Would you consider yourself a free person? The truth is, most people in the world are slaves but don’t even know it. There are no physical chains or slave masters because this form of bondage has to do with the invisible state of the soul.
Does the heavenly Father still speak to His children? It’s a question that may be on your mind right now. We all have this need to know the Lord is still communicating with us. We crave the certainty that He hears us—and answers.
Believers are always under the canopy of God’s grace and love. Nothing we do can change that. At the same time, our behavior and the condition of our heart do determine whether we receive the fullness of His blessings. So let’s see what Scripture teaches about how to experience the Father’s favor.
When Daniel was taken to Babylon, he had no idea God would give him an ever-widening sphere of influence. So what made him different from the other captives from Israel? His godly influence flowed from his strong beliefs based in Scripture.
Obedience is a powerful action that can unleash God’s glory in ways beyond our imagination. Yet obeying is often difficult because our desires are being put to the test. Sometimes we’re afraid that by doing what the Lord says, we’ll end up losing what’s important to us. But choosing not to obey may actually cost us the very thing we desire most.
Every time we follow God’s leading, our obedience opens the door for Him to do great things in our life. Yet we often resist obeying, because His directions appear impractical or unreasonable—and so we doubt His intentions toward us.
Many people want self-discipline but struggle to achieve it. We see this virtue promoted by health professionals who admonish us to exercise regularly, choose healthy foods, and get adequate sleep. The business world has seminars to help us set and work toward goals, and financial experts advise us on self-control in spending. There are even experts who can help us manage our possessions.
Have you ever wondered why God says it’s good to give Him thanks? There are obviously some benefits associated with gratitude, but for whom?
Thanksgiving magnifies the Lord because we are acknowledging Him as the source of all our blessings. It can also have an effect on those who hear us praising and thanking God, as they may be prompted to do likewise. But there are benefits for those expressing gratitude, as well.
The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those who are humbly sorry for their sins. —Psalm 34:18 (TLB)
It is the custom of many Christians to bow their heads in public places and give thanks for the food that has been placed before them. Millions never pause to give a word of thanks to God for the food provided. Few homes have a moment of thanksgiving at the beginning of the meal or at any other time of the day. Even at Thanksgiving time only a minority will pause and give thanks to God.