I remember once when I was a child and a Sunday school teacher told the class that even though some of our prayers may not be answered in the way we would like, God answers all prayers, according to His will. Sometimes He says yes. Sometimes He says no. Sometimes we just have to wait.

In I Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to pray without ceasing. We should never quit praying, because there is power in prayer. Every time we pray, God hears. When we see Him answering prayers and meeting our needs, our faith is strengthened. Is there someone you should be praying for today? Have you thanked God in advance for answering your prayers?

Some time ago I wrote a poem about love that I call, “Loving Attitude.” The first verse goes like this:
Let no bad thoughts toward anyone stay in your mind.
Observe the Golden Rule and to others be kind.
Vow to treat those you meet as you want them to treat you.
Emphasize a caring attitude in all that you do.

Is there something special you can do for someone you love today? What are some ways you can show love to others?

In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives we can get confused if we try to do too much or tackle too many things at one time. I have always been a multi-tasker, but there are times when I mess things up because I’m trying to do too much at one time.

If I don’t put my trust fully in God, pray, and read His Word every day, I can become verhuddelt about spiritual things, too. Yet, whenever I’m confused or make mistakes, I have the assurance that God is always there, and I’m thankful that I can call on Him anytime, day or night, even for the simplest things. If I trust my own judgment, rather than seeking His, I’m likely to become verhuddelt and make poor choices.

God has the answers to all my confusion. In I Corinthians 14:33, I’m reminded that, “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

Are you feeling verhuddelt about anything today? If so, then allow yourself to relax, say a prayer, and let God take control. That’s just what I plan to do.

One thing I often think about when the new year rolls around is my spiritual life. Do my actions, and not just my words, reflect Jesus Christ? Will others see Him living in me?

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? If so, how will they change your life in the coming year?

Like the temptation to peek at Christmas gifts, I’ve sometimes wished I could see into the future–especially with a new year just a few days away. But I know my focus should be on today, and there’s no point in trying to peek into the future.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” God wants us to leave the future in His hands, knowing He will be there to help us through anything that might occur. If we become too concerned about things that might happen, we’ll lose sight of the joy God has given us today. It’s never good to try to peek into the future or worry about what lies ahead. Our future is in God’s hands, and He will see us through. Here’s a thought for the New Year: You can’t see around the corners, but God can.

In church last Sunday, the pastor talked about gifts–specifically, what gifts can we give God? He suggested a few possibilities: God values our love for Him. He appreciates our obedience, our devotion, and our gratefulness. We can also show our love for Him by giving to others. During these next two weeks, I’ll be thinking about the gift I can give God, as well as to others this Christmas. Is there some special gift you would like to give God or to someone you know who might need a special touch during this blessed Christmas season?

It’s important for every believer to not only feel thankful, but to take the time to tell God how much we appreciate Him and all the blessings He’s bestowed on us, as well as our families. Knowing that God can use all things for His good is more than enough reason for me to give thanks in everything.

I wrote a poem sometime ago entitled, “Thankful Attitude,” and it goes like this: We should be thankful for the abundance that is ours, for the beauty of this world, the sun, moon, and stars. For our family, friends, and God’s everlasting love, we should give thanks to the Father above. We should be thankful for the clothes we wear, and for the opportunities we have to share. For the Son whom God sent because of His love, we should offer our thanks to the Father above.

“Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Psalm 136:1.

What are you thankful for today?

I know many of my Amish friends who bless others by helping whenever they can. In fact, I’ve seen them drop whatever they are doing to help when a friend or relative has a need. I believe that God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. He desires for us to have a giving, loving heart. We are to imitate Jesus and go about doing good, as mentioned in Acts 10:38.

God’s Word also tells us in Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

What are some ways you have been blessed this week? What are some things you can do to bless others?

The other day I was watching a program on TV and was astonished to hear a young woman monopolize all the conversation. The poor man she was talking to could hardly get in a word, and when he did, she kept interrupting him. It made me stop and think about my own communication with others. Do I listen as much as I speak? Do I take an active interest in what others are saying, or is the conversation all about me?

Have you ever noticed how people seem to light up when you ask about them or take an interest in the things they are doing? It’s a joy and a privilege to really listen when others are talking, because we can often learn a lot about that person, which in turn, will draw as closer to one another.

First Timothy 6:18 reminds us that we should be willing to communicate. Is there someone you need to communicate with today?

Having recently returned from a trip to Ohio, I found myself thinking about the patience I saw in some of my Amish friends while we were there. I believe their patient attitudes come from being taught at an early age that we can’t always have what we want when we want it. We must learn to wait for certain things, and waiting patiently makes the wait easier.

I am reminded of a little poem I wrote for my devotional, A Celebration of the Simple Life, entitled, “A Patient Attitude: The nature of a flower is to wait patiently for spring.” Flowers don’t worry or complain about every little thing. The nature of a flower is an example to all. When wind and rain threaten, a flower stands straight and tall. Let the flowers be your example for having a patient attitude. For when you face each day with patience, you’ll be in a better mood.

Is there something you’ve been praying about and not yet received an answer? What are some things you can do as you wait patiently for answers from the Lord? Hebrews 10:36 says, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”