Author: Texas Gospel

Living with a Heart that Prays

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JEFF TURNER

Some Bible commands can feel difficult to follow. One example is in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, where Paul tells believers to “pray without ceasing.” At first, this can sound like we must pray every moment of the day. But the teaching is about having prayer as an ongoing part of life, not about speaking prayers nonstop.

To “pray without ceasing” means there should never be long periods in our lives when we are not praying. We may not pray out loud all the time, but our hearts should stay open to God. Prayer becomes part of our regular daily rhythm, much like thinking about loved ones throughout the day without speaking to them every moment.

Even if we are not always talking to God, we can live with an attitude that we are in his presence and ready to speak to him at any time. Our thoughts and actions can be shaped by a steady awareness of him. We should bring everything to God in prayer, making it a natural and ongoing part of life.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Think Before You Act, God’s Bigger Plan

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FLOYD ROGERS

When something upsetting happens, it’s easy to respond quickly without thinking. But before reacting, it’s important to pause and ask, “What might God be doing in this situation?” Looking at the bigger picture can help us make better choices.

Many people have ended up in difficult situations because they made decisions out of anger, hurt, or a desire for revenge. These decisions, whether dishonest, immoral, or simply emotional, can lead to long-lasting problems. In moments of frustration, it’s easy to choose what feels right in the moment, but those choices often come with serious consequences.

Instead of acting on impulse, we should take time to consider where our actions might lead. Asking ourselves what God’s purpose might be can help us avoid harm. God’s way is always the better way, even when it’s not the easiest one.

You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.

James 1:19-20

The Warning Against a Different Gospel

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AMY TURNER

In Galatians 1, Paul speaks strongly to believers who were turning away from the true message of Christ. He tells them they were being drawn to another gospel, which was not the gospel at all. This false message centred on the idea that salvation could come through keeping the law and through human effort.

Paul reminds the church that faith begins with the Spirit, not with the works of the flesh. To return to law-keeping as a way of salvation is to go back to weak and empty things. In chapter 5, he makes it clear that such a path is disobedience to the truth.

The danger in Galatia came from those who insisted that Christians must still follow Jewish laws to be saved. Paul’s teaching is clear: if works are added to grace, then grace is lost. Any message that mixes human effort with God’s free gift of salvation is not the gospel and cannot save.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Ephesians 2:8

Living Under the Spirit’s Guidance

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JEFF TURNER

In Ephesians 5:18, Paul tells believers not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We should allow the Spirit to guide and influence thoughts, words, and actions, instead of being controlled by anything else.

When alcohol controls a person, it changes how they think, speak, and behave. In ancient pagan practices, some believed drunkenness helped them connect with their gods. Paul rejects this idea, teaching that Christians should be led by an inner power. The Holy Spirit should guide us rather than alcohol or any other influence.

The Holy Spirit works through God’s truth. Colossians 3:16 explains this as letting the word of Christ live richly in the mind. When a believer’s thoughts are shaped by Scripture, the Spirit uses that truth to direct life. This guidance becomes visible in behaviour, speech, and even inner attitudes.

Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event, but an ongoing way of living where God’s truth shapes every part of life.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

John 16:13

Why We Often Make Poor Choices

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FLOYD ROGERS

Many people find themselves making the wrong decisions time and again. A common reason for this is that we often rely on our own judgement instead of seeking guidance from God. Every person has natural habits, weaknesses, and limitations, and no one is without fault. It feels easy and even normal to follow what seems right to us in the moment. But choosing what feels natural instead of what God directs can lead to trouble.

When we face problems, we may try to figure things out on our own. But if we leave God out of our thinking, we increase the chance of making a mistake. God is always ready to help us make wise choices, but we have to be willing to listen.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:5