There is an expression first recorded several hundred years ago that goes, “There but for the grace of God go I.” This expression was used when seeing someone who’s mistakes or bad behaviors resulted in punishment or terrible consequences. In modern language, it would be like saying, “If not for the grace of God, that could be me.” It was used when looking at someone we would normally be inclined to judge, like the panhandler, drunk driver, or shoplifter.

James says in James 4:11-12, “Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”

So when that thought comes to mind about tempting us to judge or condemn someone, we should remember, “but for the grace of God, it could be me.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for your saving grace and mercy. Help us remember that it is you working in us that allows us to believe and be saved, not anything to do with our abilities. by your grace we go. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It is hard not to be amazed at some of the new technologies that are being developed in our current world. Some of the capabilities we have developed are almost unbelievable. Some modern technologies that amaze me are, the SpaceX booster rockets that return to earth and land automatically, the ability for surgeons to perform complex surgeries through small incisions and perform heart surgeries through blood vessels, the ability to be on the other side of the world, and look at my phone to see a detailed street map with my precise location identified, and many more.

I also like to put these amazing capabilities in proper context with this text from Paul in Romans 11:33 and 36, “33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!…. 36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever!”

God created all this science for us to discover, and use to his Glory.

Dear Lord, help us remember that, as amazing as the technologies we discover are, we are only using what you have created. Let us be in awe of your majesty and omnipotence and give you the glory for what we learn to do with your creation. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Some people are tempted into believing they have strayed so far from God’s will that they cannot be forgiven and reconciled. This is a lie the devil puts in their minds.

God tells us through Isaiah 44:22, “I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.”

We need only accept the gift of Grace that God has given, to return to him. He saves us. Paul tells us in Romans 8:39, ” nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for your Grace. Help those who feel beyond forgiveness to know that you are waiting for their return. We must only accept your gift. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a concept in the art of selling, that selling the benefit works better than selling the product. Theodore Levitt a Harvard Business School Marketing Professor is known for a quote which goes, “People don’t want to buy a quarter inch drill. They want a quarter inch hole.”

What does this have to do with Christianity?

Well, Paul writes in Romans 15:2, “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” In my words, we need to help people become more faithful and active Christians.

This means we need to help them choose to do the things that strengthen their faith in Jesus, and their connection and walk with God; prayer, worship, study, faith, hope, love, and service. To do this we should take a lesson from the sales and marketing world, and show them the benefit in terms of peace, joy, and hope that a faithful and active Christian life offers.

Dear Lord, we are your messengers here on earth, give us the motivation and initiative to help build up others faith, inviting them to worship and bible study, following your lessons and demonstrating the joyful Christian life through our own lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

How often we get frustrated and beaten down by the challenges of life; whether we are trying to get ahead by working and going to school, a stay at home parent trying to keep children on track, house organized, spouse happy, and personal sanity, a single parent trying to provide for and raise children at the same time, one challenged by trama, addictions, or personal tragedies, an executive or professional with a hectic schedule competing with family priorities.

I think what Jesus was telling the crowd, and is trying to tell us, is to look to Him and place our confidence and faith in Him; He will help us have peace amidst life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, help us remember that You love us, like a caring parent with outstretched arms waiting for us to come and find comfort and security. In Your name we pray. Amen.