In modern times we make a distinction between our brain and our heart as the separated places where we think rationally, our brains, and feel emotionally, our heart. In ancient times, they had a different understanding. The brain may have been where information was received and processed, but the heart was where it was considered, evaluated and put to use.

Proverbs 4:20-23 writes, “My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

St. Benedict expressed this text in a beautiful way, “Incline the ear of your heart. Receive willingly and carry out effectively your loving father’s advice.”

Dear Lord, it is difficult for us to open ourselves up fully to your advice. Our preconceptions, prejudices, pride, and fear fight against it. Help us open up the ears of our hearts to receive your wisdom and direction. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today in America we celebrate Thanksgiving, which officially became an national holiday in 1863 by decree of Abraham Lincoln. However, a day of Thanksgiving was established in 1789, as a proclamation by George Washington, first President of the United States, our country, which was established by Christians.

Here is the introduction to Washington’s proclamation.

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:”

It is hard to even begin to list the things we have to be thankful for in America. God has truly blessed us, and as a nation of Christians, America has been an amazing blessing to the rest of the world as we share the love God gave us through Jesus Christ.

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.”

Let us remember, not just to be thankful, but to whom we are being thankful.

Dear Lord, You have showered blessings upon all of us. We live lives of comfort, convenience, and abundance. Help us remember to be thankful to you for these blessings, and use them to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it recommended that we schedule vacations and special events on our calendar’s several months in advance. The expectation of this pleasant experience in our future can give us enjoyment each time we think about it.

In the same way, the hope and expectation of our salvation should give us tremendous peace as we live our lives.

Paul says in Romans 15:13, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the hope of our salvation with you. May we live our lives in the peace and joy that this hope brings. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think Philippians chapter 4 is a great one stop place to get encouragement as a Christian. It is hard to believe Paul wrote this while he was in prison in Rome.

The NLT Bible translation calls this chapter “Words Of Encouragement”

Here are the lessons to follow to get yourself on track listed by verse in Philippians 4.

Verse:
4. Rejoice in the Lord always!
5. The Lord is near.
6. Do not be anxious but in all things pray and ask God with thanksgiving.
7. God’s peace will guard your heart.
8. Think on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy
9. God will be with you.
12. Be content and at peace in good times and troubles.
13. You can do this through Christ who gives you strength.
14. Help other’s in their troubles.
15. Thank others for their help.
19. God will meet your needs.
20. Do this all to God’s glory
21. Greet each other in Christ.
He concludes and I will also with, “May God’s grace be with you. Amen”

Do you ever feel like there is something in your life that you know you should not do, but you don’t know if you will have the discipline to keep yourself from giving in to the temptation? It could be something like sticking to a diet, or quitting smoking, or something more serious like avoiding stealing, or being faithful to a spouse. There are times where we may not trust our own discipline, but we know we can trust God.

The New Testament book of Jude says in verse 24, “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy”

There are some things we cannot do on our own, we need God’s strength to keep us from “stumbling” and bring us through the temptation. Like holding the hand rail when walking down snow or ice covered stairs; We hold on to something strong and stable to keep us from falling.

Paul describes this situation in 2 Corinthians 12, speaking about a temptation that he faces, but doesn’t identify particularly. He calls it his “thorn in the flesh.” He says in verses 8-9 “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

When we don’t think we have the strength to overcome, God’s strength is at it’s best.

Dear Lord, what peace it brings to those who know that your strength is always there for us to draw from and rely on. When we feel like giving up our resistance, and giving in to temptation to do the wrong thing, help us remember to turn to you and trust in your strength to overcome. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.