In modern times people use the expression “keeping up with the Jones’,” to describe how people worry about how they compare to someone else, whether their income, the car they drive, size of their house, position at work, or many other ways. Our human perspective makes us believe that winning these “competitions” makes us “better.”

However, God tells us through Paul’s writing in Galatians 6:4, “Let everyone be sure that he is doing his very best, for then he will have the personal satisfaction of work well done and won’t need to compare himself with someone else.” TLB

Our motivation should not be the “competitive spirit”, it should be the satisfaction of doing, and being, our best. God has made us each unique, and gave us unique skills, talents, interests, and personalities. He tells us that the important thing is to do our best with them.

Dear Lord, thank you for the unique people you have made us. Help us make the most of what we have, and in doing so, we give glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Jesus says in Matthew 6:7-8, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Pagans do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

This text is followed by Jesus explaining to pray what we now call the Lord’s Prayer.

I timed myself praying the Lord’s Prayer, and it took 25 seconds.

In Matthew 26:40, Jesus scolds the disciples for not being able to stay awake while He prayed for “only one hour.”

If God already knows what we need, and we do not repeat our requests over and over, what does one do when praying for an hour? Maybe most of the time is to listen for God’s answer and guidance.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that prayer is our connection to you, not only for us to talk to you, but for you to talk to us. Help us take the time to quietly wait for your messages. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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What is love? Pages and pages have been written about the answer to this question. For this note however, I want to narrow the question to what do we do when we love someone? Why do we drop what we are doing when our spouse or child asks for help? Why do we get up in the middle of the night when our relative or close friend calls with an emergency? Because we love them; We do what they ask.

In the same way, if we love God, we will do what He asks. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” What does he ask? Follow his instructions. Keep his commandments. Believe what Jesus says and what is taught in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 5 God says he shows his love to generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. So, if we love God, we strive to do what he tells us to do. We find His direction in the Bible, and in our conscience.

Dear Lord help us to demonstrate our love for You by striving to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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Personal development coaches and motivational speakers often will say “believe you can or believe it cannot, either way you are probably right.” It is an interesting phenomenon that your belief has an effect on the outcome.

The Bible describes a similar situation in Matthew 13. Jesus arrives in his hometown, and people question how this son of the local carpenter could be so knowledgeable and be able to perform miracles. Rather than opening their hearts and having faith, the people are skeptical and resistant. Verse 58 says “He (Jesus) did not do many miracles there, because of their lack of faith.” Are we the skeptical and resistant, or do we have the faith and belief that God can and will do miracles in our lives?

Dear Lord, help us with our unbelief and give us faith in your unlimited power. In Jesus name we pray. Amen

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There is an expression I have heard from some veteran public figures, which is, “Don’t read your own press clippings.” The reason is that they don’t give you an accurate picture. You are not as bad as your critics say, and you are not as good as your fans may say.

It is interesting that thousands of years ago Solomon wrote in Proverbs 27:21, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.”

It is arguably more difficult to maintain one’s priorities and character when everything is going great and people think you are amazing, than it is when things are going terribly. When people praise us, it is easy to let it build up our egos, and make us begin to feel superior to others. Before this happens, we should think about where our ability to succeed originates. God gave us the talents and opportunities to allow our success. We should direct the glory toward him.

I have noticed this frequently with some Christian athletes, who make an obvious gesture to point toward the sky after a great play, giving God the credit and thanks for their successful performance.

There is a Latin phrase that I like to keep in mind when I do something “praiseworthy.” Soli Deo Gloria, which means to God Alone the Glory.

Dear Lord, You gave us the ability to achieve. Help us pass the test of being praised, and remember we are not better than others, we are blessed by you. In Jesus name. Amen.

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