thoughts by Gail Rodgers Archives - Page 12 of 16

Published September 14, 2018

Overcoming Unbelief

It was a move made more out of desperation than out of faith. The father was out of resources. His son had had severe convulsions since he was a small child. The man had heard that Jesus could heal.

He made his way through the crowd that surrounded Jesus and called out for help. “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” It wasn’t exactly what you would call a strong declaration of faith. “If you can… ” tells us the father was hopeful but not faith filled.

Jesus took note of the question. “If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” The father cried out…

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

His son was healed!

All too often many of us find our belief mingled with unbelief. Jesus responded to the heart of this man who openly admitted that his faith was weak. He was openly honest. He declared his belief and cried out for help to overcome it.

When we find ourselves facing circumstances that loom large in our lives we often find our faith is weak. We want to believe God to move the mountain or part the seas. We know He can. Yet unbelief hovers in a corner of our heart. We hope, yet we are reluctant to really believe He will. We hide our unbelief.

Jesus knows us in the very depth of our souls. He understands our lack of faith and He looks beyond it to our individual hearts. When He hears that cry, “help me overcome my unbelief,” His heart is stirred by our desire to fully believe Him… and he increases our faith.

As we cry out for help to overcome unbelief in our lives, He responds and builds our faith. As we see Him begin to move the mountains in our lives, our faith grows. We develop a track record of His faithfulness that keeps moving us down the road to even greater faith.

If your faith is small today in believing God can intervene in something you feel is impossible, ask Him to help you overcome your unbelief. He will meet you at your point of desire and He will increase your faith. Confess your unbelief to Him and ask Him to grow your faith. He will do it.

Prayer & reflection

Father God, My faith is so often weak as I seek to trust You with my whole life. Today I confess to You that I do have unbelief mingled with my belief. I ask You right now to help me overcome my unbelief. I need Your strength and Your help to grow my faith. Thank you for Your power in my life. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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Two Sticks of Dynamite

Published May 9, 2018

Two Sticks of Dynamite

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” Jude 1:20

Prayer is not optional for the follower of Jesus. We often live as though it is. Prayer can easily get slipped to the back burner as things that feel more pressing take front and center stage. Then, when need arises, we leap to prayer and ask God to work according to our sense of understanding what the solution ought to be.

I remember the day a couple called me over to pray with them in a specific situation. I made the appointment. I listened. And I prayed. Yet when I left I had the sense that my prayer had not gone past the ceiling. I felt frustrated. I asked the Lord about it and received a clear sense in my spirit that I had simply prayed for the solution they desired rather than pausing and asking the Spirit of God to pray through me.

When we pray, depending on our own understanding, we limit God. When we depend on His living word, the Bible, to guide us and, when we ask His Spirit to pray through us, it’s like linking up two sticks of dynamite to move what needs to be moved.

When we sense God speaking to us by His word and through us by His Spirit, we don’t leave our prayer time frustrated, but encouraged and built up in our faith.

What an awesome privilege as followers of Jesus, to have the Bible to instruct our prayers and the Spirit of God to speak through us as we exercise the invitation to come boldly into His presence.

Father God, Thank you that You have provided Your word and Your Spirit to guide me in coming into Your presence to ask of You. I praise You for the opportunity of prayer and I ask that You would increase my dependence on You as I learn to walk in the power of Your Word and Your Spirit. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

Thought: Consider the deepest need on your heart and mind today. Set aside some specific prayer time to talk with God about it. Ask Him to guide you through His word. Allow His Spirit to pray through you by shaping your thoughts by the Scripture. Depend on His word and His Spirit to shape your prayers rather than simply praying your own best solutions to the situation. Write and tell us what you experience.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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The Power of Worship

...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe... Hebrews 12:28-29

Published March 17, 2018

The Power of Worship

As we walk through these challenging days of change in our world, both globally and personally, I am amazed with the direction the Lord gives us in His word. I was comforted by the fact that God has already let us know in Hebrews 12:26 that everything that can be shaken will be shaken so that only that which cannot be shaken will stand.

