“Then Peter stood with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd.” — Acts 2:14

Boldness Through the Holy Spirit

Boldness through the Holy Spirit enables ordinary believers to overcome fear, stand firm in their faith, and speak truth with courage.

I remember being a shy and quiet child who wished I could stand up to people with different opinions. I was so concerned about what others thought of me that I rarely risked expressing a different viewpoint.

Even as an adult, I still face moments when I must decide whether I believe something strongly enough to stand alone. This can be especially difficult when the consequences are significant.

Living a godly life when others around us do not share our faith can be challenging. Sometimes a job, reputation, relationship, or friendship may seem to be at stake. In some parts of the world, following Jesus can even lead to rejection by family, persecution, imprisonment, or loss of life.

Peter’s Fear Before Receiving Spiritual Boldness

The Apostle Peter understood fear. Before Jesus was crucified, Peter denied three times that he even knew him.

Peter had been one of Jesus’ closest and most trusted disciples. Yet when the authorities arrested Jesus and treated him as a criminal, Peter became afraid of being identified as one of his followers.

Fear temporarily overpowered Peter’s loyalty and confidence. He chose self-protection rather than openly acknowledging his relationship with Jesus.

Yet a short time later, the book of Acts records a dramatically different Peter.

Peter Finds Boldness Through the Holy Spirit

After the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, Peter stood before a large crowd and spoke openly about Jesus. He explained that Jesus was the promised Messiah, confronted the people with the reality of the crucifixion, and called them to repent and follow Christ.

You can read Peter’s message in Acts 2:22-41.

A little later, Peter and John were brought before the religious council after teaching the people about Jesus. Instead of retreating in fear, they spoke courageously about what they had seen and heard.

Their response is recorded in Acts 4:1-20.

What brought about this remarkable change?

Where did Peter find the courage that replaced his fear?

Peter’s boldness came through the Holy Spirit. He addressed the crowd after the Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-4. When he later spoke before the religious leaders, Scripture says that Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit” in Acts 4:8.

Walking in Holy Spirit Boldness Today

Boldness through the Holy Spirit does not mean that believers never feel nervous, uncertain, or afraid. Spiritual boldness means trusting God enough to obey him despite those feelings.

The Holy Spirit gives us strength to live differently, speak truth graciously, resist pressure, and remain faithful when silence would be easier.

This courage does not come from having a forceful personality or complete confidence in ourselves. It comes from depending on God’s presence and power.

When the Spirit of God fills and directs us, fear can be replaced by faith. We become able to take the next obedient step, even when the outcome is uncertain.

A Prayer for Boldness Through the Holy Spirit

Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may live a godly life and proclaim your Word with courage. Replace my fear with faith and give me boldness through the Holy Spirit to speak and act when you call me to do so. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought: Write down one area of your life where you wish you had more spiritual courage. Ask God for fresh empowerment through the Holy Spirit so you can walk in confidence, wisdom, and obedience.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

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Further Reading About Holy Spirit Boldness

• Great and Mighty Things
• What Is a Spirit-Filled Life?
• The Spirit-Filled Life

The post When Fear Disappears appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped.” Numbers 9:17

I put a lot of thought into figuring out God’s will for my life. I don’t know about you, but I fret over where I need to work or live. I pray and ask God if I’m headed in the right direction. I want to make sure I am following where he leads.

Though my intentions are good, I don’t think following Jesus is as complicated as I like to make it. A local radio personality puts it this way, “We are called to love God and serve people.” It’s that simple.

When the Israelites left Egypt, God led them to the Promised Land. Along the way, God appeared in the form of a cloud above the camp. All they had to do was follow the cloud. When the cloud moved, they moved. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. Sometimes the cloud settled for several days. Sometimes it was only there for one day. God’s people never knew how long they would stay in one place. They simply followed the cloud.

I suppose we modern Christians tend to think we need a long-term plan in order to follow Jesus. Just as with business or personal goals, we like to map out where we want to be in 5 or 10 years. I think we all need to remember that God will lead us when we need to move. His Spirit will show us the way. We merely need to know Him so that we recognize his voice and move when he tells us to.

Lord, help me relax when it comes to your will for my life. Help me to know you so that I know when you tell me to stay or go. Amen.

By Debbie Wet
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

We Plan – God Directs

The Plan

He Has the Master Plan

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“God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

How many of you would jump out of an airplane, or bungee-jump over a mile-high canyon, or race a car over one hundred miles an hour? Risky? You bet! But many people love to take these risks, even when it means putting their lives in someone else’s hands. The thrill and rush of adrenaline drives out their fear.

