A little bit of faith can turn this world right-side-up, and Satan knows that. That’s why he has many believers thinking they don’t have enough power on demand to move the “red seas” they face. With that misconception, the enemy can keep them worried about their problems and program them to concentrate only on what they can’t do instead of what God can do with the bit of faith they have.

Think about it; it wasn’t Moses who split that sea for the Israelites to cross; God did that—Moses was only the duct for the power to flow through. As a matter of fact, Moses doubted that he had the wherewithal to do what the LORD was asking.

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exdous 3:11 NKJV)

Even though we can accomplish mind-boggling acts with a little bit of faith, that doesn’t mean we should become satisfied at that rudimentary level and not work to grow our trust in God; what it does mean is we shouldn’t fall prey to the disabling trap that our little faith can’t move mountains.

And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” ⁶ So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you (Luke 17:5-6 NKJV).

If you want king-size faith, continue to work on growing spiritually by spending alone time in God’s presence—listening to what He has to say, reading and studying His Word, praying, and obeying Him.

BUT in the meantime—confound Satan by getting the most out of your little bit of faith.

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Since light casts out darkness, God equipped His church to be that beacon of Light the world needs. Therefore, believers should not be shocked or overtaken by this world’s evils but see those times as opportunities to display the Holy Spirit’s brilliance they carry within.

God didn’t give believers a laidback stress-free assignment; that’s why He fortifies His people with everything they need to go into the enemy’s camp and, by faith, be victorious. But, sad to say, too many lights have been compromised and hidden under bushels.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ¹⁵ 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.

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV).

Believers shouldn’t be perplexed as the world about these wicked times.

Believers shouldn’t be awestruck and frozen with fear about these wicked times, for who else can do the job? Unfortunately, the world thinks it has the answers to everything and thinks everyone, including the church, should follow its dark path. However, that’s not how God set it up; it should be the other way around.

Think about this:

• Believers are shielded with God’s armor. (Ephesians 6:11-18)
• Believers have the unparalleled power of the Holy Spirit within them. (John 14:16-17)
• Believers have access to God’s wisdom. (James 1:5)
• Believers know the Truth. (John 8:31-32)
• Believers doing the work of the LORD are surrounded by a heavenly host ready to charge. (Psalm 91:10-12)

I’m sure you get the point about who should be leading the world. And since God has His people stationed worldwide, the earth should be glowing with Light. But, for the most part, the gospel of Light is hidden under bushels, and darkness prevails.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, 6 KJV).

Is your light hidden under a bushel?

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Sometimes we think we’re walking by faith, but to be honest, we have a few fallback strategies tucked away—just in case. But then there are those times when we can genuinely say, “Lord, if you don’t, it won’t happen.” That level of dependency humbles us and puts our faith where it belongs—in God’s abilities. Do you think young David relied on five smooth stones when approaching Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior? (1Samuel 17:1-51)

When faith speaks . . .

A lady shared with me a time when she spoke with the same confidence David had when he told Goliath, “The LORD will deliver you into my hands; then I’ll cut your head off.” The woman continued telling me about when she and her four children had no money and were hungry.

Mother: Set the table.

Children: What are we going to eat?

Mother: I don’t know; set the table.

Children: What for? There’s no food.

Mother: Just set the table.

During that exchange, a stranger knocked on the door.

Stranger: Are you the lady of the house?

Mother: Yes.

Stranger: The Lord told me to give you this.

The man handed her an envelope with enough money to feed her and her children for the next few days.

Another true example of when faith spoke was when a minister and his wife had no food or money. One day when dinner time was approaching, his wife started putting three empty pots on the stove.

Minister: What are you doing?

Wife: God will provide.

Not long after the empty pots were on the stove, a chef from an upscale restaurant, who they knew, came to their house unannounced with bags of food already seasoned and ready to be fired up from his overstock: filet mignons, potatoes, and vegetables. The only thing the wife had to do was put the blessings into the three pots and cook.

