Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care about you? You are trying hard to do the right thing and keep yourself on the right path, but things just are not working out for you?

David describes this situation in Psalm 22. He starts out with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” He continues for 18 verses talking about all his problems, his enemies after him, and how weak he is, and doesn’t know how he can go on.

However beginning in verse 19 and through the end of the chapter, David writes praises to God, verse 22, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” and verse 28, “For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

I think there is a message for us here, that when we are down and feel things are going against us, rather than complain and feel sorry for ourselves, we should show God our praise. Showing that we know we are just being tested and we will remain faithful and maintain a good attitude through the trial.

I think it is not a coincidence that the following Chapter, Psalm 23 is that well known statement of faith that begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” and ends with, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Dear Lord, we know that you are all powerful and can resolve any situation we encounter if and when you choose. Help us remember to stay strong and faithful in our challenges, trusting in your great love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

And God looked over everything he had made and saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31

This week I had the opportunity to experience the amazing beauty of creation along the Lake Michigan shoreline on warm and calm summer days. It is amazing how pleasant the combinations of sounds, smells, sights, and sensations all come together on the beach like this. It is such a clear indication of God’s intent to make a beautiful habitat for us on earth. Look around the rest of our solar system, the planets are nothing like earth, solid rocks and balls of gasses.

It is hard to dispute that the beauty and complexity of the universe, our solar system, and earth were created on purpose.
Psalm 19:1-4 says “The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world.”

Thank you Lord for the beautiful creation you have made for us. Help us share with others our beliefs that this beautiful creation was made by you for our use and to your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” -Revelation 1:8

As humans we talk about being constrained by time. “You only have 24 hours in a day,” we say. We look at things as past, present, or future.

Though it is difficult for us to understand, God is not constrained by the concept of time. He created it. And though he is too awesome for us to even comprehend; he is also aware of each of us, and our individual situation.

Psalm 103:13 says, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” and Luke 12:7 says, “..even the hairs on your head are numbered.”

There is no limit to God’s power, and we all should be in awe and grateful that he cares about each of us, individually.

Dear Lord, How amazed and blessed we are that you will hear our prayers and have unlimited ability to intervene in our lives. Send your care, healing, comfort and favor on your children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sometimes, we just cannot understand why God is letting things happen the way they are. Terrible tragedies happen to innocent people, people lose their loved ones, evil people seem to succeed. We try and try to find the logic in the events, but cannot.

In those times, a few of the following verses may help:

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding.”

Psalm 91:14, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust my name.”

Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Psalm 27:14, “Wait patiently for the Lord, Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

Psalm 23:4, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

We may not understand the work God is doing, but we can know that He is in control, and He is there for us.

Dear Lord, You know how difficult life can be for some people, be with those who mourn, help them feel your presence and comfort. Give use the words, wisdom, and love to be your hands of caring to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many professions require routine training in order to keep up with the latest technology and techniques, or just to maintain important skills. Doctors and Nurses, teachers, programmers, pilots, and many others have regular requirements for training and testing.

In a similar way, it is important for us to continue our study of God’s teaching in the Bible to reinforce the knowledge, learn more, and give God the opportunity to connect with us through his word. Obviously we will not lose our license to be a Christian if we do not keep studying, but Hebrews 2:1 says, “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.”

The important message for us is getting in the habit of regularly reading and listening to the “truth,” the good news in the Bible.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the truth in your word, the Bible. Help us read and listen carefully so that we do not drift away. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.