We cannot see the magnetic radio waves that are in the air all around us, but we can hear the message they carry when we tune in our radios.

In a similar way, John writes in 1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

We are like the radio that tunes into God’s love, translates it and delivers it to those around us. He delivers his love to the world through those who believe and do his will.

Dear Lord, we know that you are Love, and you show that love to those who trust and believe in you. Help us take the love you have given us and bring it to others, each of us in our own individual way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Luke 1 tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth. They had no other children, and were much too old to have children without a miracle, but the angel, Gabriel, came to Zechariah and told him they would have a child, who would prepare people for the arrival of the Messiah.

Zechariah was skeptical and questioned Gabriel. As a result, Gabriel caused him to be unable to speak until John was born.

When Zechariah was finally allowed to speak, he spoke the prophecy of Jesus’ coming in Luke 1:68-79. The final verses are a beautiful and simple summary of the Good news, Luke 1:78-79 “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Dear Lord, We praise and thank you for sending the “morning light from heaven,” which is Jesus who brings us out of the darkness of our sin and into your light, allowing us to live in Your peace. In His name we pray. Amen.

In a conversation with a friend, some time ago, he mentioned how he thought that society was becoming split into a group of “haves” and a group of “have-nots.” After giving it some thought, I don’t particularly agree, but I think there is a more significant gap in place. I think there is a divide between those who know right and wrong and are striving to do what is right, and those who also know right and wrong, but are looking for excuses to justify doing what they know is wrong. This gap is at work at all income levels.

Paul wrote in Hebrews 10:16 referencing Jeremiah 31:33, “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds,”

God has put his guidelines for right and wrong in our hearts and minds. We can sense these rules, but often they go against what we really want to do, the temptations of our earthly lives. We can try to convince ourselves that certain behaviors are okay because they are legal, they are common practice, or no one will know, but God knows, and it is his rules by which we should measure ourselves.

Dear Lord, Thank you for providing us the guidelines for doing the right thing, in our hearts. Help us follow these guidelines and overcome the temptations that would pull us away from your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is so difficult and confusing for us when we lose someone we love. Nothing can really remove the pain we feel at the time.

The book of Lamentations is believed to be written by Jeremiah after the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many of the Jews away into slavery. It is written about the sorrow associated with this, but even in the midst of the sorrow it says in Lamentation 3:22-23,

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” and in verses 31-32, it says “For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.”

We feel the deep sadness and loss because we love, but even in our loss God will comfort us because he loves us.

Dear Lord, comfort us in our times of sadness and loss. Help us remember that you love us and will not abandon us in our sorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness and for providing us the care we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In the account of Jesus walking on water the disciples saw Jesus walking toward them on the water and were afraid.

Matthew 14:27-31 writes, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Like Peter, why do we doubt God? It seems like a rhetorical question, but it is worth considering deeper. Jesus told Peter, “You have so little faith.” But why?

We are naturally uncomfortable with uncertainty, and when we are uncertain, we look for evidence to reduce our uncertainty. If we don’t find evidence, our human nature leads us to assume the worst. In addition, as Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12, there are spiritual forces working against us and our faith.

So what do we do to overcome our doubt? Pray for faith, read our Bibles and gather evidence from the Bible accounts demonstrating how God’s power and love supported those who trusted him like Ruth, David, Solomon, the prophets, Peter, Paul, and the other apostle’s. Also, we need to remember times in our own lives that God made seemingly impossible situations work out for us. Then take action with confidence in God’s power and His love for each of us.

Dear Lord, our fear and doubt often prevent us from living the faithful confident lives you desire for us. Help us remember to come to you and your word for the strength to overcome our doubts and fears so that we can glorify you with our courageous works. In Jesus’ name. Amen.