Have you ever wondered why God created people anyway? or wondered what our purpose is here on earth?

Isaiah, the old testament prophet gives us some insight into this question. Isaiah brings the message from God in Isaiah 43:6-7 saying, “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” and in verse 21 God says through Isaiah “….the people I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

So we were created by God to glorify and praise Him. When we keep God first place in our lives, there are an unlimited number of ways we can bring glory to Him.

Dear Lord, help us remember that we are here to bring glory to you, through our faith and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have heard people say how they love this thing or that, like “I love my IPhone,” or “I love my new car.” Of course this is just a figure of speech, but we need to be careful where we place our focus.

John writes in 1 John 3:17-18 “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

The expression, “Love people and use things, not the other way around,” is a good reminder of God’s direction for us.

Dear Lord, we thank you for all the wonderful things we have. Help us remember, however, to put people before things, and show our love in our actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the very difficult things in life is dealing with loss and helping others we care about deal with sorrow and loss. As painful as this is, I think this is one of the many facets of love. Even Jesus expressed this sorrow when Mary came to him weeping over the loss of her brother Lazarus.

John 11:33-35, writes, “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.”

Jesus knew Lazarus would be raised, but as truly human, he also had the same sorrow and empathy for those he loved as we do.

The book of Lamentations is believed to be written by Jeremiah after the Babylonians captured Jerusalem and took many of the Jews away into slavery. It is written about the sorrow associated with this, but even in the midst of the sorrow it says in Lamentation 3:22-23,

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” and in verses 31-32, it says “For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.”

We feel the deep sadness and loss because we love, but even in our loss God will comfort us because he loves us.

Dear Lord, comfort us in our times of sadness and loss. Help us remember that you love us and will not abandon us in our sorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness and for providing us the care we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul writes, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Some say, if there was one characteristic that would make us a better people, and make our lives better, it would be gratitude.

It is hard to be angry, jealous, feel sorry for ourselves and complain when we have gratitude. It is easier to be happy, kind, generous, friendly, and loving to others when we feel thankful for what God has given us.

The feeling of gratitude doesn’t always come on its own. Our thoughts start our feelings. We all have things in our lives for which to be grateful, if we think about it. Most of all we can be grateful for our salvation through Jesus Christ.

Give thanks for what you have while you pray for what you want.

Dear Lord, help us live lives of gratitude which will lead us to experiencing more joy in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.”

Today is my Dad’s birthday, Happy Birthday Dad! You are a tremendous example of the friendship with, reverence for, and faith in God that David talks about in the Psalm. May we all live by your example.

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. Thank you for the blessing and Christian example of my father, continue to bless him as you have. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.