Category: <span>thoughts by Mary Pinckney</span>


Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”  Matthew 14:14 (NLT)

How do you keep doing for others in the midst of chaos in your own life?

Jesus withdrew to be alone after hearing that his cousin, John the Baptist, was beheaded. But when he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them. Compassion is defined as a desire to help someone who is sick, hungry, or hurting. Jesus wanted to ensure that the crowd had what they needed even at a time when he was in need and the disciples wanted to send the crowd away.

Jesus, knowing the needs of the people, did not turn them aside. He laid his own need aside to ensure the people were taken care of. After doing so, he continued to a place of solitude to pray. By making time to withdraw and pray, he stayed connected to his source and ensured that he would continue doing the will of the Father. This gave him the power, the grace, the instructions, and the wisdom to complete his assignment on earth.

God is asking us to serve others with a heart of compassion just as Jesus did, but at times our own selfish ambitions get in the way. Often, we are so fixated on our own needs or our own insecurities that we miss valuable opportunities right before us. The key to helping to meet the needs of others is first recognizing that God is always our source. When we come to him admitting our insufficiency, he takes what we have and multiplies it.

Lord, I come to you today asking that you fill me with a heart of compassion and love for others. I ask that you minister through me today to those who are in need of your love and grace. I desire to love as Jesus loves. Most of all, I desire to please you in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

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FURTHER READING

Put On a Heart of Compassion by Charles Stanley

Compassion-ate – God’s Compass and God’s compassion

Just Being Nice – Thoughts about God by Doug Lim

thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Men


This  was a week of refreshing and renewal for me. Normally, going into downtime, I go in with an agenda. The last couple of years, that agenda was to meet my deadline to complete my second devotional.  So, needless to say, all of my time went into finishing and not really enjoying the time away.

This past year, I had no plans, no set agenda at all. Much of my day was spent soaking up God’s goodness. I decided to dedicate this year’s downtime to allowing God to work on me. I became the project at hand. And boy was I glad I submitted myself to His graceful hands.

There were moments that the pruning and the refining became a little harder to take, but I withstood the blows as He showed me myself. I walked away feeling much lighter than I have been in months.  I walked away, refreshed, refueled, re-energized, and most of all knowing that the Master did a major work on the inside of me.

I didn’t realize the disappointments, the highs and the lows, that I had endured throughout the year as I worked to accomplish the goals I set for myself had me numb to the state of my heart. I didn’t realize I was still doing only enough to get by until I surrendered my heart to the Master surgeon. It was then that it all became so clear that I was still running from the enemy in me.

I realized, during my much needed time alone with the Lord, that I had not fully grasped His love for me. I had not fully given my all to Him. I was still working to control the reins of my life. This is a losing battle that none of us will be able to master after giving ownership of our life over to the Lord, yet we still strive at it.

I want to challenge you as the New Year begins to take some time to reflect on where you are in your relationship with the Lord.

Have you surrendered your all to Him?

Are you still in control of your life?

Stop for a moment just to listen. You see, it is when we surrender our control that we find total satisfaction in life. No longer will we work to be like everyone else, life our lives in a hurried pace to accomplish one task after another, but we will find ourselves being satisfied with Him and Him alone. He is more than enough.

Lord, we desire to complete the race, the tasks You have set before us even in the area of Holy living. Help us not to get so consumed with winning in other areas of our lives that we neglect the needful part. We trust Your guidance in our lives. Help us to correct any steps that lead us away from You and your purpose for us In Jesus’ name. Amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

Winning and Losing –  by John Fischer

The Battle for the Mind –  by John Grant

Do you know God?  This link explains how you can start to know Him


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3


You may want to pull back from social media when you become consumed with how many likes you are receiving.

You may want to pull back from the accolades of men when it is determining your self-worth and your value.

You may want to pull back when you realize you have become addicted to the applause of others and life seems meaningless when you are no longer receiving it.

