thoughts by Gail Rodgers Archives - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published September 9, 2023

The Root System

Sue was pretty happy with her life. She had been telling herself for months that she was really OK. The hurt and pain of the previous months were gone now, or so she thought. Life was settling into routine again and it felt good! She was glad the confusion seemed to have lifted and she could see clearly again. That’s why her response came as such a surprise to her.

Her new boss knew nothing of the past pain of being passed by for that promotion or the lies that had been told about her in order to justify the hurtful decision. It was all just a part of the past now she had thought. Until today, until her boss made a seemingly innocent comment and the hurt and anger welled up with a fresh vengeance that surprised even Sue herself. Some words sprang out, unbidden. Words that did not help her position in her new job. Words that did not leave the Christian testimony Sue so deeply desired to show. A bitter root. Justified perhaps by the storms of life, but nevertheless a root that would continue to fester and spring up in her life if not dealt with.

We all get them! Hurts that go down into the depths of our soul and fester there. God even talks about bitter roots. He says:

“Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.” Hebrews 12:15

If you get bumped in life and find that a bitter root has been disturbed and springs up with in you, take action! When caught by surprise by a root system that you did not think was in your heart, dig it out! Ask God to take the hurt and pain and replace it with His peace.

Some roots get dug out all at once. Other roots go little by little as we begin to recognize their presence and ask for God’s help in dissolving it. Ask Him to reveal to you each time that root gets nudged so you can recognize it and call on His help in ridding your heart of it.

Dear Father, Thank you that you know the habit I have of hanging on to roots that I need to let go of and place in your care. Nudge my heart today to get rid of those old roots of fear, anger and hurt. Help me today to turn each difficult challenge into an opportunity to reach for your strength so that no new roots take hold in my life. Amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Choose Carefully

Do you ever feel like God has not lived up to your expectation in some particular circumstance of your life? Perhaps you have believed… yet nothing has happened. When you feel confused and wondering if God has let you down, you have a choice to make.

You can choose to be offended at God’s seeming silence and disinterest and allow doubt to slip into your heart… or… you can choose to believe God loves you with a lavish love and has your best interest at heart… even when things seem to make no sense to you.

Jesus addressed this very thing. In His words to John the Baptist He says what our hearts still need to hear today…

“Blessed are those who don’t doubt me.” (Matthew 11:6 The Living Bible)

Times come to all of us when God’s activity in our lives seems to make no sense. We wonder at the circumstances we find ourselves in and we may sometimes even feel abandoned by God. We could easily slip into doubting our great God.

Yet God tells us…

He will never leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

He has lavished His great love on us. (1 John 3:1)

He cares about the burdens we carry and invites us to cast them on Him to carry for us.
(1 Peter 5:7)

He invites us to learn His ways and find rest for our weary and burdened souls.
(Matthew 11:2)

If your heart is heavy today because you feel confused about what God is doing in your life, know that you have a choice to make.

You can let doubt in Him slip in and permeate your soul… or you can let these truths penetrate your heart. Each will bring its own result. Choose carefully.

Jesus promises you will be blessed when you choose to keep trusting Him even when it seems to make no sense. Ask Him to help you keep your fragile faith intact and leave your hand in His. He will be true to His word and you will be blessed as you trust our faithful God.

Father God, Today I call out and ask You to increase my faith. It feels tattered and worn in the confusion of my present circumstance. Help Your truths to penetrate my heart and my mind. Help me as I choose to trust You, my faithful God. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

People!

You are an influencer!

Oh, the world may not follow your fashion sense or tweet your quotes – but in the circle of people you touch, you are an influencer.

In your home, at work, as you go about your business, even on the phone, you have opportunities to make a difference, to influence.

Our words, our tones, our attitudes impact how each encounter plays out through the entire week.

Kindness and courtesy are often overlooked in our busy interactions. Words can push down rather than pull upward even with those close to us. As we hurry to meet deadlines we forget that God actually warns us that in the hustle and bustle of the day our hearts can begin to get hard.

