Read: Hebrews 11:23-29

As human beings, we often have a difficult time perceiving what the Lord is doing in our life.

We are limited by the passage of time, the confusion of present circumstances, and a lack of understanding regarding God’s goals and His means of accomplishing them. That’s why studying the lives of men and women in Scripture helps us see how the Lord worked in previous generations. God’s relationships with the faithful in earlier times are helpful examples for us today.

When we face uncertainty, we can look to Moses’ example. His life was unpredictable and full of hardship, yet he “endured, as seeing Him who is unseen” (Hebrews 11:27). In Greek, the root word for “endurance” refers to the capacity to bear up under difficulty. Moses successfully persevered under pressure by keeping his focus on God rather than on the events surrounding him.

From Moses’ example, we learn that this is what the Lord desires for us as well. Although we may want out of a difficult situation as soon as possible, this may not be God’s aim. It is not His goal to make us as comfortable as can be but, rather, to transform us into the image of His Son. And endurance helps us get there.

If God calls us to endure pain, hardship, or uncertainty, we can find encouragement in knowing we’re never alone. Part of “seeing Him who is unseen” is realizing that God’s grace and comfort carry us through every situation. The Lord doesn’t want us to simply grit our teeth and bear hardship; He desires that we trust Him and bring glory to His name through our dependence.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Hope and Endurance

A Prayer of Endurance

Joyful Endurance

The post God Values Endurance appeared first on Thoughts About God.

You are my Rear Guard

…. for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard
Isaiah 52:12

You are my STRONG TOWER

…For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3

You are my Shelter

…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

You are my Strength

…The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8

You are my Peace

…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

You are my Healer

…for I am the LORD, your healer Exodus 15:26

You are my Portion

LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future Psalm 16:5

You are my Shield, my Refuge, and my Savior

…my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3

Lord, may we never forget who you are to us. May we always be reminded of your loving kindness, compassion, and grace in our lives in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
From: https://findingtruthwithin.com/

FURTHER READING

Place of Shelter

Shelter of the Most High

Shelter Living

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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

The post Remind Me Who You Are to Me Lord… appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Generosity is the currency of life. Generous people generate things… they produce and create. Choose today to give. Hold your hands open and offer yourself to God first. Let His wisdom, strength and power flow through you. Offer to be His conduit.

Then give yourself to others. Give your time, give your attention, give your resources and give your care.

God’s word speaks the truth when it says,

“The world of the generous gets larger and larger – the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller” (Proverbs 11:24).

Be generous today and just see if your own world doesn’t expand in some way.

Think about stingy-ness. The mark of the stingy person is the attitude of fear that convinces him there never will be enough. Ask yourself if you are stingy in any area. Making a change will enhance your life.

Choose wisely. If you are a manager and have people working under you, be deliberate in having a generous attitude as you respond.

Surprise yourself today as you reach out to make a generous choice in some unexpected way.

Are you a generous person? Are you stingy in any way?

Lord, fill my heart to overflowing with gratitude for Your love and faithfulness. Help me to pass Your love on in some way today. Amen.

– Think of one area of your life where you find it hard to be generous. What is one thing you can to do today to be more giving?

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

A Cheerful Giver

Heavenly Investments

Joyful Generosity

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

The post Generosity appeared first on Thoughts About God.

by Roy Lessin

Wouldn’t you rather follow His way than lean upon your own understanding?

Wouldn’t you rather find His rest than be heavy laden?

Wouldn’t you rather obey His word than go your own way?

Wouldn’t you rather believe in His timing than work things out for yourself?

Wouldn’t you rather stand on His truth than your own assumptions?

Wouldn’t you rather know His peace than have your mind filled with anxious thoughts?

Wouldn’t you rather have His wisdom than proceed with what seems good to you?

Wouldn’t you rather rely upon His strength than your own efforts?

Wouldn’t you rather know His joy than the pleasures of the world?

Wouldn’t you rather see His smile than have the approval of others?

Wouldn’t you rather enjoy His blessing than have the best the world can give?

Wouldn’t you rather trust in His goodness than anything else?

