<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>grace - Thoughts About God</title>
	<atom:link href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/tag/grace/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/tag/grace/</link>
	<description>Christian Website &#124; Devotionals and Articles</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:43:01 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>
	hourly	</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>
	1	</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-tag-logo-ico-1-2-32x32.jpg</url>
	<title>grace - Thoughts About God</title>
	<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/tag/grace/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
	<item>
		<title>Under His Wings</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/roy-lessin_under-his-wings/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Thoughts_About_God]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 2026 07:06:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Roy Lessin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=32686</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Being under His wings means being close to His heart—you are not only sheltered, you are loved; you are not only secure, you are cared for; you are not only covered, you are reassured.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/roy-lessin_under-his-wings/">Under His Wings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/accept-love-1-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/accept-love-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/accept-love-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/accept-love-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><blockquote><p>“<em>He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield</em>.” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Psalm 91:4</strong></span> (HCSB)</p>
<p>“<em>May you receive a full reward from the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge</em>.” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Ruth 2:12</strong></span> (HCSB)</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Being under His wings means being close to His heart</strong>—you are not only sheltered, you are loved; you are not only secure, you are cared for; you are not only covered, you are reassured.</p>
<p>by <a title="about Roy Lessin" href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/roy-lessin">Roy Lessin</a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p>Learn more about knowing Jesus at: <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/">https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/</a></p>
<h5><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sylvia-gunter_no-fear/">No Fear in God’s Hiding Place</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/barbara-alpert_gods-wings-healing/">God’s Wings of Healing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/max-lucado_wings-shelter/">His Wings Shelter You</a></li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/roy-lessin_under-his-wings/">Under His Wings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pieced Together</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_pieced-together/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jul 2026 07:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Julie Cosgrove]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[broken]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christ]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new purpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transformed life]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=68969</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted” (John 6:12).With Christ as my mold, the pieces of my life have been transformed into something new.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_pieced-together/">Pieced Together</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img decoding="async" width="300" height="158" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Psalm-3112-300x158.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Psalm-3112-300x158.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Psalm-3112-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Psalm-3112-768x403.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Psalm-3112.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<blockquote><p><em>“<strong>I have become like broken pottery</strong>.” </em><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Psalm 31:12</strong></span></p></blockquote>
<p>The past fifteen months, a huge hammer has repeatedly smashed my world. I once carried my life in a beautiful bowl. A sudden job loss, poor health, and other issues have left what once felt solid in scattered, tiny shards. I didn&#8217;t know how to pick up the pieces.</p>
<p>Have you been there? Do I see you nodding?</p>
<p>Contemplating my situation, especially over the past year , I noticed a cross I have hanging next to my fireplace. I bought it years ago at a church festival&#8230;long before I turned my widowhood apartment into shades of turquoise. Most of its life it hung outside on a patio. But it matched my sofa now, so&#8230;</p>
<p>Who knew God would use it to show me He loves me?</p>
<p>It is a mosaic, made of three or four different china or pottery items that have been smashed into pieces. The artist gathered them together, placed them carefully in the cross mold, and then poured in the plaster of Paris to adhere them into a beautiful design.</p>
<p>What someone else might have swept up and dumped as useless trash, she saw as beauty. She could envision the end product. She arranged the pieces just so, and created something new, and stronger, and with new purpose.</p>
<p>I know I am not the first person to make this analogy. But it reminds me of what Jesus said to his disciples after everyone on the mount had been fed with the fish and loaves.</p>
<blockquote><p> <em>“Gather the <strong>pieces</strong> that are left over. Let nothing be wasted” </em>(<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>John 6:12</strong></span>).</p></blockquote>
<p>With Christ as my mold, the pieces of my life have been transformed into something new. He knew they&#8217;d come together in a wonderful way.  But first, they had to be broken to be repurposed. His Spirit has plastered these experiences together and made me stronger than before.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Thank you, Lord that You see the potential in each experience and that You will use it to Your glory and my benefit. Nothing is wasted. As You gathered the pieces of what I once had and began to mold them into my future, I have drawn nearer to you, wrestled with my pride, and learned to lean on the generosity of others. Most of all, I know anew that You are always with me. Amen.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>By <strong><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors_/about-julie-cosgrove">Julie Cosgrove</a></strong><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kriisi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Photo Credit Kirsi L-M</a></p>
