I have not seen a scientific study on the subject, but it seems to me that people’s expectations and attitude have an effect on how things work for them. When people tend to expect things will work out, and are optimistic, it seems like things tend to go well for them. On the other hand, people that tend to see and talk about the negative results, and tend to expect that things will not work out, tend to get what they expect.

The Bible appears to allude to this in a couple passages. Proverbs 11:27 says, “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” Though used in a little different context, Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

As Christians, we know God loves us, and is watching over us. We also know that we are saved for eternity. With this foundation, how can we not be optimistic and move forward expecting good things.

Dear Lord, you have offered peace to those who follow you, and we should have joy knowing that you care for us. Help us move forward therefore, seeking good as Proverbs says and expect the favor you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The old testament law prescribed specific types of sacrifices to be made for different sins, burnt offerings,sin offerings, trespass offerings, different offerings for intentional and unintentional sins, and many other variations. In addition, it specified how each animal was to be prepared for the sacrifice, and what had to be done with all the parts. Many of the details are written in Numbers 15. I imagine the priests in the temple were constantly working on preparing and conducting sacrifices. This was very serious and important activity for people at the time, as they strived to follow the directions God had given them.

We can only imagine how dramatic a change it must have been for the Jews after Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples were preaching and teaching that these sacrifices were no longer necessary. Jesus’ had became the one and only sacrifice for all sins.

Hebrews 10:14-18 says, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.”

This text references back to prophesies of Jeremiah that there would come a time when the sacrifices would no longer be required. This prophesy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, you are the sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. We no longer are required to offer sacrifices, we only need to accept your sacrifice in order to be forgiven and made right with God. Work in our hearts to accept this gift with gratitude and confidence. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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A couple years ago a bald eagle moved into my neighborhood. I usually see it once or twice a month flying along the coast of the lake nearby my home. One morning, driving to work, the eagle flew along the shoreline about 50 feet above the lake right along the path I was driving, for almost 5 minutes. I was amazed that it did not flap its wings for the entire time. It soared effortlessly, like it could continue for hours.

In a familiar verse, Isaiah uses this beautiful image of the eagles’ flight to describe what our lives can be like when we put our trust in God. He writes in Isaiah 40:31, “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.”

Dear Lord, your power is unmeasurable to us, but you provide it to those who trust in you. Help us remember to come to you for strength, endurance, and renewal. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Do you know people who are just cheerful, upbeat, and cooperative all the time? Or at least all the time you encounter them? It could be a coworker, checkout person at the grocery store, the UPS or FedEx person, or a relative. Though sometimes you may wonder how they can be so upbeat all the time, isn’t it nice to interact with that person?

Paul tells the Christians at Philippi, in Philippians 2:14-15 to have this demeanor, saying, “Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”

Complaining is essentially telling others about our problems, and having some indirect expectation that someone else is responsible to solve them for us. God tells us we will have challenges, to make us stronger and better, and he will help us overcome them. When we complain, we are displaying our dis-belief in God’s promises and his power.

As Paul says, we should be striving to live clean innocent lives, and be that cheerful, upbeat, cooperative person that others wonder about.

Dear Lord, You know we are weak and struggle to follow your guidance in our lives. Help us improve. Help us believe your promises of support, guidance and protection, so we will live confident, cheerful lives and be the shining lights in this world that you intend us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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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.

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