thoughts by Katherine Kehler Archives - Page 2 of 15

Published November 21, 2023

Have You Forgiven Yourself?

“…for His name’s sake your sins were forgiven” 1 John 2:12

We were flying to a conference. I was in the middle seat – certainly not my choice – but my husband and I have an agreement that if a woman is sitting by the window, I sit in the middle, if a man is in the seat by the window, Marvin sits in the middle.

Barely was I settled, when I discerned that the young woman sitting next to me was very sad and deep in thought. Making conversation, I asked her where she was from, where she was going and what she did.

She was a student and had been attending university in Poland – the homeland of her father. Then she told me sadly that her father had died. She had chosen to attend college in Poland against her father’s wishes and their relationship had been strained. They hadn’t forgiven each other when he died.

She seemed so sad and I recognized a deeper issue. I asked her if she had forgiven herself for not complying with her father’s wishes. She answered that she couldn’t forgive herself and felt so guilty. Slowly, I began to tell her about God’s love and forgiveness. Because of Christ’s death on the cross, her sins were forgiven and guilt was removed. I encouraged her to trust that because God had forgiven her, she could forgive herself no matter how awful she thought she had been. As I spoke, I prayed and my husband prayed.

I told her about something I had done as a teenager for which I had felt guilty about for many years. How I had come to the place where I was faced with the choice of forgiving myself because Christ had already forgiven me or I could continue feeling guilty the rest of my life. I had chosen to forgive myself.

The light in her eyes went on. She began to understand she was totally forgiven and could forgive herself. She could be free and happy. “God meant for you to sit with me today,” she told me at the end of the flight.

How about you? Is there something in your life for which you feel guilty? You don’t need to.

Simply accept God’s love and forgiveness.

If you don’t have Christ in your life, you can invite him by saying a simple prayer:

Sample prayer:

Dear God, today I bring you my life, my hopes, my dreams, my deepest yearnings … You know me intimately. You knew me even before I was formed in the womb. You called me into this world to do good and live the life I was uniquely and specifically created for. I ask for Courage and Wisdom to live this life–the life of my dreams. Show me where to start and help me be open to hearing your Voice today. I ask for a greater consciousness of your Presence, today and every day of my life. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Keep Yourself in God’s Love

One day I thought about the verse, “Keep yourselves in God’s love,” (Jude 21) and I wondered, “How do I keep myself in God’s love?”

After all, God’s love is eternal, unchanging and constant. Nothing can remove us from the love of God. What then does this directive actually mean?

God directed my thoughts to my relationship with my husband Marvin. He loves me more than anyone on earth. I feel secure, safe and protected. There are times however, when we have a misunderstanding and my feeling of security quickly changes to insecurity. When this happens, I put up a wall. I withdraw from his love rather than keeping myself in his love. The wall I put up shuts out his love.

In the same way, I will at times try to take myself out of God’s love. I know He orchestrates circumstances in my life to teach me divine truths. Sometimes these situations are very painful and I begin to doubt the truth of the Bible regarding God’s love. I put up a wall. His love for me hasn’t changed, but I don’t experience His love.

For example, when our five-month-old grandson, Spencer, died suddenly, the enemy put thoughts in my mind like,

“How could a loving God take away this beautiful grandson from you?”

I began to doubt God’s love. In my mind the attributes of God’s power and sovereignty loomed large and His love seemed small – like the smallest letters on an eyesight-testing chart.

Shortly after Spenser’s death, God spoke to my mind as I was driving along the freeway. He said,

“Katherine, do you believe the Bible?”
I answered, “Yes, Lord, You know I do.”
“Do you believe that I am love?”
In my mind I could clearly see the verse in 1 John 4:16, “God is love.”

That day I made a choice – again. I would believe the Bible from cover to cover. There would be times when I wouldn’t understand God’s ways, but that did not meant the Bible wasn’t true. These times only revealed my limited understanding of God’s ways.

My wall toward God came down and I once again experienced the warmth of His love.

God, thank You that what You say is true. Thank You that the Bible is truer than our feelings. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

God is waiting to show His love and kindness to you and to guide your life. He wants to make something beautiful of your life. And you can open your heart and life to Him today by praying this prayer with a sincere attitude.

Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be.

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

Time to Reflect

“Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” Proverbs 4:7

“God hides some ideal in every human soul. At some time in our life we feel a trembling, fearful longing to do some good thing. Life finds its noblest spring of excellence in this hidden impulse to do our best.” — Robert Collyer

“God knows the secret plan of the things he will do for the world, using my hand.” —Toyohiko Kagawa

“Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” —Pamela Vaull Starr

“Don’t doubt in the darkness what God has given you in the light.” — Dr. Henrietta C. Mears

“Success is not measured by what a man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” — Charles Lindbergh

“What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” — Louis Nizer

“And along with the dream, will You give me whatever graces, patience, and stamina it takes to see the dream through to fruition?” — Catherine Marshall

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:1–2.

Father, help us to be wise. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Story of Shining Your Light

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men” John 5:16

Someone told me that we influence at least 250 people during our lifetime. (I was told this number was chosen because this is how many people usually show up at a funeral.) Today, with the Internet connecting us with more people, I believe our influence is much greater.

I recently watched a true story video called, Paradise Road. It told of a woman who used her influence and training to give a group of women hope, courage, peace, unity and a reason to keep living.

The women were prisoners of war. They came from diverse backgrounds – high society and farmers. They were from different countries. At first they didn’t trust each other, but as life became more difficult for them, they began to work together.

God used one woman in an amazing way. With her music and organizational abilities, she united the women to form an orchestra and patiently taught them how to use their voices to sound like instruments. Soon they were able to create a beautiful concert.

She gave them something beautiful to focus on besides their own misery and their horrific surroundings. Every day women died at the hands of their captors or from disease, but the group was able to keep going because of her courage.

There were, of course, some women who wouldn’t join the choir and watched from afar, but most followed her.

Over half the women in the choir died. One day, when they were having yet another funeral procession, one of the guards asked her, “Where is your choir now?”

Instead of letting his remark discourage her, she picked up two rocks and began banging out a rhythm. Soon others followed her example, using sticks, shoes – whatever they could find. They were an orchestra again and were encouraged. Even those who usually sat and watched joined in the music.

Finally the war was over and they were set free. This woman had given them hope, courage, and even joy by inspiring them to make something beautiful in dire circumstances.

You are like this woman when Jesus Christ controls your life,

“You shine like stars…as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15).

You help women see something beautiful in life, no matter the circumstances. You are the light of the world.

Think for a moment about the people you influence. The ones you meet at your local coffee shop, the grocery store, clothing store and online, as well as your neighbors, coworkers, church and family. God can use you to help introduce people you know to Christ, the One who brings light into our souls and eyes. Why not point them to the gospel in the related article below.

Father of light, we thank You that You place joy, hope, light and a reason to keep living in our hearts. Give us the courage to spread that light to everyone with whom we come into contact. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

God Our Shield

God protects us from harm’s way, guards us from danger, defends us against accusations, shelters us when we are weak, and screens everything that comes our way.

“But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head” Psalm 3:3

I have been thinking about God being our shield. The word “shield” also means to protect, guard, defend, shelter, and screen. God protects us from harm’s way, guards us from danger, defends us against accusations, shelters us when we are weak, and screens everything that comes our way. Nothing can touch us until it goes through God’s screening process first.

Many of us have had the scary experience of a rock hitting our windshield. The windshield protected us from being hurt. Our homes shelter us from the elements of nature — rain, snow, extreme heat, and cold. But there is no shelter, no protector, like God Himself. The verse Deuteronomy 33:27 is a wonderful comfort to me: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

There may be times in your life when you feel like you have been hit by a ton of bricks. Believe it or not, that experience had to first go through God’s screening process. And His screening process is more accurate than that of any airport security system!

Painful experiences help us to trust God more. When our five-month-old grandson died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, (S.I.D’s), I felt like I couldn’t bare it. But several days after the funeral, God showed me the reason for taking our grandson home so early. I was reading
2 Corinthians 1, and suddenly the last part of verse 9 became alive to me. I read, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God . . .” And yes, Spenser’s death did cause me to go to God for strength and comfort.

