Month: August 2020

Praise and Glory

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While it seems easier to ask for things in our prayers, we need to remember to praise and thank God for what He does.  God allows us to see some of His work, but I am convinced that He doesn’t share everything He does.  None of us could handle all the work Almighty God performs – even in our own lives. 

God is in control.  He does wonderful things.

Praise and glory to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done.  I know Your work is great and You are mighty.  Please help us to focus on Your work and what You will do in our lives.  Thank you for all You will do.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

More Thinking

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As we continue to navigate the challenges of 2020, I keep going back to what we think.  There are so many opinions and, of course, they are conflicting.  God has been teaching me to go to Him in prayer to make sure my thoughts are on the right course.  My thoughts need to be captive to Christ and His purposes. 

We live during troubled times.  The Bible promises that we will have trials (James 1).  The Bible also reminds us that knowledge puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1).  We need to keep going back to God’s Word to give us direction.  We need to keep praying to humble ourselves before God in order to obey Christ.  That is the purpose for those of us who follow Christ. 

Dear Heavenly Father, we need to humble ourselves before You daily so we can obey Christ. Thank you for providing Your Word to give us guidance.  Please help me to follow what You have commanded and encourage others to do the same.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Thinking, Thinking, Thinking

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In our day of many negative news stories, we need a reminder of what we should dwell on.  I’m not saying we should completely ignore the news.  We need to be informed, but dwelling on the ugliness in our world will drag us down.  Negativity can also push us to believe lies.  We need discernment to think correctly.

God provides a way to keep our minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.  His word gives guidance for every situation.  God did not give us details on how to handle every situation, but He gives the principles we need.

As we navigate the rough terrain of 2020, we need to seek God to keep our minds focused on what will bring peace. God’s peace.  Philippians 4 gives good advice.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing truth and the principles we need to seek the truth. Please help us to think on the correct things.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Freedom by Truth

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Much has been posted on social media lately about freedom.  As usual opinions are strong and opposing.  How do we navigate these tricky situations?  I have found that truth is the best starting point.  We will often come to different conclusions after evaluating the same data.  Ultimately the truth is still the truth. God is still God; He is truth (John 14:6).  If we hope to come to the best conclusions, if we hope to move forward despite difficulties, we will need to cling to truth. 

Since God is truth and the Bible is His word, we should start there. Spending time reading and meditating on God’s Word gives us peace and a solid foundation to work through what is going on around us.  The right foundation gives us more freedom to maneuver difficult circumstances.  All of that starts with truth.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us truth.  Please help us to seek the truth and to cling to it.  Please help me to lovingly share the truth with those around me.  Your way is the only good way.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Sleep in Peace

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One of the biggest battles we have fought in the last 4 months is fear.  The fears are as diverse as the population.  Much of the fear is turning into anger.  Anger at anyone who disagrees or doesn’t seem to understand.  There are facts, misinformation, and opinions being shared at every turn.  Each of those sway our emotions again and again.

How do we survive times like this? How can anyone sleep at night?  King David wrote Psalm 4. He had experience in many difficult situations, frequently counseling himself to trust in God.  Psalm 4:8 shows how he could “lie down and sleep.”  He knows that God is in control.  God is the means of our safety.  I am all for making wise choices, but no matter how good the choice is we don’t have ultimate control over the results.  With all the disagreement lately, our choices have been somewhat limited. 

Friends, whether we believe it or not…whether we live it or not, God IS in control and will provide safety when we ask.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are facing so much fear. Please help us to turn to You instead of turning against each other. Please guide us in following You.  Thank you for the safety that You provide.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.