You have probably heard the, tongue in cheek, expression, “What ever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Jokingly referring to the fact that working very hard, and enduring extreme difficulties makes us stronger. This is often used in situations of physical challenge and endurance.

However, for the emotional and spiritual difficulties in life, what truly makes us strong and capable of enduring struggles is the love of God working in us.

In Ephesians 3:16,17 Paul writes, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” He goes on in verse 19, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

When we trust in God, and work to get closer to him, our strength to endure adversity will grow, and bring us the peace and “fullness of life” that a relationship with God provides.

Dear Lord, You are the source of strength in our lives. Through you we are able to endure all things life may bring. Help see this truth and draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.”

No this didn’t come from some “prosperity preacher” on television, it is Psalm 112:1-3

Dear Lord, help us believe your promises, and delight in obeying your commands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There are devices used in many manufacturing plants, and probably other places that require people to lift and move very heavy objects around throughout the course of their work. The devices are called a “lift assists,” and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When attached to a heavy object like an engine, the lift assist allows one person to raise the engine up and move it into position for installation into a vehicle on an assembly line, with a relatively small amount of effort.

I think this is a way to illustrate God’s power working through us. Paul writes in Colossians 1:29, “This is my work, and I can do it only because Christ’s mighty energy is at work within me.” TLB

We have to put work in to do what God desires. However, when we put in what we can, God’s power multiplies our capabilities giving us truly supernatural results.

Dear Lord, Your power is beyond our comprehension, but help us remember that you will provide us this power if we begin with what we have. You will be our “lift assist” allowing us to do much more than we could on our own. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

September 11, 2001, the USA was attacked by by people influenced by evil.

On many occasions in the Old Testament, the people of Israel were attacked by surrounding enemies, and some of those occasions were predicted by prophets God sent to try to steer the people back to Him.

We don’t know why God allowed the events of September 11 to occur, but we do know how he would have us respond.

Psalm 50:15 says, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Dear Lord, Help us come to you for help when these tragedies and evil occur. You have power over all things. Be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones during this event and the subsequent conflicts, and help us take these things as lessons to put our hope, trust, and reverence on You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

When we read our bible, there is more happening than just the words we are reading on the page. We are showing our love and commitment to God, and we are opening up for the Holy Spirit to work in us.

Paul writes in Thessalonians 1:5, “because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” Jesus said in John 14:26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” NIV

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the Bible, as a connection to you, and the Holy Spirit that teaches us and keeps us in faith in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.