When you start becoming everything to everyone and your opinion matters more than God’s; it is time to pull back. We should always strive to be a vessel for God and not God Himself. We have been blessed with gifts and talents to strengthen and motivate others, but it should not take precedence over their relationship with God.

Maybe it is time for you to take a time out and examine your life. Are you thirsty for approval? Are you hungry for relationship? It may be time to unplug from social media, technology, and get alone with God. He is able to satisfy the longing within you.

Lord, may we always take joy in doing your will. May we long for your instructions and write them upon on my heart. When we step outside of your will nudge us back in the right direction. Lead us to the place of truth within our inner man to help us understand we no longer need approval of men; we already have your approval. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Fill us again until we overflow with more of You in Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.



Further Reading

• Finding Perfect Peace –  Kathy Cheek

Peace and Contentment – A Poem to God by Margaret Mullings

Peace in the Midst of Pressure – by May Pinckney


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10


Often times, feelings of inadequacy flood our souls and cause us to compete with others.

We struggle to measure up. We struggle with the feeling of not being good enough. We work so hard to become notable and significant that it becomes a gruesome task to be better than the next person.

When in ministry, it is very important to overcome this mindset. Otherwise, we allow ministry to become a battle ground. This was never the Lord’s intent. He desires that we celebrate with those who celebrate; that we applaud our brothers and our sisters for their accomplishments. He even desires that we come alongside them and help them to reach their full potential.

In doing this, we find that He is not a respecter of persons. What we make happen for others, He will help make happen for us. The scripture text tells us that we are all His workmanship. He has an appointed task and assignment for each of us. We must find our purpose in Him and allow that purpose to be fulfilled. If we focus on another person’s assignment, our task remains undone and the people we could reach remain lost.

My prayer for you is that you recognize the greatness that is on the inside of you. Every one of us has been created with specific intent. Seek the Lord this year concerning your assignment in the Kingdom.

Are you aware of your purpose?

Father, I pray that the eyes of our understanding will be enlightened to see the truth of your love for us as you guide us with your eyes upon us and lead us to that place of purpose that you have created for us. Help us to run the race that you have set before us, knowing that the prize is not given to the swift or the strong, but to the one that endures until the end.  

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Works of Beauty –  by Marilyn Ehle

Feelings of Inferiority –  by Charles Stanley

My Life Has Purpose by Helen Lescheid


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photo credit: Rafael Edwards  Creative Commons license.

thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NLT)


Who are you? What is your place in this world?

This question often baffles many. In our quest to be prominent or recognized we tend to overlook the obvious. There is a uniqueness we bring to this world. I have witnessed in my own life, the very area we tend to struggle in is sometimes the area God has chosen us to bring about change and healing in the lives of those that have been in a similar place.

God chose us to be vessels of His grace in the lives of others. The truth be told, it does not always look glamorous because we sometimes have to bare our souls or show our vulnerabilities, but we have been called for such a time as this to help transform lives. When we begin to embrace the call on our lives to be instruments of love and lead others to the divine grace of our Lord, we find that it is only by God’s grace that we are able to do what He has called us to.

He has equipped us with everything we need to carry out our function in the body of Christ. No, what we have been called to do may not look like the calling of others. It may not be our “ideal” assignment but our part is necessary in bringing the good news to those that we encounter in need of the same grace that we received.

Lord teach us to recognize our value to the Kingdom of God. You have called each of us to impact the lives of those around us. Help us to embrace the place that we have been called to even when it appears that our part seems small and insignificant. Help us to remember that we have been called to help bring Glory and Honor to your name and not our own. In Jesus name, Amen

Thought: If you have struggled with knowing where you fit in the Kingdom of God, ask God to show you through your everyday life what He has called you to. Keep your eyes open and attentive and begin to take notice of the people that seek you out for help.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• A Moving Mountain– Have you ever heard of a mountain moving a person?

My Life Has Purpose – Devotional by Helen Lescheid

Destiny’s Child: He Chose Me First


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


“The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.” Psalm 138:3 (MSG)

Quit giving up on yourself before you get started. You are already victorious!

