“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

Giving thanks to God can be a hard thing to do,

….especially when things happen that make us more likely to say, “Why, God?” instead.

Thank offerings come easy some days. The sun shines and we feel the blessing of the Lord. Thanksgiving is our natural response.

On other days, thanksgiving is truly a sacrifice. In the middle of writing this devotional, our home was broken into. Thanksgiving was not my first response. Yet here in this verse, God tells us an amazing truth. He says that when we offer thanks and praise to Him, even when it’s a sacrifice to do so, we honor Him. This prepares the way for Him to work on our behalf. Thanksgiving is actually a door.

I pondered how to thank God in the midst of this violation. I was not thankful for the loss, but I discovered I could be thankful in it. As I intentionally shifted my gaze to God and not to the mess around me, I became aware of being thankful for several things: our personal safety, that certain items were not taken, the immediate help and care from family and friends, and the reminder that God is our Warrior, working, even fighting on our behalf. As a result, God’s peace settled over our hearts and minds and over our home.

Thank You, Lord God, that thanksgiving is so much more than a trite “attitude of gratitude.” Thank You for the truth of Your word that when we do give You our thanks, even when it’s hard to, we honor You and it opens a door for You to work and to bring Your peace and wisdom. Thank You that we can always offer thanksgiving for who You are and all You are to us — even in the midst of challenges. We praise You and ask this in the strong name of Jesus. Amen.

By Gail Rodgers
used by permission

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The post Thank Offerings appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.  I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1-2

We are given amazing privileges when we trust in Jesus. Recalling these promises is a good way to maintain a thankful heart, even when facing challenges in other areas. Consider four such blessings:

1.    Christ’s gift of salvation. No matter what trial we’re facing, it is microscopic next to the enormity of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. The cross was a steep price to pay, but the Savior willingly took our place in order to offer us forgiveness and eternal life.

2.    Assurance of God’s love. The Lord cares for us unconditionally–that is His very character (1 John 4:16). Unfortunately, the storms of life can cause us to question this, but Romans 8:31–39 unequivocally tells us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

3.    Answered prayer. We have the awesome privilege of talking to the Father about anything burdening us–and He never grows tired of listening to His children. Our omnipotent, omniscient God is not only able to help us in any situation; He also knows the best possible way to do so.

4.    A personalized plan. The Lord has a will, plan, and purpose for our lives that He will accomplish if we obey Him. No one is exempt from adversity, but we can trust God to bring good from everything He permits to come our way.

Hardships, temptations, and tests will touch us all, but the Lord allows difficulty for a reason–even when we don’t understand why (Romans 8:28). Therefore, submit yourself to the Father, thank Him for His wisdom, and be confident that He will accomplish His purposes for you.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

https://www.intouch.org/

If  you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

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The post Remembering God’s Blessings appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“When you offer animals that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor?” says the Lord of hosts.”  Malachi 1:8

It seemed perfectly reasonable. He needed the good lambs for his flock, but this lamb was already sick. It had a broken leg. Much better – he thought – for the lamb to die as a sacrifice to the Lord than in the jaws of a wolf. The Lord would understand. Yes?

No!

Would you take a gift like that to the governor? You wouldn’t? Well, then what makes you think you can bring it to God? “I have no pleasure in you,” the Lord says, “for I am a great king, and my name will be feared among the nations” (Malachi 1:14). Over the centuries customs have changed, but there has always been and always will be an unchanging and very simple supreme test for worshiping God in truth.

Worship with anything less than our best is not worship at all.

True worship requires our best. Our best intention. Our best devotion. Our best offerings. And it’s not just a Sunday thing but an everyday thing. Our best everything, every day.

“What is this best that we must bring?” you ask. Remember the Little Drummer Boy?

“I am a poor boy too. / I have no gift to bring / That’s fit to give our King. / Shall I play for you? / I played my drum for Him. / I played my best for Him.”

Offer your best to the Lord. Never come with less. Then you will worship him truly, and He will be pleased with you.

Lord, you are not only my great king but my great Savior. I promise to serve you always with the best of all I have and am. Amen.

Thought — Discover the joy of giving to God the very best. Think and pray about what the best is that you have to offer. The Holy Spirit will help you understand what that means.

