You may have heard it said, “God gives you what you pray for or something better.” People who put their faith and trust in God can believe this and see it in their lives. People who do not believe often only see the times that “bad” things happen to people who believe in God, and use this to question believers.

Psalm 25:14 in the Living Bible translation describes one reason why this happens, “Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.” It sheds some light on why people who don’t believe cannot understand faith.

When we first put our trust in God, surrender ourselves to his will, we then can know that he is guiding and protecting us. It may not be exactly in the ways we want or ask, but we know his ways are better. David says in Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation–so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the confidence we can have that you are always there for us. Help us share this faith with others so that they may come to you and experience this confidence that leads to peace. 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 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.

In Matthew 18:4-6 Jesus says, “So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

In verse 10 Jesus says, “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”

“Their angels” it says. As one of the Bible verses supporting the belief that people have guardian angels, this verse gives an awesome and comforting vision that there are angels standing in God’s presence responsible for helping individual believers.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance provided in this passage that you care for us, and assign your angels to look out for us. Help this give us the comfort and confidence. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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.

Though many times we feel we are struggling through challenges alone, barely hanging onto hope of rescue. We must remember, God knows. He is there with us and will bring us through in the best way for us.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” Psalm 91:14-15

Dear Lord, thank you for always being with us and supporting us in our troubles. When things seem hopeless, remind us to call on you, and believe your promise to rescue us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.