There are many verses in the Bible that refer to God as our shield. I encourage you to look them up and read them. Here are a few of my favorites.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart”
Psalm 91:4

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word”
Psalm 119:114

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly”
Psalm 84:11

Father God, thank You for being a shield about us. Thank You for protecting us, sheltering us, defending us, and being a screen. You give grace and glory to each one of us and won’t withhold any good thing from us if we walk uprightly before You. We love You, Lord! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Let Your Light Shine

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men” Matthew 5:16

Someone told me that we influence at least 250 people during our lifetime. Today, with the Internet connecting us with more people, I believe our influence is much greater.

I watched a true story featured on the video Paradise Road. It told of a woman who used her influence and training to give a group of women hope, courage, peace, unity and a reason to keep living.

The women were prisoners of war. They came from diverse backgrounds – high society and farmers. They were from different countries. At first they didn’t trust each other, but as life become more difficult for them, they began to work together.

God used this woman in an amazing way. With her music and organizational abilities, she united the women to form an orchestra and patiently taught them how to use their voices to sound like instruments. Soon they were able to create a beautiful concert.

She gave them something to beautiful to focus on besides their own misery and their horrific surroundings. Every day women died at the hands of their captors or from disease, but the group was able to keep going because of her courage.

There were, of course, some women who wouldn’t join the choir and watched from afar, but most followed her.

Over half the women in the choir died. One day, when they were having yet another funeral procession, one of the guards asked her, “Where is your choir now?”

Finally the war was over and they were set free. This woman had given them hope, courage, and even joy by inspiring them to make something beautiful in dire circumstances.

You are like this woman when Jesus Christ controls your life,

“You shine like stars…as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:15).

You help women see something beautiful in life, no matter the circumstances. You are the light of the world.

Think for a moment about the people you influence. The ones you meet at your local coffee shop, the grocery store, clothing store and online, as well as your neighbours, coworkers, church and family. God can use you to help introduce people to Christ, the One who brings light into our souls and eyes. Why not point them to the gospel in the related link, How to Know God Personally.

Father of light, we thank You that You place joy, hope, light and a reason to keep living in our hearts. Give us the courage to spread that light to everyone with whom we come into contact. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

In Wisdom You Made Them All

“Oh Lord, what a variety you have made! And in wisdom you have made them all! The earth is full of your riches” Psalm 104:24.

Walking along the trail at Aldergrove Lake Park was the perfect way to spend a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon. As my husband and I walked, I noticed that the bleeding hearts, buttercups, and wild strawberries were blooming. The cedar and hemlock trees flaunted their beautiful, fresh, new green growth. Even the alder and maple trees were now full of leaves.

The smell of the woods was so pleasant and brought back memories of the springtime’s when I was in elementary school. It was a two-mile walk each way to school, so on the way home my sister and I often explored — we wanted to see what was on the “other side of the fence.” I remember the trillium’s that bloomed around Easter, but mostly I recall the sweetness of the tiny, wild strawberries in June. It is odd how some memories come up in a person’s mind. There is so much truth in Cesare Pavese’s observation, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

I thank the Lord for memorable moments — for the little things in life He gives us to enjoy. It is out of His great store of love for us. How my heart soars with joy and delight when He opens my eyes to the variety of created things He gives us.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Just a Carton of Cream

A lesson on honesty vs. dishonesty

“But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.” Psalm 51:6

The pastor’s sermon was about honesty and being truthful. He used the verse in Psalm 51:6. Then he asked us if there was something in our lives in which we had been dishonest. As soon as he said that, a picture came to mind, it was a carton of cream.

You see, the previous day when I had been unloading my groceries from the trunk of the car, I noticed a carton of cream I hadn’t paid for. Oh, I hadn’t intentionally taken it; I just hadn’t seen it when I paid for the groceries. But I hadn’t paid for it either. It was Saturday afternoon and I didn’t want to go back inside the store to get in line again. So, I promptly forgot about it.

But the Holy Spirit remembered and convicted me of taking the cream

“Honey,” I told my husband as we were driving home after the service, “I need to stop at the grocery store.” He drove to the store and went in and explained to a cashier what had happened and I needed to pay for the cream.

