We typically complete our prayers by saying,  “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” But is that a mechanical ending, or are we certifying that those prayers are vacuum-packed in unwavering faith? One definition of Amen is “so be it.” Embracing that interpretation will escalate our faith since a doubled-minded person shouldn’t expect to receive anything from God. Is your Amen vacuum-packed in faith?

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. ⁷ For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. ⁸A double minded man is unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8).

Amen is more than a closure; it’s the beginning of our faith test.

When I refer to vacuum-packed in faith, I mean sealing out doubts, reservations, and skepticism. The test is when uncertainties come—can you stay focused on God and His Word? What are you believing God for at the moment? When you said Amen, did you sign off in faith?

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

That assurance of knowing our prayers are answered comes from knowing God on a personal level. The more we grow in Him, the more intimate our relationship becomes, which leads to trust. Psalm 37:4-5 says if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts, and if we commit our ways unto Him, He will bring it to pass.

So, how can our Amen be vacuum-packed in faith?

• First, we must make sure we are in right standing with God and not just wanting Him for what He can do for us. Do we go to great lengths to find and obey the Lord even when we’re not asking Him for anything in particular? God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
• Second, is our prayer request in God’s will? If the prayer isn’t in His will, we’re just spouting off words detached from power. Praying in God’s will comes from knowing His Word. Proverbs 3:5-6 says that if we trust and acknowledge God in all our ways, He will direct our path.
• Therefore, finally, if we are in right standing with the Spirit, and our prayers are in His will, then we should proceed with confidence that our Amen is vacuum-packed in faith.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14-15, NIV).

Amen.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

 

 

After you willfully flip off good-sound advice, the last thing anyone wants to hear is, “I told you so!” But that’s precisely what the world is hearing after it has excluded God. As a result, the consequences of wickedness are staggering. But don’t be shocked—God told us so!

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death

(Proverbs 14:12).

Why be surprised when God told us what would happen if we turn away from Him.

• The world dispenses cruelty without a second thought, but evil deeds will return to their senders—God told us so.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7).

• The world encourages self-aggrandizing behavior on the backs of others; however, those supercilious attitudes will come tumbling down—God told us so.

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).

• The world thinks immorality is without penalty; nonetheless, the result is death—God told us so.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

• The world promotes evil; but, anyone submitting to those sins will not inherit the Kingdom of God—God told us so.

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).

• The world views the LORD’s return as nonsense, but He is coming despite the skepticism—God told us so.

 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40).

We can’t say God didn’t tell us so!

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

God is love, but some of us have a narrow, restricted definition of love, which often excludes tough love. Like any caring parent, our Father chastens those He loves (see Hebrews 12:6). And right now, with the way things are going in this world, we’re being chastened; no quick-fix remedy can circumvent God.

Sometimes tough love is really mercy.

Look around and take notice; it’s time to listen with our ear of faith to what the Holy Spirit is saying about these times. Even though no one knows the day and hour of our LORD’s return, many of us sense this world has recently made a significant leap forward on that timeline, which means there’s no time for quick fixes when internal repair is needed.

The cover-up days are over.

Therefore, the Holy Spirit is shooting holes through our smokescreens, disclosing lies, and taking masks off hypocrites; the things we used to hide our mess in the past aren’t working for us now—and that’s a good thing.

As we read the prophetic books in the Old Testament, we can see after so much disobedience, God would make a drastic move to remind His people who He was. Today, with all the hate that is raging, we can expect a radical response from heaven.

God is the Only One Who can fix this mess.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

If we could step out of earth’s regimented time machine and view the ages from a heavenly perspective, we would realize—we’re passing through life at an immeasurable rate of speed. But although the journey is brief, each person is given ample time to choose their eternal destination.

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14b, NIV).

Time is for earth’s use only.

Now let’s return back to time as we know it and see if we’re using it wisely, and the best way to tell is to ask ourselves these two questions: 1. Does my conduct reflect Jesus Christ is my LORD and Savior? 2. Do my actions show I love my neighbor and my enemies? Traveling outside these two guardrails is time wasted.

