It sometimes surprises me when I find that a few well known Bible verses that seem to be about different topics are actually found together. One example which summarizes how we should approach challenges in our lives is found in 1 Peter 5. This chapter contains three texts that are familiar, but not always recognized to be part of the same theme.

1 Peter 5:7-11, “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I underlined the three texts that are often remembered separately, but reading them together helps us understand how to deal with difficult life experiences. First give them to God, second, while waiting for resolution resist the attempts by the devil to break your faith and your spirit, and finally know that it won’t last forever. God will bring us through.

Dear Lord, thank you for the comforting words Peter gives us. Help us take his lesson into our hearts and have confidence in your promise to take our anxieties and bring us through our trials. All Glory to you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Mother’s Day a day we celebrate and thank our mothers for the love and support they give to us.

What an amazing example God gave us in Jesus’ mother Mary. First the faith expressed when the angel came to her telling her she would be the mother of the Savior Jesus. Expressed in the words of faith in God facing the unknown. Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me as you have said.” Mary also was with Jesus through His persecution and death. How difficult that test of faith must have been for a mother. We can only imagine the strength and comfort she provided for the other followers during that time.

I am incredibly blessed and thankful to God that I have a mother like this that is a strong example of Christian faith; unselfish supporter and comforter of me and her whole family. I am also incredibly blessed by my wife who is a wonderful Christian example for our family. If you also have a mother like this here, or who is now in heaven, be grateful and use that gift to make you all the Christian you can be.

Dear Lord, thank you for the unique and special role You established for mothers. Help them cherish that special role, and help them feel our thanks for all they do and have done for us. 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.

Some people say that reading books written by successful people is like having that person as a mentor. Although you cannot have a conversation with them, you can learn a great deal by reading the ideas that they took the time to assemble. Based on this, reading Proverbs is like having Solomon, who was granted great wisdom by God, as a mentor.

I particularly like the clarity and applicability of Chapter 27 to our modern lives. Verse 21 is something to consider, “Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.”

Hopefully we all will have the opportunity to be congratulated and applauded for doing something excellent. When it happens, it is our opportunity to pass the test and humbly say “thank you”, and also share the credit with others who helped. This test is like other tests we are given in life, but feels much better than dealing with a tragedy or failure. It may not be as easy as it may appear. Being praised regularly easily can become a burden for some people to maintain their humility. Remember this is another blessing from God that can be used to bring him glory and not just inflate our egos.

Dear Lord, thank you for the wisdom of Solomon, recorded for our benefit in the book of Proverbs. Help us use it to improve our lives to be of better service to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Though it is wrong, I’ll bet we all have looked at some people and thought, “Those people need to fix their lives, it is disgraceful how they behave.”

How did Jesus approach this issue of “bad” people?

Matthew 9:10-12 says,”Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

I think we often get the sequence of events backward. Whether consciously or not, we think people need to fix their behavior first, then they can be loved and saved. Jesus teaches us the opposite; Show people Gods love first, through our example, and approach. God will work in their heart’s on his timing. Sometimes it may be just a matter of saying a prayer for the person, rather than carrying on our critical thoughts.

Dear Lord, You gave us the example to love first and lead others to the grace of God in Jesus. Help us look at others with love rather than criticism and then let you work in their heart’s. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.