“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.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”  1 Thessalonians 5:11

When you need encouragement, where do you go? To a good book? To the Internet? There are many encouraging blogs such as this one. But sometimes you need more than words, you need someone with skin on. Someone who will listen to you, stand by you, pray for you, believe in you. Right?

I found this someone in Mr. Turner, a man in his eighties, who had served God all of his life. I would find his comforting notes in my mail box. He would call me by telephone to ask how things were going. Sometimes he would say, “If ever you need to talk, come over to our house. Mrs. Turner and I will be happy to see you.”

When I did go to their house, I was received with genuine pleasure and a cup of tea. Mr. Turner would position himself so he could hear me better. Then he would ask, “What’s happening?”

For one hour they would listen to me carefully. Then Mr. Turner would say, “We’ve heard enough now, Helen, let’s take it to the Father.”

Hushed I listened as this man and his wife thanked God for his abiding faithfulness to them throughout the years. They thanked God that he would be just as faithful to me. They affirmed me as a good person. They breathed hope into me that God would use even this experience for good in my life.

Before I left the safety of their home, my friends would give me some words of encouragement from the Bible, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: ”(Psalm 37:5)

Gently closing the Bible, he would say, “Leave it in God’s hands now. He will work this out in due time.”

Can you be an encourager to someone today? Send a note, make a phone call, go for a walk, and above all, listen more than  talk.

Father, I thank you for people who’ve encouraged me. I want to be an encourager today

By Helen Lescheid
used by permission

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

FURTHER READING

Who Could Use Your Encouragement Today?

The Best Word of Encouragement

Encourage One Another

The post Be an Encourager appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Even Though

Take His hand, even though it means letting go of what you are holding on to.

Please His heart, even though it may not please others.

Wait for His time, even though your desire is to get it done now.

Obey His Word, even though you hear something different that is popular.

Follow His path, even though you see a valley ahead.

Trust His wisdom, even though you want to do it differently.

Give Him praise, even though you are going through something unpleasant.

Be at rest, even though you have every reason to worry or fear.

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)

By Roy Lessin
https://roy.dayspring.com/

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

FURTHER READING

God’s Hands

God Will Take Care of You!

Perfect in His Sight

The post Even Though appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.” Jonah 2:7

When Jonah Hit Rock Bottom

The prodigal son had to lose everything before he could “come to himself.” In a similar way, Jonah had to reach his lowest point. He found himself in the dark belly of a great fish.

Only then did Jonah remember the Lord and call out to Him.

A Painful Turning Point

My husband also reached a very low point when he was 26. He lost his job in a painful and embarrassing way. Soon afterward, he fell into a deep depression.

We used our small savings to move to a larger city. We hoped he would find better work there. However, his depression made the search difficult. He could only manage a part-time security job.

As his pain grew, so did his anger. His harsh words deeply hurt me. Finally, I took our two-year-old son and moved out.

The Wake-Up Call He Needed

Our leaving gave my husband the shock he needed. At last, he realized that he had hit rock bottom.

He humbled himself and returned to the Lord. In addition, he agreed to meet with a marriage counsellor.

Over the next several weeks, we talked and prayed together every day. Eventually, we renewed our marriage vows. By God’s grace, we have now been happily married for more than forty years.

Looking Up From the Lowest Point

People hit rock bottom when they reach the lowest point in their lives. At that moment, they may feel they have nothing left to lose.

For some people, this becomes a place of clear vision. They begin to understand themselves and their situation. More importantly, they see how much they need God’s love and mercy.

God can reach into the deepest pit. He can restore hope, guide us forward, and help us begin again.

If you are facing what seems like a hopeless situation, look up. Jesus is present, and He is reaching down to lift you.

A Prayer for Hope

Lord, may I never have to hit rock bottom before I see You clearly. However, if I lose my way in the darkness, help me look up. Remind me that You are near, and lead me back to You. Amen.

