Category: <span>Thoughts by All</span>


“I am the door, if anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

Many Christians I know are frazzled.

They work hard to serve God in tangible ways, and yet time for prayer and rest is brushed aside for modern day guarantees of fulfillment. Idle time is wasted on empty entertainment or scanning phones, having jostled and interrupted conversations with others doing the same.

Jesus invited us to set that all aside for true fulfillment when He said, “I am the door.” Only in Him do we, as weary travelers, finally arrive at a secure destination where we can be nourished.

In today’s passage, God is calling us to the rest that becomes ours by crossing through Christ, the door. We are like sheep that wander. When we ignore God’s door, we come back starved, misled, dirty, or at the very least worn out.

However, when we pay close attention to today’s verse, we see that only back-and-forth, day-to-day fellowship with God will provide us with pasture or food, not only for our bodies, but also for our souls.

No matter how many wonderful things you accomplish each day, no matter how many people you influence, don’t forget to get your nourishment from God so you can continue to please Him as well as to stay balanced. The Door is open and those who enter will indeed reap a healthy reward.

Dear Lord, I pray that You would help me to set aside every encumbrance so I can focus on having time with You. I pray that You would hear the cries of my heart, would recognize my passions, and would turn me in the right direction so I can find true fulfillment for the journey. Thank You for the sweet pasture I find in Your presence. The gifts in my life are plentiful, and I attribute them all to You; they are all for Your glory. Amen.

Thought: We can be at home with Jesus every single day. All we have to do is knock on the door—Him. Don’t’ just knock once today. Knock throughout your day. Draw strength and nourishment from your Savior.

Try spiritual breathing. It’s a great way to keep you knocking.

By Christa Hardin
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

FURTHER READING

Ask, Seek and Knock – by Phil Ware

• He’s Still Knocking –  by Marilyn Ehle

Praying for Results – by Bill Bright

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

Thoughts by All thoughts by Christa Hardin Thoughts by Women


For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.” Hebrews 11:40 (NLT)


This is the way Hebrews 11 ends – that great chapter on faith that includes the faith-driven, God-pleasing exploits of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets, along with all the martyrs who were tortured, whipped, chained in dungeons, stoned, sawed in half, killed with the sword, or went about in sheep and goat skins, hungry, oppressed and mistreated, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. These are those who now make up that great “cloud of witnesses” in Chapter 12: 1. And they are not just politely cheering us on; they have a stake in our faith.

I’ve been wrong about these witnesses. I used to think they were there as spectators cheering from the grandstands of heaven – as if to say, “We did it, so can you,” which would be a great encouragement indeed were that the case, but it’s more than that. They are more than witnesses; they are teammates. They are the first runners in the relay race down on the field, all huddled around the finish line ready to receive us because they want to win, but they can’t win without us. They are the rest of the baseball team surrounding home plate waiting for us to touch home with the game-winning run. They are the first three swimmers on the relay team screaming at us from the side of the pool to give it all we’ve got.

So the next time you feel like slacking; the next time you contemplate that little sin that’s not going to hurt anyone but you; the next time you discover yourself thinking your life doesn’t really make that much difference; the next time you start thinking your most significant days of faith are behind you; the next time you think you’re just waiting for eternity to get here, well… think again, because the likes of Noah, Abraham and Paul, himself, are counting on you. You’ve got the baton now, and they can’t receive the prize they fought so hard for until you finish. So get off your butt, John, and let’s go!

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 hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

by John Fischer
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

 

Thoughts by All thoughts by John Fischer Thoughts by Men


For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”  John 3:20-21 (NKJV)


As a follower of Christ, when someone asks you what you think about a particular topic, it is better not to give them your opinion, but rather, to state what you believe. As a believer, your faith is not based upon your opinion, but upon the truth of God.

Truth is different from opinion because it is founded in the nature, the character, and the will of God. Truth is different from opinion because Truth is eternal. Truth is different from opinion because truth is not influenced by national interests, personal interests, or cultural interests. Nations rise and fall, cultures come and go, and personal interests can differ from one life to the next.

Truth is a plumb line by which every life, nation, and culture can measure itself.

