God has plans for each one of us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God won’t necessarily force his plans on us, so we need to keep our senses active, listening for the indications of God’s direction. If we have the mindset to put God’s will first, he will direct our steps.

The well known Psalm 23 writes in verse 11, “He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

Ultimately that is our purpose on earth, to bring glory and honor to God. So if we listen, he will guide us on how to do that.

Dear Lord, we know we are here to bring glory to you by how we act, and by spreading your good news. Thank you for the promise to show us how to honor you with our day to day lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How often we get trapped in feeling sorry for ourselves, sour mood and attitude, mad at God or other people because we don’t have what we want. The antidote for this is written in 1 John 2:7-8, “and as we obey this commandment, to love one another, the darkness in our lives disappears and the new light of life in Christ shines in.”

By turning our attention away from ourselves and toward others, we are living the way Jesus did. Verse 6 says, ” Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did.”

Dear Lord, Help us overcome our focus only on ourselves, and focus on sharing your love with others. We will then realize the peace and joy this provides. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Money is often a difficult subject for Christians, some fear they will not have enough so they skimp on their offerings. Some fear they will not have enough, so they pinch pennies and cannot bring themselves to spend what they have. Both of these concerns are examples of people putting their faith in their money rather than in God.

Paul writes in Hebrews 13:5, “Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

It is so illogical to believe that God would leave us short if we used our resources to do his will. When we put our trust in God, we don’t have to worry whether we will have enough. We know, as Paul wrote, He will never abandon us.

Proverbs 11:25 Says, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed..”

Dear Lord, help us remember that our hope and security come from you, not our money. Help us use our money with a spirit of responsibility and generosity, believing your promise never to abandon us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard it said, that “We are God’s hands here on earth.”

1 John 4:12 says it like this. “But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

When we love God, and love others, we become a path God can use to show his love to others, through us.

Verse 15 goes on to say, “All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.”

Dear Lord, As believers we know that you live in us, Help us let your love work through us and touch all those we encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is an age, maybe 4 or 5 years old, where children seem to be just amazed about everything. When someone captures their attention, they will listen intently, with respect, to learn all they can. They believe what they are being taught and ask questions out of curiosity not suspicion. It is truly amazing to watch.

In Mark 10:14,15, Jesus tells the disciples , “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

We need to approach our Christian faith in this way. With humble curiosity, and a desire to learn and accept.

Dear Lord, help us let our guard down, and come to you with the faith of a child. Help us believe your teaching and promises with curiosity not suspicion. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.