There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

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.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” NIV

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us remember and believe that you want to provide us good things which will also allow us to use them for your work. In Jesus’ name we pray.

The Old Testament tells the story over and over again of how God’s people followed him and things were good for them, then they became distracted away from God, self-centered, and their situations fell apart. A prophet or leader would bring them back to God, and things were good again. This theme continues over and over throughout the bible, and arguably throughout history to this day.

One of the prophets through whom God spoke was Isaiah. In Isaiah 30:18 Isaiah says “Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love; He will conquer you and bless you, just as he said. For the Lord is faithful to his promises. Blessed are all those who wait for him to help them.” The NIV version puts it this way, “..the Lord longs to be gracious to you”

Think of it like this. Your favorite store is giving away merchandise to anyone who shows up and asks; no charge; no fine print. However, they are not advertising or promoting the event, you have to show up to find out. That is what God is telling us. God is just waiting there for us to come to Him, and he will show us His love and blessing.

Dear Lord, Help us understand and appreciate that you are always there, waiting for us to come to you in faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Mother’s Day we celebrate and thank our mothers for the love and support they are to us.

What an amazing example God gave us in Jesus’ mother Mary. First the faith expressed when the angel came to her telling her she would be the mother of the Savior Jesus. Expressed in the words of faith in God facing the unknown. Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me as you have said.” Mary also was with Jesus through His persecution and death. How difficult that test of faith must have been for a mother. We can only imagine the strength and comfort she provided for the other followers during that time.

I am incredibly blessed and thankful to God that I have a mother like this that is a strong example of Christian faith; unselfish supporter and comforter of me and her whole family. If you also have a mother like this here or who is now in heaven, be grateful and use that gift to make you all the Christian you can be.

Dear Lord, thank you for the unique and special role You established for mothers. Help them cherish that special role, and help them feel our thanks for all they do and have done for us. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Some people are born “Sales People,” they have no trouble spending lots of time trying to convince someone else of their idea, sell them their product, or in the case of Christianity, walk through the neighborhood knocking on doors telling people the Good News. Praise the Lord for those folks! For the rest of us, the idea of being “pushy” with our faith seems impolite and overbearing.

Good news for us introverts, the bible tells us that just living as a good example is witnessing. Among other passages, 1 Peter 2:12 says “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he returns.” In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter writes ” always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope you have.”

So one way to witness is to live as a good example and be prepared to talk about your hope and faith when you are asked.

Dear Lord, help us feel the immortal value of our hope in you and be anxious and prepared to share it with others when the opportunity arises. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

How often have we faced a situation where we knew what we should do, but had trouble controlling ourselves and doing the right thing? It might be something simple, like skipping desert, working out rather than watching TV, or going to Church rather than sleeping in. It might also be something very serious like avoiding a cigarette for a quitting smoker, a drink for an alcoholic, or drugs for an addict.

Paul says in his letter to the Philippians that he has the secret to being content in “any and every circumstance,” verse 4:13 he writes “for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” TLB

What he is saying is that he doesn’t have to carry the burden of his struggles. Christ carries the burden, allowing him to handle anything, even torture and death for his beliefs which he endured.

Dear Lord Jesus, help us have the knowledge that we can do all things and handle anything if we put our faith in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.