Prayer For Our Nation

     There is a Prayer for Our Nation that has been making the email circuit, crediting the Reverend Billy Graham and others as its author. However, the truth is that this prayer of repentance was written by Bob Russell, Pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky back in 1996.

     Nevertheless, whomever you wish to credit, the fact is that this “prayer” contains many if not all valid serious ills plaguing our families, government and nation as a whole today.

     Folks our nation is broken and in great need of repair. The only answer is repentance and our trust in Jesus Christ. 

    

     Below is the “Prayer for our Nation” that has been circulating:

     “Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done.

·        We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

·        We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

·        We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

·        We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

·        We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

·        We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

·        We have abused power and called it politics.

·        We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.

·        We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

·        We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

·        Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us Free. Amen!”

     With the Lord’s help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called ‘One nation under God!” 

Questions – People Ask

I realize that giving thanks is customary this time of year, but it has been a tough year for me. Quite honestly, there isn’t much to thank God for. Still, I don’t like feeling this way. Can you help?

    

     You’ve taken a very important step toward cultivating a thankful heart, and that is being honest. God isn’t offended by the way you feel. He even sympathizes with your problems. (Hebrews 4:14-16) says: “Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, Who is passed into the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15) For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain Mercy find Grace to help in time of need.”

     However, if you don’t move on into true thanksgiving and praise, you will be a prime candidate for a bitter spirit that negatively affects you and everyone around you.

     That’s why God spoke through Paul that we are “in everything [to] give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

     I have seen Christians put under almost unbearable strain. Yet many of these people do learn to thank God in the midst of their pressure. They refuse to feel sorry for themselves, blame someone else, or bury themselves in depression.

     The heart of the matter is obedience. Will we actually give thanks to God in the burdensome times? This is “His will,” His plan for us. It may not rhyme with human logic. But we do it.

     Start to thinking of one thing to thank God for. It may be for your salvation. It may be for a car that runs a pair of shoes to wear a healthy son or daughter. You will be amazed that how much you will discover to thank the heavenly Father for when you consider His involvement and blessings in your life.

     As you obediently give thanks, you acknowledge several crucial Bible truths. You affirm God’s control of your life. You are not a victim of the economy or the boss’ decision.

     God is at work in your life in all things. He is Lord of all – nation, men, events, circumstances.

     You are not a pawn in the hands of fate. You are God’s child, and He cares for you.

     You also declare your trust in Him. God is trustworthy in the most inclement conditions. He longs for believers to look confidently to Him, especially when the waters are rough. At the core of your personal relationship with Christ are trust and obedience.

      That is precisely what thanksgiving accomplishes, and its value is exponentially increased when you worship God in the thick of the fray.

     Thank God no matter what. God will be honored, and you will find your joy on the rise.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part VI)

The High Cost of God’s Grace – Read: Luke 7:36-39 “And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38) And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39)Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, He spoke within Himself, saying, This man, if He were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is who touches Him: for she is a sinner.”

     The evening was cool – the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling stars. Mary knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee.

     Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.

     As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.

     Mary responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift.

     The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure. And all this is because of what Jesus did at the cross.

     I love the Song: “Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood of Jesus – It Washes White As Snow.” The High Cost of God’s Grace was paid just for you. Do you know Jesus? You can right now! Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part V)

The Throne of Grace – Read: Hebrews 7:22-28  22) “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23) And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24) But this man, because he continue ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto God by him, seeing he ever live to make intercession for them. 26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27) Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28) For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, make the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”.

     Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

     For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The High Priest himself; ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.

     By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have to depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin, He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “[Jesus] is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25)

     You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.  

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part IV)

The Transforming Grace of God – Read: Ephesians 4:17-24   17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20) But ye have not so learned Christ; 21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

     Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.” 

     That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth. (Romans 12:2).

     As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.

·        Humility – You recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person (Ephesians 2:8-9). You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace.

·        Dependence – You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s Will and serve others.

·        Confidence – You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good. (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28)

Don't Quit

     I was reading scripture in the book of Hebrews and noted the following: ("...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus...." Hebrews 12:1-2), and a poem (Author Unknown) I had recently read came to mind. I wanted to share it with you in hopes due to all the unrest [political, financial, unemployment] in our nation today, that it might instill in each of you; Encouragement, Hope and Faith in God, Nation and Family. Remember Don’t Give Up – Don’t Quit!

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You might succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse, that you must not quit.

Series: Grace For Times Of Trouble (Part III)

The Transforming Grace of God - Read: 1 Timothy 1:9-17 – 9) Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11) According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.  12) And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14) And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16) Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.

     Concern about her salvation, the woman met with her pastor. “I don’t know how Jesus can accept me,” she cried. “I want to give my life to Him, but I’m not ready. You don’t know what I’ve done. Jesus can’t possibly forgive me.”

     Feeling guilty about past wrongs is understandable. Sin is ugly in God’s eyes, but He took care of the problem on the Cross. When you agree with God that your sin is wrong and accept Jesus’ payment in your place, you are freed by His blood – clean and righteous in God’s sight. No one is too wicked, too horrible, too unlovable, and too vile for Jesus to love.

     Paul, the missionary and apostle, said: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience. . .” (v. 15-16) One of the greatest evangelists of all time was once a vicious persecutor of Christians.

     No matter what you have said or done, you can hold fast to this promise: “In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7).