“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38

If you feel inadequate when it comes to fulfilling the mission of Christ, know that it’s normal to feel that way. We are simply vessels needing His power. That way God gets the glory.

Jesus Christ of Nazareth needed the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God on earth. He went about doing good and healing those oppressed by the devil. If we are to also fulfill the will and purpose of God for us, we need the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit, too.

Jesus’ commandment to us to preach the gospel to all creation cannot be accomplished by human strength and wisdom. We need to depend on the Holy Spirit as we share the gospel of Jesus.

As we journey through life, we will meet people who need to hear the gospel, people who are sick, and those being oppressed by the devil. And as Jesus’ ambassadors, we can be used by God to bring deliverance from the power of Satan through the anointing and power of the Holy Spirit. Whenever you feel inadequate, remind yourself that the Holy Spirit is there to help and make it happen. Just yield to Him!

Father, please empower us through the anointing and power of your Spirit to bring the gospel of Jesus to our world and deliver as many as possible from the power of the devil. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by permission

The post Jesus Empowers the Inadequate can be found at Thoughts about God.

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  Ephesians 5:2

It was not an easy thing to do. But Jesus did it anyway. He died on a cross in obedience to the will of God and because of his love for us.

Paul calls that act “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Anytime we choose to do the will of God and obey what he has told us to do, it is an act of sacrifice to God.

There was a time I received a call from a sister in Christ who needed help. She was not feeling well. I had just arrived at home and was very tired. I could have decided to use that as an excuse and just pray with her over the phone. But instead, I went to meet with her. Glory to God, she was strengthened.

Sometimes, God asks us to go out of our way to show his love to others. Just as Jesus gave himself for us, we need to give ourselves to others in the Spirit’s strength. It might be giving our time, a listening ear, or words of encouragement when we least expect it. Whatever it is, love will place specific demands on us to give to others.

We are to walk in love towards people, regardless of who we think they are. Whenever we choose not to walk in love towards those the Lord has placed on our path, we deny God of a fragrant offering and sacrifice. Let’s take a moment to think about that.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to continually follow your example of love, by sacrificially giving myself for others in your strength, knowing your Spirit gives me all I need to obey. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

• A Loving Habit
• Loving as God Loves
• People Need Loving

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The post Love’s Uncomfortable can be found at Thoughts about God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Is it possible to have peace during challenges? Yes, it is!

“But how?” You may ask. The answer is by putting our trust in the Lord. Today’s verse says God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him. The passage connects overflowing hope to the peace of God in our hearts. When we don’t have the peace of God, which comes because of putting our trust in God, we won’t be able to obtain hope.

Jesus told His disciples when He was on earth that they could have peace even in times of tribulation and trouble  – see John 16:3. He still says that to us now, because His word does not change.

Lately, God has been teaching me, through different situations and circumstances of life, how to trust Him. He has been showing me that even though I don’t know how or what to do, I can still have that peace that passes all understanding, as Paul describes it in his letter to the Philippians 4:7. I believe He is with me through whatever happens, just as He explained to His disciples.

To have the peace of God in your heart when you are going through tough situations in life is not something that comes naturally. Even so, it can develop as we consistently make the choice to put our trust in God and in His unfailing word.

Dear Lord, please help me trust you completely with everything, so that my heart can always be filled with your supernatural peace regardless of what I go through in life, in Jesus name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Do you have peace during your times of trouble? Do you know the love that is found in God alone, through Jesus?  Would you like to have a relationship with Him?  It starts with a simple heart felt prayer:

Lord, thank You for dying so we can be set free from all of guilt and sin — no matter how big or small.  Your blood has erased all of our sin. Thank You so much! Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen

RELATED READING

• Peace Has Been Provided
• How to Experience Christ’s Peace
• God’s Peace in the Storms of Life

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The post I Will Trust in Him can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

It took a lot of courage for my family to relocate from Sweden to Canada. We wanted to go to Calgary because we had friends there, but we knew that God was leading us to Vancouver. We didn’t know anyone, so that was a courageous step for us to take. We had fears and doubts but we chose to overcome them by obedience to the word of the Lord. And since we came, God has been good to us; He has proven Himself faithful and confirmed to us in different ways that we are meant to be here now.

