I read about an academic study that was performed to measure in the role of positive versus negative comments on a business team’s performance. The results showed that the highest performing teams had almost 6 times as many positive comments as negative.

God works in a similar way in our lives. Psalm 30:5 says, “His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime.”

We know God disciplines those that he loves, Paul writes in Hebrews 12:6, “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

But as the Psalm says, God shows favor on his faithful people for a lifetime.

We all can learn from this in how we approach our families, our colleagues, and congregations. Use a small amount of criticism and a healthy amount of praise. Try 6 positive comments for every one negative comment and see how things go.

Dear Lord, everything we discover about ourselves is no surprise to you, because you made us this way. Help us learn from the discipline you give us and praise you for the favor you show us. Help us also be the positive influence on our “teams.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Ephesians 5:20 “Always give thanks for everything to our God an Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Give thanks in everything? 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 afterward why we had the negative experience, but sometimes 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.

Have you noticed people who seem to have everything they could ever want, but they can’t seem to be happy? If they really want to find happiness and joy, they need to realize that it does not come from outside themselves getting more and more. It comes from inside, by having a state of peace that then allows us to be happy in any circumstance.

Psalm 128:1,2 says, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”

Dear Lord, we cannot truly find peace and joy until we have you in our hearts, and follow your ways. Help each of us to recognize this so we can experience the joyful prosperous life you promise. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you ever felt you loved someone so much that it was as if they were part of yourself; Your spouse, children, siblings, parents. You felt such connection with them that it seemed that you could feel what they felt, and you experienced what they were experiencing. What a powerful love this is.

John tells us in 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.”

As deeply as we may love others, God loves us. So much that he, as Jesus, endured humiliation, agony and death for us, to save us.

Paul also tells us in Romans 11:33, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and ways!

When we experience tragedy, uncertainty, pain, loss, we may feel that God has abandoned us. He has not. Within those ways which we may not understand, is his love for us. We can trust in his plans.

James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

Dear Lord, We cannot understand your ways, but we can trust in your love for us. Comfort those in need, and give them confidence that comes from trusting you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When times are tough, it is difficult to remember how much God loves us.

So remember what Jesus says in Luke 12:6-7, “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

Remembering then what Jesus said, we know God cares about us, so we should follow Paul’s guidance in Philippians 4:6, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the care and comfort that you provide, and answering our prayers with your all knowing wisdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.