Hopefully we have all experienced a person who amazes us with their exceptional work and performance in their job. For example, the sales person who knows just how to find you exactly what you were looking for without being pushy, the service technician with a bright smile and polite “yes sir” “yes ma’am”, the contractor who proudly strives for perfection, meticulously cleans up, and patiently explains everything to his customer, or the doctor or nurse who, with angelic like compassion and tenderness, cares for the dying patient. These people not only bring great credit on themselves, they make their employers and organizations look good to those who see their service.

In much the same way, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that we are the “light of the world,” and to “let your light shine before others, that they will see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.” When we do good, we are bringing credit (glory) to God, who we follow.

I have heard it said this way, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” We have an opportunity every day to demonstrate Gods love to those we contact.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that our actions demonstrate what Christians are, to people around us. Help us do good and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Repent…..John the baptist preached it “repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”

What does Repent really mean? In Matthew 3:8 John said “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” NLT Repenting is our recognition of our sins, and our sincere apology that we cannot consistently obey God and overcome our sins and temptation to sin. We need to continuously remember this, and at the same time rejoice and be grateful for the Grace of Jesus who took the entire blame and punishment for our sins.

The acknowledgment of repenting makes the blessing of foregiveness so much more personal and powerful.

It is like pleading guilty, being sentenced to life in prison without parole then immediately being pardoned and celebrating freedom.

This is the Joy of Salvation!

Dear Lord Jesus our Savior we repent of our sins and our sinful nature. Thank you for saving us from the misery we deserve and giving us the peace of foregiveness and Salvation. Amen.

The engineer inside me is routinely trying to figure out the how and why about everything. That is the mindset in many people who wonder, “If God exists, why doesn’t he just show himself and everyone would believe?” Interesting, the Bible describes how God started that way. He was right there with Adam and Eve and they still disobeyed. He was right there physically with the Israelites when He led them out of Egypt, and they disobeyed and worshiped idols. And during Jesus’ life, He did miracles, fulfilled prophecies, and most people didn’t believe. Is it reasonable to think that it would be any different today if God made an appearance?

What God really wants from us is for us to submit our lives to Him in faith. Matthew 11:25 says, “And Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!” TLB

When we submit without understanding, like a child who trusts without knowing, we are where God wants us to be.

Dear Lord, strengthen us to have child like faith in you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

What is love? Pages and pages have been written about the answer to this question. For this note however, I want to narrow the question to what do we do when we love someone? Why do we drop what we are doing when our spouse or child asks for help? Why do we get up in the middle of the night when our relative or close friend calls with an emergency? Because we love them; We do what they ask.

In the same way, if we love God, we will do what He asks. In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” What does he ask? Follow his instructions. Keep his commandments. Believe what Jesus says and what is taught in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 5 God says he shows his love to generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. So, if we love God, we strive to do what he tells us to do. We find His direction in the Bible, and in our conscience.

Dear Lord help us to demonstrate our love for You by striving to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

How very important it is for us to forgive others.

Jesus says in Matt 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” and in Mark 11:25 Jesus says,” And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.” NIV

When we pray, we need to take a moment and think about whether we are withholding our forgiveness from someone. If so, we need to release our animosity toward them and put it in God’s hands. This may be very difficult, but it is very important for us, so that we may receive God’s forgiveness, for which we ask.

Dear Lord, we may have been hurt or treated unjustly. There may be evil people in the world that seem unforgivable. Help us, however, follow your example of giving them what may be undeserved forgiveness, just as you gave us undeserved redemption and salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen