Category: <span>thoughts by Mike Woodard</span>


“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8 (NASB)


I don’t love him. I can’t.”

These words came out of my mouth when a friend questioned me about my relationship with — and feelings toward — my father. My father was an alcoholic. In his drunken state, he created many painful memories. At one point, my mother ended up in the hospital because of his uncontrolled actions.

In response to my protest, he simply suggested I ask God to give me His love for my father.

As I began to pray, the words, “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another” came to mind. Was God suggesting that I owed a debt to my father, a debt of love?

I realized God, who is perfect, loves me without conditions. If God could love and forgive me in all my failing, how could I not extend the same to my father? I asked God to give me the capability to love and forgive my father. Slowly I began to see him through God’s eyes.

The day came. I said the words to my father — words I had never heard from him — “I love you.” He wept. Debt paid.

This step of faith changed the course of our relationship and gave me a deeper understanding of what God’s love can do. I’m so grateful my friend challenged me to love my father and so thankful to God for His love and forgiveness, and for His presence in my life, which gives me the capacity to love. Is there someone you need to love who has been unlovable?

Father God, thank you for your forgiveness and unreserved love. I need your wisdom and strength to love as you love. Thank you for your unlimited resources to live life to the full each day so that I can pay the debt of love to the people you have placed in my life. Amen

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission


If a relationship with God is something you crave, it can start here and now.  God cares far less about your words than the attitude of your heart.  So tell Him what you’re thinking.  Here is suggestion:

God, I believe that you created me to know you.  Thank you for sending your son Jesus, as a sacrifice to pay the penalty that I deserve.  I believe that his death and resurrection has restored me to you.  Please forgive me for everything that has offended you.  Take first place in my life and help me become the person that you created me to be.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? You can pray it right now, and Jesus Christ will come into your life, just as He promised.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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FURTHER READING

•   Love: Answer to Hostility – by Muriel Larson

 Accepting God’s Gift of Love by Charles Stanley

•  A Love That Never Fails by Max Lucado


Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard


Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence?  If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too! If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean— even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight! Psalms 139:7-10  (CEB)


Recently I heard someone describe God as the ultimate “First Responder.” That thought stuck with me. So often I think of myself as the first responder and I call 911 for God to come help.

I realize I have a false view of God. God does not need to be “called in” he’s already on site! He is all present, always in every situation! There is nothing happening in my life that God is not present and working.

A second thought… If I came on crisis situation where there was a first responder present (police, fireman, ambulance attendant) I would not take charge but would say, “Tell me what to do. How can I help?” Why, because they are the professional, they know more, have more experience. I would naturally trust them and follow their direction.

God is the first responder in all situations in life. He is present. My role is to daily ask God, “What do you want me to do?” How can I serve you in your plan?” Faith demands that I trust God’s direction because he is all wise, all knowing and sees far beyond my limited vision. I have to remind myself… God is the Ultimate First Responder!

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

• Take Your Cue from Fear and Trust God by Kristi Huseby

Our Inability to Trust God – by Jon Walker

Choose Trust –  by Kathy Cheek


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Thoughts by All Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard


A woman walked past me and the aroma of her perfume was so sweet and appealing that I turned and looked at her as she walked away. It reminded me of the perfume of a dear lady who took me under her wing as a child. I stood for a moment savoring the smell and the memory.

My thoughts took another bent… I wonder how I smell? Not that I wear perfume or cologne but what aroma do my actions leave in the lives of those with whom I come in contact? What do others think when I walk past? Am I patient, kind and others focused so that I leave a fragrance after I walk by? Or do I live solely focused on my agenda, self-centered and impatient, demanding or uncaring? To be honest, the latter scenario is too often the reality.

I do want to be a “sweet aroma” to my family, friends, neighbors and associates at work. I want to leave a pleasant aroma for those causal encounters with clerks and service people with whom I come in contact, a smell that lingers even after I am gone.

I want to be the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place… How about you?

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?”
2 Corinthians 2:14-16  (NASB)

By Mike Woodard
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FURTHER READING

•  A Lingering Aroma – by Marilyn Ehle

•   The Fragrance – by Rod Marshall

•  My Lord, My Companion –  by Hope Tshuma

Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard


Two balloons were given to volunteers.

The instructions were simple. Keep the balloon in the air; don’t let them touch the floor. One volunteer began carefully tapping the balloon with focused attention. Tap, tap, tap and on he went with a valiant effort bouncing the balloon up, down, up down. The other volunteer stepped away for a moment, returning with her balloon floating high, filled with helium!