What about loving somebody? Really, deeply, openly loving another person? Now that can be scary. Riding a zip-line is one thing, but giving someone your heart is a completely different kind of risk. Loving means letting another person really know you. It also gives them the power to really hurt you.

God is that kind of vulnerable love. He understands what it means to be rejected by those whom He loves. Since the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, people have turned against God. Yet, when it came to giving up His Son, Jesus, to die for those who broke His heart, He did it willingly. He knew the risks and still chose to love us at the ultimate cost.

Thousands of years later, He still offers that unwavering love. He offers hope, purpose and belonging to all and knows that some will love Him back and others will continue to reject Him. Could you do the same?

As God’s people, we are called to this hundred-mile-an-hour, jump-from-the-plane kind of love.

You know the risk. Will you take it?

Lord, thank You for taking the risk to love me. Give me the courage and strength to love others the way You love me. Amen.

Thought: Ask Jesus to help you in loving that difficult person in your life.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

Feelings, Forgiveness and Peace| by Dr. Muriel Larson

The Power of Forgiveness| by Dr. Henry Brandt

Love Your Neighbour

Love is Patient and Kind – a story of a man on a bus

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

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“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 2:26

God often speaks at the most unexpected times. One day I was casually talking with a friend about a situation at my job. In the middle of the conversation I said, “This is driving me crazy.” My friend simply looked at me and said, “Only if you let it.”

In five words, my friend had summed up one of the major issues I have been struggling with for years: how do I keep from giving away the peace I have in Christ?

I confess that I am a perfectionist. If something doesn’t go the way I want it to go, I get anxious and upset. I feel out of control.

I have to remember that the peace of God is with me because the Spirit of God is with me. I must keep my mind on the person and promises of God instead of letting circumstances lead me into thoughts of anxiousness. To me, this means remembering some important truths:

•    I am a child of God (Romans 8:14).
•    God is for me, not against me (Romans 8:31).
•    I have the favor of God (Proverbs 8:35).
•    God’s love for me surpasses my understanding of it (Ephesians 3:19).

It takes practice to keep my mind on Jesus and not on the turmoil around me. But when I can do it, I have His perfect peace in the middle of the storm

Lord, help me cooperate with You to keep my peace. Help me focus my mind on You. Amen.

By Debbie West
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

Finding Perfect Peace by Kathy Cheek

Perfect Peace by Phil Ware

Perfect Peace

The post Work For Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’” Matthew 8:26

It was St. Patrick’s Day weekend and I was halfway through my second triathlon. Fifty-mile-per-hour winds whipped across North Texas in winter’s final appearance of the season. Throughout the cycling portion of the event, there were times when the best I could do was brace myself against a wind gust that threatened to blow me to the curb. My clothes, still damp from the swim, made the temperatures feel even colder.

As I began the second loop of the course, the wind picked up even more. I gripped my handlebars tighter. I thought about pulling over into the fast food joint on the next block and calling it a day. But I pushed on and kept going.

Through clenched teeth I started to pray, “Lord, you are God of the wind. You calmed the Sea of Galilee in the storm. Have mercy on me and stop this wind!”

And just as I had articulated the last word of that prayer, the wind blew harder. “Not funny, Lord!” I said.

I can look back and smile on that experience now. I believe God showed me something important in that moment. “I’m not going to take it easy on you, Debbie,” He said. “An easy life makes a weak person. Just trust me. I’ll get you through and make you stronger.”

In my battle with depression and anxiety, He has done just that. He has strengthened my mind and my faith. So don’t despise the storm. Let Him make you stronger through it.

Lord, I like things that are easy. But I also know that it’s during difficult experiences when I have the chance to get better, stronger, and closer to the person You want me to be. Help me not to avoid or despise the storms in life, but to hold on to You and learn the things You want to teach me. Amen.

Whether you are in a storm, coming out of a storm, or going into one, consider that part of the purpose may be to make you stronger and to prepare you for something in the future. Stop and thank God for the lessons from the storms.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  How to be fill with the Holy Spirit
•  Elma’s Story – Nothing Left To Give in my Marriage
•  Salvation Explained

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“Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.” Proverbs 10:19

We live in a world that won’t stop talking. We have 24-hour news stations. We can watch video after video on YouTube. Radio talk shows want listeners to call in or tweet their opinions on certain stories. Our society encourages constant communication.