That’s why He tells us to encourage one another daily. It’s not merely a nice suggestion. The God of the Universe, who created us, knows we need each other more than we think. We all need the listening ear that shows care. We all need encouragement. And we need it to keep our hearts from becoming hard in this world of self -focus and “me first”.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3: 12 & 13

“O Lord… I don’t particularly look forward to some of the interactions in my week. Please help me to be willing to offer bits of encouragement as I go through my day. Help me hear beyond the words and listen to the hearts, even in the busy passing of information. And Lord, help me to see the encouragement You send my way too. Don’t let me overlook it or minimize it, but capture it and thank You for it. Use it to change my perspective this week as I choose to be an influencer for good. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Today put a higher value on encouragement. Take note of the words and the people who give you a push to something higher. Thank God for that spark of encouragement.

Then be intentional about offering encouragement too. Small acts of kindness can reap big results. You may not always know if you have helped to keep a heart from becoming hardened but the act of encouraging will also guard your own.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

The Wrestling Match

She understood God loved her. She believed He had her best interest at heart. Connie never doubted His goodness. But she never knew there was an enemy of her soul. She never understood she could be armed and ready in her faith to resist him and stand firm. She didn’t understand how to be proactive in her faith, rather than just reactive in her circumstances.

Could this wall she was feeling in her marriage be more than just the seven year itch that people told her was normal? She didn’t like the irritating edges that ran between her and her husband like sandpaper these days. The arguments were so silly yet they seemed to blow out of proportion so fast. It simply wasn’t like them. She asked God for patience every day. Yet the wall seemed to grow.

Then she read it in God’s Word, the Bible. It jumped off the page.

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10 & 11

There was a battle going on alright and it was clear that it was not simply between her and her husband. Spiritual forces were at work. God sounded the alarm. He gave His assurance that His mighty power was enough to handle the struggle. He would equip His people.

Connie saw the unusual edginess in her marriage in a new light. When the irritation began to rise within her she breathed a prayer asking God for His mighty power to overcome the powers at work to divide her household. She saw her husband in a different light now, not as her opponent. She silently asked God to pour love for him into her heart. Connie took a stand against the devil’s schemes.

Look around your life. Is there a situation where you find yourself repeatedly struggling with another person? Do you find yourself constantly in a wrestling match which leaves you defeated and deflated? Is the reaction between you out of proportion to the grievance? Know that your enemy is not the other person. Know that the Lord’s mighty power can equip you to rise above the conflict.

Not every argument is a scheme to divide your household… but be aware when you are struggling with another person and ask God to make you strong in His mighty power.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Peace and Faith

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

Walking in peace, with your heart calm even when life is not, is one of the wonderful benefits of the Christian life.

God reminds us to pay attention to what is going on within our hearts and to make some intentional choices.

Your heart is the well-spring of all of your life. It is the place from which your reactions, your attitudes, your actions all bubble up from. All that you are as you walk through this day, with whatever it holds, will spring from your heart. That’s why God tells us specifically to guard that well-spring.

We are wise to check what is residing in that well-spring especially when we find peace has vanished and worry and stress has taken it’s place.

Among the many things we find in our hearts there will always be one of two very specific things in the lead. Faith or Fear. One will always be on the top of the heap. They cannot both occupy the same place. If faith resides there your well-spring will pour out peace and confidence in God’s care for you, even in the midst of uncertain times.

If fear resides there anxiety and depression will be the natural outward flow. Faith or Fear. Every day we choose. Many times a day we choose.

Faith over-rides Fear. Fear over-rides Faith.

God tells us exactly what to do when fear grips our hearts and takes over our minds. Left unchecked it will scatter our faith and our peace like confetti in the wind and leave us anchor less in the storms of life.
Yet God in His love gives us specific instructions as to what to do.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

What a simple formula! Not easy – but simple. Worry is a call to prayer. The moment you become aware of that churning anxiety over ANYTHING, go immediately to your Heavenly Father. Present your requests to Him. Then turn your thoughts and prayers to thanksgiving.

