Have you ever thought you knew someone, and found out later that you were completely wrong? Maybe it was someone who had a very hard and contentious personality, but they turn out to be very caring and considerate, or you see someone who you thought was nice and friendly acting completely differently.

We don’t have the ability to read what truly makes up the character of people without spending time engaging with them, and even with time we may not truly know them. God, however, knows what is inside all of us.

In the Old Testament, God tells Samuel, a prophet, to go to Bethlehem to find one of Jesse’s sons who will be the next King of Israel. Jesse had eight sons, the youngest and least impressive from outward appearance was David.

God told Samuel after Samuel assumed the most impressive looking son, Eliab, would be God’s chosen, in 1 Samuel 16:7, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Dear Lord, You see deep inside all people and know them better than they know themselves. Give us your wisdom to see others the way you do, and not make our judgments solely on appearance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is sometimes hard to believe how people can have such bad judgment and do some of the things they do today. This is not anything new. In fact Jesus tells us this will happen in Matthew 7:13-14, saying, “For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

It takes a discipline, courage, and commitment to follow the path God wants for us. We cannot just go along with what is popular or trendy. We need to as written in Proverbs 4:26-27, “Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.”

Dear Lord, The Devil is expert at tempting us, and the desires of the world are so appealing. We know with your help we can overcome these distractions that can lead us away. Help us set our own straight path, following your teachings so that we enter the narrow gate by your grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably heard people use the expression when discussing something of great value to them, “..it is my pride and joy.”

Paul uses this expression in NLT translation of 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when speaking about the congregation in Thessaloníca. He says, “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”

What a great way to think about those whose lives we have the opportunity to influence for their salvation, our children, siblings, parents, other relatives, and friends. They are our Pride and Joy.

Dear Lord, help us see the great importance and joy of influencing and supporting others in their faith journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

There is a misconception, which might even be considered a stereotype, that being a Christian means one is poor and struggling, with nothing to his or her name, living in lack. I believe that this is another ploy by the Devil to lead people away from God and Christianity.

Although Christianity is definitely not about gaining material wealth, the Lord provides for the needs of those who put their trust in him.

There are many Christians, who put their faith, hope and trust in, and commit their plans to God, and God has blessed them with much earthly wealth. Church congregations need to remember this as well. We need to trust that God will provide what we need to do his work.

Psalm 31:19 says “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” and Psalm 34:9 “Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”

Dear Lord, help us remember to count on you for our needs. Help us believe that you want to provide us good things and with those good things we can do your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have a list of short wise sayings and ideas that I have accumulated over the years, and one of them is:

“Producing or contributing more than you consume is the only justification for your existence.”

I think Jesus is conveying this idea in Mark 10:43-45 when he told the disciples, “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Our nature leads us toward wanting to “take, take, take,” but what we are really here for is to serve others with the skills and talents God has given us. If we really think about it, it is the times our skills and talents benefit others that we are most fulfilled.

Dear Lord, You are the example of service for us. Help us strive to be like you and live lives of service, which how you design us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.