We are lit to light. Here’s what I mean: Our encouraging words could light the fire that will inspire someone to go after their dreams. A smile given to a despondent stranger could be the light that says: You have value. Even the hardships we have gone through, empowered us with the sensitivity, wisdom, and understanding needed to ignite faith to those hurting. We are lit so we can light the light—in others.

We are lit to bless.

If God had wanted our lives to be lived in isolation, He wouldn’t have put so many of us, jammed packed, on earth. These living conditions causes us, like it or not, to inner act with one another. To say it differently, we need each other. While I’m lighting your fire, someone is lighting a fire in me. Consequently, the gifts, talents, and other attributes that we are blessed with are lights to be shared.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house (Matthew 5:14-15).

We have no idea how many lives we are influencing.

But here’s the problem, the adversary doesn’t want us to share the blessings of God. Therefore, he will plant thoughts like jealousy, greed, and resentment. The devil doesn’t care what type or method of discord is used as long as it impedes our lights. Of course, we know these are not thoughts from the Holy Spirit; so, as soon as these ills are detected, we are to start pondering on godly things (see Philippians 4:8). And even if our hearts are pure from strife, the enemy will cause us to doubt that we have any lights to share.

Last week when I was volunteering at a food pantry, another volunteer spotted a client in distressed. The volunteer looked at me and said, “Somebody should see about her.” It struck me that the volunteer was the “somebody” with the light—it was her heart that was moved with compassion. How many times do we pass off our responsibilities to help when we are the somebodies with the light?

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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You’ll get no argument from me; I agree, there are some pretty scary stuff happening on this planet. There are bloodcurdling, run for your life, moments occurring somewhere all the time. It’s true, not every fear falls into the hair-raising category, however, they are still fears—no less.

Don’t fear the wrong fears!

As alarming as our personal everyday circumstances can be, many of those incidents don’t merit the caliber of fright we attach to them. Or, maybe I should state it this way: We allow the fears that are spawned from hell too much control over our lives. It tells us in Isaiah 14:12-17 that everyone will gaze upon satan and ask:

. . .Is this the man that made the earth tremble, that did shake kingdoms (vs. 16).

It sounds like he doesn’t deserve the respect of our fears. After all, he was thrown out of heaven; why would anybody be persuaded to follow him? The fears we validate the devil with are displaced! He doesn’t deserve our fright.

Be more afraid of what God will do when you disobey Him, than the devil.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him (Luke 12:4-5).

There’s nothing coming out of hell that a child of God should fear.

God has given His children the faith to be able to overcome anything discharged from the pit of hell (see Luke 10:19). The power we have shines light on the deceptive shadows of fear. What is there to fear if we have the faith to put on God’s armor? (See Ephesians 6:10-18.) You tell me, what demon can come against an angel of God? (See Exodus 15:6; Psalm 91:11-13.)

The other day when I was fearfully worried about something, God had me to remember an old familiar line parents used, and some are probably still saying:

“If you don’t stop crying, I’ll give you something to cry about!”

My heavenly Father’s message to me:

If you don’t stop worrying, I’ll allow something to worry about!

Whoa! I don’t have to tell you I straighten up—INSTANTLY. Fear and worry lost that round. As the Scripture in Luke warns: Fear the One who can cast you into hell.

Make sure your fears aren’t displaced!

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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It’s so good to know that when we come before God, we can drop our masks and be ourselves. Unlike dealing with people, we don’t have to put on a plastic smile to cover-up our tears; or fake a love from a hateful heart; or pretend to have faith when we’re really in doubt. But with God, it’s so refreshing to be able to come before Him just as we are; nothing pretentious, but down-to-earth openness.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. 2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications (Psalm 130:1-2).

God knows the real person behind the mask!

O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off (Psalm 139:1-2).

Even though God knows everything about us, it’s still necessary for our emotional healing to humble ourselves and express our honest feelings. How else can we get to the truth of the matter if we keep our true selves covered up? When we drop the masks (even the ones we wear privately) we might learn a few things about ourselves. What a relief it is to be able to take the masks off, and just be real with God. Whew!

God is multilingual—He translates our grunts, groans, and moans.

There is nothing that’s so awful or reprehensible that we can’t talk to God about. We don’t have to use pretty-flowery words; as a matter of fact, we don’t need words. Our groans and grunts will speak volumes. The pressures of life can sometimes have us feeling like we’re in a sealed can ready to erupt. How dangerous is it for that impact to explode at an inopportune time, like on our jobs?

God knows how to relieve the pressures.

But when you take your burdens to your heavenly Father, He will relieve the mounting pressures. All you have to do is approach Him by faith with a sincere heart. God will not tell your secrets; so, you can tell Him everything that is weighing you down. You can tell Him things you wouldn’t, and perhaps shouldn’t, tell another living soul. You can just be yourself and let the Holy Spirit comfort you as you confide in Him. He will hold you in His arms and lead you in the way you should go.

Afterwards, wipe your eyes and blow your nose, and keep trudging forward, because you have dropped the mask and received supernatural strength from the Lord (Psalm 121:1-2).