Quit counting yourself out. You are stronger than you think!

Quit selling yourself short. You are more than a conqueror!

Quit trying to take shortcuts. You are so worth the effort!

Quit feeling sorry for yourself.  You have what it takes! It takes you believing in yourself.

At any time now, you can throw in the towel. However, my encouragement to you today is this; give yourself a chance to get it right.

Lord, today I recognize my own ability to sabotage the work that you have begun in me. Grant me the grace to continue holding on, even when times get tough. Grant me the wisdom to know what to do at those very moments of insecurity. Grant me focus I need to help me stay on task. Most of all, grant me the love and the support I need to stay encouraged along the way. In Jesus name, Amen

Grace and Peace to you,

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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


FURTHER READING

God is Sufficient
Jesus is Always There!
God WILL take care of you
How Big is God?


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)


I have come to find that my efforts alone are worthless when it comes to achieving anything I set out to accomplish. I fail time and time again when I try to do things on my own. If it were not for the grace of God, I would not be able to go forward successfully in what God has called me to do.

Even when I get lost in finding my way through everyday routines — fighting to remain focused on the goals I have set? I find that I can do nothing without Him. I often struggle because I am a “doer” by nature. My works often get me wrapped up in a performance mentality. I find myself doing enough just to get by rather than producing what I am capable of through His grace. Can you relate?

We are to commit and trust our works to the Lord. As it says in Proverbs 16:3, then He will cause our thoughts to become agreeable to His will and our plans will be established and succeed. This has become one of my go-to-scriptures when I am feeling overwhelmed. It puts me back into focus and helps me get out of my own way again. I recognize that I don’t have to have everything be perfect, I just need to relax and trust Him.

I encourage you today to rest in God’s grace upon your life. Rest in knowing that He will help you overcome every challenge you will ever face.

Prayer: Father, we take so much pride in doing what we know is best. We get lost in our own ability and neglect the help you have freely given. Teach us to value your grace in our everyday life. Teach us to recognize the grace you have given us to accomplish what you have called us to. I pray that every day we will commit our works to you so that you will establish our thoughts. May our eyes be open to the countless rewards that await us when we do it your way and not our own. In Jesus name, amen.

Thought: Is there something you just can’t seem to get right on your own? Write it down and present it to God. Ask for His help. Then remain in the trust that He will, in time, provide what you need.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Trading Flaws for Grace –  by Kathy Cheek

Mercy and Grace – by Dr. Bill Bright

Grace Upon Grace – by Roy Lessin


thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.”  Proverbs 12:25 (NLT)


We live in a world that has become filled with mayhem.  Every side we turn there is a school shooting, a kidnapping, a family on the brink of falling apart or even a suicide as we have witnessed recently.

In the midst of all these challenges we have a tendency to become so consumed with our own lives and fail to see those crying out for help right around us.  That is why it is essential for us, as the children of God to hear the voice of our Father.

Every day we should position ourselves to hear what He desires to share with those around us. I love this scripture found in Isaiah 50:4; it reads, “The Almighty Lord will teach me what to say, so I will know how to encourage weary people. Morning after morning he will wake me   to listen like a student.” (GW)  We must become sensitive to His Holy Spirit.

Too many people are walking around not knowing what to do or where to turn and we hold the answers within us.  No, our lives may not be perfect, but we do serve a perfect God. He knows the plans and the purposes He has set for us. Along the course of our journey we should be willing to make ourselves available when He needs to interrupt our plans.  The challenge we are in right now, may hold the key to someone’s victory. That is, if we would take the time to stop murmuring and complaining and learn the lessons.

The Lord would often send others to help encourage and strengthen our hearts in hopes that we would begin to do the same for those that cross our path. Take the time today and pay close attention to that still small voice within.  Begin to share a smile, a hug, or just a few kind words with a stranger or a friend and watch their life blossom. You never know whose live you may be saving. That is the power of encouragement.