Wouldn’t you rather have Jesus than anyone else?

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Psalm 73:25 (AMP)

about Roy Lessin
used by permission

FURTHER READING

I Testify that God is…. – by Wendy Patrick

God You’ve Been Working by Katy Haufmann

Eternal Love

The post Wouldn’t You Rather? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Struggles: Yes we all go through them. Sometimes we know why and probably most often we don’t. James tells us to…

‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,’ James 1:2.

James tells us to consider it all joy when we go through them. But it can be a real struggle.

James continues on in verse three...

‘because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’

Does that means so the at we can struggle better? Verse four gives us the answer.

‘Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.‘

This gives reason for the struggles, that we might grow from the experience. And then in verse twelve we get the results.

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’

Be blessed my friend!

“Heavenly Father, whatever happens, we are committed to conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. We will stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose us. We do this as a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that we will be saved—and that by you our God. For it has been granted to us on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him… In Jesus name amen.”

Philippians 1:27-30

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV)

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING

Articles addressing Hard Times in Life

Perseverance

Making Progress

The post Struggles appeared first on Thoughts About God.

How would you respond if someone stopped you on the street and asked you to describe “true happiness“?

Ask twenty-five people this question, and you will hear twenty-five different answers.

Mankind will always crave true joy and happiness. He will look for it in a myriad of places, but rarely in the right place.

Our God is a God of joy, and He made us in His image. We want our lives to be full of joy, like His.

The truth is:  this God of joy gives joy beyond measure.

We look to people, circumstances, things, or activities to find true happiness.

God says it’s less tangible than that. Something inward.

Joy is filling us with Himself, satisfying us with His promises and everything He already gave.

Joy is the outburst of believing what we can’t see (Romans 15:13).

How would you describe “true happiness“?

True, lasting joy is something God promised to those who believe His truth and love it more than material gain.

Joy is a heartfelt response to everything God already gave.

It’s right at our fingertips.

“Now the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing.“ (Romans 15:13)

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING

Joyfully Drawing a Long Cool Drink

Enjoy God’s Presence

Count it All Joy

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

The post What God Already Gave – JOY appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Pammy, our four-year-old, had volunteered to wash the dinner dishes.  She performed the task swimmingly, all right, in a sink billowing with suds.  But in the process she disproved the validity of claims made by manufacturers of a certain dish detergent.  It takes more than suds to get dishes clean!

Washing dishes in one thing, and something I don’t mind.  But re-washing is something else, and I found myself waiting for her to go off to bed before I undertook the task.  I did not want to let her know at her tender age that her “help” is not really as much as she thinks it is. (How much easier just to go ahead and do the dishes myself in the first place!)

When I was a child I remember being told that dishwater is great for healing minor cuts and scratches on the hands.  I’ve discovered since then that dish water is great for other things too.  In fact, there’s nothing like it for giving a mother time to think, to analyze situations and feelings.

It wasn’t only re-washing dishes that bothered me.  Remaking the children’s beds, re-picking up after they had put away their playthings, to re-hanging their clothes straight and evenly on the hangers.  It was all much the same and all somewhat annoying, though I realized how necessary this learning process is for young children. Perfection is a long road and takes a heap of practice and experience.

My hands still busy in the dishpan, I was asking the Lord to help me overcome this bit of annoyance, or impatience, when an enlightening but sobering thought came to mind.

Isn’t this process much like what the Lord has been doing for me ever since I first accepted Him as my Savior?

Hasn’t He umpteen times had to intervene and redo my efforts at living the Christian life according to His pattern?

I thought of a mountain of failures behind me. Every single one. He has forgiven me Every time  I have fallen…, He has lifted me up again and has whispered encouragement for another try.

Dishes done, I went to my Bible.  Verse after verse spoke of God’s patience, forgiveness, long suffering.  I found nothing to indicate that my failings ever tempt Him to give up on me and take things out of my hands so He can do them right without me!

These days re-washing dishes, or re-making beds, or whatever I find myself redoing after my children no longer serves to aggravate me.  Rather, these tasks have come to be my moments of re dedication.

For they always remind me now of what my Lord is daily doing for me in so many ways!