We are certainly feeling that shaking! But then I noticed that God goes on to record for us just exactly how we are to respond when this is happening. He says…

“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 12:28 & 29

It’s really pretty straight forward. Our response is to live thankfully and with worship in our hearts and on our lips.

I thought about how to worship God on a Monday morning as we run our various ways and I was reminded of a study John’s cousin, Pat, did on the names of God. It would be a perfect way to focus on the amazing majesty of who our God is so that our hearts will be more inclined to focus on worship as we walk through uncertain days.

So join me, as we start tomorrow, and look at a different name of God every day and steep in the depth of the riches that are within each name.

Let’s let worship change the way we walk. I hope you will share your insights as we share the journey.

By Gail Rodger
Used by Permission

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THINK

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Published November 23, 2017

THINK

She was hurt over the lack of trust and the “behind the back” comments made by her co-worker. Was the one who brought it to her attention even truly her friend? Her fingers flew over the keyboard with words of defense, explanations and justifications of her own actions. She fought back the tears! She had worked so hard in this place!

As her anger and hurt subsided she talked it over with a friend. Her sense of Injustice was real. She did need to address the rumors. Thankfully she had not pressed “send” on her original email. Together with her friend she explored her options. She truly wanted to respond in a way that would honor her Lord and not simply react only to throw more fuel on the fire.

The business world has its challenges. Many react out of self-defense and are quick to step on those who might get in their way. Insecurity is rampant and can masquerade as “confidential” gossip. Days can be trying in such an environment.

Yet there you are. Appointed by God to this place at this hour. You have His help, the help of His Holy Spirit. You have His word to guide you. You have a different standard to live by. He tells us how to think. The way we think will impact the words that come from our mouths.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”Philippians 4:8

When you are faced with gossip, accusations, judgments or when you are tempted to feel you must “play the game” to get ahead, remember God’s way. THINK before you react. Then you will respond in a way that invites God to come into the situation and bring His help and His insight.

As your fingers fly over the keyboard or as your voice rises in defense… pause to THINK and ask these few questions. Is the conversation I am about to engage in ….

T- True?
What facts are actually on the table?

H- Honorable?
What am I revealing about my own integrity by how I respond?

I- Important?
Is it important enough for me to validate by responding?

N- Necessary?
Can any good come of pursuing this conversation or is it idle talk?

K- Kind?
Can I be careful not to throw unnecessary stones at someone else?

Jesus followers should be the first ones to be peacemakers in situations that are hurtful, volatile, confusing and filled with misunderstanding.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9

Lord God, Today I ask You to go before me into the conversations of the day through my words or through my email. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is my Helper and who can put the right words in my mouth. Please keep my heart and my attitudes protected and honoring to You. Give me the right understanding of what is really going on. Grant me the discernment I need so I can lay aside self-defense. Forgive me for times when I have failed to do my part in bringing peace to a situation. May I be Your representative today as I think before I speak. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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What Are You Bringing?

Published September 12, 2017

What Are You Bringing?

“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.” Proverbs 15:1 (The Message)

What does your presence bring to those you encounter? Some people bring negativity. Some bring joy. Some bring the jarring-edge of unresolved anger or hurt, while others bring calm.

You can’t manage anyone’s responses to life except your own. However, paying attention to your own responses will help you think about what you are bringing to encounters you have with others.

Often those closest to us get the frayed edges after a challenging day. Sometimes our own ragged edges work like a giant spoon, stirring up irritation and anger. Let’s be mindful, especially at home, to help create the atmosphere we desire.

Today, be deliberate in watching your tones, your responses, and your words. Choose words that are kind. Choose words that are true and encouraging.

The old saying still holds true: “People will seldom remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

“A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.”
Proverbs 15:1 (The Message)

Keep God’s wisdom close at hand today. The effect in your home will be well-worth the effort.

Father God, today I ask that the responses of my heart and mouth will be gentle and kind. May I help create an atmosphere where Your love is felt through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions: What responses, tones, and words are you stirring into the atmosphere of your home? How can you help to create an environment where you will be remembered for filling the air with the fragrance of Christ?

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Our Trademark

John 13:35 By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

Published August 15, 2017

Our Trademark

“By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

The ring was special! It signified she belonged to a group of professionals. As she wore it she was aware of all it represented and of who it said she was.