Nothing in our lives is wasted. Everything that we have encountered has purpose.  It helps to remember that we were not created to serve ourselves but to serve those around us. You are the answer to someone else’s dilemma. You are their miracle.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  19 Ways to Encourage Others – by Stacy W

•  I Like To Be Encouraged – by Katherine Kehler

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


“He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path.”  Psalm 40:2b (AMP)


2018 came in with a vengeance. On top of seeing snow in unexpected places this year, we have seen a number of tragedies, deaths, illnesses, among other life-altering challenges. It’s almost as if the bottom fell out and many of you find yourselves trying to find sure footing again. Is there a place of certainty that I can find rest? Is there hope for me, my family, and our future?

Even in this moment of transition I speak peace to the weary souls that are at a place of turmoil. I speak rest to your minds from the anxious toil. Cease striving trying to figure it all out and rest in the unfailing love of the Father; for He gives rest to His beloved.

We must learn to accept His sovereignty and receive His grace. There are situations we will never be able to understand. We are to trust that God has it all under control and He is working it all together for our good. He will also reveal His plan as time unfolds.

2 Corinthians 12:9 encourages us to rely on the grace of God; “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul wanted God to remove the problems he faced because they seemed too much for him to bear, but God knowing all too well the purpose of those trials encouraged Him that His power was all He needed.

I challenge you today as you read this to take a step back and ask God to help you see your situation through His eyes. In times like these we need Him to broaden our perspective. As He does take comfort in the rest that He has already provided; be still my friend and know that He is God. There is nothing too hard for our God to handle. When everything around you is shaking, He is a firm foundation. He is the rock of ages. He knows how to steady you and establish your footing on solid ground.

Father, teach me to rest in your unfailing love. I admit I get lost trying to find my way through life’s ups and downs. I don’t always know where to go or what to think. I don’t always know what to do, but you do. May I take comfort in knowing that Your purposes for me will be fulfilled. There is nothing that I will encounter that can separate me from Your love. Thank you, Father. In Jesus’s name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  The Roar of Sorrow – by Marilyn Ehle

• Setting a Proper Foundation for Business and Life – by Dr. Ed Becker

Seizing Opportunities and Becoming a Work of Art by Herb Buller


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.2 Timothy 1:7
(Amplified Bible )


What are you facing today that has you considering throwing in the towel? 

Do you not realize the potential that lies on the inside of you! You are destined to defeat what has tried time and time again to defeat you. Fear’s presence should serve as a reminder that your fight is worth winning. Everything in life will never be an easy “win.”

Today, gird up the loins of your mind. Put your faith into action and fight the good fight of faith. God did not raise you to be a quitter. Remind yourself that you have what it takes to do this. You are well able to complete the task before you. Remember you can do all things through Christ that infuses you with inner strength.

Father, I pray that we will put on the full armor of God today in order to defeat every enemy that rises up against us and in us. Thank you that you have already given us the victory over fear. You have given us power, love, and a sound mind. May we put into action the tools that are readily available unto us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  8 Verses to Remember that God is Fighting for You – by Laura Rath

•  This Day We Fight! – by Francis Frangipane

•   Fight Back | Devotional by Mary Pinckney


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.”  Proverbs 24:10


Lately, I have been focusing on persistent faith in one of my coaching groups. It is amazing how often we start our journey with God on fire! We run head first into new ventures, relationships, new career paths, etc., only to come face to face with the reality it takes to make it all work.

Persistence denotes going forward stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning. And of course we know that faith is the substance of things hoped for. In other words, faith believes in what we cannot see.  So what happens when we apply persistence to our faith?   It should result in a greater fervor, a greater passion, or greater determinations to believe God and to press forward to see what He has spoken come to pass.   Again, this is not always the case, when we come face to face with challenges sometimes we falter in our belief.  Believing becomes difficult when everything looks to be going the opposite direction that you originally hoped. We begin to realize that it will take much more than originally planned. Does this mean it is not worth fighting for? Absolutely not!

