By the grace of God, I have not experienced personal tragedies and turmoil that I know some of you may have, and I pray that God comforts and supports you in those very difficult times.  There have been times in my life, however, where things have been so overwhelming and outside my control, that I just finally threw my hands up and said, “God, I don’t know how this is going to work, but please take over.”

When I do, things seam to turn out fine.  Things work out, and usually it doesn’t seem so overwhelming afterward.

My challenge for myself, and for you, is to do the same when things are going well.  This is really how God wants us to live.  He wants us to surrender to his power, and just as importantly, to his love, trusting in him rather than ourselves.  When we do, we are giving him the opportunity to demonstrate himself in our lives.

Psalm 31:19 says, “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”

Dear Lord, If we truly believe you had the power to create the entire universe, how can we not live in awe of you.  Help us surrender our will and plans to you in our thoughts, and trust that you will demonstrate your power and love in our lives, showing us the abundant good things you promise.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:26-27, “In your anger do not sin, Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, an do not give the devil a foothold.”

Paul is saying that when we get angry, we are making the devil’s job of tempting us easier. When we are angry aren’t we more likely to swear, or lie, or take something that we do not deserve, steal?

There are many things in life we should avoid to keep from “giving the devil a foothold.” Things like to much alcohol, watching TV programs and movies that condone or glorify sinful behavior, and socializing with people that we know we probably shouldn’t.

We should take a moment and think about whether we are setting ourselves up for temptations that we may not be able to control.

Dear Lord, we cannot always avoid temptations, but help us make good decisions that make the Temptor’s task more difficult, not easier. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Somewhere along the way I read a quote that has stuck with me. “For each important action you take, ask yourself if you would be embarrassed if it were published for all to see.” I find this a good rule by which to live and it helps me avoid making bad decisions.

Solomon tells us a similar rule in Ecclesiastes, but it is not just embarrassment we need to fear. The bible tells us that we will have to account to God for everything we do.

In Ecclesiastes 11:7-9 he writes, “It is a wonderful thing to be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in every day of life, but let him also remember that eternity is far longer and that everything down here is futile in comparison. Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything you do.”

There are so many wonderful things that God has put on earth and in our reach, and so few that we are told to avoid, let’s follow God’s guidance.

Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings and opportunities we have in life. Help us enjoy these good things and avoid the temptations to do those things we know are wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

“Just Do It”, “You’re in Good Hands,” “Built Tough,” “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” “What’s in your wallet?”

These are all slogans from, well known, marketing campaigns.

God has a marketing plan too. It is us.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 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.”

Our behavior as Christians should be an attraction to others. How we treat our family, friends, and others, how we deal with difficulties, and even how we deal with success should demonstrate the confidence, peace and joy that being saved and believing in Jesus provide.

Dear Lord, how we live our lives is the first exposure others have to Christianity, and it either creates an opportunity for us or others to share your Good News, or gives people reason to resist you because of us. Help us be the light that shines and attracts people to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box

Does your life look like what is described here in Galatians 5:22, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

If so, Praise the Lord! Take on the mission to spread this fruit of the Spirit with others.

For the rest of us, Luke 11:13 tells us to ask for God’s spirit, “.. how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”

Dear Lord, When we look for that missing thing that will make us happy, help us remember that it is You. Give us your spirit so that we may experience lives of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. And use these gifts to spread your Good News and glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Click Here – to Receive These Messages Every Morning In Your Email Box