Most have heard the account recorded in Mark 5 about Jesus casting the demons out of the man and into the herd of pigs. It is a clear example of Jesus’ power over evil, but there is another part of the story I think is important for us.

Mark 5:18-20 writes, “As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.”

Jesus told the man to go and tell about what God has done for him. What about us? How often have we prayed for safety for ourselves or loved ones when traveling, or prayed for resolution of a medical problem, relief from a financial challenge, or success in our business, or other requests that have come to pass. Do we go and tell others the great things God has done for us, or do we attribute it to chance?

Dear Lord, you protect, provide, and save us every day. Help us remember to tell everyone what you have done for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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7/24/17
11/17/18

We have probably all heard about superstitions of some professional athletes, and performers. Things they do that they think bring them good luck, like a special clothing item worn at every performance, or a special food prior to performing, or a particular ritual on the field, court or stage.

In Bible times, people would come up with rituals and rules, often about what type of food to eat or not to eat that would give someone special favor from God.

Hebrews 13:8-9, “Paul writes, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”

We too should remember that there is no secret formula for getting special treatment from God. We just put our faith and trust in Him, and he will lead us and protect us.

Dear Lord, it is easy for us to be distracted by the idea that we can follow a special rule or ritual and we will get lucky, or receive a special blessing. Help us turn from those temptations, and put our trust in you. When we put our faith and hope in you, you will guide our lives. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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We know that God is all powerful. He created all things, from the magnitude of the universe, to the complexity of our bodies; he performed incredible powerful miracles like the great flood, the plagues in Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea to the many miracles Jesus performed, like raising Lazarus from death, and casting out demons. We know from the story of Job that the devil is subject to God’s permission and authority. Who would question whether God could strike anyone on earth down at any time, or wipe out anything man could build with a single act of Nature. God’s Power is Awesome!

At the same time, 1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is Love.” God is love…the magnitude of this is also difficult for us to understand. The most compassion, care, empathy, sympathy, sacrifice, we can feel or express is just a drop compared to God’s love, because God is Love.

Together, how can we not submit ourselves to God’s will, knowing that by doing so, we are supported and protected by the ultimate power and cared for by the one who defines love.

Dear Lord, Let us take both comfort, and strength in knowing that You are Power and Love, and you love us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I recently heard the expression, “Life happens for us, not to us.” This is a mindset that helps us see the positive in life’s events.

Some people have an easier time believing this idea than others, but it is consistent with the well known Bible passage Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

And Romans 5:3-5 tells us that even our difficulties are for our good, saying, “we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”

So life does happen for us. In all life’s events, we should look for what God is doing for us, to make us better.

Dear Lord, you are always working on us if we let you. Help us find the lesson you have for us in all of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

The author of this proverb, likely Solomon, was obviously not writing about our physical heart, but that part of our consciousness that controls our moral outlook, strongest feelings, and our passions. It is also the part of us that can be manipulated into false beliefs.

I think what the Proverb is telling us is that our heart, this moral consciousness, must be controlled by our mind, our conscious decisions and disciplines, not the other way around. By guarding or hearts from manipulation we stay in control of our lives, and even better, we direct our passions to the noble pursuits God desires.

Dear Lord, we are each beautifully and wonderfully made, but unless we follow your design for ourselves, we can be misled away from your will. Help us guard our hearts so that we will use them to bring passion and energy to your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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