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 definition of the word intuition is, “the ability to acquire knowledge without inference or the use of reason.”

Proverbs 3:5,6 writes, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

I think from a human perspective, these things feel similar. When we consciously pursue God’s will, his direction comes to us like intuition. 1 Kings 19:12 says God spoke to Elijah in a “still small voice.”

If we are looking and listening, God makes his guidance evident, but often subtly.

Dear Lord, We trust that you are there to guide us. Help us have the senses to recognize your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the challenges I have occasionally, and you may as well, is praying for something, but worrying that God may not answer my prayer the way I would like. For instance, traveling and the flight is delayed, I pray that I don’t miss my connecting flight because I would miss an important family event and disappoint my family.

Another example we have all encountered, we, a friend or family member have a unusual ailment and go see the doctor. We pray that it is routine simple issue, but we fear God’s plan may allow it to be serious.

In Daniel 3 there is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were young Jewish men during the time the Jews were captive in Babylon. There was a law during that time that required everyone to bow down and worship a statue the King had designated. Because of their obedience to God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down and worship the statue. As a result, they were to be thrown into the furnace. When accused by the King, they replied in verse 17,18, “If we are thrown into the flaming furnace, our God is able to deliver us; and he will deliver us out of your hand, Your Majesty. But if he doesn’t, please understand, sir, that even then we will never under any circumstance serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have erected.”

The key here is their comment, even “if He doesn’t” they will remain obedient. This is how we need to think when we pray. Even if God doesn’t answer our prayer the way we want, we will trust him. I am praying that traffic will not make me late, but even if I am, I trust that God has a reason. I am praying that I do well on this test, but even if I don’t, I am trusting God.

Dear Lord, How wonderful it is to know that you have control of all things that affect us, so that even if the things we pray for are not your plan, we can still trust in your love for us. Help us pray with confidence for what we desire but pray that your will be done. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the people of the church in Corinth. The people in the church there were having troubles that could be expected of a startup church in a large city of people who did not believe in God and lived immoral lives. The people in the church also struggled with the temptations of the world.

In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul tells them, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong,” which sounds like something a military leader would tell his troops prior to a difficult battle. But then in verse 14 he writes, “And do everything with love.”

These two verses may appear somewhat contradictory, being courageous and strong, but acting with love. However when we look closely, this is exactly how we should be as Christians. We can be strong and courageous, because we have the power of God supporting us, and we can act with love to all, because the love of God is working through us. God’s love, for all people, that was shown in the saving sacrifice of Jesus.

Dear Lord, what great coaching you give to us through Paul in this verse. Help us go out into the world with courage to face our challenges, and love for all, because you first loved us. In Jesus name. Amen.

There is an expression I have heard from some veteran public figures, which is, “Don’t read your own press clippings.” The reason is that they don’t give you an accurate picture. You are not as bad as your critics say, and you are not as good as your fans may say.

It is interesting that thousands of years ago Solomon wrote in Proverbs 27:21, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.”

It is arguably more difficult to maintain one’s priorities and character when everything is going great and people think you are amazing, than it is when things are going terribly. When people praise us, it is easy to let it build up our egos, and make us begin to feel superior to others. Before this happens, we should think about where our ability to succeed originates. God gave us the talents and opportunities to allow our success. We should direct the glory toward him.

I have noticed this frequently with some Christian athletes, who make an obvious gesture to point toward the sky after a great play, giving God the credit and thanks for their successful performance.

There is a Latin phrase that I like to keep in mind when I do something “praiseworthy.” Soli Deo Gloria, which means to God Alone the Glory.

Dear Lord, You gave us the ability to achieve. Help us pass the test of being praised, and remember we are not better than others, we are blessed by you. In Jesus name. Amen.