Today’s scripture is an admonishment to you. God wants you to be strong and courageous and to choose trust despite the fears in your heart. How can you do this? By constantly reminding yourself that God is with you. He has promised to go with you as you move forward with that step of obedience He is calling you to. He never fails. Don’t allow fear of the unknown to draw you back. God is all-powerful and wise, and He says to you today, “I will go with you and not fail you.”

Heavenly Father, help us to be strong and be of good courage in whatever decision you would have us take. Help us to know that you are with us all the time and that you will not leave or forsake us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Finding Perfect Peace
• God’s Strength Covers Me
• The Promises and the Promiser

If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

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The post You are Not Alone can be found at Thoughts about God.

“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”  Philippians 2:8-9

The reason why Jesus came into the world was to die on the cross for the sins of humanity. But it was far from easy: on His last night on earth, Jesus cried out to God three times, asking Him for another way. But God didn’t provide one. So, Jesus humbled Himself to God’s will. And His obedience led Him die one of the worst deaths imaginable.

What is God calling you to do that you are finding hard to obey? Are you sensing, deep within you, that God is speaking to you about something you’re meant to do? Maybe He’s calling you to take a risk, and you’re having a hard time letting go of your comfort zone. If so, I want to encourage you to humble yourself, obey, and step out in faith just like Jesus did. The reward for you will be great, as it was for Jesus. An obedient lifestyle may not be easy, but it is possible.

We may not understand how the entire process is going to work out, but we need to trust God, because He is worthy of our trust! He is good and His plans for us are good. It just makes sense for us to be obedient to Him and to His call.

Father, give us the grace to be obedient to what You are calling us to. May we have the courage to step out in faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Blessed Obedience

Obedience Leads to Blessing

God Requires Risky Obedience

The post Called to Obedience can be found at Thoughts about God.

“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

Jesus Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. Paul calls that act “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” It was the will of God that Jesus should die on the cross. It was not an easy thing to do. But He did it anyway in obedience to the will of God and because of His love for us. Anytime we choose to do the will of God and obey what He has told us to do, it is an act of sacrifice to God.

There was a time I received a call from a sister in Christ who needed help. She was not feeling well. I had just arrived at home and was very tired. I could have decided to use that as an excuse and just pray with her over the phone. But instead, I went to meet with her, and glory to God, she was strengthened. Sometimes, we will need to go out of our way to show love to others.

Just as Jesus gave Himself for us, we need to give ourselves to others. It might be our time, a listening ear, or words of encouragement; whatever it is, love will place specific demands on us to give to others.

We are to walk in love towards people, regardless of who we think they are. Whenever we choose not to walk in love towards those the Lord has placed on our path, we deny God of a fragrant offering and sacrifice. Let’s take a moment to think about that.

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to continually follow your example of love, by sacrificially giving myself for others. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by permission

this devotional can also be found on www.thelife.com/dailydevotions

FURTHER READING

Walk in Love

Brotherly Love

A Short Supply of Love

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The post Uncomfortable Love can be found at Thoughts about God.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

This scripture reveals to us what it looks like to love God’s way. Tests are essential in life to measure one’s level of growth. Just as a student needs to write tests to measure their level of understanding; likewise, we will encounter situations or people for the purpose of measuring whether we are truly growing in the love of God.

In light of the scripture above, we should ask ourselves honestly:

Am I patient and kind to people?
Am I envious, boastful, and proud?
Do I dishonor others?
Am I self-seeking?
Am I easily angered?
Do I keep record of wrongs?
Do I rejoice with the truth or delight in evil?
Do I protect? Trust? Hope?
Persevere always?

The answers to these questions reveal where we need God’s help to grow in love.

It’s important to remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit; it’s not something we can manufacture on our own. We cannot love people God’s way in our own ability. Love grows as we yield to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis. It’s His fruit, so we need Him to produce it in our lives.

