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.

In Matthew 18:4-6 Jesus says, “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

In verse 10 Jesus says, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

“Their angels” it says. As one of the Bible verses supporting the belief that people have guardian angels, this verse gives an awesome and comforting vision that there are angels standing in God’s presence responsible for helping individual believers.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance provided in this passage that you care for us, and assign your angels to look out for us. Help this give us the comfort and confidence. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Is there someone and someplace that just makes you happy even thinking about. For example, walking on the beach with your spouse, playing games around the table with your children, playing with your grandchildren, spending time with your friends, or even playing with your dog or cat. Just being around them brings you a feeling of joy.

In a similar way, Psalm 16:11 says about God, “… in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When we can truly experience God’s presence in our lives, we can feel the peace and joy that He promises. In order to get closer to God’s presence, we do like James writes in 4:8 “Draw closer to God and he will draw closer to you.”

Dear Lord help us do those things that draw us closer to you, reading your word and putting it into practice, that we may experience the fullness of joy you promise. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

In Matthew 5:44 Jesus tells us to “love your enemies.”

It takes a very mature and self-controlled person to actually care about someone that he or she despises, his or her “enemy.”

Proverbs 24:17 also says, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.” again, very difficult.

Proverbs 25:21-22, has a little different perspective on the effect of loving or being kind to our enemies, that is almost humorous. It says, “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads and the Lord will reward you.”

The Bible is clear that we are not to seek revenge; God reserves that role. However, being nice to our enemies may allow us to get the same message to them but from a caring spirit, in the way God directs.

Dear Lord, thank you for the minds you have given us that allow us to overcome our feelings and forgive those who have wronged us. Give us the strength to take the more mature and higher path and love those who do us wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A common expression heard during conversations with recent graduates, and by coaches and motivational speakers is “Dream Big” I agree, that we often underestimate the possibilities in our lives.

I think Paul was telling us something similar in Ephesians 3:20, writing “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Jesus also says in Matthew 21:21-22, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

This text is difficult, because I am sure we all have prayed for things that did not go as we asked. However, there is no better place to bring our requests and put our hope than in God’s power and love for us. I believe that when we pray, God will give us what we ask or something better.

If we honestly look, we can see times in our lives that God is accomplishing infinitely more that we may have thought was possible. We need to believe in this his normal way.

Dear Lord help us to come to you with our big dreams, with big prayers, and believing in you infinite power. All for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.