Psalm 106:3 (NASB)
How blessed are those who keep justice,
Who practice righteousness at all times.
Keeping justice, practicing righteousness. I know I fall short, Lord. It’s easy to say, hard to do and worth the effort. Give me strength, show me how.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God.”
“Under God.” It’s all about our nation, right?
I’m a child of God. He’s my Lord and King. I simply can’t expect the nation to be under God if I’m not.
Happy birthday, USA. May there be many more, under God.
Proverbs 31 Ministries’ First 5 published my lesson on Psalm 138 this morning. First 5 encourages readers to devote the first 5 minutes of their day to God’s Word. I’m excited to be part of such a noble cause.
You can download the free app or read the lesson here.
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.
