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.

Psalm 147:10-11 says, “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

I think in modern day terms, this means, God is not impressed with our success, sports cars, boats, or gadgets, nor how fit, smart or charming we are; He is happy with us when we put our trust in Him to care for us.

We think that we have to somehow earn the right to ask God for His favor and blessing, however God wants to give us his blessings. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:8, ”
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” NIV

Dear Lord, though it appears so simple, it is not always easy. Help us see the power in doing what you ask, putting our hope and trust in You. Help us take that step of faith and rely on Your promise of care. In Jesus’ name. 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.

How blessed those of us are whose parents brought us up to know Jesus Christ. Think of how it might have been if our parents did not lead us to our Savior. Who would have? How would we hear the story? Would we accept it? For those who came to Christ outside of their family, do you remember who invited you, and why you opened yourself up to Jesus?”

Paul describes these questions in Romans 10:14-15, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Most of us may be reluctant to witness, but to overcome that reluctance, think about how wonderful it would be to be the person who helped someone else become saved.

Dear Lord, thank you for those that helped us come to know and believe in you. Help us to have the courage to help someone else come to be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have had conversations with Christians who believe the doctrine, and strive to live faithfully, but when discussing God’s involvement and concern for the day to day events of their lives, they don’t believe He is involved.

I have a different view.

Psalm 37:23 says “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”

The NIV Bible describes “the godly” as “The one who delights in Him”

So I believe the Bible is clearly telling us that if we put God and His will as our highest priority and responsibility, He will be with us helping us deal with all the details of our lives.

Dear Lord, What joy it is to know that you care about all the details of our lives. We can come to you with all our challenges, and opportunities, and you will guide us. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.