The woman at the customer service desk was very surprised that I came back to pay for it. She kept saying, “You are so honest.” I felt so free and happy “in my inmost being” when I had confessed and paid for the item. It is a good thing to be obedient to the Lord!

If the Holy Spirit is convicting you about something you have not been honest about “I encourage you to obey” as soon as you can. Don’t wait!

Father, it is so easy to rationalize a wrong deed or attitude. Yet you desire truth and honesty. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who convicts us of sin. Help us to obedient. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Don’t Put God in a Box

The book of Acts is exciting! Miracles happen in every chapter. Although I have read through the entire Bible every year for over 25 years, every year, God opens my eyes to amazing new insights in His Word. This year my eyes were opened to the various ways (not just one way) God chose to speak to His followers. Have you noticed them before?

God Spoke to His Followers Through Angels

“An angel of the Lord said to Philip.” (Acts 8:26)

“An angel of the Lord came to him and said.” (Acts 10:2)

“The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Hurry! Get dressed and put on your sandals.” (Acts 12:7)

God Spoke to His Followers Through Visions

“The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision.” (Acts 9:10)

God Spoke to His Followers Through His Holy Spirit

“During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen for them.”
(Acts 13:2)

The Lord Spoke to His Followers Directly

“The next night the Lord came and stood by Paul. He said, “Be brave.”
(Acts 23:11).

I reflected on these verses and wondered why, this year, God would open my eyes to the fact that He did not (and does not) use just one or two ways to speak to His followers. The answer was, “Don’t limit God to your incomplete knowledge of Him.”

We have the tendency to do that, don’t we?

Father God, thank You for opening our eyes and teaching us new truths and showing us new insights about Yourself. Help us to keep on being learners. Prevent us from trying to put You in our man-made boxes. You are so great! Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Living Water

“Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within Him” John 7:38

Fresh clean water flowing from a mountain! When was the last time you drank from a fresh mountain stream? Or have you ever?

When I was a child, our family lived on a wonderful, scenic 64-acre dairy farm which had treed hills to explore and a creek running through it. During the summer, I would often go fishing for trout. A willow branch was my rod, a string, a cheap hook, earth worm for bait and a nut (from dad’s workshop) for a sinker was what I used. No expensive fishing rod. If I grew thirsty while fishing, I would lean over and drink the water with cupped hands. Refreshing and good.

When Marvin and I bought our first property, we had a deep ravine around three sides of our house. Flowing from the ravine, in several places, were fresh water springs. Actually this is where a river had its beginning.

My husband dug a shallow well and captured the water from one of these springs– this is the water we drank.

Occasionally in fall and winter – our rainy season – the fallen leaves from the trees would block the path of the spring running into the well we would have to remove the rotting leaves and the flow toward the well would begin again.

Aren’t our lives like that sometimes? We have received Jesus Christ and the streams of new life, joy, peace, gentleness flow from within us because of the Holy Spirit. People are blessed when we cross their paths.

However, sometimes the source of our “Springs of Living Water” gets blocked with rotten leaves (sinful acts or attitudes), and they slow down or cut off the stream of Living Water coming out of our life.

You know, all we have to do to get that flow of Living Water flowing out of us again, is sincerely confess our sin (1 John 1:9), and by faith appropriate the fullness of His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Then the streams of Living Water will begin to flow again. Sin blocks the flow!

I encourage you to do this every time you contemplate a sinful act or attitude. Someone once said, “I ‘fess them as I does them, I don’t bunch them.” Great way to live.

Father, thank You for living within us. You are the source of the Living Water flowing out of us. May we always keep the flow free from any obstructions. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Do You Pray Every Day?

“If we are faithless (do not believe and are untrue to Him), He remains true, (faithful to His Word and righteous character), for He cannot deny Himself”
2 Timothy 2:14

Two little girls were playing dress up in their Gramma’s attic. They were playing pretend church. The younger girl asked the other, “Jane, do you pray every day?” The knowledgeable older child answered, “No, of course not. Some days I don’t need anything.”

