You have probably heard people In sports, music, writing, art, and probably other activites talk about being in “the zone.”  “The zone” is meant to describe a state of concentration and focus that allows you to perform exactly the way you like, smoothly, flawlessly.  

In some ways, there is a “zone” we can get into spiritually, where we feel like we are smoothly moving along a path on which God is guiding us.  It is a great feeling, unfortunately it gets interrupted by our own mistakes, and sometimes God’s challenges for us. 

I think this is what Romans 12:2 is describing when Paul writes, “….change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants—what is good, pleasing, and perfect.”

Changing the way we think is using God’s template, outlined in the bible as our model, rather than the template  that happens to be popular with people.  

Dear Lord, thank you for sending your spirit to us to help and guide us.  Help us renew our minds and hearts focusing on you and your will, so that we might get “in the zone,”  Your zone.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.  

The King James Version of the Bible includes the words “Fear Not” 71 times. Whether it is God speaking to Moses from the burning bush, or the angel appearing to Mary telling her she would be the mother of Jesus, or Jesus speaking to John in his vision in Revelation, or one of the many other occasions, it is spoken often to those who trust God.

What gives us the ability to overcome our fear in frightening situations? I believe it is looking at the “bigger picture”, or having confidence in something larger than the source of the fear, that makes the difference. For example, learning to ride a bike as a child may be frightening, but with a parent right their preventing the wipe-out, the child can overcome his or her fear. Or speaking in public, stepping back to put the event in context and look at the “Big Picture” helps us realize that whether it goes well or not does not determine our value, and is just one of many steps in our lives.

In 2 Timothy 1:7-8, Paul is explaining the larger power to Timothy, and giving him encouragement to be bold in spreading the Good News, saying, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.”

We probably all would have our own picture of the combination of Power, Love, and Self Discipline in the same person, the Knight in Shining Armor, the ER Nurse, or many others. What Paul is saying, however, is each of us is the picture of Power, Love, and Self Discipline, when we rely on the spirit God gives us.

Dear Lord, We thank you for giving us the spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Help us remember that when we rely on you and your spirit in us, we can be bold and live our faith without fear, no matter what happens. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all face challenges, frustrations and tragedies in our lives, and while we are on earth we will never really know why. However, I am coming to the belief that the reasons may boil down to one of two things. “Self-Inflicted” We disobey God’s direction with our behavior, and he lets us receive the consequences of our decisions. Or, “Tests and Trials” God is challenging us to make us stronger in our faith, or testing us to verify we will rely on him and respond the way he would have us respond.

For example of “Self-Inflicted”, we cheat on our taxes and end up getting audited, or cheat on a test and get caught. “Tests and Trials,” we find out we owe taxes, or we didn’t have time to study for the test. God is waiting to see what we will do. This is our challenge, will we trust God and be honest, or will we look for the dishonest short cut. If we trust God, He can always find a way to help us, he’s God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.”

Dear Lord, We see your mercy and grace on those who trust you, if we look for it. Help us realize that if we follow your guidance, and put our trust in you, we will avoid the “Self-Inflicted” problems in life, and you will coach us through the other “Tests and Trials.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Surrender: Definition – to give oneself up into the power of another.

The picture we usually have in our minds when we think of the word surrender, is the white flag of one side in a battle, surrendering to the other, with the likelyhood of unpleasant consequences like imprisonment, or execution.

However, I believe surrendering is what God is really asking of us. He is asking for us to give ourselves up to his power, but different from surrendering to our enemy, we are giving ourselves up to someone who loves us and wants what is best for us.

Psalm 37:7 in the God’s Word translation writes, “Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.”

Dear Lord, You are the ultimate power and love. Surrendering ourselves to you gives us great comfort and strength. Help us keep that in our minds so we will have the strength to do your will and the comfort of knowing that you have us in your care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever wonder how and why when you see people who’s stories describe them going from completely “anti-Christian” to incredibly devout productive Christian authors, pastors and evangelists.

The most obvious from bible times was Paul who God turned from persecuting Christians to being instrumental in the rapid growth of the early church.

Some others are CS Lewis, the author of many Christian books including the Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity, and many others. He writes of being an atheist until his 30’s then God used him to write some of the best non-fiction Christian books and Novels.

Another interesting person that made a dramatic conversion is an author named Lee Strobel, a Yale educated lawyer and journalist, who was an avowed atheist until his wife became a Christian. He began researching Christianity in order to disprove it to his wife, and found himself accepting Christianity. He has subsequently written many Christian books including, The Case for Christ, and The Case for a Creator, evangelical programs and speaks on Christianity and Evangelism around the world.

It is truly amazing what God can do with people. In Phlippians 2:12,13 Paul writes, “..Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. It is God working through these people and us that makes the difference.

Dear Lord your power is amazing. Help us never forget how, if it is your will, you make dramatic changes in people that we would never expect. Help us obey you and give us the desire and power to do your will, as well.. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.