This is the essence of Faith, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.

Whether it is our fear of the future, deciding whether to tithe, or facing a crisis, as Christians, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.”

Dear Lord, It is frightening to let go of those earthly things in which we put our trust, our intelligence, our money, technology. Help us and show us that we can put our trust in you, and find the comfort it brings. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I write this daily post as somewhat of an instruction for Christians, including myself, on how to live and think about living our lives on earth, but I think it is important to take a moment and remember the sequence that God has established for us.

First we are saved, not by doing the right things and living the right lives. Jesus says in John 3:17,18, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him.”

The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to believe. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:3, “no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit.”

Then, because we believe, we live the Christian life God desires. John writes in 1 John 2:3, “and we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.”

Finally, as active Christians we share our faith with others so they might receive the Holy Spirit and believe. Jesus says in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations,”

Dear Lord, help us keep this order in mind. It starts with your love for us that saves us, and follows with our love for you that leads us to live the life you want us to. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is hard for many of us to avoid fear and worry. When we succumb to worry, we can worry about anything and everything, losing good things, bad things happening, what people think, that people don’t care, etc.

But worry doesn’t prevent problems in the future, it steals the joy from today.

When we worry, we are living today the psychological pain and discomfort of future problems that will probably never occur.

Jesus said in Luke 12:25-26, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Trust God to care for you. Jesus continues in verse 31, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

Dear Lord, our human nature makes us fear and worry about current events, and the uncertain future. Help us overcome these fears, and focus on you and trust in your care. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

The gospels write about the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary to tell her she would bear Jesus. What a shocking and frightening experience this must have been. However, her response recorded in Luke is an example for all of us.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.
Luke 1:38

If only we could have this conviction and faith in response to the promises that are made to us in the Bible, like this in Hebrews 13:5-6, “For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without doubt or fear, “The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”

Dear Lord, you have given us a tremendous example of faith and confidence in Mary’s reply to Gabriel. Help us learn from this example to trust your promises and say as well, “we are your servants.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When we read our Bible, there is more happening than just the words we are reading on the page. We are showing our love and commitment to God, and we are opening up for the Holy Spirit to work in us.

Paul writes in Thessalonians 1:5, “because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” Jesus said in John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” NIV

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the Bible, as a connection to you, and the Holy Spirit that teaches us and keeps us in faith in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.