When your prayer request is aligned with God’s will, and you have done your best to do everything He asked you to do, then it’s time to be still—stand on His Word, and by faith, let Him know, “I’m counting on You, Lord.”

I’m counting on you LORD; yes, I’m counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

(Psalm 130:5 NLT)

We can wait with expectation when our desires match God’s.

God’s will—is going to come into being. Psalm 37:4 says to delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. I can’t overly emphasize our desires must coincide with His to count it as done; we must commit our ways for Him to act on our behalf (vs. 5). The amount of time that lapses shouldn’t be a discouragement; many times, God’s glory comes after a period of wait.

Wait and see the glory of God!

Remember, Jesus didn’t rush to heal Lazarus; as remarkable as it would have been to heal this man on his sick bed, instead, Jesus wanted to astonishingly display His Father’s glory by raising Lazarus from the grave after being dead for four days (see John 11:1-44).

We can count on God to intervene in the most inconceivable circumstances.

For instance:

• Moses had to count on God when the Israelites were cornered between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army (see Exodus 14).
• In a showdown, Elijah had to count on God to rain down fire from heaven and burn the idols of Baal (see 1 Kings 18).
• Daniel had to count on God when trapped in the lions’ den (see Daniel 6).

You probably won’t know how or when your prayer will be answered, but when you’ve done all, stand on His Word and let the peace of your faith express:

I’m counting on You, LORD!

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Even though I no longer eat meat, I still remember how disgusting it tasted without salt. The salt turned a tasteless slab of flesh into a succulent, delectable, mouth-watering celebration. But just like meat needs salt, this corrupt world needs—the supernatural flavoring of the Holy Spirit.

Please pass the salt!

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13 NJKV).

Believers are the salt of the world; God has His children sprinkled in every nook and cranny worldwide to spread His love. This world needs to see the difference this unique salt makes. If enough is applied, more will thirst for—the Living Water (John 4:14).

Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!

(Psalm 34:8 CSB)

Salt without flavor is good for nothing.

I love it when believers take a bold faith stand and walk in the authority God has given them.  Unfortunately, however, too many are contented to remain in the salt shaker—aka “closet Christians” not outwardly witnessing for Christ, as Jesus commissioned before He ascended to Heaven. (See Matthew 28:18-20.) This leaves a large field unsalted for imposters to invade—those who speak christianese even quote scriptures, although their actions say otherwise. Their hypocritical words only substantiate the world’s wrong concept of God.

A smidgeon of salt goes a long way.

The world needs to see our unyielding bond with Christ reflected in our love for all humanity. Our relationship with Him is our top priority—not money, status, or material things this world has to offer. They need to see our strength is found in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9); we fear God, not man (Matthew 10:28); no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:7); we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9); our effectual fervent prayers availeth much (James 5:16b), and we can’t be bought because we’re not for sale—Christ has already paid the price.

 

Pass the Salt!

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Can you tell the difference between a dead-end situation and a faith test? They have similar, if not identical, characteristics: hopelessness, unreasonableness, and ridiculousness. Nevertheless, one is for spiritual growth, and the other is a big waste of time. Can you tell the difference between the two?

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye (Psalm 32:8 KJV).

I’m facing this dilemma right now. Of course, I asked the Holy Spirit if I should keep on track or turn in a different direction. He answered by dropping little specks of encouragement to stay on board. Nonetheless, as time passes by, it gets harder to hold on. Perhaps this is the test I need to elevate my faith to sample just a glimpse of the magnitude of God’s glory.

I’m clinging to Psalm 37:4-5: Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass (NKJV).

If my heart is aligned with God’s ways, and I’m meeting the conditions of these verses, I put my hope in His Word.

I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

(Isaiah 43:19b NLT)

I know the Bible gives many examples of people who were confronted with what seemed like dead ends, like parting the Red Sea, Isaac’s miraculous conception, and the prison doors that opened for Peter; all of these incidents could have easily been mistaken for dead-end circumstances.

Continue or discontinue?

Whenever you are at an impasse trying to decide if you should continue in faith, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance (see Proverbs 3:5-6). He is the only One who knows if what you’re going through is in His will.

If you are having trouble discerning His promptings, be honest and tell Him you can’t understand what He wants you to do. Tell God you don’t want to make a mistake and give up too soon; however, you don’t want to waste time if He needs you to change tracks.

A faith test or a dead end? Hmmm!

