Philippians 4:8 - Happy Halloween

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Halloween can be an evil holiday, worshiping satan, or it can be a fun day to dress up and have some candy. I choose the latter. We can bring glory to God by focusing on the good.

Lord, thank you for giving us the choice to celebrate or not celebrate certain days. Please help us to focus on the good and bring glory to your name in everything we do. Amen.

2 Samuel 8:11 - Success

King David dedicated these articles to the Lord, as he had done with the silver and gold from all the nations he had subdued:

God was with David and helped him be successful in conquering many nations. David knew, without a doubt, God was the reason for his success and he gave the Lord the valuable thing he acquired. Do we attribute our successes to God? Do we dedicate to him the plunder, the results of the success?

Lord, thank you for allowing us to be successful. Please help us to give you the glory and return the plunder to you. Amen.

1 Corinthians 10:23 - Choices

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

We have freedom in Christ, but just because we can, doesn't mean we ought to. Sometimes we restrict ourselves from various foods or activities based on reasons of health, conscious or religion. As long as our decision to do or not do something seeks the good of others and to glorify God, we can feel comfortable with our choices.

Lord, thank you for the freedom you give us. Please help us to make choices which seek the good of others and glorify you. Amen

Psalm 149:3 - Praise dancing

Let them praise his name with dancing
     and make music to him with timbrel and harp.

I have a friend for whom praise dancing is a regular part of their worship services. I have lots of friends for whom instruments are a regular part of their worship services. I think this verse indicates God is ok with it. I am part of a fellowship who choses not to praise dance or use musical instruments in our worship service. I think God is ok with that too. I think God is concerned with our hearts. As long as we are bringing glory to God (and not ourselves) with our acts of worship, I think God is pleased.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to worship you in different ways. Please help us to keep the focus on you and your glory. Amen.