Category: <span>thoughts by Barbara Alpert</span>


“Let love of the brethren continue. Let love of the brethren continue.”  Hebrews 13:1 (NLT)


When you think of the word church what comes to mind?

Perhaps a building or a religious organization? Nelson’s Bible Dictionary describes church as “A local assembly of believers as well as the redeemed of all the ages who follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When the church general is implied, “church” refers to all who follow Christ, without respect to locality or time.” And that “It will not be complete until after the judgment, and the assembly of all the redeemed in one place will become a reality only after the return of Christ.”

The church is not a building nor is it known by a particular name. God’s people are what makes up the body of Christ. Whether you belong to a small church or a large church makes no difference to God. God loves his entire church regardless of size. Whether your church gathers in an epic building, a room at the YMCA or a prison cell doesn’t matter. God loves all his people regardless of where they meet.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NLT). Don’t judge nor look down on others because they don’t attend the same church “building” you do. Remember God loves all His people no matter which church they attend.

More To Ponder: Let God know how grateful you are that He chose and adopted you into His family of believers. Tell Jesus how excited you are about the great assembly that will take place after His return for His bride, the church.

By Barbara Alpert
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Keep On Keeping On – by Marilyn Ehle

A Christian Muslim in the Middle East

19 Ways to Encourage Others – by Stacy


 

thoughts by Barbara Alpert Thoughts by Women

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

Have you ever walked the beach and found yourself trying to walk in the footprints of someone else who walked before you? Chances are it felt awkward. Why? Because just like you have unique fingerprints, God fashioned you with a distinct stride through life. Following the path of others or the boardwalks of this world, is not God’s will for your life. In fact, doing so will lead you away from your God-guided path.

God has a road for you to travel; one that leads to the destination He has distinctly prepared for you. Since you walk by faith, you will not know everything along the way. You’ll need to keep asking God for direction, be sensitive to what His Spirit says, and then proceed onward. As you travel this righteous path, you need to trust that the Lord goes before you every step of the way.

Others may misguide you, your flesh may want to take an easier route, and the enemy may lure you into quicksand, but God will never mislead you. He will point out the truthful way, and you are to walk in it. There He will provide for your needs, protect your God-guided footprints, and help you fulfill your destiny. Should you detour, quickly repent and God will guide you back to the right path your feet are to travel.

More to Ponder: Thank God that He has a good path for your feet to travel as He faithfully leads you each step of the way. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stay on the path of God’s choosing.

By Barbara Alpert
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

Did You Know that You are Someone Special?

He Programs the Seashells

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Barbara Alpert Thoughts by Women


“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Once upon a time, a baby bird who fell out of his nest. No matter how much he fluttered, he didn’t have the ability to lift himself up. Not desiring to see the bird left as prey, a passerby bent down, scooped him up and placed him back into its nest.

During the fall, the bird hurt its wings, which delayed his ability to fly. Throughout recovery, his parents provided a nest for shelter, food for nourishment and company for warmth. Eventually, he became well and able to spread his wings and fly. No longer limited to his nesting place, he was happy to use his God-given wings to soar higher than he could ever imagine.

Have you been dealing with an illness that has you feeling down? You’ve been hurting a long time, unable to carry on in your body as you once did. Perhaps you’re asking, “Why God? Why Me?”

God has not passed you by. He knows what you are up against and wants you to find rest, nourishment and healing for your body, mind, and soul under His care. Psalm 91: 4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings.” God promises that those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. As your body and soul rest under God’s wings of healing, may your spirit rise to greater heights with God. He may not bring total restoration to your earthly body, but perhaps in Heaven, he will give you angel wings atop your resurrected body that will allow you to soar to greater heights.

Don’t let negative thoughts keep you stuck in a nest of discouragement. Instead, think positive thoughts that will help you go forward with God. Regardless of physical limitations, realize that God still has a good plan for your life. Although they might be different than before, with the help of God’s indwelling Spirit working within you, you have what it takes to carry on in the new things God desires to accomplish through you.  Arise & Shine!

Father God, I ask that You would give me the inner strength that I need to deal with this health issue I’m currently facing. Holy Spirit, help me to draw closer to God during this time of healing and change taking place. As the Lord renews my strength, I look forward to embracing the new things God is preparing for me to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen     

By Barbara Alpert
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

A Study on the Heart of God by Sylvia Gunter (Alphabet)

Your Father’s Heart Longs for You by Sylvia Gunter

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/


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thoughts by Barbara Alpert Thoughts by Women

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

When sadness and depression settles into one’s mind, heart, and soul, it is not easy to shuck the feelings off, break out of the rut, and move on as some may suggest or think. At times, inner despair remains regardless of the goodwill offered from those that care. If this sounds like you, realize you are not alone. Many others have or are currently battling with valleys of darkness too.

Are you aware that numerous men and women of the Bible struggled with sadness? Yes, God-believing people experienced depressed feelings, emotional grief, and times of despair.

