By Paula Williamson, guest writer We have the freedom to think or believe whatever we wish. We can believe there is no God or that there is. We can believe the Bible is true or not, that we are loved or not, that we are valuable or not. But what and how we think determine our days, moods, and actions. It Is Written PROVERBS 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. JOHN 8:31 -32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Bondage or Freedom Our own thoughts can limit us or set us free. That’s a lot of power! Henry Blackaby, the author of Experiencing God, says, “We live what we believe.” That’s a bold statement. What is your life telling your children and those around you about what you believe? Even more so, how are your thoughts affecting your mood, emotions, and actions? The Bible promises freedom to those who know the truth of God’s word. If I want to be free, I can renew my mind with God’s word to counteract my wrong thinking. Prayer Lord, I choose to come out of agreement with everything I believe that does not align with Your Word. I come out of agreement with every iniquity and every way of my life built on a lie. I surrender to You and Your ways. I want my thoughts to align with You and with heaven's purpose and plans for my life. Help me renew my mind with Your Word. Takeaway I have the freedom to choose what I believe in. *Warrior Arise available at coadwordbooks.com is a great free resource for renewing your mind.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Some people thrive on change. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I love routines, family, friends, home, predictability, and a sure thing. In a rapidly changing world, it’s comforting to find something that remains constant. I find that in Scripture. It Is Written MATTHEW 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Unchangeable The Bible is over 3,500 years old, and many people have tried to prove it false. In their search, they continue to find evidence that supports it. I don’t know about you, but that makes my heart happy! Prayer Lord, I am so grateful for Your Word. I am so grateful that You keep Your Word. I am so thankful that in a world where it is hard to find someone to count on, I can always count on You. Takeaway God’s Words will not pass away.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer It’s hard to know what the truth is nowadays. The right, the left, conspiracy theories, LGBTQ, BLM, ANTIFA, you name it. Everyone has an opinion about what they believe is the truth. What is interesting is that they are all different. Also interesting is that their truths keep changing. PROVERBS 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. So how do we know the truth? It Is Written JOHN 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. JOHN 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. HEBREWS 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. JOHN 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. Unchanging Truth I don’t know about you, but when I leave this world, I do not want to discover that what I believed and taught my children and friends was false. I’d rather believe a book that has not been proven wrong in 3,000 years than any of man’s progressive beliefs. Prayer Lord, in a world where everything changes like the wind, I want to grasp You and Your Word with all my heart. I want my family and friends to have something sure, steadfast, and proven to hold on to, something that has weathered the winds of time. You and Your Word have done that in my life and in the lives of many others who have gone before us. I have heard that the highest form of pride is exalting what we think above what You say. Help us become a generation that returns to You and Your Word. Takeaway God’s truth is unchanging.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Unfathomable Truth There are some things beyond my comprehension. Space, numbers, grace, mercy, forgiveness, unconditional love, and more. I clearly hear the explanations and definitions, but they are so much more than my limited understanding. It Is Written JOHN 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Mind Blowing We get tripped up by what we cannot explain or understand. This scripture is a big one. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. How do we comprehend that? His ways are beyond ours, so we accept it like a child, with childlike faith. When little children ask, “What’s that?” and their mothers tell them, they simply accept it as the truth. If we want to know Him, His Word is a great place to start. Prayer Lord, there are things in this life we will never understand because they are beyond our grasp. You and Your ways are among those things. Help us to be like a little child and place our trust in You, like a child jumping into his father’s arms. You are faithful and true, and You keep Your Word. Thank You. Takeaway We cannot separate God from His Word.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Armor We do not think much about armor in our world today. As kids, we may have watched the movie or heard stories about The Sword in the Stone or King Arthur. Some of us may have played with swords and shields, though not too often. These stories stir something deep within us. We want to be the victors. Scripture places great importance on the invisible armor God provides for His followers to be victorious. It Is Written EPHESIANS 6:10-Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Offense and Defense The invisible armor described in the scriptures is both offensive and defensive. It includes swords and shields. We are equipped as the Lord’s army for both offense and defense. We do not hear much about the battle we face each day, but we feel it every time we awaken to face the world. We should be equipped and ready for battle. The word of God is part of my protective armor as I walk in the world today. Are you suited up? Prayer Lord, help me realize that as long as we are in this world, a battle is underway and an enemy to fight. Help me remember that we do not war against people but against an invisible enemy, fought through prayer and action. Help me arm myself with Your word and strength as I prepare to face the day. Takeaway God’s armor serves a purpose.