<p>Learn more about knowing Jesus at: <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/">https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/</a></p>
<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/alisha-ritchie_beautiful-clay/">Beautiful, Broken Jar of Clay</a>  <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Be encouraged that even if you are facing hard times, </span></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/kristi-huseby_jars-clay/">Treasure in Jars of Clay</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sylvia-gunter_gods-competence/">God’s Competence in Clay Pots</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_pieced-together/">Pieced Together</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Blessings of Inadequacy</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/charles-stanley_blessings-inadequacy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:03:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Charles Stanley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=48955</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Inadequacy challenges our faith. Paul says, "Our adequacy is from God" (v. 5)"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God."</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/charles-stanley_blessings-inadequacy/">The Blessings of Inadequacy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/inadequate-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/inadequate-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/inadequate-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/inadequate.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<p><strong>Read</strong>:<span style="color: #800000;"><strong> 2 Corinthians 3:1-6</strong></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">(v. <span style="color: #800000;">5</span>)<span style="color: #808080;"> “<em>Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God</em>.”</span></p>
<p>Paul never claimed he was capable of accomplishing all that God called him to do. He simply learned to look beyond his own inadequacy to the sufficiency of Christ. If we&#8217;ll adopt the same practice, we, too, can discover the blessings hidden in our own experiences of inadequacy.</p>
<p><strong>Our insufficiency drives us to God</strong>. When we realize a situation is bigger than we can handle, we&#8217;re quick to open the Bible and diligently pray for guidance and power.</p>
<p><strong>Inadequacy relieves us of the burden of self-effort and self-reliance</strong>. The Lord has us right where He wants us&#8211;at the end of our rope with nothing left to give.</p>
<p><strong>Inability motivates reliance on divine power</strong>. We&#8217;ll never be adequate until we draw from the Holy Spirit&#8217;s inexhaustible strength. He does in and through us what God never intended that we do on our own.</p>
<p><strong>By using weak, inadequate people</strong>, God demonstrates what great things He can do. He actually delights in choosing unlikely individuals to carry out His purposes. There&#8217;s no limit to what He can do through someone willing to give Him full control.</p>
<p><strong>Inadequacy challenges our faith</strong>. Paul says, &#8220;Our adequacy is from God&#8221; (v. 5)<br />
<em>&#8220;Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.&#8221;</em></p>
<p>Why go through all the fear, pressure, and frustration that accompany feelings of inadequacy when there&#8217;s an alternative? Let the Lord make you adequate: rely upon Him and allow Christ to live in and through you. He will replace your anxiety with a quiet spirit of contentment.</p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors_/about-charles-stanley"><span style="color: #000080;">Dr. Charles Stanley</span><br />
</a>Used by permission</p>

<hr />
<p><strong>Follow Us On:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/devotions/posts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>  • <a href="https://twitter.com/About_God" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;X&#8217; Twitter </a> •  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsaboutgod.daily/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/thoughtsabout/daily-devotionals/">Pinterest</a></strong></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/f-oladapo_jesus-empowers/">Jesus Empowers the Inadequate</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/m-ehle_faulty/">Faulty Building Materials</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/jon-walker_great-things-for-god/">Why We’re Less Likely to Try Great Things for God</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/charles-stanley_blessings-inadequacy/">The Blessings of Inadequacy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Moving Beyond Good Intentions</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sb_good-intentions/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 07:03:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Sue Braid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good intentions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sacrifice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[worship]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=56410</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12  When I was twelve, I had a horrendous fight with both of my brothers. I was shocked at the anger and hate I identified in myself. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sb_good-intentions/">Moving Beyond Good Intentions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/prov10-12-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/prov10-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/prov10-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/prov10-12.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<blockquote><p>“<em><strong>Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs</strong></em>.” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Proverbs 10:12</strong></span></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>When I was twelve, I had a horrendous fight with both of my brothers</strong>. I was shocked at the anger and hate I identified in myself. A verse in <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>1 John 3:15</strong></span> smothered me with guilt and shame: “<em>Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him</em>.”</p>
<p>But the fighting continued in my closest relationships. At times my anger felt overpowering and I was conscious of being hateful. However, I rationalized that feelings of hatred could not be the cause of the dissension — that I had a right to sort things out. I grappled to be understood. I doubted that Solomon’s words, “<em>love covers all wrongs</em>,” really meant what they said.</p>