• Thank Him for His promise to never forsake you.
• Thank Him for the power of His name.
• Thank Him for His intimate knowledge of every detail of your life.
• Thank Him for His track record in your life when He has been there for you in the past.
• Thank Him that He works all things together for your good as you trust Him.
• Thank Him that He is at work establishing His kingdom in your life.

Your faith and trust in God will over-ride your fear and His peace will actually put a guard around your heart and mind so fear cannot over run you. It’s supernatural and it’s real.

Father God, I confess that I often allow Your peace to slip from my heart. Fear is often my first response to challenges that come my way. May I be conscious today of choosing to trust You with every detail of my life. Help me to have faith to leave the question marks in Your control and to trust You to carry me and to sustain me with your peace that is beyond understanding. Today I choose to put my trust in You. I choose to walk in Your peace. Fill my heart with childlike faith today I ask in the strong name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Peace and Thanksgiving

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

We live in a world that often produces within us the very opposite of peace.

Our stress and busyness is a normal response to the rush and cares of the day. Yet God calls us to something higher. He calls us to peace.

Is peace ruling your heart today? It can. When you and I first believed that Jesus is the Son of God and opened our hearts to receive His forgiveness and power in our lives we were given the gift of God’s peace. Do you recall receiving that peace? It’s a peace that is unexplainable and peace that remains even as life and the news of the day swirl around us.

Yet it’s easy to loose our grasp on that wonderful gift. It’s offered afresh to us every morning as one of His great mercies toward us.

•   We need His peace to calm our hearts in challenging days.
•   His peace brings health to our minds and our bodies.
•   Living with peace in our hearts honors God.
•   Our peace helps point others who are looking for peace to God.

His peace is free for the taking. God tells us how. Listen again to the wonderful words of life from His word:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

It sounds like it’s a choice. I can let peace rule or I can let peace get buried at the bottom of all those other responses to life. Just how does one go about letting peace rule the heart? God tells us one of the basic steps to walking in peace. He always gives the “how to” when He asks something of us. Catch the often-overlooked words that this verse ends with: “and be thankful”.

Choosing to look at your day and your circumstances and your life with a heart that is filled with gratitude will open the door to peace. Yes, it’s true.

Life is not perfect anywhere on this planet. There are challenges both large and small that come to each one of us. Each challenge has the potential to rob our peace. Yet as we choose to be thankful to God in the midst of those challenges His peace will begin to rule our hearts.

Yes, it can sound trite especially if you are walking in a deep and challenging place today but the principle is sure. It is foundational to a heart that is ruled with peace. “And be thankful.”

If it feels impossible to be thankful where you stand right now ask God to help you to say “thank you” to Him that He alone can give you peace. Thank Him for His love and His care and His power to lead you today through the maze of your life. He will help you as you choose gratitude today and let peace rule your heart.

Prayer of action:

Father God, so often my heart finds it easier to see the things that I am not thankful for. Open my eyes and my heart to having a new attitude of gratefulness to You.

Help me today to enter into each part of my day as doing what is in front of me for You and as one representing You. Help me to be keenly aware of all the places today that I can offer You my thanksgiving as I choose this day to LET Your peace rule my heart. Fill my mind with the things You bring to my life: Your strength, Your power, Your help and Your love. Thank you that You will help me choose well what rules my heart today. I choose Your peace. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Questions: What are you thankful for? How can you be more thankful?

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Fireside Wisdom

We sat around our backyard fire pit. As we watched the stars come out we talked about how to walk our faith out on a day-to-day basis. We talked about what the Bible had to say about business ethics; raising kids; dealing with church politics or prickly people. At the end of many of our discussions our friend, Jerry would say, “It really all comes down to abiding.”

I still keep coming back to that. It truly is the answer to walking out our Christian faith where the rubber meets the road… and it affects our praying.

John 15 describes so well the picture of what abiding is. The picture is clear of the branch attached to the vine and producing much sweet fruit.

Jesus explains the picture and reminds us that He is the vine and we are the branches. It is only when the power of the Holy Spirit flows through us that we are able to touch lives with His love. A life changed by Jesus’ love is the fruit produced. Apart from Him we are able to do nothing of any eternal value.

