Does it ever seem to you like things in the world have gone crazy? The ridiculous things people do, the things that are considered acceptable behavior, the evil of some toward others?

Our time is not the first time people felt this was occurring, David writes in Psalm 11:3, “The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

But we know God is in control, as David continued in Psalm 11:4, “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.”

Proverbs 16:4 also says, “The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

God remains in control, and his plan is playing out in our world.

Dear Lord, When we see things appear to be going so wrong in our world, it is difficult for us to understand how these things fit into your plan. Help us remember that we do not need to figure it all out, we only need to believe your word and trust in your protection. You remain in control and will never abandon us. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you seen those cartoons showing the character sawing a tree branch while sitting on the branch, cutting on the trunk side of where he is sitting? After a couple cuts, he saws through the branch, but falls along with it.

This is similar to what happens when we do things we know we shouldn’t. By doing things we know are wrong, we undermine our faith and begin distancing ourselves from God. When we do, the devil, described at times as “the accuser” works on us with guilt, trying to make us feel unworthy of reconciliation with God. In contrast, when we exercise our faith, by doing what we know is right, even when it is difficult or scary, we are relying on God and making our faith stronger.

In his letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 1:19, Paul writes, “Cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right. For some people have disobeyed their consciences and have deliberately done what they knew was wrong. It isn’t surprising that soon they lost their faith in Christ after defying God like that.”

Dear Lord, help us choose to do the right thing, led by the conscience that you gave us. Help us remember that it is always better to do the difficult right thing than the easy wrong, but also know that you are always waiting for us to return to you if we stumble. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have not seen a scientific study on the subject, but it seems to me that people’s expectations and attitude have an effect on how things work for them. When people tend to expect things will work out, and are optimistic, it seems like things tend to go well for them. On the other hand, people that tend to see and talk about the negative results, and tend to expect that things will not work out, tend to get what they expect.

The Bible appears to allude to this in a couple passages. Proverbs 11:27 says, “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” Though used in a little different context, Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

As Christians, we know God loves us, and is watching over us. We also know that we are saved for eternity. With this foundation, how can we not be optimistic and move forward expecting good things.

Dear Lord, you have offered peace to those who follow you, and we should have joy knowing that you care for us. Help us move forward therefore, seeking good as Proverbs says and expect the favor you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

19 Years ago today the United States was tragically attacked by people influenced by evil. This battle with evil has been going on since Adam and Eve, and will continue until the Lord returns. We may think that these evil acts are the result of a few bad people, but Paul tells us otherwise.

He says in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

The Evil One, as the Bible describes the Devil, is manipulating people to turn them from God, harm others, and destroy themselves. He is a master of tricks and lies to convince people to do evil.

We must constantly be on our guard and put our faith in God to give us strength and to protect us. We must also remember not to allow the evil done against us to be used to manipulate us to do evil as well.

Dear Lord, though we may see and experience acts of evil in our world and not understand why, we can know that with faith in you we do not need to fear. Give peace to those affected by these events and hope in the knowledge of your Salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever feel like there is something in your life that you know you should not do, but you don’t know if you will have the discipline to keep yourself from giving in to the temptation? It could be something like sticking to a diet, or quitting smoking, or something more serious like avoiding stealing, or being faithful to a spouse. There are times where we may not trust our own discipline, but we know we can trust God.

The New Testament book of Jude says in verse 24, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy”

There are some things we cannot do on our own, we need God’s strength to keep us from “stumbling” and bring us through the temptation. Like holding the hand rail when walking down snow or ice covered stairs; We hold on to something strong and stable to keep us from falling.

Paul describes this situation in 2 Corinthians 12, speaking about a temptation that he faces, but doesn’t identify particularly. He calls it his “thorn in the flesh.” He says in verses 8-9 “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

When we don’t think we have the strength to overcome, God’s strength is at it’s best.

Dear Lord, what peace it brings to those who know that your strength is always there for us to draw from and rely on. When we feel like giving up our resistance, and giving in to temptation to do the wrong thing, help us remember to turn to you and trust in your strength to overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.