We read about the Devil also known as “the Deceiver” and his deceit many places in the Bible, including the temptation of Jesus in the desert in Matthew 4. The Devil is a crafty supernatural being described as the “ruler of this world” in Ephesians 2:2. He is like “a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour” in 1 Peter 5:8. We can only imagine how effectively he can manipulate our thoughts and perceptions with thousands of years of experience. 1 John 5:19 writes, “We know that we are children of God and all the rest of the world around us is under satan’s power and control”

But in 1 John 5:18 writes, “No one who has become a part of God’s family makes a practice of sinning, for Christ, God’s son, holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on him.” TLB

Although the devil may be stronger than us on our own, he is nothing compared to us with Christ. Our Faith in Jesus’ power and love is what protects us from this enemy.

Dear Lord, as we pray in the Lord’s prayer, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. When we feel “the tempter” working on us, help us have faith in you to protect us and those we love from the devil’s ways. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I remember when I was young and had the opportunity to go to the go-cart track. It would be fun, but I wished the go carts could go faster. They all had what are called “governors” on the engines. The governors limited the engine and the go-cart’s speed. In modern days, with the development of electronic engine controls, modern cars have computerized limiters on their maximum speeds. Without the limiters, most cars could go much faster.

In a similar way, Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” TLB

When it comes to God’s power in our lives, we are like the governor, or speed limiter on a car. We are the limiter of what God can do through us. The Gods Word translation says He is capable of doing “infinitely more than what we can ask or imagine.”

Let’s take the limits off of our belief in God’ power, and believe for much more.

Dear Lord, You created all things, from the sophistication of the atom and smallest cell, to the unfathomable majesty and vastness of the universe. Help us remember that your same power lives in us, to do great things that glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you know people who are just cheerful, upbeat, and cooperative all the time? It could be a coworker, checkout person at the grocery store, the postman/woman, or a relative. Though sometimes you may wonder how they can be so upbeat all the time, isn’t it nice to interact with that person?

Paul tells the Christians at Philippi, in Philippians 2:14-15 to have this demeanor, saying, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

Complaining is essentially telling others about our problems, and having some indirect expectation that someone else is responsible to solve them for us. God tells us we will have challenges, to make us stronger and better, and he will help us overcome them. When we complain, we are displaying our dis-belief in God’s promises and his power.

As Paul says, we should be striving to live clean innocent lives, and be that cheerful, upbeat, cooperative person that others wonder about.

Dear Lord, You know we are weak and struggle to follow your guidance in our lives. Help us improve. Help us believe your promises of support, guidance and protection, so we will live confident, cheerful lives and be the shining lights in this world that you intend us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A couple years ago a bald eagle moved into my neighborhood. I usually see it once or twice a month flying along the coast of the lake nearby my home. One morning, driving to work, the eagle flew along the shoreline about 50 feet above the lake right along the path I was driving, for almost 5 minutes. I was amazed that it did not flap its wings for the entire time. It soared effortlessly, like it could continue for hours.

In a familiar verse, Isaiah uses this beautiful image of the eagles’ flight to describe what our lives can be like when we put our trust in God. He writes in Isaiah 40:31, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

Dear Lord, your power is unmeasurable to us, but you provide it to those who trust in you. Help us remember to come to you for strength, endurance, and renewal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy”

What comes to mind when you think about what it is to be “like God?” Is it the perfectly behaving, boring, judgmental, Christian character from some TV situation comedy?

Actually the stories of Jesus, who is our model of God as human, show that he was nothing like that stereotype. He was humble, controversial, and intelligent but primarily the distinguishing characteristic is his love; Love for all types of people, including the outcasts, lepers, and immoral in society of his time.

In contrast to the stereotype, the actual picture we should have in our minds of being “like God” is that of one who humbly loves all, especially those who seem most “un-lovable.” One who searches out those who need God’s love most.

1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that he objective is not to make ourselves perfect for our own benefit, it is to be like you and share your love with those we can. When we do, we are becoming part of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.