In light of Proverbs 10:19, I have to wonder if God is pleased with all this talk. In the 21st century, communication is faster and farther reaching than it has ever been — and yet it is so much harder. We are constantly bombarded with talk. But is anyone really listening?

When we are constantly talking, we are not connecting. And God is all about connecting. Connection comes from listening to understand.

As an introvert, I’ve tried to fit in more with our extroverted society. I’ve tried to say more. I’ve tried to be louder. But it wears me out. After many years of questioning God’s motives for making me this way, I’ve come to the conclusion that He did not make a mistake when he gave me a quieter spirit. He gifted me with a temperament that’s drawn towards reflection and listening. I’ve come to believe that attentive silence is one of the most valuable skills a person can possess, as I’ve experienced the difference it has made in my relationships. Therefore, I’ve chosen to hone that skill in my life.

James tells us in the New Testament to be “slow to speak” and “quick to listen” (James 1:19). Practice the habit of listening.

Lord, I live in a world full of people who desperately want to be heard. Help me be a better listener to You and to the people around me. Amen.

By Debbie West
used by permission

FURTHER READING

The Faithful Listener

Competing Voices

Listen Up

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The post The Lost Art of Listening appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Social media has seeped into every aspect of our lives. It’s popular because it allows us to keep in touch with people. It gives us the platform to express our opinions and share our lives. And to be honest, it feels good when people respond to us. When comments show up on a recent post, it affirms who we are and what’s important to us.

But isn’t there something we’re missing amidst all the likes and comments? What about the actual connection? Is Facebook something that exists for us just to keep tabs on each other? The truth is it’s easier to hide behind a computer screen than to engage people. Shouldn’t it really be called unsocial media?

I’ve begun policing myself by asking some hard questions: “Why am I posting this rather than calling a friend?” And, “If none of my friends were on Social media, would I know what is going on in their lives?”

It seems paradoxical to be ambitious about leading a quiet, private life, but that is what the Apostle Paul asks of the Christians in Thessalonica. He was trying to stop the schemes of the busybodies of his day. I think we can take his advice to put balance in our lives.

Making real connections with the people God has put in our lives is the way we fulfill our destiny. Social media only resembles real connection. Putting down our devices and reaching a hand to the people directly around us gives us real significance.

Lord, show me my motivation for using social media. Am I keeping real connections with the people in my life? Is the draw of expressing my views and sharing my life with a bigger audience leading me away from the people you have placed in my immediate path? Show me how to use my time wisely and bring balance to my day. Amen.

Action: Take a Social Media fast. Reduce the amount of time you spend on social media for a week. Or make a deal with yourself that for every check of your news feed or every post you make, you must call or meet face-to-face with one friend. (That’s right, call. Texting doesn’t count!)

By Debbie West
used by permission

FURTHER READING

The Age of Opportunity

Likes and Followers

Building Lasting Friendships

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“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7-8

There was a man in the church where I grew up who prayed the most eloquent prayers I have ever heard. He would often pray during the service and when he did, I heard others talk about how beautiful his prayer was. He just had a way with words.

On the other end of the spectrum, I have come before God while I have been in places so dark and confusing that I could barely speak. The most I could utter was, “Help me. I need you, Lord.”

I’ve known many believers, both young and old, who don’t like praying out loud in a group because they don’t feel like they have the right words to say. But if we can get past the words and just share our heart, then we begin to open ourselves up to each other and align our wills with the heart of God.

Jesus taught that it is not the eloquence of speech that God desires when we come to Him in our need. In fact, the only ones who are impressed are other people. He doesn’t delight in fancy words. He delights in a heart that comes humbly to Him.

Even when we have no words, whether from joy or pain, the Spirit, who lives in us, knows our needs and prays for us (Romans 8:26). The Father knows what we need before we even ask. We only need to call out to Him.

Lord, I am thankful that you know me so well. Be near to me. Thank you for hearing what’s in my heart even if my words are few. Amen.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

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“He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:40

Being from North Texas, I am quite familiar with storms. I can recall many occasions when I was hunkered underneath a mattress, in a closet or bathroom, listening to the local radio weathermen report on the track of tornadoes in the area. When conditions are right, tornadoes can touch down without much warning. It is important to stay alert and safe.

When we experience storms in life, how do we tend to act?

Do we fearfully take cover, waiting for the storm to pass and life to get back to normal? Does God give us another directive?

The disciples were terrified when they found themselves on a small boat in the middle of a great storm. Yet, Jesus was so calm, He was asleep. The disciples feared the worst. They reacted the way most level-headed people would. They were even appalled that Jesus was not as frightened as they were. His apparent lack of concern was troubling to them. So they woke Him up.

