I chuckle at the expression, “If the only tool in your toolbox is a hammer, every problem is a nail.”

I think this expression describes the way we sometimes look at problems, but also how we can mistakenly approach people. We often fall into the thinking that the same approach to an issue is right for all people, and that the way we do things is the way everyone should do those things.

One, of many, examples is in the way church is conducted. Some say, “get with the times, we need contemporary music and a casual atmosphere.” others think traditional is the only appropriate way. However, often, there are many ways that are appropriate and effective, and different styles connect with different people.

Paul confirms some of these differences in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 saying, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”

It is always a healthy exercise for each of us to question how we are approaching others. Are we starting with love and care for them, and recognition of the possible differences, before we offer our opinion? Let’s remember that we are all unique and one solution is not always the only solution.

Dear Lord, the variety of people, approaches and gifts are part of the beauty of your creation. Help us see this beauty, and relate to others with love and care first, open to the gifts you may have given them. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

If you have ever been fishing you know that sometimes you can throw any bait in the water and the fish bite, but other times you need just the right fishing hole, and just the right bait in order to catch a fish. Fly fisherman study the types of bugs that fish are eating and create lures (bait) to look similar and attract the fish. Even with that, the smart fish will come and take a look, but move on if the bait doesn’t look right.

In a similar way, the Devil fishes for people with temptations to catch their attention and draw them into sin and disobedience to God. Some are easy to catch, others more difficult. He will search for the just the right bait to tempt each of us; pride, greed, envy, immorality, dishonesty, fear, worry, or one of many others. It may seem like we don’t stand a chance against the power of the Devil, but God promises that He will always provide a way out of the temptation.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 “And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” We cannot avoid being tempted, but we can ignore the bait and not act on the temptation.

When we do successfully overcome, it makes us more capable to overcome the next time temptation arises.

Dear Lord, We know that we will be tempted, when we are, help us remember that you will provide a way out and help us overcome. As difficult as it may be to resist, we know as Paul says in Philippians 4:13, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.”

No this didn’t come from some “prosperity preacher” on television, it is Psalm 112:1-3

Dear Lord, help us believe your promises, and delight in obeying your commands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Henry Ford is quoted as saying, “If you think you can do a thing, or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

I have heard the same concept said this way, “If you believe something is not possible, it is not possible, for you.”

What these quotes are emphasizing is the importance of belief; but the belief in ourselves. Belief in ourselves is important and useful in our lives, however, belief in God has unlimited power. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” and when Jesus healed the blind man in Matthew 9:29, Jesus said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”

God created everything, how can we question His ability to do anything. Sometimes it is our doubt an disbelief that puts limits on the things God wants to do for us.

Dear Lord, help us come to You with faith in Your power. Strengthen our belief in You to act in our lives and in our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

What is love? Pages and pages have been written about the answer to this question. For this note however, I want to narrow the question to what do we do when we love someone? Why do we drop what we are doing when our spouse or child asks for help? Why do we get up in the middle of the night when our relative or close friend calls with an emergency? Because we love them; We do what they ask.

In the same way, if we love God, we will do what He asks. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” What does he ask? Follow his instructions. Keep his commandments. Believe what Jesus says and what is taught in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 5 God says he shows his love to generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. So, if we love God, we strive to do what he tells us to do. We find His direction in the Bible, and in our conscience.

Dear Lord help us to demonstrate our love for You by striving to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen