We all have those times that we wonder if God really knows what is going on in our lives. Does he actually care? Does he know how important this test, sale, treatment, or interview is to me? How important it is to my family? my business?

We can read Isaiah 40 and get some comfort and assurance that God knows even more than we do about our situations and what we need.

Isaiah 40:28-31 says, “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 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.”

God knows. He cares. Trust Him.

Dear Lord, we cannot begin to appreciate the magnitude of your power and awareness. You know everything that has happened to us, and everything that will happen to us. Help us have the peace that comes from trusting You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have been in the military or been to a military award ceremony, you have probably heard these words, “… the actions of [recipient] reflect great credit upon himself and the US Air Force [or other service] …” These are the words at the end of the citation that goes along with a medal received by a service member. The citation is typically read aloud in the presence of the service member’s organization.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:15-16, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Jesus is saying that as Christians, we are carrying around the reputation of all Christians and the perception others have of our God. We should be examples of the love Jesus Christ showed us with his sacrifice, and our actions should reinforce the love Jesus shows all those who accept him. As a result, our actions should, like the award citation says, “…reflect great credit on Jesus Christ..” who we represent.

Dear Lord You are the ultimate power and love. Help us show this to others through our belief in you for our needs, and reflection of your love, so that we may bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Here we are in a new year, 2016. What a great time to recognize and revisit what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Our new life began at that point we became believers in Jesus Christ. This was prophesied by God through Ezekiel in Ezekiel 36:26, “And I will give you a new heart – I will give you new and right desires – and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love.”

Let us look at this new year as an opportunity to live as the new people God made us, and exercise the hearts of love God has given us.

Dear Lord, thank you for new days and new years for us to use as a starting point to refresh and renew the lives we should live. Help us leave behind the old ways that did not follow your will, and live with a renewed commitment to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Here is the last of a few messages I am writing on 2 Peter 1:3-9 (click to read) preparing us for our new year’s resolutions.

In the previous messages we read about how God gives us everything we need to live the life he desires for us, and he had given us promises that allow us to overcome our temptations and human desires that are in opposition to His will for us. Verses 5-7 list the characteristics we should strive to develop Faith, Virtue, Knowledge, Self-Control, Persistence, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, and Love for Everyone.

Peter says in verses 8-9, “If you have these qualities and they are increasing, it demonstrates that your knowledge about our Lord Jesus Christ is living and productive. If these qualities aren’t present in your life, you’re shortsighted and have forgotten that you were cleansed from your past sins.” GW

We should work to grow these qualities and use them to serve God. Why serve? Because we love him in response to his love for us. Psalm 145:20 says, “The Lord watches over all those who love him.”

Dear Lord, In this new year, help us develop our Christian character and abilities so that we make and achieve resolutions that serve you in our day to day lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Happy New Year!

Here is the third of a few messages I am writing on 2 Peter 1:3-9 (click to read) preparing us for our new year’s resolutions.

The previous messages talked about how God gives us everything we need to live the life he desires for us, and he had given us promises that allow us to overcome our temptations and human desires that are in opposition to God’s will for us.

In verses 5-7 Peter writes about the characteristics we should strive for in response. “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.” NLT

So in the new year we can all set our foundation for specific resolutions on:
Faith – That we are saved, and that God is there to support and encourage us.
Moral Excellence – the RSV Bible uses the word Virtue, some other versions use Goodness. In my words, “striving to do the right thing.”
Knowledge – Proverbs says, the “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge” so put our trust in God’s word before man’s words.
Self Control – All personal achievement begins with self control. When we feel we cannot keep ourselves on the right track, let us remember to ask God for help.
Patient Endurance – Also known as Persistence. Essential for accomplishing our objectives.
Godliness – A demeanor that keeps us focused on God.
Brotherly Affection – The close caring for our Christian family.
Love for Everyone – I like the expression of looking at others with the “eyes of love.” Rather than seeing everyone’s faults. Seeing them as God’s children in need of our support to be what God wants them to be, as well.

How wonderful it would be if we all set our foundation on these attributes.

Dear Lord, as we begin a New Calendar Year, thank you for your guidance, promises, and support. Help us establish our foundation on You so that we may set and achieve goals that glorify You. Give us your peace this year. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.