David in the Bible appears to be a bit of an impulsive person; The type of person that has an idea, and just gets right after it, without lots of thought and analysis. This works for him in some cases, like striking down Goliath in the famous story of David and Goliath, but not so much in the story of Bathsheba, another man’s wife, whom David pursued and ultimately married after having Bathsheba’s husband killed.

However the one thing David always remembered was to return to God. He would go off track, but always come back, repentant.

Psalm 51:1-3 he says, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.” then in verse 17 “You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

And after his confession and repentance, in Psalm 52:8-9 he says, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love. I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.”

So like David, no matter what we have done, God is always there to take us back, when we come with repentance. How great a reason to “praise Him forever,” like David.

Dear Lord, forgive us for our failures to do your will, no matter what it may be, our sin separates us from you, and we are truly sorry. Thank you that through Jesus’ sacrifice we can be made right with you again. Praise to you Forever! Amen.

Throughout history, there have been people who have made incredible contributions to all of us. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Jonas Salk, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and many others. However, their contributions are insignificant compared to the actual creation of the universe.

Psalm 124:8 says, “Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

The Psalm sounds so simple and understated, but God created all the intricacies of science and biology as well as the vastness and majesty of the universe, and the psalm says he is our “help.”

Do you think there is anything God cannot do?

Simple little verse tells us that the incredible power of the creator of everything is there for us.

Dear Lord, we cannot begin to comprehend your power. Help us remember you are there for us, which unlimited capability to do anything; and help us remember to ask for the help you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Bible is very clear that if we believe and trust in God, he will protect and guide us.

Among the passages about this is, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.”

It is also clear that if we turn our backs on God and his direction, he will leave us to the consequences of our actions.

Psalm 81:11-12 says, “But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.”

And Romans 1:24 says, “So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired….” And verse 27, “…they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.”

Dear Lord, you outlined a plan for us, and if we follow it, you have promised to protect and guide us. Help us acknowledge You and Your direction, and live in the peace and joy that you provide. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have you ever wondered why we are here some 2000 years after Jesus was on earth, and when he and the apostles spoke and wrote about Jesus returning for “Judgment Day?” The apostles would preach about the end coming soon, 2000 years ago.

The Bible is clear that no one knows when the end will come, but Peter writes a little about why we are still waiting.

In 2 Peter 3:8-9, Peter writes, “But don’t forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn’t really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.”

God does not want anyone to be lost and is giving more time for people to repent and come to him. Which also means he is giving us, God’s voice on earth, more time to bring his message to those not yet saved.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that we are not just here on earth for our own entertainment, we are here to glorify you, and to bring your message to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We know the story of Abraham following God’s direction in Genesis 22:2, “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

God had promised Abraham a son for many years and finally when he was one hundred years old, Abraham and Sarah had Isaac. Then in this verse, God tells Abraham to sacrifice the boy. We know how the story goes, Abraham obeyed God, and then God stopped him at the last minute. There are many messages we can get from this story about obedience and trust, but I think one additional message for us is that in our hearts and minds, we need to take that thing that is important to us and be prepared to put it on the altar.

If we really trust God we need to take our dreams and say “God this is what I really want, but I am giving it to you. What ever Your will is, I can accept it.” I believe that God puts our hopes and dreams in our hearts, and he will help us achieve them, but he wants us to keep our priorities in order.

Dear Lord, We submit our desires to you. If it is your will, help us achieve and realize our hopes and dreams, and if you have other plans, we thank you for that as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.