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

The writer, poet, philosopher, Henry Thoreau wrote, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” This idea is taught in many fields to describe how committing to a goal or objective then moving forward with perseverance will eventually to success. Many teach and believe that when you follow this process, people and events seam to materialize to help you succeed.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2 and references the prophet Isaiah, “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.'[ref. Isaiah 49:8] Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation”

Similar to the earthly success concept, that forces in nature try to help us when we commit to achieve, We know for sure that God will hear us and be there for us at just the right time to support us in our faith journey.

Dear Lord, help us remember to commit to our faith journey with you, knowing that at just the right time, you will be there for us to support, guide and lead us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I recently read a book that was separated into three sections, Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise.

I thought it would be interesting to look at what the Bible says on these subjects.

Healthy, Proverbs 3:8 says, “Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.”

Wealthy, Psalm 128:1,2 says, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

Wise, Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom”

Dear Lord, help us remember to center our lives on You. You are the source of our health, wealth, and wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is not uncommon for us to pray and ask for God’s help when we encounter those difficult and frightening events in life. Even people who have no time for God under normal circumstances will go to God in prayer for intervention when they are in trouble, and that is a good thing. God loves us all and maybe He is using the troubles to help people reconnect or return to Him.

What about when things are great? How common is it for us to go to God when things are going well for us; When we get promoted, get a big bonus, child gets a scholarship, we ace a difficult test, play a great round of golf, or have a great day at the park or beach with our family.

James writes in James 5:13 “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.” NLT

In those great times of life, we need to take time out and give praise and thanks to God who controls all and gives us all that we have.

Dear Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers when we are in trouble. Thank you also for the many incredible blessings you have given us in our modern lives. Most of all praise and thanks to you for your grace and mercy shown through Jesus Christ our Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.

Something that often is mentioned by people who become Christians as adults is their thoughts that living a Christian life would mean that the fun in life will be over. They had the misconception that the fun things in life are in conflict with a Christian life, which is a lie the devil wants us to believe.

A truly fun, joyful and fulfilling life is one that is based on love, trust, hope, integrity, discipline, contribution, and faith, not the short sighted and temporary pleasures we are tempted by, that result in long term disappointment and regret.

Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Christians have the same challenges that come with being human, but we have the peace of knowing that we have a purpose in following Christ, the power of God defending and protecting us, and most importantly, we have eternal life after this physical life is over.

Dear Lord, Help us share the peace and joy of a life that puts our hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.