You have probably noticed how people who have succeeded in a particular activity are very popular with others who are working toward success in that field. Pro athletes put on training programs for young aspiring athletes. Successful entrepreneurs and authors have seminars explaining their techniques for others to learn.

In a similar way, Hebrews 2:18 says about Jesus, “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the best in your field sitting next to you every day, mentoring you, and helping you succeed?

That is essentially what we have in Jesus. He experienced the most difficult life as a human can give, and overcame. He is there by our side to help us with our challenges.

Dear Lord, You came to earth and were truly human, with the challenges that come along, so you know all that we experience. Help us overcome our temptations, challenges, and struggles, and be the best examples and messengers for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

When we think of worship, the picture of being in a church singing hymns, praying and praising come to mind, but Paul describes something different in his letter to the Romans.

In Romans 12:1 He tells them, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Paul is telling us that we should devote our bodies, or our whole person, to our Lord. How we live each day is our worship.

Dear Lord, We are grateful for all you have provided us. Help us live lives that are positive examples of your love and bring attention to your saving grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably seen those crystal figurines in jewelry stores, one of the most famous brand is Swarovski. It is amazing how these sculptures sparkle and reflect the light. Although the crystal is just glass, it sparkles so much more than ordinary glass because it has a “secret” ingredient, lead, added to the sand that is melted to form the glass. It is the fact that the lead is in the glass that makes it different and more dazzling.

In a similar way, Paul writes about God’s mystery and secret in Colossians 1:27, “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you the assurance of sharing his glory.” It is this secret ingredient in Christians that makes them different, and which makes us look different to God. He does not see the ordinary person, he sees us with the “dazzle” of Christ in us.

Dear Lord Jesus, It is only by the “secret” of your grace changing our appearance that we can be seen as acceptable to God, and saved. What an assuring mystery this is for us. Help us embrace this secret and live our lives demonstrating Christ living in us. In His name we pray. Amen.

The writer, poet, philosopher, Henry Thoreau wrote, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” This idea is taught in many fields to describe how committing to a goal or objective then moving forward with perseverance will eventually to success. Many teach and believe that when you follow this process, people and events seam to materialize to help you succeed.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2 and references the prophet Isaiah, “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.'[ref. Isaiah 49:8] Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation”

Similar to the earthly success concept, that forces in nature try to help us when we commit to achieve, We know for sure that God will hear us and be there for us at just the right time to support us in our faith journey.

Dear Lord, help us remember to commit to our faith journey with you, knowing that at just the right time, you will be there for us to support, guide and lead us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

I have always read this text and thought about it in the big picture, how over the long term God is directing our steps, through our careers relationships and major parts of our lives, and I still believe this.

Recently, however, I have felt how this promise occurs in day to day life. Amidst those hectic times, trying to juggle work, chores, shuttling children around, business trips, sports, church, social events, and our finances, if we take time out to say a prayer, keep God’s will in the front of our mind, and not worry, things tend to orient themselves and work out.

I have noticed many times, the unexpected “inconveniences” do not turn out to be the problem we feared they would.

We have to believe that God is involved in the daily events of our lives, in order to see it happen.

Dear Lord, thank you for your promise to lead us through life’s maze. Help us delight in you so that we can have the peace that trusting you provides. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.