We all occasionally get angry about something. I have found that we are much more likely to become angry, lose our control, and say or do something we shouldn’t when we are either tired or hungry.

Psalm 4:4 gives us good advice in this regard, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.”

It is unrealistic to think we can avoid ever becoming angry, but we can avoid letting that anger control us. You have probably heard it said, “things look better in the morning.” We need to take the Psalmist’s comments to heart, and hold our comments when we are angry. In the morning we can re-evaluate the situation, and typically it will look much better.

Dear Lord, We thank you that you give us the will to control ourselves and not just follow each emotional whim. Help us hold our comments when we are angry until we can address those items productively and intelligently. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I have heard it said, “You become who you run with, and they become you.” Obviously you don’t actually become that other person, but when we spend lots of time with someone, their lingo, attitudes, and perspective influence ours. It is very important, therefore, to manage who we spend our time with, because, positive or negative, they are influencing and changing us.

The Bible talks about this in Exodus 23:33, where God tells the Israelites, “Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.” Proverbs 24:1, says “Don’t envy godless men; don’t even enjoy their company.”

The interesting thing is that in modern times with television, podcasts, youtube, and other connections, our circle of people influencing us does not just consist of the people we physically spend time with. We can be just as influenced by people we follow on social media, television, and the like; so we need to be careful who we are “running with” even in our “virtual circle”

Dear Lord, help us have the courage to remove those who are negative influences from our circle, and when that is not possible, help us be the positive influence that raises the group to a higher level of faithfulness to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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One of British Science Fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke’s three adages was, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” It is an interesting observation. I imagine a jet aircraft, cell phone, or microwave would look like magic to someone 100 years ago. I am sure in our lifetimes we will be amazed at technologies that are developed that will appear like magic to us.

What a fantastic time an opportunity God has created for us, and though it may be uncertain and possibly frightening, we do not have to fear, because we know as God tells us in John 1:1,3 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…..All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

God created it all, and is master of all, we have nothing to fear when we trust in Him.

I get a chuckle from this story that you may also have heard;
Scientists decided that they had developed the technology to make living creatures from just the basic elements in dirt, so they told God they didn’t need him anymore and challenged God to a contest; Who could make life from dirt. God agreed to the challenge. As the Scientists reached down to pick up some dirt, God said, “wait a moment, create your own dirt”

Dear Lord, When we stop and look at the magnificence of nature around us, and within our bodies and minds, we cannot but be in awe of you. Help us not fear the amazing things you have given us,, or the abilities to develop new concepts and technologies, but use them for the good of each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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One challenge we all face when trying to accomplish anything good is the will-power or discipline to stick with it. Whether it be, sticking to a diet, exercise, cutting bad language out of our vocabulary, quitting smoking, drugs, or alcohol, changing our habits and building better habits is difficult, but not impossible.

2 Peter 1:3,4 says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

We can turn away from bad behaviors and live a godly life, if we so choose. When we say we “can’t” do something, what we are really saying is either, we won’t try, or we don’t really want to. In all comes down to a decision. We-make the decision and ask God to help us follow through.

I heard it said, “Our job is to do the natural, then God will do the super-natural.” This is how we overcome our wrong desires, and build a better self.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us everything we need to live the life you desire for us. Help us decide to strive for that “godly” life, and take our step forward then let you carry us further. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The engineer inside me, is routinely trying to figure out the how and why about everything. This is the mindset in many people who wonder, “If God exists, why doesn’t he just show himself and everyone would believe?” Interesting, the Bible describes how God started that way. He was right there with Adam and Eve and they still disobeyed. He was right there physically with the Israelites when He led them out of Egypt, and they disobeyed and worshiped idols. And during Jesus’ life, He did miracles, fulfilled prophecies, and most people didn’t believe. Is it reasonable to think that it would be any different today if God made an appearance?

What God really wants from us is for us to submit our lives to Him in faith. Matthew 11:25 says, “And Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!” NLT

When we submit without understanding, like a child who trusts without knowing, we are where God wants us to be.

Dear Lord, strengthen us to have child-like faith in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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