How easy it is for us to jump on the bandwagon and join in when we hear people criticizing someone we don’t particularly like, or gossiping about someone’s bad behavior.

Paul writes to the Ephesians in chapter 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” NIV

It is important not only that we don’t join in, but we should try to take the opportunity to diffuse the gossip and criticism; not only for the benefit of the person subject to the gossip and criticism, but also for the benefit of those criticizing and gossiping. We may never know if our actions may positively affect the character of those listening.

Dear Lord, help us resist the temptation to criticize and gossip. Give us the wisdom to build up everyone rather than tearing them down. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We all know that God created us with a free will to choose. There is a constant battle going on inside each of us; a battle between our desire to choose to obey God and do what is right, and our desire to choose to follow the self-centered desires that the world would have us follow.

Think of all the modern day social issues that revolve around the “right” and “freedom” to do things that are clearly wrong according to God.

Paul writes to the church in Galatians 5:13 “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Dear Lord, please help us use the freedom you gave us to live lives that glorify you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you noticed how some people are comfortable going along with what others decide, some people are ready to criticize the actions and decisions of the leader, but few want to be the leader; the one who opens him or her self up to being questioned and criticized; the one who is responsible for the group, and to the group for the results.

This phenomenon happens in all types of groups, at work, at social functions, clubs, at church, in our families, and out in public.

When the Israelites arrived at the Promised Land after wandering in the desert for 40 years, God made Joshua the leader. In Joshua 1:6 God told him, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them.”

God told him he was the leader, the final decision maker, and the one responsible for the chosen people, to get them to follow God’s direction, and the one to deal with the complains, criticisms and challenges the people would undoubtedly have.

God’s guidance to Joshua was written in Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

For all who lead, I am sure you have had fears, doubts and discouragement. These words to Joshua are guidance for us as well. “Be strong and courageous, God is with us wherever we go.”

Dear Lord, your power exceeds any challenge we could have. Help us rely on your promise, to be with us, so we can be strong and courageous leaders for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I have written about the similarities the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus has with modern times, describing how today we make “gods” of our things and activities, placing them ahead of God in our lives.

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with having a garage filled with sports cars, a private jet in the hanger, a private box at every sporting venue in town, or any other luxury. Look at Solomon, who was the picture of wealth, and privilege, and God approved and blessed him, until he got his priorities mixed up and began opening up to false religions. The important thing is getting our priorities right.

It doesn’t take millions of dollars to have our priorities mixed up either, whether it is a million dollar Ferrari, or the standing Saturday card game that keeps us from getting to church on Sunday, the important factor is that we keep God in the exclusive position at the top of our priority list.

The Commandment written in Exodus 20:3-5 says “You must not have any other god but me.” “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.”

It is important for us to regularly stop and think about our priorities, and make sure we have God, and our duty to him at the top of the list.

Dear Lord, we all fail at times to keep you and your will in first place. Forgive us, and help us think about our priorities and get them right with you at the top of the list. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Thirty one years ago today my beautiful wife and I were married. It was a wonderful day, and a great party with friends and family. Every day since, we have faced the many joys and adventures of life, and sorrows and struggles together. Our love for each other holds us together, and as 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love because Christ first loved us.”

I believe that God brought us together, and that our faith has strengthen our love for each other. I also believe our love for each other strengthens our faith. We have been incredibly blessed with wonderful children, loving extended families, many friends and a wonderful Church family. I pray that everyone could have the same.

Solomon wrote in in Proverbs 4:18, “Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.” I am incredibly blessed to have a beautiful, confident, caring, faithful Christian wife!

Happy Anniversary Liz!

Dear Lord, Help us remember that we can love because you first loved us, and this love is what truly holds us together. How thankful and grateful Liz and I are that you have given us each other. In Jesus’ name. Amen.