I heard someone say once, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I had to think about that for a bit. I think there is truth to this concept when we think about the principles we live by. If we are honest, in one area of our lives, we will likely be honest in others. If we are caring and compassionate in one area of our lives, we are likely to be so in others as well. However, the opposite is likely true

In Luke 16:10, Jesus tells us a similar concept, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

We need to look at ourselves and evaluate whether we are living up to the standards we desire. If we see that we are slipping in small areas, we are probably slipping in big areas as well.

Dear Lord, help us examine our thoughts and actions to make sure that we are striving to be the person who can be trusted with little and with much. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Occasionally we all have a problem that we have no idea how it can work out for the best; A situation that looks impossible to solve.

It is easy for us, Christians, to believe in our minds and in an academic way that God is all powerful, capable of doing anything. However, when things are difficult for us, especially when we have created our own problems, it is not so easy to believe in real and practical terms that God can and will resolve it for us.

At those times a great verse to remember is Psalms 46:10. He [God] says, “be still, and know that I am God….”

Solving our problems is easy for God. We don’t always know how he will do it, but we need to ask, and know, without doubt that he can.

Dear Lord, remind us of your power and help us live our lives truly knowing that you are almighty. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Hebrews 4:16, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

I try to picture this situation in my mind’s eye; We, simple humans, boldly approaching Almighty God who made everything and has power over everything. How could that be appropriate? Yet just like an earthly father, who wants to provide for his family’s needs and help them be all they can be, God wants us to come to him with the confidence that He has mercy and grace beyond our understanding to help us.

Dear Lord, what a humbling and powerful confidence this gives us to know that we can come to you boldly and you will always be there with mercy and grace for us when we are in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Mark 9 includes the story of Jesus healing a boy who was possessed by a demon who would throw him into convulsions.

Mark 9 :21-22 says, “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The man said “if you can” to Jesus. The man must have heard the stories of Jesus healing other people, and was looking desperately to find a way to help his son. Even though he probably had heard stories of Jesus healing people, he was not sure Jesus could, or would, heal his son.

Don’t we sometimes fall into this place of doubt, not sure God can solve the difficult problem we have.

In those times, Don’t ask “Can God?” say “God can.”

Dear Lord, We know that with you, all things are possible. Help us remember to pray and ask with confidence, and remember “God can.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy”

What comes to mind when you think about what it is to be “like God?” Is it the perfectly behaving, boring, judgmental, Christian character from some TV situation comedy?

Actually the stories of Jesus, who is our model of God as human, show that he was nothing like that stereotype. He was humble, controversial, and intelligent but primarily the distinguishing characteristic is his love; Love for all types of people, including the outcasts, lepers, and immoral in society of his time.

In contrast to the stereotype, the actual picture we should have in our minds of being “like God” is that of one who humbly loves all, especially those who seem most “un-lovable.” One who searches out those who need God’s love most.

1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that the objective is not to make ourselves perfect for our own benefit, it is to be like you and share your love with those we can. When we do, we are becoming part of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.