In modern times, we are much more likely to be subject to emotional burdens than physical burdens. Few people in their work are required to face overwhelming physical burdens. However, many of us can become subject to heavy emotional and psychological burdens. We may face an uncertain medical diagnosis, or a long and uncertain recovery from illness or injury, some have financial burdens with no idea how to overcome them, or emotional challenges dealing with friends or family members with behavior problems.

These types of burdens can weigh so heavily on people that they look for any relief, and without faith, may turn to alcohol, drugs, or running away in attempts to overcome the emotional or psychological pain.

We must remember, for ourselves and for others, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus is the solution in those times of trial when we think there is no relief.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance of emotional comfort and shelter in our times of trouble. Help us remember to come to you rather than the supposed solutions in drugs, alcohol, and other temptations that only take us further away from you. Help us not only realize this for ourselves, but be there to share this with our loved ones and others who need your rest for their souls. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I read a book a while ago called Grit. It was written by a former high school teacher and now Psychologist who studies achievement. She concluded that the most important factor in achievement was not talent or intelligence, it was “grit,” and she defined “grit” as a combination of hard work, endurance, and persistence.

I think this grit concept has some applicability to our faith. Many people turn away from God when challenging life experiences occur. They wonder how God could let terrible and tragic things occur and they let this questioning of God separate them from him. Unfortunately, this is exactly the opposite of “grit” with regard to their faith.

One of the beauties of faith in God is that he can be the source of our “grit” if we let him. By turning to God, rather than away, during times of tragedy and difficulty, he will give us what we need to endure and overcome.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” and in Colossians 1:11 “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.” and in 1 Timothy 1:12, ” I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work.”

Dear Lord, give us strength, endurance, and persistence so that we have a “gritty” faith to achieve your will, serving and glorifying you in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Shortly after Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple in Jerusalem. There was a man named Simeon to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would see the Messiah before Simeon died. Simeon was at the temple the day Mary and Joseph arrived, and when he saw the baby Jesus he held the baby and proclaimed, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:29-32.

I like the section describing Jesus as “a light to reveal God to the nations” This is the fundamental message we as Christians are to send to the world, that God loves each of us so much that he sent Jesus into the world to save us from what we deserve.

Dear Lord, How great your love for us is, that you would send Jesus as a way for all to be saved. Help us share this simple but powerful message with all, “Jesus is the light that reveals God to the World.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today was a beautiful day where I live; A great day for a run, walk, ride or other workout. Most of us have considered diet plans, workout plans, and vitamins at some point in our lives, Why do we do these things? To look better, to feel better, to live longer? All of which are good reasons.

One other reason we should include is written by Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, where he writes, “Haven’t you yet learned that your body is the home of the Holy Spirit God gave you, and that he lives within you? Your own body does not belong to you. For God has bought you with a great price. So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it.” TLB

So when we are thinking about what we do with our bodies, we should remember that our body is God’s body, and we should treat it with that in mind.

Dear Lord, thank you that we live in a time where we have so much opportunity to keep our bodies fit and healthy. Help use to use our bodies in ways that bring honor and glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the most important things in life is to control your own mind. If we just let our minds wander, most people’s thoughts will turn negative and often toward sinful things. This is made even worse when we read or watch negative news stories, TV shows, and internet posts, that sensationalize tragedy, immorality and evil. When we do these things, we are handing over the steering wheel of our mind to these things, and frankly to the Devil.

We need to take the wheel of our own minds, and drive it toward good things. Paul writes in Romans 8:6, “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

Taking control of our minds includes controlling the things to which we are exposing ourselves. Paul also writes in Philippians 4:8, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Dear Lord, You have created so much beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and love for us to fill our lives and thoughts with. Help us take control of our minds and thoughts so that we may stay on the path to life and peace, and be fitting Christian examples for others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.