Today is the 500th anniversary of what we now call the Reformation, when Martin Luther, a Catholic Monk, publicly objected to some practices of the Catholic church. and beginning what are now protestant denominations.

In the intervening years, this difference has been used as justification for all types of terrible things, done by people, that I am sure both Catholics and Protestants would consider wrong and awful. However, we also know that there have been many amazing and wonderful things done over those years by both Catholics and Protestants.

We cannot know why God allowed this split to occur, but He has.

As Christians we all put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who is our salvation. We need to look at each other as fellow Christians with the same eyes of love that Jesus demonstrated.

Paul wrote in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” He says “all who believe” and could have added, Catholic or Protestant.

Let us all remember the words written in Acts 2:21, “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Dear Lord we live in your plan and your purpose whether we understand it or not. Help us look at all our fellow believers with the love you demonstrated in saving us. Help us as one church, one fellowship of believers, to be your light and love in our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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There is a personal development expression I heard that goes, “There is no growth in the comfort zone, and there is no comfort in the growth zone.”

In a way, this is what Paul meant in Hebrews 12:10-11 where he wrote, “but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

My definition of discipline is, “knowing the right thing to do, and doing it.” God’s discipline may be helping us see the right thing so we will do it, or it may be giving us discomfort doing the wrong things until we do the right thing. Either way, the right thing is often the more difficult and uncomfortable thing to do.

When we are experiencing difficulty and challenges, we should try to think, “Is God disciplining me for some reason?” “What am I supposed to be learning from this negative experience?”

We know, however, as Paul says in Hebrews 12:6, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, He disciplines each one he accepts as his child.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for caring about us enough to discipline us. Help us see our challenges and discomforts in the right context so that we may grow and become better servants for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I remember watching documentaries about the battle of Britain in World War 2, when the city of Britain was being bombed. I recall seeing the pictures of people in the underground bomb shelters huddled together, safe from the destruction that was occurring above them in the city, and even seeing people sleeping while they waited for the attack to end. The shelter provided them safety and as a result allowed them to rest.

Psalm 91:1,2 say, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord; He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God and I trust him.”

Similar to those going to the bomb shelters, we can go to God for safety. When we trust him, he will give us peace, and allow us rest even while difficult and distressing events may be occurring in our lives.

Dear Lord, It is comforting for us to know that we can come to you for shelter from the fears and sadness in life. Help us trust you to protect us, and share the peace that in brings us with others who may not know. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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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 self-control enough 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 “Tempter” 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.

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As a parent it is often very unnerving to think of all the temptations and risks our children will face growing up. It seems like a much more troubled world than when we were children.

The bible gives us a bit of advice on how to help our children with their future, and some comfort for parents and grandparents.

One thing I have noticed to this point in raising my three is that, even though they may not act like it sometimes, what we do, and what we teach is being absorbed. It may not be apparent at the time, but if we provide the right example, and consistently teach, the message will eventually take root. Proverbs 19:18 says, “Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.” In my words, get the message to them before they need it.

If we do get the message to them, Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Finally, God told the Israelites, and us, in Exodus 20:6, “I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.” So our obedience to God affects our children, and their children, and their children.

Dear Lord, we know you love us, and want us to love you; Showing our love by obeying your direction. Help us read your word, listen for your guidance, and do your will, for ourselves, and for our children. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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