Many people grew up in Christian families, and carried on with their Christian lives from childhood into their adult lives. There are also many Christians who practiced different religions, were avowed atheists, or just didn’t think about God in their lives until God called them to his mission. Many of these conversions are amazing stories.

The most amazing conversion in the Bible is the apostle Paul, who turned from being the biggest persecutor of Christians, to the leading Evangelist and author of much of the New Testament.

These conversions are not coincidences to God. Paul writes in Galatians 1:15-16, “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for being active in our world, calling and empowering people to bring your love and Salvation to others. Help us find your calling in our lives so that we may do our part. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth, 1 Corinthians, he gives them a variety of guidance and instructions. One passage in particular we should all keep in mind as we face the day is:

1 Corinthians 16:13-14, where he writes, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.”

Great guidance for us all.

Dear Lord, be with us as we face each day so that we can follow Paul’s guidance having confidence in you and love for others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Bible writes about idols in many places; writing about how people turned from God and worshiped idols. Isaiah 2:8 says about Israel, “Their land is full of idols; the people worship things they have made with their own hands.”

I think we often get the picture in our minds of idols being a statue with people standing around it singing praises. However, idols can be anything that we put above God in our hearts and minds. Worship doesn’t necessarily mean bowing down in front of it. The big bank account, the boat, the sports car, the sport, the celebrity who we follow every Facebook post, Twitter comment or interview can all be idols. We need to look at ourselves to make sure we have our priorities in the right order; making sure we put no other gods before God, as the first commandment says.

What are we doing Sunday morning?

Dear Lord, we know we should not have other gods before you. Help us think about what this really means, and make sure we devote our time, thoughts, energy, and resources toward your will first. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have read or heard the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It is often misunderstood as to say give thanks “for” all circumstances, which has a significantly different meaning.

We all experience things we wish would not have happened, accidents, tragedies, illnesses, etc. and although sometimes God gives us these things to help us grow, it would be a strange to be thankful for something terrible that happens to us.

We can, however, be thankful “in all circumstances.” so when good things or bad things are happening, we live with a thankful heart; Thankful for being saved through Jesus and given eternal life, and thankful that God is there with us through all our circumstances.

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us in all that we face, giving us the strength to handle anything we encounter. Help us show that strength in our lives to bring glory to you and show others the joy of being Christian. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is a popular author whose thesis is that in order to achieve things in life, we need to make ourselves vulnerable. We have to put our ideas out in public and risk being criticized. For most people, this is a frightening idea.

In a similar way, to grow and be everything God wants us to be as Christians, we need to do the same thing; to live our lives openly as Christians without excuse or apology. The difference is that we know God is there supporting us when we make ourselves vulnerable for him.

Psalm 25:3 says, “No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance that you, the most powerful force in existence, are there to support us when we honor you. Help us trust in you and live our lives as Christian examples, glorifying you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.