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 8:13 Jesus tells the Centurion, “let it be done as you have believed,” and in Matthew 9:28 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.

Have you ever said, or heard someone say, “who’s going to know?” just before doing something they would be embarrassed to have their friends or family see.

We have to realize that the most important evaluator of each of us sees everything we do. In Hebrews 4:13 Paul writes, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

I heard some good advice somewhere along the way. “Don’t do anything that you aren’t prepared to have printed on the front page of the newspaper.” In a way everything we do is on the front page of God’s newspaper. We would be better off if we thought about that regularly.

Dear Lord, we cannot keep anything from you. There is no hiding, rationalizing, or making excuses. You know what we have done, and our motives for doing it. Help us remember you are watching. We have no chance of meeting your standard of perfection, but if we confess and repent, Jesus’ perfection stands in our place. What an incredible gift. Help us go forward striving to do better. 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 enough self-control 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 “Temptor” 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.

You probably know someone, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t worry about things, has a general comfort that everything is going to work out fine, and are confident that God has things working just the way they are supposed to.

David writes about this in Psalm 5:11-12 saying, “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”

We all can be like those described above. If we really put or confidence and trust in God, we can be happy, regardless of our circumstances, knowing that God’s favor surrounds us and He has things under His control.

Dear Lord, thank you for caring for and protecting us when we rely on you for support. Help us demonstrate this trust in you in ways that show others your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I read a great quote today. “Those who leave everything in God’s hands will eventually see God’s hand in everything.”

God is always working around us. When we have the right perspective, we can see it. When we see it we can join in his work.

Paul writes in Philippians 2:13, “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” NLT

Lord how wonderful it is to know that you have power over everything. Help us trust in you and give you not just our fears, worries, and concerns, but also our dreams, hopes and desires, and watch you do your will which as Paul tells us in Ephesians 3:20, “is immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” For this we thank and praise you. Amen.