A place in history, of time untolled,
A purpose and plan struggled against the mold,
Some strangers from across the sea,
Set out knowing nothing at all of me.
Looking through the stars, a stirring they felt,
On my distant shores, gratefully they knelt.
A firm foundation, their hearts to heaven soared,
With a twinkle in their eye and a future reward.
A city on hill, a new world of freedom,
A people self-governed, contrary to a kingdom.
That was the plan; that was the dream,
To rule over themselves without selfish scheme.
Alas, it now seems that some devilish machine
Has usurped the plan and banished the dream,
No longer this people willing to behave well,
Sold their will and devotion to a vile cartel.
Yet, off in the distance, muffled by noise,
Still Liberty’s voice, it calls with poise,
“Stand up and be counted, all you who’d be free,
The time has come to support and defend me!”
“Too busy,” you say, to get involved;
“Too much corruption, and lies, and scandals unresolved!”
Ah, but who allowed that to happen,” Liberty dares to inquire,
“Self-governing was the call, not sit back and retire!”
This ‘self-governing’ people has stopped governing altogether,
Stopped trying to improve, stopped reaching higher.
It’s so much easier to just sit and collect a check,
“Leave the heavy lifting to others while I enjoy my new deck!”
But the Land of the Free simply will not survive,
If mediocrity and laziness overpower our drive,
To conquer all obstacles, to rise to every challenge,
To grow up, to face up, and stand in the balance!
Look back over your own life. I’d be willing to bet none of us are where we imagined we’d be when we graduated from high school. Am I right? Have there been disappointments? Has there been heart-ache? Hard times? Of course! If God had laid out the itinerary for each of us, step by step, kinda like an instructional map, how many of us would have stuck to it voluntarily? I bet NONE! We’d all try to eliminate the hurt, the tough times, the heart-ache, yet for most of us, the hard places are the richest for us – the places we learn the most about ourselves and about who God is. In spite of our President’s political viewpoint, LIFE is NOT FAIR!!!!!
The pre-trib Rapture idea is relatively new to Christianity. I’m a Teacher, by calling by motivation, by vocation and avocation! One of the first lessons I learned in Christ was before I could Teach a lesson, I had to Learn it, so that I was teaching by experience, not just by rote! This is probably why I have a very hard time with the pre-trib Rapture idea. Christ will return one day. This much is true, but the details are unclear, and must not become a distraction to us as we live day to day.
Disclaimer: I am not necessarily a fan of this ministry or teaching. Just throwing it out there for debate!
10 Promises of God to us, which, like Him, are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) Consider them a rope to hold onto through any storm, or a hand to hold!
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”Deut 31:6
The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One [f]who holds his hand.
25 I have been young and now I am old,
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
Or his descendants begging bread.
26 All day long he is gracious and lends,
And his descendants are a blessing.Psalm 37: 23-26
He has promised to supply every need we have. The Bible says: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. That’s Phillipians 4:19. Now notice, God has obligated Himself only to the extent of our needs. That would include food, clothing, shelter, companionship, love, and salvation thru Jesus Christ. It would not include the multiplicity of luxuries that we have come to think of as needs.
God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us. (2 Corinthians 12:9). In fact, He has made provision for our salvation by His grace through faith. Read Ephesians 2:8. It is through an obedient faith that we have access into the grace of God according to Romans 5:2.
God has promised that His children will not be overtaken with temptation. Instead, He assures us that a way of escape will be provided. This promise is recorded in I Corinthians 10:13. Jude wrote: “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy” (Jude v 24). Darius, King of the Medes, said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” (Daniel 6:16). He did deliver Daniel from the den of lions.
God has promised us victory over death. He first resurrected Jesus by way of assuring our resurrection. Peter said: “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:3,4). Later on he adds: “but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:57).
God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love and serve Him. (Romans 8:28). The first part of this verse is often quoted without the second part. It may be difficult for us to see and understand how this is accomplished at times, but God has promised it, and He will deliver.
