A thief wouldn’t break into a house to steal merchandise he knows isn’t there. So the next time the devil attacks your mind with lies about inadequacies, insufficiencies, and other flaws, remember his strategy is to make you think you don’t possess what he’s after.

The thief knows you got the GOODS!

A thief in the natural world dismantles the security system leaving the structure vulnerable to his invasion. The same stands in the realm of darkness; the enemy comes to implant seeds of doubt to obstruct our confidence in God’s Word, resulting in him controlling our thoughts and actions. When the devil can exchange our faith for his fears, we are more likely to fall for his lies when he says things like:

• You can’t do anything right.
• You’re crazy.
• You’re stupid.
• You’re worthless.

The thief comes to weaken our faith’s immune system.

That negativity isn’t from God; the Lord builds us up; He doesn’t tear us down. Discouraging thoughts like those are confidence stealers; it weakens our faith’s immune system to ward off disbelief. God needs His people to immediately cast down the devil’s lies and walk in faith.

We are everything the devil tells us we’re not.

We can use the enemy’s lies to work against him and, at the same time, build our confidence—by knowing the thief only comes for what’s in our possession. Therefore, walk in boldness:

• We are the workmanship of God. (Ephesians 2:10)
• We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13)
• We have been made righteous through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• We are loved by God. (John 3:16)
• and so on. . .

What could the thief be stealing that you didn’t realize you had?

© 2022

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Will a God of love discipline His children when they disobey?

Yes—of course, and thank goodness He does. By in large, people are prideful, lustful, corruptible, and the list goes on. When ungodly characteristics shape behavior, our heavenly Father will do what needs to be done to make His point.

Would you rather face God’s firm discipline, Who loves you, or be destroyed by the devil, who hates you?

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth  

 (Hebrews 12:6, KJV).

Tough love: experience is a powerful teacher.

I know the thought that a loving God will allow or cause hardship to discipline His children is controversial. But look at it as tough love. Allowing believers to experience the consequences of their sinful choices is a good deterrent when temptation comes knocking again.

I’m not saying all hardship results from disobedience; some adversities come basically to strengthen and test our faith. Those examinations are crucial for assessing faith development. But, on the other hand, when blatant, willful sin is the cause for our rebellion, our Father has no problem chastening us.

For instance, when the Israelites turned away from God and started worshiping other gods and idols, He allowed their enemy, the Babylonians, to enslave them for seventy years. After they repented, they were released, and God punished the Babylonians for their mistreatment. This is just one example of how our Lord uses our adversaries’ evilness to discipline. (See the book of Ezekiel.)

The best weapon against the devil is to be a broken, submissive vessel for God.

Contrary to the devil’s plans to keep us bound and convicted with guilt, God is forgiving, and His mercy offers ample chances for repentance. Therefore, there’s no condemnation for those in Christ (see Romans 8:1) because our Redeemer sacrificed His life and paid our sin bill on the Cross.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5, KJV).

When corrections come, submit and say:

Lord, even though my flesh will have a SCREAMING FIT—discipline me!

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him (Job13:15).

 

© 2022

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When facing a hard-pressed predicament, ask the Lord, “Did You set this up?” Once you examine the circumstances from that stance, your attention will focus more on your spiritual growth and maturity than on the problem. Of course, you want the matter resolved ASAP, but instead of praying for deliverance as your first defense, pray to hear what the Lord has to say because if He set it up—there’s something He wants you and/or others to learn before you are delivered.

Only You, Lord, can fix this!

 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, ³ now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness (1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT).

Some learning possibilities:

• Walk by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
• Put your trust in the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5)
• Seek God first. (Matthew 6:33)
• Impossible for man; possible for God. (Luke 18:27)
• God’s grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Your faith will grasp the joy; your fear will grasp the hurt.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy (James 1:2, NLT).

So, why does James tell us to consider our troubles as opportunities for joy? He said that because he knows if we submit to God, hard times will transform us into the likeness of Christ, and anytime our actions reflect the Lord’s, that glorifies Him because of the spiritual advancement it produces.

Lord, did You set this up for Your glory?

© 2022

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I don’t watch television without having the remote control close at hand so I can mute it as I please. So likewise, we believers in Christ can mute the nerve-shattering roars of the devil by putting our faith in the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who resides within us (see John 14:16-17). Even though we can’t stop these frightening growls, it’s good to know there’s a safe, effective way to have them muted.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1John 4:4).

The roar is worse than the bite.

The enemy has meticulously studied our vulnerabilities; he knows more about our frailties than we do. Like a maestro conducting a symphony, he knows the opportune time to strike the perfect pitch of resounding roars of worry.

