If we think about it, we have all been part of achieving something that required a team, working together to accomplish something we could not have done on our own. It may have been a sports team, a community or church project, or even a business startup. All significant successes are the result of a team of people’s efforts.

Doing God’s work is the same, but with an important addition. Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians 3:6,7, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”

In doing God’s work, we each have our part to play. When we work together and have faith, God will “make the seed grow.”

Dear Lord, You are the power behind all our success, help us remember to work together to spread your word and love, with faith that you will make the seed grow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Though it sounds so simple, when we are facing difficult, frightful, or uncertain times, remember the words of 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.”

We cannot prevent dealing with difficult circumstances in our lives, but we have a tendency to think that we have to carry the emotional burden too. However, God wants us to give him that burden.

Though things don’t always work out how we would like. When we hand over the concern to God, who loves and cares for us, we can have peace knowing that he is in control.

Remember also Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”

Dear Lord, Help us trust you and hand over our fears and concerns to you, believing and trusting in you is what you call us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard it said, “God gives you what you pray for or something better.” People who put their faith and trust in God can believe this and see it in their lives. People who do not believe often only see the times that “bad” things happen to people who believe in God, and use this to question believers.

Psalm 25:14 in the Living Bible translation describes one reason why this happens, “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” It sheds some light on why people who don’t believe cannot understand faith.

When we first put our trust in God, surrender ourselves to his will, we then can know that he is guiding and protecting us. It may not be exactly in the ways we want or ask, but we know his ways are better. David says in Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the confidence we can have that you are always there for us. Help us share this faith with others so that they may come to you and experience this confidence that leads to peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The use of Success Coaches or Life Coaches is growing in popularity. The concept is that the “coach,” someone who has studied the techniques, behaviors, and patterns of successful people, observes their clients activities then helps and guides them to adjust and become more successful in their life or profession; much like a sports coach.

An interesting parallel can be made, that God can be our “success coach.” Psalm 25:12-14 says “Who then are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant [promise] known to them” NIV

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a coach that knows everything and can do anything, guiding our lives…..We do.

Dear Lord. Help us submit our lives to you and follow the guidance you have promised to give us if we follow. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Do you know people who always have something positive to say about everyone. While they are bringing up the most favorable things about everyone, they are making themselves look good at the same time.

In Romans 14:19 Paul says, “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”

Of course everyone has areas that can be improved, but why bring this up to others.

The 8th commandment says, “Thou shall not bear false witness (lie) about thy neighbor.” I like Martin Luther’s words in the Small Catechism explanation of this Commandment. Regarding our neighbor, we should, “defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.”

Wouldn’t it be great if we treated each other in this manner regularly.

Dear Lord, you tell us that after loving you, the second greatest command is to love our neighbor. Help us remember that speaking well of others is part of this love for them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.