My goal today is to help encourage those of you that have found yourselves here. You have come to a place of decision. Should you continue or should you quit? I say to you today, you have come too far to turn back now. If challenges have increased regroup and find the inner strength you need to keep moving. It’s OK to make adjustments. Just don’t quit!

There is a fighter on the inside of you.  Go back to God and seek further instructions. What did He say in the beginning? Did you get all the directions before moving forward?  If the path you are on has been sanctioned by Him, He knows the way that you need to take; allow Him to work in you the will to complete the process.

Lord, increase my strength when I am ready to quit and throw in the towel. It’s only by your grace that I am able to keep going. Open my eyes to see the changes that need to be made, the path that You have selected for me, and the resources You have supplied. Thank you for always equipping me for every battle I face. In Jesus name amen.

Thought: Revisit your previous plans and journal the answers to the following questions. What adjustments do you need to make to stay on track with the vision? Who can assist you? What additional resources will you need?  Will it require extra time?  Did I hear God clearly?

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  Never Give Up – by Helen Lescheid

•  When Satan Hinders You – by Charles Stanley

•   Take Goliath Down –  by Max Lucado


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women


The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endures forever–forsake not the works of Your own hands.Psalm 138:8 (Amplified Bible )


The story of the Prodigal son weighed on my heart today.  Watching the Father allow his youngest son to leave home and experience life reminds me of the challenges we face as parents to our natural and spiritual children. The process of growing and maturing is not always pleasant to watch.  We cannot raise strong, responsible children or even spiritual sons and daughters by shielding them from all pain and hardships, especially those that come from their own decisions.  Often times it is the pain that leads them to the arms of the Father.

There comes a time, as parents, we must release our control and learn to trust God in the process. Looking back at the Father in the parable, he knew that he had to allow his son to leave.  But he also knew that he could trust the Lord with what was precious to him, the life of his son.   We too must allow our heavenly Father to mature our children and bring them to perfect stature in Him.  Just as the prodigal son came to himself realizing that he had it better with his father, our seed will as well.  It may not be an easy transition but it is a necessary one.

Father, grant us the grace to trust you with the lives of those we love.  Lord, teach us continually how to guide them in wisdom and truth. As we commit them to you, I ask that you reassure us daily that you will complete the work that you have begun in them.

Scriptural References

Luke 15:11-24
Psalm 57:2
Philippians 1:6
2 Timothy 1:12
Isaiah 54:13

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  The Father is Waiting -by Helen Lescheid

•  Hitting Rock Bottom – by Katy Huth Jones

•  Salvation Explained

thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women

“Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength.”   Ephesians 6:10 (GW)


Ever had one of those days when you felt as though you had nothing left in you; no motivation, no passion, no desire to move forward?  Feelings of worthlessness begin to surface and it seems as though you are headed backwards instead of forward.  What happened to the fervor and the passion?

If this is you today, I have a word of encouragement for you.  The Lord wants you to know that He is still working.  Sometimes handling life’s challenges can drain us of our power and our drive to keep going.

Some of us are just in need of good refreshment.  I am reminded of the passage in 1 Kings 19 wherein Elijah was on the run from Jezebel after defeating 850 prophets of Baal.   This was a great victory for Elijah and other great feats followed.    What caught my attention in this story however was that Elijah became fearful when Jezebel sent him a note about what she would do to him.  She didn’t come to him face to face, she sent words.   On that note, what has the enemy been speaking to you that has you sidetracked?

Elijah came to rest under a tree and prayed that he might die.  Upon falling asleep, he was visited by the Angel of the Lord.  Elijah was given bread and water and told to eat because the journey ahead of him was great.  That spoke volumes to me.

