thoughts by Mary Pinckney Archives - Daily Thoughts about God

Published July 6, 2024

The ‘Trust Fall’

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

How to trust God is not always easy to explain, but the Lord gave me an excellent illustration.

When I was younger we would go to camp for the summer. While there we participated in high and low ropes courses among other exercises. The one I remember the most was the trust fall.

The trust fall we participated in was a five foot platform. We stood with our backs turned to our group. At the camp counselors instructions we were told to fall back into the arms of those that were designated to catch us. You talk about scary. With much hesitation and the greatest bit of courage I could muster, I fell backwards. All the while hoping and praying they would not let me fall! At this time I did not have a relationship with the Lord. Now I do and it makes it a lot easier to place my trust in the One that will never fail me.

As I stated earlier, the Lord brought this example back to me to demonstrate how we are to trust Him. Can we trust that He will catch us and not allow us to fall? We trust in people easily, only to be disappointed. It is now time to lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord. Instead of trusting our own ability and relying on the strength of those around us, let us fall back on the Lord today and trust Him fully.

Father, thank you for teaching us how to trust you; we look to you daily for our instructions. May we acknowledge you in all of our ways. In Jesus name Amen.

Are we willing to fall back on Him when you can’t see your way?

Take a moment and inventory your life. If you are quick to run to others in the place of God, make a decision to put God first.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Be Responsible

“Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples. You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.” Romans 2:21-24 (NLT)

As children of God, we are free moral agents.

However, this freedom comes with great responsibility. Even though we are free to do what we want to do, we still have a responsibility to behave in a way that does not lead others astray.

“Christians are not perfect, we are just forgiven,” is a cliche that is often used to justify our wrong choices. We should in no way take advantage of the grace and the forgiveness we have been extended. We have been given a responsibility to carry ourselves in a manner that brings God glory. We have been given a responsibility to respect the rights and the choices of others. We have been given a responsibility to use restraint in our behavior and not give ourselves over to every desire. Yes, we must bridle our passions.

Despite popular opinion, God does care when we use our freedom carelessly. Make certain to consider the consequences that may follow your actions. Will my decision cause others to stumble? Will my decision bring glory to God? These are questions we should ask ourselves daily.

Be responsible and choose wisely.

It is much better to exercise the discipline we have to make the right decision the first time. We have a responsibility to carry ourselves not only in a way that will honor our Father but in a way that will also encourage those around us to pursue holiness and right living. What choice will you make today?

Lord, forgive us for taking advantage of your grace in our lives. If anyone that we have encountered has been affected by our wrong decisions, please restore them to truth. Teach us how to honor you in our decisions. Teach us how to set great examples of Holy living by pursuing You and Your way of doing things. May we use your Word as a compass to guide daily along the path of righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thoughts: This is a general rule of thumb to live by: If my behavior is going to be a stumbling block to others maybe I need to reconsider the choices I make. How are your decisions affecting your children, co-workers, or family and friends? Take a few moments and reflect. It is not too late to get it right. Ask the Lord for forgiveness and the grace and strength to move forward.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Where are You Placing Your Trust?

In this day and age, nothing seems certain anymore. There was once a time when commitment mattered. Families were stronger. Jobs were stable. Friendships were solid. Churches were dependable. People genuinely cared for each other. But something changed over the years.

Where are you placing your trust? I am reminded today of a well-known hymn:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.

The truth is, that people will fail us. Jobs will be lost. Death is a certainty in life. But in the midst of it all, there is hope. Jesus is that hope to a lost a dying world.

When all else fails, He promised to never leave us or forsake us. Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. We were never promised that life would be free of difficulty, as Jesus says in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble.” But it doesn’t stop there; He goes on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

That, my friend, is good news. That is hope you can count on. In Him is where our trust should be placed. In Him is where we find hope to outlast life’s unpleasant moments.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. I offer that hope to you today. Will you receive Him?

Father, thank You again for the hope You have given us through Your Son Jesus. It is such an honor to have a friend, brother, intercessor, and most of all Lord and Savior in Him. Thank You for counting us worthy of Your love. Thank You for allowing us to experience life everlasting through our connection with Jesus. When all else fails, He is our one true Hope. Amen.

Spend a some time meditating on John 16:33. What troubles are you experiencing in your life right now? Take them to Christ, and be encouraged that He has already overcome this world.

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

Help Me Believe

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 (NLT)

In life, we are faced with many challenges that test our faith. It is so easy to get bombarded by what we see. It becomes a constant battle, almost like a game of tug-of- war, to keep the faith our faith intact.

In our reference scripture, we find the father of the little boy asking God to help him to believe. I applaud his momentary weakness. If we are going to experience breakthrough in our lives we must be willing to admit we need help. It is not our job to keep it all together. It is our job to trust in a God that never fails us.

