“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7,8

What an incredible picture the words of this scripture paint! A tree with strong roots drawing water; always green; always fruit bearing even in times of drought!

Not fearing when heat comes but confident and fruitful, GREEN, even when the norm around us is “stressed out,” “overwhelmed” or just “too busy”.

There is a sequence here on how to live GREEN.

• Have your confidence in the LORD!

When we keep our eyes focused on who our God is and on all His name declares, our confidence in Him soars. We find peace and joy — even when the land around us is drying up!

When we keep our own identity wrapped securely in Him, walking in confidence as a treasured child of God, we can draw on His strength and on His refreshment even when “drought” is all around us.

But when we choose to focus around us at the heat and the shriveling leaves, we become overwhelmed and worn out and… We give away our confidence — both in God and in who we are in Him. Out the window goes our joy!

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.”  Nehemiah 8:10

When we give away our confidence, we give away our joy, and when we give away our joy, we give away our strength!

If your joy has been fading, and you feel purposeless and unproductive take a check on where your eyes have been focusing, on the dryness around you… Or on the greatness of God and His strength in you?

Remaining purposeful and productive or “fruitful” comes from the strength of God in us. So pay attention to what is going on inside of you. Because…

• When you give away your confidence (in God; or in who you are in Him), you give away your joy
• When you give away your joy, you give away your strength.
• When you give away your strength you give away your purpose.

When you give these things away, what you have left is a life that is dry: disgruntled, discouraged, overwhelmed and unproductive.

Purpose and fruitfulness fade when your confidence in God slips away and when you forget who you are in His strength.

“Always green” is simple. Not easy, but simple.

Keep your eyes focused on God and all that He is and on who you are in Him.

Therein lies your confidence; and in that confidence lies your joy and in that joy lies your strength. In that strength you are able to walk purposefully!

Lord God, What a beautiful picture of how to stay green and productive in You. Please help me to keep my eyes on the greatness of all You are, and on who I am with Your strength in me. Keep me green, I pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Joy of the Lord

Fullness of Joy

Lord, Make Me Like That

The post Always Green appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1)

She confided that life just seemed to be fraying around the edges, especially in her home.  As we talked it was clear that the frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. “I love to be busy”, she said. Yet the fruit of that busyness was not the fruit she desired for her home and family.

When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.

If your quiet time with God has slipped by the wayside of your life it won’t be long before you notice the tell-tale reactions of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.

Ask God to help you keep some margin in your life so you are not running to the max all the time. Learn to choose your time investments carefully.

Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.

•     Exchange your weakness for His strength.
•     Exchange your unsatisfied heart for His joy.
•     Exchange your annoyance with His love.
•     Exchange your anxiety with His peace.
•     Exchange your impatience for His patience.
•     Exchange your complaining for His contentment.
•     Exchange your harsh attitude for His gentleness.

Father in Heaven, Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. Help me to choose my activities carefully and to leave some margin in my life for rest. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

FURTHER READING

A Little Frayed

What’s the Tone in Your Home These Days?

Everyone Should Think about Divorce

The post Leaving a Margin appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Kelly used to be burdened by fear and negative thinking. God had helped her overcome that stronghold in her life and she had been walking in new found hope and joy. She was learning to trust God with each fear that surfaced in her heart and mind.

Yet recently she recognized some of the old patterns creeping in. She found herself with an anxiousness she could not shake. That old feeling of fear was trying to put it’s stranglehold on her heart.

God is so gracious to us as we learn to trust Him. He understands that we are feeble and He sends help. His Word is a strong weapon for us as we seek to maintain the freedom we have found in our lives through trusting Jesus.

If you are struggling today with old patterns that threaten to drag you down take God’s Word to heart. He tells us what to do and He also tells us how to do it.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

What to do: Recognize and acknowledge what is happening in your heart and mind. Determine to stand firm in God’s ways. You have been freed from the old patterns of fear or whatever drags you down. Declare that you will not be burdened again by this slavery.

”…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2b)

How to do it: Allow your thinking to be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask for the very concrete help He has promised in His Word.

Prayer & reflection:

Father God, Thank You that You have provided the freedom I need. Today I take my stand and by the power of Your Holy Spirit I will not be burdened again by this slavery.

Please be my strength where I am weak (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Please give me the power of Your Spirit to be self-controlled in my thinking and in my actions (Galatians 5:22 & 23).

Flood my heart with Your amazing peace (Philippians 4:7).

I praise You for supplying everything I need today to live a godly life for You
(2 Peter 1: 3 & 4).

Thank You that You are transforming me by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I trust You with my life.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

The post Stay Free appeared first on Thoughts About God.

You have been given a promise and a gift by Jesus. YOU have been given this gift.  It’s the gift of peace. Do you want more peace in your heart?

