When we read some of the stories in the Old Testament, it sometimes sounds like our modern day reality shows, and soap operas. There are stories of good people who are tempted and fell away, people who do terrible things but then repent and are blessed, people who have tragedies but stay firm in their faith in God, and many other examples that have similarities to some of our modern day situations.

Paul brings this up to the people in the church at Corinth, and in 1 Corinthians 10:6 he writes, “These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, and not be idolaters, as some of them were.”

The many stories in the Old Testament are opportunities for us to learn how to follow God. There are many examples of how God blessed his people when they followed his will, and disciplined them when they went astray.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

Dear Lord, You provide us a clear path in the Bible, help us prioritize time to read your word, and put it into practice in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Have you ever had someone question whether you “really believe that stuff?,” referring to Christianity, or has someone presented the opportunity for you to share your faith when they were sincerely searching for hope during a difficult time?

Jesus told His disciples in Luke 21:13-15, that there will be times when they would be questioned, challenged, made fun of and even tortured and killed for their faith. He told them however, “but make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict”

Hopefully none of us will have to face physical danger for our faith, but most of us, at some point, will be put in a position to affirm our faith to someone. Remember not to worry, God will give us the words and wisdom we need.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance you provide us, knowing we are not on our own, you are there to give us the words and wisdom we need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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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 subject to the gossip and criticism, but also for the benefit of those criticizing and gossiping. We may never know if our actions may positively affect the character of those listening.

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

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One of the complexities of Christianity is addressing sinful behavior. Some people make it a high priority to point out the sinful behavior of others, and that pushes people away. On the other side, some people don’t want to “judge” others, so are reluctant to address other’s sinful behavior.

In Ephesians 4, Paul is explaining how great it will be when the people of the church grow in their faith and knowledge and become “mature in the Lord.” What he writes in Ephesians 4:15 struck me as the way we should handle difficult conversations as Christians, “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

“Speak the truth in Love.” If only we could have this discipline to hold fast to right and wrong, the truth, but share and communicate with love and grace.

Dear Lord, you show us how to speak the truth in love through Your life in the Bible. Help us learn from the lessons, and show love to all, but never compromise our conviction and faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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I believe we can change the way we feel by how we think. If we are generally in good spirits, and someone does something mean or offensive, like cut us off on the road, or argue with us about some business issue, we are likely to change from our good mood to a negative angry mood, at least for a few minutes. Why? It is because we started thinking about this bad experience and it changed our attitude and mood.

Ephesians 4:23-24 tells us, “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

When we open ourselves to God’s guidance and influence, and think about the hope, love, mercy, and peace that trusting God offers, we can change our thoughts which will change our attitudes and we will be renewed by the Spirit.

Dear Lord, we thank you that by keeping our focus on You and Your will, we can rise above the negative, and control our thoughts and our attitudes. When we live with peace and joy, we demonstrate what it truly means to be a Christian. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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