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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If the only time a Christian can sense the connection, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit is when they’re around spirit-filled believers, they’re in trouble. It’s that false sense of spirituality that will leave them scrambling and ill-prepared to endure the personal battles—which are coming. When the hardships show up, they’ll scream defenselessly that the devil is attacking them; but it could be God showing them they need “me time” with Him.

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth
(Psalm 145:18).

The Word tells us to assemble ourselves with other believers (see Hebrews 10:25). Nevertheless, that doesn’t negate the importance of spending time alone with the Holy Spirit (me time). God will not let other people and things take His place in our lives. Therefore, some situations will require us to approach the Throne for ourselves. How can our faith grow if we only know of and about Him through other people?

Me time isn’t swappable.

The devil will tell us serving in a church can be substituted for our alone time with God. The enemy understands that a relationship with our Lord is our greatest weapon against the kingdom of darkness. He knows the more time we spend seeking the Lord, the better we become at distinguishing our Savior’s voice. He’s counting on the fact if we doubt our hearing, we’ll have problems being led. That’s another reason why the enemy will throw all kinds of hindrances in our way to keep us from this valuable time.

If you know this alone time is important but you’re having trouble, for whatever reason, setting time aside, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Ask Him to put a burning desire in your heart for some me time.

Developing a relationship with God should be our number one ongoing priority. I used the word ongoing because the majesty of our Lord is too grand to be understood in a single lifetime. His love, mercy, and grace will forever amaze us. However, we’ll never get to know Him in a personal way if we don’t spend personal time with Him.

Do your actions reflect your love?

Seek yea first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you (see Matthew 6:30). Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart (see Psalm 37:4).

Simply said: We find the time to be alone with the ones we love. The people who have discovered how wonderful “me time” is, want others to enjoy this phenomenal experience. However, it’s one of the enemy’s secrets, and he will do whatever he has to—to keep it—a secret.

Our Savior deserves our “me time” with Him.

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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Think you got this? Are you sure you don’t want to wait on the Lord? He has a good plan already mapped out, but if you steamroll ahead—you’ll mess things up. And if that happens, the wait could take even longer, if not permanently derailed.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Believe it or not, God knows what He’s doing!

There could be any number of reasons (none of which God has to discuss with us) why He wants us to operate within His time frame. He could be: ripening our fruit, developing our faith, preparing the manifestation, or maybe it has nothing to do with us directly, but more about other people who are in the equation. Then again, all these considerations, and others might be in play. All we have to do is relax; knowing the Holy Spirit will guide us, in His timing—in His way.

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).

When has jumping ahead of the Holy Spirit worked? I guess a better question would be: Who benefits, and who loses when we don’t wait? Anytime we don’t submit to the sovereignty of God, the enemy wins—we lose. If the enemy can’t sway us away from God’s plan entirely, he’ll pressure us to give birth—prematurely.

Making a conscious decision to step over God’s timing, is allowing pride (I know what’s best attitude) to dictate our actions. A prideful heart is an abomination to the Lord (see Proverbs 16:5).

Can’t clock faith!

Last week while waiting on God to answer a prayer, I found myself telling Him: I’ll be too old if you don’t hurry up. That’s when He reminded me that He knows how old I am. Not only does He know how old I am, but how many seconds I have left before I take my last breath. If what I’m waiting for is part of His plan, He will fine-tune, alter, and tweak what needs to be adjusted. Once we put a time limit on our ability to believe, it’s no longer faith.

Here’s how I know when I’m stepping ahead of God:

• God whispers in my spirit: Wait!
• I feel an uneasiness about moving ahead.
• A state of urgency attacks my emotions.
• My heart rate increases.
• I feel a supernatural push against my better judgment.

It took years for me to identify these five triggers. As time goes on, I’m sure this list will increase. Can you identify your warning signs?

Are you among the ones waiting on the Lord?

