Intimidate: Definition – to frighten into submission

Intimidation is used by our opponents to make us do things they want us to do, or to prevent us from doing things they don’t want us to do. It is the primary tool used by bullies, military powers, criminals, and terrorists. It can also be considered to be how the devil prevents us from doing what we know we should, by making us fear the perceived embarrassment, fear losing out, or fear being defeated if we stick to our integrity and ethics.

Paul was in a Roman prison when he wrote his letter to the Philippians. In Philippians 1:28 he wrote, “So don’t let your opponents intimidate you in any way. This is God’s way of showing them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved.”

With our faith in God’s strength, not our own, we can stand up to any opponent, be it a person, temptation, ridicule, or risk.

The, well known, story of David and Goliath is written in 1 Samuel 17. In verse 47 David describes what happens when we put our hope and faith in God’s power, “Then everyone gathered here will know that the Lord can save without sword or spear, because the Lord determines every battle’s outcome.”

Dear Lord, you control all things. Often we experience situations, people, and temptations that would intimidate us into improper behavior or inaction when we should be doing your will. In these times, help us remember to rely on your power to overcome and not be intimidated. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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You probably know someone, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t worry about things, has a general comfort that everything is going to work out fine, and are confident that God has things working just the way they are supposed to.

David writes about this in Psalm 5:11-12 saying, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

We all can be like those described above. If we really put or confidence and trust in God, we can be happy, regardless of our circumstances, knowing that God’s favor surrounds us and He has things under His control.

Dear Lord, thank you for caring for and protecting us when we rely on you for support. Help us demonstrate this trust in you in ways that show others your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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How easy it is for us to jump on the bandwagon and join in when we hear people criticizing someone we don’t particularly like, or gossiping about someone’s bad behavior.

Paul writes to the Ephesians in chapter 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” NIV

It is important not only that we don’t join in, but we should try to take the opportunity to diffuse the gossip and criticism; not only for the benefit of the person subject to the gossip and criticism, but also for the benefit of those criticizing and gossiping. We may never know if our actions may positively affect the character of those listening.

Dear Lord, help us resist the temptation to criticize and gossip. Give us the wisdom to build up everyone rather than tearing them down. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I have always been a musical person. It runs in my family, and in my denomination, Lutheran. People joke that one way you know that you are Lutheran, you can join in singing Happy Birthday in four part harmony.

Even if you are not Lutheran or musical, however, most people can appreciate that there is something special about music. It is much more than just words, or sounds. Putting together melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and lyrics creates something completely new, different, and powerful.

Paul writes about the significance of music in Ephesians 5:18-19, saying “Be filled with the Holy Spirit singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.”

I had heard and remembered the first part of this passage, but this time I read it, I was impacted by the final section “making music to the Lord in your hearts.”

When we can get to that place of peace and joy in ourselves that only the Holy Spirit working in us can provide, whether we are musical or not, we can create music for the Lord in our hearts, through our thoughts, attitudes, and demeanor.

When we do this, we are living another expression heard occasionally around the Lutheran church, “One who sings, prays twice.”

Dear Lord, music is another one of those beautiful things that you created for our joy and your glory. Help us come to that state in our lives where we have your peace and joy and can create music for you in our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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The book of Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon, who God allowed to be the smartest person ever to live. (1 Kings 3:12) In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about his search for meaning. He goes through a methodical process of experiencing and considering many of the excesses of life, pleasure, drinking, folly, wisdom, wealth, and possessions. Solomon determines that all this is meaningless. He concludes in Ecclesiastes 3:12,13 that, “there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.” and in 5:18, he says, “Well, one thing, at least, is good: It is for a man to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, accept his position in life, and enjoy his work whatever his job may be, for however long the Lord may let him live.” NLT

So the smartest, and wealthiest man of his time, with access to every opportunity, concludes that satisfaction in life comes from being thankful for the gifts God has given us, and enjoying our work and what it provides us; More will not make us happier or more satisfied.

Dear Lord, help us to be satisfied and content with what you have given us, realizing that if we are not happy and thankful for what we have today, having more will not make us happy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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