As Christians we want to do God’s will, and be guided by the Holy Spirit in our actions and decisions. Although we may try to listen, it is not always easy to hear God and know what He wants us to do.

Paul gives us some help in figuring this out, in Galatians 5:22 where he writes, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

So we know if our thoughts, decisions, and actions lead us to these characteristics, we are heading in the right direction.

Dear Lord, thank you for the guidance you provide us in the bible, and give us the strength to follow your will to produce these “fruit of the Spirit.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is interesting to look at different Bible translations of verses, to help bring out the meaning of the text.

I found that the God’s Word translation of Proverbs 14:14 brings relevance to what is a somewhat “matter of fact” verse in other translations. It says:

“A heart that turns from God becomes bored with its own ways, but a good person is satisfied with God’s ways.”

Isn’t it common to see someone searching for their way in life and rather than turning toward God, they turn away looking for life satisfaction in many things, only to be left feeling incomplete. In contrast, when we turn toward God looking for his will and ways and following, we find peace.

Dear Lord, as you said, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, help us turn toward you for fulfillment in life, and you will guide our steps. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I have heard it said that your life is like an echo, what you send out comes back to you, or like a mirror, a reflection of you.

Paul writes in his letter to Titus 1:15, “A person who is pure of heart sees goodness and purity in everything; but a person whose own heart is evil and untrusting finds evil in everything, for his dirty mind and rebellious heart color all he sees and hears.”

I imagine you have met both kinds of people, those that look for the best in everything, and have good positive attitudes, and those that see the negative and problems in every experience. How interesting that they both can be looking at the same situation and see such different pictures. The verse above from Paul’s letter to Titus tells us that the way people look at a situation is an indication of what is in their own heart and mind. How they look at things is as much a statement on themselves as it is a statement on the people or things about which they are commenting.

Dear Lord, help us be people of pure hearts and find the goodness and purity you have put in our world. Help us also be a positive influence on those with evil and untrusting hearts, that they might see your love through us and desire to change. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think we all know people or maybe we have been one of the people, who have made bad judgments and started down a path that could have ruined our lives, but turned around and got back on course. We may also know people who started down the wrong path and followed it to their demise, or are on their way.

What is the difference?

I believe the difference comes down to one decision followed by one more decision and one more, and so on… At any point, we can choose to turn away from our sinful way and begin back on the right course, or choose the next step toward destruction.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who saw that they were going the wrong way and turned back on course. Usually someone had to bring it to their attention. In 2 Samuel 12 After David had Bathsheba’s husband killed so he could marry her, Nathan brought this sin to David’s attention. Verse 13 says, “Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you,..”

As King, David could have, just as easily, eliminated Nathan, and continued down the wrong path, but he chose to turn back, and God forgave him and made him a Great King.

We all must know and believe that we can be reconciled with God, no matter how far down the wrong path we have gone. It only takes one right decision.

John tells us in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Dear Lord, It is an amazing blessing for us to know that you will forgive us if we confess and turn back to you. Though for some it may seem impossible, it is not. You are just a prayer away from helping us make that first decision. Give us all the strength to turn to you and stay on your path. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all have hopes dreams, and desires that we would like to achieve. It is good to have aspirations and goals. God knows what they are and will help us achieve them. Psalm 37:4 says, “delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Part of getting what we want, however, is being thankful for what we have. I think of it as, ” be thankful for what you have while you pursue what you want.”

Paul writes in Philippians 4:12,13, ” I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” TLB

No matter where we are on the economic ladder, we all have something for which to be thankful, so let us thank God first then ask for what we want.

Thank you Lord for all that we have. Help us be content while we pursue our dreams. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.