God has promised forgiveness to those who believe.“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (Read Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:9 ).
God has promised His people eternal life by means of an intimate relationship with God himself! (John 10:27,28). We are adopted into Gods own family, his bloodline! (1 John 3:1) How amazing is this?
God promises unconditional and everlasting love. “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.Psalm 139: 17-18
Whether or not we are snatched up in the air and allowed to escape the devastation planned by God to turn the hearts of the rebellious back to Him or not, these promises, and all the rest, are given to us as tools to equip us for daily life regardless our circumstances.
My favorite promise, that motivates my life, even on the dark days …
Jesus said,
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10
THE PLACE: Manhattan, the Federal Hall, just off WALL ST, and around the corner from Ground Zero
THE DATE: April 30, 1789
THE EVENT: the Inauguration of the First President of the United States of America, GEORGE WASHINGTON
The very first act of the newly sworn President was to lead the entire new Congress from the Federal Hall around the corner to St Paul’s Chapel where he dedicated both himself and the new nation to God in prayer. Thank none of the Founder’s might have been called Evangelical Christians, they each respected the personal choice of one’s private spiritual beliefs. They made no attempt to define “God,” but recognized the necessity of a Sovereign Hand, the Hand of Providence.
George Washington, an adherent of “Nature’s God”, and indeed, questionably “Christian” by today’s definition, said in his first inaugural address:
“Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge.”
And Washington spoke not just for himself, but for the new American nation:
In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either.
HE continues in his speech to credit the Almighty with a peaceful agreement among men how to govern themselves and each other … the Constitution:
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.”
Fast forward to 9/11/01
Everyone who was alive remembers that beautiful early autumn morning. Blue skies. Bright, warm sunshine. Until out of the blue a plane flies directly into … the Heart of America’s success. The bubble burst. The “untouchability” of the Great American Experiment Achieved, was pierced, shredded, and dismembered by a relative unknown. It wasn’t a competing Giant that attacked, but a fearless enemy. To this day, more than a decade later, our government refuses to define our “enemy,” which, of course means they cannot be defeated.
Firefighters and rescue workers took refuge at St Paul’s Chapel, as did those hunting their loved ones. Saved miraculously by a fallen tree, the Chapel – the very same one President Washington and his Congress prayed in, became an oasis of hope, comfort, and rest.
Since that mind-numbing tragedy, any number of related incidents have occurred both here and abroad, and still the “political machine” insists we are not permitted to label “ISLAM” our enemy – even though they declare loudly their intent to destroy America & Israel.
Dare I admit my belief that 9/11/2001 was a beginning, not an end? It was the beginning of a downward spiral in American society. It marked the beginning of an increase in attacks from within, from illegal immigrants here on false or expired visas. It marked the beginning of an obvious increase in disrespect for CHRISTIANS, and those who oppose Islam.
Has anyone considered the possibility of what President Washington stated, below, has come back around to bite US in the hindquartrs? Just a thought …
“I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” (emphasis mine – BB) George Washington, First Inaugural Address of George Washington
America was born of God. She grew in God for many years, perhaps until her adolescence. Now, as a rebellious teen, she defies God’s authority and ways. She believes herself, like many 16 year olds, much more knowledgeable than those with more life experience. The American people, though possessed still of generous and compassionate hearts, grow lazy … weary in well-doing. So, instead of each of us exercising our compassion and generosity, we are told to GIVE to the GOVERNMENT and the GOVERNMENT will take care of the poor … SHOW ME?
OBAMACARE? Oh right! … Not happening, folks! NOT helping anyone – HURTING EVERYONE!!!!
READ them again! And look around at the policies being implemented that ignore, disavow, or mock the Constitution. There is a way to make changes to it, if necessary, but the correct procedure must be used so that one leader or one party doesn’t gain a monopoly.