My first thought was, “That’s not fair!” But wait the instructions were “Keep the balloon in the air. Don’t let it touch the floor.” Somehow the effort by the first volunteer seemed nobler. Yet, the second volunteer’s strategy would far out last the effort of the first and would win the day.

This simple task has parallels in our spiritual lives. The instructions God gives sometimes referred to as the “Great Commandment” is stated in Mark’s gospel:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:30-31 (NIV)

Our response can be self-effort or being filled, not with helium, but filled with the directing and empowering presences of God’s Spirit. The Spirit of God takes residence in the life of every believer. The power to live the Christian life can never come from self-effort, no matter how noble the effort. Self-effort will always lead to frustration and failure.

The Christian life and specifically this foundational commandment are impossible to fulfill in our own strength. Christ is the only one that has ever filled them perfectly. As followers of Christ are directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they are given the power to live a new kind of life, a life where Christ lives in and through them in the power of his Spirit.

Which “balloon” volunteer do you identify with? Does this prayer express the desire of you heart?

Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have been directing my own life and that, as a result, I have sinned against You. My self-effort has failed.  I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I now thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit.”

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Further Reading

•   God Is…

•  More than a Father

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25


My wife asked, “Do you really think you should do it?

I had been sick for two days but, in my optimism, I thought I could still compete. I had successfully completed the same triathlon two years earlier.

Swimming was first, my least favorite event. Warming up and chatting with others gave me a boost of energy. Then the gun rang out, but very quickly I realized my energy was not matching my ambition. I alerted a race official in a kayak that I was not feeling good. At the first corner maker, I realized I was not just feeling bad, I was in danger. I called for help, which lead to some focused attention from the emergency medical staff.

We are commanded to meet with other believers — to encourage one another through love and good deeds. God’s commands are for two main reasons: to protect us and provide for us. In Genesis 2:18 God said it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone, so he created Eve. Today, God has created a community of believers because it is still not good for “Adam” to be alone.

I did not listen to my wife or to my body; I was, on the other hand, inspired by the other athletes. Spiritually we need the combination of both inspiration and wisdom. Inspiration motivates us to take steps of faith. Wisdom helps us know when and how to move forward. None of this happens in isolation. We place ourselves in danger when we neglect God’s commands.

Father, help me understand the danger of not responding to your command to seek the company of others that love you. God, give me the humility to both give and receive love and good deeds and to embrace not only the inspiration but the wisdom to do your will. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•  He Guides Us

•  God is Bigger than All My Problems

•   Jesus is Always There!


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard


Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 139:7-10

We were on a walk along the edge of the ocean. The trail was rough but my grandson enjoyed the challenge of climbing over rocks, up steep banks, and over trees. The trail went up along the edge of a cliff. At one point, I looked back, just for a moment, and saw my grandson hanging by a root over the ocean and the rocks below. I’m sure my heart skipped a beat! He didn’t say a word. I grabbed his wrists and lifted him back on the trail. He simply said, “Thanks Papa.” And off he went along the trail.

That moment played over and over in my thoughts for days. I had been with him every step along the way, many times saying, “Let me help you.” To which he replied, “Me do it, Papa.” When it came to a need, he seemed confident I was there. He did not understand the danger but his “Thanks Papa” communicated his appreciation of unrequested help.

God promises to be with us always. In fact, we cannot escape his presence. God’s commitment is to journey with us each step along the path we are on. He seeks to provide for us and protect us. We can resist. Apart from his grace, the consequences could be grave and life altering.

Each day we have a choice. We can walk under the guidance of his direction or independent of it. How will you respond to his presence with you today?

Dear Father, thank you for your presence in my life today. Show me any areas that I’m walking independent of your guidance. I confess my predisposition toward self-reliance. I desire your leadership and am so thankful that your right hand will hold me fast. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•   Have You Forgiven Yourself | by Katherine Kehler

•  Grandparents Army – The influence grandparents can have on the younger generations The influence grandparents can have on the younger generations

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, ‘We shall hear you again concerning this.’ So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed…Acts 17:32-34a (NASB)

You often don’t know what your witnessing is accomplishing in the moment.

One day I arrived late for a youth pastor’s meeting, so I missed the introductions. But as I sat down, I noticed a familiar face across the room — one I would never have guessed would be at this meeting. About four year earlier, I had met Rick. He was one of the most spiritually antagonistic university students I had ever come across, and now he was a youth pastor?