“You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you; hear my prayer, O Lord, listen to me cry for mercy.  In the day of all my trouble I will call to you for you will answer me” (Psalm 86:5-7 NIV).

by Muriel Hanson
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Learning To Fail and Succeed in God – by Daniel Forster

• Getting Life Back on Track by Marvin Kehler

• Lifelong Learners –  by Suzanne Benner

The post How many Re-Washes appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Obeying God’s will in our lives should not be a burden but a thrilling adventure that we walk through with Him each day.

^“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.  Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me.  I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:6-8

Some Christians view obeying God only as a way to avoid the negative consequences of disobedience. But if this is our thinking, then obedience becomes a heavy burden rather than an exciting adventure motivated by love for Jesus Christ and a desire to please Him.

The reason some of us see following the Lord as a burden is because we tend to think of His will in terms of big and potentially costly decisions. But doing God’s will isn’t just about large issues; it’s also daily obedience in small matters of life. Philippines 4:6 tells us not to be anxious about anything but to pray about everything. In bringing even fairly mundane concerns to the Lord, we’re being trained to trust and obey Him in more critical matters.

The Christian life is a walk of faith—one step of obedience after another. Though we may think the situations we face are unrelated, the Lord moves us through a variety of circumstances toward His ultimate purpose. If, for the sake of safety, we back off from obeying, we’ll miss the opportunity to experience His awesome power working in and through us. Small choices may seem insignificant, but they lead to a thrilling lifelong journey with God.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Going Deeper with God

• The Re-Knitting Hand of God – What God taught me about ‘little sins’

•  Salvation Explained

Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest

The post The Thrill of Obedience appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.”  Luke 8:43

I often fall into the trap of thinking I can handle most things the world tosses at me, proudly believing I am more capable than, in reality, I am at times.

Then came the pandemic, business closures, stay-at-home orders, and social unrest in neighbourhoods we call home.

We now have a daily reminder about our limited capacity to deal with the outbreak and flare-ups in our communities and cities. Many things lie outside our skill set to undertake on our own. We might be the best doctor, the best office manager, the best Mom or Dad. But at some point, our skills will eventually fail us no matter how hard we try to shoo away the mess we find ourselves in at the moment.

God reminds us through the storms and trials in our lives that we cannot fix everything to our liking.

In Luke 8, we hear about the haemorrhaging woman. She went to doctors for 12 years, but only Jesus could stop the bleeding — a reminder that some things are reserved for the Lord alone to resolve.

Through our trials, Jesus brings us to the truth of our limitations. Even daily challenges in our lives reveal this reality. Without them, our imperfect power remains hidden, shrouded in pride. And we stay dependent on ourselves and not on the Savior and Redeemer.

Turn to the Lord in prayer during these uncertain times. God has the divine power to turn things around when we cannot. He understands what is best for us.

Lord, may I never forget you are our fixer when things get out of control in our lives. We do not and should not feel we need to go it alone. And no matter what skills you have given us, we must never forget our dependence on you. Amen.

Remember that the God of the universe lives within you by his Spirit and wants you to rely on his strength to obey him, whatever the task.

By Doug Lim
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Fear, Faith and Migraines
• Fear or Love?
• Why Worry Yourself Sick?

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

The post Limited appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.”
Proverbs 15:1

Carol was a defiant woman.  Pride was her armor.  And anger was her companion.  She was a political activist.  She actually enjoyed wielding her fury.

People cowered under Carol’s verbal attacks. Except for Linda.

Carol hated her sincere smile and how she seemed unfrazzled by harsh words.  Carol confronted Linda and insulted her faith as a test.  Linda’s response was,  ”Jesus loves you, Carol.” and walked away.

Carol was shocked.  Inwardly she felt ugly and hateful.  That night, she broke down in tears.  She kept repeating Linda’s words, “Jesus loves you, Carol.”

Carol apologized to Linda the next day.  And asked about Jesus.

The One who could free her from anger and hatred.

Carol found release through her new faith in Christ.

Dear one, Jesus Christ can give you a new life today!