By Dr. Guy Safford
Used by permission

Other related reads:

How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is like oxygen to the Christian

The Power of Forgiveness 

The post Fit for the King appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Fear of failure was once a stronghold in my life. It would come to affect my decision making, how I took criticism, and how I would deal with circumstances. I admit, I still deal with fear, just not with the stronghold of it anymore. Our God is bigger than our problems and mightier than our circumstances. With our faith in Him, fear is no longer a stronghold.

The story of David and Goliath is a story that almost everyone has heard. The reason it is so often told, is because it shows us how to overcome our fears. David had fears in his life, but he understood how his faith in God would always lead to a victory over those fears.

David was aware of his own abilities and strengths, knowing they came from God. Others however, did not see those abilities. They only saw his small size, what they thought they knew of him, and their own fears. David didn’t listen to their fears, take stock in their opinions, or allow himself to be affected by their harsh words. Instead he relied on God, refusing to let anyone else decide his fate.

Every day we will encounter giants in our lives. On some of those days the giants will act and look like Goliath. It is imperative to remember that it is not within “us” that we find the strength to face these giants. Only God can provide the peace, courage, and boldness that will lead us to victory.

A Call to Action:

What fears are you dealing with right now, and do they have a stronghold on your life? Read the full story of David and Goliath (1Samuel 17:1-51), as well as the story of Saul turning on David (1Samuel 17-22). Place all fears at the feet of our living God, and trust in Him.

By Daniel Forster
Used by Permission

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The post Overcoming the Stronghold of Fear appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.”  Psalm 77:19

How often have you heard the comment, “I didn’t see it at the time, but now I recognize how God was leading me”.  When young Joseph, (eventually to become a Hebrew patriarch) was thrown into a desert pit by his brothers and later sold into slavery, observers could rationally have argued that God was not in the picture. Yet years later, after enduring the suffering of misunderstanding, abandonment, treachery and prison, and now in a position of authority, he would confidently say, “God sent me. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

It takes faith in a sovereign and loving God to believe that even when His footprints cannot be seen, He is leading through the thrashing waters of the sea of life. And because He is sovereign and loving, His plans for us include a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Loving Father, help me see your footprints with the eyes of faith when I seem to be drowning in the swirling waters that seem to be sucking me into their depths. Thank you for your love even when it cannot be seen.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

Jeremiah 29:11

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The post God’s Foot Prints appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…” Philippians 4:11,12

“Mom, you find pleasure in the smallest things,” my daughter laughed.

I had just described to her my joy at finding a spider web suspended outside my kitchen window. Raindrops caught in the web shone like beads of crystal in the early morning sunlight. What could be more beautiful?

A sense of wonder at the small things! How we need that today in our world of noise, speed, and consumerism. It’s easy to be sucked into the world’s way and to miss the many little blessings God scatters into each day for us.

Two things that steal my sense of wonder:

—Comparing myself with others who seem to have more of what I want–more book sales, more success in ministry…

—A feeling of entitlement–I deserve more than I’m getting. After all, I have worked very hard and given so much.

Paul could have gone that route. He had worked day and night to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had sacrificed everything: home, family, career, comfort, even a wage. Yet, he was in prison while others were free to preach.

What was his response? “I have learned the secret of being content.”

What was his secret? I think I know: Develop a keen sense of wonder at all that God is doing for you and through you. All the little miracles he is scattering into each day for you. Like a spider web outside the kitchen window.

Today, I encourage you to write down the little blessings that add to the pleasure of your day. See if you can come up with ten. Then share some of them with the rest of us.

Father, I thank you for the surprising ways in which you come to us. Today I want to be alert to the small blessings you’ve planted along my pathway.

by Helen Lescheid
used by permission

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The post A Sense of Wonder appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)

The Bible teaches that conflict often stems from selfish desires, but it provides clear guidance for resolution. It emphasizes speaking truth in love, being quick to listen, and prioritizing reconciliation over winning arguments. Key principles include being slow to anger (James 1:19), forgiving freely (Ephesians 4:32), and seeking to live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).