<p>The New Testament affirms the wisdom of Solomon: “<em>Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins</em>” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>1 Peter 4:8.</strong></span></p>
<p>Over 50 years have passed since that fight with my brothers, and we have a great relationship now. But these words by contemporary author <strong>Mike Mason</strong> still ring true:</p>
<p>“<em>In order to surrender, and so to put an end to fighting, one must see that it is within one’s power to consciously and prayerfully move toward love. The storms of life, we all know, are fraught with subtlety and complexity. But perhaps, in the end, the peace we seek lies in something very simple, the pure action of our will. The question is not What should I do? but Will I do it</em>?”</p>
<p>That question provided an “<em>ah-ha</em>” moment for me. Whether I liked it or not, it was a matter of obedience to choose love and peace in the face of conflict.</p>
<p><em>Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing to me that You will renovate my life as I obey You. Amen.</em></p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/about-sue-braid">Sue Braid</a><br />
used by permission</p>

<hr />
<p><strong>Follow Us On:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/devotions/posts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>  • <a href="https://twitter.com/About_God" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;X&#8217; Twitter </a> •  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsaboutgod.daily/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/thoughtsabout/daily-devotionals/">Pinterest</a></strong></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/max-lucado_dont-know/">They Don’t Know What They Are Doing</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/rich-vega_justified-anger/">Justified Anger</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/m-lucado_love-heavy/">A Love Too Heavy</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sb_good-intentions/">Moving Beyond Good Intentions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Being Smart or Being Wise</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_smart-wise/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:06:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Julie Cosgrove]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wisdom]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=50437</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>When we are being wise, we rely on someone or something other than our own storehouse of knowledge to inform us, knowing our own limitations. That takes humility but also discernment.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_smart-wise/">Being Smart or Being Wise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="154" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/wisdom-300x154.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/wisdom-300x154.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/wisdom-768x395.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/wisdom.jpg 998w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<h4><span style="color: #808080;">Is there a difference?</span></h4>
<p>I think “<em>being smart</em>” often relies on our own cognitive abilities.</p>
<p>“<em>He sure is smar</em>t.”</p>
<p>“<em>That was a smart solution you came up with</em>.”</p>
<p>“<em>What a smart thing to do!</em>”</p>
<p>We tap into our own knowledge, be it through reading, studying or experiences.</p>
<p>When we are being wise, we rely on someone or something other than our own storehouse of knowledge to inform us, knowing our own limitations. That takes humility but also discernment.</p>
<blockquote><p>The Apostle James wrote: “<em><strong>B</strong><strong>ut the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere</strong></em>.” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>James 3:17</strong></span></p></blockquote>
<p>The more we embrace the wonder of God, the more we realize how inadequate we are without His guidance in our lives. Smartness relies on what you already have stored in your brain. Wisdom constantly seeks to learn, embrace and use knowledge from an outside source. For the believer, that source is our Lord.</p>
<p>It is good to be smart, whether from the street or from books. But how much better to gain wisdom from the One who created the universe and expressed complete love on the cross!</p>
<blockquote><p><em>Lord of all wisdom, increase our desire to know You, to emulate You and to turn to You when we just do not understand. </em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Thought</strong>: What situation or problem today is beyond your ability to figure out? Bring it before God in prayer. Ask for His wisdom.</p>
<p>By<a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors_/about-julie-cosgrove"><span style="color: #000080;"> Julie Cosgrove</span></a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/katherine-kehler_get-wise/">Get Wise</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/c-stanley_living-wisely/">Living Wisely</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/a-mitchell_sound-wisdom/">Seeking the Source of Sound Wisdom</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/julie-cosgrove_smart-wise/">Being Smart or Being Wise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Who’s Right vs. What’s Right</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/s-gunter_whose-right/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:03:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Sylvia Gunter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[being right]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[our rights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refuge]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=41810</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It is easy to get caught up in who's right instead of what's right.  God will give us opportunities to choose what's right versus who's right, as He continues to mold us to be more like Himself.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/s-gunter_whose-right/">Who’s Right vs. What’s Right</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/whatsright-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/whatsright-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/whatsright-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/whatsright.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<p><strong>Who’s Rights vs. What’s Right</strong></p>