Truth is an anchor for the soul of every life, nation, and culture that wants to hold steady against the winds of adversity.

Truth is a light to the path of every life, nation, and culture that seeks to walk free from the deceptions that lead it into darkness.

Truth is the power that exalts a life, nation, and culture that desires to be kept from falling downward into reproach and shame.

Let the words of truth be in your love songs; Let the knowledge of truth be in your prayers; Let the practice of truth be in your kindnesses; Let the beauty of truth be in your worship; Let the utterance of truth be in your proclamations; Let the choices of truth be in your character; Let the celebration of truth be in your praise.

One of the most important parts of our legacy is to have followed the path where God’s truth has taken us.

“Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:5 (NKJV)

By Roy Lessin
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

FURTHER READING

•  The Walk of Obedience – by Mary Pinckney

•  Blessed Obedience – by Ideletter McVicker

•  God Requires Risky Obedience – by Jon Walker

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  • Pinterest

Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Roy Lessin


The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safeProverbs 18:10


The headline of an article in our daily newspaper read, “Aunt punches, kicks crocodile to save nephew.”
It certainly caught my attention and I read on, knowing that the jaws of a crocodile are very strong. The article told of how an Australian family was having a picnic near a creek. A nephew had shot some wild geese. As he was loading them into his small tin boat, a crocodile lunged at him, gripped his leg with its jaws, and pulled him into the water.

The aunt and uncle raced to his rescue and punched and kicked the crocodile. That was indeed very noble and selfless, but many of us would probably have done the same thing. However, the blows alone wouldn’t have been enough to loosen the reptile’s grip. Crocodiles have a jaw strength of several thousand pounds of force per square inch.

Then I read the clinching sentence. The aunt said,

I hit his nose with my fist and I yelled out, ‘Help! In the name of Jesus!’ and the crocodile let him go.

There is power in the name of Jesus!

When was the last time you cried for help using the name of Jesus? I need to be reminded of the power of the name of Jesus. How about you?

Father, thanks for reminding us again that Your name is powerful. Help us to remember that when we are being attacked by the enemy. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

FURTHER READING

• A Sample Prayer – Claiming our Victory Through Jesus

•  How To Be Sure God Listens To Your Prayers 

Unchanging – A Devotional by Gail Rodgers


SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Thoughts by All thoughts by Katherine Kehler Thoughts by Women


I have given them the glory You gave Me – the glorious unity of being one, as We are – I in them and You in Me, all being perfected into one – so that the world will know You sent Me and will understand that You love them as much as You love MeJohn 17:22,23


One day, as I was reading this prayer of Jesus to God the Father, I leaped from my chair in excitement when I realized that God loves me as much as He loves His only begotten Son!

What is more, He loves us unconditionally. That means He loves us not because we are good, or worthy of His love, but simply because of who He is.

Of course, the miracle of it all is that when Jesus, who is the incarnation of God’s love, comes to live within us, that same supernatural love becomes operative within us, enabling us to love others supernaturally as well.

Agape (sacrificial, supernatural and unconditional love) is best described in the well – known and oft – quoted 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians:

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.”

Question: What limitations do we sometimes try to put on God’s love? Why are such limitations illegitimate?

By Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

FURTHER READING

No Limit to His Love – by Max Lucado

• Simplicity of God’s Loveby Vonette Bright

Chosen Love –  by Kristi Huseby

Thoughts by All thoughts by Bill Bright Thoughts by Men


Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence?  If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too! If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean— even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight! Psalms 139:7-10  (CEB)


Recently I heard someone describe God as the ultimate “First Responder.” That thought stuck with me. So often I think of myself as the first responder and I call 911 for God to come help.

I realize I have a false view of God. God does not need to be “called in” he’s already on site! He is all present, always in every situation! There is nothing happening in my life that God is not present and working.

A second thought… If I came on crisis situation where there was a first responder present (police, fireman, ambulance attendant) I would not take charge but would say, “Tell me what to do. How can I help?” Why, because they are the professional, they know more, have more experience. I would naturally trust them and follow their direction.