Then Jesus goes on to say something truly amazing…

“If you remain (abide) in me and my words remain (abide) in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7 & 8)

The result is clear. My abiding in Christ will even affect my prayers. In the original Greek this word “abide” means to “continue to be present”.

If I “continue to be present” with Christ and make time in His presence a priority, I abide in Him. As I seek Him throughout my day, in each decision I encounter, I abide in Him.

If I let His Words of truth from the Bible “continue to be present” in my life, applying them to my heart and my actions, then His words abide in me.

This, in turn, will make my God renowned. It will show the world around me who my God is and others will be drawn to Him.

When God’s Word is a continuing presence in my life, guiding my thoughts, actions and attitudes, then my prayers will be different from the self centered requests I often beg God for. The results will be for eternity.

Our fulfillment in this life comes as we bear fruit for God’s kingdom. Keep God’s Word central in your heart and in your life. Let His words “continue to be present” as you walk out your faith in front of a world that needs to know “who my God is”!

Father God,? Fan the desire in my heart to read Your Word. Make it clear to me so it will guide my thoughts and my actions. Reveal to me the treasures in Your Word. Cause me to pursue it more than silver or gold or any other thing, for Your words are life to my soul.? In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Receiving the Unshakable

God invites us, in the midst of our instability and times of turmoil, to be brimming with worship and deep reverence before God.

How is that possible? The 5 steps we have discussed in this series take us to a place where our roots go down deep into all God is and all He offers us as we trust in Him. He helps us to:

•    Keep alert
•    Keep a soft heart
•    Keep training
•    Keep unity
•    Keep going

When all is said and done it is His kingdom values that will strengthen our lives in the very core of our being.

Even though we know we will share in God’s Kingdom in eternity, there is still hope for today in every maze of life we find ourselves in.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:25

As we put our roots down and tap into the strength and resources of God, we will find an unshakable source in the kingdom of God to steady and strengthen us. This knowledge brings us to a place of thanksgiving. As we experience the unshakable kingdom of God within us our hearts are filled with worship and awe. We begin to experience the deep well of all our God is.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20

“The kingdom of God is within you.” Matthew 17:21

Prayer: Father God, It is only by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I can keep the faith in trying times. Fill me with Your Spirit. By Your Spirit give me a heart that is thankful for all You are as my Provider, my All-sufficient One and my Strength. Let reverence and awe fill my heart with worship as I look up from my circumstances to You, my faithful and true God, my Rock and my Hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Learn more about being filled with the power of the Holy Spirit How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

FURTHER READING

When Confusion Prevails

The Power of Forgiveness

Dealing with Inner Turmoil

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thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

What is Best?

Published May 1, 2023

What is Best?

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11.

There are many good things to do, many places to be, so many people to connect with that it’s hard to discern what is best among all the good that clamors for attention. As we try to manage the good we can forfeit the best and find ourselves unproductive and unfruitful, even in the midst of a schedule full of good things. How does one sort it all out? As always, God’s word gives us specific guidance in Philippians 1:9-11.

Discerning what is BEST leads to fruitful living that pleases God. The instruction is specific.

B- Be intentional about growing in your love for God. This will change the way you act.

E- Enlarge your knowledge of God and how He loves you. Learn about who Him. This will change the way you think.

S- Seek His Spirit to give you a depth of insight that surpasses your own. This will guide you in how to share His love.

T– Thank God at every turn in your day. That will keep your heart tuned to His grace and love and will overflow your life with a fruitfulness that will change not only you, but also the world around you.

Prayer: Father God, I do want to be able to discern what is best among the many things that call for my attention. Thank you for this instruction that Your love is the foundation of all I am and all I am called to do. Please help me to be intentional about focusing on Your love for me and on growing in my knowledge of who You are. By Your Spirit I ask that You change the way I think and act as I experience Your love in a greater way. Please give me divine insight in sharing Your love. Make my life fruitful in a way that reaches far beyond the list of all the good and busy things I can attend to. Give me Your wisdom to discern what is best as I seek to be changed by Your love and to share that love with my world. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Challenge: Take some time to ask yourself if the best is being forfeited by the good in your life? Talk it over with the Lord.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

The Relentless Tide of Gods Love

We sat on the beach watching the waves crash in and wash out. As they splashed against the rocks there was an amazing spray of ocean droplets, shining like diamonds in the afternoon sun.

