We all have different personalities, which make different things more and less challenging for us. For many of us, accepting criticism or correction is very difficult; whether we think it is necessary to always be right for our ego, or whether we take criticism as a question of our authority or intelligence, it can be challenging for some.

The Bible gives us some insight into this situation in a number of verses including, Proverbs 10:8 which says, “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces,” and Proverbs 20:3, writes, “Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” Finally Proverbs 9:8 says, “So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.”

We have probably all seen the “know-it-all” who can’t accept any criticism, and shouts down anyone that has a differing view, and also, the successful leader who listens with humble confidence to differing opinions, and responds with grace. Which is more like Jesus?

Dear Lord, Help us learn the wisdom and humble confidence that Jesus demonstrates for us, that we may become wiser and more useful for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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There are many reasons to attend church services regularly, to learn, worship, encourage each other, and maintain our belief and faith. It is where we actually touch Jesus through Communion.

Paul mentions the importance of coming together in Hebrews 10:24, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

The famous motivational speaker and writer Zig Ziglar, wrote, “People often say motivation doesn’t last, well neither does bathing, that is why we recommend it daily.”

Attending church is the same, we need the reinforcement, regularly, to maintain and grow our faith. It is also the place the devil will do everything to prevent us from visiting. The more regularly we attend, the stronger our resolve will be to continue.

Dear Lord, many are misled into believing that they do not need regular worship to maintain their faith. Help us see that we do need this renewal and engagement with you. Protect us from the devil’s tricks to keep us away. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Do you ever wonder what God wants from us?

Christian behavior is one thing, which is summed up in Luke 10:27, where Jesus said, “Love the Lord with all your heart soul and strength, and love your neighbor as your self.”

But that is how he wants us to act, but what he wants us to give him is described in Psalm 50:14,15 which says, “What I want from you is your true thanks; I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you and you can give me glory.”

What God wants from us, is thanks, obedience, and reliance on him, all of which will give him glory.

We do this by keeping him in our thoughts all the time as if he were our constant companion, which he is.

Dear Lord, Thank you for all the amazing blessings you have given us. Each of us have so much for which to be thankful. Help us keep you in our thoughts all the time and trust in you protection. When things go well for us, let us be quick to give you the glory. Without you, we would be lost. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think a challenging paradox or conflict in life is that dissatisfaction with something is what motivates us to improve it. When we make improvements, we make life better for ourselves and others. However, it is hard to be happy and enjoy ourselves when we are dissatisfied.

One potential solution to this paradox is to start with a thankful heart, then look at improving as a way to serve, rather than looking at things as broken and needing repair. For example, if our car is dirty and needs a wash, we could start with, “my car looks terrible, I am going to get it washed.” or we can approach it as, “It is a beautiful day, I’m going to get my car washed and it is going to look great.” It seems like a subtle difference, but it is obvious to those around us, and affects our perspective on everything.

Psalm 118:24 is a classic verse to put ourselves in that thankful mindset, “This is the day that the Lord has
made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” and, Psalm 118:29, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.”

We all have so much for which to be thankful! even if everything has room for improvement.

Dear Lord, Help us wake up and start each day remembering that we have very much for which to be happy, most importantly our Salvation. Help us show this thankful joy in our demeanor to attract others to what we have in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Yesterday in a Florida school we witnessed another example of the evil that the devil can convince men to conduct. It is easy for these things to stir up hate in us, but we must not hate. When we hate, we are being taken over by the same evil power that motivates those who murder.

How easy it is for me to say, when I did not lose loved ones in this attack. It is hard for me even to imagine loosing a child like this.

We all have heard Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:44, “love your enemies.” Paul writes in Romans 12:19, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written; “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”

Our anger should be toward the source of the evil, the devil. Our best defense and offense is a strong faith in God, who has complete control of all. Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” and verse 11, “Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord” We don’t know why God let this happen, but we must remember, He is God and we are not.

Dear Lord, Comfort those who have lost loved ones in this terrible act. We know you have control over all things, but we struggle sometimes to understand why this type of thing could be in your plans. Help us have faith and trust in you anyway, and share that faith with others. Maybe this tragedy can open hearts to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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