The other day, I saw a short video of some “bully-proofing” techniques a martial arts organization was teaching young children. The technique began with looking the bully in the eye, and telling him or her that they are not going to let themselves be bullied. Their training went on to include other defensive techniques, but it started with displaying resistance and confidence.

This is somewhat like how the Bible tells us to act in the face of the devil’s temptation.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”

James 4:7 tells us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ”

With God, we can overcome anything the devil may throw at us.

Dear Lord, you have power over all things, including the devil. Help us have the confidence in your power and support to stand firm and resist the devil, so he will depart from us as promised. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Have you ever had someone say something to you that just made your day? Someone you respect tells you “you look great,” or “what you are a doing is amazing and is making a great improvement.” On the other side of that coin, you may have heard people say things that seem to ruin your day.

We need to remember that we are often that someone who is making or ruining someone else’s day, by what we say.

There are many references in the bible about the power and importance of words. James writes in James 3:3-5 “We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.”

A few of the many references to the power of words in Proverbs are: Proverbs 15:4, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit,” 13:3, “Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything,” and 12:18, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.”

What if you had an unlimited amount of money that you could only use to give to others? Wouldn’t you use it to improve their lives? In ways, that is what we have with our words. We have an unlimited account of words which we can give to others and impact their spirit. Let’s use them for good.

Dear Lord, we thank and praise you for the wisdom you provide us in your word. Help us control what we say so that we can be a “tree of life” and “bring healing” with our words. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, the remaining Israelites in Judah were taken into slavery by the Babylonians, and Jerusalem was destroyed. 70 years later, they were allowed to return, led by their leader Zerubbabel.

Against all odds, criticisms and harassment by neighboring peoples, Zerubbabel leads the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 4:6-7 tells us, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!”

I think the lesson for us in this story is; When we strive to do God’s will, and dedicate our activities to him, our success doesn’t come because of our “force or strength,” but by the God’s Spirit at work.

Paul has a similar message in 2 Corinthians 5:7 saying, “for we live by faith, and not by sight.”

If we stop and look, we will see occasions where God has made things happen according to his plan, against the odds and obstacles.

Dear Lord, help us remember to put your will first, and have faith that when we do, your Spirit will overcome all obstacles. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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There is an age, maybe 4 or 5 years old, where children seem to be just amazed about everything. When someone captures their attention, they will listen intently, with respect, to learn all they can. They believe what they are being taught and ask questions out of curiosity not suspicion. It is truly amazing to watch.

In Mark 10:14,15, Jesus tells the disciples , “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

We need to approach our Christian faith in this way. With humble curiosity, and a desire to learn and accept.

Dear Lord, help us let our guard down, and come to you with the faith of a child. Help us believe your teaching and promises with curiosity not suspicion. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Many of us have experienced the situation where we expressed our opinion rather strongly in a discussion or debate with someone, then realized we were wrong, but are reluctant to admit we are in error. Our reluctance is usually due to our ego, we don’t want to admit we are wrong, and will come up with all kinds of twisted logic to avoid admitting we are wrong. When we do finally concede our mistake, it actually is a relief knowing we don’t have to defend an untruth any longer.

In a similar but more important way, 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Holding on to a belief that we are “good” is a delusion. Peace comes from confessing our failure to God, and accepting his forgiveness.

Dear Lord, what peace it provides knowing that when we confess our sins, you forgive them. We do not need to rationalize or debate, just repent and accept your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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