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.

Thank God for the United States of America!

Democracy by definition is “government by the people.”

Democratic countries have different variations of how this “rule by the people” is conducted, but the key is that the people of the country ultimately control its direction.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

Almost all the founders of the United States of America were practicing Christians, and for two hundred and fifty years, the people of this American democracy have ruled to maintain the Christian foundation of America. The USA has been incredibly blessed over these years, and our Christian virtues and people have led the USA to be an incredible blessing to the rest of the world.

It is our responsibility, in our country ruled by the people, to make sure our God, and as a result, our country’s God, is the Lord. If we do, we can have confidence that God will Bless America.

Dear Lord, on this day we celebrate the independence of the United States of America, we thank you for the blessing of living here and the tremendous positive influence this country has been in the world. Help us, the people of America, to govern our country as Christians, so that your blessings may continue on this great, and grateful country. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you ever noticed, when you are shopping for a new car and you have nearly settled on a particular model, you seem to see many of them on the road? Or when you are thinking about moving, you seem to see every real estate sign?

Our minds are always working behind the scenes, seeing more than we consciously notice. It is no surprise, then, that if we spend our time dwelling on our earthly wants and desires, we see those things that our earthly self is attracted to, which are not always good. However, Galatians 5:22 says the fruit of the Spirit are, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we spend our time focusing on these things, we will recognize and get more of them.

Romans 8:5-6 Paul writes, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

Dear Lord, the mind you gave us is such a powerful machine, but like any powerful machine, if not properly controlled it can go wrong. Help us keep our minds focused on those good things you have provided, so that we build on the gifts of the Spirit and find peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

If you have ever walked on a balance beam, you know that the best way to keep your balance is to look far down the length of the beam, Or when we are learning to drive, the best way to stay in our lane is to look way down the road. Looking where we want to go keeps us on track.

Matthew 14 includes the account of Jesus walking on water. Peter sees him from the boat, and when Jesus says “come” Peter begins walking on the water toward Jesus. However, in verse 30 things deteriorate, “But when he looked around at the high waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” When Peter takes his eyes off of Jesus he begins to sink.

In the same way, to keep ourselves on the right track, we need to keep our eyes and attention on Jesus and His instructions for us.
Dear Lord, Help us to keep our eyes on you, your teachings, and listen in our hearts for your guidance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Peter provides direction to the church leaders in 2 Peter 5:2-4, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”

I think this is direction for all of us on how to lead those we are responsible for, including our families, if we are parents.

Today is my parent’s 65th wedding anniversary, and they are tremendous Christian examples to their family flock of 17 children spouses and grandchildren. They live as clear examples what Paul describes in Galatians 5:33, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We are all so blessed to be in their flock. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessing and outstanding example of our parents Paul and Nancy, who lead, guide, and demonstrate their faiths every day, living by the fruit of the Spirit. May we all learn from their example. To your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.