hard for them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Work for them as you would for the Lord because you honor God.” When we obey the authority figures in our life, we are ultimately serving Christ.

As sons and daughters of God, we have all been given different talents and abilities. When we use our gifts, we can experience fulfillment as we serve Christ and share His love with others.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of rest. When God created the world, He worked for six days and rested on the seventh. When we give ourselves time to rest and be in God’s Word, we can recharge for what is to come. By resting, we ensure that we will be prepared to serve Christ in whatever comes our way.

This Labor Day weekend, take this time to rest. Reflect on what the Bible says about work and ask God to give you the discipline to apply these principles to your life. Ultimately, by doing this, we can glorify Him!

by John Grant
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Why do You want to be Successful?  Business leader Peter Chung, a Christian business man, shares about his experience.

Getting Life Back on Track by Marvin Kehler

Redefining Success – Successful business owner Dr. Ed Becker describes how is definition of success changed.

 Setting up a  Proper Foundation in Your Life for a Successful Business and Personal Life – Dr. Ed Becker

Unexpected Opportunity Herb Buller talks about how having cancer in his eyes turned into positive opportunities.

Being Honest and Ethical in Business – Herb Buller talks about  Seizing Opportunities and Becoming a Work of Art

What does Success look like for You?  Entrepreneur John Roise

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • ‘X’ Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

The post Christianity and Labor appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25

Our trail map showed two routes ahead: one led down to the bottom of the valley and back up again; the second ran along the ridge to the same destination. The shorter, seemingly less difficult route along the ridge appeared to be the best option. Once on it, we did notice the log across the path and that it looked less traveled. Then, we soon saw a sign: “Abandon Trail.” But the trail was on our map and it looked good so far. Around the next bend we started to understand why the sign had been put up. But turning back seemed like a waste of time and energy, so we pressed on. Only as I stood with one foot on a two-inch edge of rock, with no firm spot for my next step, did I realize how foolish and dangerous a choice this shortcut was. Apart from a miracle, slipping would mean certain death! What if I survived but my friend fell? What would I tell his wife?

“There is a way that appears to be right, ….” Proverbs 16:25

Life is filled with options. The decision to follow any one path can have far-reaching implications. The desire for a shortcut, a less difficult path, a more convenient option, or even a more logical road, can all be motivators. God does ask His followers, as He did His Son, to walk a difficult way at times to fulfill His purposes. Christ asked to have the grim prospect of the cross removed, but surrendered to a higher motivation — the will of His Father (Mathew 26:38-39); think of the implications of that decision! God’s will moves beyond our logic at times. Peter could have refused to throw his net on the opposite side of the boat, because it was “not logical” (Luke 5:5-6). Convenience did not seem to factor in to the Good Samaritan’s decision to show compassion (Luke 10:30-37).

You may be at a junction where convenience, difficulty, logic, emotions, or personal desires are competing with God’s will. Be reminded that God’s will is not always the easy path, but it is good, and it is established by His perfect love and divine purpose.

Father, I confess that I long for the shortcuts in life. I often seek convenience over Your purposes. May I seek Your will as my primary motivation for any path taken! By faith, I acknowledge that Your will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

FURTHER READING

God’s Plan or My Plan?

Transplant

Choices

Choices – Being a Chooser!

You Have a Choice

The post Perilous Shortcuts appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you.  I, whom you have redeemed.”  Psalm 71:23 (NIV)

At a high school commencement, one graduate said, “I barely finished. If I’d blown it, my parents would’ve killed me!”

Another student, adopted from an Asian-Pacific country, had a very different perspective.  She said, “I want to express my deepest appreciation to my American parents for loving me.  I want to do everything I can to show them how much I love them and to make them proud of me!”

What a difference in their two perspectives!

So friend, how about your motivation?  Do you serve your Heavenly Father out of fear that He would punish you?  Or is it because you appreciate His great love and what He’s done for you? The Bible says, “My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you.  I, whom you have redeemed.”

Thank Jesus for what He has done for you!

by Vonette Bright
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving in Prayer

Imagine Jesus being too busy to Pray

The post What is Your Motivation? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5 NIV

Ann almost shouted when she said, “Praise the Lord!”

This practice was not uncommon for my coworker. Neither was the phrase, “Thank you, Jesus!” She freely gave credit and glory to the Lord, no matter where she was. Her praise could be about little things or something big on her heart. She recognized God’s goodness and His hand in the everyday circumstances of life.

I, however, tend to whisper praise under my breath unless with family or friends. Then, I’m a bit more vocal with my gratitude.

Praise God when things are good.

That’s pretty easy if we remember. When things are going smoothly, relationships are good, health is excellent, and nothing is broken, we should give thanks and praise the Lord. But sometimes, we get complacent and take things for granted. Often, we forget that these things are the answers to our prayers.

Praise God when things are not so good.

Praise God anyway. We have good reasons to hope. We can thank God that He hears our prayers, knows our problems, and works to provide in many ways: a temporary job, housing, transportation, medication, doctors, helpers, repair technicians. He grants favors and blessings in big, little, and unique ways.

The Bible gives us instructions and examples about praise and thanksgiving. King David rejoiced, thanked God, and danced for joy before the people. He unashamedly expressed awe and reverence. Although David did many notable things, he also greatly sinned and paid the price for it. Yet, he still worshipped and praised God.

Reflect on recent days and consider how God worked in your situations, even if you didn’t notice it then. Recall the unexpected blessings that lifted your spirit. Journaling these things will encourage you. Then, praise God.

Whether you experience good things or not, praise God because He always works for our best and inhabits the praises of His people.

by Karen Huffaker
used by permission

The post Yet Will I Praise Him appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18 NIV)

For years I wandered away from God, and my image of that time is that of a traveler on a trail through the wilderness.

I left the trail and got lost.

Wandering in the wilderness, I lost even the memory that I was there because of my own sinful choices. Eventually, I lost the truth that I had any choice at all. It felt like I was held hostage by my choices and that I had no choice but to keep making the same choices. What other choice did I have?

So, part of my prodigal return was realizing I still had a choice, starting with the foundational choice that “I can’t, but God can.”

Once I returned to God’s path, I could clearly see the terrible, horrible choice I’d made to wander away and the resulting waste of time, energy, and missed opportunities. Not to mention, I’d been exhausting myself trying to live life like it was never designed to be lived.

What I could also see is that I still had choices — I could continue down God’s path, I could sit and mourn the waste, or I could return to my wanderings.

But, most of all, I finally believed my freedom of choice left me free not to sin. I did not have to sin; I could choose not to sin. I am free from sin, not free from temptation, but free from the slavery of sin that kept me chained to ungodly choices.

Jesus broke the power of sin in your life, and he’s empowered you, through the Holy Spirit, to make the right, corrective, godly choices.

Be still and know that he is God — and think upon this truth.

Talk About It

Why do you think God lets us make our own choices?

Are you facing a big decision about your future? What do you believe is the godly choice?

by Jon Walker
used by permission

FURTHER READING

The Path of Life

The Way Out of Trouble

When You are Out of Choices

The post You Have a Choice appeared first on Thoughts About God.