Later that evening we sat on the same beach. In the semi-darkness of the full moon night we could faintly see the rush of the waves still splashing upon the rocks. We could hear the same rumble as their rhythm beat against the shore.

The heavy rock formations along the beach were carved in amazing shapes by the waves as the relentless tide took them out and brought them in again. The constant washing over the rocks changed the faces of them and, over time, change along the whole beach was evident.

As I sat there, aware of the never ceasing motion of the waves I thought of God’s love. Much like the ocean it beats a steady, constant rhythm in our lives, washing over the hard places creating a newness that we marvel at. Sometimes it comes in gentle waves and warms our hearts. Other times His love crashes in on us in surprising ways that catch us off guard. Yet His love is sure and will never fail us.

Just as sure as the tide comes in and goes out daily, we can rest assured that the relentless tide of God’s love will encase us in His never-ending care. He will create new and wonderful formations within our hearts. His faithful love can be depended upon in the gentle waves and in the crashing rumble as it surrounds us daily. Though it’s not always predictable and tame, God’s love is always good! Trust it. He is your faithful God and He loves You with an everlasting love that always has your best interest at heart.

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Father God, Thank you that Your love never ceases. Thank you for washing over my life with Your amazing love and grace. Please help me to trust Your love always, even when it seems hard to understand. May I trust Your never-ending care and allow the new formations in my heart that You alone can create. Thank you Lord! I pray this in the name of Jesus, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Focus

“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:10 & 11)

Undivided. Fully committed. The dictionary definition of undivided is “whole, exclusive, not partial”. Do you find it a challenge on a busy morning to keep your heart focused with awe on your great God and all He is? Is His faithfulness front and center in your heart and mind as you step out into your day? So often our hearts tend toward being divided in our focus and in our faithfulness and we easily forget that His great faithfulness and His lavish love only has our very best interest at heart.

I love how God can be counted on to remind me throughout my day that He is going ahead of me in every task. His mercy and goodness will follow me as I follow Him
(Psalm 23).

Following Him wholeheartedly through the day is not another chore on the “to do” list. As we pray the words of this verse, “teach me Your way, O Lord”, He comes and reveals His faithfulness as we walk. In turn, our hearts are moved toward fuller devotion to our great and marvelous God. And we are filled with awe.

O Lord, “Teach me Your way that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may stand in awe of Your name.” Amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Christ is Risen!

This Easter Sunday I was impressed with the newness that the Risen Christ brings to our lives. Being reminded of how His death conquered all that drags us down truly brings us back to the roots of our faith and our freedom. The “stuff of life” can easily distract and pull us away from the life changing truth that is ours on a daily basis.

With renewed commitment today I want to take to heart the words of Hebrews 12.

“… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.’ Hebrews 12:1-2

1 Peter 1:13 tells us exactly how to do this in very practical terms:

– Prepare your mind. Keep scripture fresh in your thoughts.
– Be self-controlled. Pay attention to where your focus lies.
– Set your hope fully on the grace to be give you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Let’s receive the grace offered to us on a daily basis, knowing that the trials of life are not the enemy. Rather the enemy is the choice of becoming lost in the trail and failing to grasp the grace held out to us daily to sustain us through the trial.

So let’s run with the grace given to us for today, and trust God with the tomorrows of our lives. His grace will meet us when we get to tomorrow.

Christ is risen indeed! May we walk in the power and grace of the risen Christ.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Peace Like No Other

Be blessed today with the peace of Christ.
Be blessed today with His peace that is beyond understanding.

It isn’t a peace like the world knows.
It is a calm and safe place to rest your heart.

Be blessed today as you rest in His peace, untroubled and unafraid. Linger there.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
And do not be afraid.
John 14:27

Father God, thank you for the peace that only You can give. A peace that is beyond understanding even in the midst of chaos. Help me to linger there today and allow Your peace to penetrate my heart and mind. Amen

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

A Circle Effect

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

There’s a cycle that happens in our lives as we choose to bring God into focus throughout our day.

