Something that often is mentioned by people who become Christians as adults is their thoughts that living a Christian life would mean that the fun in life will be over. They had the misconception that the fun things in life are in conflict with a Christian life, which is a lie the devil wants us to believe.

A truly fun, joyful and fulfilling life is one that is based on love, trust, hope, integrity, discipline, contribution, and faith, not the short sighted and temporary pleasures we are tempted by, that result in long term disappointment and regret.

Jesus says in John 10:10, “I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Christians have the same challenges that come with being human, but we have the peace of knowing that we have a purpose in following Christ, the power of God defending and protecting us, and most importantly, we have eternal life after this physical life is over.

Dear Lord, Help us share the peace and joy of a life that puts our hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Does it ever seem to you like things in the world have gone crazy? The ridiculous things people do, the things that are considered acceptable behavior, the evil of some toward others?

Our time is not the first time people felt this was occurring, David writes in Psalm 11:3, “The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

But we know God is in control, as David continued in Psalm 11:4, “But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.”

Proverbs 16:4 also says, “The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

God remains in control, and his plan is playing out in our world.

Dear Lord, When we see things appear to be going so wrong in our world, it is difficult for us to understand how these things fit into your plan. Help us remember that we do not need to figure it all out, we only need to believe your word and trust in your protection. You remain in control and will never abandon us. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today is Veterans Day in the United States, a day we set aside to appreciate those who have served, all of us, in the U.S military. Thank you to all those veterans!

Jesus teaches us about service in Mark 10:44-45 saying, “and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.”

Though Jesus’ service was to save our souls, US soldiers commit to serve an if necessary give their lives to save other’s lives. Jesus also tells us in John 15:13, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

The United States and the world would be a much different and more dangerous place for peaceful people if it were not for the service of our veterans.

Dear Lord, we thank you for all those who have served, putting others before themselves and following your example. Bless them, their friends, and families. In Jesus Name, Amen.

We have probably all heard about superstitions of some professional athletes, and performers. Things they do that they think bring them good luck, like a special clothing item worn at every performance, or a special food prior to performing, or a particular ritual on the field, court or stage.

In Bible times, people would come up with rituals and rules, often about what type of food to eat or not to eat that would give someone special favor from God.

Hebrews 13:8-9, “Paul writes, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”

We too should remember that there is no secret formula for getting special treatment from God. We just put our faith and trust in Him, and he will lead us and protect us.

Dear Lord, it is easy for us to be distracted by the idea that we can follow a special rule or ritual and we will get lucky, or receive a special blessing. Help us turn from those temptations, and put our trust in you. When we put our faith and hope in you, you will guide our lives. For this we thank you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Paul writes in Hebrews 4:16, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

I try to picture this situation in my mind’s eye; We, simple humans, boldly approaching Almighty God who made everything and has power over everything. How could that be appropriate? Yet just like an earthly father, who wants to provide for his family’s needs and help them be all they can be, God wants us to come to him with the confidence that He has mercy and grace beyond our understanding to help us.

Dear Lord, what a humbling and powerful confidence this gives us to know that we can come to you boldly and you will always be there with mercy and grace for us when we are in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.