I think one thing that many of us get wrong, when we come to God for help with the difficulties in our lives, is complaining and looking for God’s sympathy. We sometimes think if we show God how difficult things are for us, out of pity, he will help us. The problem with that approach is, it is not what God tells he responds to.

God responds to our faith. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

God knows the challenges we face in our lives. In some cases he is allowing these difficulties to occur to bring us closer to him. So complaining to God about these things will not influence him. He tells us is to respond to our challenges with faith. When we want God to help us, we should come to him with a faithful petition like:

Dear Lord, You know the challenges we are facing, whether these are things we brought on ourselves, or they are trials you are allowing us to experience, to make us better, we come to you with no doubt that you will bring us through these trials better, stronger and more confident in your unlimited power. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

John 2 Begins with the story of Jesus’ first miracle, when he changed the water into wine at the wedding in Galilee.

John 2:11-12 says, “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.”

After this miracle, the small group went away for a few days. What do you think the conversation was during those few days in Capernaum? They probably had many questions about how Jesus did this miracle, and what this meant for them and for the world. We might call it reflection and analysis of the events.

I think there is a lesson for us in this story. There are times when we have seen God’s goodness, or His intervention in our lives; like protection from a tragedy, relief from an illness, or some coincidence that makes things go well for us. Maybe the lesson for us in this story is to take a moment to reflect and analyze what God has done and what it means.

Dear Lord, Thank you for working in our lives, and the lives of those we love. Help us remember to take time to see your work and blessings, and take time to acknowledge and give You thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all occasionally wonder why God allows certain things to happen the way they do. Why do bad things happen to us and our friends? Why does he take some people away so early in their lives?

In the Bible also God works in ways that seem strange to us. Why did he choose simple people like Peter to be his disciples? Why did he choose Paul who was a persecutor of Christians, to become one of the most significant Christians?

From our limited viewpoint and simple frame of reference on earth, we can only speculate about God’s reasons.

Isaiah writes in chapter 55:8,9, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 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.”

It is good for us to think about and discuss why God may do things the way he does, and possibly he will provide us some enlightenment. Whether he does or not however we can know that all things are working according to his plans.

Dear Lord, We thank you for the knowledge that you have control over all that affects us. Help us play our part with faith in your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have been in the military or been to a military award ceremony, you have probably heard these words, “… the actions of [recipient] reflect great credit upon himself and the US Air Force [or other service] …” These are the words at the end of the citation that goes along with a medal received by a service member. The citation is typically read aloud in the presence of the service member’s organization.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:15-16, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Jesus is saying that as Christians, we are carrying around the reputation of all Christians and the perception others have of our God. We should be examples of the love Jesus Christ showed us with his sacrifice, and our actions should reinforce the love Jesus shows all those who accept him. As a result, our actions should, like the award citation says, “…reflect great credit on Jesus Christ..” whom we represent.

Dear Lord You are the ultimate power and love. Help us show this to others through our belief in you for our needs, and reflection of your love, so that we may bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Surrender: Definition – to give oneself up into the power of another.

The picture we usually have in our minds when we think of the word surrender is the white flag of one side in a battle, surrendering to the other, with the likelihood of unpleasant consequences like imprisonment, or execution.

However, I believe surrendering is what God is really asking of us. He is asking for us to give ourselves up to his power, but different from surrendering to our enemy, we are giving ourselves up to someone who loves us and wants what is best for us.

Psalm 37:7 God’s Word translation writes, “Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

Dear Lord, You are the ultimate power and love. Surrendering ourselves to you gives us great comfort and strength. Help us keep that in our minds so we will have the strength to do your will and the comfort of knowing that you have us in your care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.