When we are not entertaining ourselves, most of our time in life is spent trying to improve conditions for ourselves, and our loved one’s; More education, better job, business, house, more money, getting fit, healthy, investing, etc. These are all good things in the right context, but Why are we really here?

I believe the bible tells us that we are here not just to live our lives for ourselves and then die. We are here for a larger reason, to glorify God.

God says through Isaiah in Isaiah 43:7, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”

God made us, in his image, breathed life into us, and loves us. He wants us to use the free will he gave us to acknowledge and honor him, to do great things and give Him thanks and credit, and to show his love to others so that they may come to believe in and glorify Him also.

In addition to us giving God the glory, we are sent by Jesus to bring help, hope, care and the message of salvation to others.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “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.”

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,”

Ultimately, I believe that God puts the dreams and desires in our hearts, and he will help us achieve these things. What he asks is that we use them to shine the light of our success on Him. By doing so, we will be giving others the opportunity to come to Him as well.

Dear Lord, what a magnificent plan you have made here for us. Thank you for putting dreams and desires in our hearts and helping us fulfill them. Help us also to remember that our success is intended for your glory, and to share with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.

There are many reasons to attend church services regularly, to learn, worship, encourage each other, and maintain our belief and faith. It is where we actually touch Jesus through Communion. This has been difficult lately, but if your church is not having services, find one that does.

Paul mentions the importance of coming together in Hebrews 10:24, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

The famous motivational speaker and writer Zig Ziglar, wrote, “People often say motivation doesn’t last, well neither does bathing, that is why we recommend it daily.”

Attending church is the same, we need the reinforcement, regularly, to maintain and grow our faith. It is also the place the devil will do everything to prevent us from visiting. The more regularly we attend, the stronger our resolve will be to continue.

Dear Lord, many are misled into believing that they do not need regular worship to maintain their faith. Help us see that we do need this renewal and engagement with you. Protect us from the devil’s tricks to keep us away. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have had conversations with Christians who believe the doctrine, and strive to live faithfully, but when discussing God’s involvement and concern for the day to day events of their lives, they don’t believe He is involved.

I have a different view.

Psalm 37:23 says “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

The NIV Bible describes “the godly” as “The one who delights in Him”

So I believe the Bible is clearly telling us that if we put God and His will as our highest priority and responsibility, He will be with us helping us deal with all the details of our lives.

Dear Lord, What joy it is to know that you care about all the details of our lives. We can come to you with all our challenges, and opportunities, and you will guide us. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

Let us remember, not just to be thankful, but to whom we are being thankful.

Even amidst the strange and uncertain times we face in 2020, we have so much to be thankful for. God is good, though we don’t always know what he is up to, we can be thankful in everything as Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Dear Lord, You have showered blessings upon all of us. We live lives of comfort, convenience, and abundance. Help us remember to be thankful to you for these blessings, and use them to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.