​It is believed that the average person thinks 30,000 thoughts every day. Imagine how many pages that would fill if written down! How many of those thoughts are negative, discouraging, accusing, and overwhelming? This Scripture verse tells us we MUST take action: "bringing" (lead away). We cannot entertain these thoughts, or they will begin to take root.
 
How can we bring our thoughts into captivity? A few ways I have learned that are helpful:
 
• Remove or limit anything I read, see, or hear that promotes negative thoughts.
• Choose to think on the good things (replace negative with wholesome).
• Take those thoughts to God (prayer).
• Use the sword of the Word (find a Scripture that helps me).
 
The thought life is where most of our battles are fought. The more I work to take every thought "captive," the stronger the walls of my mind become. Thoughts can greatly trouble us, but God has made a way of escape. Thank God for His Word!

From a small child, I was taught that lying is wrong.  Many Bible verses warn against the sin of lying. Yet, some lies are harder to detect than others. For example, there are lies that we are tempted to tell to ourselves, lies such as: “I never get it right. I’m not good enough.  I'll always fail; I might as well not even try."
 
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth (honesty). This verse stresses the importance of serving God "in truth" as well. The enemy is so good at convincing us his lies are truth. We need the spotlight of the Word to reveal any lies that could hinder us from serving God "with all your heart."

One of my favorite Scriptures for when the lies about my self-worth try to work on me is, "I have inscribed (a picture of) you on the palms of My hands" (Isaiah 49:16 AMP). What a blessing to know the TRUTH - I have great value in God’s eyes!  And YOU do too!

In Pilgrim’s Progress, when "the way" became rough, Christian and Hopeful found a path "very easy for their feet" (By-path meadow). How many times when the Christian way becomes difficult are we tempted to look for an easier way?
 
This chapter was Moses’ Farewell Address to Israel, and this verse was to the tribe of Asher. These people lived on a rocky seacoast, and shoes made only of leather would not have protected their feet from the sharp rocks. Thus, the importance of "shoes" made of "iron and brass."
 
There is an old saying, "We do not go to Heaven in silver slippers." Why? Because "the way" will, at times, be difficult. God knows this, and He gives us "equipment proportioned to our work, shoes fit for the road" (MacLaren). The durability of our shoes will match the roughness of the road.
 
So it is with our strength. God knows the road you will be traveling today, and He has promised to give you strength for today. This strength is not for weeks or months but for "days." God knows exactly the amount needed for today. When tempted to look too far ahead and begin worrying about the future, this verse is a good reminder that when we get to that part of "the way," God will provide the "shoes" (strength) that we need.

​One of my greatest blessings has been to be raised in a Godly home where I was taught the truth of God's Word. It was evident that my parents and my grandmother knew who God is. I could tell they had a close, personal relationship with Him. But there came a time in my life when I had to know who God is for myself.

Jesus asked His disciples who others said He was. After they answered, some say this or that, Jesus made the question more personal: "But whom say YE that I am?"
 
I have done my best to teach my children who God is to ME. They have seen me so blessed that I cry and have heard me talk of my relationship with God, but there has come a time in each of their lives when God has asked this question of them. Why? Because although a Godly heritage is a treasure, it is going to take something deeper and more personal to withstand the storms of life. 

Who is Jesus to you? How do you answer that question?

When it comes to why you do or do not do certain things as a Christian, do you say, "Mom and Dad makes me" or "That’s what our church teaches"? Consider if you gave an "answer" that is personal. This verse says to “be ready to give an answer . . . of the hope that is in YOU.” I often view this verse as a challenge to study and know my "WHY," which is so important! However, the first part of this verse tells HOW we can prepare to give an answer: “sanctify the Lord God.” How can we make God holy (sanctify) as He is already holy? The answer is "in our hearts."
 
When we give God the first place in our hearts (giving Him the time, obedience, love, and honor He deserves), we are making Him holy. Others can see the calm in the storms and the peace and joy we have by letting Him be in control. The more we let God be holy in our lives, the more it will cause the unsaved to question, "What do they have that I don’t?" When questioned, we are "ready to give an answer." We can tell of our relationship with God. There is nothing quite like a personal testimony to let others know how wonderful God is!

It is always a blessing each spring when my garden is finally planted!  Although it is a lot of hard work, I look forward to having shelves full of canned vegetables at the end of the year. The word "regard" in this Bible verse actually means "to keep or preserve." "Discretion" is the spiritual wisdom for daily living that we all so greatly NEED. But how to get it?