After the meeting he told me the story of how shortly after we had met, three people had attempted to explain the importance of having a relationship with God. Each time he argued and fought, but finally he realized the truth and accepted Christ’s love and forgiveness to become a Christ follower. It was his last semester of university. That fall he began his training for vocational ministry!

You just never know where you fit into the progression of God’s plan for another person. Paul demonstrates this in our passage today.

He wasn’t the only one. This “You Just Never Know” attitude was demonstrated by Jonathan in 1 Samuel 14:6 when he said to his armor bearer, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few.” Jonathan and is armor bearer were willing to take a risk and trust that God could work through their small military advance. God did work and give a great victory that day. Jonathan took a step of faith and God blessed his faith.

It pleases God when we trust Him to weave our acts of faith into his master plan for individuals and nations!

*Father, help me to see the people and circumstances around me through your eyes. Guide my small steps of faith to fit into your eternal plan. Help me anticipate your hand at work even when I’m fearful or only see a brief moment in the larger story. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•  The Almighty A Poem by Katy Kaufmann

•  God’s Sufficiency Exceeds Our Need – by Sylvia Gunter

•  Salvation Explained


Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I’m not the Christ but that I’m the one sent before him. The groom is the one who is getting married. The friend of the groom stands close by and, when he hears him, is overjoyed at the groom’s voice. Therefore, my joy is now complete. He must increase and I must decrease.” John 3:27-30

I was told I would not be considered for a national leadership role that had opened up in the organization I’d served with for many years. Yet, deep inside, I felt God was asking me to take the role. After some soul searching and checking of my motives, I sent a letter expressing my interest in the position and the conviction that God was motivating my response. I received no immediate reply but after six months I was asked to take the position!

In this process, the words of John the Baptist gave me confidence: “No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven.” Early in my career, I became convinced that God places people where He wants for His purposes. This has given me a clear sense of who really is in charge. John was sure of who he was and who he was not. He was not the Christ, the Messiah, but he was the friend. Christ was to be honored — that was John’s chief purpose and joy.

Calm and confidence will invade your life when you understand that God is in control, even when the circumstances do not seem to be lining up the way you want. When you intentionally commit to honoring Christ in all circumstances, a profound joy will follow. Are you willing to release control and trust God to be Lord over all? Can you be content to honor Christ and give Him greater reach into your life and circumstances?

Jesus, you are the Messiah and Lord of all things, I am not. I want to trust you today. I give you my cares, desires and concerns. I affirm that no one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven. I trust you have the best plan. By faith, I thank you for what you have planned for me. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•  Come Alongside – by John Fischer

•  Harsh Judgments Can Kill One’s Spirit

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

God says,  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.”  Psalm 32:8-9  


For years, I have pictured myself standing on the summit Mt. Baker, a beautiful glacier mountain peak in Washington state. Every time I catch a glimpse of the summit I thought, “I want to stand on the top of that mountain!” That moment came recently…

Our alarms sounded at 1 a.m. We start the climb from base camp at 2:30 am, yes in the dark. Our only light source was our individual headlamps. The limited vision is very unsettling. I was in the lead position on the rope of our group of four. With limited vision, the danger of falling into a crevasse dominated my mind. I notice crevasse lines in the snow that I had to step over, hoping the snow will hold. If not, I trusted my team would hold me. This hope was most intense in sections where no one has walked before me. There are also great open crevasses along the way that appear like the mouths of massive, hungry snow monsters, waiting for a snack!

I was inspired on by the lights of other climbers in the distance up the mountain… My thought, “They have made it so can we.” Behind me on the rope was my friend who had been up the mountain before, his words of direction and guidance where reassuring and comforting. After six hours and about a 5000 foot change in elevation, we reached the summit in almost perfect weather conditions. The exhaustion was mitigated by a sweet moment of satisfaction. We were above the clouds, the tops of other mountains look like islands in a vast sea. Thrilling!

In a life of faith there are moments that we realize the trail is a “walk into darkness.”  The fear of the “limited vision” is real but the desire to follow the direction of God will is greater than the fear. You know others have gone before you. There may be those that coach and encourage from a distance but you alone have to take the step, follow the direction. There are dangers but you know that no deep satisfaction will be yours unless you do! Yes there are those that may say you are crazy. God’s Spirit confirms his call!

Will you move forward, one cautious step at a time?

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•  Dealing with Despair

•  Good News for You

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

“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


He listened with disbelief and profound shock as his little girl described where a neighbor had touched her. Waves of anger and fear washed over him. How could someone do this? What would be the impact on his little girl? How could God allow this to happen?