As Christians, we need to stay connected to our power source.  When our phone dies or our battery looks low, the first thing we do is connect to the power source.  Why not do the same spiritually?  Just like a battery needs to be recharged by being plugged into its power source, so do we as children of God.  Our feelings and emotions begin to get out of control when we are not connected to our source of power.   When I say plug in and recharge, I am referring to our need as believers to fast, pray, and spend time in the presence of the Lord.  Find the time to reconnect today. Be strengthened; you have not lost your fire and passion; you are just running low on spiritual fuel.  Finally my brethren, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength.

Father, I thank you for the power and the strength that you provide us. I pray that we will not take lightly what you have made available to us. May we be recharged daily so that we can accomplish the works you have given us to do.  In Jesus name Amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
From:  Be Attitudes: A Devotional Journey To a Healthier and Happier You

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Further Reading

Getting Holy Spirit Power

•  A Poem of Hope …”I feel the arms of God around me”

•  Salvation Explained


Thoughts by All thoughts by Mary Pinckney


If there is a specific fear or doubt that has been grabbing hold of you recently, bring it to Jesus.


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  Hebrews 12:1

  • It takes courage to face the truth about yourself — your fears, doubts, and insecurities.
  • It takes courage to admit you are wrong when you have hurt someone.
  • It takes courage to stand up for righteousness in the midst of what is popular and accepted.
  • It takes courage not to defend yourself when you know you are innocent.
  • It takes courage to love those that despitefully use and abuse you.
  • It takes courage to forgive others so that you can be forgiven.
  • It takes courage to believe in a God you can’t see.
  • It takes courage to trust that God is in total control when everything around you is in total chaos.

When we walk by faith, we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. They walked the same walk before us. Many of them did not get to see the promises of God fulfilled on this side of Heaven. They died still believing that what God promised would be theirs.

These men and women of God faced major challenges because of what they believed, but they still believed. Their lives were shared with us in the Scriptures to encourage and inspire us not to quit in tough times. Let us therefore strip off every weight and every sin that so easily distracts us. Let us lay down our will and become heroes of faith for those that will follow us.

Father, we desire to do your will in the midst of tough situations that we face daily. We want so much to live a life that is pleasing to you. We desire to follow the example of so many others that have gone before us. Their faith walk showed us how courageous they were as they stood for what they believed. May we walk in that same courage as we continue in our journey before you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If there is a specific fear or doubt that has been grabbing hold of you recently, bring it to Jesus and pray for his courage to fill your heart as you face that challenge.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  Whatever you do…

•  We are Christ’s Ambassadors

•  Salvation Explained


 

thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NLT)


I have come to find that my efforts alone are worthless when it comes to achieving anything I set out to accomplish.

I fail time and time again when I try to do things on my own. If it were not for the grace of God, I would not be able to go forward successfully in what God has called me to do.

Even when I get lost in finding my way through everyday routines — fighting to remain focused on the goals I have set ? I find that I can do nothing without Him. I often struggle because I am a “doer” by nature. My works often get me wrapped up in a performance mentality. I find myself doing enough just to get by rather than producing what I am capable of through His grace. Can you relate?

We are to commit and trust our works to the Lord. As it says in Proverbs 16:3, then He will cause our thoughts to become agreeable to His will and our plans will be established and succeed. This has become one of my go-to-scriptures when I am feeling overwhelmed. It puts me back into focus and helps me get out of my own way again. I recognize that I don’t have to have everything be perfect, I just need to relax and trust Him.

I encourage you today to rest in God’s grace upon your life. Rest in knowing that He will help you overcome every challenge you will ever face.

Father, we take so much pride in doing what we know is best. We get lost in our own ability and neglect the help you have freely given. Teach us to value your grace in our everyday life. Teach us to recognize the grace you have given us to accomplish what you have called us to. I pray that every day we will commit our works to you so that you will establish our thoughts. May our eyes be open to the countless rewards that await us when we do it your way and not our own. In Jesus name, amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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Blog: https://findingtruthwithin.com/


Further Reading

•  Grace Upon Grace – A Devotional by Roy Lessin

•  Trading Flaws for Grace– A Devotional on Grace by Kathy Cheek

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women