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer One evening, I was walking home from my mom’s house. It was overcast, and there was no moonlight. I was stunned to realize I literally could not see my hand in front of my face. It’s a pretty frightening feeling when you have no sense of direction. In the distance, I could see my porch light, so I knew that if I kept heading that way, I would find my way home. Scripture promises something similar to this experience. It Is Written PSALMS 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God’s GPS In a world full of opinions and artificial intelligence, none of which come with a warranty, there is one source that does. Investing time in God’s Word brings a wealth of promises. I didn’t realize it when I began reading it at age 18, but over time it has become a sure and steadfast light that guides me. If you feel like you are walking in the dark, seek the light of God’s Word. Prayer Lord, it often feels as though we are walking in the dark. It comforts me to know You hold my right hand, and Your Word promises You will guide me. I trust You in the darkest nights. I trust Your Word and Your promises above all else. I know You will not fail or forsake me, and You are with me always. Takeaway Your word is a lamp and a light for my path.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Someone told me they do not find answers to their questions in the Bible. We turn to ChatGPT and Google for answers to every question nowadays. These sources can quickly provide information in seconds, catering to our microwave society. We were created with free will and have the freedom to do what is right in our own eyes, but there is a source that promises so much more. It Is Written 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 -17 All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God [ may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Lifetime Warranty Agreement ChatGPT and Google, our preferred sources of information, do not come with any warranty! The Word of God does. The Bible is God-breathed and teaches me, rebukes me, corrects me, and trains me in righteousness for every good work. That’s a pretty important warranty for today’s world. We have God’s Word on it. Prayer Lord, in this world of instant answers, help me remember that none promise what you do. All the blessings of Deuteronomy 28 are mine when I follow and obey you, not only for me but for 1,000 generations. Neither ChatGPT nor Google can promise that. Help me invest my time wisely and meditate on Your Word. Takeaway God’s Words come with a warranty.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer I started reading the Bible daily when I was 18 years old. There were times when it seemed I got nothing from it. It is a complex book, but more often than not, when I ask God to speak to me through His word, He does. Often, I am too hurried to listen, or my mind is preoccupied with other things. When my heart is postured to listen, He speaks a rhema word, a just-now word, a current word, right into my heart. It Is Written HEBREWS 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. I Dare You Find a quiet place. For me, it is early in the morning before the sun comes up. For you, it might be outdoors in nature or your favorite spot. Clear your mind of distractions by making a list of things to do. Once your mind is not distracted, ask the Lord to speak through His word. The Bible is alive and active, penetrating and judging my thoughts and attitudes. Sometimes a simple word or phrase speaks to me. I look it up in Strong’s Concordance and the dictionary, and suddenly the word comes alive in my soul and spirit. I am often convicted of the attitudes of my heart. I dare you to try it. Prayer Lord, speak to me today through Your word. Help me quiet my own thoughts and agenda, and sit before You, the Creator of the Universe, who knows all things. Help me be still and know that You are God and that You have much to say to me. I humbly wait upon You. Takeaway God’s Word is alive and active.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer My dad taught me that keeping my word was one of the most important things in life. His life was like a clock, steady, dependable, and on time. I have done my very best to keep my word, but not so in the world around me. More often than not, people make promises they do not keep. This is not true of God and His word. It Is Written ISAIAH 55:11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it. God’s Word is Dependable More than 3,000 years ago, God promised that His word would not pass away without accomplishing something. It may be stored for a later date, but it does not return void. MATTHEW 24:35 Earth and sky will pass away, but my words will never pass away! We have His word on it. Prayer Lord, in a world where people promise much and deliver little, I am thankful that You keep Your Word. Even in Hebrews 11, many of the heroes of faith died without seeing the promise fulfilled, yet they believed it anyway. They are now the great cloud of witnesses who see the bigger picture and are cheering us on. Some miracles are progressive. Seven hundred to one thousand years passed between the prophecy of the Messiah and His fulfillment. Abraham waited roughly 25 years from the time God appeared to him until Isaac was born. Increase our faith and help us anchor it in You, the one who keeps His Word. Help us never give in or doubt You in the waiting. Takeaway God’s words do not return empty.