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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Got a mess on your hands? Is the enemy claiming victory? Don’t worry; he claimed victory at the crucifixion—until the resurrection. If your problem is due to your own wrongdoings, ask the Lord for forgiveness; repent, and don’t forget to forgive yourself (see 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 8:12). If the problem is not of your own making, but you’re in the middle of it, pray for wisdom (see James 1:5-7).

God can turn our messes into fertilizer!

If you follow my blog, you know I see the world as a giant classroom. Can’t help it; I used to be a teacher. All the adversities we go through can be valuable learning moments if we use our faith to locate the gems under all the chaos and negativity.

Our Almighty Creator can flip our messes in such a way that will leave us in awe. He can recycle the worst smelling garbage into sweet life-changing testimonies that will benefit generations to come.

It’s through those hardships where we learn our greatest most memorable lessons;
sooner————or later.

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

The devil, on the other hand, will tell us that our situation is hopeless; he wants us buried down in so much guilt and shame that we can’t receive God’s love, mercy and grace. Instead of us leaning on our heavenly resources, the enemy would rather we come up with slicker ways not to get caught the next time—at least not until he’s finished using us.

However, trying to muddle through our circumstances without the Holy Spirit’s guidance is—piling mess on top of mess. But what’s so amazingly awesome about Him, even though we can make matters worse trying to fix things on our own, the Teacher will not waste even our arrogant, egotistical, self-righteous attitudes to teach us:

You can’t do it without Me!

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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During a conversation with a lady who had been a Christian for over sixty years, told me she couldn’t discern when the Holy Spirit was talking to her. As far as I know, this person truly loves and is dedicated to the Lord. However, she depends on other people to tell her what the Spirit wants her to do when making decisions. I’m not saying God won’t speak to us through others, but I am saying He wants a relationship where we can hear Him speak directly to our spirits. The role of other people should be confirmation. Worth noting: How can we tell if the person doing all our hearing doesn’t have a spiritual-hearing impediment?

Why settle for lunchmeat when you can have Filet Mignon?

Unlike some people, God doesn’t speak just to be talking. When the Almighty Creator speaks, we should be humbly-honored that He would say anything to us. We should never—take anything—God has to say—for granted! How many blessings have we missed because we couldn’t hear, then obey the commands from the Holy Spirit? God knows the way we should go; but can we hear it? (John 10:3-5)

We are better off being physically deaf than spiritually deaf.

The enemy wants us spiritually deaf; I wonder why? What doesn’t he want us to hear? He’ll tell us we can’t hear from God; but that doesn’t make any sense. How can we be guided daily by our heavenly Father if we can’t hear His directions? (Proverbs 3:5-6) How can we have an intimate relationship with someone we can’t communicate with? How can we understand God’s Word if we can’t hear spiritual revelations of the Word?

If we only take a religious approach to Christianity, we’ll miss the “meat” of knowing our Lord on a personal level. My precious spiritual moments weren’t within the walls of a church, or even with other Christians, but alone with the Holy Spirit.

What if Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Esther had been spiritually deaf?

I have never heard God’s audible voice; that’s not His typical mode of communication. However, some have experienced this rare phenomenon. For me, He speaks through: revelation of His Word, softly nudging my spirit, placing ideas in my mind, gut feelings, or just placing me in certain situations and circumstances where I can detect His leadings. I don’t always hear Him perfectly, but I’m not going to fall for the devil’s lie that he is the only one I can hear from.

Developing the faith to hear:

The more we hear a person’s voice, the more we are able to distinguish their voice from others. We learn God’s expressions the same way. Spending quality time alone with Him familiarizes us with His voice. When what we’re hearing lines up with His Word, then we must step out on faith, and act as directed. Still if we’re not sure if it’s God talking, tell Him why you’re unsure.

When I’m uncertain, I step out on what I think the Holy Spirit is leading me to do; as long as it lines up with His Word. I slowly walk in that direction asking Him to redirect me if I’m headed the wrong way. This is when I pay particular attention to the slight: nudges, promptings, gut feelings, and circumstances.

