How do we define life? It can be defined in many ways, our physical life, beating heart and active brain waves; our consciousness and awareness of ourselves and our existence; but more individually, our lives and our relationships, our interests and activities, our strengths and weaknesses, our skills and talents.

Jesus says in Matthew 10:39 “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.”

I think Jesus is referring to the entire variety of life definitions. If we surrender to God, those things that make up our life, he will give us, as He describes in John 10:10, “an abundant life,” not only in our eternal life, but in our life on earth, as well.

Dear Lord, thank you for the promise of eternal life most of all, but also thank you for the promise of an abundant life on earth, abounding in peace, hope, and joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Often in life things occur that we cannot understand; Times when there are terrible tragedies that affect thousands of people, and times when something unexplainable happens to one person. Even as faithful Christians we wonder how these events could be something God intended.

There are all also vast and fundamental questions that remain unanswered about our universe and our physical beings.

Ecclesiastes 8:17 says, “Then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.”

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12, “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

In the years people have been around, we have discovered many things about God’s creation, but when we stop and think about the huge gaps in our knowledge we can only step back an be in awe of God. How can we not believe in God? And once believing in God, the good news of salvation through Jesus is rational.

Dear Lord, our minds can barely begin to understand your power, wisdom and glory, and how humbled we should be, knowing that you care for us enough to save us. Help us find the peace and joy in knowing this and also fear and respect Your power and love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is often a perception that “good” people, who live moral, ethical, and honorable lives are not tempted like those who say they don’t have the will power to resist the temptation to do immoral, unethical, and dishonorable things.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

The difference with people who do not “give in” to temptation is that they find the way to avoid or evade the temptation, and they trust in God’s help to resist.

Dear Lord, we are sorry that we often fail and “give in” to temptation. Forgive us, and give us the strength and desire to avoid, evade and resist temptations to do wrong in the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many times in life we encounter issues and situations that look impossible to overcome.

The Old Testament prophet Elisha’s student had an experience like this. The Aramean army was attacking Jerusalem, but God was providing details about their location and plans to Elisha, and Elisha provided this information to Israel’s army who continued to defeat every attack by the Aramean’s? When the King of Arem found out about Elisha, he sent the army after Elisha.

Elisha’s servant awoke one morning and looked outside to find the Aramean army surrounding their city. They were looking for Elisha. When the servant told Elisha about the situation, Elisha said, 2 Kings 6:16, “Do not be afraid!” For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes and when he looked up he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”

Just like this young man, sometimes we think our problems are too big to be solved. At those times we need to remember Elisha’s words, “There are more on our side than on theirs!. Our problems are nothing for God to solve.

Dear Lord, you control everything we encounter and have the ability to change the outcome at your will. Help us remember this and ask for you guidance and intervention when needed, knowing that with you all things are possible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Repent…..John the Baptist preached it “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”

What does Repent really mean? In Matthew 3:8 John said “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” Repenting is our recognition of our sins, and our sincere apology that we cannot consistently obey God and overcome our sins and temptation to sin. We need to continuously remember this, and at the same time rejoice and be grateful for the Grace of Jesus who took the entire blame and punishment for our sins.

The acknowledgment of repenting makes the blessing of forgiveness so much more personal and powerful.

It is like pleading guilty, being sentenced to life in prison without parole then immediately being pardoned and celebrating freedom.

This is the Joy of Salvation!

Dear Lord Jesus our Savior we repent of our sins and our sinful nature. Thank you for saving us from the misery we deserve and giving us the peace of forgiveness and Salvation. Amen.