5 Reasons to Pray Even When God Already Knows Our Thoughts

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Psalm 139 tells us that God knows our thoughts before we think them. He knows what we want, and He knows whether or not it will happen. So why do we pray?

1. We pray because God cares for us, and He wants us to share our joys and sorrows with Him (1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 55:22).

2. We pray to thank God for our blessings and praise Him for His goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 34:1).

3. We pray to repent of sin, knowing that sinful attitudes hinder our relationship with God (Psalm 66:18; James 4:3). 

4. We pray to seek God's will (1 John 5:14; Matthew 7:7).

5. We pray to replace our anxiety with God's peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7 

Yes, God knows what we are thinking, but prayer is an important part of our relationship with Him.

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If you'd like to do a short, nutritious Bible study on this devotion, check out Bite Size Bible Study.

For more on the subject of prayer, see: 

Mere Talk or Power?  

When the Feelings Aren't There 

Powerful, Purposeful Prayer (collection of 1-minute devotions)

Bible Love Notes

God's Wrath May Be Out of Style, but It's Not Out of the Picture

Psalm 76 begins by praising God who is “renowned” and “radiant with light” and goes on to say, “It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?” 

“…when you are angry.” 

Modern man has denied this truth, imagining that God is never angry, always smiling His approval even if we defy His loving, purposeful commands. 

But a good God could never approve of people damaging their souls. 

When we choose sin, we defy and mock the Lord. And whether we want to believe it or not, that makes God angry: 

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:18-21 

When people and nations suppress the truth, they can expect to be punished because our God is good, holy, and loving, and He hates evil.

For more on this subject see:

Loving Discipline

God Punishes

Discipline, Punishment, Condemnation

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Bible Love Notes

Guess Where People Are Now Being Arrested for Silent Prayer

Scripture tells us that we can’t always identify genuine believers from nominal believers (i.e., believers in name only, Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 13:24-30). 

But our current world culture is weeding out the false Christians among us by forcing people to choose between culture and God, between acceptance or persecution. 

✔ In the U.K. silent prayer is prohibited within 150 meters of an abortion clinic. Yes! The law not only prohibits spoken words that are pro-life, it prohibits unspoken words. And several people have been arrested for admitting they were praying silently even though they did nothing else illegal! (Washington Stand) 

✔ Closer to home, a school district in Phoenix, Arizona, has publicly stated that it will no longer accept student teachers from Arizona Christian University. They've had no problems with teachers from that university, but they don't want anyone teaching at their schools who comes from a university that “defines traditional sexual morality and lifelong marriage as being between one man and one woman.” (The Briefing)

✔ In Acts 4 Peter and John were arrested and “commanded not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’ ” (verses 18-20).

Our race is getting faster and harder, dear Christians, but we know whom we must obey.

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For more encouragement to stand firm, see:

Please Don't Cower on the Sidelines

God's Remnant People

Intolerance Toward Christians

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Bible Love Notes

Are You Standing on the Rock, Trusting His Word?

I’m glad that most of my readers are standing on the Rock. By that, I mean that they are standing on Christ as their foundation with God’s Word as their test of truth (Psalms 61:2; 71:3; Matthew 7:24-27).

They’re interested in understanding Scripture and applying it accurately like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), addressing errors wherever they find them. 

If something is presented as Christian, they expect it to agree with Scripture. If they discover that some of their beliefs aren't biblically accurate, they adjust their beliefs.  

If we aren’t standing firmly on the Rock, we end up being “rock head” Christians. 

By that, I mean Christians who are unteachable. They refuse to address errors and they refuse to adjust their beliefs according to Scripture. Their minds are like a rock.

So why am I talking about rock heads? Because studies show that we human beings are inclined toward stubbornness, holding on to false teachings and refusing correction (Proverbs 29:1; Psalm 32:9; Psalm 81:11-12). 

 

We can't distinguish truth from error unless we are humble and willing to let God's Word adjust our beliefs.

So let’s make sure we’re standing on the Rock, not being a rock head!

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For more on this subject, see Half-Truths Christians Believe, Refusing Correction and Ad Hominem Disagreement. 

One area where I have special concern is Christian entertainment. For some reason, if there are good things in a book, movie, or song, some Christians refuse to address the errors in it. For example, The Shack had some serious scriptural errors, but many Christians defended it. See Examining The Shack.

And The Chosen has some excellent aspects, but it also contains some scriptural errors that we need to acknowledge and address if we are going to maintain our discernment. I recently did a YouTube video called Let's Talk about The Chosen's I Am the Law of Moses Statement. And I've started a collection called Are You Willing to Address Scriptural Contradictions in The Chosen?

