In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about how the Father cares for the birds of the air, and how much more He will care for us.

I watched through the windows of a friend’s house as several sparrows fluttered back and forth from the ground to lawn furniture on her veranda. They were chirping loudly. Then I saw why. Her dogs were crouched down, watching them.

One little bird flew toward the whirring ceiling fan instead of joining the others in their frantic dance. I held my breath, knowing there was no time to bang on the window and divert the little thing from flying headlong into danger. I watched with my teeth tucked into my lower lip, and yeah, I said a prayer.

But the bird was savvy. It knew how to fly above the turbulence caused by the blades and land securely on top — safe from harm of the fan and from the dogs below. Then I noticed a small tangle of grass and twigs. It was building its nest there!  Smart  critter.

God’s lesson: In Matthew 6, Jesus talks about how the Father cares for the birds of the air, and how much more He will care for us.

We can fret on the ground about things that are beyond our control, hopping around like chirping sparrows. We can sense the danger and feel helpless to do anything about it. It can overwhelm us with worry so much that our judgment is clouded. We may even just freeze, close our eyes, and pray we’ll come out unscathed as our knees crumble and our teeth chatter.

Or we can soar above the turbulence in life and nest safely in our Father’s love. We can ask Him to give us the way to lift ourselves above it all as we follow His voice and trust that He will either lead us out of the peril or armor us with the smarts to get through it by His mercy.

In I Samuel 17, David slung a stone and whacked Goliath smack dab in the one place that would fell him. He used his expertise in scaring off wild animals from his flocks, a talent God had developed in him for such a time as this. Just as God taught that little bird to judge the wind currents so he then could navigate the whooshes of the ceiling fan.

God is preparing you and me for His purpose. He knows what is going to happen and has our best interests at heart. He will provide the equipment we need to face any challenge or show us a route to safety.

So, before you think your life is going to hit the fan, seek the Father to give you both the strength in your wings and the knowledge you need to lift you above it all. He is faithful to do so — if you look to Him and not your situation.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

God’s Purpose 

My Life Has Purpose

We Plan – God Directs

The post Don’t Hit the Fan appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“The Christian life is a battle,” our pastor reminded us. “Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

Some days that battle is fierce. Some days growing like wheat among tares is stifling. The world constantly tries to press us into its mold. To enjoy its pleasures. To take our eyes off the invisible God. To give in and stop running the race.

And I keep forgetting the important truths of Scripture—truths that should be ready in my hand like a sword in the midst of a raging battle.

1.       This world is not my home.

“Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20)

2.       The Maker of heaven and earth loved me before He made heaven and earth.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

3.       Christ died for me, so my slate is clean.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12)

4.       Christ rose again, assuring me eternal life.

“Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:19)

5.       I might see Him today.

“Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)

“Take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand. . .Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth.” (Ephesians 6:14)

By Bethany Hayes
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

The Battle Within

A Forever Home

Living Loved

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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.

“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

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While situated temporarily in a house that boasted three bathrooms, it seems so effortless and such sheer joy to keep the sinks sparkling after the rough cement slab we had used in Japan.  I could not imagine that such a task could ever become drudgery!

But now this was another day!  A surplus of sinks and bathtubs was not the source of my satisfaction. It’s just that now beautiful sinks are so commonplace!

Really, when one stops to think about it, this is much the story of life in general in this materialistic world of ours.  It makes little difference whether it is a new hat, a new car, a new house, or a new position.  In and of itself, the newness soon loses its sparkle and its attraction, and the object may in time become “old fashioned.”

Scripture reminds us that it is also possible to lose our “first love” for the Lord.  In fact, it is more than possible—it’s inevitable—unless one is careful to keep looking to God and His Word rather than to embrace the ceaseless changes that swirl around us.

“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, no more can you except you abide in me” John 15:4

“Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.  All may change but Jesus never!  Glory to His name.”

by Muriel Hanson
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

“First Love” Intimacy  Read more..

Love Works  Read more..

Falling in Love with Jesus  Read more..

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O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.” Psalm 3:1-8

Most of us have experienced an abrupt and unhappy ending to a chapter of our lives. Even though we are not ready to move on, we are forced to. David wrote Psalm 3 when he was forced to flee from his son, Absalom. David at this stage was a mature but still highly capable king. He had made mistakes and people were aware of his flaws, but to be evicted by his upstart son was initially beyond belief.

This is a good Psalm to read in moments of internal pain and painful public humiliation. It reminds us that when we get knocked off our secure pedestal, the God of all hurts is there to nourish us. No matter what happens to us, God’s comfort can still reach down and touch us.

Several years ago, we purchased a new puppy. We showed her our love and gave her good care. But I remember that one day I was sitting in my reading chair and placed her on the ottoman where my feet were propped up. She curled up and seemed to securely enjoy herself. Suddenly the phone rang and I got up to answer it. She stood up, looked over the edge at the floor below and began to whimper and shake, as she was in great fear and experiencing a high level of insecurity.

When I got off the phone, walked over to her and gently scratched under her chin. Instantly her fear was gone and she looked up with her big brown eyes as if to say that with my presence and gentle touch, she had nothing to fear.

God does that for us, making us to feel secure and look up to Him. When we struggle through our moments of distress, He is there to scratch us under our chin and look into our eyes with a message of calm assurance that He is in ultimate control of all of life’s circumstances and everything will be okay. We learn through our mistakes, but we also learn through God’s victories in our lives. He is the Lord of both the ups and downs of life. He is the Savior of all seasons of our life.

How has God comforted and encouraged you recently?