If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15, KJV).

Time wasted is time lost.

A few questions to think about:

• How much time do we waste justifying our unforgiveness toward others? (Matthew 6:15)
• Do we waste time deceiving ourselves that we can love God and still do people wrong? (1 John 4:20)
• Do we squander time gossiping and faultfinding? (Psalm 34:13)
• Do we eat up time plotting vindictive schemes? (Romans 12:19)
• Do we blow the time we could use to grow spiritually? (2 Peter 3:18)
• Are we guilty of wasting time on other matters while we put God on hold? (Isaiah 55:6)  

 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12, NKJV).

We must ask the Holy Spirit day-by-day to search our hearts and tell us if we’re using our brief stay on earth to glorify Him or ourselves?

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: ²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24, KJV).

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

People say the devil is busy; but, that statement is incomplete if they don’t conclude, but God is busier. Therefore, we should never believe our conditions are so uniquely perplexed and troubling that our LORD is caught off guard without a plan. Before the earth was formed, God knew about the situations we would face; our predicaments weren’t excluded from His plan; on the contrary,  they were a part of it.

Wait until you see what God was up to.

God’s overall desire is to transform us into the image of His Son. However, because our strong-willed nature isn’t always paralleled with His will, sometimes we have to go through adversities for the Holy Spirit to steer us onto the right path.

Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, ³ for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. ⁴ So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete, (James 1:2-4, LAB).    

And, since we belong to God, His plan might involve suffering particular hardships to help others who will face the same circumstances. But, whatever the reason, as we look back, I’m sure we can confirm, trying times bring us closer to God as we walk in His purpose. Nevertheless, we’ll understand better by and by.

On the global stage, we see the world crumbling as the enemy unmercifully thrashes forward. However, our LORD is in control, and the adversary can’t do anything that God doesn’t allow him to do. Therefore, we have to have faith to believe all we are going through and have gone through isn’t pointless. It might not make any sense to us now, but wait until we see what God was up to.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, KJV).

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

When God calls—don’t put Him on hold—your blessings are in your—Yes, LORD!

The Holy Spirit dropped that little nugget in my spirit when He woke me up the other morning at 3:00. Of course, logical reasoning told me I had another hour or so to sleep. But I felt a tug from Him that I couldn’t ignore. He let me know that what I’ve been praying and fasting for—I needed to get up—come into His presence right away with praise and worship. Needless to say, I didn’t put God on hold!

My blessing came in my response.

That particular call unequivocally got my attention for obvious reasons, which makes me wonder, how many inconspicuous appeals have I missed placing inconvenience, procrastination, and slothfulness over my faith to obey?

In John 10:10, it says the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. One way he accomplishes his mission is to deceive us into believing God’s calls can wait. Nothing could be further from the truth. When the Spirit wants to talk to us, we need to avail ourselves and listen.

God sees our fully charged cellphones clutched in hand ready to respond to the world 24/7; does He see that same allegiance from us to be fully charged spiritually so that we can quickly respond to Him?

What happens if God hangs up?

Some blessings are timed sensitive; therefore, it’s the Spirit’s prerogative to hang up when we keep Him on hold. His timing is perfect without adding one millimeter of a second. He is the Master, not vice versa. We don’t have jurisdiction over His schedule; our delay becomes our loss when He gives the miracle we could have had to someone who took His call.

Do you have God on hold?

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Age is not a factor when God has work for you to do. With the downward spiral the world is headed, there’s much to be done. Seasoned Christians who have a first-hand understanding of God working in their lives—please step forward; the world needs to hear from you. Don’t waste your time telling God you’re too old to do the task. I already tried that, and the Holy Spirit told me He knew how old I was and the number of days I still had left on earth.

Never been this old before!

Here’s the point I’m trying to make; even though we might feel worn out, we’ll never be this young again. The power of the Holy Spirit will sponsor and endorse everything He prompts us to do.

Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6b, KJV).

