Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care about you? You are trying hard to do the right thing and keep yourself on the right path, but things just are not working out for you?

David describes this situation in Psalm 22. He starts out with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” He continues for 18 verses talking about all his problems, his enemies after him, and how weak he is, and doesn’t know how he can go on.

However beginning in verse 19 and through the end of the chapter, David writes praises to God, verse 22, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” and verse 28, “For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

I think there is a message for us here, that when we are down and feel things are going against us, rather than complain and feel sorry for ourselves, we should show God our praise. Showing that we know we are just being tested and we will remain faithful and maintain a good attitude through the trial.

I think it is not a coincidence that the following Chapter, Psalm 23 is that well known statement of faith that begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” and ends with, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Dear Lord, we know that you are all powerful and can resolve any situation we encounter if and when you choose. Help us remember to stay strong and faithful in our challenges, trusting in your great love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Psalm 147:10-11 says, “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

I think in modern day terms, this means, God is not impressed with our success, sports cars, boats, or gadgets, nor how fit, smart or charming we are; He is happy with us when we put our trust in Him to care for us.

We think that we have to somehow earn the right to ask God for His favor and blessing, however God wants to give us his blessings. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:8, ” And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” NIV

Dear Lord, though it appears so simple, it is not always easy. Help us see the power in doing what you ask, putting our hope and trust in You. Help us take that step of faith and rely on Your promise of care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I was recently listening to a talk given by Michael Ramsden, who speaks on the subject of Apologetics. Apologetics is the discipline or practice of defending, or explaining, the reason’s for Christian belief.

Apologetics is very much the concept discussed by Peter in 1 Peter 3:15 writing, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

He posed a question to the audience listening and said, “Why are you a Christian?”

This question takes a bit of thought. Explaining how you became a Christian, when and where is much easier. The “why” is something deeper. CS Lewis the Christian author gave this metaphor, We are like machines, and the fuel we run on is Jesus Christ. Without Christ living in us, there is something missing. People spend their lives looking for it in many places, but in the end, the missing fuel for our lives is Jesus. Each of us may have our own way to describe it, but we are Christians because we allowed God’s Holy Spirit to come and live in us.

Dear Lord, You are the piece that is needed to complete each of us. We cannot experience the peace and joy you intended for us without you. Help us think about this and as Peter says, be prepared to explain the “why” for the hope and joy we have because of your salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I remember when I was young and had the opportunity to go to the go-cart track. It would be fun, but I wished the go carts could go faster. They all had what are called “governors” on the engines. The governors limited the engine and the go-cart’s speed. In modern days, with the development of electronic engine controls, modern cars have computerized limiters on their maximum speeds. Without the limiters, most cars could go much faster.

In a similar way, Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” TLB

When it comes to God’s power in our lives, we are like the governor, or speed limiter on a car. We are the limiter of what God can do through us. The Gods Word Bible translation says He is capable of doing “infinitely more than what we can ask or imagine.”

Let’s take the limits off of our belief in God’ power, and believe for much more.

Dear Lord, You created all things, from the sophistication of the atom and smallest cell, to the unfathomable majesty and vastness of the universe. Help us remember that your same power lives in us, to do great things that glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard this expression, “Attitude determines your altitude.” Though it is simple and trite, the message carries truth. Our attitude has a tremendous effect on our lives.

In Romans 14, Paul is teaching about what is important in the church, saying that it is not about following ceremonial laws but about our attitude and why we do what we do. In verses 17-18 he says, “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too.”

If we start with this attitude of Goodness, Peace, and Joy, open to the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we can’t help but be examples of God’s love.

Dear Lord, help us establish positive attitudes each day so that we may handle all that life gives us with Goodness Peace and Joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.