A Christian speaker and author I heard say during one of his presentations, “Before this was a presentation to you (his audience,) it was an offering to God.”

This is a powerful way to look at our work, no matter what we do. God gave us the skills and talents we have. Using them to the best of our ability to provide service and value to others is giving an offering to God.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” And in Ephesians 2:10 he writes, ” For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given us. Help us remember that you gave them to us to glorify You and serve each other. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many people grew up in Christian families, and carried on with their Christian lives from childhood into their adult lives. There are also many Christians who practiced different religions, were avowed atheists, or just didn’t think about God in their lives until God called them to his mission. Many of these conversions are amazing stories.

The most amazing conversion in the Bible is the apostle Paul, who turned from being the biggest persecutor of Christians, to the leading Evangelist in history and the author of much of the New Testament.

These conversions are not coincidences to God. Paul writes in Galatians 1:15-16, “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for being active in our world, calling and empowering people to bring your love and Salvation to others. Help us find your calling in our lives so that we may do our part. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have ever walked on a balance beam, you know that the best way to keep your balance is to look far down the length of the beam, Or when we are learning to drive, the best way to stay in our lane is to look way down the road. Looking where we want to go keeps us on track.

Matthew 14 includes the account of Jesus walking on water. Peter sees him from the boat, and when Jesus says “come” Peter begins walking on the water toward Jesus. However, in verse 30 things deteriorate, “But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” When Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus he begins to sink.

In the same way, to keep ourselves on the right track, we need to keep our eyes and attention on Jesus and His instructions for us.

Dear Lord, Help us to keep our eyes on you, your teachings, and listen in our hearts for your guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I saw a short video of some “bully-proofing” techniques a martial arts organization was teaching young children. The technique began with looking the bully in the eye, and telling him or her that they are not going to let themselves be bullied. Their training went on to include other defensive techniques, but it started with displaying resistance and confidence.

This is somewhat like how the Bible tells us to act in the face of the Devil’s temptation.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

James 4:7 tells us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ”

With God, we can overcome anything the Devil may throw at us.

Dear Lord, you have power over all things, including the eDvil. Help us have the confidence in your power and support to stand firm and resist the Devil, so he will depart from us as promised. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is so uplifting to see people put their faith in God and overcome their afflictions, fears, challenges or use their faith to excel and do great things.

I can only imagine that this was how Jesus felt in the story of the Centurion in Matthew 8. Roman soldiers were not what people expected when thinking of followers of Jesus Christ, but Jesus showed how, no matter who one is, it is the faith that matters.

The soldier’s servant was paralyzed and suffering. When Jesus asked if the Centurion wanted Him to come and heal the servant. The Centurion said he knew all Jesus had to do was say so and his servant would be healed. Jesus, knowing the heart of the soldier, said in verse 10, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” and in verse 13, “Go, Let it be done just as you believed it would.” NIV

We don’t have to be great “church-people” to believe God can bring us out of miserable situations, overcome debilitating fears, or even give us success in our endeavors. We need to have the faith in God’s power and ability to do anything.

Dear Lord, help us have the faith in you to know without a doubt that you can do anything. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.