Category: <span>thoughts by Fab Batsakis</span>

In the Face of Adversity
Published April 26, 2020

In the Face of Adversity

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.  ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’  Acts 9:3-6

Saul got up. He’d lost his sight! Before he became blind, Saul was on his way to imprison people belonging to The Way. But God interrupted and redirected his path. Then, Paul prayed and his sight was restored and he had a new vision for his life.

Paul went in the strength God provided, one step of faith at a time. From mission to mission, he made connections and planted churches. His passion was strengthened.

Paul was stoned and dragged outside the city as if dead. He was put into prison, flogged five times with 39 lashes, beaten with rods three times, shipwrecked three times, and faced dangers from rivers and robbers. Sometimes he was hungry, thirsty, and cold. But trials didn’t stop him. His commitment was unshakable. He pressed forward, focusing on the target — setting people free through the good news of Christ. He fixed his eyes on Jesus, not on his circumstances.

Despite his feelings of inadequacy, he allowed God’s grace to carry him through.

“My grace is sufficient, for my power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 9: 9-10).

He dared to write from prison. A good portion of the New Testament bears his signature.

Paul’s strength did not come from self-confidence but from confidence in God’s power. He stood in Jesus’ righteousness. He focused on the future, not on the past. Eventually, Paul said,

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

Dear Father God, I commit my future into your hands in Jesus’ name. Help me to be courageous and to make decisions in the light of eternity and to see the difference. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Wisdom for Deep Waters
Published April 14, 2020

Wisdom for Deep Waters

“For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:11

It takes wisdom to lift your head above the deep waters of life. It doesn’t always mean having a head full of knowledge. Knowing what to do when you’re in the deep waters is the key.

The deep waters of life can drown someone. Oh yeah, if you’re not careful, you may drown. However, if you know how to swim, you become like a fish in deep water. The water’s depth may not change, but once you know how to navigate in it, you can swim instead of panic. You can float and rise above that water. That’s wisdom.

When you feel afflicted by something, you need help. The Spirit of God is willing to help you by giving you wisdom. You don’t need to know why you’re in this deep water. What you need to know is how to move about comfortably so you can rise above it. That’s wisdom.

So, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Ask him what you should do and how to proceed. He will guide you. He’s prepared to show you the thoughts of God.

Wisdom takes practice, just like learning to swim. God never promised that we wouldn’t face the deep waters of life. However, if you rely on the Holy Spirit, he’ll be there for you. Applying God’s wisdom to a situation will help you move comfortably. You’ll swim and maybe even explore this new facet of life.

Father God, I ask you to give me wisdom through the Holy Spirit and help me to apply it to my daily life. Help me float in your grace and not drown in the deep waters washing over my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Why Parables?
Published March 10, 2020

Why Parables?

“He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders.’”  Mark 4:11(NLT)

Why did the best Teacher who ever lived use parables? Some scholars suggest it was easier for listeners of that era to understand because Jesus chose common illustrations from everyday life.

However, you and I both know parables are not always easy to understand. Sometimes they seem too hard to grasp. For years I tried to understand those types of parables on my own.

Jesus makes it clear in this passage that he used parables in public. In private, however, he sometimes explained those secrets of the Kingdom to his followers. I realized then it would take a lot of effort to sit in his presence in order to understand the deeper meanings his parables offered.

Those who are desperate for guidance and are willing to listen carefully will receive in their hearts what the Teacher meant in a particular parable. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the intention behind his words can be clarified.

It is possible for us to see with our inner eyes what Jesus meant but it takes quality time with him to reveal the true meaning of these parables. He enlightens those with undivided hearts and attention. His grace and his Spirit help listeners receive understanding.

What a privilege to get to sit in his presence. You and I get to hear his words as we read Scripture, discern what he means, and apply them to our lives. This will help us to do his will and live in joy.

Father God, help me to understand your written parables. Give me the grace, through your Holy Spirit, to be a doer of your Word. In Jesus’ name, thank you for providing understanding. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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The Way Out of Trouble
Published February 27, 2020

The Way Out of Trouble

“Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all?”  Ezekiel 14:3

Is there anything fighting to claim first place in your heart instead of God?

