The engineer inside me is routinely trying to figure out the how and why about everything. That is the mindset in many people who wonder, “If God exists, why doesn’t he just show himself and everyone would believe?” Interesting, the Bible describes how God started that way. He was right there with Adam and Eve and they still disobeyed. He was right there physically with the Israelites when He led them out of Egypt, and they disobeyed and worshiped idols. And during Jesus’ life, He did miracles, fulfilled prophecies, and most people didn’t believe. Is it reasonable to think that it would be any different today if God made an appearance?

What God really wants from us is for us to submit our lives to Him in faith. Matthew 11:25 says, “And Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!” TLB

When we submit without understanding, like a child who trusts without knowing, we are where God wants us to be.

Dear Lord, strengthen us to have child like faith in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

What is love? Pages and pages have been written about the answer to this question. For this note however, I want to narrow the question to what do we do when we love someone? Why do we drop what we are doing when our spouse or child asks for help? Why do we get up in the middle of the night when our relative or close friend calls with an emergency? Because we love them; We do what they ask.

In the same way, if we love God, we will do what He asks. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” What does he ask? Follow his instructions. Keep his commandments. Believe what Jesus says and what is taught in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 5 God says he shows his love to generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. So, if we love God, we strive to do what he tells us to do. We find His direction in the Bible, and in our conscience.

Dear Lord help us to demonstrate our love for You by striving to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

How very important it is for us to forgive others.

Jesus says in Matt 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” and in Mark 11:25 Jesus says,” And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.” NIV

When we pray, we need to take a moment and think about whether we are withholding our forgiveness from someone. If so, we need to release our animosity toward them and put it in God’s hands. This may be very difficult, but it is very important for us, so that we may receive God’s forgiveness, for which we ask.

Dear Lord, we may have been hurt or treated unjustly. There may be evil people in the world that seem unforgivable. Help us, however, follow your example of giving them what may be undeserved forgiveness, just as you gave us undeserved redemption and salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

The use of Success Coaches or Life Coaches is growing in popularity. The concept is that the “coach,” someone who has studied the techniques, behaviors, and patterns of successful people, observes their clients activities then helps and guides them to adjust and become more successful in their life or profession; much like a sports coach.

An interesting parallel can be made, that God can be our “success coach.” Psalm 25:12-14 says “Who then are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant [promise] known to them” NIV

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a coach that knows everything and can do anything, guiding our lives…..We do.

Dear Lord. Help us submit our lives to you and follow the guidance you have promised to give us if we follow. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have you ever wondered why God created people anyway? or wondered what our purpose is here on earth?

Isaiah, the old testament prophet gives us some insight into this question. Isaiah brings the message from God in Isaiah 43:6-7 saying, “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” and in verse 21 God says through Isaiah “….the people I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” NIV

So we were created by God to glorify and praise Him. There are an unlimited number of ways we can do this. When we keep God first place in our lives we find ways to bring glory to him.

Dear Lord, help us remember that we are here to bring glory to you, through our faith and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.