You have heard it said that you cannot judge a book by its cover. How many times have you made a wrong judgment because you considered only what you saw. My brother-in-law is about five foot six inches tall. He has put on weight, but in high school, I am sure he couldn’t have weighed more than a hundred forty pounds, if that. You would not think, by looking at him, that he was an athlete. His heart was much bigger than his body, however. He played football, basketball, and baseball. He pitched for the Legion team and for a Community College team. He might have had a chance to play pro ball had he not blown out his arm.

The point is this. The heart is more important than the outward appearance.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matt 5:8 ESV

Make your goal today to keep your heart pure. Remove all hatred, envy, and evil thoughts. That will go a long way in reaching your goal of seeing God for eternity.

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I like a little salt on my eggs of a morning. I also like a little salt on my tomatoes, watermelon, and more. Now, those are foods that just taste a little better to me with the salt. There are other foods, however, that are enhanced greatly with a little salt.

Jesus said, You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Matthew 5:13 (ESV)

What are you doing as Christ’s disciple to enhance the world around you? Let us not become like the salt of Jesus’ day. Frequently there were so many impurities mixed in with it that it became useless and was thrown out.

May our lives be pure and without corruption so we can be the salt that enhances the lives of those around us.

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The wind seems to be blowing constantly in Nebraska. One cannot see it. But the evidence of it is there. Flags and crops can be seen waving in the wind. Its force can be felt against the car. Likewise, we cannot see God but the evidence is all around us.

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Rom 1:20 ESV

Though you cannot see God with your eyes, consider the glories of His creation. Thank God today for life itself (Acts 17:24-25), and for the formation of the earth as a place of habitation for man (Isa. 45:18). Serve Him today as the Almighty God.

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There are several auto dealers out there that appeal to those who have difficulty finding financing for their vehicles due to poor credit. One such advertiser has used the appeal, “Get a new start!” They assure you that they can fix just about everything, including getting you into a different vehicle.

I don’t know about you, but if my credit was bad, that would be appealing. Start fresh. Start over.

I am glad God gave me a new start in life. When I was baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4), my sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). I crucified the old man and put on the new man (Romans 6:5ff; Ephesians 4:20-24).

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17 ESV

Thank God that He saw fit to send His Son that we might have a new start in life.

Live life to the fullest and to the glory of God. Assemble to worship Him every first day of the week.

TLM