I know God was the One who sustained us all our lives, but just play along with me for a moment with an analogy of a generator clicking on when the electricity goes out. When our energy, vigor, and vitality fade, God’s power kicks in; this is what testimonies are made of.

Do we honestly think the power of the Holy Spirit is fueled by human energy? All we have to do is be willing to submit to His will, then by faith, hold on and watch Him blow our minds and do what is thought impossible with our elderly plagued bodies.

Look at what God did in the lives of Abraham and Sarah well past their childbearing years or what He did when Moses, in his eighties, led the Israelites out of Egypt. Age doesn’t matter when the Creator of time has a job to be done.

I’m sure you’ve heard the adage: Youth is wasted on the young. But, unfortunately, that statement turns out to be accurate more often than not because the young lack the experience to know what’s really important in life.

However, established Christians have the scars to show what they’ve been through, therefore, are qualified to tell others:

• Put God first, and the things you’re seeking will come to you. (Matthew 6:33)
• Those who love the Lord shouldn’t fret when things don’t work out. (Romans 8:28)
• If God is for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)
• Give to the Lord and watch the windows of heaven pour out blessings. (Malachi 3:10)
• Don’t retaliate; let go and let God. (Romans 12:19)
• Just keep living, you’ll learn what goes around comes around. (Galatians 6:7-8)

We can’t use age as an excuse when we’re packed with the knowledge that the world needs. God didn’t bring us through our trials for us to keep quiet and uninvolved. So we have to gird ourselves up; we’ll never again be as young as we are right now.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13, KJV).

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Satan is mass-producing some “truths.” The problem, however, these “truths” are really lies and some believers are contemplating them as factual information. Learn the Word of God for yourself; then, for example, when Christians try to entice you to do hateful acts toward others, ask them for Scripture and verse where that’s written. If they can’t tell you, count it as one of Satan’s “truths.”

The apostle Paul was aware of the enemy’s plans to disseminate misinformation in the church of Ephesus; therefore, he sent Timothy there to defy all the false teachings. He wanted Timothy to teach the Christians to recognize when someone spoke God’s Word in error.

Too many “truths”!

Even today, there are too many “truths” circulating. For example, relativists say truth is relative that there’s no absolute truth; what a person chooses to believe is fine because it’s their truth. This kind of nonsense sounds like it’s straight off Satan’s conveyor belt. The Word of God is absolute without anything needing to be added or subtracted. But with all these “truths” floating about, how can we tell when someone, deliberately or mistakenly, speaks God’s Word in error?

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

God tells us to study and show ourselves approved. He wouldn’t tell us to do something that He doesn’t mean for us to do. Isaiah 5:20 says the day will come when we call good—evil and evil—good. Know the Word and call it as God calls it.

The enemy knows the Scriptures; however, he depends on us not knowing and, above that, not understanding the Word. Merely quoting Scriptures lack the power that understanding brings. Instead, study the Word for yourself; get a deeper understanding; learn it in context; know the why—behind what took place. Then ask the Holy Spirit for revelation on how to apply His Word to your current circumstances.

Now when the enemy throws you one of his “truths,” let your faith cut him with what God says. That’s what Jesus did when the devil tried to tempt him in the wilderness. Jesus always responded, “It is written. . .”

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart

(Psalm 119:33-34).

The more Word we understand, the better we can spot one of Satan’s mass-produced “truths.”

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

It will not end well when we position ourselves above God or people. God hates all sin, but the spirit of pride is at the top of the list. For example, Lucifer was the epitome of pride; therefore, he and the angels who sided with him were thrown out of heaven. King Nebuchadnezzar, another example, lost his mind and ended up living in the wilderness like an animal because of pride. (See Daniel 4:1-34.)

Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before the fall (Proverbs 16:18, LAB).

When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment in the law, He responded; Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; is the first commandment. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself. (See Matthew 22:37-40.) All the other commandments are derived from these two laws.

Pride hides in our pride.

I didn’t think I had a problem with pride until the Holy Spirit told me differently. That revelation started me researching this wicked spirit; the more I learned, the more I saw—I’m full of it! But I’m not alone; so is the whole world.