Another good way to develop your spiritual ear, is to jot down and date what you think the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Of course, I use the Paulette Talks Faith Journal and I recommend that you do, too. Nevertheless, the main point is not what you use to record, but that you record what you think the Spirit is directing you to do. When you write down what you think you’re hearing, it draws your focus to your spiritual ear.

If you mistake the Holy Spirit’s voice, don’t let the enemy discourage you. Those experiences will uncover the many deceptive voices of the devil; all the while, teaching you to better distinguish God’s voice.

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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If you’re not holding on to faith—check yourself; you might be clinging to fear. Faith places you on the Rock; fear dumps you in the rocks. Why would anybody choose to hold on to the very thing that frightens them; the thing that stops their progress; the thing that causes them to doubt God? My guess is for the same reason people repeatedly take harmful drugs; they’re addicted.

Fear’s intended purpose is to keep us from harm or from doing something harmful. But when the devil perverts it, fear becomes a vile tool to control our lives; a way to keep us loaded with burdens. He doesn’t care if our phobias are real or imaginary; as long as the results sway us from God’s plan.

Don’t negate your faith with a “yeah but” fear.

When a person knows the enemy is lying, yet they accept and respond to his illegal suggestions as truth; they are addicted to fear. Not everyone, of course, has this problem, but those who do must realize—something is wrong when unsubstantial worries always cloud their good news with a “yeah but” response. Think: Who benefits if the good news doesn’t come into fruition?

What is the devil up to?
Why is he trying to scare me?

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7)

Intervention: Revelation of God’s love.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

When fear continuously bombards our thinking, we should examine our relationship with God.

• Do we have a practical understanding of God’s love for us? If not, we can be easily seduced by fear tactics.
• Is our relationship with God strong enough to believe His Word over the devil’s lies? If not, ask Him to identify where the vulnerable areas are, and reveal ways to overcome them.
• The best intervention is to consciously involve the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives. What is there to fear when God is with us?

When we have an intimate relationship with God—

We won’t be addicted to fear.

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:26, NIV)

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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There are people who function better under pressure; as tension mounts—adrenaline pushes them forward with razor-sharp zeal. I’m not one of those people; I hate putting my body through all that stress. That’s why I organized my life so I won’t have to: look for keys, rush to make deadlines, or be perplexed by last-minute decisions. But, as hard as I try, there’s no way I can eliminate all the pressures. Quiet as kept, we need a little pressure every now and then. How can we learn to trust and lean on God if everything is always smooth sailing?

A harmless coincidence or a teaching moment?

As I’m writing about faith under pressure, (in real time) I noticed signs of moisture on my ceiling in the kitchen—right above my brand-new wooden cabinets. It might be a roof problem; even though the roof is less than six months old. Then again it might be some hidden pipe in the ceiling causing condensation. Or, maybe this is happening just because I’m writing about faith under pressure. So, I’m going to do what I would tell you to do in a situation like this: Stop and pray!

Casting our cares is a choice!

Many of us know we should cast our cares on God, but how is that done when pressure is SCREAMING and POUNDING for our attention? Learning to effectively cast cares is a learned process developed over time; manifesting in rich rewards. The Holy Spirit will give us peace as He walks with us through difficulties. The more we experience the fruits of God’s love and faithfulness, the quicker we are to dump the load on Him. As a result, the union created with our Father is far better than having a care-free, pressure-free life. He is eternal; a care-free existence is a fleeting moment.

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

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

Faith does not change because of situations; situations change because of faith.

My writing this week has gone in a different direction since my issue in the kitchen. However, I did stop and pray. This is what the Holy Spirit placed into my spirit:

• You prayed before you had your kitchen remodeled.
• You prayed before you had the roof done.
• You exerted your faith and felt My leading before you started those projects.
• Therefore, don’t lose faith because your circumstances wobbled.
• Practice trusting Me during daily mishaps; so when more complexed matters occur, you are better able to—

Keep your faith under pressure.

