Have you ever said, or heard someone say, “who’s going to know?” just before doing something they would be embarrassed to have their friends or family see.

We have to realize that the most important evaluator of each of us sees everything we do. In Hebrews 4:13 Paul writes, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

I heard some good advice somewhere along the way. “Don’t do anything that you aren’t prepared to have printed on the front page of the newspaper.” In a way everything we do is on the front page of God’s newspaper. We would be better off if we thought about that regularly.

Dear Lord, we cannot keep anything from you. There is no hiding, rationalizing, or making excuses. You know what we have done, and our motives for doing it. Help us remember you are watching. We have no chance of meeting your standard of perfection, but if we confess and repent, Jesus’ perfection stands in our place. What an incredible gift. Help us go forward striving to do better. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Today is Independence Day in the USA. Across the country we celebrate the freedom won by our ancestors and predecessors, and by the grace of God we have thrived as a nation.

Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,”

As we go about our celebrations, let us remember the words of George Washington our first President, “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Dear Lord you have blessed not only Americans, but all mankind with through the amazing country that is the USA. Help us always remember to thank you for protecting and showering your favor on America. We ask your continued blessing on our country. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

We celebrate many achievements in our lives, and recognize others when the achieve incredible things.

Luke 10 is the account of Jesus sending 72 disciples out into surrounding towns where Jesus planned to visit. When they returned, they reported with excitement that they had done amazing things and “even the demons obey us when we use your name.”

In modern times we might identify amazing achievements, like solving serious medical conditions, inventing ways to provide clean water in remote areas, or creating ways to provide the internet to the world.

Jesus tells these disciples in Luke 10:19-20, “I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.”

The message for us in modern times is the same. It is great to accomplish these things, but the thing we should be most joyful about is that we are saved.

Dear Lord, help us remember to be most joyful about the salvation you have provided us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You probably know the account of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers and subsequently becoming very powerful in Egypt. I don’t imagine that Joseph had any idea about the good that would occur later in his life as a result of what his brothers did.

In Genesis 50:20 he reveals himself to his brothers and says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

How often do things happen to us that we think are terrible, but they result in something good later on. God has a plan for each of us which may include events that are not pleasant, but are necessary to accomplish something good.

Dear Lord, we cannot even begin to understand the reasons and complexity of Your plans. Help us trust that you have things under control in our lives and when we do, even what seems terrible You will use for good. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Peter provides direction to the church leaders in 2 Peter 5:2-4, “Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”

I think this is direction for all of us on how to lead those we are responsible for, including our families, if we are parents.

Today is my parent’s 60th wedding anniversary, and they are tremendous Christian examples to their family flock of 17 children spouses and grandchildren (plus 5 dogs). They live as clear examples what Paul describes in Galatians 5:22,23, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

We are all so blessed to be in their flock. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessing and outstanding example of our parents Paul and Nancy, who lead, guide, and demonstrate their faiths every day, living by the fruit of the Spirit. May we all learn from their example. To your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.