Lord, help me to yield to you every day in fellowship and communion, so that the fruit of love can be evident and abound in my life. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
used by permission

FURTHER READING

A Song of Love –  by Andrew Murray

Love – Devotional on Love by Phil Ware

The Way of Love 1 Corinthians 13

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The post Put Your Love to the Test can be found at Thoughts about God.

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6

It is so easy to be anxious and worry over situations simply because we don’t know how to handle things, and circumstances seem to be out of our control. But even though we may not be able to handle some situations we go through in life, we do have a God who can handle all things and is willing to help us, if we will just call on Him. The more we pray, the more we realize how we are dependent on God.

Prayer helps keep worry and anxiety away as I trust Him to lead and guide me. Each time I go to God in prayer, what I am telling God in essence is, “Lord, I depend on you, for wisdom, strength, direction, protection, provision, for all that I may need. I am not going to lean on my own understanding, but rather, lean on yours.”

And glory to God, as Psalm 46:1 states, He is a very present help in the time of need. A great example can be found in 2 Chronicles 20:12, where Jehoshaphat prays, “…For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” This story teaches me not to try to figure things out on my own — although sometimes I am tempted to — but to rather depend on God to show me the way that will lead me to victory concerning the situation, just like He did for them.

Lord help me to constantly live a life of prayer, thus showing my dependence on you in all situations. Amen

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  How to Pray

•  Sample Prayers

• Prayer is Talking to God

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The post In Everything by Prayer can be found at Thoughts about God.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Is it possible to live a happy and joyful life consistently

…despite the fact things don’t always go the way you expect them to go?

Yes!

I used to be driven by circumstances and situations in life. When things went my way, I was excited and happy but when they didn’t, I would be unhappy. I would feel like the whole world was against me. But then, as I began to meditate more on the Scripture verse above, things began to change in me. I realized that if God truly is for me, nothing can be against me — that if I love God, all things are indeed working out together for my good. Both the good and what seems bad. I was set free from living a roller coaster life. Up today and down tomorrow.

The story of Joseph is a great example of how God can cause all things to work together for good. Even though he was betrayed by his own brothers, he still maintained the joy of the Lord and it all turned out to be an incredible testimony (see Genesis 39-41).

We can rejoice and be happy knowing that all things are working for our good according to the plan of God concerning us. We can experience more happiness in our relationship with God if we will daily remind ourselves that, God loves us, cares about us, and has good plans for us. No matter what we go through in life, He will cause it to work together for our good.

Lord, help me to always remember daily that all things are indeed working together for my good, because I love you. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• God Works for the Good – by Charles Spurgeon

• All Things Work for Good – by Max Lucado

• What We Do Know? – by Karen Woodard

The post Nothing Can Stand Against You can be found at Thoughts about God.

“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.” Proverbs 4:20

 We are bombarded with so many distractions on a daily basis. It takes a conscious effort on our part to remain focused, doing the things in life that are truly needed.

Think of the story of Martha receiving Jesus into her home. Her sister Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, paying attention to Him and taking in every word. But Martha was busy in the kitchen, preparing everything so it was perfect for her guests. Naturally, she became frustrated with her sister, who wasn’t doing anything to help out:

 “[Martha] came to [Jesus] and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ 

^‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:38).

Like Martha, we tend to be worried and distracted, giving attention to the challenges around us instead of the Word of God. But the only thing that’s needed is to be like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His presence and His Word.

Are you giving attention to the Word? Are you hearing from Him? Or have you allowed the distractions of the world keep you from listening to Jesus? Instead of fixating on life’s challenges, meditate on the Word so that you can hear from Him.

 Lord, give me the wisdom to deal the distractions in my life that are keeping me from attending to Your Word. Amen.

By Folasade Oladapo
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Your Father’s Heart Longs for You by Sylvia Gunter

•  How to Spend a Day With the Lord

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Only One Thing is Needed can be found at Thoughts about God.