I think humans have an inherent desire to know how things work, and why things are the way they are; So much so that we guess, which in Science we call a “hypothesis.” Many people who want to rule out God’s design, and His creation as a reason, conveniently use the word “theory” for their guess.

As Christians, we accept that there are many mysteries we do not yet understand, and may never understand.

In John 3, Jesus says that we must be “born again” to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus, a Jewish scholar or Pharasee, questioned what Jesus meant. Jesus replied in John 3:8, “The wind blows where ever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but cannot tell where in comes from, or where it is going, so you cannot explain how people are born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus doesn’t understand, and Jesus tells him, like he tells us about our “theories,” in John 8:12, “But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?”

Dear Lord, You give us so much of your wisdom in the Bible, much remains a mystery, but some we just choose to question. Open our eyes and hearts to see your meaning and believe your message. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Different denominations of Christians have different processes for confession, whether that is personally to a pastor or priest, or during the service as a group, or on one’s own. The important thing is that we confess our sins to God, ask for forgiveness, and relief from the temptations that pull us toward those sins. The more specific we can be when we confess, the better. Confessing to God is so much different than confessing our mistakes to other people. When we confess our sins to God, we can expect the weight of the guilt to be lifted, and to receive the peace of being forgiven.

The Living Bible says in 1 John 1:9, “But if we confess our sins to him, he can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins”

Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” NIV

Dear Lord, as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Help us remember for our own good to confess our sins to you, and carry-on with renewed peace to avoid them in the future. 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.

What is “the good life?” I suppose the details would be different for everyone, but I would argue that common to everyone’s definition would include being happy and content. I believe this is what God wants for us, and this is what he offers if we follow Him.

Even in difficult times and challenges, we can have peace when we put our trust in God.

Isaiah 26:3-4 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”

It is usually when we decide to do things that are opposed to God’s direction that we get ourselves in trouble and we lose our peace and joy. The “bad life” usually is a result of us making poor decisions that we know were wrong.

When we really trust and follow God we can do as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

We all have dreams and goals for the future, but God’s “good life” is available right here and now if we believe.

Dear Lord, thank you for all we have and all you have done for us. Nothing compares to the gift we have of eternal life with you. Help us find the peace and contentment that comes from following and trusting you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Happy Birthday Dad!

We know that God is all powerful. He created all things, from the magnitude of the universe, to the complexity of our bodies; he performed incredible powerful miracles like the great flood, the plagues in Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea to the many miracles Jesus performed, like raising Lazarus from death, and casting out demons. We know from the story of Job that the devil is subject to God’s permission and authority. Who would question whether God could strike anyone on earth down at any time, or wipe out anything man could build with a single act of Nature. God’s Power is Awesome!

At the same time, 1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is Love.” God is love…the magnitude of this is also difficult for us to understand. The most compassion, care, empathy, sympathy, sacrifice, we can feel or express is just a drop compared to God’s love, because God is Love.

Together, how can we not submit ourselves to God’s will, knowing that by doing so, we are supported and protected by the ultimate power and cared for by the one who defines love.

Dear Lord, Let us take both comfort, and strength in knowing that You are Power and Love, and you love us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Happy Birthday Brother!