Find a cause YOU believe in & donate your time, your money, your energy, your creativity … whatever you can give! (Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, local homeless shelters, senior centers … There are plenty of opportunities to help non-profits.) Or get involved in political action groups like The Save America Foundation (SAF), Operation Gratitude, Wounded Warrior Project, or FREEDOM WORKS
And find God! He really isn’t lost, but you may have misplaced Him – I did, but we’re good! He will direct your steps if you let Him! It’s different for each of us because we are each different, but since He made us, He already knows & respects that!
“A society is judged by how it protects the most vulnerable, those unable to protect themselves. In the case of abortion on demand magnified by abortion just before or just after the baby is born, America has been found wanting.” More HERE!
LIFE is very important. Maybe not everyone has realized this, but it is! In fact, without LIFE, there is only … nothing! Void! Emptiness! LIFE is EVERYTHING. LIFE is purpose! LIFE is hope.
Jesus said, “A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy,
but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10: 10
A horrendous darkness has been exposed hidden away, ironically, in the birthplace of the American Experiment in self-governance. Since early in the 1970′s, our society has been drifting into the dark hole while millions of ignorant or apathetic Americans looked the other way. Some of us saw the darkness, others made excuses for its existence. But now, the world knows, and strangely (or not-so-strangely) the media, who should be conscientiously detailing the events for the benefit of the population and would-be victims, is deadly silent. Why so silent? Is there no journalistic pride amongst today’s media moguls?
“One reason may be that the trial of late-term abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell for multiple counts of murder is about an African-American killing mainly African-American babies — and so the common sense among liberals, or, as a friend of mine would say, the “coven-sense,” is that such a story disparages that community. This is something newspapers are loath to do. In much the same manner that they cannot dwell upon the causes of hand gun violence in inner city black communities. Or perhaps they view these killings as prophylactic: one cure for out-of-wedlock births.
“But perhaps an even more telling reason for ignoring the Gosnell story is that among the terrible details is revealed the fact that many, many babies being aborted late-term survive the process — not just a tiny few, as pro-abortionists keep insisting. And so these innocent little souls have to be murdered.
“In Dr. Gosnell’s clinic, typically by cutting their heads off. In one instance, a child arrived on the table with its eyes and jaw torn off by Gosnell’s forceps. While this helpless, sinless, creature lay writhing on the table, screaming, Dr. Gosnell gestured impatiently at an assistant — do something about that.
“How many children were so murdered? I believe that Gosnell’s charged with seven counts, but testimony indicates there may have been a hundred — maybe more, maybe a lot more. And so the liberal press, ever supportive of a woman’s right to “choose,” just can’t have that known.”
Maybe a hundred babies … and it’s not newsworthy? The administration has decided we-the-people don’t need to know this? There are other more vital matters for the people to know and understand? What’s the big deal? Just a few babies?
My heart cries not just for Americans, but for those waiting for Americans to return to their heritage and BE the LIGHT in this darkening world! Sadly, many are merely lining up in agreement with the policies that permit, and even condone, this devaluation of LIFE! Do we really want to experience the tyranny and poverty known by many parts of the world? Whether driven by faith or humanity, compassion costs. MONEY is not evil; it is the LOVE OF MONEY that destroys! Policy makers and population alike, we are ALL doomed if we don’t WAKE UP, AMERICA, and start acting like Grown ups!!!!!
“We make a living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)
The Reverend Robert Hunt gives thanks with other English settlers at Cape Henry, Virginia in April 1607.
“No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore
the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men
more than those of the United States.
Every step by which they have advanced
to the character of an independent nation
seems to have been distinguished
by some token of providential agency …”
George Washington, First Inaugural Address
When the first boats touched ground in the New World, their immediate response was GRATITUDE to GOD. Whether Jamestown or Plimouth, they were grateful for safe arrival for those who survived.
Their focus was not on their losses but on their success. Even through the hardships of those first years, the settlers were compelled to acknowledge the hand of a Sovereign God in their early literature, poetry, and the education of their young. The literary works of Early Americans like William Bradford (1590 – 1657), Gov of Plymouth Colony, Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672), Poet & homemaker, and Cotton Mather (1663-1728) Clergyman and scientist, clearly reflect the prominent place given to God in early American culture.
