I think there are many people who were either brought up Christian, or had been practicing Christians, but went astray and got into activities and lifestyles that they know were wrong.

When they consider returning to practicing their faith, they don’t believe that they could be accepted back, because of the things they have done. Additionally, the Devil, who is also called the “accuser of the brethren” in the Bible, puts thoughts of unworthiness in their minds.

Many, if not most, of the people God uses to tell his story in the Bible, had flawed characters in their past but became leaders and teachers of his message. From Abraham, who distrusted God’s promise for a child, and chose to have a child with a servant, to Jacob who deceived his father into giving him his brother’s inheritance, to David who had Bathsheba’s husband killed so he could marry her, to Paul who persecuted the Christians, and Peter who denied knowing Jesus, and many others; God used people like this to show future generations, like us, that no one is un-forgivable.

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”

So if you feel un-forgivable, or you know someone who may feel this way, remember it only takes a moment to accept the gift of forgiveness God gave us through Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, your grace is so amazing, that no one is beyond your love and the opportunity for forgiveness. Help us remember this for ourselves, and share the peace that comes from this knowledge, with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

If you read the book of Proverbs chapter 1:20-21, written by Solomon, it says, “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech” It is easy to read this as literary technique, giving personification to the idea of wisdom by calling it “she.”

However, if you read Proverbs 8 it makes you think a bit more about what Wisdom may really be. In Proverbs 8:22-23 Wisdom says, “The Lord formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began.” and verse 30, “I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence.”

It is very interesting to me that the characteristic that we call wisdom, that we think is something we learn and develop, is actually an entity that God created, and that he can give to us. James 1:5 writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

In Proverbs 8:22 Wisdom is speaking, “And so, my children, listen to me, for all who follow my ways are joyful.” and verse says, “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”

This is another fascinating and wonderful complexity that God has created for us.

Dear Lord, your word and creation always has something new that we can learn. Send us Wisdom that “she” may help us glorify you and find your joy and favor, as you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it said, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Though it is important for us to be responsible people, have goals and plans, and work diligently in our activities, sometimes God steers us in directions we did not expect. Often these unexpected directions have tremendous impacts on our lives, sometimes for just a couple minutes or hours, and sometimes for our whole lives.

Solomon, considered to be the wisest man in history, wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-7 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. God’s ways are as mysterious as the pathway of the wind and as the manner in which a human spirit is infused into the body of a baby while it is yet in its mother’s womb. Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will. It is a wonderful thing to be alive!”

With joy, we need to live every day of our lives looking for the direction God has for us.

Dear Lord, help us live in the joy and expectancy of your involvement in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.