“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

Divine omniscience (God’s all-knowingness) gives no comfort to the ungodly mind, but to the child of God it overflows with consolation. God is always thinking about us, never turns aside His mind from us, and always has us before His eyes. This is precisely what we want and need, because it would be dreadful to exist for a moment beyond the observation of our heavenly Father.

His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, sensible, and far-reaching. They bring to us countless benefits, so it is a choice delight to remember them. The Lord always did think about His people, and so comes their election and the covenant of grace by which their salvation is secured. And He will always think about them, and this will result in their final perseverance by which they will be brought safely to their final rest.

In all our wanderings the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is always fixed on us, and we never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye. In our sorrows He observes us incessantly, and no painful moment escapes Him. In our trials He perceives all our weariness, and writes in His book all the struggles of His faithful ones. These thoughts of the Lord encompass us in all our paths, and penetrate the innermost region of our being. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for. All the little ones of our world are in the thoughts of the great God.

Dear reader, is this precious to you? Then hold steadfastly to it. Never be led astray by those philosophic fools who preach about an impersonal God (deism) or talk of self-existent, self-governing matter (naturalism). The Lord lives and thinks about us, this is a truth far too precious for us to ever abandon. Catching the attention of an important person is valued so highly that those who have it counts their blessings. But if that is so, how much more valuable is it to be constantly in the thoughts of the King of kings! If the Lord’s thoughts are on me, all is well, and we may rejoice evermore.

Have you considered that you are constantly in God’s thoughts? Does this truth give you comfort and confidence?

by Charles H. Spurgeon
Used by Permission
Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2011

FURTHER READING

• Jesus is Always There!
• God is Thinking about You
• Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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The Value of Pain

You can’t bring a cup of cold water to someone if you’ve never thirsted
You can’t heal a heart if your heart’s never been broken
You can’t forgive a sin that you’ve never done
Or you never thought you could do
Put that bandage away it’s too small to cover the wound
– from “Cup of Cold Water” by John Fischer

When it comes to standing in someone else’s shoes and feeling what others feel, the most frequently neglected area in which we do this is in the area of pain.

We live in a society obsessed with pain relief. Doctors, druggists, chiropractors, psychiatrists and psychologists are all banded together in this fight against the common enemy: pain – both physical and mental. Rarely do you hear that pain might be a good thing, but it can be. It may not be good in and of itself, but it can be good in what it accomplishes. What can pain accomplish?

Pain opens us up to our real need.
Pain helps us identify with others.
Pain reminds us of our limitations.
Pain can open up your heart, if you let it.
Pain grounds us in our humanity.
Pain is a big part of love; you can’t live or love without it.

All those country songs about love and heartbreak may not be so trite after all. If love doesn’t hurt, then it’s not very deep. Ask Jesus about the pain of love, and He could point to a cry still rattling around the universe, “My God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Mark 15:34)

We spend billions of dollars trying to get ourselves pain-free, when pain is perhaps one of the most important ways we can touch another human being. It’s one thing to share the same joy – high five at a football game over a touchdown, or share a kiss on New Year’s Eve – it’s another, deeper thing to share the same pain.

Some people are convinced that they are alone in their pain – that no one else has experienced the pain they feel – until someone comes along who has, and suddenly, they are not alone any longer. It doesn’t make the pain any more bearable, but it does make a relationship possible.

I pray that my heart never heals from these wounds. If you understand this statement, then you understand the value of pain.

by John Fischer
Used by Permission

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Help with Hard Times

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From Victim to Victory – Physically and emotionally abused as a child, Sharon stopped crying at 6 and stopped talking at 9.

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“For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants” Philippians 2:13

We are all on a spiritual journey. Some of you have just begun to realize that there is a spiritual dimension to your lives, others are searching for the Truth, and still others have yielded their lives to the Lordship of Christ and are learning how to walk in the power and direction of the Holy Spirit.

When I was in my mid-thirties, I realized that I was not even close to experiencing the abundant Christian life that is offered to us. My mother had just passed away, and I knew she was now in heaven. However, even though I had received Christ into my life when I was twelve, I wasn’t sure I would go there if I should die.

