About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, the remaining Israelites in Judah were taken into slavery by the Babylonians, and Jerusalem was destroyed. 70 years later, they were allowed to return, led by their leader Zerubbabel.

Against all odds, criticisms and harassment by neighboring peoples, Zerubbabel leads the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 4:6-7 tells us, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!”

I think the lesson for us in this story is; When we strive to do God’s will, and dedicate our activities to him, our success doesn’t come because of our “force or strength,” but by God’s Spirit at work.

Paul has a similar message in 2 Corinthians 5:7 saying, “for we live by faith, and not by sight.”

If we stop and look, we will see occasions where God has made things happen according to his plan, against the odds and obstacles.

Dear Lord, help us remember to put your will first, and have faith that when we do, your Spirit will overcome all obstacles. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you seen the scene of the soldiers landing on the beaches of Normandy in the movie “Saving Private Ryan?” or movies depicting Colonial battles with soldiers lined up shoulder to shoulder opposite their opponents firing at each other across the open field? Do you ever wonder how anyone survived these death defying experiences?

Some may say it was just luck, or coincidence, but I believe God has a plan for each of us. Psalm 91:7-11 writes about this, “Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.”

In verses 14-15 he says, “The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.”

This entire chapter is a comforting promise that God will be there to comfort and protect us. Remember to read Psalm 91 if you face fearful situations.

Dear Lord, Thank you that we know we are not alone when we face terrifying situations. Help us act with the confidence that all is under your control, and if it is our time to come home to you, or not, it is in your powerful and loving hands. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You probably know the story of Cain and Able, the first children of Adam and Eve. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Able’s offerings were looked on with favor by God, but Cain’s were not. Cain was angry and ended up killing Able.

An interesting part of the story written in the Bible before Cain kills Able is in Genesis 4:6,7. “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” NIV

The lesson for us is that we need to strive to do what is right. When we do not, we are making ourselves more vulnerable to sin and temptation, which is “crouching at our door.” We are told to “rule over it” which we can do with God’s help.

Dear Lord, Help us stay on the right path, and strive to do what is right, so we can “rule over” the temptations to sin. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

God wants a relationship with you. He wants you to incorporate him in everything. When we forget this, and ignore our relationship with Him, often he will give us hints reminding us to include him.

CS Lewis, amazing Christian author writes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

When we hear those shouts from God in our pain, we should remember that God wants to have a close relationship with us, and as Paul writes in Philippians, 4:6,7. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord, Help us hear your voice, and remember that you are right there ready to be with us in our lives, the joys and the sorrows. And know that when we have a relationship we can experience the amazing peace that you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In the account of Jesus walking on water the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the water and were afraid.

Matthew 14:27-31 writes, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Like Peter, why do we doubt God? It seems like a rhetorical question, but it is worth considering deeper. Jesus told Peter, “You have so little faith.” But why?

We are naturally uncomfortable with uncertainty, and when we are uncertain, we look for evidence to reduce our uncertainty. If we don’t find evidence, our human nature leads us to assume the worst. In addition, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, there are spiritual forces working against us and our faith.

So what do we do to overcome our doubt? Pray for faith, read our Bibles and gather evidence from the Bible accounts demonstrating how God’s power and love supported those who trusted him like Ruth, David, Solomon, the prophets, Peter, Paul, and the other apostle’s. Also, we need to remember times in our own lives that God made seemingly impossible situations work out for us. Then take action with confidence in God’s power and His love for each of us.

Dear Lord, our fear and doubt often prevent us from living the faithful confident lives you desire for us. Help us remember to come to you and your word for the strength to overcome our doubts and fears so that we can glorify you with our courageous works. In Jesus’ name. Amen.