There are spiritual conflicts, group conflicts, and conflicts within the family. They are internal and external. Conflicts have existed for as long as people have assembled together. The church is no exception; all too often, the wisdom of the world prevails. We live in a culture where pleasure is found in fulfilling one’s own desires. Pride and self-interest are often the root cause. We lust, and yet we do not have.

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. We put our needs above the needs of the community. Are lust and desire your gods? James exhorts us to submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:7–8).

• Relinquish control to God
• Reject sinful attitudes
• Refrain from frivolous arguments
• Refuse to slander others
• Be quick to listen, slow to speak
• Overcome evil with good
• Pursue peace
• Humble yourself

Jesus handled conflict with grace, focusing on others’ needs—even those of His enemies (John 3:16). How about you?

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

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The Upside Down Life

The post CONFLICT appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them.”  Romans 12:14 (NCV)

It would be hard to find someone worse than Judas. Some say he was a good man with a backfired strategy. I don’t buy that. The Bible says, “Judas . . . was a thief” (John 12:6). The man was a crook. Somehow he was able to live in the presence of God and experience the miracles of Christ and remain unchanged. In the end he decided he’d rather have money than a friend, so he sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. . . . Judas was a scoundrel, a cheat, and a bum. How could anyone see him any other way?

I don’t know, but Jesus did. Only inches from the face of his betrayer, Jesus looked at him and said, “Friend, do what you came to do” (Matthew 26:50). What Jesus saw in Judas as worthy of being called a friend, I can’t imagine. But I do know that Jesus doesn’t lie, and in that moment he saw something good in a very bad man. . . .

He can help us do the same with those who hurt us.

by Max Lucado
used by permission

From: Just Like Jesus
Copyright (Word Publishing, 1998)
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
https://www.maxlucado.com/info/view/about_max_lucado/

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The post Finding Good in the Bad appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:3

The prevailing sentiment regarding wealth and the wealthy has at its core the belief that the more material goods a person possesses, the more me-centered is that individual.

However, watching a recent television program shattered that perspective for me. The man at the podium, his eyes hidden by the bill of a baseball cap, blonde hair skimming his shoulder, and a casual jacket partially zipped, read from one of the books he has authored. While not denying the hardships of life on the streets, for well over an hour he described his preferred lifestyle as a homeless person living on the streets of a major U.S. city for almost fifteen years. He did not berate society for placing him in such a position; rather, he touted the advantages of his chosen way of living. Nearly every sentence alluded to the “freedom” he experienced; he chose when, how, when and where to eat, sleep, and bathe.  He discussed the friendships he made with store and restaurant owners, police officers, and fellow wanderers, but those friendships lasted only if these people met his emotional needs for understanding and empathy.

Today millions of people find themselves homeless due to the vagaries of our current economy, and we in the West should be red-faced with shame when we see young children around the world scavenging garbage heaps to find sufficient resources to feed themselves and their families.

But poverty, whether the grinding, relentless sort that dehumanizes, or the more temporary kind that gnaws at one’s self-esteem, does not eliminate me-ism. All of us must guard against the belief that when we possess less, we are somehow more holy while those who enjoy abundance are lower on the spiritual ladder.

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  1 Samuel 16:7

Help me, Lord, to relate to you and others not on the basis of material possessions. May my vision increasingly be like yours.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

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The post All About Me appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping — believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, ‘That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead — and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.” Romans 4:18-20 (NLT)

It is highly frustrating when you are waiting on God and expecting your current state to change. God doesn’t always show you how things will turn out, but He often gives you a glimpse into what He has waiting for you. Let’s look at Abraham, the father of faith.

Even though they had passed child bearing age, God had promised Abraham and Sarah a son of their own. I can imagine the anguish I would have felt even after the promise was made. I am someone who needs to know the exact details. I need to know the “ins and the outs” of how it will all work out.

Unfortunately, this is not the walk of faith.

Faith believes that what God says will take place without a shadow of a doubt. Faith believes that we will see the promises of God unfold even when it looks impossible. Faith believes in what we can’t see, and knows it is there.

We learn a lot from Abraham as we watch him wait upon the promise of God to be fulfilled in his life. The Scriptures tells us that he hoped against hope, believing that God was faithful to perform that which he had promised.

