We have probably all heard about superstitions of some professional athletes, and performers. Things they do that they think bring them good luck, like a special clothing item worn at every performance, or a special food prior to performing, or a particular ritual on the field, court or stage.

In Bible times, people would come up with rituals and rules, often about what type of food to eat or not to eat that would give someone special favor from God.

Hebrews 13:8-9, “Paul writes, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”

We too should remember that there is no secret formula for getting special treatment from God. We just put our faith and trust in Him, and he will lead us and protect us.

Dear Lord, it is easy for us to be distracted by the idea that we can follow a special rule or ritual and we will get lucky, or receive a special blessing. Help us turn from those temptations, and put our trust in you. When we put our faith and hope in you, you will guide our lives. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Most of us know the story of the farmer spreading seed in Matthew 13, where some of the seed fell on the path, some on shallow soil, some among the thorns, and some on fertile ground.

In Matthew 13:22 Jesus explains the meaning of the seed that fell among the thorns, saying, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.”

I think this situation affects many of us in the developed world. We may have been brought up Christian, possibly attending church regularly, but today, there are too many “important” things going on for us to “produce fruit.”

The amazing prosperity in our world has built powerful temptations that make it difficult to prioritize the time to study the word, attend Bible studies and church services. When we are not involved, we are unlikely to witness, invite others to worship, and most sadly, as parents we may be the ones who break the chain of connection to the peace, joy, hope, and Salvation of Christianity for our families.

There is hope! Every day is a new day. Take one step, say a prayer, read the Bible (Start with the New Testament), listen to a good bible teacher on TV, Radio or internet, find a Church home, and re-plant yourself in fertile soil so you can produce fruit.

Dear Lord, You know the challenges and temptations we face trying to prioritize you in our lives. Give us the strength to overcome these temptations so that we can re plant ourselves into the fertile soil and produce fruit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We cannot see the magnetic radio waves that are in the air all around us, but we can hear the message they carry when we tune in our radios.

In a similar way, John writes in 1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

We are like the radio that tunes into God’s love, translates it and delivers it to those around us. He delivers his love to the world through those who believe and do his will.

Dear Lord, we know that you are Love, and you show that love to those who trust and believe in you. Help us take the love you have given us and bring it to others, each of us in our own individual way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I read a good quote that went, “I asked God for strength, and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.”

James 1:2-4 tell us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

It would be nice if the right way were the easy way, but usually it is not. It is the challenges in life that allow us to build up our ability to choose what is right, when it is the difficult choice.

Dear Lord, help us always to choose the right way, and when it is the difficult choice, give us the strength and discipline we need to persevere. Thank you for your healing hand on my dad. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One of the most important things in life is to control your own mind. If we just let our minds wander, most people’s thoughts will turn negative and often toward sinful things. This is made even worse when we read or watch negative news stories, TV shows, and internet posts, that sensationalize tragedy, immorality and evil. When we do these things, we are handing over the steering wheel of our mind to these things, and frankly to the Devil.

We need to take the wheel of our own minds, and drive it toward good things. Paul writes in Romans 8:6, “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

Taking control of our minds includes controlling the things to which we are exposing ourselves. Paul also writes in Philippians 4:8, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Dear Lord, You have created so much beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and love for us to fill our lives and thoughts with. Help us take control of our minds and thoughts so that we may stay on the path to life and peace, and be fitting Christian examples for others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.