When God wins your heart, you have no room for idols. Idolatry can take many forms such as a relationship that you value, a loving family, your work, success, or the material possessions you have. Those things are not bad. However, if the desires of your heart for these things are stronger than your desire for God, you need to repent.

Anytime you notice your heart beating stronger for something else other than God, stop and think about it. God doesn’t like it because it can steer you down the wrong path. So, your heart should belong to God above all else.

However, when it happens, there’s a way out of trouble. God sent Jesus to live as one of us so he could identify with our human weaknesses. Jesus died on the cross and was raised from death, not only to redeem us but to cleanse our conscience from all sinful actions, so we can serve the living God with our whole heart. He promises that. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).

This new covenant with God has made a provision to redeem you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness, provided you repent. If you’ve noticed that you sinned, be quick ask God for forgiveness. When you do something wrong or your heart’s desires steer you away, always run back to God, who can forgive you and help you move forward.

Father God, forgive me, purify my heart, and cleanse my conscience, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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It’s Never Too Late
Published February 19, 2020

It’s Never Too Late

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we think. Maybe the doctor gave you a negative report, or it appears you’re past the age of having the family you’ve longed to have. Or you’re still waiting for Mr. or Mrs. Right. Maybe you had it all, and you lost it all. And now you don’t appear as youthful as you used to and you’re back to ground zero.

Maybe it’s a family situation where the happy bells don’t ring all the time and things are not as they used to be. It’s dysfunctional. For the bell to ring, you need to pull on the right string. That’s when it can feel hard to accomplish. In time, it can even become overwhelming. I know.

Who said life is meant to be easy? You can certainly live without the things you want, provided that’s the place you want to be. If not, it hurts. It’s not easy.

Where is God when all this happens to you? When it feels like it’s too late for his promises to still work in your life? What can you stand on then?

Believe that God is at work. Trust him and have faith. Be still. Take a breather. Feel the peace.

God is with you in the midst of everything. He sees you just the way you are. God cares and has a great plan for your life. He loves you deeply. Scripture says in this world you will have trouble John 16:33. But you can have hope because God has given you Jesus – his best gift ever!

Dear God, please strengthen my heart and fill me with peace while you work on my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Finishing Strong
Published January 26, 2020

Finishing Strong

“He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Blamelessness sounds difficult to achieve. You’re correct if that’s what you’re thinking. That’s because no one is flawless. Yet, there is a solution God has made available to us.

This verse shows God will keep us strong and blameless because he knows it’s something we can’t achieve on our own unless he helps us. Once we accept Jesus and confess our sins, he forgives us. We are then acquitted and become clean. All we do is confess, believe, and receive. Then we become a new creature in Christ so we can be right when we stand before God.

Don’t take our righteousness in Christ lightly, though. It’s not because we deserve this. It’s all about what Christ did to make us acceptable before God. By God’s grace, through our faith, we stand before God innocent as if we never sinned because we believe Jesus gave his life for us.

What’s even better is that we have a promise that God will keep us strong in faith until the end. So, stay connected with God.

However, this is not a reason for pride but humility. It cost Christ his life to impart righteousness to you and me. It doesn’t depend on what you do and not do, but his grace should not be taken for granted. Rejoice, but also repent when you fall short.

So, follow and trust him until the very end. He will keep your spirit strong.

Father God, I am so grateful that I can stand before you as righteous because of what Jesus did for me. Thank you for keeping me strong till the very end of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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A New Beginning
Published September 5, 2019

A New Beginning

“So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.” Ruth 1:22

Sometimes it appears too late for God to do something in the natural scheme of things. Circumstances have been set in motion. A new beginning seems impossible. Yet, God is powerful. When a situation is at its worst, that’s when God can show up with his best answer.

There was a famine in Bethlehem. So, Naomi, her husband, and her two sons left Bethlehem for Moab to find a better life. A life where they could have more than enough. Who doesn’t want that for their family?

When Naomi and her family left Bethlehem, the other families stayed behind. They faced the famine — perhaps because they trusted in God.