Today, I challenge you to take a moment and pour your heart out to God. Express your weaknesses before Him. Ask for the help that you need to go on. You are not required to carry the weight of the world upon your shoulders. He is more than able to bear every burden. He is concerned about what concerns you. He is concerned about those very issues that weigh heavily on your heart. It is time to make an exchange. Will you?

Lord as the Father of the little boy prayed, I believe, but help my unbelief! At times, it is hard for me to believe what I don’t see, but You said in Your Word that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, whatever we ask will be done for us, if we ask according to Your will. Today, I stand on Your Word, trusting that You will perform with Your Hands what You have promised. I trust that You will work all things together for my good. I trust that You care for me and about what concerns me. I trust that You are already at work on my behalf. In Jesus’ name Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

Freedom Reigns

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

Worship God when you find yourself burdened with the cares of this world. Worship him when you feel lost and alone. Worship him when you are afraid. Worship him when you are hurting, and the pain seems to linger longer than expected. It is when we worship our God that we begin to create an atmosphere of worship that brings freedom.

Isaiah 61:7 encourages the believer to “put on a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” It is here that we find how fear dissipates. It is in the presence of the Lord. All cares and concerns can be left at the feet of Jesus. It is here that the power of the Holy Spirit is present to heal, set free, and deliver. It is in the atmosphere of worship that the Holy Spirit begins to comfort. It is here that the peace of God becomes evident.

Freedom reigns when we worship. In our own humanness, we believe we have all the answers. When we begin to place ourselves under the authority of our Heavenly Father, exalting him and not ourselves or our situation, we find that he begins to show up. When his Spirit is present, we can find rest in his love for us.

Today, if you find yourself in any of the circumstances mentioned above, take a moment to do as David did in Psalm 34. Command your soul to praise the Lord. Begin to change the atmosphere around you in order to hear clearly and receive the hope your soul so desperately needs today.

Father, today I recognize the power of your presence to heal, set free, and deliver me from a place of brokenness. Help me to exchange my pain, my heaviness, and my fears for your peace, love and soundness of mind. Thank you for always showing up in my situation. Thank you for always being present in my life. I love you, Lord. Amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

God Can and Will Take Care of You

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT)

God has not forgotten about you.

He sees. He knows.

He is always aware of you.

That is the heart of a loving Father. Release your cares and concerns to Him today. He is well able to take care of each and every one. He can and He will, take care of you.

Lord, your love is so amazing. Your concern for us is sometimes baffling. Even when we don’t deserve Your grace, You are right there. Thank you for giving to us so freely. Forgive us for not always trusting You totally. We are so prone to letting fear and doubt cloud our vision. You have never let us down and we take this moment to thank You for always doing exceedingly abundantly above all we may ask or think, even in our times of doubt. Today we renew our focus. We recognize that You can and You will always take care of us, just as you do the sparrows. Thank you for Your amazing grace. Thank you for Your unfailing love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Grace and Peace,

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

God’s Got You

“You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:26 (ERV)

Trusting God has become a new buzz word. It is thrown around so loosely that we forget it’s connotation. Anytime we are going through challenging times the first words off the lips of others is normally “Just trust God, it will work out.”

What does it really mean to trust God? I have found in my very own life that trusting God required me to put forth some type of action to show that I believed what God was saying to me. Trusting God required me to stand still at times and knowing with sheer confidence I did not have to be in control. I did not have to come to my own rescue. It assured me that I had help, a reliable source and strength backing me. Proverbs 3:26 here in the Amplified version paints this picture clearly;

For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].

I implore you today not to take trusting God lightly. He will always be by your side. He is a source of strength in our times of weakness. He is a shield and a buckler whenever we find ourselves in danger. He is a provider when we are in need. And most of all He loves us with an everlasting love. We can rely on His faithfulness. We can trust His heart towards us.

Father even when my trust in You begins to wane. Remind me of Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus name Amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

A Heart of Compassion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop for a Moment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you surrendered your all to Him?

Are you still in control of your life?

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

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

It’s Time to Pull Back

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

His Workmanship

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you aware of your purpose?

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

There is Room for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

You Want To Quit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and Peace to you,

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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

If Not for Your Grace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

The Power of Encouragement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

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

How to trust God is not always easy to explain, but the Lord gave me an excellent illustration.

Are we willing to fall back on Him when you can’t see your way?

Further Reading

As children of God, we are free moral agents.

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23-24 (NLT)

Further Reading

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT

FURTHER READING

God has not forgotten about you.

He sees. He knows.

He is always aware of you.

FURTHER READING

“You can trust the Lord to protect you. He will not let you fall into harm.” Proverbs 3:26 (ERV)

FURTHER READING

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

FURTHER READING

Further Reading

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

Further Reading

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

Further Reading

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

Further Reading

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

FURTHER READING

Further Reading

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

Further Reading