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; the earth and everything in it belong 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.

Drop—the stone! We don’t need another stone thrown. The world is already on edge; we’re living in a tinderbox—waiting for the next shoe to drop. So please, don’t throw any more stones of bigotry, lies, or other hate-filled rocks.

God is speaking, but are we listening?

God is showing the world it’s headed in the wrong direction. He allowed a pandemic to ransack the entire globe; He’s ripping veils off deep-seated prejudices and hypocrisies. Yet, with all this going on, we still dare to be throwing stones at one another. With the mess before us, we need to humble ourselves and heed the Holy Spirit’s guidance because the way of the world isn’t working for us.

The life we live is just a prelude to eternity. I once heard someone describe the length of eternity by using grains of sand as an analogy. They said if one grain represented one lifespan, then all the grains of sand on all the beaches wouldn’t begin to measure the length of eternity. I don’t know how accurate that description is or how well I explained it, but you get the point.

With that said, most of us need to rethink our priorities and base decisions not just on the moment but also on the future. For example, there’s nothing wrong with climbing the ladder of success or accumulating nice things, but the question is, how did we treat one another as we climbed that ladder, and did we mistreat others to get those nice things? In other words, were any stones thrown?

Jesus never minced words.

One morning while Jesus was teaching in the temple, the scribes and Pharisees brought Him a woman caught in adultery. The law of Moses specified to stone her for such an act. But when they asked Jesus what they should do, Jesus responded, “he without sin, cast the first stone.” The woman’s accusers were convicted by Jesus’ profound reply and left the temple one by one. If we apply this Scripture to our lives, do you think any stones would be thrown?

… he [Jesus] lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her (John 8:7).

Another day when a great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus speak, He spoke about people who judge others when they have more enormous sins going on in their lives. If more of us would take a look at ourselves, we wouldn’t be in such a hurry to throw stones at others’ iniquities. The apostle Paul said we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23).

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5).

We need to drop the stones—and drop to our knees and repent.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Have you noticed people are in a high pursuit after positions and material possessions, a.k.a. the “American Dream”? Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that—until those aspirations become their gods and are willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish them. Sadly, some people are so captivated that they are willing to massacre their self-respect and sacrifice the well-being of others if it gets them what they’re going after. However, when they cross those lines, they have entered into idolatry.

Idolatry is described in the Bible as anything that we allow to take the place of God in our lives. With such a broad definition, everything can fall into that category; the determining factor is our attitude. Do we worship things? Are we jealous when others have what we want? Can we be happy for people who are living our dream?  Can our lives be content without it?

A good thing can turn into an idol.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when our desires have become idols, especially when the things we are striving after are virtuous; therefore, we must ask the Holy Spirit to alert us when this insidious spirit of idolatry enters our lives. By faith, we must accept what the Spirit tells us; even if He says, not My will—let it go.

Gauge: Who gets most of your attention, God or things?

Thou shalt have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

What does God mean we’re not to have other gods before Him? The word before in this context is not suggesting it’s okay to have other gods as long as we list El Shaddai, LORD Almighty first. Instead, it means God is the only God—Periodt!

Don’t be mesmerized by worldly junk.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

The devil blinds us with the world’s sparkle and glamour. He peddles his junk to lure people off focus. Remember, he tried to use that ploy when Jesus was on His forty-day fast in the wilderness. (See Matthew 4:1-11.)

The enemy approached Jesus, showing Him all he would give Him if He would worship him.

And saith unto him [Jesus], All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me (verse 9).

But Jesus replied:

Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (verse 10).

Are there any hidden idols in your life?

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

In Psalm 139, David said, If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, You are there (see vs. 7-9). Believers find it consoling that they’re never out of the Holy Spirit’s spotlight—His view. This is very reassuring when the enemy is attacking them. By faith, they know, hell can’t make a move against them without Heaven knowing about it.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3).

Some people find the spotlight intimidating.

Although, not everyone is comforted by God’s spotlight—illuminating all the hate, lies, and injustice they bestow upon others. Those who have a smidgen of ethics, integrity, and scruples might find being watched intimidating when choosing to ignore what they know is right.

It’s all done under the Spotlight—Ha-ha-ha.

Then they are those whose conscience is seared; they could care less about God watching their evil actions. The enemy has deceived them into believing they are gods; they don’t have to answer anyone. We see so much of this going on in the world today; people walking around like cold-hearted zombies, not caring about who they hurt as long as it profits their selfish needs.

The Word says in Mark 8:36, What shall a man profit, if he shall gain the world, and lose his own soul?