Total dependency develops faith.

 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Do you have the courage needed when life’s circumstances demand your faith to walk on the outer edge? Do you have the courage to look foolish to a world full of harsh, judgmental criticisms and still do what thus saith the Lord? In other words, do you have the courage to do faith?

Faith takes courage!

Faith is the means through which God’s immeasurable power is released into our hands. Satan knows that our faith can alter the kingdom of darkness’s agenda. So, of course, it pleases the enemy when we allow him to box us in a state of immobilization. But think about it; nothing is impossible for God—the omnipotent One; therefore, when we walk with Him, expect and be ready to make some bold moves.

They dared to do faith!

For instance, Moses, Jeremiah, and Gideon lacked confidence in themselves but placed their uncertainty in God’s hands and stepped out on faith. However, their trust didn’t happen overnight; they developed a relationship with God—they knew Him; they entrusted their entire being to His care.

• Moses said to God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15, NIV).
• Once Gideon was convinced he had heard from God, he told his men, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands” (Judges 7:15 b, NIV).  
• Jeremiah gave God all kinds of excuses for why he couldn’t do what the Lord asked. But he submitted, and God told him, “Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.“ (Jeremiah 1:17a, NIV)

We can see these men had reservations like many of us; nonetheless, they had the courage to do faith.

Do you have the courage to do faith?

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

We are all God’s creation but not all His children. The promises in the Bible that comfort our souls and feed our spirits are for His children. We can claim the promises when we accept God’s Son as our Savior.

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: (Colossians 1:16)

 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the ^]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12 NKJV)

Some promises identify the recipients with phrases like “My children” and “My people,” and others imply they’re meant for God’s children. That’s why we must read the surrounding passages to know who the Lord was referring to when He made the promise. Yet, today, many claim these privileges without meeting the eligibility.

A friend of mine respects the Scriptures, even though she doesn’t think the Bible is the final authority over other spiritual teachings and that there are various ways to come to God other than through Jesus—but feels entitled to the promises. When facing difficult circumstances, she affirms, “Be still and know I Am God,” or in battle, she declares, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

Sometimes, it’s not a faith failure—but a power failure.

The Holy Spirit dropped this into my spirit: A person who claims My promises without accepting My Son is like admiring an unplugged lamp on a table. Without it being connected to electricity, it’s just a beautiful powerless lamp. The same is true about the Scriptures; they are aimlessly spoken when not connected to the power Source.

What can the world offer in place of promises like these?

• If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:7).
• I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5 b).
• And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

The devil has deceived many into believing they can claim the benefits without accepting the Son; on the contrary, the promises are for God’s children.

Are you a child of God?

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Go ahead—cast 2022 cares; God can simultaneously handle your problems and everybody else’s multiplied by forever. He promised to sustain His children, so why not release 2022’s burdens and receive a 2023 faith increase?

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Sometimes we forget the Holy Spirit is with us to guide and comfort us through life’s burdensome circumstances. We can place the heaviness of our anxieties on Him; there’s no weight He can’t hoist. Therefore, in 2023, we can lift our eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh our help. Our help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2 paraphrased).

Yes, there are times when the Spirit will allow us to travel down unforeseen dark roads, but those are teachable moments that shine a light on His grace, mercy, and faithfulness; God will always provide us with His divine support. He said to call upon Him, and He will answer; He will be with us in trouble and will deliver us. (Psalm 91:15 paraphrased).

Casting cares take effort.

God has already made arrangements to help us—so why not take Him up on it and cast the troubles? We can’t stop unpleasant impressions from entering our minds, but we can control what to meditate on and mull over. When rogue ideas try to invade our thoughts, think about something else (see Philippians 4:8 for suggestions). Or recite Scriptures contrary to the stronghold, or if one doesn’t come to mind quickly enough, keep calling the name Jesus until you feel the peace of His presence.

