Listen For Understanding

The more we study the Bible and God’s plan, the more we realize the gaps in our understanding. Jesus tells us however in Mark 4:22, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.”

In order to learn and understand, we need to take the time and effort to study. Jesus continues in Mark 4:25, “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the understanding of your plan that you have given us. Help us continue to listen to your teaching by reading and meditating on your word. In Your name we pray. Amen.

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Its Not Random

It is easy to think that events in our life are mostly random. Simple things like, whether the traffic light stays green or turns red right before you get there, or more significant things like running into an old friend you haven’t seen in many years, narrowly avoiding an accident, and unfortunately, difficult and tragic events as well.

However, I believe that events are not random, there is an order and meaning for the events in our lives. In some cases, God is influencing events for us, in some cases, we are doing things that create positive or negative consequences for ourselves, and other cases we don’t know and will never know the reason. However, I believe there is a reason, and no matter what is occurring, God can and does influence each of our lives.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 13:29-31, “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

When difficult and tragic events occur in our lives and those we love, it is hard to accept that God knows and allows these things, but we can take comfort in what Jesus says, “don’t be afraid” God cares about each of us and those we love.

Dear Lord, we thank you that our lives are not random, You have power over all things, and care about each of us. Give us peace in this knowledge, and help us put our cares and concerns in your hands. In Jesus name. Amen.

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A Path For God’s Love

You may have heard it said, that “We are God’s hands here on earth.”

1 John 4:12 says it like this. “But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.”

When we love God, and love others, we become a path God can use to show his love to others, through us.

Verse 15 goes on to say, “All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.”

Dear Lord, As believers we know that you live in us, Help us let your love work through us and touch all those we encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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The Past Belongs To God

I have read that excess focus on the past can cause depression. We have probably all done things in the past that we wished we would not have done. In some cases, thoughts of these past actions, may constantly trouble some of us.

As Christians, we no longer need to think about or dwell on these past actions.

Paul writes about the new covenant we have with God through Jesus Christ, in Romans 8:12. He writes, “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”

Jesus Christ took the burden of our sins for us. Repent, and let him have it.

The past is not yours it belongs to God.

Dear Lord, What peace and joy we have knowing that you took the burden of our past failures on yourself, and we no longer need to carry this. Help us truly repent and accept your saving grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Our Enemy The Predator

I think we have all seen those wild animal documentaries showing the predators, lions, tigers, and hyenas following a herd of prey. They wait for a young, old, or weak member of the herd to get out of the safety of the herd, and they attack that one.

In the same way, 1 Peter 5:8 tells his followers, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The devil also looks for someone that does not have support of other Christians. The lack of support makes them easier to influence, manipulate and pull away from their faith. Having a “herd” or our group of Christian friends and family for support helps us avoid being vulnerable to attack from our enemy the devil. The best way to have a group of Christian friends is to have a church you regularly attend. The “herd” is there to help protect you, but you are also there to protect and support other members.

Dear Lord, help us all find our Christian “herd” and a church where we can feel safe and comfortable in our faith. Help us provide mutual support for each other to defend against the attacks of the devil. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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