The use of Success Coaches or Life Coaches is growing in popularity. The concept is that the “coach,” someone who has studied the techniques, behaviors, and patterns of successful people, observes their clients activities then helps and guides them to adjust and become more successful in their life or profession; much like a sports coach.

An interesting parallel can be made, that God can be our “success coach.” Psalm 25:12-14 says “Who then are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him. He makes his covenant [promise] known to them” NIV

Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a coach that knows everything and can do anything, guiding our lives…..We do.

Dear Lord. Help us submit our lives to you and follow the guidance you have promised to give us if we follow. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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.” NIV

So we were created by God to glorify and praise Him. There are an unlimited number of ways we can do this. When we keep God first place in our lives we find ways to 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.

Sometimes I catch myself spending time trying to solve issues and question as many Christians do. Personal issues, Job issues, morality issues…. I find myself tossing the issue around in my head, and discussing it with close friends and family, trying to understand. This is not a bad practice, but then I’ll stop and realize that I have not read my bible looking for the answer.

Your bible is the place God’s word, instructions and directions are found. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” It is not just the words on the paper. God speaks to us when we open up our hearts and minds to his word.

Remember to go to your bible for knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

Dear Lord, you are the creator of all things. Help us remember to go to you for the answers to life’s issues, and look and listen for Your wisdom in our bibles. In Jesus Name. Amen

Though some don’t like to think of it, the bible clearly states that the devil and his spirits are around trying to destroy us.

1 Peter 5:8-9 says “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary, the devil, prowls around looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.”

The devil is trying to separate us from our God; condemning us to damnation. He has many methods to deceive us and distract us to get us to sin. Then when we do sin, he tries to make us feel so much shame that we don’t believe we can be foregiven.

Resist. The devil is no match for us when we have God with us. Pray for protection. Accept the foregiveness and salvation of Jesus. Live in the peace and joy that can only come through faith in Jesus.

Dear Lord protect us from the evil ways of the devil, so that we may live our lives focused on serving your purposes. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you noticed that sometimes when we are facing a difficult decision something occurs that makes it very clear how God wants us decide. A comment in the sermon on Sunday, a simple verse you come across in the bible. Often, however, it is not clear to us what God’s wants is to do. Try asking for a sign.

In Genesis 24 the bible tells the story of Abraham’s servant who was sent to find a wife for Abraham’s son Isaac. The servant had no idea how to determine which woman to approach, so he prayed for a sign. First he asked God for success in his task, then he asked that the right woman would answer his request for water from the well, and offer water for his camels. God gave him the sign and success, and Rebekah was found and became Isaac’s wife.

We should take a lesson from this story, and use prayer and our relationship with God and ask for signs that help us successfully do His will.

Dear Lord, like Abraham’s servant, we pray for success in our tasks and signs to help us know your will for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.