Then someone invited us to attend a conference hosted by Campus Crusade for Christ International. There I learned a wonderful spiritual principle that changed my life. As the above verse states, I learned that I (and you) can’t live the Christian life. It is impossible. And I learned that’s precisely why we need Christ in us! Christ died for our sins, rose again (exercising power over death), and then He sent His Holy Spirit. The Spirit comes into our lives when we accept Christ and is always available to give us the power we need to follow Him.

What a liberating truth! God not only asks me to live like Jesus, but He gives me everything I need to do so. I just have to admit my helplessness (many times a day) and ask Him to help me want to (love my enemy, be bold in witnessing, be patient, etc.), and then He changes me from the inside. It is not about me; it is all about Him.

I tried out this concept shortly after the conference. I was not a morning person — I tended to be grumpy. The Holy Spirit pointed out to me that I was having a terrible influence on my family before they left for work and school. He also showed me that His power is not limited to after ten in the morning. I prayed, “Lord, You have made me and know everything about me. You know I am a grouch in the morning; please change me to a cheerful person.”

After a few months, my husband said to me, “Katherine, I sure appreciate your cheerfulness in the mornings.” Wow! The Lord changed me. And He continues to — whenever I admit that I need Him and ask Him to change me.

How about you? Why don’t you try it? You will like it.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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 It’s All about You, Jesus appeared first on Thoughts About God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Debbie West
used by permission

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Perfect Peace

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

There are places and times when we feel we need extra wisdom, insight, guidance and strength. We long for understanding in situations that seem confusing. We need revelation when truth is being hidden or skewed.

God provides all these things to His children through the Holy Spirit. Paul the apostle, prayed for believers to receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they could know God better. This prayer is still for us today. It reflects what is available to believers… to you and me.

Why do we allow ourselves to live in confusion and even chaos when we can be equipped by the Holy Spirit of God. Do we miss the wisdom and revelation we can have from God because we drown out that quiet voice of the Spirit by our busy lives? In so doing we are actually choosing the chaos and confusion. Think about it. This is not God’s plan for you. Know He wants to equip you to walk in wisdom, revelation, strength and power right where you are. He wants you to know Him better.

Heavenly Father, Thank you that Your Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. Thank you that Your Spirit will lead me to know You better. Fill my spirit afresh today with the wisdom and revelation, the strength and comfort I need to walk in the areas that perplex me. Quiet my heart to hear Your Spirit specifically in (name your own perplexing circumstance) . Thank you that You equip me by Your Spirit. I pray these things in the name of Jesus, amen.

Thought: Think of one area where you are experiencing perplexity, confusion or chaos and invite God right now to begin to show You His wisdom in this situation.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…”  Ephesians 1:17-20

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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

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The post Are You Choosing Chaos? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8).

Where do you get your standard for living?

On what do you base your value system?

Do you go to the Bible to weigh your decisions?

When I was in my early 30s I made the decision to serve and follow the Lord wholeheartedly, He, through the power of the Holy Spirit, began to change my life. I began to have an insatiable craving for the Word of God. I couldn’t get enough of it. My spiritual life had been starving and now I was being fed. I began to soak up the wonderful promises of God and also became aware of the commands (not suggestions) of God.

Before that, I had always attended church; although, over the years I tended to choose what parts of the Bible I would believe and what parts I would ignore. If someone had asked me, I would have said that I believed the whole Bible as the authority of God, but I wasn’t living that way (what you do is the fruit of what you believe). I sure didn’t read the Bible everyday, nor did I ask God to direct my daily decisions and actions.

But that changed. One day, while making dinner, I was listening to a message by Dr. Henry Brandt, a Christian psychologist who gave lectures at some of the conferences we attended. He mentioned that at a point in his life he had to make the decision about what he was going to use as his standard for making decisions and giving advice. He chose the Bible.

I had never made that decision. That afternoon, in my kitchen, I made the decision that from that moment on, the Bible would become my standard for life. Anything I read or heard that was contrary to what the Bible taught, I would reject. And with that decision, I had a stability that hadn’t been there before.