The peace Jesus gives is unlike anything the world calls peace. It is peace IN the turmoil of day-to-day living. It is a peace that steadies you and a calm that encases you even with life is not calm around you.

“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

Jesus told His followers that after He returned to Heaven God the Father would send them the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who would teach them all things and remind them of everything Jesus had said.

Jesus knew that His followers would need a Helper, an Encourager and a Comforter to keep them sharp in their faith and to fill them with this peace. He knew that they, and eventually us, you and I, would need to be reminded of the things Jesus taught and of the peace that He has for us.

He gives us one instruction as He promises this peace. He tells us,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

“Do not let ….” Here again it sounds like we have a choice to make … and we do. We can choose to ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with this peace and we can choose to remember all Jesus taught us about living in His strength.  We choose. Faith and fear cannot occupy the same space nor can peace and turmoil occupy the same place in our hearts.

A number of years ago a dear friend of mine received some challenging news about her health. She ran to the Lord and asked the Holy Spirit to fill her with peace. Daily she traded in the fear that came to rob her and daily she received the peace that the world could not understand. Her doctor even told her she was in denial. Yet she wasn’t. She was simply living in the promise of peace that has been given to each of us as Jesus’ followers. And the world cannot grasp this kind of peace.

Today if peace is short in your heart and mind remember that it has been given to you by Jesus. His Holy Spirit is there to remind you and to teach you how to live in that peace. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with it.

When fear comes to nibble at your heart or rush through your door to trouble you – stop and remember that you can make a choice ….

“Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Though the trouble may remain the peace of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit pouring peace over your heart, will carry you through.

Prayer: Father God, Today I need the help of the Holy Spirit in allowing Your peace to fill my heart and soul and mind. May I not live in turmoil but choose to trade in my fear and my troubled heart for Your amazing peace and strength. It’s a gift I receive from You by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

If you find your heart is longing for a fresh basket of God’s mercies to be delivered to you this morning, there is one place to go: back to His word!

I know it sounds trite to say, “read the Bible.” However, God’s word is life to your soul. Ask Jesus to speak to you through His word. Let His Holy Spirit fill your heart with what the Father knows you need to hear. Today, why not soak in this wonderful treasure from the word of God?

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

A Prayer for You Today

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you that Your word gives the comfort, guidance and instruction that I need. Bless me today as I seek Your refreshing.
Thank you for the timeless truths of this scripture verse. Some days it feels like life would consume me if I did not look for Your daily mercies!

Lord, right now I focus on Your compassion, on Your mercy. The Hebrew definition calls this Your “loving-kindness.” May it reach into my heart and wash over me with Your love. May it fall on me today like a blanket. Lord, it is my nature to lose sight of all You are in the midst of confusion and trouble. Highlight Your loving-kindness to me today in a way that will bless and encourage and revive me afresh.

Lord, You are faithful in all of life. Surprise me with Your faithful mercy dropping like rain around me all day long. May I not be consumed or eaten up by the challenges of this day, but find rest for my soul in the depths of Your compassion for me.
Thank you that You alone are our merciful God who brings a fresh basket of loving-kindness to my heart every morning. May I watch for it, enjoy it, and share it. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, Amen.

Questions: Have you been seeking God’s refreshing by spending regular time with Him in His word? What blessings are you receiving as you turn to Him each day?

by Gail Rodgers
used by permission

RELATED READING

What We Believe, We Attract

God Loves Me the Same on Good Days and Bad Days

More than Faithful

The post New Every Morning appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” Proverbs 14

The frenzied pace we sometimes choose to keep can take a toll on our homes and impact our relationships.

When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.

If your quiet time with God has slipped to the sidelines of your life, it won’t be long before you notice the telltale signs of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.

Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart.

Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.

–   Exchange your weakness for His strength.
–   Your unhappy heart for His joy.
–   Your annoyance for His love.
–   Your anxiety for His peace.
–   Your impatience for His patience.
–   Your complaining for His contentment.
–   Your harsh attitude for His gentleness.

Father in Heaven, today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that  tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers to me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Take Action: Look at the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22:
–   Love
–   Joy
–   Peace
–   Patience
–   Gentleness
–   Goodness
–   Faith
–   Humility
–   Self- control

Ask yourself which one of these fruits is in short supply in your life right now. Identify it. Then invite the Holy Spirit to produce it in you in new ways today.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

• Reading the Bible – Where to Start?
• How to Have a ‘Quiet Time’ with God

The post A Little Frayed appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“‘Then He said to them, ‘Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.’” Luke 22:46 (NKJV)

It is much easier to sleep than to stay awake and pray. Haven’t we all put our head on the pillow with thoughts to pray and have quickly fallen asleep? Especially in the face of trying circumstances, our minds and bodies tire and prayer seems optional.