“Can this be Naomi?” the people from Naomi’s town asked on her return to Bethlehem as a widow. Accompanied by only Ruth, a foreign daughter-in-law now also widowed, Naomi’s situation would have looked even worse. While Ruth appeared to be out of place, Naomi almost didn’t have a choice in the matter since Ruth had insisted that she’d follow her everywhere she would go.

While the presence of Ruth would not permit Naomi to forget her deceased sons, that very same Ruth became a catalyst to her mother-in-law’s new beginning. They both get another chance to be happy again by participating in the harvest. Naomi put aside her past as she helped Ruth find a new husband and bear a son.

God can turn things around for the good. We only need to look forward to his blessings and use them to help others instead of looking back on our past.

Father God, I ask you to help me seize the opportunity granted to me to help someone else so they can have a better life. Help me be aware that you can turn any circumstance into a blessing if we only trust in you. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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The Faith to Please
Published June 11, 2019

The Faith to Please

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

God asked Noah to build a large boat to save his family, a boat he had seen no one else build in the past. Noah needed divine direction to know the size of the boat and other details. So, Noah embraced God’s desires and plan, working by faith. He had to trust God step by step until he completed that boat.

As Noah built, he followed God’s vision for his life as well as the boat. If Noah hadn’t followed the divine instructions, although he built a boat, he could have displeased God. God’s heart desires became more important. Noah’s faith ended up growing as large as that boat! Noah “became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7) when he did the works of faith.

Likewise, you and I can please God if we activate our faith to make things happen. Faith means more than working towards what you want. Focus instead on pleasing God.

Take action when God tells you to do something. Have faith in the desired result as God gives you step by step directions. If you don’t live by faith, you cannot please God. To get things done God’s way, you must activate your faith. How can you show your faith to others if you do not do the works of faith?

If we all had the faith of Noah, how much could we touch God’s heart? Think about the result in our communities if we worked in faith to please him?

Dear God, help me follow your plan for my life so I can please you. Let me walk by faith so I can see mighty things happen in my life as others see my faith in action. In Jesus’ name I ask, amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Pursue Peace
Published May 19, 2019

Pursue Peace

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”  Romans 8:6 (NLT)

Do you live at peace or is your mind wild and full of worries? What if I tell you the answer depends more on you and your decisions than on anything that happens to you?

We all face circumstances in our lives we’d rather not deal with. Worrying starts when we let the “flesh” take over. We become controlled by our appetites and guided by our feelings and senses. But when our mind is guided by the Spirit, it bring us peace.

The question is which one will you obey? The mind of the flesh leading to worries and sin? Or the mind of the Spirit which brings a quiet, peaceful mind? Trying to get what you want from God can lead to frustration. Embracing God’s will rather than your own and relying on the Spirit closes the door on your worries.

Refuse to worry. Pursue peace. Follow the mind of the Spirit.

Keep your mind “on things above” rather than on the flesh (Colossians 3:2). Let the Spirit lead your thoughts so that they become pure and peaceful. Your perspective will shift from hand-wringing to expecting God’s good and perfect will to be done. As you get into the habit of doing this — living by faith and trusting in God — peace will flood your heart. Isn’t that what you really want?

Heavenly Father, I place my burden at your feet. Help me to follow the Spirit instead of my own mind so I can have peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray this. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Who Can I Rely On?
Published April 7, 2019

Who Can I Rely On?

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:3-4

People make promises but sometimes they don’t or can’t deliver. This teaches us not to trust others. Unkept promises can happen because of unforeseen circumstances or a weakness in character.

God makes promises, too. Except that with him, his words accomplish what he sets out to do. Let us then trust in the power and safety of his words. His words are true; they stand forever. Believe in his honesty.

We can’t buy God’s faithfulness with good deeds. We are already good by grace — not because of our efforts but because of our right standing with God through his Son. Yet, we can cultivate a relationship with him and get closer to him. As we get closer to God, we feel his presence in our lives more. We also become satisfied in God for who he is. As we get to know him, we develop a deep trust in him. That motivates us to do good things in His name.

In him, we live, move, and have our being (Acts 17:28). When we depend on God and his Word, it pleases him. We need to trust God with the desires of our hearts. When that aligns with his will, which is the best thing, he will deliver, just like his Word promises. God cares about pure desires. Even if we are not unfaithful, God stays faithful because he is unchangeable.