<p>In this country we are consumed with <strong>rights</strong>. Depending on who you listen to, an unborn child should have a &#8220;<em>right</em>&#8221; to live, or a woman should have a &#8220;<em>right</em>&#8221; to an abortion. In the media you will hear people who passionately believe they are right to fight for their rights, destroying others in the process. They speak in angry words against those who don&#8217;t agree with them. To be on the right side of moral issues with an angry spirit is also a sin.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this attitude is also found in our churches, our families, and our own hearts. It is easy to get caught up in who&#8217;s right instead of what&#8217;s right. When we focus on who&#8217;s right, our motivation is proving my point, justifying my opinion, proving someone wrong, correcting someone, being vindicated. Do any of these motivations honor God? In a word, no.</p>
<p>When we focus on what&#8217;s right, we can graciously stand for truth and do so with the heart of the Father. God wants all men to be reconciled (<strong><span style="color: #800000;">Matthew 5:23-26, 18:15-17</span></strong>). So whether it is a political issue or that argument you had with your spouse, God calls us to surrender our &#8220;<em>rights</em>&#8221; and to pursue what is right, which is reconciliation. God will give us opportunities to choose what&#8217;s right versus who&#8217;s right, as He continues to mold us to be more like Himself.</p>
<p><strong>Why choose what&#8217;s right?</strong></p>
<p><strong>For Jesus&#8217; sake:</strong> Because I love Jesus and want to obey his prayer for unity in <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>John 17</strong></span>, I will do everything He commands to be reconciled with those He loves. I choose to pursue oneness with all for whom He died. If the cross unites us, let nothing else separate us. <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>John 3:16, 14:15, 21, 23-24; 15:9-14, 17:21-23.</strong></span></p>
<p>For the Father&#8217;s sake: Because I love my Father and do not want to grieve His heart of love for His children, I will do everything I can to be in harmony with all His children. Relationship in His family and love for His children is more important to God than my position on anything not essential to salvation. Our heavenly Father is best able to correct His own children. <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>1 John 5:1-3, Matthew 5:9, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>For the Spirit&#8217;s sake:</strong> I do not want to hinder the Holy Spirit by any sinful attitude of anger, unforgiveness, or disunity. <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Ephesians 4:29-32, Isaiah 66:1-2, 32:15a, 17-18; 1 John 4:11-12.</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>For my sake</strong>: Because I want the grace and peace of God to reign in my life, I choose not to harbor bitterness or judgment. An unresolved offense hinders my worship and fellowship with God. I choose to let this situation be God&#8217;s instrument to train me in grace and righteousness. <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Hebrews 12:14- 15, Matthew 5:23-24, 5:7, 7:1-2; James 2:13, Romans 14:1, 10-13; 15:1.</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>For the sake of the church</strong>: Because I want the church to be a positive reflection of Jesus, I bring my opinions to the cross. I choose unbroken fellowship in His church because disunity dishonors the name of Jesus and brings reproach on the witness of the church to a lost world. <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>John 17:21- 23, Ephesians 4:1-6, Galatians 2:20.</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>For the glory of God</strong>: Is anything worth forfeiting the glory of God in my life and in His church? No obedience is too costly, too humbling, or too hard, because I want His glory, power, presence, and blessing more than my personal agenda. <strong><span style="color: #800000;">Romans 15:5-7, John 17:24-26.</span></strong></p>
<p>Pray that the Holy Spirit will show you the Father&#8217;s heart. Obey Him, no matter the cost. May Jesus be glorified as you seek to be reconciled with all your brothers and sisters in Christ.</p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors_/about-sylvia-gunter">Sylvia Gunter</a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/m-ehle_i-demand-to-be-right/">I Demand to Be Right!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/charles-stanley_christ-humility">How Christ Modeled Humility</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/debbie-west_humility">Humility Toward Each Other</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/phil-ware_humility">Humility</a> by Phil Ware</li>
</ul>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/s-gunter_whose-right/">Who’s Right vs. What’s Right</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>We All Need Somebody</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/mp_need-somebody/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Mary Pinckney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[isolation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[open heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refuge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=61876</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We all need someone. We all need an outlet. We were never meant to be an island isolated from everyone else. It was never God’s plan for man to be alone. It is so freeing to be able to know that we have people in our corner that are genuinely concerned about us and our well-being. Continue reading ---></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/mp_need-somebody/">We All Need Somebody</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/needsomeone-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/needsomeone-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/needsomeone-768x509.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/needsomeone.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>&#8220;<em><strong>When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality</strong></em>.&#8221;  <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Romans 12:13</strong> </span>NLT</p>
<p>I used to feel like a prisoner locked inside my own world not knowing how to escape. Have you been here? Have you noticed that it is hard to talk to others around you about you? I consider myself a very private person. It was always hard for me to open up and share with others how I was really doing.</p>
<p>Over the years I have seen so many people betrayed because they shared intimate details about their lives with others they felt could be trusted. I knew at that point I didn’t want to be in that place having to suffer the embarrassment and the pain they experienced. Out of my own need God birthed a desire in me to become a safe place for others to heal.</p>
<p><strong>We all need someone.</strong> We all need an outlet. We were never meant to be an island isolated from everyone else. It was never God’s plan for man to be alone. It is so freeing to be able to know that we have people in our corner that are genuinely concerned about us and our well-being. If you find yourself where I once was, ask God to lead you to the person you can be open with. Someone that has His heart for you. It may be a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor. Once you begin getting the help you need, will you also consider becoming a safe place for others to lean?</p>