The words "my son" bring to mind the instruction of a parent. What wisdom and great understanding our parents have! They have seen and experienced much. There is an old proverb that says, "When an old person dies, a library burns down." How much more so when that older person was saved!

Many times in my life I have asked myself, "How did my mom handle this situation?" Or I have remembered stories others have shared with me of how they handled difficult experiences. These were like jars of wisdom that I could open when needed. What a blessing these older saints have been to me! It is my desire to preserve and pass on what I have learned from them to others. 

There is a character in one of the Charles Dickens’ classics whose name is Uriah Heep. He continually reminded everyone of his "umbleness." Of course, that is quite the opposite of what this verse is saying. Commentators say this verse describes a special garment that servants put on when they were preparing to serve the master. Some call it a "servant’s girdle."
 
Too often humility is thought of as saying: "I could never do that. I’m not qualified. There are others who can do it much better than I could." Yet, the humbleness described here is about  a willingness to SERVE in whatever way the Master needs. God promises to give the "grace" needed for that task.

​As I get dressed for the day, this verse is a good reminder to also PUT ON the "servant’s girdle" of humility and be willing to serve others. Lord, who needs my help today?

From the first day we found out a new baby was coming, we began planning for that child. Supplies were bought, books on childcare and pregnancy were read, and room in our home was set aside. We talked about how to discipline, instruct, and give guidance. We had dreams and plans for raising and guiding each of those children.

How much greater are the plans of our Heavenly Father for His children! From the beginning of the world, He has had a plan in place for each one of His children. Another version of this verse says, "Neither hath the eye seen a God beside Thee, who will work for him that waiteth for Him." Paul quoted this verse and said "those who love him."

​There will be many times in life when we are unsure of our next step. Why is God taking so long to reveal His will? Isaiah assures us of how wonderful these plans are. We can trust Him in our waiting. He has been planning our future for a very long time!

​There are certainly plenty of things happening these days to make us fearful and anxious. “What if ...” is often a dangerous road to start down. Paul said to “be careful [full of care, anxious] for nothing.” Consider that Paul was writing this as a prisoner of Rome, facing certain death. He could have easily been overcome with fear and worry.
 
But how do we NOT allow fears to overwhelm us? Paul did not leave us guessing. He told us exactly how to overcome this powerful tool of the enemy: prayer and thanksgiving. In one of my darkest trials, when fear was about to take me under, I felt like God impressed me to thank Him all day long. As I made the bed, I said, “Thank You, Lord, for a comfortable place to sleep.” I thanked Him for a lily that bloomed out of season. It was not long until the fears began to lose their power over me.

​“If a thing is great enough to threaten to make me anxious, it is great enough for me to talk to God about” (commentary). If it matters to you, it matters to the Master. 

"Safe" is a word we hear often today. The cashier at the grocery store tells me to "be safe out there." I pray for safety as my family leaves the house each day. The government tells us how to be safe during a pandemic. But Paul talked of the safety in hearing well-known truths. There is a real danger that comes with hearing the truth preached over and over. Human nature wants something new and exciting, but Jeremiah 6:16 advises to "ask for the old paths."
 
When our children were young, we would often go through our family rules concerning what they could or could not do. They had heard it all before, and I am sure there was an attitude of "I already know this." But the rules were repeated for their safety and to keep them out of trouble. The next time truth is preached and the flesh starts to say, "I already know this," it would be good to remember this verse. These truths (the old paths) are a safeguard to me, protecting me from getting off the narrow way. 

​Jesus told his disciples to go into the village, find a certain colt, untie it, and bring it to Him. If the owner questioned them, this was to be their answer: "the Lord hath need of him." When I think of all I have, I wonder if there is something God "hath need of." It could be possessions, money, or time. It could be my talents and abilities. God might need to use my hands, feet, or words today to reach out to someone.

I find it interesting that the owner of the colt did not refuse the disciples. Verse 6 says, "And they let them go." But Jesus already knew this. He told the disciples, "Straightway he will send him hither."
 
When the Lord needs something of me, can He say the same? Can He say, “She will do this immediately ('straightway')"? Everything I have ultimately belongs to God. What a good reminder to quickly answer the call: "the Lord hath need."

​The blind beggar Bartimaeus was determined to get help from Jesus. Possibly, he had tried to get Jesus’ attention in the past but could not get close enough. Or perhaps his faith was being tested. On this day, Bartimaeus placed himself close to where Jesus would pass by. Verses 47-48 show the earnestness of his request for Jesus' help. He cried out, and when others tried to quiet him, "He cried the more, a great deal."
 