Prayer was Jesus’ solace and strength as He faced the great drama of His dreadful suffering. Being in great agony, He prayed all the more earnestly. His heart cried out to His Father in Heaven. He knew the Source of His strength and the power of prayer.

He had asked His followers to pray with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, yet they fell asleep, exhausted and in sorrow. When Jesus found them sleeping, He called to them: “Rise up and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” It was not a reprimand from their loving Lord, but rather a warning.

Rise up and pray so that you can rise up with strength in the circumstances surrounding you today.

In ordinary days or in difficult and challenging times, prayer is our strength. If we neglect prayer, then the strength we need to rise above the circumstances of the moment will fade when it is most needed.

Father God, it is easy to neglect prayer. Please forgive me for the times I have treated it too casually. Thank You that You draw me into times in Your presence where I can receive strength from You. Help me to take time to listen for Your wisdom, to read Your word and to let Your Spirit speak to my heart and strengthen my mind, body, and spirit. May prayer be my solace, my comfort, and my desire as I draw near to You to be fortified to rise above the challenges of my day. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

RELATED READING

Falling Asleep on Jesus

Be Recharged

Distracted by Stillness

Wandering Desires

The post Rise Up appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men…” Ecclesiastes 3:11

Restlessness is not always a bad thing. The sense that there is something better somewhere, that the grass is greener elsewhere, is part of the eternal call of God on our hearts.

As believers we know that we are just passing through this world. Our restless spirit is often the call to focus on more eternal things.

Faith is the steadfast refusal to seek ultimate things – ultimate pleasure, ultimate fulfillment, ultimate purpose, ultimate understanding – where God has not laid them. (The Rest of God Chapter 14 by Mark Buchanan)

We know God calls us to a greater value system, to His ultimate purposes for us. Let that realization anchor your heart with hope.

Rest is mixed with restlessness. Vacations are always too short and sometimes less than ideal. Dream homes have problems. Good health is hard to maintain and can be snatched away suddenly by mishap or stray virus. Community is fragile and even amid close friends we can feel a little lonely.

Today find delight in the rich things that the Lord has blessed your life with. And know that when they cannot satisfy you entirely, it is His call upon your heart to look upward. Look homeward to Him and know that the richest treasures are not kept in an earthly bank. Find time to be in His presence where true rest is found.

Heavenly Father, Today I ask You to train my restlessness in Your ways and help me find the deep treasures of Your Kingdom as I walk. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Thought: Pay attention today to any restlessness within you and use it to train your heart and mind to look beyond to the source of real rest in His presence.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

restles

The post Restlessness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

Our sense of peace can be dislodged and replaced by turmoil and confusion before we even realize it.  God’s Word puts it simply. In order to have God’s peace in our hearts we must make the choice to let His peace rule there.

As soon as you recognize irritation or turmoil taking over in your spirit, stop! Almost without fail you will find the peace of God gets pushed aside when anything that has “self” as its source surges forward.

•    Self-defence in a relationship results in turmoil.

•    Self-pity puts you on the slippery slope of discouragement.

•    Self-seeking in business, or even ministry, allows a shallowness to creep in that pushes peace aside.

•    Self-energy: seeking to live the Christian life in our own strength, leads to defeat.

As long as self is the focus in our thoughts and actions, there is little room for God to do His work in us and His peace cannot rule in our hearts. When we choose to let Him be the focus of all we do, drawing on His energy, His help, His wisdom, His patience, His purposes, then His peace will rule in our hearts.

Today, pay attention to what is going on in your spirit. If peace is eluding you, take a look inside and see where self-focus has taken over. Let God’s peace rule in your heart by bringing everything in your day under the umbrella of His care. It is the best way to live in peace!

Father God, today I ask You to forgive me for the places in my heart where I have allowed Your peace to be pushed aside by my own self issues. Right now I place everything I have and am and ever hope to be under the umbrella of Your care and attention. I choose to let Your peace rule in my heart today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Thought: Choose to pay close attention today to what is going on in your spirit.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• My Lord, My Companion

• A Prayer for Conflict Resolution

•  Salvation Explained

The post When Peace Eludes You appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Unbelievable peace is available through Jesus Christ, even when life feels uncertain, troubled, or overwhelming. His peace is not dependent on perfect circumstances. It is a lasting gift that calms the heart, steadies the mind, and reminds us that God remains present in every situation.

Be blessed today with the peace of Christ.

Be blessed with His peace that goes beyond human understanding—a peace that remains when questions are unanswered, circumstances are difficult, and the way forward is unclear.

The peace Jesus gives is not like the temporary peace the world offers. The world often defines peace as the absence of conflict or difficulty. Christ offers something deeper. His peace creates a calm and secure place where you can rest your heart, even while uncertainty continues around you.

