We have all probably heard about the tragic killings in Florida. Evil is truly present in this world.

As difficult as it is for us as humans to understand, the answer to this evil is not vengeance, or fear, but love. It starts with the love God showed us, to receive eternal life, and continues through us with the love for each other, especially those who are left behind by the fallen, and finally the, near humanly impossible, love for our enemies like those who commit this evil.

About revenge, Romans 12:19 says, “Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.” Securing ourselves and our loved ones is not revenge, nor is finding and destroying evil, but lashing out in emotional rage is.

And fear, Luke 12:4-5 says, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.”

And love, Matthew 5:44 says, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

In John, the followers of Jesus asked What should we do? and in John 6:29 Jesus says, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.”

We cannot understand why God allows this type of evil to occur, but we pray for peace and comfort to the grieving, and hope for salvation of those who were killed.

We pray for protection from these events in the future. Though, we do not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future.

Dear Lord, we do not understand your plan, often times. Help us however to do our part by believing and trusting in you so that we will not fear, but love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The book of Joshua tells about the Israelites conquering the promised land after crossing the Jordan river; leaving their wandering in the desert behind them. There were many other people living in this land that God had promised to the Israelites, and God spoke directly to Joshua who led the people in these conquests.

Throughout the book however, there are occasions where they become successful at winning battles, and they stop waiting for God’s direction. In one circumstance, they were deceived by messengers from a land nearby, but the messengers convinced them they were from far away, showing them moldy bread they said was fresh when they left, and old wine-skins they said were new when they left to prove their lies.

Joshua 9:14, says, “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them and guaranteed their safety, and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath.”

As a result of this deception, the Israelites had promised away land that God intended for them. The key message in the verse which is also relevant for us is, “but they did not consult the Lord.”

How often do we take time to ask God for guidance before making decisions or commitments? God wants us to include him in all of our lives, as if He is walking beside us, which he is.

Dear Lord, You tell us in the Bible that you are always near us, will hear our prayers, and are ready to guide and support us if we ask. As James 4:8 says, “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Help us remember to ask for your guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have not seen a scientific study on the subject, but it seems to me that people’s expectations and attitude have an effect on how things work for them. When people tend to expect things will work out, and are optimistic, it seems like things tend to go well for them. On the other hand, people that tend to see and talk about the negative results, and tend to expect that things will not work out, tend to get what they expect.

The Bible appears to allude to this in a couple passages. Proverbs 11:27 says, “Whoever seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” Though used in a little different context, Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

As Christians, we know God loves us, and is watching over us. We also know that we are saved for eternity. With this foundation, how can we not be optimistic and move forward expecting good things.

Dear Lord, you have offered peace to those who follow you, and we should have joy knowing that you care for us. Help us move forward therefore, seeking good as Proverbs says and expect the favor you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have come to believe that most of the time that I get angry or irritated, it is because I am caving-in to temptation. Some event happens, and it is almost like someone is placing thoughts in my mind trying to get me to lose control and criticize, argue, or get angry.

When I have self-control enough to stop and analyze my own thoughts, I realize what is happening, and try to remember to say a quick prayer asking for help overcoming this temptation. It is almost like catching the “Tempter” in the act of manipulating me and beating him at the game.

James 4:7 says, “.. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To be honest, sometimes when I realize that I am being tempted to go down the wrong path, I will “tell off” the devil, under my breath. I am not sure if that does any good, but understanding and asking for God’s help definitely does.

Dear Lord, It is clear from your word in the Bible, that we are being tempted and manipulated regularly. Help us recognize and resist this temptation and trust that with You we can overcome any temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We are all born to our two parents, we don’t choose them, they made us. Just because we are born to our parents however doesn’t mean that they are going to like everything we do. In fact they may not be very happy with some of the things we do.

This is very much like our relationship with God. John 1:11 says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” and the classic verse Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

God chooses us, like our parents.

Also like our parents, however, after being “part of the family,” there are behaviors that God likes and those he doesn’t. Jesus said, in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Just like parents expecting proper behavior, God expects us to do what he desires, and what he desires is to love him, and love our neighbor. He has given us additional guidance through our consciences. Romans 2:15 says, “They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.”

In our hearts, we all know what is right and wrong.

Dear Lord, There is no greater gift, whether we all recognize it or not, than being accepted as your child and saved eternally. Help us take that as the starting point to then live lives that will bring glory to you, and “make you proud.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.