Have you ever tried to stick to a diet? There are basically two alternatives for doing so, one is to have the sheer discipline to ignore cravings for those things you are not supposed to eat, the other is not to have those things in the house. It is definitely easier to avoid things when there are not around.

The same principle is true with avoiding sinful behavior. Avoiding the questionable movies and TV shows is easier than avoiding their influence while watching them, or skipping the gossip party is easier than trying not to participate once there. There are an unlimited number or potential examples.

Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. ”

Christians are just as susceptible to temptation as non-Christians. By avoiding situations that test our resolve, however, we can set ourselves up for success rather than risking the failure of giving in to the temptation.

Dear Lord, help us think before putting ourselves in situations that subject us to temptation. When we cannot avoid the situation, give us the strength and discipline to overcome temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have probably all known someone, or have seen someone on television or the internet who defends behaviors that are immoral and self destructive, and the people are vehemently opposed to Christianity morality, and religion in general. This is not new to our modern times, it was written about thousands of years ago in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:3 says, “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”

The challenge for us is knowing how we respond to a person like this. Arguing is not the solution, but the Bible gives some guidance.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And Peter says in, 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

Dear Lord, Help us live lives that glorify you and result in people asking us why we have a unique hope; Hope in You. When they do, help us to be ready to share our faith with gentleness and respect. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think I heard this from an elementary school teacher a long time ago, you may also have heard this said “God gave you two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion?”

James says in James 1:19, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

This is particularly true in witnessing. People tend to be most open to letting the Holy Spirit in, when they are troubled by some difficulty, tragedy, or fear. Simply listening to people and asking whether they know that God is there with hope and comfort, may be what they need at the difficult time. Psalm 86:5 says, “for you Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”

Dear Lord, help us take Paul’s guidance and listen to others so that we might understand them and share your love with them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of British Science Fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke’s three adages was, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It is an interesting observation. I imagine a jet aircraft, cell phone, or microwave would look like magic to someone 100 years ago. I am sure in our lifetimes we will be amazed at technologies that are developed that will appear like magic to us.

What a fantastic time and opportunity God has created for us, and though it may be uncertain and possibly frightening, we do not have to fear, because we know as God tells us in John 1:1,3 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…..All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

God created it all, and is master of all, we have nothing to fear when we trust in Him.

I get a chuckle from this story that you may also have heard;
Scientists decided that they had developed the technology to make living creatures from just the basic elements in dirt, so they told God they didn’t need him anymore and challenged God to a contest; Who could make life from dirt. God agreed to the challenge. As the Scientists reached down to pick up some dirt, God said, “wait a moment, create your own dirt”

Dear Lord, When we stop and look at the magnificence of nature around us, and within our bodies and minds, we cannot but be in awe of you. Help us not fear the amazing things you have given us,, or the abilities to develop new concepts and technologies, but use them for the good of each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We all know that God created us with a free will to choose. There is a constant battle going on inside each of us; a battle between our desire to choose to obey God and do what is right, and our desire to choose to follow the self-centered desires that the world would have us follow.

Think of all the modern day social issues that revolve around the “right” and “freedom” to do things that are clearly wrong according to God.

Paul writes to the church in Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Dear Lord, please help us use the freedom you gave us to live lives that glorify you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.