It is so uplifting to see people put their faith in God and overcome their afflictions, fears, challenges or use their faith to excel and do great things.

I can only imagine that this was how Jesus felt in the story of the Centurion in Matthew 8. Roman soldiers were not what people expected when thinking of followers of Jesus Christ, but Jesus showed how, no matter who one is, it is the faith that matters.

The soldier’s servant was paralyzed and suffering. When Jesus asked if the Centurion wanted Him to come and heal the servant, the Centurion said he knew all Jesus had to do was say so and his servant would be healed. Jesus, knowing the heart of the soldier, said in verse 10, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” and in verse 13, “Go, Let it be done just as you believed it would.” NIV

We don’t have to be great “church-people” to believe God can bring us out of miserable situations, overcame debilitating fears, and even give us success in our endeavors. We need to have the faith in God’s power and ability to do anything.

Dear Lord, help us have the faith in you to know without a doubt that you can do anything. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have probably all seen those cartoon situations showing the character in the midst of a decision between right and wrong, and a little angel sits on one of his or her shoulders encouraging the right action, and a little devil sits on the other shoulder encouraging the wrong alternative.

This is very much the situation that goes on in the lives of Christians. It is described in a number of places in the bible, including Galatians 5:17 where Paul writes “The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” TLB

It is our challenge to follow the spirit rather than our nature, but as written in Romans 8, “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.” We are not on our own, we need to ask for help.

Dear Lord, help us follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance and reject the temptation of our nature to do wrong and go against your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it said, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans. Though it is important for us to be responsible people, have goals and plans, and work diligently in our activities, sometimes God steers us in directions we did not expect. Often these unexpected directions have tremendous impacts on our lives, sometimes for just a couple minutes or hours, and sometimes for our whole lives.

Solomon, considered to be the wisest man in history, wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:4-7 “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. God’s ways are as mysterious as the pathway of the wind and as the manner in which a human spirit is infused into the body of a baby while it is yet in its mother’s womb. Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will. It is a wonderful thing to be alive!” TLB

With joy, we need to live every day of our lives looking for the direction God has for us.

Dear Lord, help us live in the joy and expectancy of your involvement in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

How often we get wrapped up in the stress of life, or the problems we encounter. It is easy to get bitter, jaded, and frustrated. It is at those times we need to remember the Joy of Being a Christian. Yes the joy of salvation and eternal life, but also the joy of knowing that we are loved and cared for by the ultimate power in the universe.

Jesus says in John 15:9-11 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. When you obey me you are living in my love, just as I obey my Father and live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!” TLB

So when those challenges and frustrations of life come around, step back and take a breath; remember Jesus loves you and wants you to be happy and joyful. He is bigger than any problem we may have and can carry us through.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that you love us. Help us use this knowledge to overcome the negatives and experience the joy you promised. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

How often we get frustrated and beaten down by the challenges of life; whether we are trying to get ahead by working and going to school, a stay at home parent trying to keep children on track, house organized, spouse happy, and personal sanity, a single parent trying to provide for and raise children at the same time, one challenged by trama, addictions, or personal tragedies, an executive or professional with a hectic schedule competing with family priorities.

I think what Jesus was telling the crowd, and is trying to tell us, is to come to Him and put our confidence and faith in Him; He will help us have peace amidst life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, help us remember that You love us, like a caring parent with outstretched arms waiting for us to come and find comfort and security. In Your name we pray. Amen.