I recently heard the expression, “Life happens for you, not to you.” This is a mindset that helps us see the positive in life’s events.

Some people have an easier time believing this idea than others, but it is consistent with the well known Bible passage Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

And Romans 5:3-5 tells us that even our difficulties are for our good, saying, “we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”

So life does happen for us. We should look for what God is doing for us, to make us better, in all life’s events.

Dear Lord, you are always working on, us if we let you. Help us find the lesson you have for us in all of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think that sometimes, difficult things happen to people because God is trying to get their attention and draw them to him. He gives them things that are too big to handle on their own, as motivation to turn to him.

Revelation 3:19-20 says, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

God’s “rebuke and discipline,” which we may experience as struggles in our lives, are examples of him knocking at the door. When we let him in, he will help us through these trials.

Dear Lord, We know you want us to include you in our daily lives. Help us see our struggles as you knocking at our door to join us and help us through and overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the key principles of success is knowing what you are trying to accomplish. Whether it is getting an A on a test, achieving a sales goal, or winning a sporting event, starting with an objective is part of the process.

In some ways this is how God expects us to approach Him. In Matthew 8 Jesus tells the Centurion, “let it be done as you have believed,” and in Matthew 9 Jesus’ asks the blind man if he believes Jesus can make him see, before he heals him.

There are a number of instances like this in the Bible, with God teaching us that we should be ready to receive.

Psalm 81:10 says, “For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.”

It is quite clear to me from these and other texts, that our part in receiving from God is believing he has the power to provide us anything we can imagine, if he chooses. If we don’t believe He can, we are not doing our part.

Dear Lord, You have control over all things. Help us remember your awesome power, and not let our lack of belief limit Your work in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy”

What comes to mind when you think about what it is to be “like God?” Is it the perfectly behaving, boring, judgmental, Christian character from some TV situation comedy?

Actually the stories of Jesus, who is our model of God as human, show that he was nothing like that stereotype. He was humble, controversial, and intelligent but primarily the distinguishing characteristic is his love; Love for all types of people, including the outcasts, lepers, and immoral in society of his time.

In contrast to the stereotype, the actual picture we should have in our minds of being “like God” is that of one who humbly loves all, especially those who seem most “un-lovable.” One who searches out those who need God’s love most.

1 John 4:16 says, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that he objective is not to make ourselves perfect for our own benefit, it is to be like you and share your love with those we can. When we do, we are becoming part of your love in the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard the expression, “sleep on it,” used to recommend waiting overnight to make a decision.  Often when presented with a dilemma that I cannot seem to solve, I will intentionally wait until the next morning to make the decision.  I attribute the benefit of this to having a clearer mind after a night’s sleep.

However,  Psalm 16:7 writes, “I will bless the Lord who counsels me; he gives me wisdom in the night and tells me what to do.” TLB

It could be that it is not only a good night’s sleep and a clear mind that help when waiting overnight;  It may be that God is helping us with our decisions and dilemmas. 

Dear Lord, when we trust you, you are with us in many ways.  Help us remember to come to you with our challenges and you will provide us wisdom and guidance.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.