In John 9:1-3, Jesus passed by a man who was blind from birth, when His disciples asked, who sinned, the man or his parents to have caused this condition?

Neither, Jesus replied. The purpose of his state was to demonstrate the power of God.

God doesn’t classify us the way our pride categorizes each other.

Then the Holy Spirit enlightened me when He connected that familiar story with the pride problem the world faces today. Is God using the suffering and trials of others to shine a spotlight on the pride we shelter in our hearts when we judge others?

The world has many perplexing dilemmas, like the immigration overflow and the many homeless people living on the streets. These are complicated matters that we can’t, in good conscience, ignore. Are we lifted in pride when we make unkind judgments as to why they’re in such dire predicaments? Do we accuse them and say it’s their fault without walking a step in their shoes? How do we know these impoverished strangers aren’t angels to test our compassion?

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

The apostle Paul made a profound statement in 1 Corinthians 15:10 that we should think about every time our pride judges someone’s circumstances.

But by the grace of God I am what I am:

What do you think Jesus would do about those desperate situations if He were here today? If you don’t have any idea, read the Gospels and learn about His character and ways—then answer that question.

I’ve heard people say Christianity is for the weak-minded, but little do they know, it takes strength to set their desires aside and do what’s right in the sight of God. Only the strong and powerful can continue the work of Jesus until He returns.

But how can they, if they allow pride to lead the way? Jesus was of no reputation; He took on human flesh and became a humble servant. He fed and clothed the poor; He ate with people the Pharisees and Sadducees despised, and He valued people, not possessions.

First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall (MSG).

This isn’t going to end well if pride has its way.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Worry cannot cast out fear because these two thieves are working in cahoots to steal your faith. The more you fear—the more you worry; the more you worry—the more you fear. Do you see a pattern here? This demonic duo’s mission is to keep you in a choke hole while hellfires evaporate every ounce of your faith.

 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind

(2 Timothy 1:7, KJV).

When Timothy was a young minister grappling with opposition as a new leader, Paul, his mentor, told him that power, love, and a sound mind were from God—not fear. So, likewise, we must remember our frightening thoughts didn’t come from heaven; therefore, why accept hell’s illegal suggestions as truth?

We theoretically know fear isn’t from God, but in actuality, it can be challenging to operate from that truth when we’re in the belly of the pit. However, as intimidating as fear can be, we can’t let it erode our thoughts and evaporate our faith. We have the power within us to fight the good fight of faith and reject every thought that doesn’t line up with the Word of God. Our persistence is crucial. Submit to God; resist the devil and he will flee. (See James 4:7.)

Satan knows faith in God is our most powerful weapon against his kingdom of darkness. So, just like the wicked witch in the Wizard of Oz, he will do whatever it takes to trick us out of this precious gift. The adversary uses mind control tactics to get us to hand our defense over to him.  But, like the wicked witch knew the value of Dorothy’s shoes, the enemy knows the value of faith.

God gave us a measure of faith; now, it’s our responsibility to keep it from evaporating.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

What did God tell you—yesterday? He said or showed you something. Since things are more apparent in hindsight, it will serve you well to set aside time each day to think about what He probably told you the day before; His words are like priceless diamonds; you don’t want to lose any of them.

Did God already tell you the answer you are waiting to hear?

The Holy Spirit speaks in all kinds of ways; do you have the faith to discern His unexpected networks of communication? Everything He says might not strike you as skyrocketing information, but be not deceived; those are valuable gems in God’s overall plan. How can a human brain rank the relevance of what God said? Don’t let any of His words slide by as irrelevant.

. . . Speak; for thy servant heareth (1 Samuel 3:10b).

We hear people say, perhaps even ourselves, “something told me . . .” We should stop giving “something” God’s glory when the Holy Spirit was the One doing the talking and leading. I’m pretty sure Mary didn’t say “something,” told her that she would birth the Son of God. (See Luke 1:26-35.)

Precious diamonds!