We laugh because we realize that prayer is much more than asking for our needs. But how often do we go a whole day or at least part of a day without even greeting or acknowledging our Master.

This negligence hit home to me when we were in Nigeria a few years ago. We had two wonderful weeks of ministry. We would have to pray many times a day because there were so many obstacles every day and God answered our prayers over and over again. We experienced so many miracles.

Then it was time to go home. Early in the morning, we headed for Jos airport. After the usual waiting period and checking and rechecking of our documents, we finally boarded and had an uneventful trip to Lagos. We would be spending the day there before flying home.

It was almost noon when we checked into the hotel at Lagos and as I was standing in the hotel lobby waiting for my husband when I realized with consternation that I had not even greeted my Lord yet. Silently I talked to Him, apologized for my neglect. Thankful that even though I had ignoreRemove featured imaged Him, He was still with me and was waiting for me.

Later, I wondered how long we would tag along with a friend or relative if that person would not even acknowledge our presence or talk to us?

How often do you talk to God?

Lord Jesus, I am so thankful that you are always faithful to us, that you never rude, you never ignore us or neglect us. I pray that your Spirit would develop a longing within us for your companionship so that we would communicate with you moment by moment. That we would treat you like we want to be treated. Amen.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Thoughts by All thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women

God Demonstrates His Love

Published August 10, 2023

God Demonstrates His Love

Jesus delights in our company.

Although there are people who don’t enjoy being with us, we know that God actually enjoys our company.

“Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.” Isaiah 30:18

He is our gentle and humble friend. Matthew 11:29 says,

“Come to me . . . for I am gentle and humble . . .”

Imagine, the King of Kings asks us to come to Him – He loves us and He tells us that He is humble and gentle.

He died for all our sins—past, present and future. John 3:16,

“For God so loves the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Because of His death on the cross for our sins and because of His resurrection, we can walk in the power of His Holy Spirit while on earth and spend in the future — live eternally with Him.

Jesus is bigger than all our problems. We don’t need to worry. He tells us not to worry, but to tell Him about our problems. There is not a thing that confronts us that He can’t fix or give us the strength to go through. In fact, He is able to do more than you and I could ever imagine.

“With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20.

He is our shepherd. He knows us and directs us to places that are best for us.

“I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

He also keeps us from going places which would be harmful.

He listens to us. Not only is God always with us, He listens to us.

“The Lord sees the good people and listens to their prayers” 1 Peter 3:12.

How helpless we would feel if we didn’t have access to Him. Our hearts agree with Simon Peter when he said,

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” John 6:68.

Many times a day we go to Him for direction, wisdom, answers, peace and comfort. And He always listens.

Father, thank you for opening our eyes and ears so we recognize Your amazing loving care for us. Amen

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/katherine-kehler_god-demonstrates-love/

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: http://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING:

Jesus is Always There!
How Big is God?
Father God’s Intimate Love Letter to You

God’s Sufficiency Exceeds Our Need – by Sylvia Gunter
God is Our Provider
God Provides for His Own

thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women

You Don’t Know What You are Missing

Published July 26, 2023

You Don’t Know What You are Missing

“God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory” Philippians 3:19

We were having dinner with an interesting group of people from four cities in the United States and Canada. We had never met any of them before and found ourselves sitting beside a couple who were about our age and had also traveled the world. I enjoyed hearing about their adventures.

Towards the end of the meal, they let me know that they were not religious (they had seen us pray before we started our meal). I told them I wasn’t religious either, but I had a personal relationship with God. He said he was an atheist. “You don’t know what you’re missing,” I told him. Shortly after that we all left, but I continue to pray for them.

What were they missing out on, I asked myself later.

•   Forgiveness of sins and peace with the Eternal God. John 3:16
•   Someone to talk to twenty four hours a day. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
•   God’s unfailing love. He never holds a grudge, is never moody, laughs with me, and comforts me when I am sad. 1 John 4:8
•   Someone who listens to my prayers all the time and answers in the way that is best for me and the people I am concerned about. Jeremiah 3:3
•   The One Who changes me and helps me become a nicer person. Galatians 5:22
•   Someone Who gives me wisdom. James 1:5
•   The confidence that God is the blessed controller of all things. Psalm 109:21
•   The knowledge that God opens my eyes to the beauty around me to see the blessings He floods my life with. Psalm 23
•   The One who supplies everything I need. Philippians 4:19

Lord, these are some of the multitude of things this man and unbelievers everywhere are missing because they don’t know You. Open their eyes, Lord, so they can see and believe. Thank You Lord for being everything we need.

