The Bible tells us in a number of passages that we should be humble. James 4:10 writes, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Being humble goes hand in hand with being thankful. If we are thankful to God for the things we have, our skills, our health, our successes, it is much easier to be humble. Job 1:21 writes, “The Lord giveth and the lord taketh away.” Whether we do things just right, or make mistakes, God determines the outcome.”

When we feel the desire to take the credit and explain what a great job we did with our success and achievement, we need to think about 1 Corinthians 1:31 where Paul writes, “If you must boast, boast in the Lord.”

Sometime when you are complimented on an achievement, try responding with something like this, “Thank you. God has truly blessed me.”

Dear Lord, all we have comes from your gracious love for us, working to grow and develop us. Help us remember to give you the credit and glory for the successes and achievement we experience in life,, and use them to further your work. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I think we all occasionally have the need to choose between two seemingly equal alternatives, taking a new job, which college, house, which applicant to hire, or which contractor even.

Acts 1:24-26 tells the story of the process the disciples used to select a replacement for Judas, who killed himself after betraying Jesus, which we can use as a model for making our decisions.

Acts 1:23-26 writes, “So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas also known as Justus and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.”

Though the disciples decision was much more important than many decisions we may need to make in life, I believe the process is the same. With those who should be part of the process, your family, spouse, or church board, we identify the alternatives, pray and listen for guidance, then choose. Then we should move forward in faith, trusting that God will help us stay on the right path.

Dear Lord, as the disciples prayed, “you know every heart,” including our own. Help us remember to come to you for guidance with our decisions in life, trusting your guidance. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Matthew 27:54 writes about the crucifixion of Jesus, “The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “This man truly was the Son of God!”

I imagine even though it was a gruesome task, the Roman Soldiers crucified many people. The verse specifies that it was a Roman officer, rather than just an ordinary soldier that made the comment. As an officer he would have been more senior and had more experience. Crucifying someone would have been a routine event for him.

But this event was much different, so much so, that the Bible history makes a point of recording the officer’s words, “This man truly was the Son of God.”

Dear Lord, we will never know what it was like to be there that day Jesus Christ was crucified, but through faith, we are saved by the result. For this we thank and praise you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is my amazing wife’s birthday, and I cannot think of a more fitting text on this day than Proverbs 31.

I think everyone who knows her would agree with me that she is an incredibly caring, faithful, loving, inspiring and disciplined lady. I am blessed to have her as my partner, and our children are blessed to have her as their mother.

Proverbs, 31:10-31 is a wonderful description that makes me think of her.

Verses 10-12
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Verses 28-31
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all! Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise

Happy Birthday Liz! We love you!

It’s also my brother’s birthday, Happy Birthday, Love you Matt!

Dear Lord, You have incredibly blessed our family through Liz’s faithful Christian life. She has been an amazing inspiration and example to us and everyone she encounters. Give her your blessing with strength, peace, and joy in her life. Bless Matt and his family on his birthday also, send peace and joy to their home. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is so uplifting to see people put their faith in God and overcome their afflictions, fears, challenges or use their faith to excel and do great things.

I can only imagine that this was how Jesus felt in the story of the Centurion in Matthew 8. Roman soldiers were not what people expected when thinking of followers of Jesus Christ, but Jesus showed how, no matter who one is, it is the faith that matters.

The soldier’s servant was paralyzed and suffering. When Jesus asked if the Centurion wanted Him to come and heal the servant. The Centurion said he knew all Jesus had to do was say so and his servant would be healed. Jesus, knowing the heart of the soldier, said in verse 10, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” and in verse 13, “Go, Let it be done just as you believed it would.” NIV

We don’t have to be great “church-people” to believe God can bring us out of miserable situations, overcome debilitating fears, or even give us success in our endeavors. We need to have the faith in God’s power and ability to do anything, and his love for us.

Dear Lord, help us have the faith in you to know without a doubt that you can do anything. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.