<p><em>Lord, I often find myself drifting back into isolation out of fear of being hurt again. I ask that you lead me to the safe place of healing that is available for me. I ask that you teach me who to trust with my innermost thoughts. I pray that even as You heal me that I too will become a safe place for others to heal.</em></p>
<p><strong>Thought: </strong> <em>Make a list of people you know that you consider a safe place. Then pray and ask God to lead you to who maybe the best for you to open your heart to. As you begin to sort through all of this, journaling is another form of unloading our hearts.</em></p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/about-mary-pinckney">Mary Pinckney</a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p>FURTHER READING</p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/friendships/john-fischer-come-alongside">Come Alongside</a> – by John Fischer</p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/katherine-kehler/extending-grace-to-others">Extending Grace to Others</a></p>
<p><a title="Rebuilding  After a Wife’s Affair" href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/marriage-2/elfrieda-nikkel_rebuild-wife-affair/">Rebuilding After a Wife’s Affair</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/marriage-2/en-husband-affair">When Your Husband Has an Affair</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/mp_need-somebody/">We All Need Somebody</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Practical Ways to Bear Burdens</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/cs_practical/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2026 07:03:08 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Charles Stanley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bear burdens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[encourage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[practical tips]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=61823</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p> Here are six practical ways to bear someone else's burden. There are hurting people everywhere, but at times, we just don't know what to say or do to ease their pain.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/cs_practical/">Practical Ways to Bear Burdens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="199" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bear-burdens-300x199.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bear-burdens-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bear-burdens-768x509.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bear-burdens.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><blockquote><p>&#8220;<em><strong>Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.</strong></em>&#8221;  <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>1 Thessalonians 5:14</strong></span></p></blockquote>
<p>There are hurting people everywhere, but at times we just don&#8217;t know what to say or do to ease their pain. Here are six practical ways to bear someone else&#8217;s burden.</p>
<p><strong>1.</strong> <strong>Be there</strong>. At times the best &#8220;<em>method</em>&#8221; of helping is simply to be present. During our darkest hours, we don&#8217;t need someone who tries in vain to fix everything; we just need a friend.</p>
<p><strong>2</strong>. <strong>Listen</strong>. Don&#8217;t attempt to give answers or tell people what to do next. Injured souls frequently want simply a listening ear so they can express what&#8217;s on their mind.</p>
<p><strong>3</strong>. <strong>Share.</strong> Never parade yourself as someone who has all the answers. Instead, allow your own pain and failures to help others.</p>
<p><strong>4. Pray.</strong> There is power in speaking people&#8217;s names before the Lord. When they hear someone talk to Jesus on their behalf, healing often starts taking place.</p>
<p><strong>5. Give.</strong> Sometimes helping others involves more than a handshake or warm hug. Maybe they need something financial or material. One of the best measures of sincerity is how much we&#8217;re willing to give to others.</p>
<p><strong>6. Substitute</strong>. You may know an individual who bears the burden of caring for someone else. If you step in and take his or her place for a while, you are emulating your Savior&#8211;He, too, was a substitute.</p>
<p>Because we were unable to do it ourselves, Jesus bore all of our sin and sorrow, even unto death. As a result, we can live happily and eternally in communion with our Father. If Christ did that for us, how can we ever say, &#8220;<em>I&#8217;m too busy to bear someone else&#8217;s burden</em>&#8220;?</p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/about-charles-stanley">Dr. Charles Stanley</a><br />
Used by Permission<br />
<a href="https://www.intouch.org/">https://www.intouch.org/</a></p>

<hr />
<p><strong>Follow Us On:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/devotions/posts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>  • <a href="https://twitter.com/About_God" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;X&#8217; Twitter </a> •  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsaboutgod.daily/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/thoughtsabout/daily-devotionals/">Pinterest</a></strong></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/ashley-massie_caring/">Caring For Others</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/f-opadapo_love-uncomfortable/">Love’s Uncomfortable</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/mike-woodard_uncomfortable/">Uncomfortable</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/charles-spurgeon_comforter-downcast/">Comforter to the Downcast</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/cs_practical/">Practical Ways to Bear Burdens</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Light of God&#8217;s Face</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sylvia-gunter_gods-face/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:06:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Sylvia Gunter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gods face]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holy Spirit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refuge]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=59468</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>God lifts you up and holds you, everything you love, everybody you love, and your future. He is holding you near in his arms of love. He has invested gifts of love in you all along. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sylvia-gunter_gods-face/">The Light of God&#8217;s Face</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PS31-16-1-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PS31-16-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PS31-16-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PS31-16-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<p>Hear the Word of God in <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Genesis 1:1,3-4</strong></span>. &#8220;<em><strong>In the beginning God created </strong></em><em><strong>the heavens and the earth. And God said, &#8216;Let there be light,&#8217; and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness</strong></em>.&#8221;</p>
