Trust God, Not Your Feelings

Trusting God is not a feeling. It is knowing. Feelings come from thoughts.  Thoughts can be right or wrong. Psalms 27:1-3 gives examples of knowing contrasted with feelings of fear. As in these verses, work on right thought first and then knowing and trust will grow out of it.

Psalms 27:1-3 (NLT) 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation - why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? 2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. 3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.  Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. 

3/27/2022

God Has the Final Say

It is said that if you miss something due to an unforeseen event, missing it was God’s will. There is backing for this in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 16:1, 9 and 33 say to make plans, but God will change them, as he directs. God beautifully guides your way.

Proverbs 16:1, 9, 33 (TLB) 1 We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God’s hands. 9 We should make plans—counting on God to direct us. 33 We toss the coin, but it is the Lord who controls its decision. 

 

3/20/2022

Born Again

What does born again mean? Jesus said it is to be born of water and the Spirit.  Humans reproduce and create babies. The Holy Spirit gives new life from heaven. Spirit gives birth to spirit. Water is the spiritual cleansing that occurs as the Holy Spirit works in you. 

John 3:5-8 (NIV) 5 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

3/13/2022

Entertaining Angels

 

How you treat those you don’t really know shows your character. Your actions, like a video camera, record everything you say and do. Others see it. It is right to have boundaries and be firm when necessary.  But above all else, be kind, whether it is someone you know or not.

Hebrews 13:2 (TLB) 2 Don’t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

2/27/2022

Praise God as you Walk toward Battle

 

In 2 Chronicles 20:21-23, “At the very moment they began to sing and give praise” the Lord caused the attacking enemies to “start fighting among themselves.”  When you have a battle, go first to God, give thanks that he loves you and know he has the right solution for you.

2 Chronicles 20:21-23 (NLT) 21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. 23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them.  

2/20/2022

The Mystery of God

 

Placing real faith and trust in the one who created the world involves learning who that is and how he works before you can experience the wisdom that comes with it. This wisdom is the mystery of God and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.  

1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (NLT) 6 Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7 No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8 But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 

2/13/2022

God's Freedom

 

Jesus told his disciples to be as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.  Living in God’s freedom triggers some, even to death and violence.  Jesus said you may not escape earthly accusation, but do not worry. You will be given the words to say and actions to take. 

Matthew 10:16-20 (NIV) 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19  But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 

2/6/2022

Worry and Anxiety

Worry and anxiety is a common automatic response to everyday life and it always has been.  Philippians 4:6-7 says to tell God what you need and thank him for what he has done.  With this comes the peace of God, which passeth all understanding.

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

1/30/2022

Lift Your Thoughts to God

Psalms 91:1-5 is a beautiful passage of assurance. When you lift your human and limited thoughts up to dwell in those of the most High, there is protection under the shadow of the Almighty. God hears you, protects you from threats and honors you as you call upon him. 

Psalms 91:1-5 (KJV) 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day

1/23/2022

Ask What the Blessings Are

As occurs today, in Jesus’ time there were those that believed illness and disability were caused by wrong thinking and sin. Asking what the blessings are is more important than asking the cause. God’s power and blessings can be found in every illness and tragedy.  

John 9:1-3 (NLT) 1 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” 3 “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.

1/16/2022

Families

The ark was populated by families, human and animal. They held close to one another and to God as everything around them was destroyed. Humans and animals are made to relate to each other and families are one of God’s structures for learning how to do it. 

Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT) 13 That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives. 14 With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. 15 Two by two they came into the boat, representing every living thing that breathes. 16 A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the Lord closed the door behind them.

1/9/2022

The Way Shower

 

Jesus is called “The Way Shower” because he showed the way to work with God.  He said that even he, the Son of Man, does what the Father has taught me. He took his life and cues from the Father. He prayed regularly, asked what pleased God, and did it. 

John 8:28-29 (NIV) 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 

1/2/2022

The Original Psychology Book

No one avoids straying from God’s ways at least some of the time, but that does not invalidate all efforts to keep them. Why?  Because his ways work. The Bible is the original psychology book.  As well as showing you what to do, God lifts you up in grace and works with you.

Romans 5:20 (TLB) 20 The Ten Commandments were given so that all could see the extent of their failure to obey God’s laws. But the more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God’s abounding grace forgiving us.

12/29/2021

The Aaronic Blessing

 

The lesson of the thief on the cross shows that you and all people are redeemable, if you ask.  When challenged, say the Aaronic blessing over yourself or those bothering you. All people and situations are elevated to the love of God when you ask God to bless them.

Numbers 6:24-26 (TLB)  24 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 

12/26/2021

Dreaming

 

Dreams were greatly respected in the Bible while today most think their dreams are trivial or irrational. To understand a dream, ask God how it simply and practically relates to you. Developing your use of dreams is learning a new language - the language of God. 

Job 33:14-18 (TLB) 14“For God speaks again and again, 15 in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on men as they lie on their beds. 16 He opens their ears in times like that and gives them wisdom and instruction, 17-18 causing them to change their minds, and keeping them from pride, and warning them of the penalties of sin, and keeping them from falling into some trap.

12/19/2021

Streets of Gems and Jewels

Money, possessions, status, and career are part of the earth’s economy and strata, but none compares with God’s righteousness in your life. It is as precious as walking on streets of gems and jewels, free of fear and knowing he is taking you to his best.

Isaiah 54:11-17 (MSG) 11“Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I’m about to rebuild you,with stones of turquoise, Lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies,Your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher—what a mentor for your children! You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won’t even come close! If anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, And if any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to kill. I also create the destroyer— but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as a liar. This is what God’s servants can expect. I’ll see to it that everything works out for the best.” God’s Decree.

12/12/2021

Foregoing Resentments and Anger

 

Jesus said if you have a grievance toward another, acknowledge it and let the bad feelings go. To forgive is to “forego” resentments and anger and let God handle the circumstances. He will direct you about future interactions. Your job is to trust God in all things. 

Mark 11: 25 (NIV) 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

11/28/2021

The Lost Coin

No one likes to lose money, even the wealthy hate it. In this parable, a woman loses some money and searches for it until she finds it, as humans do. God does the same when you stray.  As with the Prodigal Son, he welcomes those back who realize his worth and their own worth.

Luke 15: 8-10 (MSG) 8-10 “Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she’ll call her friends and neighbors: ‘Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!’ Count on it—that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.”

11/21/2021

Ask Anything Using my Name

Jesus said, Ask anything, using my name, and I will do it.  You ask continually in your thoughts, fantasies and by what you want. When you ask for something, of what is it worthy?  Work to make your asking based in love and the sacred.  

John 14-12-14 (TLB) 12-13 “In solemn truth I tell you, anyone believing in me shall do the same miracles I have done, and even greater ones, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask him for anything, using my name, and I will do it, for this will bring praise to the Father because of what I, the Son, will do for you. 14 Yes, ask anything, using my name, and I will do it!  

11/14/2021

Other Believers who are Unlikeable or Immoral

Where you find another believer unlikeable or immoral, pray for their wavering faith. Be kind about where they are in their development and remember that empathy and mercy for others applies to you as well as others AND work on your own renewal through faith and prayer.

Jude 22-23 (NLT) 22  And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

11/7/2021

The One Eternally Reliable Father

You first experience love and guidance from your human parents. However, even the best parents fail their children on occasion, and some continually fail them. Most human parents do their best but Jesus says God is the one eternally reliable Father.  

Luke 11:11-13 (GNT) 11 Would any of you who are fathers give your son a snake when he asks for fish? 12 Or would you give him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 13 As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”  

10/31/2021