The underlying story in the Old Testament is about God’s relationship with the “chosen people,” descendants of Abraham, who we call the Jews.

In the new testament Paul tells us how Jesus Christ impacted this and now the promises God made to Abraham and his heirs are also made to Christians, regardless of their ancestry.

Romans 4:13, “Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.”

Galatians 3:29 ”
And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.”

Paul says in Romans 4:9, “Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith.”

In the same way we are made righteous, “right with God,” by our faith in Jesus. It is this faith that protects us, gives us hope in this life, and gives us eternal life afterward.

Dear Lord, Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to be made right with you through faith in Jesus. Help us always keep in mind that it is this faith that saves us and leads us to do good. 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.

I read a Swedish proverb written on a small tag it that said, “Love me when I least deserve it, because that is when I really need it.”

As Christians, we need to remember that sentiment; Not waiting until people deserve it before loving them. Paul tells us that God did just that for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

God didn’t wait for us to solve all our sinful problems before loving us enough to save us. We need to do the same, and love people first, even when they have sin problems, like all of us do.

Dear Lord, you presented the perfect example for us by sending Jesus to save us while we were undeserving sinners. Then Jesus showed the same example by loving and caring for those who had their own sin problems. Help us follow this example and love first rather waiting for people to deserve it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sometimes I catch myself spending time trying to solve issues and question as many Christians do. Personal issues, Job issues, morality issues…. I find myself tossing the issue around in my head, and discussing it with close friends and family, trying to understand. This is not a bad practice, but then I’ll stop and realize that I have not read my Bible looking for the answer.

Your Bible is the place God’s word, instructions and directions are found. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” It is not just the words on the paper. God speaks to us when we open up our hearts and minds to his word.

Remember to go to your Bible for knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

Dear Lord, you are the creator of all things. Help us remember to go to you for the answers to life’s issues, and look and listen for Your wisdom in our bibles. In Jesus Name. Amen

The writer, poet, philosopher, Henry Thoreau wrote, “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” This idea is taught in many fields to describe how committing to a goal or objective then moving forward with perseverance will eventually to success. Many teach and believe that when you follow this process, people and events seam to materialize to help you succeed.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 6:2 and references the prophet Isaiah, “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.'[ref. Isaiah 49:8] Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation”

Similar to the earthly success concept, that forces in nature try to help us when we commit to achieve, We know for sure that God will hear us and be there for us at just the right time to support us in our faith journey.

Dear Lord, help us remember to commit to our faith journey with you, knowing that at just the right time, you will be there for us to support, guide and lead us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.