The dictionary defines the word worship with the following phrases: “extravagant respect, admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem.”

So what do we do if we have extravagant respect, admiration for or devotion to something? We dedicate time on our schedule for it, we take time and energy to learn more about it, we purchase books, magazines, on-line subscriptions to stay up to date, we buy t-shirts, go to events, talk about it with others with the same interests, an so on.

The question is, Does this description of worship sound more like our activities revolving around our favorite sport, team, athlete, TV show, musician, band, movie star, business person, or our activities revolving around God?

The first commandment given to Moses by God in Exodus 34:14 Is, ” For you must worship no other gods, but only Jehovah, for he is a God who claims absolute loyalty and exclusive devotion.” TLB.

Dear Lord, Help us see when we are putting other “gods” before you, so we can correct ourselves. Help us remember that putting you above all else, and trusting you will give us peace and joy for a better life here on earth, and life eternally. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have all seen examples of two kinds of people in politics, sports, business, and all walks of life. My simple descriptions are, first, the wise and humble, and second, the self-centered self-promoter.

James writes about these differences in James 3. In verse 13 he writes, ” If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” I am sure you have seen these types of people, the incredible athlete that credits the whole team for the win, even when he or she carried the team, or the CEO that successfully leads his or her company through difficult challenges, but shuns the spotlight.

In comparison, you have seen those who are constantly blaming problems on others, taking credit for all the success, and complaining that they are not being treated right, or paid enough. In verse 17 James describes this other type, ” For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” We have all seen the results of these types of people in failing businesses, cities, and even national governments.

We need to strive to be the wise and humble type. God promises to help and to give us wisdom if we ask. James writes, in James 1:5, ” If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.”

Dear Lord, Please give us wisdom and understanding, and the humility to use it for your glory and not ours. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Most of the time when we have a moral dilemma, or decision to make regarding right and wrong, we can sense the right decision, but we are tempted to make the wrong decision.

For example, The cashier made a mistake on your bill in your favor, what do you do? Co-workers are gossiping at work about someone we don’t particularly like…do we join in or not? You are out late Saturday night and the alarm goes off to get up for church on Sunday….

There are many examples of this situation. Some are much more dangerous, like those who are tempted to commit adultery, or suicide, or drinking for an alcoholic…we can overcome these temptations when we rely on God’s help.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 “…God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted He will also provide a way out so you can endure it.” You must believe this and you will be able to overcome.

Dear Lord, when we face trials that seem unbearable, remind us that with you we can overcome any temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today we celebrate the foundation of the United States of America. The advances America has made in almost every field are truly amazing. From a small group of settlers fleeing oppression and tyranny, to the undisputed world leading country, America is the land of opportunity for millions of immigrants and natives, and is unique in all of history. America is the only major country that has been established based upon a set of principles, including the belief in God, rather than the nationality of its citizens. No country comes close to the amount of charity, humanitarian relief, and when necessary, the use of military force to protect the freedom and safety of Americans and others.

The success of America is not a coincidence. The bible says in Proverbs 14:34, “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” Psalm 33:12, “What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.”

It is indisputable that the United States of America is a country founded on the belief in God. Our founders said, “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Our money is all coined with “In God We Trust”

Most of the founders were Christian, and the vast majority of American’s today consider themselves Christian, over 70%.

God has blessed the United States with tremendous prosperity, and I believe it is because of American’s dedication to God. May He continue to bless America.

Dear Lord, Thank you for America and letting us live here. Help us not take the America we have been given for granted. Help us stand strong and unashamed of our faith in Jesus Christ, and help us move our country closer to You. God Bless America. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

What does it mean to be mature? or What does it mean when we tell someone to “grow up?” It doesn’t have anything to do with their age, but is more about their behavior and judgment. One definition of maturity is the ability to accept delayed gratification; to work on something for an extended period of time before seeing the results.

In a similar way as we become more mature in our Christian faith, we can begin to accept the struggles and challenges of being a Christian with the joy of knowing we will be rewarded in time. We accept those challenges out of love for God, and our fellow men and women. Paul writes in Romans 8:18, ” Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later.”

Dear Lord, Help us become more mature Christians to take our suffering and struggles in faith, knowing that our reward will come in the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.