Have you seen the movies, or read books describing situations requiring complicated plans that have to be scheduled and executed precisely in order to succeed. Like the robbery in the Italian Job, or the escape in the Great Escape. Every detail, timing, step in the sequence of events, is figured out so the characters can succeed. In a similar way, God has plans for us that may include things we could never expect, but are critical to his plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Sometimes the steps in God’s plan for us include negative events that could easily discourage us or make us question whether God actually cares; like losing a job, an illness, accident, or even losing a loved one. We can never know how God is working things in our lives, to put us in the right situation to do what he calls us to do.

Isaiah writes God’s words in Isaiah 55:9, ” For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” God has a plan for each of us. Our job is to commit ourselves to following His plan, and listen for his direction.

Dear Lord, Sometimes it is difficult for us to understand what good can come from bad things that happen in our lives. In these difficult circumstances, help us maintain our faith that you are working your plans for us and will protect and prosper us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is so natural for us to want to rely on ourselves. We see virtue in being “self made”, however, God wants us not to rely on ourselves, but on Him.

Our big bank account, security fences, super health and fitness routines are fine, but we are all familiar with situations where these things have failed those who rely on them.

Being a responsible person is what we do to honor God in our lives, not to replace him. When we need to be confident about our health, finances, security or any area of our life, we should turn first to God, by reading the Bible, praying and putting our faith in Him.

Paul tells in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”

God is our source of peace, love, joy, and security, in this life and eternally.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in You to provide us what we need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Often times when our friends, or family members worry or are anxious, we might tell them “don’t worry, it will all be fine,” or something similar. I read recently that people with a more controlling personality find these type of comments frustrating. In their view, they cannot stop worrying about it unless they know how it is being handled. The solution to reassuring this type of person, according to this report, is to give a reason not to worry. For instance, “don’t worry, I am sure you will get a good grade, because you studied, reviewed, and were prepared,” or “don’t worry about your teenager that is out on his/her own, because he or she is responsible, and is with a good group of friends.” The clear reasons not to worry seem to help.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6,7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What he is saying should give all personality types comfort, “don’t worry, ask God and be thankful, knowing that he has it under control. When you do, you will be able to have the peace that trusting God offers.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that we can give our worries and anxieties to you, and know that you have control over all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The underlying story in the Old Testament is about God’s relationship with the “chosen people,” descendants of Abraham, who we call the Jews.

In the new testament Paul tells us how Jesus Christ impacted this and now the promises God made to Abraham and his heirs are also made to Christians, regardless of their ancestry.

Romans 4:13, “Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.”

Galatians 3:29 ”
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”

Paul says in Romans 4:9, “Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith.”

In the same way we are made righteous, “right with God,” by our faith in Jesus. It is this faith that protects us, gives us hope in this life, and gives us eternal life afterward.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to be made right with you through faith in Jesus. Help us always keep in mind that it is this faith that saves us and leads us to do good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you get a little nervous going through security at the airport, when you receive a letter from the IRS, or when you see a highway patrol vehicle parked and monitoring traffic speeds on the road? I think it is a rather natural reaction to the significant power these people and organizations have to affect our lives.

God has the most power to affect our lives and he is always watching us. When we think about the significance of that, we can start to feel very guilty and at risk of God’s anger. However, Paul tells us in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Like strolling through security with no concern, or waiving at the patrol car knowing we are not speeding, we can have peace that God has no reason to punish us, because we have faith in Jesus Christ, who already took the punishment for us.

Dear Lord, What peace and joy we have through our faith in Jesus. Help us live our lives in with this peace on display, so that others can see the beauty of life that you bring to those who have faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.