 

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Please check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. You can download two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.  

 

If you've already purchased Wisdom for Life and you're enjoying it, please leave a review on Amazon! Thanks!

 

 

Bible Love Notes

Beware of Deceptive Definitions that Distort Reality

Language is a powerful tool used to mislead, deceive, and brainwash. And our present culture is a perfect example. 

Tolerance once meant treating people fairly even when you don’t approve of their beliefs. It now means approving of lifestyles that violate Scripture. 

Hatred once meant saying or doing cruel things. It now means believing God’s Word about sexual morality. 

Children were once people who weren’t wise enough to choose their bedtime or their diet. They’re now wise enough to decide their gender. 

Gender was once defined as male and female, based on scientific fact. It’s now defined by anyone and everyone based on fiction. 

Mental health was once defined as accepting reality and finding peace in our circumstances. It’s now defined as feeling happy no matter how foolishly or selfishly we behave.

Don’t be brainwashed, dear Christians. Be careful to base your view of tolerance, hatred, children, gender, mental health—and everything else—on God’s Word. 

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8 

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” Romans 1:18

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 5:6 

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For more insights see:

What Is Godly Tolerance?

Approval, Tolerance, Hatred

Have Christians Forgotten How Much God Hates Sin?

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I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. You can download two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.  

 

If you've already purchased Wisdom for Life and you're enjoying it, please leave a review on Amazon! Thanks!

Bible Love Notes

Long-Distance Hugs from a Brother or Sister in Christ

I’ve been going through some challenging times lately, times that test and refine my faith (1 Peter 1:3-9). And God often encourages me  through the kindness of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

My husband and I have been moving most of our lives, never putting down long-term roots. We know it's been God's plan for us (Ephesians 2:10), but it has its challenges. 

For example, we often don't have close friendships in our immediate location. But God has given us some wonderful long-term long-distance relationships. 

When I’m struggling, God often prompts a long-distance friend to contact me and tell me that God brought me to mind and they wanted to let me know they're praying for me. He also encourages me through Bible Love Notes readers who write to tell me that a devotion has helped them.

My husband helps me with BLN correspondence, and sometimes he’ll read one of these emails and we both end up with tears in our eyes. They are long-distance “hugs” from our brothers and sisters in Christ, many whom we’ve never met in person.

These “hugs” are also great reminders to me to be sensitive to God’s promptings so I can encourage others nearby or far away (Romans 12:15; Hebrews 10:24). And when we encourage others, it takes our focus off ourselves, and gives us more contentment in our circumstances.(1)

It's another way God comforts us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).(2)

Is there someone you need to encourage today? 

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(1) See Beatin' the Blues and Think Inside the Box.

(2) 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 

For more on this subject, see:

How to Comfort Friends Who Are Hurting

Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and Mourn

Go to the Source

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If you have the book and are enjoying it, I hope you'll leave a review on Amazon. Thanks!

 

 

Bible Love Notes

Unpacking “Progressive Christian” Statements Meant to Shame Christians

God defines love and sin. Culture redefines love and sin. 

Sadly, many who call themselves Christians have joined culture, and they're on a mission to shame Bible-believing Christians.(1)

Some claim God's Word is irrelevant:

When asked about gay marriage, former pastor Rob Bell said, “The church will continue to be even more irrelevant when it quotes letters from 2,000 years ago.” (source)  

Bell recognizes that Scripture warns against homosexual lifestyles (e.g. Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 1:7). But he believes culture is more relevant than Scripture. 

Others simply ignore God's Word:

Former evangelical Jen Hatmaker says Christians must recognize LGBTQ+ persons “wholly as God’s children.” (source) 

But 1 John 3:1-10 defines what it means to be a child of God, and it says, “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.” 

Some claim Jesus is more concerned about people's feelings than about sins that damage their souls:

Ex-vangelical Richard Rohr says, “The arguments of homophobic or anti-gay folks might seem well-supported, but their goals and objectives seem to be different from those of God or Jesus.” (source)  

He's wrong. Christ focused on repentance (e.g. Matthew 4:17; Luke 5:32; Luke 13:5; Luke 15:7; Luke 17:3), and people hated Him because He told them to turn from their sins (John 7:7).

Progressive Christian arguments might sound loving, but they mock God's Word and encourage people to do things that damage their souls.

Let's never be ashamed of God's life-changing gospel and its definitions of love, sin, and salvation (John 3:16-21; Romans 1:16-17).

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(1)  “Progressive Christians” or “ex-vangelicals” are part of a growing movement of people raised in Bible-believing faith who have abandoned their faith to accept culturally acceptable sins, creating a “Jesus” who approves of all people except Bible-believing Christians.

