Everyone has something to be thankful for. Taking a moment out to think about these things, and be thankful, actually helps our view of life. It is impossible to be bitter, angry, or negative when we are being thankful.

Not only, however, should we take time to be thankful, we should think about who to be thankful to. Other than the specific things people do for us, the major things in life are provided by God. Things like, the beauty of nature, the magical balance of the forces of nature, the ability to think, feel, learn, and reason, the ability to love, and be loved, so many things that only God can provide.

Psalm 50:14-15 says, “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” and verse 23 says, “.. giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the amazing blessings you provide to all of us. May we bring our thanks to you to honor you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Many of us have experienced the situation where we expressed our opinion rather strongly in a discussion or debate with someone, then realized we were wrong, but are reluctant to admit we are in error. Our reluctance is usually due to our ego, we don’t want to admit we are wrong, and will come up with all kinds of twisted logic to avoid admitting we are wrong. When we do finally concede our mistake, it actually is a relief knowing we don’t have to defend an untruth any longer.

In a similar but more important way, 1 John 1:8-9 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Holding on to a belief that we are “good” is a delusion. Peace comes from confessing our failure to God, and accepting his forgiveness.

Dear Lord, what peace it provides knowing that when we confess our sins, you forgive them. We do not need to rationalize or debate, just repent and accept your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

People that do “good,” or that strive to do what they understand is God’s direction for them typically are not doing that because they expect some reward. However, it is interesting what Paul writes in Galatians 6:9,10 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

I think there are two messages for us in this verse. First, we will receive blessings for doing good. Second, the blessings will come at the right time for us. We may hope and pray for certain things, but they may not be good for us now. If we keep striving to do what the Bible teaches, and not give up as Paul says, God will give us the blessings we need at the “right time” for each of us.

Dear Lord, we know you are watching each of us, and know our needs and desires. Help us keep doing your will, being blessings to others. Thank you for blessing us in your time. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many may be familiar with this quote from Theodore Roosevelt, known as “The Man in The Arena,”

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

I think this quote has some parallels to Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:8-12,

“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say,“If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”

Roosevelt encourages us to strive, try things, get out of our comfort zone, and not be the critic of others. Peter tells us the arena in which we are to strive is our relationships with each other, following Christ’s example, of love, humility, shunning evil, and searching for peace.

Dear Lord, in this arena on earth, you set the standard for us to follow. Help us take on the challenge, not being the one criticizing others, but the one who strives to take the high road of love, humility, and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you exercise regularly and read about health and fitness routines to keep yourself healthy? Do you take vitamins and manage what you eat? These are good things to do, as it says in 1 Corinthians 6 our bodies are the Lord’s temple, and we should, as it says in verse 20, “glorify God in our bodies.”

But even more important than our health and fitness routine, is trusting in God’s wisdom and doing what he tells us. Proverbs 3:7,8 says, “Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” NLT

Dear Lord, help us turn away from those evil things we know we should avoid, and follow your will in our lives. Help us look to your word in the Bible, and believe your promise for the healing and strength. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.