Of course, in order to make decisions based on the Word of God, you have to know what is in the Bible. You have to know God’s directions. I began to study the Bible. I started by working through a series of Bible Study books, called Ten Basic Steps to Christian Maturity https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/10-basic-steps.html  About the same time, I began to read through the Bible every year.

My mind was (and still is) being renewed.

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

As my mind was being renewed, my values and standards began to line up with God’s will.

How about you? Is your life – your value system – based on the Bible? Are you sure? Have you ever consciously made a decision to make the Bible your authority for life? If not, why not do it today – right now.

Father, I need You. I recognize I have allowed the world to conform me into its mold. I have been deceived. From this day forward, I will use the Bible as my standard for life. I will read the Bible each day so my mind (and life) can be renewed by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you that You are delighted with my decision, because You want the best for me. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

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

FURTHER READING

The Christian and the Bible – do you believe it is the infallible truth?

Heart Fully Committed to Him

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The post What is Your standard for Living? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

You are my Rear Guard

…. for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard
Isaiah 52:12

You are my STRONG TOWER

…For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3

You are my Shelter

…For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:5

You are my Strength

…The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8

You are my Peace

…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

You are my Healer

…for I am the LORD, your healer Exodus 15:26

You are my Portion

LORD, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future Psalm 16:5

You are my Shield, my Refuge, and my Savior

…my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3

Lord, may we never forget who you are to us. May we always be reminded of your loving kindness, compassion, and grace in our lives in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
From: https://findingtruthwithin.com/

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Shelter Living

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

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“A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words cause quarrels.”
Proverbs 15:1

Carol was a defiant woman.  Pride was her armor.  And anger was her companion.  She was a political activist.  She actually enjoyed wielding her fury.

People cowered under Carol’s verbal attacks. Except for Linda.

Carol hated her sincere smile and how she seemed unfrazzled by harsh words.  Carol confronted Linda and insulted her faith as a test.  Linda’s response was,  ”Jesus loves you, Carol.” and walked away.

Carol was shocked.  Inwardly she felt ugly and hateful.  That night, she broke down in tears.  She kept repeating Linda’s words, “Jesus loves you, Carol.”

Carol apologized to Linda the next day.  And asked about Jesus.

The One who could free her from anger and hatred.

Carol found release through her new faith in Christ.

Dear one, Jesus Christ can give you a new life today!

by Vonette Bright
Used by Permission

Get a better understanding of what it means to be a believer of Jesus:
https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws

FURTHER READING

• How to Be Saved
• How to Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
• How to Be Confident You Will Go to Heaven When You Die
• How to Know I Am Really Saved (short version)

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

The post Sincere Smile appeared first on Thoughts About God.

The dilemma was:  “I know the Bible says I’m forgiven.  But my conscience says I’m not!”

If this question hits home… If you haven’t accepted God’s forgiveness, you’re doomed to live in fear.  And no pill or pep talk can set you at ease.  Am I right?  You may deaden the fear, but you can’t remove it.  Only God’s grace can do that!

Have you accepted the forgiveness of Christ?  If not, do it!  The Bible says “if we confess our sins, God is faithful–not just to forgive us, but He cleanses us from all unrighteousness! 1 John 1:9?

Make it your simple prayer:  Dear Father, I need forgiveness.  I admit I’ve turned away from you.  Forgive me, please.  I place my soul in Your hands and I trust in your grace.  Through Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Now!  Live forgiven!

by Max Lucado
used by permission
From: Max on Life

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

FURTHER READING

• Forgiveness Frees
• Don’t Leave Feeling Unforgiven
• Forgiveness of Sin

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

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“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”  Mark 11:24

Do you ever pray for things without believing God will actually answer your prayer?

You may be thinking, “That’s an odd question. Why pray if I don’t believe?”

Oftentimes, we pray for God to work in situations that seem impossible from a physical standpoint, and the more we pray without seeing an answer, the more discouraged we may get. But discouragement has no place in prayer. If we have no faith that God will answer our prayers, then how can we receive the answer we so desire?