Before the world existed, God knew about every aspect of our lives, including the troubles we bore in 2022—He wants us to cast the cares and receive a faith increase in 2023.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved (Psalm 55:22).

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

God’s complex plans could be mistaken as faith failures when prayers aren’t answered in a “timely” manner or if the answers come in some obscure unrecognizable form. But, then, some prayers involve circumstances with deep entanglements, which must be addressed before we see any results.

For instance, a whole chapter in our lives or another person’s life might have to be completed before the answer comes, including lessons to be learned and experiences to be experienced.

God is concerned with our souls maturing in Him, so He will allow us to travel through the wilderness, “off-beat” paths to grow our trust in Him. And that—Might Take a Minute!

Trust God; He has His reasons for doing what He does.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

If we only think linearly, A______Z, we miss God’s best.

Joseph’s remarkable life illustrates a perfect example of one of God’s complex plans in action. Read his life story in Genesis 37—50. Joseph’s brothers hated him and sold him to slave traders. But what’s so beautiful is that even though he endured hardships—twists and turns, ups and downs, God blessed Joesph through the whole complicated plan to make him ruler of Egypt.

What you’re facing might not be a faith failure—you could be involved in one of God’s multifaceted plans to get you where you need to be.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

©  2022

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

I’m sure you’ve heard, “it’s a small world,” although the population is almost eight billion, I wouldn’t call that a teeny gathering. But here’s what’s so incredible, as many people as there are, we are all connected somehow; our actions affect each other like falling dominos. So, therefore, it’s foolish to think we live in isolation—me, mine, and no more.

God knowing our self-absorbed nature is probably why He mystically joined us. The sooner we realize our favorable and unfavorable actions affect one another and that what we sow, we will reap—the better we’ll be; perhaps a few boomerangs delivered to our front door could clarify the point. With that in mind, Luke 6:31 could be interpreted as a cautionary notice—treat people how you want them to treat you.

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (ESV).

How often have we triggered distress in another person’s life by making decisions without thinking beyond our desires that our choices could adversely impact someone else’s well-being? That usually happens when we don’t adhere to God’s command to love one another. It doesn’t matter if people live on the other side of the ocean or next door; we are all linked together.

… 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.

³¹ And 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).

Am I my brother’s keeper?

In Genesis 4:1-9, after Cain murdered his brother Abel, God asked him where his brother was? Cain arrogantly responded, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

If the LORD asked us about our fellow man, would we give the same flippant answer?

©  2022

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

A tsunami of hatred has unapologetically overshadowed earth; sticking our heads in the sand and hoping it will dissipate isn’t the solution. This evil is bold and will undoubtedly continue and strengthen if gone unchallenged.

Don’t wait on your heart; love intentionally.

One of the main reasons for this upsurge of hate is partly due to the mistreatment and injustice we have bestowed on each other. People are talking about how bad things have gotten; they’re praying for God to intervene. But He has empowered the church with His Holy Spirit to combat wickedness.

Unfortunately, the world doesn’t have a clue what to do; the good news is that the church does. She knows God is the only answer and that her job is to LOVE purposefully and indiscriminately.

… 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.

³¹ And 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).

Goosebumps don’t have a monopoly on love.

But to be honest, loving everybody, including our enemies, seems unrealistic, even for some believers. However, we’re making this harder if we only define love through warm affections. Don’t wait on your heart to tell you who to love; just do good by people.

Do acts of kindness deliberately until your heart catches up.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35).

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

The truth spoken from a hateful heart is unlikely to be heard; the venom whipped up eclipses the message causing the listener’s defense mechanism to kick in—their attention is focused more on dodging the fiery darts headed their way.

Pardon me—your hate is showing.

People think their deep-seated prejudices, jealousy, and other malicious works are hidden by speaking the truth, but their evil, ungodly motives manage to ooze through. So, if hurting is their intent and the truth is the weapon of choice, they’re shooting themselves in the foot.

But for now, I’ll focus on the unsuspecting perpetrator who innocently isn’t aware that their heart houses so much wickedness and is causing so much harm.

