Category: What do you think?

When Fear Reveals a Lack of True Faith

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JEFF TURNER

Revelation 21:8 lists several traits of those who do not belong to Christ, including unbelief, immorality, idolatry, lying, and fear. In this context, fear does not simply mean having doubts about one’s salvation. It can also mean cowardice. It can mean shrinking back from standing firm in faith.

Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the soils in Matthew 13. Some people gladly receive the word, but because their faith has no deep root, trouble or persecution causes them to turn away. Others hear the word, yet the worries of life and the pull of wealth choke their spiritual growth, leaving them fruitless.

This kind of fear shows itself in those who avoid hardship for the sake of the gospel. They may appear to believe for a time, but their response to trials reveals otherwise. Such people eventually depart because they were never truly part of the family of faith.

They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us.

1 John 2:19

Trusting God’s Timing and Direction

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FLOYD ROGERS

Choosing to follow God’s way means living with purpose, not reacting on emotion or impulse. It requires us to act only when God leads, rather than pushing ahead on our own schedule. Consider Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. ” Waiting is not always easy—it can take inner strength and patience to stay still when we feel ready to move.

Obedience to God involves trusting that His timing is right, even when it feels slow. Often, doing nothing until He gives direction is the hardest thing to do. He will supply whatever is needed to carry out His plan. It may not include what we want, or think we need, because God sees the big picture more than we.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

The Good Work God Completes in Believers

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AMY TURNER

In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes that the Lord will finish the good work He has begun in His people until the day of Christ. This good work is salvation. Salvation is not only a moment in time but a work of God that stretches across all time.

When a person first repents and trusts in Jesus, they are saved from the penalty of sin. The believer is made right with God. But the work does not stop there. The Holy Spirit continues to shape the believer’s life, helping them turn away from sin and grow more like Christ. This present part of salvation is called sanctification.

There is also a future promise. One day, when believers are with Christ forever, they will be completely free from the presence of sin. This final part of salvation is known as glorification.

So salvation is one work of God with three parts: we were saved from the penalty of sin, we are being saved from the power of sin, and we will be saved from the presence of sin. This is the work the Lord will bring to completion.

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 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