Psalm 73 tells a story to which many of us could relate. It deals with envy and how the author, started down the path to envy, but realized the mistake.

Verse 3, “For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives, their bodies are so healthy and strong.” Isn’t it difficult sometimes to see people who are obviously not living godly lives, and everything seems to be just fine and dandy for them. At the same time we are doing our best to follow God’s will, but scratching and scrimping to get by. His questions, just like ours, verse 11, “Does God realize what is going on?” and 13, “Have I been wasting my time? Why take the trouble to be pure?”

Then he stops and realizes how wrong this line of thought is. verse 21, “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was torn up inside…but even so, you love me! you are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel…..Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!”

How silly it is for us to worry about the prosperity of others. God gives us all that we need if we trust him. Finally in verse 26 he says, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”

Earthly prosperity will never satisfy the longing God built into us that can only be satisfied by our relationship with him. Our true joy comes from being connected to God and keeping our life anchored in him and his teaching.

Dear Lord, Thank you for being there for us when we need to be reminded of what is important. Help us keep our focus on you and you will give us the things we need in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all probably ask God for things that are beyond the bare necessities of life; Wants rather than just needs. I think God is pleased that we include him in all aspects of our lives and hears our requests, regardless of what they are. How he responds is based on his plans for us. However, when we receive what we ask, or God answers with something even better, it is important to remember that these things are blessings from God.

Deuteronomy 8:10 says, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”and verse 18 says, “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
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It is said that God gives us what we ask for, or something better. Let us be thankful in advance with confidence in God’s care for us.

Dear Lord, you hear our prayers, know our needs and know even our secret desires. Thank you for giving us all we have, all we need, and answering our prayers, in your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Throughout the history of the Church, God has placed leaders in our Churches, Bible studies, Sunday schools, and other Christian organizations to teach, manage, and grow the community of believers. This all started with the 12 disciples, but continues on today.

Our pastors, most of whom have completed as much formal education as Doctors and Lawyers, learn multiple languages, and submit their lives to God’s call, in order to teach and lead us. Most could have been leaders in business or government, university professors, or professionals if they had chosen.

Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”

Dear Lord, help us remember our church leaders in our prayers. Help us show our gratitude for their commitment and dedication to serving you by ministering to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have ever studied strategy you may have come across a few key concepts. Sun Tzu an ancient Chinese military strategist wrote the in The Art of War, that the outcome of battles is determined before they begin. Other modern military leaders have discussed that using “overwhelming force” is the only way to approach going into battle.

We must look at our daily battles in the same way. Our “overwhelming force” against the temptations of the Devil is our faith in God. Paul writes in Ephesians 6. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.”

The Devils temptations can be more than we can handle on our own, particularly the terrible temptations of addictions and psychological problems, but with faith in our Lord’s mighty power we have the overwhelming force on our side.

Dear Lord, we cannot begin to understand how powerful you are. Please help us have the faith to know that with Your help we can overcome anything. In Jesus’ name. Amen

When we are not entertaining ourselves, most of our time in life is spent trying to improve conditions for ourselves, and our loved one’s; More education, better job, business, house, more money, getting fit, healthy, investing, etc. These are all good things in the right context, but, Why are we really here?

I believe the bible tells us that we are here not just to live our lives for ourselves and then die. We are here for a larger reason, to glorify God.

God says through Isaiah in Isaiah 43:7, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”

God made us, in his image, breathed life into us, and loves us. He wants us to use the free will he gave us to acknowledge and honor him, to do great things and give Him thanks and credit, and to show his love to others so that they may come to believe in and glorify Him also.

In addition to us giving God the glory, we are sent by Jesus to bring help, hope, care and the message of salvation to others.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus says, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ultimately, I believe that God puts the dreams and desires in our hearts, and he will help us achieve these things. What he asks is that we use them to shine the light of our success on Him. By doing so, we will be giving others the opportunity to come to Him as well.

Dear Lord, what a magnificent plan you have made here for us. Thank you for putting dreams and desires in our hearts and helping us fulfill them. Help us also to remember that our success is intended for your glory, and to share with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.