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Colossians 4:6).

Deep cleanse daily!

Like our sink pipes, our heartstrings become corroded when neglected. However, unlike the pipelines in our homes, the heart must be flushed out daily by the Holy Spirit. Only He can thoroughly search and locate deep-seated rot. We must do as David, who prayed for God to search his heart.

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)

Our ongoing personal time with the Holy Spirit keeps the love flowing as He transforms us into His image. It’s a foolish mistake to think we can maintain our hearts clear of contamination in this polluted-corrupt world without the Spirit pointing out our shortcomings and for us, to do daily maintenance. As a result, the truth is digested better when spoken from a loving heart.

© 2023     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

What can the world offer in exchange for an intimate personal relationship with God? Our first response is probably a resounding—NOTHING! But not so fast; think about it for a minute; this bartering occurs more often than most realize. For instance, do we deprive ourselves of getting closer to God for the things and pleasures of this world? Judas did—for thirty pieces of silver.

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests ¹⁵ and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15, NIV).

For us today, thirty pieces of silver can be interpreted as:

• The time we aren’t willing to sacrifice to learn and know God better. (Phil. 3:7-8,10)
• The wants we aren’t willing to forgo to be obedient to the Word. (Galatians 5:19-21)
• The vengeance we aren’t willing to release for God to handle. (Romans 12:19)
• The people we aren’t willing to love. (Matthew 5:43-45)
• The pride we aren’t willing to surrender for humility. (Proverbs 29:23)
• The faithfulness we aren’t willing to abide by during difficult times. (2 Timothy 4:7)
• The lies we aren’t willing to disclose for truth. (Proverbs 12:22)

When Judas realized what he had done to Jesus, he gave the silver coins back to the chief priest and elders, saying: I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. Then, Judas cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, departed, and hanged himself. (See Matthew 27:3-5.)

Thirty pieces of silver enticed Judas—what amount will tempt us?

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

I know it seems like evil is taking over, but fret not because of evildoers—for they shall be cut down like grass. Put your faith in God, knowing that He has people around the world who are not bowing to wickedness—but are standing uncompromisingly strong for Him. (Ref. Psalm 37:1-3)

Evils like, but not limited to:

• Extortion
• Falsehoods
• Immorality
• Cruelty

Has God ever come up shorthanded?

Elijah made the mistake of thinking he was the only one who had not replaced God with false gods. But God revealed to Elijah that He had 7000 who had not bowed to Baal. That same revelation applies today. Each believer is just one of a multitude of warriors.

Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him (1 Kings 19:18, NKJV).

If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Some of the wicked think they can circumvent God’s commands by referencing His name and citing a few Scriptures, unaware the Lord laughs at those who plot against the righteous, for He sees the day of justice coming. Even though the wicked have drawn out their swords, their bows will be broken, and their swords will enter their evil hearts (ref. Psalm 37:12-15). In other words, the wicked will fall prey to their own schemes.

Therefore, Satan and his minions are deceived if they think they can be victorious against God’s army. So, don’t lose heart in well-doing—stay encouraged, and by faith, wait expectantly on the LORD to set wrongs right.

Are you one of many not bowing?

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

We’re human; we make mistakes; things happen. But unfortunately, kindness, compassion, and mercy are exchanged for rage and vengeance; simple mishaps can have grave repercussions. How long can we survive on this cold-heartless trajectory?

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21, NKJV).

The world needs to see God’s love in action.

When Jesus ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit came to abide in each believer; therefore, the church is responsible for showing the world God’s love through her actions during this moral decline. I’ll admit; that it’s not always easy to restrain when confronted by rude hostility—but being a Christian isn’t easy; however, it is gratifying beyond measure.

Whenever hatred can engage you in a war of exchange, even though you got the last hateful word in—you lost; hate won. But, on the other hand, give God something to work with by operating in love—then the combatant isn’t just confronting flesh and blood, but the host of heaven who is backing you. Moreover, acting in love throws the agitator off balance—which I find pretty amusing.

