It is not uncommon for us to pray and ask for God’s help when we encounter those difficult and frightening events in life. Even people who have no time for God under normal circumstances will go to God in prayer for intervention when they are in trouble, and that is a good thing. God loves us all and maybe He is using the troubles to help people reconnect or return to Him.

What about when things are great? How common is it for us to go to God when things are going well for us; When we get promoted, get a big bonus, child gets a scholarship, we ace a difficult test, play a great round of golf, or have a great day at the park or beach with our family.

James writes in James 5:13 “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” NLT

In those great times of life, we need to take time out and give praise and thanks to God who controls all and gives us all that we have.

Dear Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers when we are in trouble. Thank you also for the many incredible blessings you have given us in our modern lives. Most of all praise and thanks to you for your grace and mercy shown through Jesus Christ our Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.

Something that often is mentioned by people who become Christians as adults is their thoughts that living a Christian life would mean that the fun in life will be over. They had the misconception that the fun things in life are in conflict with a Christian life, which is a lie the devil wants us to believe.

A truly fun, joyful and fulfilling life is one that is based on love, trust, hope, integrity, discipline, contribution, and faith, not the short sighted and temporary pleasures we are tempted by, that result in long term disappointment and regret.

Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Christians have the same challenges that come with being human, but we have the peace of knowing that we have a purpose in following Christ, the power of God defending and protecting us, and most importantly, we have eternal life after this physical life is over.

Dear Lord, Help us share the peace and joy of a life that puts our hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many of us have memorized the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…..” and we probably know it in the language of the King James (KJV), or Revised Standard (RSV) versions of the Bible.

In the RSV, verse 3 says, “He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name’s sake.” Which is not completely clear in our modern language, however, reading this verse in the New Living Translation (NLT) says, “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” This helps me understand a little more clearly.

If we follow Jesus, our shepherd, he will show us the right paths. We do not need to stress and worry about what to do. We trust Him and move forward, and He will lead us.

Dear Lord, many of us have concerns about decisions and questions in life. Help us remember that if we look to you for guidance, you will put us on the right path, and bring honor to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There are many things in the Bible that are counter intuitive.

Proverbs 20:28 is an example of wisdom that sounds quite contrary to what a simple world view might believe. “Love and faithfulness keep a king safe; through love his throne is made secure.”

Intimidation and dominance will keep people following a leader when they are required to, but a leader who truly cares about, loves, his or her people will receive the same in return, and receive the allegiance and commitment from his or her team. There is no greater example of this than Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, There is so much wisdom available to us in the Bible; Useful for us in our walk of faith, but also in how we live our lives in work, school, and family. Help us read and meditate on your word out of our love for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is sometimes hard to believe how people can have such bad judgment and do some of the things they do today. This is not anything new. In fact Jesus tells us this will happen in Matthew 7:13-14, saying, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It takes a discipline, courage, and commitment to follow the path God wants for us. We cannot just go along with what is popular or trendy. We need to as written in Proverbs 4:26-27, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

Dear Lord, The Devil is expert at tempting us, and the desires of the world are so appealing. We know with your help we can overcome these distractions that can lead us away. Help us set our own straight path, following your teachings so that we enter the narrow gate by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.