Here is one of my favorite examples of this beautiful circle effect.

God’s word tells us,

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

Being the gatekeeper of our hearts means being careful what attitudes we nurse, what thoughts we allow to make paths in our minds, and what images and words we allow entertainment to deposit there. The essence of our lives springs from our hearts. When a heart is at peace, peace springs from within. When we allow anxiety, anger, or edginess to live there that is what springs forth. Our entire lives are affected by the wellspring of our hearts. Then God tells us exactly how He will guard our hearts and minds, and help us tend to the wellspring of our hearts!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:4-6.

As I guard my heart, He offers His peace to guard me in return! What a beautiful circle!

Lord God, today I choose to guard my heart by turning my focus to you and rejoicing in all you are to me. Today I choose to be aware of your constant presence with me and to allow your presence to impact my responses with a gentleness of spirit. Today I choose to see my worries as a call to prayer and to present each one to you. Today I choose to live thankfully knowing you are able to handle all that concerns me today. Today, I choose to guard my heart. I praise You that as I do, your peace, which is beyond understanding, will also guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus! What a beautiful circle! Today I choose to give my heart to you. Thank you Jesus. I pray this in your powerful name. Amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

Increase Your Trust in God

“COME unto me all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest…for your souls.” Matthew 11:28

Sometimes we can feel parked in our faith and not moving forward in trusting God. In those times it’s important to be intentional in responding to God’s invitation to find rest and trust Him.

God promises to draw near to us as we draw near to Him. It’s a promise you can count on. So come now and intentionally draw near, right where you are.

C – CAST your concerns

“Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Bring Him your unanswered question/self pity/your disappointment/ your distracted life …. to Him. Voice your specific need right now.

O – OPEN your heart

“Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.”
Philippians 4:6&7

Open your heart completely to Him and tell Him all your doubts and reservations. He understands you. Don’t forget to thank Him that He hears and will answer you.

M – MAKE REQUEST

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Lay aside your own best thinking and confidently ask God to give you what He knows you need today. Thank Him for His mercy and grace in your times of need.

E – EXPECT

“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

Let His peace and joy flow over you and spill out to those around you.

Lord God, Thank you that I can sit in Your presence and let Your love settle over me. Speak to my heart as I allow each one of these verses too steep in my heart just as tea steeps in a pot and flavors the water. Thank you that You are all that I need today. I pray this in the strong name of Jesus, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

The Root System

Further Reading

Choose Carefully

Further Reading

People!

You are an influencer!

Further Reading

The Wrestling Match

Further Reading

Peace and Faith

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

Further Reading

Peace and Thanksgiving

We live in a world that often produces within us the very opposite of peace.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

Further Reading

Fireside Wisdom

Further Reading

Receiving the Unshakable

God invites us, in the midst of our instability and times of turmoil, to be brimming with worship and deep reverence before God.

What is Best?

Further Reading

The Relentless Tide of Gods Love

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Further Reading

Focus

“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:10 & 11)

Further Reading

Christ is Risen!

Further Reading

Peace Like No Other

Further Reading

A Circle Effect

There’s a cycle that happens in our lives as we choose to bring God into focus throughout our day.

Further Reading

Increase Your Trust in God

Let His peace and joy flow over you and spill out to those around you.

Further Reading

Category: <span>thoughts by Gail Rodgers</span>

Further Reading

Further Reading

You are an influencer!

Further Reading

Further Reading

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

Further Reading

We live in a world that often produces within us the very opposite of peace.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

Further Reading

Further Reading

God invites us, in the midst of our instability and times of turmoil, to be brimming with worship and deep reverence before God.

Further Reading

“I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8b

Further Reading

“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:10 & 11)

Further Reading

Further Reading

Further Reading

There’s a cycle that happens in our lives as we choose to bring God into focus throughout our day.

Further Reading

Let His peace and joy flow over you and spill out to those around you.

Further Reading