It was understood that …
without God’s intervention in the crossing, none would have survived.
Without His provision through that first and subsequent winters, none would have flourished.
Without God’s sovereign help, the colonies of the New World would never have made it to the Revolutionary period, to break free from Britain, and to thrive in this experiment of self-rule and grow into the most generous, most gracious, most compassionate, yet most powerful nation on earth.
This was God’s design. The impoverished are not capable of offering material help to others, but the FREEDOMS born in AMERICA, created a society that was highly productive, creative, and innovative. These freedoms allowed individuals to create wealth which was shared generously with many other nations making AMERICA the giving-est nation in the world! God blessed America with vast resources so we could share with a needy, oppressed world, not join them in their oppression!
Time issue of April 8, 1966
BUT somewhere along the line, we started taking credit for our success. Prayer was removed from schools, and God was declared DEAD. Those who worship God were told to keep it to themselves and not “force” others to endure such silliness.
The “capstone” was the legalization of murder … the murder of unborn children. A scan through history will reveal that NO CULTURE that killed its young survived long. Respect for LIFE is a vital moral, ethical, legal, and social marker of the health of a nation. Today, not only are we aborting unborn children, but there is a HOT debate about the killing of babies born alive. Many are simply okay with this because … well, who wants to allow unwanted (or inconvenient) babies to live? Many also believe euthanasia, (the PC label is “mercy killing” – but it is killing nonetheless) is acceptable.
How quickly America forgot her heritage, her roots, her raison d’être. How quickly we allowed our history to be perverted and twisted into fiction that serves the political good of those in power. How quickly we blame God when tragedy strikes, but how quickly we push His wisdom away when it doesn’t FEEL good.
God is surely NOT DEAD, and He is not blind to the ingratitude the fills our airways, our markets, and our homes. The sobering thing is that He will not wait forever for us to return to Him … He is very much involved in what is happening in AMERICA today. The hardships in our nation and our world are supposed to turn us to Him, to remind us that He is bigger than we are, smarter than we are, and knows BETTER than we do how to “save the world!”
When was the last time you said THANK YOU to GOD for anything?
JERUSALEM: After all the terror brought on by this wandering Jew, and to His own people, it seemed we were done with him. But somehow, he has managed to stir up even more excitement. Some of his devotees went this morning to tend his body, but they found the tomb EMPTY! Graveclothes on the ground, but no sign of the body of this “King of the Jews!” We will have more from the sight on the evening broadcast.
Most Americans, most Westerners are well aware of the story of Jesus’ capture, beatings, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection. For many, it’s a case of “familiarity breeds contempt!” – something we know but would rather not be reminded of year after year. For a few, it is something so preposterous, it insults our intelligence. Yet, it persists, year after year … song after song … tale after tale of “miraculous” events attributed to this man, Jesus.
That is he lived once, is fact. That he taught a simple, yet difficult morality, fact! That many “wonders” are assigned to his ministry, hearsay. What are the most “unbelievable” issues surrounding this man and his claim of being the Son of God? What’s the problem of belief?
his virgin birth?
his un-detailed childhood?
his various miracles?
his character?
his resurrection?
Most people, it seems, even within other faiths, think of Jesus as a “great man”, a “great teacher”, a great “philosopher.” I have a problem with these claims. While much of his “teachings” are in parable form, there are some rather monumental statements or claims made by this very man.
For example,
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV)
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ; “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” (John 6:35-41 NIV)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10: 11 NIV)
Jesus said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9 NKJV)
Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 CJB)
Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (REV 1:8) NIV ; “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (REV 21:6 NIV) ; “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (REV 22:13)
“25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:25-27 NIV)
He made several additional statements about himself, many in the book of John … all of which expand the image of exactly WHO Jesus said he was, but … these claims don’t really fit in with the program. I mean, Either Jesus is exactly who and what He claims, OR He’s the greatest con-man EVER!!! There really isn’t any room in the middle. One cannot be a “Great Teacher” is half of what is said is a lie. One cannot be a “Great Prophet” is the words spoken are not dependable. So, either He is who and what He claims, or he is nothing.