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Get a better understanding of what it means to be a believer of Jesus:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

FURTHER READING

• How to Be Saved
• How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
• How to Be Confident You Will Go to Heaven When You Die
• How to Know I Am Really Saved (short version)

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

The post Sincere Smile appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”  Isaiah 12:3

I love the word picture that Isaiah 12:3 gives us. Can’t you picture taking your bucket with a long rope attached and dropping it down into the deep well? You hear the splash below and feel the tension on the rope as the bucket fills. As you draw the bucket up you know the drink will be long and cold and refreshing. Ahhh, coming to the well is so worth the trip. Especially when the day is dry and hot and dusty.

The only thing that can prevent that long and refreshing drink is a hole in the bucket. Though you long for the life giving water, if there’s a hole, you’ll draw up an empty bucket.

As we begin to explore the refreshing truths and sure principles of following Jesus let’s first make sure our bucket is intact. The biggest holes in our buckets of faith are generally caused by one thing: a lack of confidence. As we draw from the well of salvation, the cool refreshment simply leaks out when we harbor a lack of confidence in who our God is and in who we are in Jesus Christ.

In order to draw deeply from the well of salvation we must first be confident that our God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. Often we find our confidence in God has slipped away when things have not gone as we had hoped and planned. Yet God alone is the one who sees the road ahead. Only He knows just what our hearts need to keep going.

If your confidence in who you are in Jesus Christ has slipped, and you feel the promises of God don’t include you, then take some time to review how God sees you. As His child you are every bit included in those who can draw deeply from His well.

Patch the hole in your bucket. Believe God with fresh faith. Walk in who He says you are with fresh confidence. Then you will be able to draw from His deep well with a joy that is overflowing.

Father God, often my confidence in You can wane when I don’t understand what You are doing or not doing in my life. Help me to fully believe and completely trust that You have my best interests at heart. May I lean hard on You in complete assurance that Your love for me will carry me through. Help me to see myself as You see me – forgiven, dearly loved, accepted, chosen, and fruitful. Give me a deep understanding of being clothed in the strength and dignity that You provide for me. Restore my bucket of faith so that I may draw deeply and with great joy from the well of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray, with thanksgiving. Amen.

Question: What holes are in your bucket right now? What truth will you apply to patch them up?

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Faltering Faith

Failing Strength

Be Still

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

The post Joyfully Drawing a Long Cool Drink appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

The giant African land snail is considered one of the most damaging snails in the world because it eats at least 500 types of plants and can cause structural damage. It also can carry a parasite that can lead to meningitis in humans.

It’s not known how the snail arrived in Florida this time, and there’s no estimate for how many remain, but In an aggressive effort to keep an invasive snail species from making a permanent home in Florida, 78,000 critters have been captured in the past year.

They were found in the southern part of the state and are multiplying their way northward. They have been found in the wild and in residential backyards. They pose significant risks to Florida’s landscape. They lay eggs – up to 1200 a year – and they live for nine years.

There is a spiritual parallel here. Sin is a trap that sneaks its way into our lives and will destroy us. Often it sneaks up on us, and before we know it, we have a sin problem. Oh, how subtle it can be, but like the snail it multiplies exponentially.

Sin sneaks up on us undetected. It may bring pleasure for a short while, but it’s short-lived! Then we have to pay the consequences. Sin is deceitful. We think we’re okay, and before we know it, we are sinning with little or no conviction. Our hearts have hardened. If we sow to sin we will reap the consequences.

The choice is ours. We are a servant (slave) as shown by whom we yield to—sin or righteousness. We cannot be a servant to both. Once we fall into the sin trap we are boxed in on every side, but thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus, it is never too late to repent and turn from sin.

First Peter reminds us to “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) and always be mindful that the someone is you and I.

Lord, help me to be aware on a daily basis of the enemy who is eager to trip me up. Please give me Your correction and guidance and help me to be self-controlled and alert. Amen.

Question: Do you have sin that needs to be uncovered?

by John Grant
used by permission

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

FURTHER READING

Just Beneath the Surface

What’s On Your Mind?

Our Problem is Sin

The post Sneaking In appeared first on Thoughts About God.