Jesus asked them a simple, yet profound question,

”Why are you so afraid?”

Jesus linked their fear with their lack of faith.

If we ask ourselves the same question Jesus asked His disciples, we might come to a better understanding of ourselves and of our view of God. If He truly is all-powerful and loving toward us, then we can be at peace and trust Him to take care of us in the middle of the storms.

God, You command us many times in Your Word not to fear. Help us understand the root of our fears and help us see circumstances in the proper perspective. Amen.

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

Fear God and You Need Fear Nothing Else

God is the Answer to all our Fears

Dealing with Fear

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“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all of you who are upright in heart!” Psalm 32:11

Have you ever had a secret? As children we likely all kept secrets from our parents about the things we did that we knew were against the rules. It’s part of growing up.

As adults, many of us have secrets. We may have done things that have severe consequences if someone found out. We conceal our past actions because they could bring embarrassment or humiliation on us. Maybe we fear the way someone we love will see us if they knew.

The problem with keeping secrets is that they bring consequences of their own. Living in fear of discovery affects our happiness and our relationships. It stands in the way of true intimacy with other people.

King David learned that keeping secrets from God was detrimental to his mind and body. In Psalm 32, David describes how keeping quiet before God about his sin haunted him day and night. He writes, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away…. my strength was sapped.” But when he admitted his mistakes to God, his guilt was gone.

Based on what I read in Scripture, I believe that because of God’s nature and His relationship with David, God had forgiven David’s sin long before David asked for forgiveness. But the guilt David felt lingered. The moment David confessed his sin to God, his guilt was gone, his spirit was lifted, and his relationship with God was restored.

God, because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, I am forgiven of my sins. But, Lord, I want to be free from any guilt that I feel. Help me be honest with myself and with You about the truth of my pride and rebellion. Amen.

By Debbie West
used by permission

FURTHER READING

No Secrets about This Life

Say You’re Sorry

Claiming Forgiveness

The post True Confession appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

As a single woman, I have a lot of freedom. But with freedom comes occasional loneliness. Many of my friends and co-workers are married. They go home to their husband and kids. The weekend is filled with activities and family time.

Though I am happy with my life and content with my situation, sometimes I wish I had a person to share life with on a daily basis.

The longing for companionship is part of being human. God created us to need other people. But, primarily, He made us to need Him. God wants to fulfill our need for companionship. He is always with us. He is there to guide us in making decisions. He is there to teach us and show us His love through our circumstances.

Since Jesus is not physically present with us, we can easily forget that He is there. As we go about our day and feel frustrated, excited or nervous, we crave the chance to share those experiences with someone. Sometimes a flesh-and-bone friend is there. But we need to remember that God is there too. His Spirit lives in every believer. Closer than a best friend, He is there to listen and show us His love in the middle of our circumstances. If we pay attention, we can be aware of His presence and experience His companionship through every part of our day. We will find His friendship to be unshakable.

Lord, thank You for being my friend and constant companion. Please show Yourself in every situation I go through. Amen.

Thought: Keep in mind throughout the day that you are not alone. God is there. Set an alarm on your phone, tape a reminder on your desk, or write a message on your hand: “God is with you. He is at your right hand.”

By Debbie West
used by permission

The post Never Alone appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5&6

In the fall of 2013 I found myself in a very deep pit. I was over-committed, exhausted, stressed out, and severely depressed. Circumstances and habits of worry had started me on a downward spiral that ended in extended time off from work, counseling, and medication. I knew I had to make some permanent changes in my life.

Thankfully, I got the help I needed and I began to dig my way out of the pit. Little by little I began to find my footing and learned how to put margins in my life and live healthier. In the beginning, I remember how much it meant to me when someone told me, “You’re going to get through this. You will get better.”

Not only did I get better, I gained more than I ever imagined through the experience. I found my strength and I found my voice.

Looking back on the whole, horrible experience, I see what a precious gift it was. My life and health was entirely in God’s hands — and only then could I experience His strength to get me through. It is a gift I share with other people now. Some people live with the shame of mental health issues like depression, but I found that being open about my experience has forged strong relationships with other people who struggle with similar issues. My story has helped others get out of their own pit and have hope that life can get better.

God, help me be truly thankful for the hard things and send my way others whom can benefit from my story. Amen.

By Debbie West
used by permission

Read more of Debbie’s story of burnout. https://issuesiface.com/burnout

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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• Audacious Trust
• Facing Your Problems
• Choose Trust
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