I encourage you to read When People Abandon Faith and Our "Edomite" Brothers. You might also want to check out the Bible Love Notes collection Beware of Ex-vangelical Teachings. 

Bible Love Notes

Understanding and Appreciating Titus 2:3-5

I recently studied Titus using a book from a popular Bible study series. It went into tedious detail about every passage except Titus 2:3-5.(1)

Apparently, feminist influences had successfully silenced the author of this Bible study. But they haven't silenced me.

Titus 2:1 begins with this important command: “Proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

In verse 2 it offers some instructions to men, then continues:

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” (ESV)

Nothing in this passage is demeaning to women. 

1. It shows the value of older godly women. 

2. It calls women, not men, to teach women.(2)  

3. It highlights the unique role women have in creating a godly home atmosphere.

4. It explains that godly women bring honor to God and His Word.

But feminists overlook those things and focus on the command for submission.

They fail to understand that submission places a heavy burden of responsibility on husbands to protect and value their wives.

But on this International Women's Day, I want to proclaim that after 50+ years of living by God's submission design, I can testify to the blessings it brings. It makes me more valuable as a woman, not less valuable!

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Please check out my collection of devotions that address misunderstandings about submission: Biblical Submission. I especially recommend An Army Wife's View of Submission and Privilege, Responsibility, and Influence in Marriage.

Footnotes:

(1) I am working on my own in-depth study of Titus 2:3-5 which I'll share when it's finished.

(2) The NIV and NLT translate Titus 2:3 as if it is an instruction for Titus to teach the older women to teach the younger women, but the Greek does not contain that instruction. The passage (Titus 2:1-5) begins by commanding Titus to "speak" or "proclaim" sound doctrine. But the original Greek in verse 3 does not command Titus to teach the older women.

Bible Love Notes

Mix-and-Match gods that Fit Human Purposes

I was having lunch with my husband in a restaurant when a large group sat down at the table nearby and began talking loud enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear. 

The conversation went from tattoos to spanking children to eternal life. One young woman was especially loud, and she shared her beliefs which were a strange conglomeration of Hindu and Christian concepts. Before moving on to other subjects, she said she didn’t want to live forever because that would be boring. 

I prayed silently for her and her companions. 

She represents so many in our world who think they can decide what is true (2 Peter 2:1-3). 

I once thought I could determine truth. My conclusions were different than the conclusions of this loud woman, but just as foolish. 

What arrogant beings we are (Proverbs 16:18; Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 11:2)!

In our arrogance we’ve created gods whom we can supervise, mixing or matching various beliefs to serve our purposes. Or we can choose the religion that requires more faith than all of the others: atheism. 

I'm so glad Jesus saved me from my foolishness. That's one reason I want to study His Word, know what is true, and accurately share it with others (2 Timothy 2:15).

If the Lord saved you from your foolishness, I encourage you to do the same.

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If someone thinks they can understand God apart from Scripture, suggest they read Can Your Dog Work Algebra Problems? 

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If you've purchased Gail's new book, Wisdom for Life, please leave a review on Amazon and Christianbook. Thanks!! And don't forget to download your free Bible study here with proof of purchase.

Bible Love Notes

Slander is Becoming More Prevalent as Our Culture Declines

Slander is no small sin. It’s a violation of the ninth commandment, and it's included in several lists of serious sins (Exodus 20:16; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).(1)

On an individual level, slander is usually inspired by jealousy or hatred. It's also used for business and political purposes to mislead people. 

As our culture declines morally, Christians will be dealing with more slander. We may even experience it in our churches from people who have a "form of godliness" (2 Timothy 3:1-5). 

How should we respond if someone tells a lie to discredit us? We should continue to live our faith without anger or bitterness, speaking the truth in love, praying that those who slander us might repent (1 Peter 3:15-16; Ephesians 4:15).

Satan is the father of lies and he loves to ruin the reputation of Christians. Slander hurts us deeply, but it also gives us reason to rejoice:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12  

For more insights:

1 John Identifies 6 Types of Liars

Beware of Slandering Your Brother

5 Truths to Help us Deal with Slander

Sadly, studies show that people who slander us can actually believe their lies. This is one of many ways sin poisons a person's soul. And the longer we lie, the more quickly we believe our lies. See The Older We Get, the More Quickly We Believe Our Lies.

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first four devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon. To find out where you can order it in the UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and the Philippines, see It's Not for the Money.

 

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(1) In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the definition of the Greek word loídoros is “reproach (reviling); used of injuring another's reputation by denigrating, abusive insults” (source). It is translated as slanderers, revilers, or verbal abusers.

Bible Love Notes