By Katy Huth Jones
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

The Pain of Letting Go

It’s All About Jesus

It will be Well

The post Hitting Rock Bottom appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Read: Ezekiel 36:25-28

A Heart That Responds to God

The Lord wants to give each of us a heart of flesh. In other words, He wants our hearts to remain tender, open, and responsive to Him.

When God touches a tender heart, it yields to His direction. Like clay in the hands of a potter, it can be shaped with care. Rather than resisting, a soft heart allows God to form it into the vessel He desires.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

God has given the Holy Spirit to every believer. Through His presence, we receive help to hear and respond to God.

As we follow His guidance, our hearts become softer. In addition, we become more aware of His leading. Each act of obedience also prepares us to understand more of God’s Word.

A tender heart accepts what God teaches. More importantly, it puts His truth into practice.

What Causes a Heart to Harden?

Resistance to God can cause the heart to become hard. For example, this may happen when we ignore His direction or refuse to deal with sin.

Those who remain close to Christ respond differently. When they recognize sin, they deal with it quickly. Afterward, they return to a place of obedience and fellowship with God.

Intimacy with Christ grows as we submit to Him. As a result, we become more willing to receive His correction, guidance, and blessing.

A Tender Heart Toward Others

People with tender hearts stay connected to the body of Christ. They also look for ways to encourage others and strengthen their faith.

Furthermore, they remain willing to learn. God may speak through Scripture, prayer, or another believer. Therefore, a tender person listens carefully and stays open to correction.

A teachable heart does not assume it already knows everything. Instead, it welcomes truth and allows God to bring lasting change.

Let God Shape Your Heart

This week, ask God to soften your heart as you read the Bible and pray.

When He reveals an area that has become hard, pay attention. First, listen carefully to His instruction. Then, rely on the Holy Spirit for the strength to obey.

Do not resist the work God wants to do in you. Instead, allow Him to shape your thoughts, choices, and desires. In His hands, your life can become a beautiful and useful vessel.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

Tenderhearted, Forgive One Another

When Your Heart Needs a Father

A Loving Habit

The post Developing a Tender Heart appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And immediately they left their nets and followed him.” — Mark 1:18

Follow Jesus Immediately

To follow Jesus immediately means responding to his call with faith, obedience, and a clear sense of spiritual urgency.

I have often thought of the Gospel of Mark as the “book of immediately.” The word is one of Mark’s preferred terms when describing the actions of Jesus and the people around him. In the first chapter alone, Mark repeatedly emphasizes how quickly events unfold as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.

The message is clear: Jesus was on a mission, and there was no time to waste.

There truly was not.

Jesus had approximately three years to complete the work his Father had given him. During that brief period, he would proclaim the arrival of God’s Kingdom, bring freedom to those held captive by sin, choose and disciple a small group of followers, and prepare them to become his witnesses.

Ultimately, Jesus would pay the price for humanity’s sin and break its power through his death and resurrection.

Three short years changed the course of eternity.

Why We Must Follow Jesus Immediately

I am now sixty, and I hope to retire this year. My desire is not simply to leave my job. I increasingly long to make the remaining years of my life count and to invest them as strategically as possible.

That is why I understand the word “immediately.”

Every follower of Christ should understand it.

We may not know how many years, months, or days remain before us. Regardless of our age, our time on this earth is limited. Following Jesus is therefore not something we should continually postpone until life becomes quieter or more convenient.

To follow Jesus immediately is to recognize that today matters. There are people to love, prayers to pray, truths to share, needs to meet, and acts of obedience that should not be delayed.

Follow Jesus Immediately into the Harvest

In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus told his disciples:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”

Farmers understand that when a harvest is ripe, timing is essential. A ready harvest cannot be ignored indefinitely. If workers delay too long, the opportunity may be lost.

Jesus used this image to describe people who are ready to hear, receive, and respond to the good news of God’s Kingdom.