But despite evildoers’ dismissal of God, the Holy Spirit will not dismiss their underhanded, deceitful actions. Every day a batch of wickedness comes to light. I see this exposure as an unrecognizable blessing; God is showing them the gig is up; it’s time to give their lives to Him before it’s too late.

 ^12,13The Lord is laughing at those who plot against the godly, for he knows their judgment day is coming. ¹⁴ Evil men take aim to slay the poor; they are ready to butcher those who do right. ¹⁵ But their swords will be plunged into their own hearts and all their weapons will be broken  (Psalm 37:12-15, LAB).

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. ² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb (Psalm 37:1-2).

It doesn’t matter if sin is done in a sealed crypt—

It’s All Done Under the Spotlight.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

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

I would be in bad shape if my only communication with God came through other people. If I had to depend on others to get a Rhema word—utterances from the Lord specifically for me, or relying on them to do all my praying, I would be missing out on some of the best times of my life, one-on-one with the Holy Spirit. I can only describe those times as absolutely scrumptious.

It’s great if you have daily family prayer; by all means, please continue. But don’t think that will take the place for meeting with the Spirit alone. If Jesus had to set time apart to be with the Father, so do we.

Doesn’t God deserve our full attention—Prime time?

And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed (Mark 1:35).

Twenty years ago, I learned the value of meeting with God one-on-one when I started working in a hard-pressed school as an assistant principal/disciplinarian and later becoming the principal. The only way I survived those trying times was through those daily private meetings with the Holy Spirit. As I look back, I know He gave me that job because He knew I would run to Him.

Later God inspired me to write a book: Traveling Under Concealed Orders—A School Almost Left Behind, which detailed that life-changing experience. Please visit my online bookstore if you would like to purchase a copy.

Meet until it becomes a habit.

Now that I’m retired, those one-on-one meetings have become a habit that I love and look forward to each morning. When trouble strikes, I automatically take myself straight to the Father. He has proven to me over and over again how faithful He is to meet my needs. Through His comforting arms, I have hope. Under His wings, I’m protected, and by His wisdom, I find the right answers. I want those who don’t have the God habit to discover this awesome privilege to come before the Almighty.

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears (Psalm 18:6).

When we are in trouble, we’ll find all kinds of time to get before God. How would that make you feel if a person only found time to be with you when they wanted something; how genuine is that relationship? We need to be in hot pursuit of the Holy Spirit in the good and challenging times. Meeting God on our sunny days grows our faith when we need to trust Him during stormy times.

There’s no need to feel intimidated if you are not in eager pursuit of God; ask Him to put that desire and passion into your spirit. Ask Him to put a spiritual hunger and thirst in you that only He can satisfy. You don’t have to entertain the Holy Spirit with fancy words; you can be silent and just listen to what He has to say. The key is consistency.

And please don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing these meetings aren’t necessary. These daily one-on-one meetings with God are vital, and the devil knows it.

If you haven’t already, schedule your one-on-one meetings. © 2021

Traveling Under Concealed Order is an intriguing account of how God miraculously called six women from different walks of life together to pray fervently for a very troubled inner-city school. Click here to get your copy today

 

image by xetra via 123rf

If we could take a glimpse of the world’s landscape from an astronomical standpoint, we would see earth in excruciating pain—bruised and inflamed by hate. This wretched spirit is on a rampage and has executed some horrendous acts—leaving in its aftermath sorrow and suffering. I have never seen such intensified evilness in my lifetime as I see today. I can only describe it as hate on steroids.

Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart. ⁹ Stand firm when he attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too (1Peter 5:8-9, LAB).

What is God showing us—about us?

God has pulled back the drapes so we can see the mess we created by ignoring Him. He will not tolerate being relegated to a position other than number One in our lives. Every time the world tries to remove God, the results are our downfall. Jesus said in the last days iniquity will abound, and the love of many shall wax cold (see Matthew 24:12).

We can certainly attest to that when we see strangers hating one another on sight for no apparent reason. Racial tension is mounting as prejudice and injustice are normalized with hypocrisy. Hate crimes are performed without showing any signs of remorse. We can’t even come together on one accord in a worldwide crisis.

We’re never going to agree on everything, and that’s okay. It’s healthy to bring different points of view to the table; that broadens our perspective and understanding. However, what’s not okay is when we rely on hateful measures to settle our differences.

