Do you ever notice that people who are true professionals and outstanding performers in their field embrace difficult challenges? Professional athletes enjoy a very difficult workout or practice, scientists and academics enjoy challenging and technical problems to solve, musicians enjoy the hours of work to master a piece of music. The opposite I am sure you have also seen, the people who are always trying to cut corners, cheat, and avoid facing up to the challenge.

In many ways, this is like James describes in James 1:2-4, where he writes, “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.” TLB

To master our lives as Christians we need to face our difficulties and temptations the way Jesus taught us to with faith, prayer, and confidence; knowing God is right there with us and these tests are helping us master our Christian lives.

Dear Lord, it is hard to be happy during the difficulties and temptations we face, but help us remember to use the things you teach us, faith, prayer, and confidence in your love for us, to face our difficulties. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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There is a power in what we say. It is like putting our signature on a contract. We can have a contract in front of us to purchase a car, or sell our house, or purchase a business, and that document many have been drafted in great detail with every contingency considered, but until we sign it, it has no power.

I think in some ways our beliefs are like this. We can think about what we believe, and know all the related scriptures, but when we say it out loud, we are putting the power in our belief.

Jesus tells the disciples in Matthew 17:20, “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

When we say negative things like, “I can’t figure this out,” or “I always get this wrong,” “I am a terrible test taker,” “I am bad at math,” “I am always late,” we are putting power into these beliefs, and keeping ourselves in those holes.

Paul says in Philippians 4:13, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” If we believe this, we should say things like, “Lord willing, I will get an A,” or “I will get accepted to that school,” “I will make the sale,” “my friend will accept my offer to come to church with me on Sunday.”

Saying what we believe, out loud, strengthens our faith and shows our commitment, which is one reason we say the creed every Sunday. “I believe in God the Father Almighty…..”

Dear Lord, our power comes from you. Help us believe that we can do all things through you, and say so with our words. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think there are two types of belief for Christians. First, and most important, is the belief that Jesus Christ is God, and that his death and resurrection are the ransom for our salvation.

or many of us, the second belief is the hard one. That is the belief that God knows and cares for each of us, and He can and will intervene in our and other’s lives.

Jesus tells the Father of a demon possessed boy in Mark 9:23, “Everything is possible for one who believes.” I believe the father’s reply is what we often feel, when we want and hope for something badly. He says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

When we believe, we act with confidence, and expect God will intervene and make things work out.

Dear Lord, Help us with our unbelief. Help us realize that you want us to believe with confidence, and expect your answers to our prayers. For your answers, favor, grace and salvation, we thank you Lord. Amen.

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Paul Writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “Stay away from every form of evil.” It is so much easier to do the right thing when we are not exposed to the temptations that pull us away. Is it easier to control our cursing and swearing if we avoid people who regularly curse and swear? What about TV shows and Movies, radio programs, blogs, web sites. How about controlling our behavior after a few drinks, late into the night? or our thoughts after seeing TV and movies depicting improper sexual activities?

By avoiding the evil in the first place, we set ourselves up to do the right things. Stop and think about what you are exposing yourself to, and ask if you are following Paul’s guidance.

Dear Lord, help us control our exposure to evil, so that we may better do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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This morning in the United States, there are many happy voters, and many disappointed voters.

Regardless of which of these groups we may be in, we know where our confidence should rest.

Psalm 33:20-22, Says, “We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for your hand in our world. Help us keep our faith and hope in you, in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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