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Perspective is an interesting concept. One day, when so many overwhelming things were happening in my life, I thought that if I wrote them all down, it would be like cleaning out a closet, and I’d feel better. Wrong. After 5 pages, I was in tears, sitting with my bestie, “self-pity.” I decided to shift my perspective to the things I was grateful for. I admit it was hard and started slowly, but after eight pages, my eyes were filled with tears of gratitude. Our view of the world changes drastically when we put on our glad pants! It Is Written ISAIAH 61:2 -3 He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of God’s favor to them has come, and the day of his wrath to their enemies. 3 To all who mourn in Israel, he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. For God has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for his own glory. Imperfect A wise man once told me that Jesus was not singing “Zip a Dee Do Da” on His way to the cross. The world is imperfect, full of imperfect people, including you, me, and the consequences of free will. HEBREWS 12:2 says to look only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Jesus had to shift His perspective to the joy set before Him. We are part of that joy; a people reconciled to God through His selfless sacrifice. You can always find good if you look for it. Truthfully, speaking from personal experience, gratitude is a far better bestie than self-pity! Prayer Lord, I come out of agreement with self-pity and sadness. Thank You for what Jesus endured so I can behold Your face. Thank You for eyes to see! My life would be drastically different without sight. Thank You for the miracle of sight, the beauty of a rose, each sunset and sunrise, and the twinkling starry host. Thank You. Thank You for ears that hear a baby’s cry, bird songs, laughter, the cicada’s song, and nighttime sounds. Thank You for legs that work, a mind that thinks, and the ability to read and write. When I start the downward spiral of self-pity, remind me to shift my perspective. There are always things to be thankful for. Takeaway He gives joy instead of mourning!

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Oblivionectomy Is that a word? Maybe it is not recognized by Merriam-Webster, but I made it up. At one point in my life, the disappointments, trauma, and setbacks were so great that I felt my knees would buckle. I didn’t know how I could face the day. I am a word person, and the Lord often drops a word into my Spirit, which I ponder and look up. On that day, the word was oblivion. Our friend Merriam defines it as the state of being completely forgotten, unknown, or extinct. When I read those words, I prayed, Lord God, would you do an oblivionectomy on me? I cannot explain it any other way. One moment, the weight of the world was so great that I could not bear it, and the next it was as if a great angel swooped down out of heaven, pulled something out of me, and carried it to the sea of forgetfulness. It Is Written PSALM 103: 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. MICAH 7:19 He will again take pity on us; He will trample on our wrongdoings. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. ISAIAH 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the suffering and afflicted. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted, to announce liberty to captives, and to open the eyes of the blind. Free Indeed There is no other explanation for what happened in my heart and mind that day except Jesus. One moment my knees were buckling under the weight and baggage of pain and sorrow, and the next I was free. JOHN 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. God heard the heartfelt prayer and honored a made-up word, and I have never been the same! Prayer Lord, I know there are people in this world who join the chorus of “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” whose baggage has become too heavy to carry, weighed down by more pain and sorrow than they can bear. I thank You that You will give them a moment like mine, when You honored the prayer of a made-up word and performed an oblivionectomy on them, as You did for me. May a new song rise up to the heavens today, “Thank God I am Free at Last!” Takeaway He sets the captives free!

By Paula Williamson, guest writer There are lots of stinky smells in this world! All one has to do to experience them is wake up. Morning breath, body odor, bathroom smells, trash cans, dirty diapers, and more. Sometimes even the words we speak or hear, and the attitudes we have or those around us, can leave a foul smell. I don’t want to do that! It Is Written 2 Corinthians 2:15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. The Point Scripture says followers of Christ are His fragrance to the world around them. That’s the point. We should leave a great smell everywhere we go and in all we do. What kind of scent are you leaving behind? Prayer Lord, I want to leave Your fragrance behind in all words I speak, in the attitudes and motives of my heart, and on the people whose paths cross mine each day. I want Your presence to linger, leaving an unforgettable impression that turns others toward You. Takeaway We leave a fragrance wherever we go.