After repeatedly reflecting on our yesterdays, we’ll become aware that the Holy Spirit communicates with us all the time. Soon, our ears will develop the habit of listening intently for God’s precious diamonds in the present moment—not the day after.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

I’ve never seen anything like this; the world is fuming. No longer do we come together to intelligently debate and come up with compromises when there are differences of opinion. Instead, rage is the new format for dialogue. Lines are drawn, barricades mounted as veins bulge in anger.

We need to stop the foolishness and obey God!

But unknowingly to some, all this bickering and clawing is useless and a waste of time. The battles are spiritual and must be fought spiritually (see Ephesians 6:11-18). Fighting by any other means is entertainment for the devil who is conspiring this fury. He has studied us and knows how to provoke our most sensitive areas of vulnerability.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9, KJV).

When fury rages, beware; demons are on the prowl.

The world is fronting a cascade of serious issues, all of which are coming unglued at once. But, when all this bottled-up rage is handled apart from God’s way of doing things, we lose. He is the Only answer; everything belongs to Him, the Creator of all. One day every knee will bow.

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein (Psalm 24:1, KJV).

Humans are easy marks for the kingdom of darkness when they lack the faith to see and acknowledge evil spirits exist. Then some are aware but tip-toe—afraid they will rattle the enemy’s cage if confronted. Being passive won’t stop evil forces from coming after us, but our active faith in God—will stop him in his tracks.

Some time ago, I wrote a post called: Don’t Bring Toy Weapons to a Spiritual Fight. If we’re not using the Word of God, the Sword, in these spiritual wars, we’re fighting with toys, and the devil is laughing.

The battle belongs to the Lord (see 2 Chronicles 20:15); therefore, follow His orders. Let the enemy know he can rage all he wants because we know who’s really in Charge.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

The Holy Spirit, our Teacher, uses life experiences, especially those attached to pain, to grow us spiritually. When He allows adverse circumstances, there’s something in it for us to learn. Therefore, we should expand our focus beyond the troubles—concentrate and learn the lessons while God’s classes are offered—there will come a time when His instruction will end.

Don’t cut class!

Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6, KJV)

The other day I went to the dentist for a deep cleaning; they went under the gum line to clear away hardened plaque. Damage occurs when the debris is allowed to remain on the gums and become calloused. I see a similarity with that dental procedure and when sin sets up in our lives.

These aren’t the times to be a laid-back Christian because the devil will slip in, and before we realize it, “compromises” have eroded our godly principles.

I didn’t enjoy having my gums gutted, but it was necessary. Extracting sin from our lives isn’t pleasurable either—but essential if we want the power of God to operate in our lives. So, when the Holy Spirit shines light in dark decayed areas, it’s time to get it right while His grace and mercy are available to aid us through.

Everybody is taking life classes!

Ask the Holy Spirit what should you be learning from your present situations? I’m not saying all classes are challenging; however, there are still lessons to be learned even in good times. But when we ignore God’s instructions in those rough classes, the sessions are prolonged and will likely become more intense.

Do you know the classes you’re taking?

    © 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Your faith is as strong as your trust is in God. You can’t expect mountain-moving faith without trusting the One who has the power to move the mountain—Hello! Therefore, if you want to strengthen your faith, intensify your relationship with the Holy Spirit. When intensity occurs, a bond begins to establish.

It’s good to know, or at least have an idea, of the strength of our faith before being faced with challenging circumstances. When we know our weakest areas, it guides us where to place our focus for improvement.

Below is a sample faith test. The entire pre and post-assessments can be found in the Paulette Talks Faith Workbook.

Instructions: Note the number above each column that best describes you.

Spiritual Growth:

How has my faith grown over time? 

0	1	2	3	4
I didn’t know faith could grow.	I see no growth in my faith. I don’t believe God will answer my prayers.	I see a little growth in my faith, but I don’t know how to receive help when I need it.	I see some growth in my faith, but I waiver if the circumstances become too challenging.	I see a lot of continuous growth in my faith. I am confident that God always answers my prayers.