As a follower of Jesus you wear a distinguishing mark as well. You wear His love.
Is it visible?

When Jesus came to this earth He brought a special kind of love. This love is unselfish, compassionate, unconditional. He loves us just as we are. Our condition is irrelevant to His love. It is a love that picks us up just where we are in life and carries us further than we could ever go on our own.

Jesus gives us His love so we can give it away in the same unselfish, compassionate, unconditional way He gave it to us. He tells us this kind of love will be our trade mark. It will distinguish us as followers of Jesus.

Even in the Church, the Family of God, or as it’s sometimes called, the Body of Christ, we can feel left out of this kind of love. We are often hurt, wounded and worn. This distinguishing mark as His followers sometimes seems missing. Hurting people hurt people. When we are living with hurt we in turn limit this love in our own outpouring.

As we invite Jesus to pour His love into our own wounded souls, we in turn are able to give His love away to others with a generous heart.

Father God, Thank you for Your generous love to me. Thank you that You see the abundance in me rather than all the shortfalls I have. You fill me up. Help me to offer that same gracious love to those I mingle with today. Pour Your love into my heart so I can give it away. May my distinguishing mark be Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Thought: If you carry wounds within your soul that keep love at bay in your life, talk to a mentor who will pray with you. Jesus can bring healing, hope and a fresh display of His love through you.

Further Reading
“The Hurting Church” Why we get hurt and hurt others in the family of God
http://www.gailrodgers.ca/index.php/site/articleItem/01_the_hurting_church/

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Check or Deposit?

Dutch Sheets quote: Prayer is not a check request asking for things from God. It is a deposit slip - a way of depositing God’s character into our bankrupt souls.

Published July 23, 2017

Check or Deposit?

I once had a lady tell me that her counselor told her to quit praying because it was only causing her to focus on her problems. What a sad statement! Prayer is the amazing opportunity to invite God into situations and relationships in order to bring hope and healing.

I understand what the counselor was saying, yet prayer is so much more than simply rehearsing the difficulties and challenges and desperately begging God, “please, please”.

Dutch Sheets, in his book Watchman Prayer, says it well. “Prayer is not a check request asking for things from God. It is a deposit slip – a way of depositing God’s character into our bankrupt souls.”

Think about who God is. His character, reflected in the very names we find in Scripture describe the power and might, the majesty and the mystery, the love and the caring that God desires to bring into our lives through prayer.

When we focus on God and all He is, our perspective changes, our faith grows and peace begins to settle over our bankrupt souls as we look to Him. Thankfulness begins to flow in the place where desperation resided.

Think about the situations and relationships that are troubling your heart right now. Set aside the blank check that you want God to fill and take instead the deposit slip of His character and pray into those situations in a new way. It will change the way you pray and it will change you and your situations.

Here are some examples of using the deposit slip of God’s character in your prayers:

In difficult circumstances that seem to never end:

Thank you, God, that You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end of all things; You know the details of this situation that I bring to You now. Please give me Your wisdom as I seek a resolution. You alone are the God of Heaven and Earth. Thank you that Your presence reaches even into this situation. May I be amazed at Your presence in these difficult circumstances as I trust You in this. You saw the beginning and You know the ending. Thank you that You will carry me and give me strength and wisdom as You work in this.

In trying relationships:

Thank you, Father God, that You, the Sovereign Lord, sits enthroned upon the circle of the Earth. Nothing and no one is beyond Your reach. Your love reaches to the ends of the earth. Bring Your love into the tense relationship that concerns me today. You are the Almighty God, You are armed with strength and nothing is impossible with You. Stir my heart with fresh love in this sandpaper relationship. Help me to hear the feelings behind the words. Arm me with Your strength and protect my heart as I trust You to bring healing.

Deposit faith in the attributes of God’s character as you pray today.

“May the God 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

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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God’s Strength in Your Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9 My Grace is Sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Published June 10, 2017

God’s Strength in Your Weakness

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

We know our own weaknesses only too well. They are the areas that trip us up over and over. We often try to hide those weak spots. We hate to even acknowledge them. They may be areas we like to gloss over, like procrastination; or they may be serious life threatening addictions.