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

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The earnest-heartfelt prayers of the righteous, moves heaven. And when heaven moves—hell trembles. The enemy knows he can’t stand up to the power of the Almighty; therefore, his strategy is to come after us. Our challenge is to keep our faith in God.

The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working] (James 5:16b, AMP).

We shouldn’t let hell’s tremors frighten us.

There are times when life can throw us in sudden turmoil. However, we shouldn’t be frightened because our loving Father is monitoring the whole situation. There’s not a move hell can make that heaven doesn’t know about. That should give us all the comfort and assurance we need.

The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry (Psalms 34:15).

God knows how much weight we can take, and when the burden gets too heavy, He will make a move (see Corinthians 10:13). We might not think we can endure, but if the Holy Spirit allows it, His mercy will sustain us if we put our trust in Him. It’s the enemy’s mission to deceive us into believing we’re alone and no one cares. We don’t ever want to sit around and let those depressing thoughts occupy and take root in our minds. Instead, we should run to the Comforter (see John 14:26). Keep in mind, just because we can’t see anything happening, we know by faith there’s always movement in heaven.

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).

In John 16:33b it says, In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

God has equipped us to be conquerors (see Ephesians 6:10-18). All we have to do is be obedient to His Word, and let Him fight our battles.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).

When heaven moves, hell trembles!

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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Maybe I believe God will do it; maybe I don’t—just pencil that in. Don’t bother penciling “that” in; faith is written with permanent markers. Faith is not a social function where it’s acceptable to be penciled in when our plans are in doubt. When it comes to faith, either we believe or we don’t. James was straightforward when he said, don’t expect anything from the Lord if your faith is wavering.

. . .let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord

(James 1:6,7).

Penciled-in faith is not walking by faith.

Down through the years, I can’t tell you how many times I heard and read that Scripture. But today when I read it: BAM! This was an eye-opener for me. The Word of God is forever revealing on-time truths. That’s why we can’t read the entire Bible or even a Scripture and think: “I got this!” God continuously opens our understanding as the fluidity of His Word fits into all the nooks and crannies in our lives. There are no circumstances that can hide from or overpower God’s Word (see Hebrews 4:12).

Through the gift of faith, we are connected to that power. But far too often this gift is not received in a manner where it can exert its full potential. It can’t be over emphasized the need for faith development. Whatever level our faith is on; there’s always room for growth.

Our problems are too important to worry about.

How dear is the problem you’re praying about? Based on the Scripture in James, you know it’s not alright to sit around all day and worry about it. Not only is that a worthless endeavor, but it’s detrimental to getting your prayer answered. The familiar saying: “Less is more” can be applied here. The less you worry, the more supernatural power is generated. Pray for God’s will to be done, and do your required responsibilities concerning the situation. Outside of what’s required of you, dismiss it knowing: Heaven’s got it; so, what needs to be done, will be done.

Faith is a permanent marker—not a pencil.

When we put our trust in God, no matter what is known or unknown, we’re signing our confession with a permanent marker saying: I trust You Lord! As long as Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he was able to do the miraculous—walk on water. But as soon as he started paying attention to the harsh conditions that surrounded him, he began to sink (Matthew 14:28-31). Peter put more confidence in the winds and waves taking him down than he had in the Lord lifting him up. I guess one could say Peter’s faith was penciled in.

Penciled-in faith fades———————away!

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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Is there a fork in the middle of your plans, dreams, or ideas? Don’t fret. Sometimes those forks are divinely planted so you’ll have to stop, take a breath, and analyze the situation. Who knows—you might end up thanking God for that fork?

Stick a fork in it!

All obstructions should not be viewed the same. Some obstacles are there to block us from bad ideas; some are there to stop us from good ideas, while there are others strategically placed to grow and challenge our faith. And, to complicate matters even more, God’s ideas are not necessarily free from adversity. We can’t assume just because there are hurdles to jump over, and demons to bypass, that it can’t be God. Now of course, the only way we can really tell which-fork-is-which, is to ask the Holy Spirit.

Who put that fork on the road?

When the Holy Spirit tells us to overtake and conquer a fork, He doesn’t expect us to do it in our might (see Zechariah 4:6). Therefore, we shouldn’t turn away in defeat, but zero in and attack it in the in the power of God. How many blessings have we passed up because they weren’t handed to us problem free? Anybody can travel down forkless roads, but the victor is the one who knows how to step out by faith.

The only way we can walk in that realm of boldness is to have a close relationship with God. Think about the connection David had when he offered to go up against Goliath. He had more than a superficial awareness of his Lord. That’s why he affirmatively said, he was going to cut off Goliath’s head and give the carcass to the fowls of the air. David knew heaven would back up every word. (See 1 Samuel 17:45-47.)

Why is this fork on the road?

Well, the same God is here for us when we come up against forks in our lives. But, if we want the David type of results, we have to do what he did prior to receiving those results. David put in the time that is required to build such a strong unyielding bond.

If our plans, dreams, and ideas are God inspired, we can’t let forks stop us from moving forward; if we do, we won’t get much accomplished, because there will always be forks on the road.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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