The Old Testament tells the story over and over again of how God’s people followed him and things were good for them, then they became distracted away from God, self-centered, and their situations fell apart. A prophet or leader would bring them back to God, and things were good again. This theme continues over and over throughout the bible, and arguably throughout history to this day.

One of the prophets through whom God spoke was Isaiah. In Isaiah 30:18 Isaiah says “Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love; He will conquer you and bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.” The NIV version puts it this way, “..the Lord longs to be gracious to you”

Think of it like this. Your favorite store is giving away merchandise to anyone who shows up and asks; no charge; no fine print. However, they are not advertising or promoting the event, you have to show up to find out. That is what God is telling us. God is just waiting there for us to come to Him, and he will show us His love and blessing.

Dear Lord, Help us understand and appreciate that you are always there, waiting for us to come to you in faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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I sometimes get frustrated with people who live immoral lives; Lives that are in clear opposition to the behavior that is moral and Christian. My first, though wrongly critical, thought is, “Those people need to fix their lives, it is disgraceful how they behave.” Then I read how Jesus approached the “bad” people.

Matthew 9:10-12 says,”Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

I think we often get the sequence of events backward. Whether consciously or not, we think people need to fix their behavior first, then they can be loved and saved. Jesus teaches us the opposite; Show people Gods love first, through our example, and approach. God will work in their heart’s on his timing. Sometimes it may be just a matter of saying a prayer for the person, rather than carrying on our critical thoughts.

Dear Lord, You gave us the example to love first and lead others to the grace of God in Jesus. Help us look at others with love rather than criticism and then let you work in their heart’s. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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What is “the good life?” I suppose the details would be different for everyone, but I would argue that common to everyone’s definition would include being happy and content. I believe this is what God wants for us, and this is what he offers if we follow Him.

Even in difficult times and challenges, we can have peace when we put our trust in God.

Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

It is usually when we decide to do things that are opposed to God’s direction that we get ourselves in trouble and we loose our peace and joy. The “bad life” usually is a result of us making poor decisions that we know are wrong.

When we really trust and follow God we can do as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We all have dreams and goals for the future, but God’s “good life” is available right here and now if we believe.

Dear Lord, thank you for all we have and all you have done for us. Nothing compares to the gift we have of eternal life with you. Help us find the peace and contentment that comes from following and trusting you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I have had conversations with Christians who believe the doctrine, and strive to live faithfully, but when discussing God’s involvement and concern for the day to day events of their lives, they don’t believe He is involved.

I have a different view.

Proverbs 37:23 says “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

The NIV Bible describes “the godly” as “The one who delights in Him”

So I believe the Bible is clearly telling us that if we put God and His will as our highest priority and responsibility, He will be with us helping us deal with all the details of our lives.

Dear Lord, What joy it is to know that you care about all the details of our lives. We can come to you with all our challenges, and opportunities, and you will directs in how we should go. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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It is interesting to look at different Bible translations of verses, to help bring out the meaning of the text.

I found that the God’s Word translation of Proverbs 14:14 brings relevance to what is a somewhat “matter of fact” verse in other translations. It says:

“A heart that turns from God becomes bored with its own ways, but a good person is satisfied with God’s ways.”

Isn’t it common to see someone searching for their way in life and rather than turning toward God, they turn away looking for life satisfaction in many things, only to be left feeling incomplete. In contrast, when we turn toward God looking for his will and ways and following, we find peace.

Dear Lord, as you said, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, help us turn toward you for fulfillment in life, and you will guide our steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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