<hr />
<p><strong>Hear the sound of God&#8217;s voice that continually speaks his creative power in you and to you</strong>. Listen to <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>James 1:17</strong></span>. &#8220;E<em>very good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows</em>.&#8221; Be blessed in the light of your Father&#8217;s face. Be blessed in his good gifts of mercy and peace. Be blessed in his unchanging intention toward you. Look and see him gazing at you in rapt attention. Receive his download from the light of his eyes. Receive long gazes from the light of his countenance. Let your Abba transcend your wounds&#8211;spiritual, emotional, and physical&#8211; and any scar tissue which has formed there. His grace and blessing are in the light of his face toward you (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Psalm 67:1</strong></span>).</p>
<p>Join the psalmist&#8217;s request in <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Psalm 31:16</strong></span>. &#8220;<em>Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love</em>.&#8221; Receive the unfailing love of your Father in the light of his eyes. You are your Father&#8217;s precious one. You are his, you belong to his family of light. He turned you from darkness into his kingdom of light for a place in his inheritance in light (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Colossians 1:12-13; Acts 26:18</strong></span>). He is your Lord, and you are who you are because you are in him. You have value, worth, belonging, and abundant acceptance. He cherishes your company. You are blessed to see his name Jehovah-Nissi, Banner of the Lord, over you as a canopy of love. You are blessed to see that he makes beauty for ashes out of the darkest things, as he moves on the face of the turmoil of your life and speaks light in you.</p>
<p>Listen to <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Psalm 36:9</strong></span>. &#8220;<em>In your light we see light</em>.&#8221; Receive the light of his heart toward you. The light of his face shines on you. Receive it because you are in Christ, in his cross, his resurrection, and his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and you are seated in him there. Rest there at his strong right hand and feel his strength as his light rises in you and consumes all darkness. Claim that light, and Christ in you, the hope of glory, will shine. Receive his light that lights your way. Receive the light of his flame of correction, burning away the chaff. Receive his purifying light with joy. Receive his light that warms all coldness.</p>
<p><strong>God lifts you up and holds you,</strong> everything you love, everybody you love, and your future. He is holding you near in his arms of love. He has invested gifts of love in you all along. God will stir up all the gifts and graces he has placed in you for the right season. He will redeem every blessing with your name on it.</p>
<p>Receive his blessing in continuous moments of stewardship of life in the light of his face.</p>
<blockquote><p>&#8220;<em>The Lord bless you and kee you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace</em>&#8221;  (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Numbers 6:24-26</strong></span>).</p></blockquote>
<p>Be blessed in the name of One who said, &#8220;<em>Let there be light</em>&#8221; (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Genesis 1:3</strong></span>).</p>
<p>By <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/about-sylvia-gunter">Sylvia Gunter</a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/phil-ware_wonderful-light/">His Wonderful Light</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/bill-bright_joy-and-light/">God’s Word Gives Joy and Light</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/marliyn-ehle_end-of-the-story/">The End of the Story</a></li>
</ul>
<h5></h5>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/sylvia-gunter_gods-face/">The Light of God&#8217;s Face</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bitterness in the Garden of Our Hearts</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/frangipane_bitterness-garden-hearts/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Devotionals]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:03:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Francis Frangipane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bitter heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bitterness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=57806</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>God desires to rescue us from bitterness so we can truly love and laugh again. Let us sincerely ask God to show us the garden of our hearts.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/frangipane_bitterness-garden-hearts/">Bitterness in the Garden of Our Hearts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="155" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bitterness-300x155.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Bitterness in the Garden of our Hearts - Devotional" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bitterness-300x155.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bitterness-768x397.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/bitterness.jpg 998w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><hr />
<h3>&#8220;<span style="color: #808080;"><em><strong>See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled</strong></em>&#8220;</span> <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Hebrews 12:15</strong></span></h3>
<p><strong>It is impossible to pass through this world without being struck by injustice or heartache</strong>. Unless we process our struggles in Christ, a single wounding of our soul can create a deep bitterness within us, poisoning our very existence. In my forty-six years of ministry, I have known far too many Christians who have perfected the art of looking polite while living inwardly with an angry, cynical or resentful spirit. They have swallowed the poison of bitterness, and they are dying spiritually because of it. The problem is that, as Christians, we know it is wrong to react with open anger toward people. However, rather than truly forgiving and surrendering that injustice to God, we suppress our anger. Anger is a result of perceived injustice. Suppressed anger always degrades into bitterness, which is, in reality, unfulfilled revenge.</p>
<p><strong>Embittered People</strong></p>