If a man is known for speaking falsehoods, lies, and deceptions, even if he occasionally does good deeds, is he the kind of man that could revolutionize the world even 2000 years after he was reportedly crucified? Why are there people who insist he is alive today? Will there be people 2000 years from now who claim I am alive? I doubt it. I will live and die in my time as will you, dear Reader, and, but for those who remember us, that will be all that is known here. So why, if Jesus was just a man, is he still celebrated the world over at his birth, death, and Resurrection? Oh yea … the Resurrection! HE IS ALIVE!!!
This is the ONLY logical explanation. He is ALIVE. He is still changing lives. He is still healing broken bodies and broken hearts. He is still freeing people from the weight of our sinfulness. He is still freeing people from addictions. He is still providing for those who call on Him for help. He is still rescuing us from ourselves. HE IS ALIVE!!! The TOMB IS EMPTY, but my heart is FULL!!! Is YOURS?
“I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.”John 17: 20-21 CEV
It’s true. I hear the sound of God’s Church coming together from various denominations, creeds, nations, and purposes. I hear the sound … We are not all the same. We are not all given the same purpose. There are theological, philosophical, and practical things we disagree on, but … But all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus are His Church. We do not need to compromise our beliefs to come together in Christ.
This may come as a shock to some. It may seem sacrilegious, but though we are not all of the Roman Catholic faith, we, as believers, are a part of Christ’s Church. As this new Pope assumes his role as Christ’s preeminent ambassador on earth, it strikes me that we ought to support him as best we can and pray for his to lead the Church with God’s wisdom. It is the Godly thing to do!
“We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.”EPH 6: 12 CEV
Some have the opinion that the anti-Christ will come from the Roman Church. Some non-Catholics have skeptical views of the Catholic church. Jesus, however, ordained the Church, and for many centuries there was only one Church. Imperfect, unjust, politically swayed at times, yes, but still an instrument of God. Like the men and women of the Bible, even those well known like Abraham, Moses, and David, each of us is flawed, so any group or organization we put together will also be flawed and imperfect. The Church is no different.
What am I saying? I’m saying to LOVE one another! It’s a command, after all! We have to grow up,get beyond our differences are learn to love one another, appreciate our differences instead of beating each other with them. Then, and only then, will the world see JESUS!
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”JOHN 13: 34-35
The world really needs Jesus … the REAL JESUS, not some fabricated, comfortable religion! But we each have to do our part.
“Yes,” he replied, “the same tolerance that overtook ancient Israel…a tolerance for immorality and a growing intolerance for the pure–a tolerance that mocked, marginalized, and condemned those who remained faithful to the values now being discarded. Innocence was ridiculed and virtue was vilified. Children were taught of sexual immorality in public schools while the Word of God was banned. It was a tolerance that put the profane on public display and removed nativity scenes from public sight…contraband, as if somehow they had become a threat–a strangely intolerance tolerance.” from The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret of America’s Future
Above is an excerpt, a taste of an inspirational book. I have never been much for conspiracy theories, but neither do I believe in coincidence. Nothing happens by accident, so everything has a purpose at least one purpose, sometimes multiple purposes. I’ve only just started the book, but there is so far, nothing NEW in it, just a different presentation, a New Organization of the same things many of us have been saying for some time.
God has always sought a People to call His own. He is a God of Covenant. He made a Covenant with ancient Israel, but Israel repeatedly broke Covenant. Their rebellion brought about their own destruction – not a punishment, but the consequence of their own actions. Will America repeat Israel’s defiance and destroy herself, or will she heed the Harbingers, the warnings, the signs and even history? I pray we will humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways and seek our loving God.
Not long ago, I remember a discussion that posed this song, The Battle Hymn of the Republic, as our National Anthem. It’s a powerful lyric with a musical score that understands the lyrics. But what does it mean?