The Holy Spirit:

 Do I have the faith to be guided by the Holy Spirit?

0	1	2	3	4
I never think about the Holy Spirit.	I rarely think about the Holy Spirit. I never depend on Him to direct my life.	Sometimes I think about the Holy Spirit, but not for everyday guidance.	I often depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.	I always depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Discernment:

 Do I have the faith to recognize God’s voice?

0	1	2	3	4
I didn’t know I could hear from God.	I never try to listen for God’s voice.	I usually can’t tell whether or not I’m hearing God’s voice.	I often hear and try to obey the voice of God.	I always hear and obey the voice of God.

Spiritual Warfare:

 Do I have the faith to fight a spiritual battle?

0	1	2	3	4
I know nothing about spiritual battles.	I have a nominal understanding of spiritual battles.	I understand spiritual battles take place, but I fight physically.	I will sometimes fight a spiritual battle if it doesn’t get too intense.	I fight all battles  spiritually.

Profile Interpretation:

0-1 You are not aware that you can lean and trust God in your life.

2    You are skeptical of how God fits into your everyday life.

3    You are aware, but not fully committed to God in every aspect of your life.

4    You fully depend and trust God in every area of your life.

Based on this analysis, you can see where you need to focus.

For the complete assessment, along with hundreds of discussion questions surrounding faith, click the graphic or link below to purchase a copy of the Paulette Talks Faith Workbook.

https://www.pauletteboston.com/store/paulette-talks-faith-workbook

Before we can start executing God’s power, some key principles must be in place.

• First, we must have a relationship with God—be Christ-followers, working to imitate Him to the best of our abilities. (See 1 Corinthians 11:1.)
• Second, we must keep in mind that God’s power is specifically for building His kingdom. God empowers His people to impact the lost world (see 2 Corinthians 5:20).
• Lastly, it requires faith to bring God’s supernatural power on earth (see Matthew 17:20).

There are probably additional requirements, but at the moment, I could only come up with three. Nevertheless, you can see, God’s power necessitates more than just wishing to be powerful; it takes a sacrificial life—focused on loving and serving Him. He knows who’s serious from those whose dedication is conditional upon circumstances.

God’s power is a privilege.

However, those who genuinely love the Lord and want to please Him will experience power beyond what they could ever imagine. In Ephesians 3:20, Paul said, Now to Him who can do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

In 1 Corinthians 2:9, it is written that eyes haven’t seen, nor ears have heard, neither entered the heart of man, the things God has prepared for them who love Him. This is not referring to when we leave this world, but to experience while on the earth.

But there are some Christians who will not meet the basic standards to live a supernatural life on earth. They are satisfied to know they are going to heaven when they leave here. But then the questions become, did they accomplish their earthly purpose? Did they influence others to Christ?

Power is a tool needed to accomplish God’s mission.

When I transition, I want the LORD to say, well done! I want to achieve everything He planned for me to do in service to Him—leaving not a drop of unused power—after all, He had a reason for anointing me with it. Every day, I ask the Holy Spirit to teach me how to exert the gift He planted within because I can’t think of a more urgent time in our era than now—to execute the power of God.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:9)

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

C’mon now, you know we can do better! God’s Word doesn’t suggest but commands us to treat one another the way we want to be treated (see Luke 6:31). It doesn’t take biblical scholars or a prophetic word to realize God has sounded the alarm bells throughout the world for us to get our act together and change our selfish ways. It’s no mystery why the world is in a mess. If we took the verse in Luke to heart—injustice, hypocrisy, cruelty, and other forms of coldheartedness-

Poof—gone!

Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31, NIV).

God’s Word will not return to Him void; if He said it—it will come to pass (see Isaiah 55:11); therefore, we can count on reaping what we sow (good and bad) to come to pass.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Galatians 6:7, KJV).

Imagine what would happen if the ugly spewed out made an immediate U-turn back to its sender. I’m sure after a few quick U-turns, more compassion would soon cover the earth. Maybe then we wouldn’t be so hasty to judge people without walking in their shoes. There’s something about having skin in the game to prompt us to see things differently.