© 2019

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

Farmers do not expect a harvest hours after planting seeds, nor do they dig them up to see if any activity is happening. They know seeds must go through the germination process—the roots first grow downward to establish the underpinnings for the seeds; therefore, the planters do not expect to see any signs of growth for some time.

The same is true when prayers are aligned with God’s will; the believer must not lose faith just because they do not see immediate results. Only our heavenly Father knows why some requests come instantly while others take longer to be answered.

Perhaps the wait is:

• Getting the setting and everybody involved—ready for the answer,
• Developing the fruit of patience—while stretching faith,
• Possibly adjusting the heart and soul somehow—ensuring the spiritual foundation is on point.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15 NKJV).

Faith germinates in the dark.

Whatever His reasons are for the wait, instead of losing hope, receive encouragement from knowing the miracle had already started germinating when Heaven first received the cry for help. Faith germinates in the dark like seeds.

At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen (Isaiah 60:22b NLT).

So, the next time you doubt your prayers will be answered, give faith a chance to germinate in Heaven’s secret chamber. However, in the meantime————————prepare for the harvest.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1 KJV)

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith

This world is on a fast downward trajectory because it’s under the delusion that it doesn’t need God. But even if they acknowledge Him in some fashion, they feel He must conform to their ways—which will never happen. But because of this wrong ideology, God has allowed things to appear out of control—more wayward than I think the world bargained for; nonetheless, look at what they’ve crafted. I’m reminded of the old Frankenstein movies when the mad scientist created an uncontrollable monster.

God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11 NKJV).

Consequently, people are taking sides and throwing blame at who’s responsible for this creature, but there’s no need to point fingers; there’s enough fault to go around; no side is exempt.

As a child, I heard adults say, “Don’t meddle in grown folks’ stuff.” But, unfortunately, now it looks like the kingdom of darkness have cajoled humankind into doing just that, meddling in God’s affairs, trying to replace Him with the most blatant sins that even shock the most fertile imaginations. But these things must occur as outlined in Matthew 24:3-31; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the signs of the end times.

In the meantime, too many believers stand by, shaking their heads in disgust. At the same time, imposters take advantage of the silence and throw God’s name in their hateful, hypocritical rhetoric, giving a false impression of who He is.

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 CSB).

Therefore, believers must speak up and not only talk the Word but exhibit Christ’s love through their actions, which will expose the pretenders’ charade.

Regrettably, everybody won’t be saved; nevertheless, our Christian job is to walk by faith and spread the Gospel within our area of influence. These are not the times to be lethargic when we could be a hell-bound victim’s last hope. Keep in mind faith without works is dead. (See James 2:14-26.)

Jesus’ final words have become known as the Great Commission, giving the church her marching orders:

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age (Matthew 28: 19-20 AMP).  

In the end, God Will Judge the World!

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Don’t let Satan convince you otherwise, but God talks to His children—all of them, with clarity and understanding. However, His mode of communication will vary, including, but not limited to, natural phenomena, gut feelings, peace, wisdom, and audibly on rare occasions, but primarily through His Word. Whatever method of communication is used, God’s children know their Master’s voice.

After he [Jesus] gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice (John 10:4-5 NLT).

The problem occurs when believers second-guess their faith and doubt what they heard. Satan loves for us to play the “who said that: me, God, or the devil” game. Once when the enemy had me on that unremitting merry-go-round, God told me to take myself out of the equation and decide if it was Him talking or the devil; taking that approach made it easier to discern.

Input produces output.

A good way to mute Satan’s voice and amplify God’s is through His Word. When we read and study the scriptures, they become embedded in our spirits. It’s gratifying when the Holy Spirit spontaneously reaches into our hearts and brings those verses or even a phrase from a scripture back to our remembrance when needing to hear a word from Him; make no doubt about it—that’s God talking.

• Fear not; I am with you. (Isaiah 41:10)
• The battle belongs to Me. (2 Chronicles 20:17)
• Cast your cares on Me. (1 Peter 5:7)
• No weapon formed against you shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)
• Nothing is too hard for Me. (Luke 1:37)
• I’ll never leave you. (Hebrews 13:5)
• My grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• If I’m for you, who can be against you? (Romans 8:31)

Learning the Word is an excellent place to start if you want to build your faith to recognize God’s voice. One thing is for sure; Satan isn’t going to soothe your soul with what saith the Lord.

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Do you ever think about what it would be like to have supernatural capabilities to stand up against the evils that confront you? Or perhaps you ever wonder what it would be like if you could walk in peace regardless of your circumstances? Or have inside information on dismantling your enemy’s plots?

