There are many biblical principles that are counter-intuitive, meaning that they are the opposite of what the typical person might think.

An example of this is written in Psalm 119:1, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.”

I think your typical secular person would be more likely to think that doing what-ever you want, whenever you want, and making up your own rules, would be the way to a joyful life. But we see all around us how the bible version is actually correct.

Those folks you see around your church, involved in lots of activities, studying God’s word, and doing their best to live lives of integrity following Jesus’ example, are the happy, content people. In contrast, it is sad how often we see people with money and fame who have the ability and means to choose anything, try to live lives making their own rules and who end up with all kinds of problems and tragedies.

We need to remember that the morality and instruction that God gave us in the bible, and which he has put into our conscienses, is there to help us have good and joyful lives, like the instructions books for operating our lives.

Dear Lord thank you for giving us a consciense and your word to guide us. Help us follow your instructions, and realize this is the way to a joyful life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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One of the keys to the success of the Industrial Revolution a little over 100 years ago, was the idea of “division of labor,” where by people specialized in separate parts of creating a product or service, rather that the craftsman or artisan method where one person handled all the activities in creating and delivering the product or service.

I think one of the first places this idea may have been introduced was in the early church. As the early church grew, the apostles found they could not do everything the church needed, so the divided up the responsibilities. Acts 6:2-4, says, “So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Many skills are needed in running our churches, and our pastors cannot do them all. There is a calling for each of us to support our Christian brothers and sisters, and support the operation of our congregations. All are important and bring glory to our Lord.

Dear Lord, help us all find the role by which we can serve your church and glorify you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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It is so easy for us to get into a mindset feeling we have the “weight of the world” on our shoulders. We may have financial problems, or health problems, challenges with our relationships, or relatives that are “off course.”

When I start to feel this way, I like to think about the promises God makes to us in Proverbs 37:4,5, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”

It seems overly simple to say “don’t worry,” but when we put our trust and hope in God to help us, he will find a way, even when we cannot see one.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance of your presence. Help us remember you are just a prayer away. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I have heard it said, “You become who you run with, and they become you.” Obviously you don’t actually become that other person, but when we spend lots of time with someone, their lingo, attitudes, and perspective influence ours. It is very important, therefore, to manage who we spend our time with, because, positive or negative, they are influencing and changing us.

The bible talks about this in Exodus 23:33, where God tells the Israelites, “Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.” Proverbs 24:1, says “Don’t envy godless men; don’t even enjoy their company.”

The interesting thing is that in modern times with television, podcasts, youtube, and other connections, our circle of people influencing us does not just consist of the people we physically spend time with. We can be just as influenced by people we follow on social media, television, and the like; so we need to be careful who we are “running with” even in our “virtual circle”

Dear Lord, help us have the courage to remove those who are negative influences from our circle, and when that is not possible, help us be the positive influence that raises the group to a higher level of faithfulness to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen

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Here is a test. You are driving on the expressway and a sign says left lane closed ahead, so you move into the center lane, and someone else continues in the left lane until the last possible moment, then slows and puts their turn signal on to move into the center lane right in front of you. Do you let them in?

In Luke 6:27,28 Jesus says, “…Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” NIV

OK so we can bring ourselves to be gracious to the self centered person on the expressway. Here is another test. This one is very difficult, gut wrenching for some of us. Can you love and pray for the people of ISIS? Jesus says in Luke 6:35, “love your enemies, be good to them….. and then you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

Remember what Jesus said while hanging on the cross after being beaten and humiliated. “Father, forgive them for they know do not know what they are doing.”

Dear Lord, you set a standard for love that we could never achieve. Help us try. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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