Matthew 15:32-39 tells the story of Jesus feeding the 4,000 with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. This story shows us the power of God to perform amazing miracles. However, there is another interesting part of the story.

Verse 36 writes, “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.”

I think there is a lesson here. Jesus doesn’t go into a great long prayer explaining how he would like God to provide, he starts with what he had, thanks God for it, and gets to work.

The lesson for us is that no matter how little we may have, we should thank God for it, then get to work using it with faith that God will make things work out. Often we wish and pray for more resources, but maybe we should be praying for more faith.

Dear Lord, Help us remember to be thankful for what we have, and use it in our calling, with faith that you will provide more when we need it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I like to read Proverbs. It is full of life lessons and guidance. Many of the passages refer to being “Righteous.” For example,…the eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous…the Lord delivers them from their troubles…the righteous will inherit the land….the mouths of the righteous utter wisdom….

So what is meant by “the Righteous?” In worldly terms, righteous means “good conduct” or “virtuous”

In the Bible, the apostle Paul clarifies God’s meaning of “righteous” in Romans 1:17 “For in the Gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. As it is written “the righteous will live by faith”. NIV

The answer to the question “What is meant by righteous?” is, We are righteous by faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who saved us. Faith in this Gospel is what makes us righteous, not our good behavior or virtue.

Dear Lord, Thank you that we know that we are righteous, right with You, through our faith in Your gift of Salvation. Help us live by faith to do Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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A friend recently posted a picture of her two little boys on Facebook, wearing matching tee shirts that had this written on them:

“Education is important, but Football is importanter!” Which made me laugh out loud. (Hi Randie)

It is important that we remember what matters.

Paul writes in Philippians 1:10-11, “For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

What is important is our “pure and blameless lives” not achieved because we are good, but because God made us pure through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice.

Dear Lord, It is what you did for us that is important, help this influence our lives to do good and bring praise and glory to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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I have noticed recently how important being humble is to a number of skills. I am reading a book on negotiating, and the author stresses the importance of approaching a negotiation humbly, allowing the other side to feel comfortable and confident. The irony is that it requires confidence and courage to approach the situation this way.

Also, humble confidence is often the most effective leadership style; avoiding the resistance that results from self promotion, and empowering followers to their best.

Jesus also tells us in Matthew 18:4, “So anyone who becomes humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

Like children who humbly accept that they do not have all the answers, and will submit and learn, we should approach God with humble repentance and confident faith.

Dear Lord, how can we not feel humbled when we think of your power. Help us have child-like humility toward you and your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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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.

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