We all have our challenges living the Christian life we desire.

One common challenge is criticizing. Many of us see all the problems with other people. How they drive (too slow in the left lane) what they wear, how they do their work. These critical thoughts interfere with our ability to experience the peace and joy that God desires for us.

In The Living Bible translation, Jesus says in Matthew 7 using, “Do not criticize, and then you won’t be criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them. And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own?”

The solution to this temptation and urge to judge or criticize others, is a mindset of love. When those critical thoughts arise, stop and replace them with conscious thoughts of love and caring for the one you were about to criticize. Remember everyone does not have the same upbringing, skills, training, education, sense of style, or awareness that you may have. A mindset or demeanor of love will change your critical perspective into one of tolerance and better yet helpfulness. You’ll be looking for ways to help those you may once have considered targets of criticism.

Give it a try.

Dear Lord help us remember to reflect the love You show to us to those we encounter. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Politics

What if you had a magic device that would take the fear out of everything in your life. You have a job interview, big presentation, children leave for an overnight school trip, your teenager goes out with friends, and you start getting scared…press the button on the magic device, and peace and confidence replace the fear.

207 times in the Bible, God says “fear not”. Why? Because God is with us. Isaiah 41:10 says. “Fear not I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you , I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

So in some ways we have the most powerful “magic device” there is, God, with us, all the time. So when fear comes, stop and ask for God to help you and give you strength and peace in your time of fear.

Dear Lord help us remember that you are always there to help us. Help us live our lives demonstrating the faith and confidence in You. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Do you ever wonder why some days, everything seems to go wrong.  Flat tire, leaky fawcet, late for school or work,  forgot your purse or phone, mean comment by a coworker or boss.   These challenges may be coincidence, but Paul writes in Ephesians 6:12  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

These bad experiences may be caused by forces that are not obvious, and that are trying to break your spirit and separate you from God.

How do we overcome these forces.  Paul continues in Ephesians 6:14 with the description of the armor of God.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

When the bad days come, remember to defend yourself with the shield of Faith in Jesus our Saviour and protector, and fight back with the wisdom and knowledge of the Bible, the “sword of the Spirit” which is the word of God.

Dear Lord help us remember that you have power over all things, and that your power is there for us, to protect us from the evil that tries to separate us from Your love and Salvation.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Romans 8:39 Paul says “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is Jesus Christ”. NIV

We do not give those we love everything they want, because we know some things would not be good for them, and sometimes we make them do things that are difficult and frustrating because ultimately those things are good for them. In the same way, God lets us struggle, and doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, but we can know as Paul said, God is doing these things for our good.

You may be tempted to think, God doesn’t know that I am sitting in traffic, late for an important event, or that I got a flat tire, bombed a math test, argued with my spouse, etc, but you would be wrong to think that. Matthew 10:29-30 says that not a sparrow falls to the ground that is not Gods will, and he knows the number of hairs on your head. So remember even when things are not going well, God knows and He is not neglecting you.

Dear Lord, help us to be strong in the knowledge that with Your unlimited power you love us and are looking out for us. In Jesus name. Amen.