What is the root of the economic mess plaguing our country? Everyone seems to have an answer. The political talking heads says it’s the fault of President Barack Obama or President George W. Bush, the Democrats or the Republicans, or Wall Street executives. The economists say it’s due to the fallout of the mortgage crisis, high oil and gas prices, or the increasing trade deficit. The man-on-the-street points toward a growing national debt and says, “We need to reduce our debt and get our spending under control.”
The Great American Experiment is now 230 years old. We have gone from 13 colonies to 50 states and from millions to trillions in national wealth. No doubt about it, the hand of God’s blessing has been on our country. Yet, what have we done with His blessings?
Our government, along with local businesses, families and churches across the country have managed to take the bounty of God and squander it in prodigal-son-fashion. Instead of being stewards, we have become owners. Instead of being thankful we have demanded more. Instead of managing wisely, we have spent and financed foolishly.
Our money is imprinted with the national motto “In God we trust”. Maybe we ought to change that to “In Money We Trust”. We believe that with enough money we can solve our government’s problems, build a larger congregation, have a happier home, or grow a more profitable business. Really? What about the God factor? A wise King once wrote, “Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous [those who trust in God] will flourish like a green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28). Notice, it’s not the possessing of, but trusting in riches that predicts the downfall of people and nations.
Maybe God is strategically working through this financial crisis to humble us so we will turn from trusting in paper and ink and turn to the fortress of Almighty God. May we recognize the error of our ways and receive His gracious healing on our land that is so desperately needed. May He alone be our hope for today.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
HOPE FOR TODAY: The Sex Nation
I was a late bloomer in getting married. It was not until 32 years old that I walked down the aisle with the woman of my dreams. In high school I began a list of what I wanted in the one I was to marry. One thing was a woman who dressed modestly. God answered that. He gave me a woman who was modest and absolutely beautiful too.
Today, modesty seems like a foreign word in our sex-obsessed nation. Purity, innocence and respect seem out of date too. Where are the modern ladies and gentlemen that have a sense of self-respect and are respectful to each other? Our nation is crumbling from within as we selfishly feed our passions. In government, the church and home it has brought disgrace and ruined marriages and families.
We were born with these sexual desires. Our Creator gave them to us. However, they were meant to be fulfilled strictly within the boundaries of marriage. For centuries men and women have continually rebelled against this protective barrier to their own peril, pursuing all forms of sexual gratification. This has tested God’s patience. The Scripture says, “Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their heart to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves” (Romans 1:24).
Since our society is so accepting and saturated with the influence of sex how can we live differently? Through the holiness of God. In the entire universe, He is the only being who is absolutely pure. There is no spot of sin, evil or any form of immorality within Him. When we turn to Jesus through faith and in repentance of our sin, an incredible thing happens. God through His Spirit pours His holiness into us. We become holy as He is holy and receive the power to walk in it day by day.
The love, mercy and holiness of God give us a second chance. We can come to Him individually or collectively as a nation. Then if we turn from our immorality and seek Him for His cleansing we will be given a chance to start over again. Even if we have sacrificed our innocence on the altar of impulse there is still hope. By faith, may we receive that hope for today.
Today, modesty seems like a foreign word in our sex-obsessed nation. Purity, innocence and respect seem out of date too. Where are the modern ladies and gentlemen that have a sense of self-respect and are respectful to each other? Our nation is crumbling from within as we selfishly feed our passions. In government, the church and home it has brought disgrace and ruined marriages and families.
We were born with these sexual desires. Our Creator gave them to us. However, they were meant to be fulfilled strictly within the boundaries of marriage. For centuries men and women have continually rebelled against this protective barrier to their own peril, pursuing all forms of sexual gratification. This has tested God’s patience. The Scripture says, “Therefore, God gave them up in the lusts of their heart to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves” (Romans 1:24).
Since our society is so accepting and saturated with the influence of sex how can we live differently? Through the holiness of God. In the entire universe, He is the only being who is absolutely pure. There is no spot of sin, evil or any form of immorality within Him. When we turn to Jesus through faith and in repentance of our sin, an incredible thing happens. God through His Spirit pours His holiness into us. We become holy as He is holy and receive the power to walk in it day by day.
The love, mercy and holiness of God give us a second chance. We can come to Him individually or collectively as a nation. Then if we turn from our immorality and seek Him for His cleansing we will be given a chance to start over again. Even if we have sacrificed our innocence on the altar of impulse there is still hope. By faith, may we receive that hope for today.
Monday, July 11, 2011
HOPE FOR TODAY: Redefining the American Spirit
President Abraham Lincoln with congressional approval signed a proclamation calling for a national observance of “public humiliation, prayer and fasting” held in September 1861. Months earlier the Union troops came under fire at Fort Sumpter. History shows it was the beginning of the civil war. While pondering the fate of his nation, Lincoln shared these words with his fellow countrymen. He said to offer “fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.” The President knew he needed power and wisdom beyond Himself. He knew only the God of heaven and earth could save his divided country.
Lincoln’s American Spirit was much different than our modern version. In the face of natural disasters, political turmoil or economic uncertainty, today’s leaders call on the American people primarily to depend on themselves. Today’s version of the American Spirit is human-centered. It calls for a tough, independent, self-determined mindset that comes with an accomplish-anything attitude.
Although it appears admirable and sounds great on the surface, is that really our nation’s best and brightest way to respond to crises? The self-reliant spirit that does not need God actually enflames the anger of God. However, the humble and God-fearing receive His ear and all of heaven’s resources. The Scriptures say, “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:6). Crises reveal our limits as mortal human beings. We cannot stop a tornado. We cannot purge injustice from our world. We cannot control the behavior of every person. Such things highlight our powerlessness. It shouts our need for a Savior outside of ourselves.
There is only one being who is all powerful, all knowing and eternal in existence who can intervene in the course of human affairs – Almighty God. Centuries ago, He intervened by sending His Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection God altered the direction of world history.
May the American Spirit come to be synonymous with humility before our Creator. When our nation faces future crises may a holy and humble remnant bow before the Most High and with unwavering faith watch Him work for good in our nation. May God Himself be our nation’s hope for today and future generations.
Lincoln’s American Spirit was much different than our modern version. In the face of natural disasters, political turmoil or economic uncertainty, today’s leaders call on the American people primarily to depend on themselves. Today’s version of the American Spirit is human-centered. It calls for a tough, independent, self-determined mindset that comes with an accomplish-anything attitude.
Although it appears admirable and sounds great on the surface, is that really our nation’s best and brightest way to respond to crises? The self-reliant spirit that does not need God actually enflames the anger of God. However, the humble and God-fearing receive His ear and all of heaven’s resources. The Scriptures say, “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:6). Crises reveal our limits as mortal human beings. We cannot stop a tornado. We cannot purge injustice from our world. We cannot control the behavior of every person. Such things highlight our powerlessness. It shouts our need for a Savior outside of ourselves.
There is only one being who is all powerful, all knowing and eternal in existence who can intervene in the course of human affairs – Almighty God. Centuries ago, He intervened by sending His Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection God altered the direction of world history.
May the American Spirit come to be synonymous with humility before our Creator. When our nation faces future crises may a holy and humble remnant bow before the Most High and with unwavering faith watch Him work for good in our nation. May God Himself be our nation’s hope for today and future generations.
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