© 2019

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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I’m confident we wouldn’t walk up to an unrestrained lion and pat it. Yet, we’ll cozy up to the one found in 1 Peter 5:8. This evil entity that God warns us about is more treacherous than any natural beast we’ll ever come in contact with. This fiend’s sole desire is to kill, steal and destroy (see John 10:10). We might take our minds off him, but he never takes his attention off of us; he wanders around incessantly waiting for opportunities to pounce and devour. Keep your distance—he’s dangerous!

He annihilates!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Anytime our actions go against God’s Word, we’re patting the lion. Many mature Christians won’t fall for obvious entrapments, but they will (more than likely) fall for one of the devil’s most common traps—worry. Worrying is an effective tool the enemy uses to control the minds of even the most ardent Christians. If the wrong set of conditions align themselves—anxiety will zoom in like a bullet shot from a gun.

He pulverizes!

God knows the struggles we face when we try to walk by faith in the middle of what seems to be hopeless and scary circumstances. He will never leave us defenseless to fight these overpowering deceitful spirits. That’s why it’s important not to pat the lion by making compromises on the devil’s terms. Instead, call on God; be honest and tell Him you are cornered, and that your faith is slipping away. Let me remind you how God shut the lions’ (plural) mouths in Daniel 6:21-22.

Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live forever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me:

Counterattack plan:

1. Follow Daniel’s example; never compromise with the enemy.

2. Talk back to the devil when he presents his lies. Say things like: God knows what to do; and I trust Him to do “it” at the right time.

3. The devil’s biggest con is to trick you into believing he doesn’t exist. “Ignore the man behind the curtain.” Don’t fall for it!

4. Fight the good fight of faith by replacing fearful thoughts with thoughts that fall under the headings (true, honest, pure. . .) that are found in Philippians 4:8.

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.

Also, claim the promise found in Isaiah 26:3.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

5. Heed the Holy Spirit’s promptings when He warns you danger is lurking.

6. Keep in mind: God will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able to endure, without giving you a way of escape—the means to bear it. (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

7. Stay suited for battle (see Ephesians 6:10-18). The enemy mutilates unarmed victims. Although in spite of his best efforts, he won’t be able to claw through the armor.

Remember: Don’t pat the lion!

© 2018

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

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If you want to interfere with the devil’s plans—pray interfering prayers. Of course, make your requests known, but interference only comes when you pray for God’s will to be done in the situation. I know that’s a tough prayer to pray, but you can’t afford to walk softly and play it safe. If your wants are different from God’s, ask Him to help you to accept His plans. One might equate a prayer like that with jumping into a freezing-cold lake without a suit. However, the benefits are worth it when you connect with God’s power; it knocks the enemy off his peg.

Go right ahead—interfere!

Your heavenly Father does not want you to be bound and tormented by the enemy’s wickedness. On the contrary, as a Spirit-filled Christian, He has given you the power through Jesus Christ to transcend principalities and rulers of darkness (Ephesian 6:12). You are seated in heavenly places (Ephesian 2:6). You have been given enough faith to cancel every satanic curse working against you. Therefore, anything that is not in alignment with God’s will for your life—

Interfere!

This writing is coming from a page I’m currently facing in my life. The enemy had the audacity to put his filthy-hands on my family. I guess he didn’t get the memo that said: All evil ploys will be taken straight to God.

I know I can’t fight this force within my might, but I know Who can. All I have to do is be obedient to God’s Word and follow His instructions in the matter.

A Christian once told me they didn’t want to upset the devil’s plans because they feared what he might do in retaliation. That person has more faith in the devil’s fears than in the power of God’s Word.

• Greater is He that is in you than he that’s in the world. (1 John 4:4)
• You are more than a conqueror. (Romans 8:37)
• You are the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:22)
• No weapon formed against you shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)
• God will give His angels charge over you. (Psalm 91:11)

Interfere!

© 2018

See you next week on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

 

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