God tells us that when we invite Him into those very places of weakness they become the entry point of His amazing strength in us! What a promise! Acknowledge the weakness today that is dragging your life down, invite Jesus into that very area and watch the truth of His word become real.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, that Your amazing grace is ENOUGH to cover all the weak areas of my life and character. Thank you that my weaknesses, though hard to admit to, are the very entry points of Your grace and power. Help me to change the way I view my weaknesses and rather than shrink from them and try to hid or cover them, may I bring them to You to fill with Your power. I look with confident expectation for Your help and Your hope. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Thought: Challenge yourself to openly acknowledge the specific weakness that tends to drag you down. Now pause and agree with God that you will let Him pour His strength into that very place. Trust God to go to work in you. Make a note to re-visit this issue next week and re-affirm your prayer weekly until you see the fruit of Christ’s strength in the middle of your weakness.

by Gail Rogers

Used by Permission

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Equipped

Published May 27, 2017

Equipped

“May the God of peace, …who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

My plate was feeling too full. I wondered how I would accomplish it all and walk through the doors of opportunity the Lord was opening, too. My heart moved from peace to anxiousness. There hardly seemed time for quiet time with the Lord, yet I knew that anchored me in my life. As I opened my Bible and read today’s passage, there was the anchor again. Quietly standing out on the page was the reminder that the God of Peace would equip me. God’s peace settled over my heart as His word spoke encouragement to me.

The God of resurrection power gives us everything good that we need to accomplish what He has given us to do! And even more! He not only works through us, but He will also work in us and bring about what pleases Him through it all.

Lord God, Thank you that what you call me to, You will equip me for. May your peace be evident in me. Please help me to mind my schedule and seek your wisdom in what to say yes and no to. Thank you that You are working in me to transform me through Jesus. I ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me, strengthen me, and lead me today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Thought: Is your plate feeling too full today? Ask God to show you if anything needs to be taken off your plate. Ask Him to equip you for what He has called you to. Let His peace flood your heart and His power work in you what is pleasing to Him. Take time to be quiet in His presence.

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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O My Soul

Published April 21, 2017

O My Soul

“Praise the LORD, O my soul ….” Psalm 103:1a

How have you been lately? Think honestly for a moment. Is peace your norm these days or has discouragement, fear, doubt, negativity, or chaos been your usual? We feed our spirits by the things we dwell on in our minds. God knows us so well. He knows the tendency we will have to sometimes settle into a downward spiral. Our lips will give it away.

God gives us five verses in Psalm 103:1-5 to address this very thing. As you read these verses and the accompanying prayers, intentionally turn your thoughts to God’s word and choose to lift your eyes off yourself and raise your voice to Heaven.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”

Lord, sometimes it takes everything in us to turn our eyes to Heaven and offer praise from a heavy heart. It truly feels like a sacrifice at times.

“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Lord, please help us move our thoughts from ourselves and our circumstances and look at all you offer as you remind us of the refreshing, life-giving things you ask us not to forget.

“Who FORGIVES all your sins.”

Thank you, Lord, that I am forgiven. Fill me with the wonder of a clean heart. Help me to declare my forgiveness when I am tempted to wallow in the mud of my failures and my weaknesses. I am forgiven!

“And HEALS all your diseases.”

Lord, I bring my physical challenges to you and ask you to touch me with your hand of healing. Give me wisdom and understanding of what to do to be healthier. I also bring the diseases of my heart to you. Lord, remove all bitterness and pride and show me the things that erode my spirit.

“Who REDEEMS your life from the pit.”

Lord, I am amazed at the fact that you reach into the pit that I even sometimes dig myself… and you lift me up. You bring beauty out of ashes as I trust in you. You buy back all the broken pieces and give new life! Thank you!

“And CROWNS you with love and compassion.”

Lord, Your care and tenderness is a constant surprise even though I know you love me. Thank you for the attention you give to the details of my life as I offer them to you.

“Who SATISFIES your desires with good things.”

Thank you that your plans for me are to find my fulfillment in you as I offer myself to You. You made me and you know how to grow me into all I ever wanted to be.