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

How is Your Heart Today?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Proverbs 4:23

Is your heart rejoicing today, or are you broken-hearted?
Is your heart pure, or is it deceitful?
Would people say you have a heart of gold or a heart of stone?
Do you have a soft heart or a hard heart?
Do you have a generous heart or a greedy heart?

During the past several weeks, I have been searching the Bible for verses describing our hearts. The Bible tells us that our attitudes and moods are an overflow of what is in our heart.

Luke 6:45 says, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”

How do we keep a heart attitude that is pleasing to the Lord? By being filled (controlled and directed) with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 commands,

“Be filled with the Spirit.”

How do we get a clean heart when our heart is dirty? 1 John 1:9 tells us,

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

How can a broken heart be healed? Psalms 34:18 tells us to ask God to heal our broken hearts.

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

After reading these verses about our heart’s condition, I realize that I can’t change my heart. I have to rely totally on Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus said,

“Apart from me you can do nothing.”

How is your heart today? Can you say with the Psalmist,

“Create in me a new heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me” Psalm 51:10

Lord Jesus, I ask You to take our hearts in Your precious gentle hands and change them, heal them, soften them, cleanse them, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

To learn more about the Spirit filled life visit: http://thoughts-about-god.com/biblestudies_/spiritfilledlife

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Talking to God!

“Always keep on praying” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Our granddaughters, Mercedes (age five) and Tia (age three), were having dinner with us. They were wiggly and giggly just before my husband prayed before the meal.

“Settle down girls,” I said,

“Grandpa is going to talk to God.”

“Talk to God?” asked Mercedes, her big, brown eyes wide open.

“Grandpa is talking to God?”

That was new concept to her. She knew how to “pray” but didn’t realize that praying was actually talking to God.

Vonette Bright, the co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, International, was the person who first modeled spontaneous prayer for me. Talking to God anytime and anywhere. When we were driving from one city to the next, she would suddenly start talking to God about the subjects we were discussing. When we passed a car accident, she would begin praying for the well being of the people in the cars involved in the accident. When she was packing her clothes in garment bags, she would thank for Lord for His provisions.

It is very satisfying to pray spontaneously.

We pray for our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We pray for staff team, about the subjects of our conversation, for our friends and acquaintances, the state of the world, for unbelievers, new believers and much more.

When someone asks you to pray for them, do it right then, either person to person, on the phone or email. They will be blessed; you will be blessed. When the Lord brings names of people or situations to mind, pray for them.

Always keep on praying. Prayer is talking to God – talk to Him.

Father, what a privilege it is to talk to You. You are always there, You are always listening. You always hear us. You care! You like to talk to us. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

By Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

Category: <span>thoughts by Katherine Kehler</span>

“…for His name’s sake your sins were forgiven” 1 John 2:12

Further Reading

FURTHER READING

Father, help us to be wise. Amen

Further Reading

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men” John 5:16

Further Reading

God protects us from harm’s way, guards us from danger, defends us against accusations, shelters us when we are weak, and screens everything that comes our way.

Further Reading

“You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men” Matthew 5:16

Further Reading

Further Reading

A lesson on honesty vs. dishonesty

Further Reading

God Spoke to His Followers Through Angels

God Spoke to His Followers Through Visions

God Spoke to His Followers Through His Holy Spirit

The Lord Spoke to His Followers Directly

FURTHER READING

“Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within Him” John 7:38

Further Reading

Jesus delights in our company.

“God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory” Philippians 3:19

Further Reading

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Proverbs 4:23

Lord Jesus, I ask You to take our hearts in Your precious gentle hands and change them, heal them, soften them, cleanse them, and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

FURTHER READING

“Always keep on praying” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Further Reading