Paul writes, Hebrews 11:1 “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.”

Paul goes on to list many bible stories where people did great things by faith, for example, “by faith Noah built a boat to save his family, by faith, Abraham moved his family to the land God sent him, by faith Moses led the people out of Egypt”. In Hebrews 11:33,34 he writes, “By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”

In the same way, “by faith,” we can be healed of our illnesses, raise our families in Christ, witness to our friends, solve our financial concerns, and anything other hope we have in our hearts.

Dear Lord, thank you for the assurance that you will respond to our faith that you will answer our prayers. Help us know your will for us and have faith that you will answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Throughout the history of the Church, God has placed leaders in our Churches, bible studies, Sunday schools, and other Christian organizations to teach, manage, and grow the community of believers. This all started with the 12 disciples, but continues on today. Our pastors, most of whom have completed as much formal education as professionals, learn multiple languages, and submit their lives to God’s call, in order to teach and lead us. Most could have been leaders in business or government, university professors, or professionals if they had chosen.

Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”

Dear Lord, help us remember our church leaders in our prayers. Help us show our gratitude for their commitment and dedication to serving you by ministering to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many of us have had occasions in life where things looked so bad we had no idea how they could ever work out well. Then as time progressed, things changed and worked out. I like the expression, “even when we can’t see a way God can make a way.”

In Mark 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

We need to remember that no matter how bad things may seem to us, “all things are possible with God.”

Dear Lord, help us to remember that you can always make a way for things to work out for us. Help us put our trust in you and believe that with you all things are possible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many people have the wrong idea about happiness and joy. They think that something from outside them has to occur that will provide them reason to be happy; a promotion, a new car, a boyfriend or girlfriend, someone complimenting them, etc. All these things are nice, but happiness really comes from inside us; how we look at our circumstances.

Solomon writes in Proverbs 12:20, “joy fills hearts that are planning for good!” We start the process and plan to do good, and happiness and joy are the result.

Dear Lord, help us remember that our joy comes from within us. Help us plan to do good and share our joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Some say, if there was one characteristic that would make us a better people, and make our lives better, it would be gratitude.

It is hard to feel sorry for ourselves and complain when we have gratitude.  It is easier to be happy, kind, generous, friendly, and loving to others when we feel thankful for what God has given us.  

The feeling of gratitude doesn’t always come on its own.  Our thoughts start our feelings.  We all have things in our lives for which to be grateful, if we think about it.  Most of all we can be grateful for our salvation through Jesus Christ.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Give thanks for what you have while you pray for what you want. 

Dear Lord, help us live lives of gratitude which will lead us to experiencing more joy in our lives.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.