“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.

There is a technique I have seen a couple times during concerts in large stadiums or shows, in the middle of one of the songs, the spotlights are randomly moving quickly around the stadium. What looks like hundreds of lights moving all around and then dramatically at one time, they all converge on the performer as he or she begins to sing.

This image comes to mind when I read Romans 11:36, “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever. Amen.”

Everything on earth including everyone, was created to put the attention on God and glorify him. We all need to remember this as we go about our activities and decision making. Are we putting the attention on God, and bringing glory, or “positive attention” to him?

Dear Lord, you created everything, including us, for your purposes and your glory. Help us remember in everything we do to bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I have heard it recommended that we schedule vacations and special events on our calendar’s several months in advance. The expectation of this pleasant experience in our future can give us enjoyment each time we think about it.

In the same way, the hope and expectation of our salvation should give us tremendous peace as we live our lives.

Paul says in Romans 15:13, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Lord, thank you for the hope of our salvation with you. May we live our lives in the peace and joy that this hope brings. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.