We all know that God created us with a free will to choose. There is a constant battle going on inside each of us; a battle between our desire to choose to obey God and do what is right, and our desire to choose to follow the “self-centered” desires that the world would have us believe is the way we should be.

Think of all the modern day social issues that revolve around the “right” and “freedom” to do things that are clearly wrong according to God.

Paul writes to the church in Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Dear Lord, please help us use the freedom you gave us to live lives that glorify you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We all have had those experiences where we say or think, “I just can’t take it anymore” Whether it is a difficult situation at work, overwhelmed with the housework, homework, challenging people, struggling with finances, addictions, or health problems. When we want to give up, what we really need to do is to give our problems over to God.

God wants us at the place where we submit ourselves and our plans to Him. Ideally we can do this without needing to get to the end of our rope, but many times the only way we get the message is when we have no place else to go. Paul tells us, however, what God told him in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God said, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

When we are weak and discouraged is when God’s power is “made perfect”, we need to as 1 Peter 5:7 says, “cast all your cares on Him, for he cares for you.” In our weakness, God’s love and power will be there.

Dear Lord, help us to remember that we don’t have to wait until we want to give up in order to come to you and surrender ourselves, but when we do come to that low point, we thank you that your grace and power will be right there for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I heard an interesting way to think about and approach issues in the world. “Look at the world through the lens of the Bible, rather than looking at the bible through the lens of the world.” The point being, that we should take the Bible as the infallible truth, and be suspect of ideas we hear in the world that contradict what we read in the bible. So often we are led in the other direction; dismissing the Bible based on worldly “knowledge.”

Yes, there are mysteries in nature, and incomplete details in the bible accounts of history, that we have yet to understand. However, it is most important to put our faith in the right place, God and his word, and be skeptical of seeming contradictions that are “discovered,” particularly when they are “discovered” by people who reject that God exists.

Psalm 111:10 says “The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Romans 1:19-20. “For the truth about God is known to them instinctively; God has put this knowledge in their hearts. Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day”

Dear Lord give us the faith to believe your word first and use the intelligence you gave us to explore and understand your creation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

It has become pretty clear in recent medical studies, that stress is dangerous to our bodies. Not only does it raise our blood pressure, it causes other changes in our systems that deteriorate our physical condition. It is interesting that this phenomenon was written about in Proverbs thousands of years ago.

Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” NIV So how do we eliminate stress in our lives? We can also find directions for this in the bible. Romans 8:6 says, “Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace.” TLB

When we search for God’s guidance, and surrender ourselves to God’s will by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can be at peace knowing that the one who controls everything is also helping us.

Dear Lord, help us surrender our concerns to your power, and follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance so that we may have peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

Psalm 31:19 says “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.” NIV

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us remember and believe that you want to provide us good things which will also allow us to use them for your work. In Jesus’ name we pray.