Anxious thoughts multiplied and multiplied! How could the God he was trying to serve allow this? Perplexed and angry, this father cried out to God. As he prayed, God brought to his mind a picture of the cross. It was as if God said,

This is how much I love you and your daughter. I proved beyond doubt by sending my Son to die. I declared my love on the cross and nothing has changed.”

This moment, God’s reassurance of his love, gave this father a peace that could only come from God himself. Impossible from a human perspective.

As he prays, expressing his deep sadness and anxious thoughts about the possible impact on his daughter’s life, he took an amazing step. He thanks God for what God would do to heal and protect his little girl. He openly declares that the deep assurance of God’s love has replaced fear with hope and has protected his heart from bitterness and despair. The anxious thoughts have been captured by an overwhelming confidence in the demonstrated love of God through the cross.

God, thank you for the profound message of the cross! You declared your love. It is undeniable, you love me. I know you are aware of my fears and anger with the difficult and hurtful circumstances around me. Thank you. I embrace your love and your presence with me. The cross compels me to trust you. Amen.

Are you confident of God’s love? Are there anxious thoughts about life, your future, the future of someone you love? Take a trip to the cross. What is God saying to you?

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•   God Is…

•  More than a Father

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

 “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.”Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)


I’ve only been in total darkness once. I was deep in a cave. Friends and I agreed that we would stand alone, not touching, and turn off all the flashlights. The count began. One, two, three! Dark, total darkness.

I’ve never liked the dark. It took all of my mental resolve to be calm, despite knowing that I had a flashlight in my grasp and friends nearby.

I have also experienced a different kind of darkness: dark moments of the soul. Some have been deep, intense and fleeting, while others lingered. It is reassuring that this is not an experience unique to me alone.

Tradition attributes Psalm 27 to King David. David’s life was punctuated with dark moments of threats, betrayal, and failure, yet he seemed able to rise above. This psalm clearly states at least one strategy David employed to manage his despair — an overriding trust that God’s goodness would intersect his life. This faith brought the courage and strength David needed to face the dark moments.

I have realized my view of God shapes every area of my life — my relationships, my attitudes, and even my sleep!

Think with me for a moment — how loving is God? He sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). We can declare with John, “God is light, and in Him there is not darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Darkness is shattered in God’s presence, and He is always nearby.

Father, you know all my desires, thoughts, and circumstances. Thank you that you are good, you love me, and you are all powerful. Today I give you my worries, my discouragements and disappointments. I want to trust you with each of them. I desire the light of your truth and presence to push the darkness out in every area of my life. Amen.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•   Struggles, Despair – Articles

•  Hope for the Hopeless

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will”  Romans 12:2


Are you concerned by the world’s intoxicating influence on your mind? Perhaps, like me, the onslaught of mainstream media’s indoctrination, the toxicity of immoral societal influences, and the deterioration of sound moral discernment alarms you. Confusion runs rampant, like an inconvenient wildfire consuming every consideration, creed, and comfort. How do I sustain my spiritual integrity by unapologetically and confidently living out my faith in a world with conflicting ideals?

In Romans 12, Paul, fully aware of alluring cultural influences, provides us with sound timely counsel. He emphatically warns Christ followers not to emulate cultural norms or be enticed by worldly ways because they conflict with God’s will. Instead, Paul counsels us to counter the enticing values and influences by renewing our mind. He assures us that when we renew our minds, we will discern the difference between the world’s will and God’s will and respond accordingly, without remorse or compromise.

As Christ followers living in a fallen, confused world, we cannot allow the world’s standards to influence how we live life. God desires to align our values and actions through his Word. When we allow God to renew our minds through the continuing influence of his Word, we inherently counter our cultural confusion and oppression by boldly and confidently discerning God’s way from the world’s way. Renewing our minds allows God to impress his Word and his will on our conscience, and our minds influence the actions of our hearts, thus reflecting and accomplishing “…his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that I am your redeemed child. Protect my heart and mind from the relentless seduction of the world. Create in me an insatiable hunger for your Word. May your Holy Spirit teach and lead me into all truth — so that I may reflect and accomplish your “…good, pleasing and perfect will,” without compromise. Amen.

Ask the Lord to help you renew your mind, to allow his Word to influence you more than the world. Commit to reading your bible daily and to study and memorize God’s Word.

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•  Dealing with Despair and dark moments of the soul

•  Depression Story – There is Hope – Merri Ellen Giesbrecht tells her depression story and her story of hope

•  Salvation Explained


Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


Really? Give thanks in all situations?