Don’t let evil conquer you; you conquer evil by doing good.

Nonetheless, the restraint not to go toe-to-toe with the world doesn’t happen automatically; it takes effort and determination to use the power of God within to tone things down. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Read the Gospels and see how Jesus put haters in their place without falling into the enemy’s traps; our LORD represented His Father superlatively. Please note Jesus routinely spent time alone to commune and receive spiritual replenishment from God. It’s the church’s turn to stay equipped and take a stand; we must:

• Live our private and public lives as full-time representatives of heaven. (1 Corinthians 3:16; John 2:6)
• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer should be like breathing—done most of the time unconsciously.
• Stay fully dressed for battle (Ephesians 6:11-18).
• Expect our faith’s endurance to be tested by experienced agitators. (James 1:3)

These days, we’ll never know when an innocent: Oops, could turn into an all-out war.

Stay in love!

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Iron doesn’t float, but that well-known fact didn’t stop God in 2 Kings 6:1-7 when a woodman accidentally dropped an axe head in the Jordan River. When he told Elisha, his teacher, what had happened, Elisha asked the man where did it fall? When the woodman showed him the spot, Elisha threw a stick into the water, and the axe floated to the surface.

So, who was Elisha that God would grant him such an unheard-of miracle? Elisha was the faithful student of Elijah—whom the Bible describes as having a nature like ours, meaning Elijah didn’t have supernatural powers of his own, but what he did have was a genuinely close relationship with God—and his protégé Elisha likewise.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months (James 5:17, NKJV).

The valuable takeaway from this story is that while the woodman was upset about losing an axe head that he had borrowed, there’s no description of Elisha doubting that God would defy the laws of physics to retrieve the axe. I believe there’s no record of Elisha’s uncertainties or hesitations because he didn’t question God’s abilities.

Never let impossibilities short-circuit your faith when God’s involved.

Do you need God to repel the laws of nature in your life? If you need an iron floating miracle, ask God if it’s in His will—and if it is—follow His instructions, and never allow impossibilities to short-circuit your faith when God’s involved. Remember, there’s nothing too hard for the One who rides upon the wings of the wind (Psalm 18:10).

Do you need an axe head to float?

© 2022     

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

In ancient civilizations, swords were a standard wartime weapon; perhaps that’s why the apostle Paul depicted the Scriptures as a sword when he wrote to the church at Ephesus. He wanted the Ephesians to associate the Word of God with a lethal weapon they could use when attacked by the devil. Of course, unsupported intimidations don’t frighten the enemy, but when a Spirit-filled believer proclaims and stands on the Word—the devil is threatened.

¹⁷  [T]he sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:17b)

The devil knows the Word fluently.

In Matthew 4:1-11, we see the value and confidence Jesus placed on the Word when He was on His forty-day fast in the wilderness. Every time the devil tempted Jesus using scriptures, the Lord unequivocally responded, “It is written. . .”

However, it isn’t enough to cite Scriptures for the enemy to take us seriously; the Word must be spoken—from a heart that is in right standing with God. (See 2 Corinthians 5:21.) The prayers of the righteous availeth much (James 5:16). Please don’t be deceived; the devil knows when words are backed by heaven—or not.

A sword mounted on a wall is useless in combat.

Yet, to model Jesus’ actions and receive His results, we must know what is written. Thus, we must be lifelong learners of God’s Word by studying, meditating, praying, and respectfully applying it to our everyday lives. I like to say, chew and digest the Word. We can’t pick and choose the easily digestible parts; we must be obedient to what’s written about any situation we find ourselves in; making it routine to base life’s circumstances and decision-making practices on the Scriptures. Then, as a result of an obedient life, we are empowered when the devil strikes; therefore, by faith, we can strike back and say:

It is Written . . . !