(a thought by John Grant)

by John Grant
used by permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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FURTHER READING

Strength Comes from God

God’s Peace in the Storms of Life

God is Our Safety

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“Blessed are those (who) yield their fruit in season.”  Psalm 1:3

A display of waxy artificial fruit sat on my aunt’s dining room table. On every visit, my dad took great delight in baiting Aunt Elsie by pretending to take a bite out of one of the artificially shiny apples or pluck some of the grapes. Of course he knew that before his teeth even came close to biting into the object, there would be a horrified cry, “DON’T DO THAT.”

Artificial fruit, whether the wax variety of fifty years ago or today’s shiny red wooden apples, are definitely not ‘for public consumption’.  They are mere representatives of the real thing. There can be no sweet, juicy, tasty nectar dripping down the chin, no fruity aroma reminding one of freshly picked apples, peaches or grapes.

In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes,

“It is not that God makes us beautifully rounded grapes, but that He squeezes the sweetness out of us.”

To paraphrase, God didn’t make us perfectly formed, wooden Christians; rather He created us to be living, breathing persons designed to have the life of Christ squeezed out of us so those around would be drawn by the tantalizing aroma of our presence.

Grapes squashed in the grocery bag on the way to my kitchen are not attractive; they are thrown into the garbage. Yet if I were starving, even those squashed grapes would become a tantalizing morsel. People, circumstances, events frequently are used by God to squeeze me. Unlike the grape, I have the choice of exuding the aroma, the very life of Christ to the starving people around me.

Father, help me recognize that the ‘squeezing’ of life can be used of you. May I see your hand in all the circumstances and people of my life.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

A Lingering Aroma  Read more..

The Woodshed Read more..

The Fragrance  Read more..

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The secret to loving is living loved. It’s the forgotten first step in relationships. Remember Paul’s prayer? “May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love” (Ephesians 3:17 NLT).

Many people tell us to love. Only God gives us the power to do so. We know what God wants us to do. “This is what God commands. . .that we love each other.”  (1 John 3:23). But how can we? How can we be kind to those who are unkind to us? How can we love as God loves? By being loved. By following the principle: receive first and love second. God loves you personally…powerfully…passionately! He loves you with an unfailing love. Others have promised and failed. But God has promised and succeeded!

By Max Lucado
Used by Permission
From: A Love Worth Giving

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:    
https://maxlucado.com/about-max/

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“I have become like broken pottery.” Psalm 31:12

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’t know how to pick up the pieces.

Have you been there? Do I see you nodding?

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…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…

Who knew God would use it to show me He loves me?

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.

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.

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.

 “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. He knew they’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.

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.

By Julie Cosgrove
Used by Permission

Photo Credit Kirsi L-M

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

FURTHER READING

Beautiful, Broken Jar of Clay  Be encouraged that even if you are facing hard times, 

Treasure in Jars of Clay

God’s Competence in Clay Pots

The post Pieced Together appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Hear the Word of God in Genesis 1:1,3-4. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.”

Hear the sound of God’s voice that continually speaks his creative power in you and to you. Listen to James 1:17. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Be blessed in the light of your Father’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–spiritual, emotional, and physical– and any scar tissue which has formed there. His grace and blessing are in the light of his face toward you (Psalm 67:1).

Join the psalmist’s request in Psalm 31:16. “Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.” Receive the unfailing love of your Father in the light of his eyes. You are your Father’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 (Colossians 1:12-13; Acts 26:18). 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.

Listen to Psalm 36:9. “In your light we see light.” 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.

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. 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.

Receive his blessing in continuous moments of stewardship of life in the light of his face.

“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”  (Numbers 6:24-26).

Be blessed in the name of One who said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3).

By Sylvia Gunter
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• His Wonderful Light
• God’s Word Gives Joy and Light
• The End of the Story

The post The Light of God’s Face appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10

The other day I was asked, “How do you hear from God through His word? Although I try to read the Bible, it seems dry and old.”

Let me share what I have learned in this adventure of hearing God through His word.

Pray first.  Always invite God to speak to you. “Speak, your servant is listening.”

Engage in what you are reading. What is the story, the picture, the promise, the warning, or the setting that stands out to you? Pause and ponder.

If you are reading Psalm 23 spend some time on, “He makes me lie down in green pastures”. Think about where you might find ” green pastures” today. What might that look like?

Pray again.  Allow God’s Spirit to speak to your spirit and personalize His presence and message to you.

Lord, in the maze of my hurried day show me the places of rest that You have prepared for me. Help me see the quiet places you offer to experience Your presence – on my break, as I ride the bus or drive, as I converse. May my spirit be lead by Your Holy Spirit to find the moments of quiet, in the midst of busy, that keep me connected to You. Thank you that You desire to walk closely with me today. May I hear Your voice through Your word as I make time to read and ponder. May Your Spirit speak to my heart as I engage with You as I go. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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“I am the vine; you are the branches; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

Life tends to get busy. I had a meeting with two women in our home yesterday and we shared some of what our week was like. Let’s just say our plates were full. (A third friend called to cancel, because she simply hadn’t managed to finish up her work in time for the meeting.)

I don’t mind being busy, but I always want to have time for the people and activities that are truly important in my life. When life gets full, I find it crucial to know my priorities.

I was reminded again of that when visiting a friend’s house recently. When her husband opened up his computer, the following words flashing across his screen: “Tap into the Source.”

I can’t do anything disconnected from my Source. My Source offers me peace in the midst of chaos. My Source offers me strength when it feels like I have nothing left to offer. My Source offers grace beyond what I deserve.

My Source offers everything I need for every situation I may encounter. My Source feeds my soul.

Thank you, Jesus, that you are my “Source” of everything I need for today. Amen.

By Idelette McVicker
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

• We Plan, God Directs
• Understanding the Holy Spirit
• Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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