God is the first responder in all situations in life. He is present. My role is to daily ask God, “What do you want me to do?” How can I serve you in your plan?” Faith demands that I trust God’s direction because he is all wise, all knowing and sees far beyond my limited vision. I have to remind myself… God is the Ultimate First Responder!

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Further Reading

• Take Your Cue from Fear and Trust God by Kristi Huseby

Our Inability to Trust God – by Jon Walker

Choose Trust –  by Kathy Cheek


SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest


Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard


Found in the Holy Bible, in the book of Luke.

The story of the Birth of Christ Jesus:

“About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.

There were shepherds camping in the neighbourhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him.”

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!”  (Luke 2:1-20).


It was a simple scene that first Christmas – a rough room, a young couple and nothing but a feeding trough to put the child in. It was probably quite cold and with family far away there was little help. Not exactly the Hallmark moment we like to show in Christmas pageants. And yet this rustic scene marked the greatest event in the history of mankind.

God’s Son became human and came to earth to save us. God had promised to send a Messiah, one who would save His people. He could have easily burst on the scene as a full grown man, a seven foot warrior with fiery eyes and arms of steel. This was what many people were looking for, but it wasn’t how God did it. He arrived in the arms of a young girl. He was, as another of our authors put it, “a very small package, wrapped in rags, given from the heart of God. The perfect gift.”

God gave His only Son to die in our place so that we, in all our brokenness, could know forgiveness. He came so that we could know what love feels like, real love – love that never leaves, love that never disappoints, love that is never betrayed. He sent His Son into a corrupted world to bring us hope.

How are you doing this Christmas?
Are you having a hard time finding hope in the world? Are you having a hard time finding peace? It doesn’t have to be that way. You can have peace and find hope and know forgiveness through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Are you at a place in your life where you want to know Jesus and have him in your life?  You can start a life surrendered to Christ today. This is a sample prayer, but the words are powerful and full of meaning.  If  you truly believe them Christ will enter your life and start you on a wonderful journey. (not always easy, but never alone)

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.

It starts now!


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.


Enter Email

Further Reading

•  Marvelous Love – A Story of a Mother’s Love

•  The Christmas Story: Does It Still Matter?

•  Salvation Explained


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest


Thoughts by All


How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.Isaiah 30:19-21


Many of us are very good at what I call the ‘What-if‘ Game. “What if the situation turns out this way? What if it goes that way?” We plot and we plan. We play the options over and over again in our heads, rehearse what we will say and think of all the possible ways the others involved might react. We might even be confident in our ability to sway other people to our way of thinking in order to get what we want.

The Israelites fell into this trap. When their enemies came, the Israelites ran. It seemed the sensible thing to do. They counted on their ability to run faster than their enemies. The prophet Isaiah warned that if they relied on their own abilities instead of on God’s, they would not be able to outrun the enemy.

God told them through Isaiah that rest and reliance on Him were the answers to their problems. The moment they turned to God and confessed their need for Him was the moment He spoke.

King David wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) The Israelites didn’t have to be stronger or smarter. They just had to listen to their Creator. God’s protection and guidance was theirs and is ours today if we will be still, resist the urge to figure it out ourselves, and instead wait for the Teacher’s voice.

Lord, help me resist the desire to rely on my own wisdom and abilities. Give me your peace in every situation and give me the strength to wait on your instruction. Amen.

Be conscious of where your mind goes today. If you find yourself playing the ‘What-if’ Game, direct your thoughts back to God and His Word. To help you do that, you could put the following verse on your phone or write it down somewhere handy:

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7

By Debbie West
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK

Thoughts by All thoughts by Debbie West Thoughts by Women


The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents.” John 9:18 (NIV)


When Jesus healed the man born blind, the leaders of the Salvation-by-List crowd initiated an investigation to determine exactly what happened. Yet, it appears the List-Leaders had already determined the outcome. So, when they found facts that didn’t support their predetermined conclusions, they just kept searching until they could find something that did.

