How easy it is for us to jump on the bandwagon and join in when we hear people criticizing someone we don’t particularly like, or gossiping about someone’s bad behavior.

Paul writes to the Ephesians in chapter 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” NIV

It is important not only that we don’t join in, but we should try to take the opportunity to diffuse the gossip and criticism; not only for the benefit of the person who is the subject of the gossip or criticism, but also for the benefit of those criticizing and gossiping. We may never know the positive affect our actions have on the character of those listening.

Dear Lord, help us resist the temptation to criticize and gossip, and give us the strength to build up others rather than tearing them down. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:20 “Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Give thanks in everything? The flat tire, the IRS audit, the poor test grade? Why?

When we commit our lives to God, he works in us, and on us, if we let Him. He is trying to make us better able to do the things He wants us to do. Some of the experiences we must go through are not pleasant, but they are necessary to become the people God wants us to be.

In 1 Corinthians 2:9 Paul Writes, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

We may realize shortly why we had the flat tire or other negative experience, but we may never know; however, we do know that God is working on us, if we let him, to become the person He wants us to be.

Dear Lord, Thank you for working on us, making us better. Help us understand, and also be thankful even for the difficult things in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You may have heard of the advanced material called carbon fiber, or carbon fiber composite. Over the last 15 or 20 years this material began being used in all types of products, from golf clubs, tennis rackets, race cars, to airplanes. It is as light as plastic but stronger than steel. If you look at this material closely, you will see that it is made up of long fibers in a plastic like shell. The fibers which are made of carbon are what give the material its amazing strength.

In a similar way Psalm 27:1 says, “..the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” God is like the carbon fiber in these materials. He can be the fiber that gives us strength during fears in our lives, and during tests of our faith, if we just believe.

Dear Lord, thank you for being the strength on which we can rely, to have confidence in our daily lives. Help us to use that strength to do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.