Those of us who know Christ recognize we are in a spiritual war, and you don’t bring toy weapons (egos, biases, and squabblings) to a spiritual fight. The only way to fight demoniac spirits is with the Spirit of God. (See Ephesians 6:11-18.)

I keep telling you I don’t write these posts off the top of my head; I wait for the LORD to inspire me in the direction He wants me to go. And for this week and last week, He’s warning us to love one another, without exception. We don’t have to like a person’s ways, but we do have to love them by treating them the same way we would want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

The gates of hell are flung open, and hate is charging out on steroids!

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

© 2021

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

 

image by Andrii Dragan via 123rf

What an awful sinking feeling to find out you put in long hours studying—for the wrong test. It’s even worse when it’s the Life Test. I view life as one long test with pop-quizzes sprinkled in daily. Here’s the good news about the Life Test; there are only two questions on the entire exam. The bad news, those two questions are humdingers—they cover every eensy-weensy aspect of our being.

Life Test Questions:

1. Do you love God?
2. Do you love your neighbor?

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. ³¹And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31).

The Bible is the Study Guide.

Let’s take a closer look at the first question: Do you love God?

We can say we love God all day long; however, that doesn’t make it so. Jesus said if we love Him, we’ll keep His commandments. Check the Study Guide (John 14:15).

To love God means He is first in our lives. We put no other gods before Him. We schedule our day around Him—not Him around our schedules. We want to be with the ones we love, and God should be no exception. To love God means we’ll surrender our will to do whatever it takes to please Him.

Loving the LORD isn’t an essay question—we can’t bluff our way through with elusive, slippery words.

Now let’s take a closer look at the second question: Do you love your neighbor?

This second question is linked to the first one. But to start, we must determine who our neighbor is? In Luke 10:29, when a certain man tried to justify his lack of love for particular individuals, asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered him by telling the parable known as the Good Samaritan (see vs. 30-37).

As portrayed in the parable, a neighbor is anyone in need. The Samaritan didn’t know the man on the road, but that man needed help. Therefore, that man was the Samaritan’s neighbor.

To love means be nice.

God didn’t say to love only those who love us back. God expects us to love our enemies. Check the Study Guide (Matthew 5:44). The Life test wasn’t designed to be easy but to mature us spiritually.

God wouldn’t command His people to do something that He didn’t equip them to do. If they say they can’t love someone, are they saying God failed to prepare them properly? They might not want to love, but they are equipped for the task. Jesus’ enemies nailed Him to a cross, and He still chose to love.

Don’t study for the wrong test.

Don’t allow a person’s evil spirit to provoke you into taking your focus off the two test questions. Instead, see that person as one of your daily pop-quizzes; react the way Jesus would, and stay on course.

Examine how you treat others under the microscope of Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule. And, while you’re at it, reread Mark 12:30 to see if your love for God is more than just words.

Study for the proper test!

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

© 2021

 

 

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COVID is not the only pandemic we’re facing. Have you noticed the world is drowning—in lies? I mean, people everywhere are lying about everything—and everybody; it’s off the chain. Of course, the father of lies (John 8:44) tries to normalize this behavior; but it’s a sin before God.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).

Why count on a world that’s benefiting from these falsehoods to tell us the truth?

Remember the popular saying: What would Jesus do? It would serve us well to reword that to say: What would Jesus believe? Let Him be the litmus test to sort through all the mendacious rhetoric we’re being bombarded with these days.

A few months ago, I accepted an opportunity to study the four Gospels. To be honest with you, I wasn’t enthusiastic; I felt like I already knew Jesus’ life story. However, I thank God I went through the course, because to my surprise, when I read each gospel writer’s version of particular events this time, I received a more thorough picture of Who Jesus is. I understand now what God wanted me to know about Jesus’ character.

Imitating Jesus cancels our wrong ideologies, prejudices, and prejudgments.

You can trust me when I say this: Jesus wouldn’t believe or go along with anything that involves: cruelty, injustice, or any other satanic maneuver—He would expose the devil for the liar that he is (Matthew 16:23). Take Note: Jesus saw straight through the Pharisees and Sadducees’ hypocrisy.

Don’t indiscriminately go along with the crowd.

Jesus was the Master of parables, and after studying His life, I think about: If Jesus put my conduct in a parable, would I be on the side of right—or wrong? What would be the story’s moral? Yeah, we must keep our actions under that type of scrutiny to keep from drowning.

The enemy can’t keep us drowning in lies when we align our actions with Jesus.

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

© 2021

 

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Our heavenly Father made us a lot of promises, but tomorrow is not one of them. No matter how secure our current stance might be, vulnerability says it can change without notice. If we think we’re invincible, we had better think again. All flesh is vulnerable; God created us that way with good reason.

Now, that doesn’t mean we’re to live in fear of life’s uncertainties; but what it does mean we should live humbly, graciously, and purposefully before our Lord. And since vulnerability puts us all on the same playing field, we should treat each other with compassion and respect.

Our lives are like vapor that vanishes in the air.

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. ¹⁵ As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. ¹⁶ For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more (Psalm 103:14-16).

Would we change the way we live our lives if we thought today was the container of our last breath? I believe we would get really smart fast and not allow the “stupid” stuff rule: prejudices, unforgiveness, greed, offenses, and such.

One imaginary day:

Let’s suppose for a moment we knew this was our last day on earth, and we weren’t going to be held accountable for all our ungodly past behaviors—only judged on today’s actions. Do you think we would have a problem treating people of all races with kindness and respect? Do you think cheating and deceiving others would still override common decency? Do you think we would be able to distinguish hypocrisy from sincerity if we were only going to be judged on today’s performance? I think you get my point.

This one imaginary day should tell us how we should be living our vulnerable lives every day.

How do you know what is going to happen tomorrow? For the length of our lives is as uncertain as the morning fog—now you see it; soon it is gone (James 4:14, LAB).

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

© 2021

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

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Whenever I read how Jesus walked away from crowds to be with His Father or Moses alone in the mountains with God, my imagination allows me to vicariously experience the spirit-filled power surges they probably witnessed in those timeouts.

The other day when I imagined one of those gatherings, the Holy Spirit interjected this question:

Who do you think did the most talking—them or Me? Hmmm!

I believe God did most of the talking. I’m sure after Jesus dispersed His power ministering and catering to the multitudes—healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, His human body needed some R&R (rest and restoration) that only His Father could provide.

And Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Bible, had to listen because he wasn’t born in the beginning when God created heaven and earth.

Do we talk more to God than we listen to Him?

Prayer is a conversation we have with the Lord. Do we, or a designee, do all the talking when praying? Do we have our prayer agendas and services so tightly planned that we forget to invite the Holy Spirit into the conversations? I know all prayer settings aren’t appropriate to wait before the Lord; however, seek Him as soon as possible.

Is the prayer complete without God’s input? Just asking!

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

Imagine you doing all the talking on the phone, and when finished, you say goodbye without allowing the other person to say a word. We often treat God like that other person; the only difference instead of saying goodbye, we say Amen.

Why should we talk less and listen more to God?

Consider:

• Who knows what we should pray for, God or us?
• Who has something to learn, God or us?
• Who knows where our icebergs are hidden, God or us?
• Who can stop the devil dead in his tracks, God or us?

 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.

 (Job 38:4, LAB)

By faith, listen to what God is saying.

© 2021

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

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

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Lately, it’s been hard not to notice God ripping veils off, snatching curtains down, and opening closet doors uncovering imposters and crooked dealings. And since He isn’t a respecter of persons, we are all susceptible to this exposure—public figures and private citizens alike.

Publicly humiliated!

One day when Jesus spoke to a multitude of people, He warned His disciples about hypocrisy—people trying to appear upright when their hearts were rotten. Jesus continued to say what’s done in the dark will be proclaimed from the housetops.

… More than anything else, beware of these Pharisees and the way they pretend to be good when they aren’t. But such hypocrisy cannot be hidden forever. ²It will become as evident as yeast in dough. ³ Whatever they have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms shall be broadcast from the housetops for all to hear! (Luke 12:1-3, LAB)

Some people think they can defy God without facing His wrath—not me. Once I saw all the unveiling taking place, I told the Holy Spirit: Please Lord, You, and I can straighten me out; public humiliation won’t be necessary.

Beware of hearts that marinate in hate!

The devil is always looking for ways to disgrace and discredit Christians. One of his cruelest ploys is to delude believers into thinking they’re doing the Lord’s work—even though that work involves mistreating others. Matthew 7:16 says we will know them by their fruits. How can they claim to love God while they hate their brother? (See 1 John 4:20.)

God is exposing those hateful hearts so onlookers won’t associate those despicable deeds with Him.

These people say they honor me, but their hearts are far away. ⁹Their worship is worthless, for they teach their manmade laws instead of those from God (Matthew 15:8-9, LAB).

No more hiding. Get it straight—or be EXPOSED!

© 2021

Scriptures taken from: Life Application Bible copyright © 1988 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Ill. 60189.