It means … America is a nation of individuals. Each of these men and women had their own stories, their own reasons to take a stand, and their own aspirations. None were professional soldiers. None were trained in the art of “building a new nation.” The only thing they had in common was a desire to live FREE, unencumbered by government restrictions and regulations, guided only by what was “RIGHT.” They’d had enough of a tyrant – the King – ruling over them and making decisions for them… for their own good. When the king decided to disarm them, telling them he (the government) would keep them safe and take care of them, they knew better. They’d seen how the King “took care of the people” before, and they knew there had to be a better way to live. They knew!
Now, flash forward 236 years and our government today is copying the same legislative pattern Britain’s King George III followed all these years ago. We have been lulled into complacency by the power-grabbing elite of both parties, and in the process we have compromised our values, our morals, and now, we stand for NOTHING!
If only we could remember that our neighbor is just like us. We are all the same in our basic needs. Even the major religions all believe the same basic moral values and strive to improve both the individual and the culture by helping each other. If only we could remember what it feels like to do the “RIGHT” thing instead of the most profitable thing. If only we could remember the things our gramma taught us …
If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
You have two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak.
Be nice to the stranger, because you may find yourself in a strange place sometime in need of help.
And so on …
There is a TRUTH that supersedes all other thought. There is a Law that is universal, fair and honest. There is a morality that governs LIFE. It is God’s Law of Love.
This is NOT a requirement to be a CHRISTIAN, but simply a point of contact, a guideline, measurement stick. Each of the major religions hold to the same basic MORAL tenets, even if other aspects differ. Buddhism, Hinduism, Paganism, Judaism, and Christianity all respect LIFE. Even Islam respects life, although they define it differently. The point is … KINDNESS, RESPECT, HONESTY, CIVILITY, INTEGRITY … there is no LAW against any of these, nor any other society that abhors any of these things. They were once vaunted here, in the United States of America, a mere generation ago. Many remember … Can we not recapture these VALUES to put VALUE back into our daily discourse with one another? Hatred is such an ugly thing! Even uglier on the streets and in the homes of … US!
God’s Law of Love is the ultimate fulfillment of Biblical law, including the Ten Commandments, as it fulfills the intent of such laws. “All the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14). Through Christ’s salvation and His Law of Love, Christians are released from the Mosaic laws in the Old Testament and are no longer bound by them. Instead, they are held to a higher law—Christ’s Law of Love, which should guide all our interactions with others. It is from this place that real liberty springs!
Only WE can change America. It’s not up to the government, or Big Business, or Walmart, or the oil companies. It’s up to US… you and me. We must decide. We MUST choose … Liberty of die!
“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time,
the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault,
and violent men seize it by force, as a precious prize; a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion.”
Matthew 11:12 AMP
There are many puzzles in our daily walk, both as a Christ-follower and as an American. The verse quoted above has long been one of those puzzles because it seems to be contradictory to the overall message of the Gospel of Love. We get glimpses of the true sentiment from time to time … the righteous indignation of Jesus (Mt 21: 12-13) as he overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple because they had turned the “place of prayer & worship” into a mercantile or the righteous indignation of Paul as he chastised the slave girl (Acts 16: 16- 40) following him. It’s not a popular topic of either teaching or conversation.
I. The CONFLICT: As human beings, our tendency is to most highly value only that which we work to earn or possess. In Philippians, we’re told to “work out our own salvation.” (Philippians 2:12-13 Later, in the same book, we’re told to “press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” (Phil 3: 14)
SALVATION is free … It is the Gift of God. (Romans 6:23) The moment we ask, salvation is ours, BUT … it is a daily calling which we have to put on each day. It’s like buying a new, warm woolen coat. It is ours, but for it to accomplish its purpose, it must be put on. So salvation must be put on, must be wrestled with on a daily basis because it does NOT come naturally. Even when we believe, even when our motivation is love … our minds and bodies want to do their own thing. We are asked to fight for it, and take it by force, sometimes, as though someone else wants our new woolen coat. We have the coat, and no one really can take it from us, but we can lay it down and walk away without enjoying its warmth and comfort.