Years later, John bar Zebedee, a witness the investigators ignored, shows us snapshots that reveal the flesh-weapons used by the List-Leaders:

  • Closed mind and closed eyes. In this story about blindness, we learn that seeing is not always believing (John 9:13–16). The List-Leaders could see the truth running counter to their pre-judgments, so they simply rejected the truth.
  • Discredit. The Salvation-by-List crowd asked the man, formally known as blind, who’d healed him (John 9:17). When he said it was Jesus, the leaders attempted to undermine the credibility of God’s anointed, which is perhaps the oldest flesh-weapon we use: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1 NIV). Did God really mean ____?
  • Demand. The List-Leaders returned to the question: “What did He do to you?” (John 9:26 (NIV). They demanded an explanation because their focus was on the how instead of the “wow!” Standing in front of them was a man who’d been born blind, but now he could see—wow, God! Instead, they insist on knowing exactly what happened and how it happened, walking by sight and not by faith (the opposite of 2 Corinthians 5:7)

By Jon Walker
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Further Reading

• Abundant Life for the Asking – by Bill Bright

Courageous Living – by Mary Pinckney

Fireside Wisdom – by Gail Rodgers


Thoughts by All thoughts by Jon Walker

The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter…” Luke 22:61

All around was chaos. Jesus had been betrayed by a follower, then shackled by soldiers and led away from the peaceful garden. He now stood before religious authorities intent on putting Him to death. Peter had heard Jesus’ prediction of his own betrayal but had hotly denied that he would ever leave his Savior. Now he stands in the courtyard within sight of Jesus’ first appearance before His accusers and—just as Jesus had forecast—Peter vehemently three times denies that he knows Jesus.

And then the rooster crows. Peter immediately remembers Jesus’ words: Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times. Peter looks over to where Jesus stands, perhaps expecting an outburst from Jesus: “I told you so, Peter.” Or maybe “It’s just what I expected from you, Peter.” We have no words of Jesus recorded, but Peter’s immediately reaction to Jesus’ look was sorrow: He went outside and wept bitterly. Because of Peter’s later life, I believe he saw sorrow, acceptance, compassion and love.

Often we cringe when we think God is looking on us. We transfer our own judgmental attitudes onto Him, finding it difficult or impossible to believe that His looks are full of grace and truth. That His forgiveness is ready and that He has plans for us almost beyond comprehension. The psalmist wrote it beautifully:

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
They outnumber the grains of sand.
And when  wake up, you are still with me!
Psalm 139:17-19 (New Living Translation)

Lord, I do love you. I do trust you. But I often want to hide myself from your penetrating gaze. Help me “look full in your wonderful face” and there find forgiveness and love.

Describe how you think God is looking at you. How does your description influence the way you look at others?

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

 

Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women


Jesus warned about our days, saying,

Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold” (Matthew 24:10).

The Lord’s warning was not just about conditions in the world; He is speaking to His disciples. He warned about conditions in the church.

Today, the church is overstocked with Christians whose love has grown cold.

As a result, rancor fills our conversations. We have become a sub-culture that is mad that the world has not become Christian, while we are tolerant that we are not Christlike.

When you discuss things that are wrong, does rancor come forth or prayer? The word rancor came from Latin rancere, which meant, “to stink.” (See rancid). This is exactly what we exude heavenward when all we do is find fault and criticize. The smell of our rancor ascends into the awareness of God. These things ought not to be.

On the other hand, intercessory prayer is a sweet aroma to God. Again, when we pass through trials and determine to emerge more like Jesus, our very lives become “a fragrance of Christ to God” (2 Corinthians. 2:15). Amazing! in spite of our flaws and weaknesses, while we are living in this harsh world, we can actually become like Christ.

Indeed, may this be the passion of all who trust God’s Son: to become a fragrance of Christ to God.

By Francis Frangipane
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Further Reading

• How Does Your Life Smell? –  by Bradley Stubbs

What Do You Smell Like? – by Mike Woodard

A Lingering Aroma – by Marilyn Ehle


SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest


Thoughts by All thoughts by Francis Frangipane Thoughts by Men


Soldiers’ Prayer

Psalm 91 is called the Soldiers’ Psalm. We are told that in World War I, the soldiers of the 91st Brigade recited the 91st Psalm daily.

