One of the primary tools of any magician or pickpocket is to get our attention focused on an object, and then use that object to draw our attention away from what is really happening.

A similar deception has happened on occasions over the 2000 years of Christianity as well. Teachers begin with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ, but then focus on some peripheral idea and drift the emphasis away. Pretty soon the doctrine they are teaching doesn’t resemble the Good News of Salvation from the Bible, at all.

Paul writes in Colossians 2:8, “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.”

There is an incredible amount of wisdom in the Bible, and we should be regularly reading, studying and meditating on the messages, but at the same time always remembering that the one message that is above all others is, as Paul wrote in Romans 3:22, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.”

Dear Lord, We know that we cannot make ourselves right with you. Our hope and salvation come from confessing our failure, and putting our faith in Jesus Christ, son of God, who takes away our sins and makes us right with God. Help us remember that all other messages should lead us back to this good news. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think a challenging paradox or conflict in life is that dissatisfaction with something is what motivates us to improve it. When we make improvements, we make life better for ourselves and others. However, it is hard to be happy and enjoy ourselves when we are dissatisfied.

One potential solution to this paradox is to start with a thankful heart, then look at improving as a way to serve, rather than looking at things as broken and needing repair. For example, if our car is dirty and needs a wash, we could start with, “my car looks terrible, I am going to get it washed.” or we can approach it as, “It is a beautiful day, I’m going to get my car washed and it is going to look great.” It seems like a subtle difference, but it is obvious to those around us, and effects our perspective on everything.

Psalm 118:24 is a classic verse to put ourselves in that thankful mindset, “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” and Psalm 118:29, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

We all have so much for which to be thankful! even if everything has room for improvement.

Dear Lord, Help us wake up and start each day remembering that we have very much for which to be happy, most importantly our Salvation. Help us show this thankful joy in our demeanor to attract others to what we have in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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GPS Navigation systems have become commonplace in modern times, whether handheld devices, in car dashboards, or on our phones, they are ubiquitous.

One thing that amazing about these devices, is that when we are following directions to a destination but take a wrong turn, the system only takes a few seconds to recalculate the best alternate route, taking into consideration that we did not follow the previous guidance. If we have the voice commands turned on, the system becomes very persistent in getting us back on the right path. Many of us have heard the words from the computer generated voice, “make a legal u-turn.”

God’s direction for our lives is like this GPS guidance. Psalm 32:8 says, “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you,” Proverbs 3:6 writes, “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take,” and Proverbs 15:10 writes, “Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined”

God is always there reminding us through our conscience and other means when we are going off of his “route guidance.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for keeping watch over us and directing us on the path we should take. Help us have the humility and judgment to submit to your guidance so that we can have the peace and joy you desire for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I have noticed recently how important being humble is to a number of skills. I recently read a book on negotiating, and the author stressed the importance of approaching a negotiation humbly, allowing the other side to feel comfortable and confident. The irony is that it requires confidence and courage to approach a situation this way, with humility.

Also, humble confidence is often the most effective leadership style; Avoiding the resistance that results from self-promotion, and empowering followers to their best.

Jesus also tells us in Matthew 18:4, “So anyone who becomes humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Like children who humbly accept that they do not have all the answers, and will submit and learn, we should approach God with humble repentance and confident faith.

Dear Lord, how can we not feel humbled when we think of your power. Help us have child-like humility toward you and your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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There is often a perception that “good” people, who live moral, ethical, and honorable lives are not tempted like those who say they don’t have the will power to resist the temptation to do immoral, unethical, and dishonorable things.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

The difference with people who do not “give in” to temptation is that they find the way to avoid or evade the temptation, and they trust in God’s help to resist.

Dear Lord, we are sorry that we often fail and “give in” to temptation. Forgive us, and give us the strength and desire to avoid, evade and resist temptations to do wrong in the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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