Sometimes we all have one of those days, where things just seem to go against us. Usually they are things that may be important to our work, or accomplishing our goals, but in the big picture, these obstacles do not threaten our lives, our safety, or our loved ones, they are just frustrating.

Colossians 3:15, says, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

It is our wrong thinking that gets us into trouble. If we stop and look at all the things for which we have to be thankful, we can reset our thinking, and stop feeling sorry for ourselves.

Dear Lord, no matter what we are dealing with, we all have something for which to be thankful. Help us turn our thoughts to those things, and give thanks to you for these blessings. Your peace comes through this. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One challenge we all face when trying to accomplish anything good is the will-power or discipline to stick with it. Whether it be, sticking to a diet, exercise, cutting bad language out of our vocabulary, quitting smoking, drugs, or alcohol, changing our habits and building better habits is difficult, but not impossible.

2 Peter 1:3,4 says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

We can turn away from bad behaviors and live a godly life, if we so choose. When we say we “can’t” do something, what we are really saying is either, we won’t try, or we don’t really want to. In all comes down to a decision. We make the decision and ask God to help us follow through.

I heard it said, “Our job is to do the natural, then God will do the super-natural.” This is how we overcome our wrong desires, and build a better self.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us everything we need to live the life you desire for us. Help us decide to strive for that “godly” life, and take our step forward then let you carry us further. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the challenges I have occasionally, and you may as well, is praying for something, but worrying that God may not answer my prayer the way I would like. For instance, traveling and the flight is delayed, I pray that I don’t miss my connecting flight because I would miss an important family event and disappoint my family.

Another example we have all encountered, we, a friend or family member have a unusual ailment and go see the doctor. We pray that it is routine simple issue, but we fear God’s plan may allow it to be serious.

In Daniel 3 there is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were young Jewish men during the time the Jews were captive in Babylon. There was a law during that time that required everyone to bow down and worship a statue the King had designated. Because of their obedience to God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down and worship the statue. As a result, they were to be thrown into the furnace. When accused by the King, they replied in verse 17,18, “If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if he doesn’t, please understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.”

The key here is their comment, even “if He doesn’t” they will remain obedient. This is how we need to think when we pray. Even if God doesn’t answer our prayer the way we want, we will trust him. I am praying that traffic will not make me late, but even if I am, I trust that God has a reason. I am praying that I do well on this test, but even if I don’t, I am trusting God.

Dear Lord, How wonderful it is to know that you have control of all things that affect us, so that even if the things we pray for are not your plan, we can still trust in your love for us. Help us pray with confidence for what we desire but pray that your will be done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you remember who first taught you about Jesus Christ? For many of us, it was our parents, but it may also have been, Sunday School teachers, Grandparents, aunts, uncles, or possibly a caring friend.

These people didn’t have to witness and teach you, but they did this good thing out of love for God and for you.

Paul writes in Hebrews 13:7, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”

He goes on in verse 16, “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

Dear Lord, We thank you for those teachers and leaders who brought your message to us. Help us remember their example, and be the leaders and teachers of others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We have all seen examples of the tragic early deaths of celebrities and other successful people who seemed to have everything. Solomon writes about this in Ecclesiastes 6:2, “God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things.”

It is not that being successful or wealthy is wrong, but as we have seen on many occasions, those things do not provide happiness.

He says in Ecclesiastes 5:19, “And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.”

God has each of us where we are for a reason. Sure it would be great to have lots of money and success, but we need to trust that God has a plan for us, and enjoy what we have, while waiting, with faith, for what we would like.

Dear Lord, it is in our nature to want more, but help us enjoy our lives and trust that you love us, and have us where we are for your reasons. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.