I was sitting in the emergency room; my knee was about twice its normal size and throbbing with pain.

Earlier that day I was out for a run. I stepped off a curb and felt something pop in my knee. I finished my run with very little discomfort. Gradually the swelling and pain set in.

I was attending a conference when this happened. In the first session of the day, a lady that had spent time in Africa told a very entertaining story of how she learned to be thankful in circumstances that she did not like. My thought was, “What a cute story.”

Sitting in emergency, my thoughts turned to how unhappy I was about my knee, about a work assignment that I did not like, and about the contrary nature of my ministry director. Then I remembered the story I had heard earlier in the day. It was as if God was saying, “Remember the story? Remember my command to give thanks in all circumstances?” In that moment, this was not what I wanted to hear! It took time but finally I started to acknowledge that I could trust in God’s love and that he would work all these things together for good (Romans 8:28).

As a faith step, I started to thank God for the work assignment, my director, and even my painful knee. My mind turned from my disappointment with the circumstances to anticipation. I began to anticipate what God might be doing, on what his purposes were and how he might use each of these in my life.

What freedom, when I experienced the release from disappointment to anticipation! In that moment, through giving thanks I felt like I had stepped from a hot stuffy room into fresh air!

God, your command to give thanks moves me from a focus on disappointment to a place of anticipation. I know you love me and can cause all things to work together for good. Thank you! Amen.

Ponder this question: Is there anything happening in your life that requires the “give thanks” step of faith?

By Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

This Place of Love

The Almighty

•  Salvation Explained


Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

I grew up in an alcoholic home where both my parents drank and were verbally and physically abusive.


There were not a lot words that brought life or encouragement.  Maybe that is why I remember two moments so vividly.

When I was in my early teens, a lady who was like a second mother to me said, “Mike, you are a good boy!”  I remember thinking, “Am I?” No one had ever said that to me. Those six words gave me a new picture of myself.

When I was attending university, my father said, “One of the neighbors told me that you were on the dean’s list.  I’m proud of you.”  I can’t remember any other moment quite like that one, in terms of my dad’s words to me.

Solomon says that “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  (Proverbs 16:24)

Bring healing and sweetness to someone’s life today through your words. Bring some as well to yourself by embracing what God says about you as His child in Ephesians 1:3-10 and Ephesians 2:10 You are:

1) God’s Best Work/Creation,
2) Chosen/Adopted as His Child,
3) Forgiven and Redeemed as His Wayward and Disobedient Son/Daughter and
4) Blessed with Everything that a Loving Father can give His Child.

by Mike Woodard
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Further Reading

•   Why are the words that I use so important?

•   Words

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard

I grew up on a small farm, the youngest of four in a 2 bedroom log house. For most of my growing up years we had an outhouse, no phone. Cold snowy winters outside were warmed by a pot belly wood stove inside. Alcoholism made a huge impact and shaped all this. My mother was a strong woman. She lived through World War II and the Great Depression.  Life seemed to have given her a harsh edge. Empathy was not a strength. Yet there was this tender side I discovered late one night. I’d been sick. After going to bed, mom, thinking I was asleep, gently ran her fingers through my hair. This act of tenderness was repeated in my growing up years. This tenderness showed me a side of my mom that was not often evident but yet very real. It gave me a greater confidence and security in my relationship with her.

At times my view of God has lacked an understanding of His tenderness. My understanding has been shaped by a couple of verses…

He (God) tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

The context of this passage is a description of God power that shapes the universe, the nations and the rulers of the world. Yet in the middle of this is the snapshot of His tenderness…

You (God) have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.”
Psalms 18:35 (NASB)

Gentleness in the context of strength is a profound contrast and gift. My mom gave me the first glimpse of this. As I have embraced God’s gentle touch in the circumstances of life it has brought healing, security and comfort. Allow God to carry you today.

~ ~ ~ ~

Would you like to know Jesus and have the peace and comfort that only he can give?

If so, why don’t you pray this prayer and invite Jesus into your life:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make the kind of person You want me to be.

If you sincerely expressed that prayer to God, you can know that you have a personal relationship with Him. He will be your comfort in these troubled times. God promises us “peace that passes understanding” in other words peace in a world that doesn’t make sense. You can know peace and hope even when your world is in turmoil. God does not change. Ever.

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Further Reading

Sample Mother’s Day Prayers

•   A Mother’s Special Promise – a touching story

•  Salvation Explained


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Thoughts by Men thoughts by Mike Woodard