The harvest remains plentiful, and the need for faithful workers remains urgent. God calls his people not merely to observe the harvest, but to enter it.

Following Jesus Without Delay

Spiritual urgency does not mean living in panic or constant activity. It means remaining attentive to God and being willing to obey when he directs us.

The disciples in Mark 1 did not ask Jesus to return later. They left their nets and followed him.

Their response challenges us to examine the things we may be holding too tightly. Our “nets” may include comfort, routine, fear, career plans, possessions, personal ambitions, or the desire for approval.

What might Jesus be asking you to release?

Where might he be asking you to serve?

Who might need to hear about his love through your words or actions?

When Christ calls, the faithful response is not endless delay. It is trust expressed through obedience.

A Prayer to Follow Jesus Immediately

Lord, ignite my heart and open my eyes to see the harvest of precious souls who need to be brought in. Help me follow Jesus immediately and obey you without unnecessary delay. Use me and all your people for the work of your Kingdom. Wake us while there is still time. May we rejoice with full hearts when you return or call us home. Amen.

Thought: Identify one action you believe God has been asking you to take. Ask him for the faith and courage to begin today rather than waiting for a more convenient time.

By Rand Kreycik
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus through The Four Spiritual Laws.

The post Immediately 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.

“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

Follow Us On: Facebook • X • Instagram • Pinterest

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.

“But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.’” — Hebrews 1:8

Jesus the Forever King

Jesus is the forever King, yet surrendering control to him can be difficult in a culture that celebrates personal independence and self-determination.

William Ernest Henley’s famous poem Invictus closes with the lines, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Though written in 1875, the couplet could serve as a rallying cry for the contemporary Western world. Freedom is often interpreted as doing whatever we please, while personal self-definition is treated as an almost sacred right.

The desire to establish ourselves as our own authority reflects humanity’s sinful nature. Adam and Eve demonstrated this desire when they were tempted to “be like God” in Genesis 3:1-6.

Yielding Control to Jesus the Forever King

I feel this pull toward independence in my own life. I do not like being told what to do, how to spend my money, or how to use my time. I want to be free to make my own decisions.

However, today’s verse proclaims that Jesus is the forever King. His throne is permanent, his authority is universal, and his kingdom is governed with righteousness. The world belongs to him whether people recognize his authority or not.

Those who do not follow Jesus may understandably disregard his commands. Christians, however, are called to submit to Christ and obey him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Living Under the Authority of the Eternal King

The ministry I serve with, Cru, invites college students to make a countercultural commitment to “go, do, say, and give” whatever God asks of them.

This commitment means yielding our careers, finances, relationships, time, plans, and possessions to the kingly authority of Christ. Such surrender can feel frightening because it requires us to release the illusion that we are fully in control.

Submitting to Jesus is not merely a one-time decision. It is a daily and willing choice to trust that his wisdom is greater than ours and that his commands are ultimately for our good.

The autonomy of self promises freedom, peace, purpose, and protection, but it cannot reliably provide them. When we acknowledge that Jesus is the forever King and live under his loving authority, we discover the peace and purpose that self-rule can never produce.

A Prayer to Jesus the Forever King

Father, thank you that you have set your Son on a permanent and universal throne. I confess my constant inclination to take control of my own life and the actions through which I attempt to usurp your lordship over me. By the power of your Spirit, help me yield every part of my life to Jesus. Teach me to trust his authority and experience the peace, purpose, and joy of living in your good Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Jason Weimer
Used by Permission

The post Authority in an Age of Autonomy appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul”  Psalm 94:18-19

Thoughts on today’s verse

While we are amazed at the vastness of God’s reach and the awesome breadth of his power and the glorious sweep of his majesty, the incredible truth is his personal nearness to us. He chooses to know us and be actively involved in the trials and triumphs of each day with us. How will today, or tomorrow, be different because you are aware of his presence and companionship?

