It has become pretty clear in modern times that we have much more to learn about how our brain works, how the conscious and subconscious activities affect each other, and the power our brain has on the rest of our bodies and our state of being. Our thoughts can change our emotions, and it is clear that our thoughts can affect our physical condition making us ill and healthy. It is also clear that we have the ability to control what we think about.

These concepts remind me of Paul’s words in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” One version writes it like this, “….. but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”

I have heard it said, “Your personality is the combination of your thoughts, emotions and actions, and your personality creates your personal reality.”

Do we let circumstances decide how we will think, and thereby what person we are? or do we let God transform us into the people filled with, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” as Paul tells us the Holy Spirit gives us in Galatians 5:22-23?

Dear Lord, help us transform the way we think so we become the new people you would have us be; Living lives that bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is hard for many of us to avoid fear and worry. When we succumb to worry, we can worry about anything and everything, losing good things, bad things happening, what people think, that people don’t care, etc.

But worry doesn’t prevent problems in the future, it steals the joy from today.

When we worry, we are living today the psychological pain and discomfort of future problems that will probably never occur.

Jesus said in Luke 12:25-26, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Trust God to care for you. Jesus continues in verse 31, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

Dear Lord, our human nature makes us fear and worry about current events, and the uncertain future. Help us overcome these fears, and focus on you and trust in your care. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

The Bible is full of stories of people praying; praying for healing, for rescue, for revenge, for justice, for each other, for strength, for faith, for protection, for forgiveness, and many other things. Based upon the Bible accounts, we can pray for just about anything. I believe God wants us to pray to him with everything and anything that is on our mind and on our hearts, as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18, “Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

I found one prayer particularly helpful for putting prayer in the right perspective. Daniel was praying for the people of Israel who were in captivity in Babylon. In Daniel 9:18-19 he prays, “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act!”

We don’t “deserve” anything from God. When we pray for the accomplishment of our dreams and desires, or the overcoming of our obstacles, we should pray like Daniel, not asking because we have earned or deserve what we want, but because of God’s mercy and love for us.

That doesn’t mean we should be reluctant to ask. God puts dreams and desires in our hearts, and puts obstacles in our way, for our good and for his glory. He wants us to ask. Matthew 7:7 Jesus says, “ask and it will be given to you.” and Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Dear Lord, You have power over all things, the power to provide us anything we might want. Help us find your will for our lives, and come to you continuously asking for your help to do the great things you have put in our hearts; Not because we deserve it, but because of your mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The famous investor Warren Buffet is quoted saying, “Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”

Solomon was a couple thousand years ahead of him, writing in Proverbs 19:1-2, “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool. Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.”

Without honesty and integrity being smart and enthusiastic will eventually lead us into trouble.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the wisdom of Solomon, and help us to have the courage to have integrity and honesty. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you read the book of Proverbs chapter 1:20-21, written by Solomon, it says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech” It is easy to read this as literary technique, giving personification to the idea of wisdom by calling it “she.”

However, if you read Proverbs 8 it makes you think a bit more about what Wisdom may really be. In Proverbs 8:22-23 Wisdom says, “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” and verse 30, “I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.”

It is very interesting to me that the characteristic that we call wisdom, that we think is something we learn and develop, is actually an entity that God created, and that he can give to us. James 1:5 writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In Proverbs 8:22 Wisdom is speaking, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.” and verse says, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

This is another fascinating and wonderful complexity that God has created for us.

Dear Lord, your word and creation always has something new that we can learn. Send us Wisdom that “she” may help us glorify you and find your joy and favor, as you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.