This brigade engaged in three of the war’s bloodiest battles. Other units suffered up to 90% casualties, but the 91st Brigade did not suffer a single combat-related death. God is willing and able to keep His words of covenant promise.

Plead God’s Psalm 91 shield daily. Confidently claim His rest, refuge, safety, covering, faithfulness, freedom from fear, angelic watchers, deliverance, and protection.

Prayer is the War. God’s Word is the Weapon.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9
If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10
then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13
You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14
Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15
He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16
With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation.

From: The Father’s Business, Used with permission

For prayer cards see, The Father’s Business,

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Further Reading:


Follow Us On:  Facebook  • Twitter  •  Instagram  •  Pinterest


Thoughts by All

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.Romans 15:13

Have you ever been disappointed with God? You trusted him to bless you with a job or to answer a fervent prayer for a loved one and nothing happened. It’s as though God doesn’t care.

I think we all have. Let me tell you about one of my experiences. We prayed much for my husband’s healing and claimed scripture that he would be healed. But despite our earnest prayers, fasting, and spiritual warfare, he did not get better. He got worse. Today he’s in a Care Home. This was a severe test of my faith. I had a choice to make: would I give up on God and prayer or would I go deeper? If I let go of God I’d lose all hope. I would sink into despair. I’d become a bitter old woman. I didn’t want that. So I decided to keep trusting God even though I didn’t understand.

I parceled up all my expectations, my disappointments, and my failures and handed them to God. Here, Lord, I give this burden to You now. I don’t understand what is happening. I don’t like what is happening, but I want to trust You with it. I want to trust  that You are in this and somehow You will bring something good out of it.

I prayed this prayer again and again and God did meet my need for courage and hope from day to day. Now looking back I can see much good has come out of this experience. We have grown in our knowledge of God’s faithfulness and love and we’ve discovered that God is enough even when life doesn’t make sense.

Father, I thank you that you’re always acting in love towards us even when we don’t understand what you are doing.

By Helen Lescheid
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/helen-lescheid_disappointed-with-god/


Further Reading

• Breaking the Power of Disappointment – by Francis Frangipane

Rejoice in Hope by Roy Lessin

The Promise of Hope – by Sylvia Gunter


Thoughts by All thoughts by Helen Grace Lescheid Thoughts by Women

“…, people brought the sick into the streets and laid then on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by… and all of them were healed” Acts 5:15-16

As you think of the Apostle Peter’s ministry in the book of Acts, what comes to mind? Is it fearlessness, anointing, miracle worker, dynamic preacher?

Yes, all these are true and God used Peter powerfully. Through Peter God healed a crippled (Acts 3:6-7) and a paralyzed man (Acts 9:32-35), raised the dead (Acts 9:36-43), opened prison doors and gates (Acts 5:19, 12:8-10) and brought thousands to salvation [Both Jews and Gentiles] (Acts 2:41, 4:4, 10:44-46). As the opening scripture in these Devotional records, people even expected to be healed by having Peter’s shadow fall on them as he passed by.

How did such a dramatic change happen in the life of a man who had so callously denied Jesus on 3 occasions? The obvious answer would be the anointing received as Peter and the other disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. How true that is and what an anointing they received!

I would however like to suggest another reason why Peter’s ministry was so effective. I believe it was also because of the power of a prayer. In fact, it was an intercessory prayer that was made on his behalf  by none other than the Lord Jesus himself. Jesus told Peter at the Last Supper “Simon, Simon, satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32). The final result of that prayer was quite amazing as we have seen in Peter’s powerful ministry.

That shows the power of a prayer!

Friend, never underestimate the power behind a prayer. While we may not sometimes see immediate results, be sure the Lord hears every fervent prayer. Therefore, as the Apostle Paul recommends, “Never stop praying” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

By Palitha Jayasooriya
Used by Permission

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/palitha-jayasooriya_power-prayer/


Further Reading

•  How to Pray

•  Sample Prayers

•  What Should Be Included in Prayer?


SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Palitha Jayasooriya


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

We Welcome your comments.

Enter Email
reCAPTCHA

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


SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL: FOLLOW THIS LINK


Thoughts by All thoughts by Mary Pinckney Thoughts by Women