Lord, help me to see before You make me see.

If we know it or not, selfishness is bondage. Do you know any happy selfish people? The Word of God is our guardrail; it keeps us on the right track. Some people think living a Christian life is too restrictive; however, the Word is what keeps us safe and out of the enemy’s clutches—into the blessings of the Lord.

We all want blessings, but are we willing to be a blessing—indiscriminately?

³⁵ For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

³⁶ Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

³⁷ Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

³⁸ When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

³⁹ Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

⁴⁰ And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 35:40).

 

How we treat one another is one of our biggest challenges on earth.

C’mon now—we have to do better!

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Life is not a straight unimpeded line but rather a labyrinth of complicated complexities, making it impossible to successfully navigate our way through without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without His direction, we are hoping and guessing; winging it; playing it by ear; functioning off the top of our heads; because He’s the only One who knows for sure the way we should go—God designed it that way.

I will instruct you (says the Lord) and guide you along the best pathway for your life; I will advise you and watch your progress. ⁹ Don’t be like the senseless horse or mule that has to have a bit in its mouth to keep it in line! (Psalm 32:8-9, LAB)   

In John 16:7, Jesus told His disciples He was going away but would send the Holy Spirit into the world to be their Comforter. Today, the Holy Spirit is still among us as our Advocate, Counselor, Intercessor, Helper, Strengthener, and Standby (AMP). We are to lean on Him to get us through our everyday situations—God designed it that way.

So, what should you do when you can’t detect God’s presence?

• First, have faith to believe He’s still there with you—teaching and counseling you to trust Him even when He’s silent. Teachers don’t talk during tests.
• Second, remember He’s your Standby—and standbys are always standing by. His eyes are over the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers (see 1 Peter 3:12).
• Finally, if you are having a problem following the Holy Spirit’s path, ask Him to help you. Remember He’s your Helper, too.

Life is hard, especially during these unparalleled days we’re facing now. “Normal” isn’t coming back. Therefore, we need help beyond human means to take us through this uncharted territory.

God designed it that way!

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

(LAB) Life Application Bible copyright © 1988 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189.

Do you know who you are? I’m not talking about on a superficial level but inside your being, the part that makes you—you; inside the chambers where your soul resides. Not who you would like to be, or who you want people to think you are, but who you indeed are. For instance, are you a loving person full of compassion? Or are you self-absorbed full of bitterness? Or perhaps you fall somewhere in the middle, depending on the circumstances and whose involved.

How judgmental or sensitive are you when people you don’t like or even know are going through some of the roughest times in their lives? Do you offer mercy or quick-to-snap conviction? How do you react under pressure when doing the right thing has a hefty price tag on your well-being? The answers to those questions ought to give you a clue who you are. Whichever category you might place yourself in, you will be tested—just to make sure.

Peter, a disciple, assumed he knew himself until he was tested on the day Jesus was arrested. Peter told Jesus that he would never renounce Him. Despite the fact, Jesus told Peter that he would deny Him three times that very evening. Of course, Jesus was right; when pressured, Peter denied knowing Him when that association put his own life in jeopardy.

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75).

I believe God is giving us a crash course by allowing all these ongoing disasters to come upon the earth so we can see our true nature. There’s nothing like a death-grip—to squeeze what’s in us out.

Are we who we think we are?

Some people who considered themselves unfriendly and uncaring might be pleasantly surprised to find out they’re the ones people can count on in time of trouble. But, on the other hand, some who think of themselves as loving and caring might fail the test when hard times hit people they don’t particularly like; therefore, refusing to show any kindheartedness.

Our test is to love those we don’t even like—NO one is exempt.

With eyes and ears of faith, pay attention. God has His reasons for all the unrest that’s happening in the world. Have you noticed the solution to all the turmoil we’re facing depends on how well we cooperate and treat one another? Nothing is by chance—or coincidental. These events are perfectly scripted with us in mind for such a time as this. The Lord already knows us, but He wants us to know who we are.

How well do you know—you?

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.