“So that your youth is RENEWED like the eagle’s.”

Lord, when I see how You forgive me, heal me, redeem my life, crown me with Your love, and satisfy me, I am truly renewed in my Spirit. Thank you! Today I choose to let the fruit of my lips be praise to you, my loving God who walks each step of today with me. Amen.

“Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.”

By Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

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Do You Know How Much You are Loved?

Published March 30, 2017

Do You Know How Much You are Loved?

I was amazed at the view below me. The vast expanse of ocean seemed to stretch on forever. Here and there a sand laced island broke the endless blue. From the airplane window I watched as the sun danced on the rolling waves.

A song learned in my childhood suddenly played across my mind.

“If we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade…
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry,
Nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched from sky to sky.”

From my vantage point in the sky I was reminded of our amazing God and His endless love for each one of us. If that vast expanse below me were ink it would not be enough to write of His love.

God’s Word reminds us that the Lord said,:

“... Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3

Do you know today how much you are loved? Do you know God’s love for you is measureless and strong? Do you believe it includes you… right where you are right now? Never doubt God’s love for you.

So many people have no knowledge of the loving, personal God that calls their name. Be reminded today of how very much God loves you. Carry that knowledge in your heart today in a fresh way and be amazed by it. Give it away to those in your path. Thank Him for it right now and live as a treasured child of the Father today.

Prayer: Father God, Thank you that the even if the ocean were ink, it would never be enough to write Your love for me. What an amazing fact! Help me today to live in the knowledge of how very much You love me. Help me never to doubt Your goodness toward me. Give me Your strength to handle the things in my life that I do not understand right now. And help me to live today as Your treasured child. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

by Gail Rodgers
Used by Permission

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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Change Me

Published March 18, 2017

Change Me

As I sat down in the church service my foot began to tap to the lively praise music. It was refreshing! The pastor stood and began to pray, “Oh Lord, we have come here today to be changed by you… please change us.”

The words caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure I had come to be changed…encouraged and refreshed yes… but changed?? I thought about it over the next week.

As Christians we so often want God’s blessing and His strength and His wisdom…but do we willingly say “Lord, change me?” I knew I didn’t always. Yet it is the thing God calls us to… to be changed.

I thought of the worm and the butterfly. If the worm were asked, I am quite sure he would not feel the need to change, having no concept of the beautiful, flying creature he would become.

Only the Lord sees us as the finished product of what His grace can do in our lives. Only He knows the butterfly in each of us.

“The Spirit of Lord works within us to become more and more like Him.”
2 Corinthians 3: 18 (Living Bible)

Is the Lord asking you to let Him change you? Change is not always easy. But the joy and the reward of being transformed into the Godly person God knows you can be will surprise you and delight you. It will bring a fulfillment that is worth every effort. And God will enable you, by His Spirit, to make the changes you have put off too long.

Don’t wait any longer for God to change your circumstances, your boss, your husband or wife or whoever or whatever is holding you back. Ask Him today to change you. He promises to transform you…and you won’t be disappointed with the result!

Prayer & reflection

Father God, thank you that I can trust you. I know I need to change but it’s not easy. Will you please begin your transforming job today in my heart and mind and in my life. I give you my permission to work in me. Enable me, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to see the process and to allow you to make me into your likeness… into the beautiful creature you know I can be. Thank you for your transforming power! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

by Gail Rodgers

Used by permission

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
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Integrity in the Small Stuff

Published February 25, 2017

Integrity in the Small Stuff

Every day we have opportunities that demonstrate our character. We encounter little opportunities for our integrity to grow or slow. Small things that many would just overlook, like the wrong change, an item left off the grocery bill, TV program choices no one sees, perhaps an overlooked invoice. You know the kind of stuff that surfaces and is just too bothersome to take the time to right.

God’s word gives us great wisdom on just this very thing.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Luke 16:10

Where are the small things of integrity showing up in your life? Opportunities arise as we go about our daily business to show us where our line of integrity is. It’s wise to pay attention. Small things do matter…God says so.

