There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the Devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

Psalm 31:19 says “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us believe that you want to provide us good things and with those good things we can do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard this expression, and may have even experienced the phenomenon. When trying to make a decision, we wait and wait looking for one more piece of information or insight that will motivate us to decide, and begin.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 11:4, “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.” The Living Bible version translates this verse as “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

God is telling us through Solomon’s writing, that we need to act in faith. Particularly when it comes to those things we feel God calling us to do.

There is an expression that goes, “The will of God will never lead you where the love of God will not support you.” We need to remember that God will be there to support us if we move forward in faith.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your guidance, direction, and support. Help us remember to listen for your call, then act, and not wait for perfect conditions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have likely heard of “pass interference” in American football, when one player physically interferes with an opposing player’s ability to catch a pass.

A close reading of the parable of the spreading of the seed in Luke 8:4-15 tells us that the Devil tries to interfere with people’s acceptance of God’s word. You may recall the parable, the farmer spreads seed, some falls on the hard footpath, some on rocky ground, some in the thorns, and some on good soil.

In verse 12 Jesus begins to explain the parable and he says “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.”

The Devil is out there trying to interfere with our hearing and accepting God’s word. We need to realize this, and defend ourselves with the tools God has given us; The Shield of Faith, the Breastplate of Righteousness, and fight back with the Sword of the Spirit that is the word of God, as described in Ephesians 6.

Dear Lord, as we say in the Lord’s Prayer, “deliver us from evil,” Help us rely on you to defend against the devil’s schemes. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Is there someone and someplace that just makes you happy even thinking about. For example, walking on the beach with your spouse, playing games around the table with your children, playing with your grandchildren, spending time with your friends,, or even playing with your dog or cat. Just being around them brings you a feeling of joy.

In a similar way, Psalm 16:11 says about God, “… in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When we can truly experience God’s presence in our lives, we can feel the peace and joy that He promises. In order to get closer to God’s presence, we do like James writes in 4:8 “Draw closer to God and he will draw closer to you.”

Dear Lord help us do those things that draw us closer to you, reading your word and putting it into practice, that we may experience the fullness of joy you promise. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

If you are like me, you probably pray often for your family, friends, and for your own wants and needs, but maybe not as much for those outside that circle. We need to make an effort to expand those for whom we pray. Lately, I have been trying something new. When I am inclined to be irritated with someone, I try to use this feeling as a reminder to pray for them instead.

I like the way the Living Bible translates, Paul’s direction in his letter to Timothy, 1 Timothy 2:1, “Here are my directions; Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them.” the passage continues, in verse 3, “for this is good and pleases God our Savior, for he longs for all to be saved and to understand this truth.”

Dear Lord, There are so many people who need help, and we are just one person. Help us remember to use our prayers to intercede for them, and give thanks that you hear us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.