The more we focus on problematic legal issues, failing health, broken families, rebellious children, and other dire circumstances, the louder the roars. Unfortunately, the world’s remedies for quieting the noise are more harmful than the roars.

If you despise the roars, personalize your relationship with the Holy Spirit—get to know Him Intimately!

Why should believers worry about roars when the Holy Spirit resides in them?

© 2022

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

 

When heartstrings are being pulled, it’s hard to pray, with sincerity, “Lord, Your will be done.” That blind step of faith pleases God in that we trust His outcome in the matter. But all in all, that’s still a hard prayer to pray; I know because I haven’t prayed that prayer yet without adding my two cents on how things should go.

Letting God have His way is the ultimate test of our faith.  

When our Lord was in the garden of Gethsemane, He knew that doing His Father’s will meant He had to accept the bitter cup of wrath. That decision wasn’t easy; He toiled all night in agony; but concluded, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou would have me to do” (see Mark 14:36).

The apostle Paul received an invaluable revelation about God’s ways are best after he pleaded three times for the Lord to take the thorn away that Satan was allowed to dispense. I’m pretty sure Paul gave God a list of logical reasonings why the thorn should be removed. But God responded: “My grace is sufficient.”

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Once Paul realized that God’s grace supplied all the strength he needed to endure whatever infirmities and distresses came his way, it was his honor to showcase God’s power in those trying times.

But think about this: Satan can no longer control our emotions when we have resolved life’s outcomes to God’s will be done.

© 2022

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We pray; then, we tend to give God instructions on answering our requests; those step-by-step directions reveal we don’t have the faith to leave everything in His royal hands. We often forget that our omniscient Lord knows more about our appeals than we ever could. He dealt with the matter long before there was an issue to address. His reasoning for doing what He does reaches far beyond our understanding. So tell me, how can our finite brains advise a sovereign God?

Genuine faith gives no instructions.

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).

Do we trust God’s ways, or do we just want His power to execute our plans?

Yes, we believe God knows best but is that what we want, or do we just want Him to execute our best-laid plans? Do we trust His ways will satisfy our desires?

However, when we truly understand how much God loves us, His desires become our desires which loosens our tight grip on trying to control everything. And when we love Him in return, everything works together for our good (see Romans 8:28). So the sooner we trade our instructions in for His ways, the sooner God can get to work on our behalf.

Think about these questions:

• Did God need Noah’s advice on building the ark?
• Did God ask Moses for instructions on parting the Red Sea?
• Did God take lessons from Elijah on stopping the rain?

Of course not, and like so, God doesn’t need any instructions from us on starting our businesses, shielding us from evil plots, healing our bodies, saving our children, or any other circumstances we face. The truth of the matter is:

God doesn’t need any instructions—about anything.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

© 2022

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The world has customized “truth” to fit its iniquitous lifestyles; whatever feels good, seems right, brings pleasure, or any jam-freeing fabrication is acceptable these days. Nevertheless, God warns His followers to keep the belt of His Truth wrapped tightly around their waist. We are in spiritual warfare, and functioning in the Truth is part of His armor (see Ephesians 6:10-17).

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. (v.14, NIV)

Too many are tightening the wrong belts.

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).

Unfortunately, sometimes followers aren’t aware they have conformed to the world; therefore, they have tightened the wrong belt. Some conformities come from having a complacent attitude towards spiritual matters; sometimes, conformism can also result from misquoting and taking out of context God’s Word for generations.

While in prison, the apostle Paul writes a letter to Timothy, an elder of the church at Ephesus, to stay encouraged during challenging times, hold fast to the doctrine, and reject and correct wrong teachings.

The advice Paul gave to Timothy is what we are to remember and take to heart. But we can’t differentiate God’s Truth from “truths” if we don’t read and study the Word for ourselves. I can’t overemphasize studying the Word for yourself; for when we do, we’ll better recognize misinterpretations. Also, when we don’t know the Truth, we miss out on the power it renders. For instance, knowing the Word of God keeps us from:

• wrapping ourselves in falsehoods,
• being incompletely armed for battle,
• being spiritually deaf,
• staying spiritually underdeveloped.

If you find understanding the Bible difficult, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to a translation that you can comprehend. If you prefer listening, there are audio versions you might find enlightening.

The format we choose isn’t essential; receiving the knowledge of the Word is what’s important so that we won’t tighten the wrong belt.