Father God, Thank you that You settle for nothing less than spurring me on to be all You want me to be. Help me today to move my line of integrity forward. Help me to be honest in the very small things of everyday life. Father, I want You to be able to trust me with more for Your Kingdom. More influence in others’ lives, more finances for Your work, more opportunities to see Your power displayed. May I be faithful in small things today with the help of Your Holy Spirit.? In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

by Gail Rodgers

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thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Walking with Jesus

Published February 8, 2017

Walking with Jesus

This journey of life was meant to be traveled with Jesus. He wants to direct our footsteps. He desires to share our journey and travel through each season with us. As life crowds in, and the worries of the world bombard us, we often forget that Jesus is right there beside us. Walking with Jesus will cause us to grow in our character.

A wise woman grows in her walk with God…

This woman has a loving adoration for her God. She desires God’s truth to be revealed in her life. She searches to understand God’s ways and to walk in them. She faces reality and looks truth square in the face, knowing Jesus walks with her. She lives her life with an attitude that says “Yes, Lord”.

A woman who desires to grow in her walk with God will make time to schedule appointment times to spend with Him. She looks to His Word and listens for His still, small voice to speak to her. She enjoys time talking and listening to God in prayer. Her life will become her worship as she responds to the greatness of God!

“Humility and the fear of the LORD brings wealth, honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

To grow in the fear (awe) of the Lord ask Him to increase your love for Him and your desire for His Word. The deep desires of your soul will be met as you grow in walking with the Savior.

Father God, I do desire to know You better. Yet my schedule is so full I hardly have time to read Your Word. I pray on the run. Thank you that You still hear and answer. I know that the deep refreshment I long for is available in Your presence. Increase my desire to spend some quiet time before You. Grow in me the desire to be truthful in my inner being about the ways I need Your help and wisdom. Help me to grow in my attitude of allowing You to shape my character and my life. Show me Your awesomeness once again. Renew my love for You. I want to draw near. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, amen.

by Gail Rodger

If you don’t know Jesus in a personal way you can begin a relationship with him today. The first step is a prayer telling him you believe He is who He says He is and a second step is surrendering control of your will and life to him. These can be communicated in a simple prayer (prayer is talking to God):

“Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.”

If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, then you can pray this prayer right now and Christ will come into your life, as He promised.

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Courage to Draw Near

Published January 13, 2017

Courage to Draw Near

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.” James 4:8

It takes a special kind of courage to draw near to God. Yet the reward is amazing as His presence comes near to you. God’s presence is actually the very thing our hearts seek. It fills us and fulfills us all at the same time. It can completely change the mundane into the opportunity to see beauty and feel awe. Can you even remember the last time you felt awe at what God was doing in your ordinary life?

But what does that look like on a Monday morning as you rush off to another week chasing your job?

1. Be Intentional: If you truly want to feel God’s presence and know His wisdom and peace then it takes setting aside even a few minutes to draw near to Him.

2. How do you do that? Open your hands – actually do it – and ask God to take the things that interrupt His flow in your life. Ask Him to point them out. Listen. Actually do the motion of washing your hands while asking God to help you make changes.

3. Offer your heart. Lift your clean hands now toward Heaven and offer God your heart, asking Him to fill it with His wisdom, peace, joy and presence.

4. Be single minded in following Jesus. When we are double minded (one day seeking Him, the next day ignoring Him) we will find instability rocking our minds and emotions.

As you reach out to Him, He will reach back to you. It’s a promise. His presence will make all the difference in the stability and fulfillment of your life.

Father God, So many things distract me and You often seem far away in my day to day reality. Help me to use the exercise daily of opening my hands and having You show me what I need to wash out of my life. Then extending my arms to heaven to receive from You as You reach back to me with the fruit of Your Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, faith, humility and self control Galatians 5:22). Please help me to be intentional today in drawing near to You. In the strong name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

By Gail Rodgers

If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, you can learn how to start one at this link:
http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/4laws/law0.html

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Share with a Friend

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today? If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/

Would you take just a moment to prayerfully consider sending this to two friends who might be blessed by what we’ve shared today?
If you received this issue from a friend, you can join our list at www.thoughts-about-god.com/blog/