Prior to being betrayed and arrested, Jesus prays as recorded in the gospels including John 17. He prays asking that God’s will is done, he prays for his disciples, and He also prays for each of us.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:20-21

He prays that we would be one with him, and be a way to bring the world to believe in Jesus and the salvation he brings.

Dear Lord, as Jesus prayed, may we be in you so that the world will believe you are the Savior. Amen.

You have probably heard this expression. If not, the point is that you have more success persuading and influencing someone if you are nice.

Paul talks about using a similar approach with people. In 2 Timothy 2:25,26 Paul writes, Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them, they are more likely, with God’s help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan’s trap of slavery to sin, which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God.”

When we are discussing scripture and doctrine with others, we need to be patient and kind. We are not alone, God is working on them as well. Our message may not be accepted at the time, but we may be one step in their path to the Lord.

Dear Lord, help us have the confidence to present your word to others, courteously, as Paul says. Help us realize that we don’t need to “win” the argument, just present your truth as we understand it. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

We have probably all known someone, or have seen someone on television or the internet who defends behaviors that are immoral and self destructive, and the people are vehemently opposed to Christian morality, and religion in general. This is not new to our modern times, it was written about thousands of years ago in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:3 says, “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”

The challenge for us is knowing how we respond to a person like this. Arguing is not the solution, but the Bible gives some guidance.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And Peter says in, 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

Dear Lord, Help us live lives that glorify you and result in people asking us why we have a unique hope; Hope in You. When they do, help us to be ready to share our faith with gentleness and respect. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I am sure there are some clothing styles and patterns that each of us are familiar enough to pick out on people; The Burberry plaid scarf, the Carhart work jacket, the Gucci shoes, the Canadian Goose coat, and probably many others.

Paul writes in Romans 13:14, “C
lothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

How would we pick out someone wearing that style?

He writes in Romans 13:8, ”
Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.”

I would say then, that clothing ourselves with Jesus Christ would be recognized by the unmistakeable love shown to all those we encounter.

Dear Lord, help us wear your presence so it is recognized by others as the love we show those around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a funny, but insightful perspective about success that goes, “you don’t wait for all the traffic lights to be green before leaving your driveway.” The point is that there will always be unknowns in our path that we cannot anticipate, but we need to begin anyway.

This concept may have originated with Solomon’s teaching in Ecclesiastes. He writes in Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 “Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.”

We need to have our plan, then get moving, and adapt, with God’s help, as we proceed.

Dear Lord, as Solomon says, you do all things, and we cannot understand the intricacies. We do know that you love us and with are us through it all. Help us act with confidence in your care and live our lives as good examples for you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen