In the Old Testament, we read about the prophets that God spoke through to get his message to the people and their leaders. God sent the prophets to the Israelites when they were “off course” and had stopped following God’s guidance.

In many cases God would have the prophet tell the people they were not following God’s guidance, and that God was going to punish them if they didn’t return to Him. Most times, they went on following their own desires, ultimately leading to terrible consequences, like foreign invasion, or enslavement, for them.

In Isaiah 48, Isaiah the prophet is bringing God’s message to the Israelites who are going away from God’s direction. In Isaiah 48:17-18 he tells them, “This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.”

Isn’t it that way for us as well? If we look for God’s guidance and think about it before acting, we will often avoid many of the self-inflicted problems of life. When we listen for God’s guidance and follow it, we can have the “peace flowing like a gentle river,” that Isaiah describes, knowing that God is directing our steps.

Dear Lord, As humans, it is difficult for us to overcome the temptation to follow our own direction rather than yours. Remind us to ask for your guidance and listen, so that we may have the peace you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Do you ever feel like there is something in your life that you know you should not do, but you don’t know if you will have the discipline to keep yourself from giving in to the temptation? It could be something like sticking to a diet, or quitting smoking, or something more serious like avoiding stealing, or being faithful to a spouse. There are times where we may not trust our own discipline, but we know we can trust God.

The New Testament book of Jude says in verse 24, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy”

There are some things we cannot do on our own, we need God’s strength to keep us from “stumbling” and bring us through the temptation. Like holding the hand rail when walking down snow or ice covered stairs; We hold on to something strong and stable to keep us from falling.

Paul describes this situation in 2 Corinthians 12, speaking about a temptation that he faces, but doesn’t identify particularly. He calls it his “thorn in the flesh.” He says in verses 8-9 “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

When we don’t think we have the strength to overcome, God’s strength is at it’s best.

Dear Lord, what peace it brings to those who know that your strength is always there for us to draw from and rely on. When we feel like giving up our resistance, and giving in to temptation to do the wrong thing, help us remember to turn to you and trust in your strength to overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think there are two types of belief for Christians. First, and most important, is the belief that Jesus Christ is God, and that his death and resurrection are the ransom for our salvation.

For many of us, the second belief is the hard one. That is the belief that God knows and cares for each of us, and He can and will intervene in our and other’s lives.

Jesus tells the Father of a demon possessed boy in Mark 9:23, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” I believe the father’s reply is what we often feel, when we want and hope for something badly. He says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Believing changes how we act. When we believe, we act with confidence, with an expectation that God will intervene and make things work out.

Dear Lord, Help us with our unbelief. Help us realize that you want us to believe with confidence, and expect your answers to our prayers. For your answers, favor, grace and salvation, we thank you Lord. Amen.

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Do you ever wonder why God causes some people to go from completely “anti-Christian” to incredibly devout productive Christian authors, pastors and evangelists?

The most obvious from bible times was Paul who God turned from persecuting Christians to being instrumental in the rapid growth of the early church.

Some others are CS Lewis, the author of Christian books including the Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and many others. He writes of being an atheist until his 30’s then God used him to write some of the best non-fiction Christian books and Novels.

Another interesting person that made a dramatic conversion is an author named Lee Strobel, a Yale educated lawyer and journalist, who was an avowed atheist until his wife became a Christian. He began researching Christianity in order to disprove it to his wife, and found himself accepting Christianity. He has subsequently written many Christian books including, The Case For Christ, and The Case for a Creator, evangelical programs and speaks on Christianity and Evangelism around the world. His story was recently turned the movie The Case For Christ.

It is truly amazing what God can do with people. In Philippians 2:12,13 Paul writes, “..Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” It is God working through these people and us that makes the difference.

Dear Lord your power is amazing. Help us never forget how, if it is your will, you make dramatic changes that we would never expect in people. Help us obey you and give us the desire and power to do your will, as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with negative thoughts; negative thoughts about a bad experience, or someone who mistreated you, or a problem you have?

I believe that often times these thoughts are being placed in our heads by the enemy, trying to get our day started with a sour and defeated attitude.

I have a technique that I use to overcome these negative influences.

When I wake up with these negative thoughts, before I get out of bed, I try first to remember the words Jesus used in Matthew 16:23, when Peter comments about Jesus upcoming suffering and death. Jesus said, “get behind me satan.” Or the words Jesus used when tempted in the wilderness, He tells the devil “away with you satan”. This shows we recognize the deception and in Jesus’ name we are sending it away.

Second, In my mind I recite the common doxology,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

Alternatively, I remember David’s words in Psalm 118:24 “this is the day that The Lord Has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Finally I say a quick prayer, thank God for a new day, and ask for his guidance.

If you experience this negative ambush in the morning, give these techniques a try.

Dear Lord, protect us from the undermining influence of the devil, and help us live our lives as positive, cheerful, advocates for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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