We are all born to our two parents, we don’t choose them, they made us. Just because we are born to our parents however doesn’t mean that they are going to like everything we do. In fact they may not be very happy with some of the things we do.

This is very much like our relationship with God. John 1:11 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” and the classic verse Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

God chooses us, like our parents.

Also like our parents, however, after being “part of the family,” there are behaviors that God likes and those he doesn’t. Jesus said, in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Just like parents expecting proper behavior, God expects us to do what he desires, and what he desires is to love him, and love our neighbor. He has given us additional guidance through our consciences. Romans 2:15 says, “They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.”

In our hearts, we all know what is right and wrong.

Dear Lord, There is no greater gift, whether we all recognize it or not, than being accepted as your child and saved eternally. Help us take that as the starting point to then live lives that will bring glory to you, and “make you proud.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have written about the similarities the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus has with modern times, describing how today we make “gods” of our things and activities, placing them ahead of God in our lives.

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with having a garage filled with sports cars, a private jet in the hanger, a private box at every sporting venue in town, or any other luxury. Look at Solomon, who was the picture of wealth, and privilege, and God approved and blessed him, until he got his priorities mixed up and began opening up to false religions. The important thing is getting our priorities right.

It doesn’t take millions of dollars to have our priorities mixed up either, whether it is a million dollar Ferrari, or the standing Saturday card game that keeps us from getting to church on Sunday, the important factor is that we keep God in the exclusive position at the top of our priority list.

The Commandment written in Exodus 20:3-5 says “You must not have any other god but me.” “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. ”

It is important for us to regularly stop and think about our priorities, and make sure we have God, and our duty to him at the top of the list.

Dear Lord, we all fail at times to keep you and your will in first place. Forgive us, and help us think about our priorities and get them right with you at the top of the list. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The more we study the Bible and God’s plan, the more we realize the gaps in our understanding. Jesus tells us however in Mark 4:22, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.”

In order to learn and understand, we need to take the time and effort to study. Jesus continues in Mark 4:25, “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the understanding of your plan that you have given us. Help us continue to listen to your teaching by reading and meditating on your word. In Your name we pray. Amen.

How do we define life? It can be defined in many ways, our physical life, beating heart and active brain waves; our consciousness and awareness of ourselves and our existence; but more individually, our lives and our relationships, our interests and activities, our strengths and weaknesses, our skills and talents.

Jesus says in Matthew 10:39 “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”

I think Jesus is referring to the entire variety of life definitions. If we surrender to God, those things that make up our life, he will give us, as He describes in John 10:10, “an abundant life,” not only in our eternal life, but in our life on earth, as well.

Dear Lord, thank you for the promise of eternal life most of all, but also thank you for the promise of an abundant life on earth, abounding in peace, hope, and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Romans 8:39 Paul says “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is Jesus Christ”. NIV

We do not give those we love everything they want, because we know some things would not be good for them, and sometimes we make them do things that are difficult and frustrating because ultimately those things are good for them. In the same way, God lets us struggle, and doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, but we can know as Paul said, God is using these things for our good.

Personally, this is often incredibly difficult to believe and endure.

You may be tempted to think, God doesn’t know that I am sitting in traffic, late for an important event, or that I got a flat tire, bombed a math test, argued with my spouse, can’t pay my bills, etc, but you would be wrong to think that. Matthew 10:29-30 says that not a sparrow falls to the ground that is not Gods will, and he knows the number of hairs on your head. So remember even when things are not going well, God knows, and He is not neglecting you. He wants you/me to trust Him in those situations.

Dear Lord, help us to be strong in the knowledge that with Your unlimited power you love us and are looking out for us in all our circumstances. In Jesus name. Amen.