<p>A bitter soul is trapped in a time warp; the person dwells in the memory of their pain. Several years ago I met a woman who had suffered a difficult divorce. I talked with her every six months or so for two years, and each time we talked she said exactly the same negative things about her ex-husband. Although she was divorced from him, she was now married to a bitter spirit that held her captive to her heartache.</p>
<p>An embittered soul continually blames others for their situation. I’m thinking of Naomi in the Book of Ruth. Here was a person who blamed her bitterness on God. She was angry that He allowed hardship and loss in her life. &#8220;<em>The Lord has brought me back empty</em>&#8221; (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Ruth 1:21</strong></span>). In effect she was saying, My sorrow is God&#8217;s fault.</p>
<p>Contrast her life with that of Job&#8217;s first encounter with loss (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Job 1</strong></span>). Job lost his children and possessions, yet he bowed and worshiped: &#8220;<em>The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord</em>&#8221; (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Job 1:21</strong></span>).</p>
<p>How we handle sorrow reveals the depth of our worship of God. When life cuts us, do we bleed bitterness or worship? Job bowed and drew close to God. Naomi withdrew and talked about the Lord with her back toward Him. I have dear friends who lost their only son when he was a teenager. In the midst of their heartache, they have become examples to everyone of true worship. Over the years, their pain actually purified and deepened their worship; their suffering made them more compassionate toward the suffering of others (See <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>2 Corinthians 1:3-4</strong></span>). I also know others who have suffered the sudden loss of a loved one and, within weeks, withdrew from God and became embittered. Adversity does not perfect character; it reveals character. It exposes what is happening inside of us.</p>
<p><strong>Poisoned</strong></p>
<p>In ancient times mankind experimented with vegetation, seeking to learn which plants were edible and which were poisonous. In his search, he discovered that, generally speaking, if a plant or fruit was sweet, it was usually safe to eat; bitter plants, man discovered, would either sicken or kill. Likewise, the bitter experiences of life, if we ingest them into our spirits, can become a spiritual poison that destroys our hopeful expectations and attitudes. Such an experience may enter your soul via a relational wound or injustice; it can begin through a major disappointment or loss. However, once bitterness enters the human soul, like ink spreading in a glass of water, it can darken every aspect of our existence.</p>
<p>Indeed, not only can bitterness ruin our lives, Hebrews warns that a root of bitterness can &#8220;<em>defile many</em>&#8221; (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Hebrews 12:15</strong></span> NIV). A spiritual root of bitterness is a hidden, unresolved anger that is buried beneath the surface of our lives. Outwardly we look &#8220;<em>properly Christian</em>,&#8221; until we begin to discuss with others the situation where someone hurt us. As we speak, that root &#8220;<em>springs up</em>&#8221; and it defiles others. If you haven&#8217;t dealt with your bitterness, beware when you speak to others, lest you defile them with your words. If you are listening to an embittered person, take heed that the spirit of bitterness is not being transferred to your life as well!</p>
<p>God desires to rescue us from bitterness so we can truly love and laugh again. Let us, therefore, sincerely approach the throne of God&#8217;s grace and ask Him to show us the garden of our hearts. Yes, and let us see if our souls are truly free of the root of bitterness.</p>
<p>By <span style="color: #000080;"><a style="color: #000080;" href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors_/about-francis-frangipane">Francis Frangipane</a></span><br />
Used by Permission</p>
<hr />
<p>If you don’t know Jesus in a personal way you can begin a relationship with him today. The first step is a prayer telling him you believe He is who He says He is and a second step is surrendering control of your will and life to him.  These can be communicated in a simple prayer (prayer is talking to God):</p>
<p><em>“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”</em></p>

<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/m-woodard_lessons-garden/">Lessons from Life: the Garden</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/max-lucado_careful-gardener/">The Careful Gardener</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/g-rodgers_unfruitful-garden/">My Unfruitful Garden</a></li>
</ul>
<hr />
<p>Francis Frangipane<br />
<a href="mailto:info@frangipane.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@frangipane.org</a><br />
<a href="https://www.frangipane.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.frangipane.org&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1739063568462000&amp;usg=AOvVaw10cjQhAsz33tnAE1mdyz5n">www.frangipane.org</a><br />
<a href="https://www.icitc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.icitc.org&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1739063568462000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1J1tAZ3DWeXodI9dH0decb">www.icitc.org</a><br />
<a href="https://www.arrowbookstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.arrowbookstore.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1739063568462000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3afrdgFmW0C4sdUKxOxasv">www.arrowbookstore.com</a></p>
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/frangipane_bitterness-garden-hearts/">Bitterness in the Garden of Our Hearts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Secularization of Spirituality</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/jg_secularization/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Thoughts_About_God]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:06:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by John Grant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Men]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depend]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faithful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truth]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=11651</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Secularization of Spirituality. A “different” gospel is no gospel at all. The Gospel is not like computer software with its continual updates.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/jg_secularization/">The Secularization of Spirituality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/securalization-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/securalization-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/securalization-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/securalization.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>“<em><strong>I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned</strong></em>!” <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Galatians 1:6-9</strong></span></p>
