1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

I think it is easy to be confused when reading this passage. Here we are on earth that God made for us, and where he put us, but we are not supposed to “love” anything here? After meditating on this and studying commentaries, I think the message is about the relative value we place on things of the world verses our faith and hope for our future with God. Enjoying the wonders of God’s creation is great, but it should not interfere with the priority of God’s will for us.

We need to be able to walk away from anything in this world that would come between us and God. We need to remember; God first, everything else, second.

Dear Lord, it is sometimes difficult for us to remember that even good things like family, friends, charity, and the beautiful things you put on earth for us are to take second place to our faith in you. Things on earth are not important for our eternity. Help us keep our priorities in your order. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever wonder why God causes some people to go from completely “anti-Christian” to incredibly devout productive Christian authors, pastors and evangelists?

The most obvious from bible times was Paul who God turned from persecuting Christians to being instrumental in the rapid growth of the early church.

Some others are CS Lewis, the author of Christian books including the Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and many others. He writes of being an atheist until his 30’s then God used him to write some of the best non-fiction Christian books and Novels.

Another interesting person that made a dramatic conversion is an author named Lee Strobel, a Yale educated lawyer and journalist, who was an avowed atheist until his wife became a Christian. He began researching Christianity in order to disprove it to his wife, and found himself accepting Christianity. He has subsequently written many Christian books including, The Case for Christ, and The Case for a Creator, evangelical programs and speaks on Christianity and Evangelism around the world. His story was recently turned the movie The Case For Christ.

It is truly amazing what God can do with people. In Philippians 2:12,13 Paul writes, “..Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” It is God working through these people and us that makes the difference.

Dear Lord your power is amazing. Help us never forget how, if it is your will, you make dramatic changes that we would never expect in people. Help us obey you and give us the desire and power to do your will, as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:20 “Always give thanks for everything to our God an Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Give thanks in everything? Why?

When we commit our lives to God, he works in us, and on us, if we let Him. He is trying to make us better able to do the things He wants us to do. Some of the experiences we must go through are not pleasant, but they are necessary to become the people God wants us to be.

In 1 Corinthians 2:9 Paul Writes, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

We may realize shortly afterward why we had the negative experience, but sometimes we may never know; however, we do know that God is working on us, if we let him, to become the person He wants us to be

Dear Lord, Thank you for working on us, making us better. Help us understand, and also be thankful even for the difficult things in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

John 2 Begins with the story of Jesus’ first miracle, when he changed the water into wine at the wedding in Galilee.

John 2:11-12 says, “This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples.”

After this miracle, the small group went away for a few days. What do you think the conversation was during those few days in Capernaum? They probably had many questions about how Jesus did this miracle, and what this meant for them and for the world. We might call it reflection and analysis of the events.

I think there is a lesson for us in this story. There are times when we have seen God’s goodness, or His intervention in our lives; like protection from a tragedy, relief from an illness, or some coincidence that makes things go well for us. Maybe the lesson for us in this story is to take a moment to reflect and analyze what God has done and what it means.

Dear Lord, Thank you for working in our lives, and the lives of those we love. Help us remember to take time to see your work and blessings, and take time to acknowledge and give You thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

In the account of Jesus walking on water the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the water and were afraid.

Matthew 14:27-31 writes, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Like Peter, why do we doubt God? It seems like a rhetorical question, but it is worth considering deeper. Jesus told Peter, “You have so little faith.” But why?

We are naturally uncomfortable with uncertainty, and when we are uncertain, we look for evidence to reduce our uncertainty. If we don’t find evidence, our human nature leads us to assume the worst. In addition, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, there are spiritual forces working against us and our faith.

So what do we do to overcome our doubt? Pray for faith, read our Bibles and gather evidence from the Bible accounts demonstrating how God’s power and love supported those who trusted him like Ruth, David, Solomon, the prophets, Peter, Paul, and the other apostle’s. Also, we need to remember times in our own lives that God made seemingly impossible situations work out for us. Then take action with confidence in God’s power and His love for each of us.

Dear Lord, our fear and doubt often prevent us from living the faithful confident lives you desire for us. Help us remember to come to you and your word for the strength to overcome our doubts and fears so that we can glorify you with our courageous works. In Jesus’ name. Amen.