What are we struggling with today that we would like for Jesus to heal? Is it a physical affliction, a strained relationship, a lack of spiritual eyesight, anxiety, or depression? Whatever it is, we can learn from Bartimaeus. He went where he KNEW he would find Jesus. He cried out for help (no doubt, multiple times). He did not let the opinions and criticisms of others stop him, but "He cried the more."

Can you imagine Bartimaeus' joy when he heard these words: "Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee"? What a blessing to know the Lord is calling for me and you, saying: “Come unto Me. Tell Me what you need. Don’t let others stop you. I am waiting for you.”

​One figure of speech our society often uses is "I’m starving!" Usually, we are not actually starving, just very hungry. I wonder if we have ever said "I’m starving" when it comes to spiritual food? My kitchen has a lot of food in the cabinets and refrigerator, but I will remain hungry if I do not put forth effort by walking into the kitchen, pulling out the ingredients, and preparing a meal.
 
Jesus told us we need to put forth effort if we are spiritually hungry: "come to me." His storehouse is full of everything we need, but we must pull out and mix together all the ingredients needed for a well-balanced, nutritious meal (prayer, Bible reading, meditation, Bible study).
 
As a wife and mother, the food I prepare is often not for me only, but it is for my family as well. One of my married children might come over, see leftover pizza in the refrigerator, and say, "Mom, can I have some of that?" Likewise, our spiritual food might feed others as well. Many times I have had opportunities to share with others what God has spiritually "fed" me. Oh, the importance of seeking God for our daily bread!

​One of my favorite Bible stories is God asking Solomon, "What shall I give thee?" I find great encouragement in Solomon’s answer: "I know not how to go out or come in. . . . Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad." I have often told God that I may not need wisdom to guide a nation, but I do need it to guide my own steps and those of my household! This has not been a prayer I have prayed once or twice, but an earnest prayer, prayed MANY times.
 
I believe James knew when he wrote, "if you lack wisdom," that all of us greatly need wisdom, not only the understanding of deep spiritual truths but that discernment for daily living. How do we get it? One writer said: “It is not dropping down on your knees for two minutes in a morning, before you hurry out to business . . . or praying after you have gone to bed at night, and perhaps falling asleep before you get to 'Amen.' It is not asking, and then not waiting long enough to get the answer. It is not a faint and feeble desire, but one presented with PATIENT PERSISTENCE."
 
The rest of the verse tells me what God will do when I realize my lack of wisdom and ask Him earnestly and persistently: "it shall be given."

Riding the bus to school in middle school and high school, I often watched as the first rays of sunlight began. I would get on the bus in total darkness, and it was light when I arrived at school. I always enjoyed watching the beauty of "light arising."

How often the trials of life can be compared to darkness. At times my soul has cried out, "Is it morning yet?" We long for the "light"  (deliverance, God’s peace, answers to prayers)! This Scripture verse reminds me of those difficult times. What a blessing when "light" (morning) finally came .

We, as Christians, are to be a light to the world. Could it be in this time of spiritual darkness, God wants His people to stand up and shine in a greater way ("the upright there ariseth")? Not only will that be a witness to the lost, but it will strengthen and encourage “the upright.” God, help me to know how to let my light shine in a greater way!

​Israel was facing an attack and a siege by the fierce Assyrians. Fear and uncertainty must have been overwhelming! Then their leader (King Hezekiah) spoke these words of encouragement to them: “There are more with us then with them” and “They are trusting in the arm of flesh, but we are trusting in the Lord.”

How vital good leadership is in troubled times! Our pastor brings messages to encourage and strengthen us, reminding us of the very same promises Hezekiah spoke of. Is it any wonder the enemy fights so hard today against Godly pastors? This verse is a good reminder of how blessed we are to have a pastor who provides Godly counsel and leadership in troubled times!  We can REST in these WORDS, for they are  words of life.

​My grandfather was a pastor, and my mom often has talked about being a P.K. (preacher’s kid). I’ve heard the saints' children called "church kids" and "children of the church." Regardless of the label, they are a new generation, and too many times, all they know about God is what they have heard and been taught. Growing up, I heard about God in Sunday school, church, family worship, and children's Bible programs on the radio. I had a lot of "hearing with the ear." But did I really know for myself who God was? Did I see Him with my spiritual vision?
 
At the end of Job's trial, after he had struggled, suffered, and seen God move, he was able to say today's verse. It was like he was saying, “I see it now!” How vital that we see God and not just go only on what we have heard. He wants a personal relationship with us. Whatever we are going through, God wants us to turn to Him, to lean on Him, to trust Him. As we do, He becomes more real to us. It is then that we can say, "NOW mine eye has seen You!"

 I tend to be a bit rushed sometimes when following a recipe. "Sift the flour"? No, it’ll be fine. "Mix the dry ingredients first"? I’ve skipped that step a few times. But there are some steps that should not be skipped. One of these is "temper," the process of adding small amounts of very hot liquid to eggs or cream to carefully bring them up to temperature. Otherwise, you might possibly have scrambled eggs or curdled cream in your mixture. Did you know that God  tempers us for the test? No doubt, when there’s a severe trial coming our way, God knows we need "tempered." So, He allows a few smaller trials to come our way first.
 
First Corinthians 12:25 talks about God tempering the body of Christ. In other words, He prepares us ahead of time. Wherever there’s a lack or a weakness, a place that might bring about a spiritual fall, God sends along a little fire to strengthen us. Many hard trials have come in my life, and I can look back and see how God tempered me (or prepared me ahead of time). He knew I could not handle that severe heat without a few small trials to temper me for that test. God is faithful!

Quite possibly, WAITING is one of the hardest lessons we will ever learn. As a child, I felt like the wait for anything was forever! As a teen, it seemed like I would never be old enough to get a job and start dating. As a mother, I learned to not tell the children about something too soon, or I’d be overwhelmed with their questions: "Is it time yet? When is this going to happen?"
 
Spiritually, waiting can try our patience as well. We wonder: "Why is the Lord taking so long? Is God ever going to change this situation?" If we are not careful, we can become discouraged. But HOW are we waiting?

Charles Spurgeon said, "Wait at His door with prayer; wait at His foot with humility; wait at His table with service; wait at His window with expectancy." Instead of impatience and frustration, how much better to include with our waiting prayer, humbleness, service, and good expectations! God’s timing is different than ours (usually longer), but there is something He desires to accomplish in the waiting.
 
Teach me, Lord, HOW to wait!

​There have been times when praying about heavy burdens, I find myself asking: "God, are You hearing me? Are You moving on these situations?" Not long ago, He answered me, saying: "I am. I AM THAT I AM." What a reassurance that He is in full control and that He is taking care of those burdens!

​When Moses was called to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt, he asked God who he should say had called him. This verse was God’s answer. This name (I AM) let the people of Israel know God was, God is, and God would be all they would ever need. In the power of this name, Moses left the wilderness to do what must have seemed like an impossible task – lead the people of Israel out of slavery and travel to the Promised Land.
 
Today we might be facing some difficult, maybe even seemingly impossible situations. We might wonder, "God, are You hearing me?" What a good reminder of exactly who God is: "I AM THAT I AM." Like Moses, when we realize Who is with us, we can face whatever trials come our way today. The I AM is still in control!

During last year’s pandemic, many literal doors were closed. Schools, churches, and non-essential businesses had to shut their doors. We were told to “stay at home.” For the majority of us, this was frustrating! We could not wait until life returned to normal. But nothing just happens with the Lord! What if we looked at the shutdown through the lens of this verse? “I will stay at home” (why?) because “a wide door of opportunity for effectual (service) has opened to me” (AMP).

​During the pandemic, people who had not been attending regular church services began watching the online services. What a door! Others who were troubled about what was happening were more open to hearing about God. What a door!

Perhaps God wanted some doors to be CLOSED so other doors could be OPENED. When situations like this arise, let us (like the Apostle Paul) say, "I will tarry, I will wait." In the meantime, let us pray: "Lord, show me the doors You are opening with the lost and the hurting. Lead me to some soul today!"

​This Scripture verse inspired a housewife named Ruth Caye Jones to write the song In Times Like These. It was during World War 2, and this mother of five was troubled by the headlines in the newspapers. Included in those newspapers were the lists of the soldiers who were wounded, missing, and killed in action. An end to this war seemed a long time away. Ruth opened her Bible and read 2 Timothy, Chapter 3. The words to a song began forming in her mind, and she wrote them down.  
 
How many times do we have days (like Ruth) of stress, worry, heartache, and uncertainty? “In times like these” we are tempted to continually check the news instead of reading our Bible and praying. Verse 2 of this song is so timely: “In times like these you need the Bible.” There is comfort and strength in God’s Word. He knows exactly what we need today!
 
In times like these we need a Savior;
In times like these we need an anchor.
Be very sure, be very sure
Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!