According to the Bible, our answer is received when we have faith that God will perform a work in our lives because his Word states that he answers any request that is according to his will (1 John 5:14-15). Belief is what moves our prayers, and unbelief is what hinders them. We should never doubt that God will answer, and instead rest on his promises to us when we pray in faith.

Does it seem like your loved one will never be saved? The more you pray for him or her, the deeper in sin he or she goes? Does it seem that God will not restore your marriage that is in desperate need of mending? Don’t be discouraged or despairing. Don’t stop praying. Instead, strengthen yourself with the promise that God will answer us when we believe he will work in these seemingly impossible circumstances. God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. He saved men like Paul who had hardened hearts. He opened the wombs of barren women. He can do anything. It may not be an immediate response to our cries, but God will answer.

Dear Lord, give me the ability to believe that you will act and help my unbelief. Forgive me for doubting that you will work in my life and that of others.

Invite the Spirit to show you if there is anything that is causing you to doubt God. Remind yourself of God’s ability to do the unbelievable. Take some time to read passages where God intervened when the world would have doubted that it was possible: 1 Samuel 1-2, 2 Kings 5, and Genesis 37-41. Be encouraged.

By Ashlea Massie
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

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How to be sure God Listens to your Prayers

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The post Praying in Faith appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword.” Job 39:22

It seems that a man was driving his pick-up along the highway and not being mindful of the speed limit was substantially exceeding it, when deputy sheriff was parked in the bushes stealthy observing the meter on his radar gun. Clocking the speed of the pick-up, he turned on his lights and siren in hot pursuit.

He asked the driver for the usual documents and the driver, apologizing for not watching his speed, handed the deputy what he wanted along with his concealed weapons permit. Seeing that, the deputy asked if the man was carrying a gun.

“Why yes,” was the response. “I have a 9mm semi-automatic in my ankle holster, a .40 cal one on my belt holster and a .45 cal loaded with copper jacketed hollow points in the glove box and I have a twelve gauge shotgun and a 30.06 rifle behind the seat, and under the front seat is an ammo box with enough re-loads for all.”

The trooper responded by asking, “What in the world are you afraid of,” to which the man answered, “Absolutely nothing.”

He had taken the necessary training to be licensed to carry and use those weapons and was equipped to face any unfriendly situation.

Humorous as it sounds, there is a ring of truth to this story. The man was physically and mentally prepared to meet the dangers of life. But, how many of us are spiritually armed in the same manner?

Think of it. How many people are trained to use the power of the Bible as we slay the dragons of the world?

Hebrews tells us “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12).

God has given us an amazing weapon to use against the enemy. It’s our responsibility to make sure we are using it. When you pick up a Bible what you’re holding in your hand is a weapon. And many of us don’t even know how to use it properly. The most effective way Satan has found to derail a believer is to get him or her to believe that God didn’t really say what He really said.

How do we combat against this deception? By allowing the living, active Word of God pierce through the lies. Jesus did it and calls on us to do it. So pack your spiritual weapon, know how and don’t be afraid to use it in the dangerous situations of life. No matter how you might otherwise be armed, the Bible is always your strongest weapon against the forces of evil.

by John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

FURTHER READING

What are You Afraid of?

Nothing to Fear

Fear

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“…And rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2

God, You are glorious! Because of who You are, I have hope in what You have promised to do—my future truly is as bright as the light upon Your face that reflects it, as sure as the words upon Your lips that proclaim it, as powerful as the strength of Your right hand that performs it.

I am confident there are desirable things ahead because You are good; there are perfect things ahead because You are without fault; there are abundant things ahead because You are generous; there are undefiled things ahead because You are holy; there are amazing things ahead because You are wondrous, there are huge things ahead because Your heart is so big.

I live in hope and I am happy in hope. I hope in what is true, in what is best, in what is everlasting. My hope is anchored in what a loving, caring God can be to His child.

You bring a hope to my heart that will not be dashed upon the rocks of broken covenants, unintended assurances, or misguided intentions. My hope is secure in the character of Your faithfulness. It will not be disappointed, but will see its final reward.

‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.’ Romans 5:1-5 NKJV

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

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

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Inject Hope

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From Despair to Hope

The post Rejoice in Hope appeared first on Thoughts About God.