One of the amazing blessings we have living in modern times in the developed world is how little time it really takes working to provide for our basic needs. Prior to the industrial revolution, most people spent long hours 6 days per week just to have shelter and enough food. In modern times, full time work is 40 of the 168 hours we have in each week. Removing 8 hours per day, for sleeping, leaves 72 hours to do what we want, or an average of over 10 hours per day.

In the democratic world, we have very few limitations on what we do with this time. This is a wonderful situation for people that control themselves, but as is written in the Living Bible version of Proverbs 16:27, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop;” We must put our freedom to good use.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”

Just because something is our right, or is legal in the eyes of men, really doesn’t have any significance with God. We need to look for God’s will, and fill our free time with activities that Glorify God, show love to our neighbor, and make us more effective Christians. If we don’t, we will be at risk of being pulled into things that may be our right, but are not “beneficial” or “constructive” as Paul puts it.

Dear Lord, we thank you for the incredible possibilities that exist in our lives. You have put us in an amazing time with access to things even Kings and Queens of the past could not have dreamed. Help us and remind us to use these blessings for your glory. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Most of us know the basics of the story of Job. Job was a faithful and wealthy man in the Old Testament. God allowed Satan to bring tragedy to Job, and he lost his family, fortune, and health. Through the book, Job attempts to understand why this tragedy was occurring, and his friends come up with a variety of theories why this is happening to Job. Though they cannot figure it out, Job remains faithful. However, as the suffering continues, Job begins complaining and questioning why God would let this happen to him, when he didn’t do anything to deserve it.

Finally a young man Elihu speaks up and tells Job, in my words, “Yes you are having a rough time, but stop complaining. God doesn’t owe you, and it is arrogant for you to think that being good is some kind of gift to God”

In Job 35:12 he tells Job, “And when they [the oppressed] cry out, God does not answer because of their pride.”

We cannot know why God chooses to let us or others experience bad things, and we cannot think if we do good, somehow God is obligated to give us what we want. We should do good out of love and obedience, regardless of the consequences.

At the same time, however, Elihu continued in Job 36:15, “But by means of their suffering, he [God] rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.”

When we experience tragedies, we need to come closer to God, searching for his comfort and guidance. Elihu’s comments are a valuable message for us all, particularly when we suffer. Take some time to read Job 32-37. It is full of relevant lessons for us today.

Dear Lord, We know you love us, but help us not forget that you are God and we are not. We cannot understand the complexities of your plan, or the reasons for events in our lives and the world. Help us trust you and draw closer to you in adversity, and teach others to do the same. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Bible makes it pretty clear that we are to forgive those who have wronged us. In fact in the Lord’s prayer we pray that God would forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. In Matthew 6:15 Jesus tells us, ” But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” NLT

What really is forgiveness? It is us giving up what we think is our “right” to harm someone because they harmed us. We also call it vengeance or revenge. As Christians, when we forgive, we hand over this decision and role to God. We don’t know what God will do, but “getting even” is no longer our concern.

Paul writes in Romans 12:19, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord.”

As with much of how we should live as Christians, it is not easy, but with God’s help we can do anything.

Dear Lord, Thank you for your forgiveness of our sinful lives, help us follow your example and forgive those who have done us wrong. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Though many times we feel we are struggling through challenges alone, barely hanging onto hope of rescue. We must remember, God knows. He is there with us and will bring us through in the best way for us.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” Psalm 91:14-15

Dear Lord, thank you for always being with us and supporting us in our troubles. When things seem hopeless, remind us to call on you, and believe your promise to rescue us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“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 family 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.