© 2022     

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Not long after, you receive a hallelujah—thank you, Jesus revelation, the devil comes quickly to steal that word before it takes root in your heart. His goal is to turn your adulatory praise into an interrogation of skepticism, “Did God really tell me that?”

[T]hen cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (Luke 8:12b).

When doubt vs. faith  

I’m learning to:

• Immediately document the revelation, including the time and date I received it. That notation will serve as proof later that I didn’t imagine the whole experience.
• Expect the devil, usually in the middle of the night, to insert doubts and fears into my mind—don’t treat them as reality but as faith stealers.
• Meditate throughout the day on scriptures that relate to the revelation. The Word of God annihilates the enemy’s lies and strengthens my faith.
• Never let my guard down; the devil is unceasing in his efforts. (See Ephesians 6:11-18.)

When Jesus was tempted on His forty-day fast in the wilderness, He responded to every bait the devil threw at Him with, “It is written . . . ” (See Matthew 4:1-11.)

So likewise, we must also be steadfast and use our faith and say, “It is written . . .” when the devil comes to steal the revelation.

© 2022     

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

If weary or any form of irritability describes you at the moment, check the condition of your soul: mind, will, and emotions, because anything in constant demand to perform is bound to become weakened—the perfect setup for an adversarial ambush. So, as soon as you detect any signs of aggravation—look up—get refreshed—then proceed!

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25, NIV)

The adversary knows when we’re in a vulnerable state. His standard mode of attack usually starts by deceiving our minds with one lie or another and then infecting our will with temptations. Then when the soul concedes, the enemy entangles the emotions in a web of guilt and condemnation.

When Jesus was in His humanity, Hebrews 4:15 says that He experienced every emotion and feeling as we do, yet Jesus never sinned by giving in to them. I think what attributed to His spiritual strength was the fact that He knew when to withdraw to be alone with His Father to commune and replenish the virtue He released to others. With the continuous demand that was put upon Him, even Jesus needed spiritual refreshing—and so do we. By faith, we are to model after Him and let the Holy Spirit minister to us, give us encouragement, and armor us with heavenly reinforcement against the enemy’s maneuvers.

Savor in God’s presence.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

(Psalm 23:3)

I think downplaying the importance of spending daily one-on-one time with the Holy Spirit is one of the devil’s profitable misconceptions. Many think going to church, participating in Bible study groups, and other church activities (great things to do) can substitute for being alone with God—they can’t! You’ll never get to know God on a personal level without savoring in His presence.

Don’t keep running on empty—STOP—get refreshed—then proceed.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23)

 

© 2022     

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Like many of us, more than likely, you are waiting for an answer to a prayer. Are you losing sleep thinking it’ll be too late if it doesn’t come soon? Don’t worry; time isn’t a factor with God—He knows the shortcut. Therefore, He’s more interested in your faith development, and patience plays a vital role in that process.

If need be, God will take the shortcut—He’s never late.

God spoke that word to my heart when I became anxious the other day waiting. He told me to take the “time” component out of the equation and concentrate on the lesson He wants me to learn about His faithfulness. He said that if the answer didn’t come when I thought it should, that was my misconception; He’s not on my clock—He operates outside of time.

Wait for the Lord;  be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

 (Psalm 27:14, ESV)

Since patience is the headliner, our attitude while we wait is the main point. It’s our responsibility to put the waiting period to good use by growing intimately closer to God. In Psalm 27:4, David said there was only one thing that he sought after, to dwell in God’s presence. God said, to seek first His kingdom and righteousness; and all these things will be added unto us (see Matthew 6:33).

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37: 4).

Let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4).

Perhaps our misplaced priorities are delaying the answer. When our spiritual relationship with God is our primary concern, we hear Him better; for instance, when He’s encouraging us to keep holding on or when He’s prompting us to let it go, move on—for He has a better plan. However, if what we’re waiting for is God’s desire, we shouldn’t lose faith by the length of the wait.

After all, God knows the shortcut.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

 

© 2022     

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.