Paul writes in 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.” TLB

There is a scene in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indiana Jones is standing on the edge of a gorge. He is looking at a diagram in an ancient book that indicates a bridge should be there, but there is no bridge. After studying the ancient document, he believes he has it figured out, that the only way to find the bridge is to step into the abyss, and the bridge will appear. Without seeing, he must act.

In the same way, Jesus’ teachings in the Bible are our ancient map, and in order to see the support God promises us we must to step forward in faith.

Dear Lord, often it is very difficult for us to take that first step of faith we know you want us to take, whether it is volunteering in our church, inviting a friend to worship, witnessing to someone in need, or putting our tithe in the offering plate, we all have a step we could be taking. Give us the courage to take the step and experience the joy of trusting you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You probably know the story of Cain and Able, the first children of Adam and Eve. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Able’s offerings were looked on with favor by God, but Cain’s were not. Cain was angry and ended up killing Able.

An interesting part of the story written in the Bible before Cain kills Able is in Genesis 4:6,7. “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” NIV

The lesson for us is that we need to strive to do what is right. When we do not, we are making ourselves more vulnerable to sin and temptation, which is “crouching at our door.” We are told to “rule over it” which we can do with God’s help.

Dear Lord, Help us stay on the right path, and strive to do what is right, so we can “rule over” the temptations to sin. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

Yesterday was the Super Bowl; The final championship game for the season in American Football. An estimated 100 million people watched the game on television. It was a great game to watch, with the some of the best players in the sport performing at their best. However the most amazing moments, for me, came during the interviews after the game. The players recognizing and giving glory to God for the opportunity and success was inspiring.

Paul writes in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation.”

What amazing witnesses and great examples these men were when given the opportunity to share their faith before the world. If we were interviewed in front of 100 million people would we have the faith and courage to do the same? How about at work, the gym, or coffee shop?

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us these great examples who are not ashamed of their faith in you. Help us follow their leadership. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many professions require routine training in order to keep up with the latest technology and techniques, or just to maintain important skills. Doctors and Nurses, teachers, programmers, pilots, and many others have regular requirements for training and testing.

In a similar way, it is important for us to continue our study of God’s teaching in the Bible to reinforce the knowledge, learn more, and give God the opportunity to connect with us through his word. Obviously we will not lose our license to be a Christian if we do not keep studying, but Hebrews 2:1 says, “So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.”

The important message for us is getting in the habit of regularly reading and listening to the “truth,” the good news in the Bible.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us the truth in your word, the Bible. Help us read and listen carefully so that we do not drift away. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Somewhere along the way I read a quote that has stuck with me. “For each important action you take, ask yourself if you would be embarrassed if it were published for all to see.” I find this a good rule by which to live and it helps me avoid making bad decisions.

Solomon tells us a similar rule in Ecclesiastes, but it is not just embarrassment we need to fear. The Bible tells us that we will have to account to God for everything we do.

In Ecclesiastes 11:7-9 he writes, “It is a wonderful thing to be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in every day of life, but let him also remember that eternity is far longer and that everything down here is futile in comparison. Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything you do.”

There are so many wonderful things that God has put on earth and in our reach, and so few that we are told to avoid, let’s follow God’s guidance.

Dear Lord, thank you for the many blessings and opportunities we have in life. Help us enjoy these good things and avoid the temptations to do those things we know are wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.