I love my country. It’s not perfect, and I’m tired of the infighting. But my roots are here, and I’m not planning to leave anytime soon. I like what’s good, and I pray over what’s not working.
In a sense, however, I’m just visiting.
Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Howdy-do, United States. I’m just passing through on my way home.
It’s not the square of fabric, it’s what it stands for. My nation’s flag stands for liberty and justice, worthy causes indeed. And God’s banner?
Song of Songs 2:4 (NIV)
Let his banner over me be love.
The flag of love. That’s a flag I can raise up, live under, get behind and carry foreword. It stands for God’s love for us, our love for Him, and our love for one another.
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.
I spent the past seven months working in a high school. Every morning started with the Pledge of Allegiance. To whom or what do you pledge allegiance?
Not necessarily in that order.
According to the CDC, over 15,000 US nursing homes care for over 1.3 million people. Other senior citizens with fragile health still live on their own or with family members. Many experience confusion, financial difficulties and social isolation.
Surely you know a few of these folks. What can you do to help?
Lord God, You call on us to help the widows (James 1:27), visit the sick (Matthew 25:36) and show respect for the elderly (Leviticus 19:32). Give us eyes to see their need, resources to respond and willing hearts to step up and make a difference. Shelter them in Your loving arms, Lord, but also in safe spaces.
Keep tabs on your elderly neighbors. Visit a near-by nursing home. Volunteer to deliver meals or provide transportation. Pray for them and pray with them.
It’s simple. You can’t be selfish and obey
commands #1 and #2.
Matthew 22:37-39 (NIRV)
Jesus replied, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your mind.’ (Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the first and most important commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ ” (Leviticus 19:18)
God first, then others. Self last–unselfish.
Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Wise selves put their confidence in God.
How does your self-esteem measure up?
Romans 12:3 (NLT)
Don’t think you are better than you really are.
Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves,
measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.
It’s not how smart you are, not how much you earn, not what you own. Faith is your measuring stick. And honestly, even that is a gift from God.
Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
Less self-sufficient. More God-reliant.
School’s out, some kids are headed to . . .
camp.
“Camp is a chance for kids and teenagers to escape the constant pressures and distractions of their everyday lives. It’s an open door to new adventures. It’s a place for them to discover their purpose and consider their future. Camp is life changing. And Christian camps provide an eternal perspective by demonstrating the love of God through the counselors and staff who serve as positive role models for campers.”
Christian Camp and Conference Association
Are there Christian camps near you? Do you know some campers? Add them to your prayer list.
Lord, equip the campers for adventure, supply the counselors with patience and humor, shelter them all with your outstretched hand, transform lives in Jesus’ name.
