Throughout the history of the Church, God has placed leaders in our Churches, bible studies, Sunday schools, and other Christian organizations to teach, manage, and grow the community of believers. This all started with the 12 disciples, but continues on today. Our pastors, most of whom have completed as much formal education as professionals, learn multiple languages, and submit their lives to God’s call, in order to teach and lead us. Most could have been leaders in business or government, university professors, or professionals if they had chosen.

Paul tells us in Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”

Dear Lord, help us remember our church leaders in our prayers. Help us show our gratitude for their commitment and dedication to serving you by ministering to us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many of us have had occasions in life where things looked so bad we had no idea how they could ever work out well. Then as time progressed, things changed and worked out. I like the expression, “even when we can’t see a way God can make a way.”

In Mark 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

We need to remember that no matter how bad things may seem to us, “all things are possible with God.”

Dear Lord, help us to remember that you can always make a way for things to work out for us. Help us put our trust in you and believe that with you all things are possible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many people have the wrong idea about happiness and joy. They think that something from outside them has to occur that will provide them reason to be happy; a promotion, a new car, a boyfriend or girlfriend, someone complimenting them, etc. All these things are nice, but happiness really comes from inside us; how we look at our circumstances.

Solomon writes in Proverbs 12:20, “joy fills hearts that are planning for good!” We start the process and plan to do good, and happiness and joy are the result.

Dear Lord, help us remember that our joy comes from within us. Help us plan to do good and share our joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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 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.

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

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.

Sometimes reading different bible translations helps with our understanding of the message, or gives us a different way of looking at it.

The New Living Translation NLT of Psalm 37:3 gives us a great and concise formula for how we should live and a promise of the outcome. It says, “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.”

This is a pretty simple and straight forward message by which to live.

Dear Lord, help us truly put our trust in you and be good, by sharing your love with others. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.