© 2022

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Just because an evil, worrisome thought pops into your head doesn’t mean you have to think that thought through. This can be easier said than done because even the Christians who can properly decern when the devil is talking to them will still, at times, listen and allow his lies to overtake what the Lord said about a situation.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

Invest time in faith, not fears.

The longer we ponder the enemy’s lies, the more our faith weakens, and his stronghold strengthens. Of course, we can’t stop the devil’s illegal suggestions (wicked thoughts) from entering our heads; no more than we can prevent birds from flying over our heads, but it is within our control not to give time to every thought.

Not until recently, I felt defeated whenever I found myself worrying, but the Holy Spirit brought to my attention that for the past two weeks, I was casting down those illegal suggestions. Because as soon as I realized one of the devil’s lies had entered my head, I vetoed it immediately and replaced it with what the Lord said about the matter. And the times when I couldn’t recall a verse to quote, or a personal word from the Holy Spirit to cast it down with, I just called: Jesus! What a relief when the Lord revealed that to me. Those two weeks of consciously taking control of my thinking will eventually become how my thoughts are processed in the future.

Why trade God’s peace for the devil’s torment? 

A measuring rod of spiritual growth:

• How much time do you allow the enemy’s frightening thoughts to linger in your head?
• Do you give those thoughts less time now than you did a year ago?

Remember, you don’t have to think about every thought—choose what you think—wisely.

© 2022

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

 

God is sending us some undeniable warnings of things to come. Ignoring the current ominous happenings that were foretold in biblical prophecy by sticking our heads in the sand won’t make it not so; this fuse was lit back in Garden of Eden, and now we’re in the path of its fiery blaze.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1, NIV)

Everything we’re witnessing was prophesied thousands of years ago.

We are characters who have been placed in this real-life drama. For those in Christ, there’s nothing to fear as each act unfolds. As a matter of fact, if we view what’s going on as God revealing His sovereignty right before our eyes, then these times are pretty exciting.

But the body of Christ has work to do in the vineyard (see Luke 10:1-2). And we can’t be effective witnesses if we bury ourselves and do not face what’s going on from a spiritual perspective. We are to cry loudly and alert others to prepare for Jesus’ return.

Right in plain sight!

On a particular day, Jesus went to the synagogue, opened the book of Isaiah, found Himself in Scripture, read it, then closed the book, and sat down (see Luke 4:16-20).

God revealed His long-range plan to prophets like Ezekiel; therefore, like Jesus, we should open the Scriptures and find our place.

The night is far gone, the day of his return will soon be here (Romans 13:12a, LAB).

 

© 2022

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Can’t see it? Check the power line if you are a believer who can’t believe beyond the physical realm. There’s a disconnect somewhere if you can’t see those things that are not—as if they really are. After you receive salvation, your mind must be renewed; your old way of thinking must rise to a supernatural level and begin to see and call things like God wants you to see and call them.

Once you have prayed:

• If you’re sick—don’t keep talking about how ill you are.
• If your money is low—don’t keep talking about how broke you are.
• If you’re forgetful—don’t keep making jokes about your fading memory.

Calling those things which are not . . .  

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews11:1).

I speak only for me; I can’t be contained anymore by “religious restrictions” that leave me powerless when I know the Holy Spirit wants to take me to a supernatural realm where faith—is the predictable outcome—not a random incident. And for faith to have its way, my attention must be on God and His promises. Because what He says should be my reality; if not, do I really believe and trust God?

To see things the way the Holy Spirit wants us to see them—requires us to regularly spend one-on-one quality time with Him on a personal level. As our relationship matures, we become humbly honored just to be in His presence, not necessarily wanting anything but Him. That’s when a bond begins to form; intimacy develops; we want what He desires; we recognize His guidance and quickly obey the promptings of His voice; then our measure of faith begins to delete cataracts caused by doubts and fears; our spiritual vision comes into focus.

Is your power line connected?

Power line inspection:

• Is God your number one priority? (Matthew 22:37)
• Are your thoughts aligned with His Word? (2 Corinthians 10:5)
• Can you discern God’s voice from all the noise? (John 10:4; 1 John 4:1)
• Do you trust Him no matter what you don’t see? (Hebrews 11:1; Mark 9:23)
• Do you stay suited in the whole armor of God? (Ephesians 6:10-18)
• Do you think God is pleased with your relationship with Him? (John 14:15,21)

If you can’t see clearly through the lens of faith, don’t become discouraged; ask for the Holy Spirit’s help and believe what He tells you, and do what He says.

Our faith connected to the Power Source—Oh, My Goodness; we’re getting ready to see some stuff! 

© 2022

   See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.