But, with God on our side, we don’t have to imagine; as believers, we have access to the supernatural realm through the Holy Spirit, our Informant, Comforter, Helper, Advisor, and Standby. He comes to dwell inside each believer at the moment of salvation, empowering us supernaturally—yet, so many live defeated lives—despite all the power within.

Loose the power!

As for me, it’s not enough to know I have the power, just like it’s not enough to know I have a measure of faith if I don’t know how to utilize it to the mastery God wants me to; these divine attributes aren’t mere talking points but vital tools as servants of God.

How unfortunate it would be to allow the power afforded me to remain dormant and restrained by any means. That unsettling inquisitiveness is my motivation to write a blog about faith; writing these posts keeps me aware that I have unleashed powers deposited in me that I must explore.

An informed Christian is one too many for Satan.

The good news is that an informed Christian is one too many for Satan since we can multiply and spread the gospel. Can you picture what the world would be like if most, not even all, children of God would walk in the faith of the Holy Spirit and take their proper stance as more than conquerors?

No wonder the enemy wants to destroy our relationship with the Spirit and deceive us into believing we don’t have what it takes to be used by God. What a contradiction since we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (see Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

You got the power—release it to the glory of God!

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

We can know of God by listening to people talk and reading what others have written; we can attend church every Sunday, devote our time and talents, and still might only know of Him from a peripheral perspective. But, when we have an encounter with God, for instance, when He walks with us through our trials, we get to know Him personally.

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes (Job 42:5 NLT).

Job is a perfect example of someone who learned God’s character and ways from a first-hand account after he endured inconceivable hardships. In as far as Job is concerned, you might think you would rather not know the Lord that well if that’s the price tag; nonetheless, we will have tribulations if we know Him or not (see John 16:33), but those who walk with the Lord through those trying times come out stronger and wiser on the other side.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

(James 4:8a)

The Holy Spirit wants to have a personal relationship with us, not be a mere distant acquaintance. He wants us to experience Who He is, be our LORD, and be the Savior of our souls. However, it takes more than just wanting such a relationship but having a deep desire that causes us to pursue Him. Psalm 42 tells of a deer that longs for a flowing stream to quench its thirst; that same intensity is how we must seek after the Spirit—holding nothing back.

I’m going through a trial right now, but as the Holy Spirit walks me through, what I’m learning spiritually overshadows the problem. It’s humbling and a privilege to be able to know God personally.

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

The best way to know God intimately is through His Word. And to do that, I personalize the scriptures where and when I deem appropriate. For example, I change second and third-person pronouns to the first person; I insert my name and others where suited, making the Word a personal conversation between the Lord and me.

Make it personal.

Here are a few samples:

Because [Paulette] has set [her] love upon Me, therefore I will deliver [her]; I will set [her] on high, because [she] has known My name. ¹⁵ [Paulette] shall call upon Me, and I will answer [her]; I will be with [her] in trouble; I will deliver [her] and honor [her]. (Psalm 14-15 NKJV)

Cast all your anxiety on [Me] because [I care] for you. (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

Fear not [Paulette], for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NKJV)

For God has not given [me] a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

Trust in [Me] with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge [Me], And [I] shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

 

As a result of personalizing the scriptures, I feel closer to God; my faith strengthens; His presence is undeniable when I hear Him talking directly to me about the circumstances I present to Him.

Make It Personal!

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.

 

Even if we are oblivious to its impact, it doesn’t change the fact that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous stirs up a mighty force of power. From an earthly perspective, that amount of energy ignites and sets the law of cause and effect into motion, and on a spiritual level, it invokes faith. Therefore, our prayers have creative potential; however, the devil wants us to think they are of no effect—when they really availeth much.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16b).

What happens when all that power is released?

After I finished praying the other day, the enemy came immediately to sprinkle doubt, but the Lord dropped this into my heart: When the righteous pray according to My will—it’s backed by My Word, and My Word will not return to Me void; it will accomplish what I please. (Paraphr. Isaiah 55:11.)

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers:

(1 Peter 3:12a).

However, the devil will try and persuade you to doubt what God said as it applies to your circumstances; but when (not if) that happens, don’t think those negative thoughts through, but immediately fortify yourself in the Word; or if time is of the essence, just say: Lord, Help!

To the enemy’s dismay, God hears the prayers of the righteous, and their effectual fervent prayers availeth much, and there’s nothing the enemy can do to change that.

© 2023

See you next time on Paulette Talks Faith.