Most of us are caring and courteous people, and probably reluctant to impose our views on others. As a result, we tend to have difficulty accepting that there is only one way to be saved. What does the Bible say?

Paul tells us in Acts 4:12, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

And in Romans 10:9 he tells us, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus Himself says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

This doesn’t mean that we then run around like a bull in a china shop telling people how wrong they are. Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

We are to demonstrate God’s love and grace through our actions, so that we become a magnet for Jesus, not a judge.

Dear Lord, You saved us and are the one way to eternal life. Help us each be a light that draws people to your way, to Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you noticed how much your “state of mind” affects what you think about events, your expectations, and how you treat others. For instance, if things are going well for, you may tend to have a positive “state of mind,” have positive expectations, and tend to be upbeat and positive with other people. When you are in a negative “state,” just the opposite tends to occur.

I would argue that we can control our “state of mind” by taking control of our thoughts. For example, our state of mind can quickly change when something tragic, or something fantastic occurs in our lives. So if some external event can change our thoughts, our own conscious choice to change our thoughts can do the same.

Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

I use two steps to try to get myself into the right state of mind when events are dragging me down. I first look at all the things for which I have to be thankful, and they are many. It is nearly impossible to be in a bad state when we are truly thankful. Then I pray and put my trust in God to lead me through my challenges.

The Bible tells us these things in many places. Here are a few to lean on.

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10

“Cast all your cares on him for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Dear Lord, Help us take control of our “state of mind” with thankful hearts and confidence in your unlimited power to overcome any challenge we face. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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.