Our Founders prayed for God to help them build a nation that would endure.
Our nation is at a vital crossroad, and the people of America must make the choice. Either we will resign ourselves to live out our lives in the compromised civilization that we see around us, and settle for the life of dependency and lack, OR we can put on our warm, woolen coat of salvation, accept that God’s ways are better, are SUPERIOR to our ways,admit our error, and walk into the abundance God always has for His people. Do we wish to bow to those in government or to the King of Kings? Do we bow to the government of men or the government of God? God’s ways are more difficult, for sure, and sometimes more uncomfortable, but ultimately much better and healthier! We choose not just for ourselves, but for our children, our grandchildren and for our nation.
I’m not sure that’s the best way to explain it, but … Maybe John Bunyan did a better job in his amazing book, Pilgrims Progress (highly recommended book):
” Then the Interpreter took him, and led him up towards the door of the palace; and behold, at the door stood a great company of men, as desirous to go in, but durst not. There also sat a man at a little distance from the door, at a table-side, with a book and his inkhorn before him, to take the names of them that should enter therein; he saw also that in the doorway stood many men in armor to keep it, being resolved to do to the men that would enter, what hurt and mischief they could.
“Now was Christian somewhat in amaze. At last, when every man started back for fear of the armed men, Christian saw a man of a very stout countenance come up to the man that sat there to write, saying, “Set down my name, sir;” the which when he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put a helmet on his head, and rush towards the door upon the armed men, who laid upon him with deadly force; but the man, not at all discouraged, fell to cutting and hacking most fiercely. So after he had received and given many wounds to those that attempted to keep him out, Matt. 11:12; Acts 14:22; he cut his way through them all, and pressed forward into the palace; at which there was a pleasant voice heard from those that were within, even of those that walked upon the top of the palace, saying,
“Come in, come in,
Eternal glory thou shalt win.”
So he went in, and was clothed with such garments as they. Then Christian smiled, and said, I think verily I know the meaning of this.
Now, said Christian, let me go hence…”
II. APPLICATION: Again, I say … Nothing worth having comes easy. None of us learned to walk without falling down a few times. None of us learned to love without having our hearts broken a time or two. None of us learned to stand alone on God’s grace without failing miserably AND being hurt a few times.
“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me!” (Col 1: 24-29 NCV)
Salvation, like Liberty, is an individual accomplishment. I can’t accomplish yours, and you can’t accomplish mine. All we can do for one another is facilitate the decision and encourage each other along the way.
Jacob wrestled with the Angel of God and would not let him go without a blessing. Genesis 32:24-28
As we walk out our salvation, we walk into greater and greater Liberty. We free ourselves from the dictates of men and focus on what pleases God. We learn to revel … to play inside God’s abounding love for us, free from worrying about what others might think of us. We know that as long as we walk inside God’s grace, whatever happens is blessed, ordered of God, and ultimately permitted GOOD for us. However, we must all realize, too, that while there are plenty of peaceful and restful times, there are also numerous “battles” we must walk through to make forward progress. We cannot stand still long, so we must choose to push ahead, upward or fall backward. The way is ready, but we must walk it.
III. CONCLUSION: God does not implant His character into our lives as the weaver might set in gold or silver threads. He does not automatically remove and replace our ugly, sinful traits with holy ones. It is through our personal struggle, each of us must work our way through temptations, trials and difficulties toward our upward goals. The help of God is given in cooperation with our aspiration, perspiration and energy. While God is at work in us, we are to work out our own salvation. The struggle is between our human nature and the implanted nature of God simultaneously occupying the same space! Our base human nature, when left unchecked produces the culture we’re looking at in the news – perverted, selfish, and violent, but the Holy Spirit within us will build into us the Character of Christ, if we permit Him. IF we permit Him. Will we? This is America’s only hope. It is OUR only hope, but it is more than enough!
