Do you ever wonder if prayer really works? You’re praying about something and Satan whispers to you, “This is a waste of time. Forget it! Who do you think you are? What do you think you’re doing? God isn’t listening. Don’t waste your time.”

When you learn to pause and pray before making a decision, you are helping to slow your life down to a more manageable level. Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV).

We’re all given the same number of minutes in a day. And we’re all given the same goal—to become more like Jesus.

God promises in the Bible that if you learn to give like him, then he will meet all your needs. Does that sound too good to be true? Maybe it does. But if the Bible says it, then you can believe it! God says that if you’ll put him first in your money and learn to be generous, open-handed, and open-hearted, then he will meet all your needs.

One of the great fears you face in this life is the fear of the future. You fear for the future of your family, your friends, your job, your community—and everything else in between. It’s natural. You’re not in control. But that realization should drive you to trust God more deeply.

When you need to make a decision, the first and ideal test is this: “Is my decision in harmony with God’s Word?” You have to decide what’s going to be your ultimate authority in life. It really boils down to this choice: God’s Word or the world. Are you going to base your decisions on what God says or what other people say?

At the root of every sin rests at least a momentary doubt about God. In John 16:9 Jesus says, “The world’s sin is unbelief in me” (TLB). When you don’t believe Jesus is who he says he is or he’ll do what he says he’ll do, that’s the root of all sin. Here are some emotions you can look for that can help you know when you’re doubting God.

True freedom comes when you focus your mind on God’s truth. But how do you focus your mind on the right things so you can experience freedom? Here are three things you can do that will make the biggest difference in managing your mind.

“I am not really alone, because the Father is with me.” John 16:32 (GNT)
Having the mind of Christ means always being aware that God is with you.

“Be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)