You have heard people say how they love this thing or that, like “I love my IPhone,” or “I love my new car.” Of course this is just a figure of speech, but we need to be careful where we place our focus.

John writes in 1 John 3:17-18 “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

The expression, “Love people and use things, not the other way around,” is a good reminder of God’s direction for us.

Dear Lord, we thank you for all the wonderful things we have. Help us remember, however, to put people before things, and show our love in our actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

God can restore America, If we ask him.

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, Psalm 33:12

Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:22

Dear Lord, evil has been trying to destroy the faith, unity, and hope that has been developed in America for decades. We know that you have power over all and can defend us and restore us. Our hope is in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Just Do It”, “You’re in Good Hands,” “Built Tough,” “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” “What’s in your wallet?”

These are all slogans from, well known, marketing campaigns.

God has a marketing plan too. It is us.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Our behavior as Christians should be an attraction to others. How we treat our family, friends, and others, how we deal with difficulties, and even how we deal with success should demonstrate the confidence, peace and joy that being saved and believing in Jesus to provide.

Dear Lord, how we live our lives is the first exposure others have to Christianity, and it either creates an opportunity to share your Good News, or gives people reason to resist you because of us. Help us be the light that shines and attracts people to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

We have probably all known someone, or have seen someone on television or the internet who defends behaviors that are immoral and self destructive, and the people are vehemently opposed to Christianity morality, and religion in general. This is not new to our modern times, it was written about thousands of years ago in the Bible.

Proverbs 19:3 says, “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”

The challenge for us is knowing how we respond to a person like this. Arguing is not the solution, but the Bible gives some guidance.

In Matthew 5:16 Jesus tells us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

And Peter says in, 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 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,”

Dear Lord, Help us live lives that glorify you and result in people asking us why we have a unique hope; Hope in You. When they do, help us to be ready to share our faith with gentleness and respect. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

The Devil tempts and encourages people to do terrible things. We have seen this in recent days in the US.

Our anger should be toward the source of the evil, the Devil. Our best defense and offense is a strong faith in God, who has complete control of all.

Proverbs 15:3 says, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” and verse 11, “Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord” We don’t know why God is letting these events happen, but we must remember, He is God and we are not.

Dear Lord, we know you have control over all things, but we struggle sometimes to understand why injustice and insurrection are in your plans. Help us have faith and trust in you anyway, and share that faith with others. Comfort those who are affected, and give strength, wisdom and courage to those who those who are in harms way. Defeat those who work to destroy the greatness in America. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.