<p>When a friend first stated the phrase, it immediately got my attention. He said that what we are seeing in the world is not so much a turning from God, but a secularization of spirituality. He is so right.</p>
<p>People still say “<em>God bless you</em>,” and organizations still have generic invocations and benedictions. It makes us feel good to know that we are invoking God’s blessings, but society says to be very careful in quoting scripture, if you do it at all and certainly don’t mention or talk about Jesus, as it might offend someone, or be considered politically incorrect. People identify with the Christian faith though not having a clue of what goes on in a church or much less having attended in person.</p>
<p>Many people in contemporary society say that God is dead, but they are not quite ready to conduct the funeral. Instead, they want a designer faith that makes them feel good. Most people in every society that has been studied are born with a thirst for religion. It was Voltaire who said that if God didn’t exist, man would have to invent him.</p>
<p>The Bible says that it was God who invented man in His own image, not the other way around. Yet in a rapidly growing post modern era, more and more people want to re-create God in their image and with Him have a sense of spirituality that accommodates their need for belief for a superior being without interfering with the life style they want to lead.</p>
<p>Paul was clear in speaking to the church at Galatia when he said that a “<em>different</em>” gospel is no gospel at all. The Gospel is not like computer software with its continual updates. Can you imagine Matthew, Mark, Luke and John 2.0? We cannot keep adding patches that make it better or tweak it to make it more user friendly. It is not ours, but Gods, and any attempt on our part to make it more to our own liking is wrong.</p>
<p>The Bible is the inerrant and holy Word of God. May we always remember to honor and obey it and to keep it Holy. May we alter our lifestyle to live a holy life and not adulterate God’s Word to accommodate our own lifestyle wishes.<br />
(a thought on life from John Grant)</p>
<p>By <a title="About John Grant" href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/grant_bio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Grant</a><br />
used by permission<br />
J<em>ohn Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney</em></p>

<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/gail-rodgers_spirituality/">Spirituality</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/phil-ware_pray-seek-gods-face/">Pray and Seek My Face</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/francis-frangipane_transcendent-life/">The Transcendent Life</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/jg_secularization/">The Secularization of Spirituality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Spirituality</title>
		<link>https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/gail-rodgers_spirituality/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Thoughts_About_God]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:03:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[thoughts by Gail Rodgers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thoughts by Women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[comfort]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God's love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jesus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mercy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prayer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strength]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/?p=30044</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Spirituality is a popular subject these days.  True spirituality moves you toward knowledge of Jesus as the Influencer of your heart. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/gail-rodgers_spirituality/">Spirituality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="200" src="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2PETER3-18-300x200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" style="margin-bottom: 10px;" srcset="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2PETER3-18-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2PETER3-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2PETER3-18.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></div><p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<blockquote><p>“<em><strong>Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ</strong></em>.” (<span style="color: #800000;"><strong>2 Peter 3:18</strong></span>)</p></blockquote>
<p><strong>True spirituality moves you toward knowledge of Jesus as the Influencer of your heart</strong>. 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.</p>
<p><strong>If you desire to develop spiritually, allow Jesus to influence your heart and your choices in a greater way today</strong>. 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.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>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.</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Question:</strong> How can you seek to grow spiritually in the next week, month, and year?</p>
<p>by <a title="about Gail Rodgers" href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/authors/about-gail-rodgers">Gail Rodgers</a><br />
Used by Permission</p>

<hr />
<p><strong>Follow Us On:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/devotions/posts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>  • <a href="https://twitter.com/About_God" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;X&#8217; Twitter </a> •  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thoughtsaboutgod.daily/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a> • <a href="https://www.pinterest.ca/thoughtsabout/daily-devotionals/">Pinterest</a></strong></p>
<hr />
<p><strong>FURTHER READING</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/jg_secularization/">The Secularization of Spirituality</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/phil-ware_pray-seek-gods-face/">Pray and Seek My Face</a></p>
<p><a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/francis-frangipane_transcendent-life/">The Transcendent Life</a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"></h3>
<p>The post <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/gail-rodgers_spirituality/">Spirituality</a> appeared first on <a href="https://thoughtsaboutgod.com">Thoughts About God</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
			</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