Rest in God’s Unbelievable Peace

God does not ask you to carry every fear, solve every problem, or understand everything before you can experience His peace. He invites you to bring your concerns to Him and trust that He is still working.

Take a moment today to slow down. Release the thoughts that have been troubling you. Remember that you are held securely in God’s care. His presence is greater than the confusion around you, and His love is stronger than the fear within you.

Be blessed today as you rest in His unbelievable peace, untroubled and unafraid. Do not rush away from this place of rest. Linger in God’s presence and allow His truth to quiet your heart.

“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

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples when they were facing uncertainty. He knew they would experience fear, confusion, and grief. Yet He assured them that His peace would remain with them. That same promise is available to everyone who places their trust in Him today.

You can read John 14:27 in its biblical context and reflect on the peace Jesus promised His followers.

A Prayer for the Peace of Christ

Father God, thank You for the peace that only You can give—a peace that goes beyond understanding, even in the middle of chaos. Help me release my worries into Your hands. Teach me to remain in Your presence and allow Your peace to penetrate my heart and mind. Help me trust You with what I cannot control or understand. May Your peace guard my thoughts and guide me throughout this day. Amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by permission

Further Reading

• Hearing God’s Voice
• How to Have a Quiet Time With God
• Salvation Explained

The post Peace Like No Other appeared first on Thoughts About God.

It was the first day of spring and we were horseback riding. Snow and spring ice still scattered the landscape. My horse decided he did not want a rider and he suddenly reared up on his hind legs. The spring ice was not a good spot for such a balancing act and over he went with me under him! I still marvel that I was not crushed to death!

I seldom think of that frightening afternoon anymore. But every now and then the memory is refreshed on rare days when the old injury to my rib bothers me. A bump or bruise causes that old injury to remind me that it’s there.

The same happens with old injuries to our spirit. Things far distant in our past… harsh words, actions, or misjudged situations of long ago, often surprise us with fresh pain when an emotional bump or bruise comes unexpectedly.

Sharon shared with me how she had forgiven her father for the rejection she felt as a young girl. Her adult mind could now comprehend some of her father’s own pain and God’s love in her heart had made what seemed impossible, possible. She could forgive him for his actions and his harsh words.

But she continued to find herself in unhealthy relationships with men. Always living in fear of rejection, she found herself making compromises that left her disappointed in herself. She realized she felt shame in the depth of her soul and it was affecting her life far beyond the long ago words and actions of her father. She began to realize that she had believed lies about herself as a result of those words and actions. Then she read this promise from God’s Word and hope sprang afresh in her heart…

“… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

When God touches your life and begins a good work in you, He is committed to you. He promises to carry on the good work in your heart until it is completed. God can not only help you forgive, but He will continue on to help you root out the shame and the lies that keep you from being all God meant you to be.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you that you promise to continue to work in my heart. Thank you that you enable me to forgive harsh words and actions against me. Father God, I realize today that as a result of those words and actions I began to believe lies about myself. Lies that I was unlovable & undeserving of love. Father God, today I ask that you would help me to reject those lies and their resulting shame. Show me every place I have believed a lie about myself. I accept your love and your healing and I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit. Thank you that you will carry on to completion the healing of my heart. In the strong name of Jesus I pray.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

The post Freedom from Shame appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Spirituality is a popular subject these days. Whole stores are filled with books and various gadgets that are sold to help one get in touch spiritually. There is just so much out there and at times one can feel confused about it all.

In these days of growing awareness in the spiritual and the supernatural, God gives us guidance as to what to watch for. He tells us how to grow in our spiritual life without confusion. He spells it out for us quite simply:

“Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

True spirituality moves you toward knowledge of Jesus as the Influencer of your heart. If something or someone other than Jesus takes front and center stage in your search for spirituality, be on guard. Guard your heart from merely knowledge of religious facts or focusing on special powers or energy. True spirituality is allowing Jesus’ influence on your heart to reflect change in the way you handle yourself. It is His power at work in you.

If you desire to develop spiritually, allow Jesus to influence your heart and your choices in a greater way today. Allow His influence to cause you to turn from the choices that exclude Him, and to accept His forgiveness. Ask for His wisdom to help you determine if a particular activity or source of information will increase your understanding of how Jesus can influence your heart and your life. Anything less is a cheap counterfeit.

Father God, There is so much out there today on spirituality. Please help me to grow in my knowledge of Jesus and His strength in my life as my Savior. Help me to grow in allowing Your influence upon my heart in such a way that it changes how I live. Forgive me for the times when I have focused on spirituality that was not centered on Jesus. Help me to be discerning and wise as I grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. In His strong name I pray, amen.

Question: How can you seek to grow spiritually in the next week, month, and year?

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

The Secularization of Spirituality

Pray and Seek My Face

The Transcendent Life

The post Spirituality appeared first on Thoughts About God.