There are many Biblical principles that are counter-intuitive, meaning that they are the opposite of what the typical person might think.

An example of this is written in Psalm 119:1, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.”

I think the typical secular view is that doing what-ever you want, whenever you want, and making up your own rules, would be the way to a joyful life. But we see all around us how the Bible version is actually correct.

Those folks you see around your church, involved in lots of activities, studying God’s word, and doing their best to live lives of integrity following Jesus’ example, are the happy, content people. In contrast, it is sad how often we see people with money and fame who have the ability and means to choose anything, try to live lives making their own rules and who end up distraught and with all kinds of problems and tragedies.

We need to remember that the morality and instruction that God gave us in the Bible, and which he has put into our consciences, is there to help us have good and joyful lives, like the instructions books for operating our lives.

Dear Lord thank you for giving us conscienses and your word to guide us. Help us follow your instructions, and realize this is the way to a joyful life. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

You have probably heard people use the expression when discussing something of great value to them, “..it is my pride and joy.”

Paul uses this expression in NLT translation of 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 when speaking about the congregation in Thessaloníca. He says, “After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy.”

What a great way to think about those whose lives we have the opportunity to influence for their salvation, our children, siblings, parents, other relatives, and friends. They are our Pride and Joy.

Dear Lord, help us see the great importance and joy of influencing and supporting others in their faith journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I heard someone pose this question once, and it really made me think.

What are you asking for that is impossible without God’s supernatural input?

In John’s familiar account of the feeding of the 5,000, John starts with, “Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Phillip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them!” John 6:6-7

In this case, Jesus was questioning whether Philip had put the pieces together yet. Did he realize Jesus’ power? How about us? Do we realize and really believe Jesus’ power to do miracles, cure diseases, solve financial problems, resolve conflicts, comfort those with tragedies?

Dear Lord, like Philip, we often have no idea the miracles you can and will do in our lives, families, churches, communities and country. Help us use the Bible’s accounts to strengthen our belief in you power, so that we will ask with confidence for your supernatural input in our lives and our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You have probably heard this before, but I think it is fitting to hear again today as we recognize Veterans Day in the United States.

“There are only two defining forces that have offered to die for you; Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.”

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater Love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Soldiers don’t join the service with the expectation of being killed, but all know the possibility exists.

Two key articles in the US Military Code of Conduct express why we give our respect to veteran’s today.
I. I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.
VI. I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

To those who have served. Thank you!

Dear Lord, You have done something special in America, and our veterans chose to put their earthly lives at risk to maintain it. Thank you for them, and help us all have the courage to defend our Faith and its critical place in America. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

About 600 years before Jesus Christ was born, the remaining Israelites in Judah were taken into slavery by the Babylonians, and Jerusalem was destroyed. 70 years later, they were allowed to return, led by their leader Zerubbabel.

Against all odds, criticisms and harassment by neighboring peoples, Zerubbabel leads the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 4:6-7 tells us, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!”

I think the lesson for us in this story is; When we strive to do God’s will, and dedicate our activities to him, our success doesn’t come because of our “force or strength,” but by God’s Spirit at work.

Paul has a similar message in 2 Corinthians 5:7 saying, “for we live by faith, and not by sight.”

If we stop and look, we will see occasions where God has made things happen according to his plan, against the odds and obstacles.

Dear Lord, help us remember to put your will first, and have faith that when we do, your Spirit will overcome all obstacles. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.