Yesterday was another significant election in the USA. As I write this, results of many of the races are not determined. However they turn out, we must remember what a special place the USA is.

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 majority of American’s today consider themselves Christian.

God has blessed the United States with tremendous prosperity, and I believe it is because of American’s dedication to God. May we all pray that He makes his presence known to us and continue to bless America.

Dear Lord, thank you for the United States of 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.

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.

As Christians we believe and frankly we know that God hears our prayers and answers them.

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Never stop praying.”

James tells us in James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

I know many of you need prayers for help and healing. I pray specifically for those of you whom I personally know are facing struggles. I would also encourage you to let your Pastor’s and churches’ know your needs so that they may also pray for you.

Dear Lord, we know you hear our prayers, we know that you have complete control of all things. Give your physical and emotional healing to all those we pray for now. May their recovery bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I heard an Interesting way to look at Christianity. “Christianity is not about making bad people good…its about making dead people alive.”

Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:5, “even though we were dead because of our sins, He [God] gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead.”—NLT

So if we are good, it is because we have been brought back to life, re-animated, and we can share God’s love.

Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us to life with your Spirit so we can live eternally with you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

I have come to believe that most of the time that I get angry or irritated, it is because I am caving-in to temptation. Some event happens, and it is almost like someone is placing thoughts in my mind trying to get me to lose control and criticize, argue, or get angry.

When I have enough self-control to stop and analyze my own thoughts, I realize what is happening, and try to remember to say a quick prayer asking for help overcoming this temptation. It is almost like catching the “Temptor” in the act of manipulating me and beating him at the game.

James 4:7 says, “.. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To be honest, sometimes when I realize that I am being tempted to go down the wrong path, I will “tell off” the devil, under my breath. I am not sure if that does any good, but understanding and asking for God’s help definitely does.

Dear Lord, It is clear from your word in the Bible, that we are being tempted and manipulated regularly. Help us recognize and resist this temptation and trust that with You we can overcome any temptation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.