I have come to believe that most of the time that I get angry or irritated, it is because I am caving-in to temptation. Some event happens, and it is almost like someone is placing thoughts in my mind trying to get me to lose control and criticize, argue, or get angry.

When I have enough self-control to stop and analyze my own thoughts, I realize what is happening, and try to remember to say a quick prayer asking for help overcoming this temptation. It is almost like catching the “Temptor” in the act of manipulating me and beating him at the game.

James 4:7 says, “.. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To be honest, sometimes when I realize that I am being tempted to go down the wrong path, I will “tell off” the devil, under my breath. I am not sure if that does any good, but understanding and asking for God’s help definitely does.

Dear Lord, It is clear from your word in the Bible, that we are being tempted and manipulated regularly. Help us recognize and resist this temptation and trust that with You we can overcome any temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

When we feel at risk or insecure, does locking the door, buckling the seat belt, or setting the alarm system actually remove the insecure feeling? We have all probably seen the movies with a paranoid character who has multiple locks on the door, and even after locking them all, still is afraid.

There is only one thing that can make us feel completely safe and secure, and that is our trust in God’s love for us. With a firm faith that God has us under his care, we can truly feel safe and secure.

Psalm 4:8 tells us, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”

Dear Lord, help us build that solid faith in you so that we can have the peace in knowing that you will keep us safe and secure. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Praise the Lord, Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Psalm 146

Many places in the Bible we are told to “Praise the Lord,” but what does that really mean? It means acknowledging that God is, well, God. He is all powerful, all knowing, the creator of everything.

Being written two or three thousand years ago, the examples used in the bible describing the amazing things for which to praise God seem a bit simple to us now.

A psalm written about praising God today might be more like this:

Praise God for making the laws of physics that allow us to travel around the world in hours.
Praise Him for the elegant design of the atom that allows us to transmit information around the world in seconds.
Praise God for the amazing balance in molecules, and elements, that maintain stability of the chemistry in our environment.
Praise Him for the balance of earth’s cycle of life that maintains stability in the earth’s biology.
Praise God for the astonishing sophistication of the human body that can do wonderful and beautiful things, a body that can be changed and strengthened, and heals itself.
Praise Him for the amazing creation of the human brain that allows us to learn about these amazing creations and use them to improve the quality of life for all people.
For these and marvels of Your power yet to be learned, we Praise you Lord. Amen.

Today is Veterans Day in the United States, a day we set aside to appreciate those who have served in the us military for all of us. Thank you to all those veterans!

Jesus teaches us about service in Mark 10:44-45 saying, “and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.”

Though Jesus’ service was to save our souls, US soldiers commit to serve an if necessary give their lives to save other’s lives. Jesus also tells us in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

The United States and the world would be a much different and more dangerous place for peaceful people if it were not for the service of our veterans.

Dear Lord, we thank you for all those who have served, putting others before themselves and following your example. Bless them, their friends, and families. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Though it sounds so simple, when we are facing difficult, frightful, or uncertain times, whether it be a frightening medical diagnosis, loss of loved one, loss of a job, difficulty with children, or any personal struggle, remember the words of 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.”

We all have a tendency to think that like taking responsibility for our actions we have to carry the emotional burden of life’s challenges. However, God wants us to give him that burden.

Though things don’t always work out how we would like them. 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.