Today is my incredible wife’s birthday. She is the grace in our home, the coach and biggest fan of our children, the mentor of her siblings, the unfailing sister of her friends, and my amazing Christian partner. Every day she brings glory to God by her life. God has blessed her, and all of us through her.

Solomon wrote about her in Proverbs 31:28-31, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Happy Birthday Liz. I love you.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the blessing we have in Liz. Be with her as she grows in your service and brings joy to those around her. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many personal development books and coaches emphasize the importance of controlling what we think about, because our thoughts influence what occurs in our lives. Some also say that if you dwell on your fears they are more likely to occur, and conversely if you focus on the positive, those things are likely to occur.

It is interesting that this idea has its origin in the bible. Proverbs 10:24 says, “The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled; the hopes of the godly will be granted.” This ties in also with Jesus’ words in several places including Matthew 8:13, saying “..because you believed, it has happened.”NLT

Dear Lord, help us keep our thoughts on the positive; our hopes, dreams and prayers, and help us avoid negative, self defeating thoughts that lead us to question your power. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The history of man, people, as recorded in the Bible is one story after another where God provides people everything they need. People recognize what God has done for them for a short time, then turn away, falling for temptation, pride, and selfishness. God sends prophets to teach people and attempt to bring them back, but that ultimately fails and God is forced to take dramatic steps to remind people of his presence and power. This story is repeated in various forms in the Garden of Eden, the time of Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, and many other times.

However, God used a different strategy once.

John 1:1-2 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” and in verse 14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word is Jesus who came not just to tell people about God’s presence and power, he is God and became a man. By sacrificing himself for us we may avoid the punishment we deserve for disobeying God.

This plan is so much different and as John writes in, John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”

The different plan is that God came to us out of love, as Jesus, to save us, rather than destroy and demonstrate his power and our failings. John 3:17 says, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the mercy you showed us by sending Jesus for our salvation. Help us cherish this amazing gift and maintain our love for and obedience to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many of us have had those times of reflection, wondering what God wants us to do with our lives. For some it is an easy decision, they have a passion that drives them toward their occupation, or avocation. For others, it is not always clear.

I am coming to the realization, that for us, who wonder what we are “supposed to” be doing, we begin to figure it out as we go. A process something like, Pray for guidance, step forward, repeat…..

1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another….Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.”

It may not become clear for a long time, but as Peter wrote, we each have gifts to use to bring glory to God. Serving each other “with all the strength and energy that God supplies.” This brings God Glory.

Dear Lord, You have a plan for each of us, though it is not always clear to us. Give us the persistence and faith to move forward serving you by serving each other trusting in your guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I remember watching documentaries about the battle of Britain in World War 2, when the city of Britain was being bombed. I recall seeing the pictures of people in the underground bomb shelters huddled together, safe from the destruction that was occurring above them in the city, and even seeing people sleeping while they waited for the attack to end. The shelter provided them safety and as a result allowed them to rest.

Psalm 91:1,2 say, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God and I trust him.”

Similar to those going to the bomb shelters, we can go to God for safety. When we trust him, he will give us peace, and allow us rest even while difficult and distressing events may be occurring in our lives.

Dear Lord, It is comforting for us to know that we can come to you for shelter from the fears and sadness in life. Help us trust you to protect us, and share the peace that in brings us with others who may not know. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.