As Abraham walked out his faith, we also learn what not to do. We learn that it is much better to wait on God rather than working out our own plans. When we believe we have the answers, we miss God’s best.

Father, I come today asking that You strengthen those who are still waiting for what You have promised. Grant them a glimpse of hope today. Help them to see what You are doing during the process as they await Your next move. You always have our best interest at heart. May we learn to trust You, just as Abraham did. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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The post Faith Believes appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)

For thousands of years, mankind has sought peace of the heart. All too often, however, we ask God to solve our problems and do not display the faith we should when prayers are not answered on our timeframe. True peace only comes when we say, “Even if God does not answer my prayers today, I will accept His wisdom and be at peace in my soul.” It is so easy to be jealous, impatient, and envious of others and wonder why God is blessing them and not us. God doesn’t promise faith will be easy, only that we have it!

It is amazing how many people say they moved from one location to another to find peace. I suspect that most were not seeking greater wealth, but peace of mind and heart. The Devil wants to lure us into the ways of the world and let material things become our focus.

Repeatedly, there are testimonies that wealth doesn’t bring peace and happiness, but often we have a hard time believing it until we see a life wasted. The quality of our life is determined by the peace and joy in our hearts and the strife we avoid, not by the fame or fortune we may obtain. True peace only comes from one source, and that is a relationship with the Lord.

The Bible connects physical and mental health with spiritual well-being, offering verses promising God’s healing, peace, and strength through faith, prayer, and trusting His Word. Key themes are found in passages like Isaiah 53:5 (healing through Jesus’ stripes), Philippians 4:6–7 (God’s peace guarding hearts), and Jeremiah 33:6 (God bringing health, healing, peace, and truth). It emphasizes that God’s presence provides strength, guards against fear, and offers rest for the weary soul.

The Bible connects peace with the presence of Jesus in our lives; with peace comes better health. Peace and health are deeply interconnected: you can’t have lasting health without peace, and peace is difficult to achieve without good health. The answer is Jesus.

Paul instructs us: “For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:5–6). This is at the core of the Christian faith. If we doubt this at all, we cannot enjoy the freedom that God wants for us to have—the type of freedom, and associated inner peace, that Jesus tells us about when He says, “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

by John Grant
used by permission

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The post Health and Peace appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Proverbs 16:25

Our trail map showed two routes ahead: one led down to the bottom of the valley and back up again; the second ran along the ridge to the same destination. The shorter, seemingly less difficult route along the ridge appeared to be the best option. Once on it, we did notice the log across the path and that it looked less traveled. Then, we soon saw a sign: “Abandon Trail.” But the trail was on our map and it looked good so far. Around the next bend we started to understand why the sign had been put up. But turning back seemed like a waste of time and energy, so we pressed on. Only as I stood with one foot on a two-inch edge of rock, with no firm spot for my next step, did I realize how foolish and dangerous a choice this shortcut was. Apart from a miracle, slipping would mean certain death! What if I survived but my friend fell? What would I tell his wife?

“There is a way that appears to be right, ….” Proverbs 16:25

Life is filled with options. The decision to follow any one path can have far-reaching implications. The desire for a shortcut, a less difficult path, a more convenient option, or even a more logical road, can all be motivators. God does ask His followers, as He did His Son, to walk a difficult way at times to fulfill His purposes. Christ asked to have the grim prospect of the cross removed, but surrendered to a higher motivation — the will of His Father (Mathew 26:38-39); think of the implications of that decision! God’s will moves beyond our logic at times. Peter could have refused to throw his net on the opposite side of the boat, because it was “not logical” (Luke 5:5-6). Convenience did not seem to factor in to the Good Samaritan’s decision to show compassion (Luke 10:30-37).

You may be at a junction where convenience, difficulty, logic, emotions, or personal desires are competing with God’s will. Be reminded that God’s will is not always the easy path, but it is good, and it is established by His perfect love and divine purpose.

Father, I confess that I long for the shortcuts in life. I often seek convenience over Your purposes. May I seek Your will as my primary motivation for any path taken! By faith, I acknowledge that Your will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
used by permission

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The post Perilous Shortcuts appeared first on Thoughts About God.