So, trust and rely on him. Take your eyes off your circumstances and instead focus on God himself.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me to trust in you. Thank you for your faithfulness. Teach me how to do what pleases you in your strength. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Unfair Treatment
Published March 23, 2019

Unfair Treatment

“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:5-6 (NLT)

Not everything has turned out the way I expected. In those moments, my first question was usually, “Where did I go wrong?” Or I used to say, “God, why did you let this happen?’”

I believe in God. I know He loves me. I know I can put my trust in him because there is no one greater than he. He is my Creator, the God of this universe. There’s nowhere else to go other than to him.

But I have faced unfair situations. Have you? Most of the time, when I trust God, it works out well. I’ve learned, though, that relying on God hasn’t always prevented wrongdoings from occurring. “But God, it hurts!”

I asked God to protect me. I trusted him. I believed He would do so, with all my heart. Yet, another person, who had their own goals to achieve, wanted something so bad that nothing would stop them in their tracks — regardless if they hurt me or not. When I prayed about it, God reassured me that he would handle this.

Do you ever take matters into your own hands? I have tried this myself, only to fail. Other times, I relied on God to take care of the situation. I went the extra mile and asked him to be merciful towards the wrongdoer. He dealt with the matter for me.

Trust God — even when you can’t understand. He can give you victory even when it seems too late.

Heavenly Father, strengthen me when I go through difficulties or unfair treatment so I can forgive the offender and continue to trust you. In the name of Jesus I ask, Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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What We Believe, We Attract
Published March 5, 2019

What We Believe, We Attract

“The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land…”  Isaiah 14:1

During the time of Exodus, while the Israelites were passing through the wilderness, their provision came from God alone. Each time they had needs, Moses called on God. God heard and provided miracles like manna for their daily bread, quails for meat, and water in the desert. Eventually, they trusted Him, so He let them enter the land He promised.

Then, they became discontent. They worshiped false gods and complained, which displeased God. So He exiled them from the land He had promised them. But Isaiah reminded them that God still loved them and would fulfill His promises.

God’s heart of compassion knew the right time to settle them in their own land again. He is such an awesome and loving Father! He wanted to fulfill His promises made to Jacob, Abraham and Isaac. So, God insisted on being true to His word. Today, God is still at work for the Jews and for us.

God’s plan for our lives as Christ-followers is beyond our expectations. We can read about the Israelites’ mistakes, but will we learn from them? Do we do anything to display a lack of trust in God when we don’t get our way? Do we seek other “gods”?

Our momentary discontent cannot separate us from God’s love. His heart of compassion is stirred towards us, just like it was for the Israelites, though it may mean disciplining us. Even so, God will not withhold His love from us or abandon His plan.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the great plan you have for my life. Strengthen me so I won’t complain but give thanks. Help me to put my trust in you and your love. In Jesus’ name, I ask. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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Build Wisely
Published January 31, 2019

Build Wisely

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Matthew 7:25

It’s easy to cut corners when building a house. It can seem cheaper to spend less on the materials initially, but in the long run, it costs a lot less to build a strong house than a flimsy one that will need constant repairs. The builder may be tempted to pay more attention to the beauty of the house than its purpose and strength. Yet, that’s not ideal.

A house can represent a physical building, but it can also be a life, a marriage, a family, a ministry, or a business. It’s fundamental to focus on the reason for building this ”house.” Ask yourself what result you want to see. In addition, think about the people who need that house and the difference it makes to them.

In this passage, Jesus explained why building wisely is vital. Jesus taught his apostles through His own life. They would be the pillars of His house; so He invested in them carefully and lovingly. Jesus prepared them thoroughly for the storm. Even though some failed Him, His house stood firm. He had laid a solid foundation that is still standing today and will stand firm for eternity.

Envision the possibility you see for the house. Lay a foundation that will lead you towards your vision. Set godly and reasonable standards. Build on the Cornerstone, which is on Jesus Himself, and your house, however you define it, will weather any storm.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to give me the wisdom to build the foundation of my house on Jesus, the Cornerstone. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Fab Batsakis
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