Have you seen the movies, or read books describing situations requiring complicated plans that have to be scheduled and executed precisely in order to succeed. Like the robbery in the Italian Job, or the escape in the Great Escape. Every detail, timing, step in the sequence of events, is figured out so the characters can succeed. In a similar way, God has plans for us that may include things we could never expect, but are critical to his plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Sometimes the steps in God’s plan for us include negative events that could easily discourage us or make us question whether God actually cares; like losing a job, an illness, accident, or even losing a loved one. We can never know how God is working things in our lives, to put us in the right situation to do what he calls us to do.

Isaiah writes God’s words in Isaiah 55:9, ” For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” God has a plan for each of us. Our job is to commit ourselves to following His plan, and listen for his direction.

Dear Lord, Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand what good can come from bad things that happen in our lives. In these difficult circumstances, help us maintain our faith that you are working your plans for us and will protect and prosper us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

So the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will have a child as a virgin. What incredible faith and trust Mary showed in responding, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Luke 1:38.

In the same way, Joseph, who learns his fiance is pregnant, which in that culture and time would have been a very bad situation. In a dream an angel tells Joseph the child is the Messiah. Matthew 1:24 says, “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife.”

Do you think they had doubts after the visits from the angels? They were human like us, but out of faith and trust in God they continued on the path God led them.

What about us? We read the bible lessons instructing us to give tithes and offerings, commit our plans to the Lord, put God ahead of everything, give God thanks and praise for our blessings. How are we doing? Do we doubt if we follow his direction he will let us down?

In Romans 9:33 Paul says, “But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”

And Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “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.”

Dear Lord, what great examples you gave us in the story of Mary and Joseph. They accepted your direction and acted in faith. Help us to do the same with our lives, trusting that if we follow your will, you will protect and guide us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I read a book a while ago called Grit. It was written by a former high school teacher and now Psychologist who studies achievement. She concluded that the most important factor in achievement was not talent or intelligence, it was “grit,” and she defined “grit” as a combination of hard work, endurance, and persistence.

I think this grit concept has some applicability to our faith. Many people turn away from God when challenging life experiences occur. They wonder how God could let terrible and tragic things occur and they let this questioning of God separate them from him. Unfortunately, this is exactly the opposite of “grit” with regard to their faith.

One of the beauties of faith in God is that he can be the source of our “grit” if we let him. By turning to God, rather than away, during times of tragedy and difficulty, he will give us what we need to endure and overcome.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” and in Colossians 1:11 “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.” and in 1 Timothy 1:12, ” I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work.”

Dear Lord, give us strength, endurance, and persistence so that we have a “gritty” faith to achieve your will, serving and glorifying you in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The worldly stereotype of Christian morality is that it is constricting and takes the fun out of life. The truth is that it is the “owner’s manual” for a good life.

Psalm 19:8 says, “The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.”

If we want a life that is peace and joy filled, the Bible tells us how. Following the commonly described “10 commandments” written in Exodus 20, and Deuteronomy 5, in my words, put all your trust in God and don’t make other things more important than Him, show respect for God’s name, go to church, respect and honor your parents and authorities; Don’t murder, commit sexual sins, steal, lie, or desire something so much that you would do wrong to get it.

And the two greatest commandments Jesus described in Matthew 22:36-44, when asked, “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Many times in life it may look deceptively better to do something that is in conflict with these commands, but it will turn out to be the wrong path.

I recently heard a friend capture this concept very clearly like this, “Sin is its own punishment, and virtue its own reward.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the instruction manual for a peace and joy filled life through your teachings in the Bible. Help us study them and strive to follow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sometimes the whole process of witnessing and explaining Salvation gets complicated by long sermons, books, and discussions, but Peter makes it clear in Acts 2 speaking to a crowd who gathered after the disciples received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

The crowd asks, what are we to do? In Acts 2:38-39 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

We often use the expression “blocking and tackling” to describe the basics of an activity. What Peter is describing is the “blocking and tackling” of Christianity, that we all need to practice; repent of our sins, turn to God, and trust in Jesus Christ for our forgiveness.

Dear Lord, your plan is an amazing mystery in many ways that we cannot understand, but at the same time it is simple when we focus on the basics. Help us follow the basics, and send us your Spirit so that we may become closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.