Do you read biographies? You can find the stories of many famous and historic people in bookstores and libraries.

I heard an interesting description of the Book of John in the Bible, calling it, “the fourth biography of Jesus Christ.”

Though we may not typically think of it this way, the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are biographies of Jesus Christ.

The final two verses in, John 21:24-25 write, “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

The Bible is part, history book, part biography, and part instruction book, inspired by God to bring us to Jesus. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ”

Dear Lord, How wonderful it is to have the Bible, your path to hearing the Good News of Salvation. Help us never forget that the Bible is Your words, written by men. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think we have all seen those wild animal documentaries showing the predators, lions, tigers, and hyenas following a herd of prey. They wait for a young, old, or weak member of the herd to get out of the safety of the herd, and they attack that one.

In the same way, 1 Peter 5:8 tells his followers, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” The devil also looks for someone that does not have support of other Christians. The lack of support makes them easier to influence, manipulate and pull away from their faith. Having a “herd” or our group of Christian friends and family for support helps us avoid being vulnerable to attack from our enemy the devil. The best way to have a group of Christian friends is to have a church you regularly attend. The “herd” is there to help protect you, but you are also there to protect and support other members.

Dear Lord, help us all find our Christian “herd” and a church where we can feel safe and comfortable in our faith. Help us provide mutual support for each other to defend against the attacks of the devil. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all experience challenges, obstacles and even tragedies in our lives. When these things occur, God’s desire is that they bring us closer to him, and that we come to him for comfort and support.

I believe we are faced with these trials for one of two reasons. First, as James writes in James 1:2,3, “when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” God is testing us to help us grow our faith, strength, and endurance.

The other cause of trials we may face, can be our own actions and bad choices. Paul writes in Romans 1:28,29, that when people ignore him, he lets them experience the effects of being on their own, outside of his protection. “So it was that when they gave God up and would not even acknowledge him, God gave them up to doing everything their evil minds could think of. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip.”

The solution in either case is to go to God with our needs; submit ourselves to his love and direction, and we will come out of the challenge better, stronger and more confident in God’s plans for us.

Dear Lord, thank you for being there for us, help us come to you in faith, knowing that you will help us through our trials and temptations if we only ask and believe. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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.

Sometimes I catch myself spending time trying to solve issues and question as many Christians do. Personal issues, Job issues, morality issues…. I find myself tossing the issue around in my head, and discussing it with close friends and family, trying to understand. This is not a bad practice, but then I’ll stop and realize that I have not read my Bible looking for the answer.

Your Bible is the place God’s word, instructions and directions are found. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” It is not just the words on the paper. God speaks to us when we open up our hearts and minds to his word.

Remember to go to your Bible for knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

Dear Lord, you are the creator of all things. Help us remember to go to you for the answers to life’s issues, and look and listen for Your wisdom in our bibles. In Jesus Name. Amen