Most of the time when we have a moral dilemma, or decision to make regarding right and wrong, we can sense the right decision, but we are tempted to make the wrong decision.

For example. The cashier made a mistake on your bill in our favor, what do you do? Co-workers are gossiping at work about someone we don’t particularly like…do you join in or not? You are out late Saturday night and the alarm goes off to get up for church on Sunday….

There are many examples of this situation. Some are much more dangerous, like those who are tempted to commit adultery, or suicide, or drinking for an alcoholic…we can overcome these temptations when we rely on God’s help.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 “…God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so you can endure it.” We must believe this and we will be able to overcome.

Dear Lord, when we face trials that seem unbearable, remind us that with you we can overcome any temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Many times in life we encounter issues and situations that look impossible to overcome.

The Old Testament prophet Elisha’s student had an experience like this. The Aramean army was attacking Jerusalem, but God was providing details about their location and plans to Elisha, and Elisha provided this information to Israel’s army who continued to defeat every attack by the Aramean’s? When the King of Arem found out about Elisha, he sent the army after Elisha.

Elisha’s servant awoke one morning and looked outside to find the Aramean army surrounding their city. They were looking for Elisha. When the servant told Elisha about the situation, Elisha said, 2 Kings 6:16, “Do not be afraid!” For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes and when he looked up he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”

Just like this young man, sometimes we think our problems are too big to be solved. At those times we need to remember Elisha’s words, “There are more on our side than on theirs!. Our problems are nothing for God to solve.

Dear Lord, you control everything we encounter and have the ability to change the outcome at your will. Help us remember this and ask for you guidance and intervention when needed, knowing that with you all things are possible. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is amazing to think about the history of Christianity. Through the years many have tried to stamp it out, from the Jewish leaders in the first century, Greek, Roman and Ottoman Empires, the Communists, and many others. Today Christianity is being attacked,from many directions, but from the original 12 disciples who followed Jesus, Christianity has grown to over 2 billion people; The largest religion in the world.

We know that those opposing Jesus will never succeed, as Isaiah prophesied and Peter repeated in 1 Peter 1:24,25, “..the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” Until the Lord returns, we know that God’s word will endure.

Dear Lord, Thank you for growing your church throughout the world. Help us be a part of spreading your good news. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Here’s a question to ponder. Does God make bad things happen to people for their bad behavior?

Some people say, that bad things happen in life because sin exists, but don’t believe that specific things happen to specific people because of their bad behavior. Other people believe they disagree.

The Bible is very clear in many stories, that God punishes people for their bad behavior.

For example, why did God destroy people during the flood. Genesis 6:5 says, “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth..” verse 7, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth.”

Another example is the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. God destroyed the city due to the people’s wickedness; And the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. They sold some property and told the disciples they were donating all the proceeds to the cause of the early Christians, but they actually did not give all the money but were lying. Both died on the spot.

My conclusion is that, yes, God sometimes does let or cause bad things to happen to people because of their un-repentant sin. This shouldn’t frighten believers, however, because as 1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

As a result, we will try to do God’s will. The Bible is also full of accounts of people like Rahab, David, Paul, Matthew, and many others who trusted God ,turned from their sinful ways, and became important and blessed people.

Believers will have problems and difficulties “bad things” too. Often these are given to us to make us better, stronger and more faithful, rather than as punishment. However, if the problems draw us closer to Jesus, it is the right result.

Dear Lord, you are active in our world and lives, much more than most of us may realize. Help us acknowledge you in everything we do, thank you for our blessings, and draw near during our trials. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I think I heard this from an elementary school teacher a long time ago, you may also have heard this said “God gave you two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion?”

James says in James 1:19, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

This is particularly true in witnessing. People tend to be most open to letting the Holy Spirit in, when they are troubled by some difficulty, tragedy, or fear. Simply listening to people and asking whether they know that God is there with hope and comfort, may be what they need at the difficult time. Psalm 86:5 says, “for you Lord are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”

Dear Lord, help us take Paul’s guidance and listen to others so that we might understand them and share your love with them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.