“I love my country.”

You don’t hear that often in the United States these days. It seems that people have no trouble finding things to complain and criticize about the US. However, there really has never been as extraordinary a country in history, founded on a set of moral principles and on a belief in God.

Saying “I love my country” is more than just words to the millions of men and women who have volunteered to serve in the military. It is a pledge to risk their lives to defend the people, and principles that make America. Beyond just pledging as millions have done, thousands have given their lives defending Americans and our principles. These people have left behind mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, children, other familly and friends, because they believed it was that important.

Jesus told us in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

There is no greater expression of love for America than what those we honor and respect today, Memorial Day, have done. We are truly blessed by these people’s love.

Dear Lord, You gave us a special place worth loving in the United States of America. It began with you at its foundation. Millions have served and thousands have sacrificed to preserve it. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice. Help us to show our respect by doing our part to preserve the America You gave us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably heard the, tongue in cheek, expression, “What ever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Jokingly referring to the fact that working very hard, and enduring extreme difficulties makes us stronger. This is often used in situations of physical challenge and endurance.

However, for the emotional and spiritual difficulties in life, what truly makes us strong and capable of enduring struggles is the love of God working in us.

In Ephesians 3:16,17 Paul writes, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.” He goes on in verse 19, “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

When we trust in God, and work to get closer to him, our strength to endure adversity will grow, and bring us the peace and “fullness of life” that a relationship with God provides.

Dear Lord, You are the source of strength in our lives. Through you we are able to endure all things life may bring. Help see this truth and draw closer to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

It is so natural for us to want to rely on ourselves.   We see the tremendous virtue in being “self made”, however God wants us not to rely on ourselves, but on Him.  

Our big bank account, security fences, super health and fitness routines are fine, but we have all heard where these things have failed those who rely on them. 

Being a responsible person is what we do to honor God in our lives, not to replace him.  When we need to be confident about our health, finances, security or any area of our life, we should turn first to God, by reading the bible, praying and putting our faith in Him.  

Paul tells in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”

God is our source of peace, love, joy, and security, in this life and eternally.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in You to provide us what we need. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen. 

Have you ever tried to stick to a diet? There are basically two alternatives for doing so, one is to have the sheer discipline to ignore cravings for those things you are not supposed to eat, the other is not to have those things in the house. It is definitely easier to avoid things when there are not around.

The same principle is true with avoiding sinful behavior. Avoiding the questionable movies and TV shows is easier than avoiding their influence while watching them, or skipping the gossip party is easier than trying not to participate once there. There are an unlimited number or potential examples.

Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. ”

Christians are just as susceptible to temptation as non-Christians. By avoiding situations that test our resolve, however, we can set ourselves up for success rather than risking the failure of giving in to the temptation.

Dear Lord, help us think before putting ourselves in situations that subject us to temptation. When we cannot avoid the situation, give us the strength and discipline to overcome temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I listen to a number of podcasts that provide inspiration, information, motivation, and entertainment. A couple of them regularly include interviews with interesting people. One question asked of guests on one of these podcasts is always, “If you could have one billboard with one message, where would it be, and what would it say?”

There is obviously no right answer to that question, but it is interesting to ponder. What would you say, and where?

I thought about a bible verse, or a message of Salvation, hope or comfort. Below, I took at shot at my billboard, which would be either on the side of I-75 in Detroit, I-405 in LA, I-66 in DC or I-290 in Chicago. People would have lots of time to think about it while waiting in traffic.

“God made everything, and He loves you
Without Him you are incomplete
Look for Him and He will find you
Start looking in the Bible”

In Romans 12:2 Paul says, “let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” maybe that billboard would help the transformation.

Dear Lord, Help us be billboards for you in our daily lives, sharing your message of love and joy in the way we live. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.