Prayer:

God who is near, please hear my heart. I am overwhelmed at your presence near me and within me. The comfort you bring when I am under siege, the strength you offer when I am weak, the courage you give when I am under attack, and the hope you instill when all seems hopeless — these gifts of your presence are precious to me. Without your presence I would not know where to go or why I am here. Thank you for knowing me. I look forward to knowing you one day as you know me today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

by Phil Ware
used by permission.

You can also follow Phil’s daily devotionals on https://www.verseoftheday.com

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

FURTHER READING

Your Consolation

Our Everlasting Consolation

Being in God’s Thoughts

The post My Foot is Slipping appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Ever found yourself up against a Red Sea—hemmed in, with nowhere to turn?

Ever faced a wall too high and too strong, with no way over or through?

Have your circumstances caused you to long for previous, even loathsome days—like the Israelites who said it would have been better to be back in Egypt, serving the Egyptians?

“It would have been better to still be ‘back there’ than swallowed up with THESE circumstances.”

It’s at times like these when the Lord says:

“Stand still . . .See. . . ” (Exodus 14:13)
Watch what I will do.
You have nothing to do but be silent.

Oswald Chambers once said:“Dare I really let God be to me all that He says He will be?” “My Utmost for His Highest,”

When the Israelites had nowhere to turn and God said He would act, they dared to let Him be for them all He said He would be.

They stopped, stood still—marched silently around an impossible wall—and watched God work.

Because He said He would.

The sea split open.
The walls fell down.

They crossed through their frightening circumstances.
They marched around their greatest fear.

Because God said He would work.

They had nothing to do but be silent.

Someone has defined “rest” as to “cease striving.”

When the children of Israel let their faith rest, they watched God work.

God stepped in, because He was capable of doing what they couldn’t.

They rested in who their God is. They watched silently.

They passed through (Hebrews 11:29); they took the city (Joshua 6)—only after God had worked.

They did what God said, because He said He would do it.

Have you ever found yourself against a Red Sea, a wall like Jericho’s, a circumstance, a need, a dream, an ache that only God could conquer?

He is able.

Rest.

Dare to let God be for you all He has said He will be.

Faith that rests will watch God work.

Every time.

“Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. . .
Rest in the Lord.” Psalm 37:5,7

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Take Rest Oh My Weary Soul

When You Need Body and Soul Rest

Resting in the Faithfulness of God

The post When We Dare to Let God be For Us appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

In the space of a few short months, it felt as if rocks were crushing me one after another. I lost my mother unexpectedly. My husband suddenly lost his job of 24 years. We had to uproot from our comfortable small town and move to a huge, unfamiliar city to find employment. Once there, we still had to be caregivers for two elderly relatives.

My health finally crashed from the weight of all these stones. Then our oldest son dropped a boulder. He had turned his back on God and wanted nothing more to do with him, mocking him and his Holy Word.

I believed the promise in 1 Corinthians 10:3 and had seen it fulfilled many times before. But how could I handle the spiritual death of my firstborn? Did I fail as a mother? I cried out to God from the anguish of my heart.

God faithfully provided a way of escape in a most unexpected way. A ten-year-old boy in our new church had recently lost his beloved grandmother. He swiftly “adopted” me as a surrogate, even sitting next to me in the pew. That physical contact from a bereft and loving child saved my faith from being hopelessly crushed.

While our prayers may not be answered in the way we want, God will respond to our cries. Instead of despairing that things are not turning out as we hoped, let’s keep our eyes open for the ways he begins to lift the weight from pressing on our lives and brings relief, stone by stone.

Lord, help me to grow in my faith and trust that you will always provide a way of escape when I am tempted to despair. Help me remember to simply look for it! Amen.

By Katy Huth Jones
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

God Is Faithful by Phil Ware

God is Faithful  by Katherine Kehler

God is Faithful by Helen Lescheid

The post The Rock Pile appeared first on Thoughts About God.