It sometimes surprises me when I find that a few well known Bible verses that seem to be about different topics are actually found together. One example which summarizes how we should approach challenges in our lives is found in 1 Peter 5. This chapter contains three texts that are familiar, but not always recognized to be part of the same theme.

1 Peter 5:7-11, “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I underlined the three texts that are often remembered separately, but reading them together helps us understand how to deal with difficult life experiences. First give them to God, second, while waiting for resolution resist the attempts by the devil to break your faith and your spirit, and finally know that it won’t last forever. God will bring us through.

Dear Lord, thank you for the comforting words Peter gives us. Help us take his lesson into our hearts and have confidence in your promise to take our anxieties and bring us through our trials. All Glory to you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Bible writes about idols in many places; writing about how people turned from God and worshiped idols. Isaiah 2:8 says about Israel, “Their land is full of idols; the people worship things they have made with their own hands.”

I think we often get the picture in our minds of idols being a statue with people standing around it singing praises. However, idols can be anything that we put above God in our hearts and minds. Worship doesn’t necessarily mean bowing down in front of it. The big bank account, the boat, the sports car, the sport, the TV or social media celebrity can all be idols. We need to look at ourselves to make sure we have our priorities in the right order; making sure we put no other gods before God, as the first commandment says.

What are we doing Sunday morning?

Dear Lord, we know we should not have other gods before you. Help us think about what this really means, and make sure we devote our time, thoughts, energy, and resources toward your will first. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all probably ask God for things that are beyond the bare necessities of life; Wants rather than just needs. I think God is pleased that we include him in all aspects of our lives and hears our requests, regardless of what they are. How he responds is based on his plans for us. However, when we receive what we ask, or God answers with something even better, it is important to remember that these things are blessings from God.

Deuteronomy 8:10 says, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”and verse 18 says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
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It is said that God gives us what we ask for, or something better. Let us be thankful in advance with confidence in God’s care for us.

Dear Lord, you hear our prayers, know our needs and know even our secret desires. Thank you for giving us all we have, all we need, and answering our prayers, in your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Surrender: Definition – to give oneself up into the power of another.

The picture we usually have in our minds when we think of the word surrender is the white flag of one side in a battle, surrendering to the other, with the likelihood of unpleasant consequences like imprisonment, or execution.

However, I believe surrendering is what God is really asking of us. He is asking for us to give ourselves up to his power, but different from surrendering to our enemy, we are giving ourselves up to someone who loves us and wants what is best for us.

Psalm 37:7 God’s Word translation writes, “Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

Dear Lord, You are the ultimate power and love. Surrendering ourselves to you gives us great comfort and strength. Help us keep that in our minds so we will have the strength to do your will and the comfort of knowing that you have us in your care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Some people are tempted into believing they have strayed so far from God’s will that they cannot be forgiven and reconciled. This is a lie the devil puts in their minds.

God tells us through Isaiah 44:22, “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”

We need only accept the gift of Grace that God has given, to return to him. He saves us. Paul tells us in Romans 8:39, ” nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for your Grace. Help those who feel beyond forgiveness to know that you are waiting for their return. We must only accept your gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.