  • Moses asked God to take his life (Numbers 11:10-15).
  • Job cursed the day of his birth (Job 3:1-26).
  • Jonah was angry with God and wanted to die (Jonah 4:3-9).
  • Hanna grieved because her womb remained closed for many years (1 Samuel 1:1-16).
  • Tamara, after her brother raped her, lived a desolate life (2 Samuel 13:1-21).
  • Naomi was filled with bitterness and pain after experiencing multiple hardships
    (Ruth 1:1-20).
  • Hagar sobbed in the desert as her son was about to die (Genesis 21:15-16).

There are multiple reasons why these people incurred feelings of despair, but only one awesome God that loved and helped each one out. Moses was overwhelmed so God appointed him some help (through his brother, Aaron). Job lost everything but God blessed him in his later years. After Hanna poured her heart out to the Lord, He opened her womb and she gave birth to a son. As Hagar cried in the wilderness, God provided for her and her child’s needs.

Sullenness can enter one’s life after defeat or loss, following a huge spiritual triumph, after committing sin, from the hands of someone else’s wrongdoings or poor choices, or even from a chemical imbalance. No matter what the problem or cause of people’s sadness, God is still ready and able to help His beloved children. He will go through great lengths to restore that which is broken and crushed in spirit. God’s Word says,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”(Psalm 34:18).

If you are feeling down know that God is with you. He knows what you are going through and He does not want you to remain broken, crushed in spirit. Invite Him into every area of your life that needs healing. Allow His Spirit and word to comfort you. Reach out and let others aid and encourage you along the way too. Brighter days will transpire as you place your hope in the Lord and take the necessary steps He asks you to take.

Here is suggested prayer for today:

Father God, My feelings and emotions have been troubling me. I pray that You will restore me back to wholeness so I can live the joyful life You offer. I am sorry for anything that I have done that may have caused this downcast within me. I ask that You fill me with the Light of Your Spirit so I can arise from this state of gloominess. Fill me with Your joy and peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

By Barbara Alpert
Used by Permission


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Thoughts by All thoughts by Barbara Alpert Thoughts by Women

devotional on letting your light shine

So You Can Shine Brightly

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”  Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

A three-way light bulb illuminates a room, at various degrees of brightness, depending upon the wattage you choose. For a light bulb to work, you need to fasten it into a socket, have a trustworthy energy source, and switch on the lamp. Without such thought and action, the light remains off, and your room stays dark.

In the same fashion that a light bulb illuminates a room, your life has the power to brighten the lives of those around you. However, to keep your spiritual glow, it’s vital for you to recognize how God wired you and what He has empowered you to do. Knowing which personality type you are, an extrovert or an introvert, will help you live and function at your optimum capacity.

The difference between the two is; extroverts are very social and gain their energy by being around people. They are alive and vibrant when attending events and social gatherings. Left alone, they quickly lose their energy and flare for life. Typically, they shine best at the sparkling 125-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

On the other hand, introverts are less social, and gain their energy when alone. Being in large crowds and having to attend many activities, absorbs their energy and ability to function well. They’re most effective in smaller settings and require much quiet time to refuel and keep going. Solitude and simplicity are a healthier way of life for introverts. Normally, they shine best at the serene 50–75-watt setting of a three-way light bulb.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
Romans 12:6 NIV

If you are an extrovert playing it safe by functioning in the role of an introvert, you will quickly become bored, unfulfilled, and lose your vibrant glow. God wired you a certain way and desires that you find the outlet(s) that you can plug into where you can shine brighter and have a wider impact on the lives of others.

If you are an introvert functioning in an extroverts’ setting for a length of time, without appropriate times of rest and renewal, you run the risk of burning out. Thus, it’s wise to allow God to lead you to the good deeds, He desires, according to the grace He gives you; so you won’t burnout. You’ll be happier, and you’ll have the energy to keep shining brightly.

Whether you are an extrovert or introvert, when you permit God’s Holy Spirit to energize you from within, for the various things God empowers you to do, you’ll happily and powerfully shine brightly for the Lord and illuminate the lives around you.

Lord, You are my lamp; the Lord illuminates my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 HCSB

By Barbara Alpert

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online devotional on salt

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.Matthew 5:13 (NKJV)

In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus proclaims how Christians are to be like salt and light to the world. Salt acts as a preservative and adds flavor to food. Today, if your faith has been shaken and you’ve lost your spice toward God’s family, refuse to let circumstances or what has taken place, cause you to feel hopeless or irritated with others. God’s word says, “Salts good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other” (Mark 9:5 NLT). As a Jesus follower, it’s important that you remain salty; preserving your faith while enhancing the lives of your sisters and brothers in Christ.

It’s also important to be gracious in your manner when conversing with outsiders, those who are still held in the pepper shaker of darkness. The bible says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6 NLT). The more you allow Christ to speak and shine through you, you’ll be like an addictive seasoning to those around you. You’ll leave them thirsting and seeking after your genuine and considerate ways of living. In time, perhaps Jesus will win them over and they’ll become a member God’s salt & light family.

Pray that God would reveal to you whether or not you have been slowly losing your spiritual fervor. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you preserve important relationships and act as a God-seasoning ingredient in the lives of others.

By Barbara Alpert

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