Paulette Talks Faith: April 2016

Monday, April 25, 2016

Week 132: Wipe Off the Dust

Wipe Off the Dust

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

• Worry. . .

• Rage. . .

• Anxiety. . .

When we wipe off the dust, we will see: JESUS!

Deception works pretty much like dust; they both overshadow the truth. It’s nothing like a heavy coat of dust to hide the intricate details of a thing.

One of the devil’s tactics is to keep stirring up his demonic dust in order to hide the truth. He uses frustration, depression, fear, doubt, and any other negative emotions to throw a film over our thinking. It’s hard to see all the complex specifics of a problem when our thoughts are covered in dust.

Deception produces wrong thinking!

The next time you feel like you’re down in a hole bombarded by negative thoughts, just suppose for a moment that things aren’t as bad as they appear. I know sometimes hopeful thoughts can be difficult—but just suppose.

Instead of giving into these negative feelings—Kill Them!

The Word of God is our Weapon. The Lord is our strength and our shield. (Psalm 28:7) Jesus told us to cast all our cares, concerns, and worries on Him. (II Peter 5:7 AMP) Jesus is Omniscient. He can see right through the devil’s dusty cover ups. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

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

When you wipe off the dust, you will see Jesus.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Week 131: Believe It or Not

Believe It or Not

Have faith in God. Mark 11:22

• I do believe. . .

• I do, I do, I do believe God!

I’m always thrown for a loop when I see Christians worried sick about all the problems they see around the world. They are terrified when they hear about any global unrest; they feel defenseless when they stand before injustice, and they are stressed out by any opposing political views. They sink into the same hole of despair as unbelievers.

BUT, how can that be? It says in John 15:19 that we are in this world, but not of the world. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) What can man do if God is on our side? Psalm (118:6) It’s all summed up in Isaiah 41:10 when God said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee…”

Do we believe this, or not?

When we take on the world’s hopelessness, what does that say about our relationship with the living Savior? Our hope in God sets us apart. We know things that the world doesn’t know, like the benefits of living a life lead by God. What a great message for a clueless world to see; believing Believers.

Yes, we feel the pains and groans of this broken fallen world. We have battle scars. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t be overcome by them. Fears and worries are fuel for trouble; at the same time this weakens are faith, and our credibility as Christians. Jesus said that we will have tribulation, but to be of good cheer He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)

I cannot join in conversations with Christians who feel doomed by the world’s problems without me wondering: Do they believe the Word of God? Do they know the Word of God? Either we believe God, or not.

Faith won’t play it both ways!

Monday, April 11, 2016

Week 130: The Bogeyman

The Bogeyman

For we walk by faith, not by sight: II Corinthians 5:7

• Monsters. . .

• Beasts. . .

• Gremlins. . .

I can remember being afraid of the dark when I was a little girl. In my overactive imagination, I would see all kinds of horrible images lurking around corners, and under the bed when all the lights were out. Just when I couldn’t take it anymore, I would scream for my father. When he came, all my fears left—IMMEDIATELY. He didn’t have to say a word; just being there was enough.

Now that I’m all grown–up, the bogeyman has taken on a whole different manner. He exchanged his bogeyman mask for adult sized tribulations. He still scares me, which doesn’t make much sense since he’s already defeated. (John 16:11 AMP) The only difference now is when I yell, my heavenly Father comes.

Fear not; I will help you!

Our heavenly Father will chase away our fears. Nothing by any means can harm us. If God is for us, who can be against us? He has assigned angels to come to our defense in all our ways of obedience. When we exert our faith, we receive God’s peace.

However, when the devil’s lies sound like truth our peace will be challenged. So, how can we tell when it’s just the bogeyman trying to scare us? We know God has not given us a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7) Therefore, the minute our thoughts turn into any form of fear, stop and yell: JESUS!

We’re under no obligation to think every thought—through!

We have to use the authority that was given to us. God has equipped us to combat this notorious monster when He gave us a measure of faith. We are not to attack the enemy with our power, but with the insurmountable power of God.

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden terror and panic, nor of the stormy blast or the storm and ruin of the wicked when it comes [for you will be guiltless]. For the Lord shall be your confidence, firm and strong, and shall keep your foot from being caught [in a trap or some hidden danger].

Proverbs 3:24-26 AMP

If my earthly father could chase away the bogeyman,

look how much more my heavenly Father can do.