It has become pretty clear in recent medical studies, that continuous stress is dangerous to our bodies. Not only does it raise our blood pressure, it causes other changes in our system that deteriorate our physical condition. It is interesting that this phenomenon was written about in Proverbs thousands of years ago.

Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” NIV So how do we eliminate stress in our lives? We can also find directions for this in the bible. Romans 8:6 says, “Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace.” TLB

When we search for God’s guidance, and surrender ourselves to God’s will by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can be at peace knowing that the one who controls everything is also helping us.

Dear Lord, help us surrender our concerns to your power, and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance so that we may have peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Does God give people troubles and tragedies to bring them to him?

It seems some people are open to the message of Jesus and others are not, without some event to initiate their conversion. Some people put their faith and confidence solely in themselves and may be more resistant to Jesus’ message than those who recognize their need for help beyond themselves.

We know that God wants all people to accept Christ and be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent,” so what about those who don’t see the need for Christ?

Is it possible that God puts things in their paths in an attempt to point them to their need for Him, like a shepherd with his staff and sheep dog, directing the sheep to the right path? Do people experience tragedies, accidents, medical problems in order to see their need for God’s help?

In 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 Paul writes, “But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way. Yet when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned along with the world.”

Acts 17:30 says, “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.”

Many things in life happen for reasons we do not know, and some people may say they are random events. I believe and regularly pray for God to be active in our world and in our lives. Wouldn’t it make sense then to believe he is doing things in peoples’ lives to bring them to repentance?

Dear Lord, we pray for your involvement in our world, bringing mercy and love. If saving someone for eternity requires them to experience difficulty on earth, to recognize their need for you, help us be there to share your love and Good News when it is needed. And help us remember to keep our priority on you and your will, so we stay on the narrow path that leads to salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray.

The history of man, people, as recorded in the Bible is one story after another where God provides people everything they need. People recognize what God has done for them for a short time, then turn away, falling for temptation, pride, and selfishness. God sends prophets to teach people and attempt to bring them back, but that ultimately fails and God is forced to take dramatic steps to remind people of his presence and power. This story is repeated in various forms in the Garden of Eden, the time of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, and many other times.

However, God used a different strategy once.

John 1:1-2 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” and in verse 14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word is Jesus who came not just to tell people about God’s presence and power, he is God and became a man. By sacrificing himself for us we may avoid the punishment we deserve for disobeying God.

This plan is so much different and as John writes in, John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”

The different plan is that God came to us out of love, as Jesus, to save us, rather than destroy and demonstrate his power and our failings. John 3:17 says, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the mercy you showed us by sending Jesus for our salvation. Help us cherish this amazing gift and maintain our love for and obedience to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This is essentially the same devotion I sent eight years ago and four years ago. I scheduled it to be sent before the results of the election were known. What I do know is that when the results are tallied, about half of the voters will not be happy with the result.

However, Paul tells us in Romans 13:1-2, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities, For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.”

As I was thinking about the implications of this, I thought about the conditions of the people during Paul’s time. They were governed by the dictator in Rome. The Romans considered the Emperor to be their God. Christians were persecuted, tortured and killed. However, eventually in 380 AD, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire.

God is in control.

No matter who is elected in the USA, our responsibility is clearly provided in the Bible, and our hope is in the Lord.

Dear Lord, what peace it provides us to know that you have control over all things. As Christians, help us continue to follow your will, love our neighbors, and pray for our leaders, even if they are not our choice, and may God Bless America. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Election Day in the U.S.A., and though many are anxious about the outcome, we know that our hope is not in that candidate, party or proposal, it is in our Lord Jesus.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And also in Romans 8:28 he writes, “and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

Regardless of the results of this election, we know God has power over all and therefore we do not need to be anxious.

Dear Lord, on this Election Day we thank you for the amazing country and freedom with which we have been blessed. We pray for your hand of guidance and strength on the USA. Give us leaders that help advance your kingdom in this world, and protect us all from the destructive power of the evil one. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.