I have always been interested in the evidence that supports what we believe as the Bible creation account, and the conflicting stories we hear about the origin of everything. In order to explore this more, I read a book called Creation and Evolution; Compatible or in Conflict, by Jay Seegert. This book is a well researched and easy to read assembly of the information and perspectives on this subject. I found it very helpful in understanding the evidence. (Click on the Title to see more information or get a copy.)

The conclusion I took from the book is that as Christians, we believe the Bible story of creation, because we believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, though our belief is supported more and more by archaeological and astronomical discoveries. Evolution, the Big Bang Theory, and other ideas for the origin of the universe, the earth, and the origin of life are as much a religious belief as Christianity. The people who promote these ideas often start with the assumption that God cannot be part of the origin, so they must come up with some other concept then try to find data that support it. Our growing understanding of the complexity of life and the universe make it more and more difficult for them to rule out the Creator.

Arguments against God and Creation have been ongoing since Bible times, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.” and in Romans 1:20 he writes, ” Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of His existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day” TLB

If you have interest in knowing more, I recommend the book.

Dear Lord, We thank you for people who will take the time and effort to help us understand the evidence that exists to support our belief in the validity of the Bible. Please send your Spirit to those who question your word, and let them know You and know that the Bible is your word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

When we think of worship, the picture of being in a church singing hymns, praying and praising come to mind, but Paul describes something different in his letter to the Romans.

In Romans 12:1 He tells them, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Paul is telling us that we should devote our bodies, or our whole person, to our Lord. How we live each day is our worship.

Dear Lord, We are grateful for all you have provided us. Help us live lives that are positive examples of your love and bring attention to your saving grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sometimes it is difficult to have freedom, because freedom requires discipline.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “‘I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.” NIV In order to handle the freedom that we have, we need to have boundaries of what is “beneficial” and “constructive” as Paul describes, then we need to stay within those boundaries. Having boundaries and staying within them is “discipline.”

When we are children, we need our parents to do this for us, but as we mature, we build self discipline, so that we keep ourselves within the boundaries and do not need to be “disciplined”. The Bible tells us that God also disciplines us on occasion. Sometimes the difficulties we face in life are actually God’s challenges to help us build our own discipline.

Proverbs 3:11,12 writes, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” And in Hebrews 12:7, Paul writes, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.”

Dear Lord, It is difficult for us to accept challenges in our lives as learning experiences that you are using to help us set boundaries, or stay within boundaries we know we should. Help us endure these challenges to come out with better Christians. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all have different personalities, which make different things more and less challenging for us. For many of us, accepting criticism or correction is very difficult; whether we think it is necessary to always be right for our ego, or whether we take criticism as a question of our authority or intelligence, it can be challenging for some.

The Bible gives us some insight into this situation in a number of verses including, Proverbs 10:8 which says, “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces,” and Proverbs 20:3, writes, “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” Finally Proverbs 9:8 says, “So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.”

We have probably all seen the “know-it-all” who can’t accept any criticism, and shouts down anyone that has a differing view, and also, the successful leader who listens with humble confidence to differing opinions, and responds with grace. Which is more like Jesus?

Dear Lord, Help us learn the wisdom and humble confidence that Jesus demonstrates for us, that we may become wiser and more useful for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 128:1,2 tell us, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

I, like many of us, find myself, occasionally focusing on all those things I want, hope for, and pray for but feel frustrated not having. Sometimes we think, we are living the lives God desires, but feel like we are not receiving the blessing the Bible promises. When this type of feelings come upon us, these lyrics from an old hymn, help me put things in perspective.

“When upon life’s billows
You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you
What the Lord hath done.
(John Oatman Jr.)

When we stop and think about the incredible blessings we all have, it takes away any reason we have to complain or be disappointed.

Dear Lord, we only need to take a look around to see the amazing blessings you have provided us. Our human nature leads us to take for granted what we have, and dwell on what we don’t have. Help us keep our perspective in order, count our blessings and be thankful to you for all you have done for us, most importantly our eternal salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.