“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7) 

                I’ve been in the pharmaceutical industry for 21 years. I remember early in my career, one of the things people touted about the industry was that it was recession proof, that these jobs would be around forever. I found out firsthand in 2006, that was not the case. After almost 16 years with the same company, I lost my job due to downsizing. Thankfully, God provided another job for me. Since that time, in reaction to the evolution of healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry has continued to change, creating even greater uncertainty. Job security, no matter the industry, is an elusive thing right now in our economy. As I write this, I write thinking about many of those I know and worked with for 16 years with my previous employer. In just a few weeks they will once again face another downsizing that will inevitably put some of them in the same position in which I found myself in 2006. So, how is it we handle these times of uncertainty? How do we process all that is going on around us? Most importantly, where do we look for clarity and comfort?

             “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” The purpose of Peter’s letter was to encourage Christians throughout Asia Minor to stand firm in their faith despite increasing persecution. The increased persecution caused many to waver in their trust in God’s provision. Peter’s letter was meant to encourage them to look past their current circumstances and to renew their trust in what God purposed for their futures. 

            Do you believe the words that Peter wrote as the Holy Spirit guided his hand? Do believe that God cares for you? Well, He does, and whatever the outcome of your particular circumstance will not change that fact. It may just be He’s opening a new door for you to walk through. This passage calls for us to respond in two ways. First, we are to humble ourselves. The Greek word “humble” means “to lower oneself”. In this passage, it means to humble ourselves before a sovereign and unchangeable God who knows our circumstance better than we do. Second, we are to “cast” our anxieties on God. Our worry is a sin because it is a manifestation of pride that says, “God can’t handle this”. He can. Our anxiety may have many causes, but God is the one answer to them all. Peter also tells us that the outcome of our humbling is that in God’s own and perfect timing, He will lift us up. Believe that God loves you because He does. He displayed that love most fully in the person of Jesus Christ, and though our circumstances may change, His love never will. So the purpose in which God spoke to those before us is the same purpose for which He speaks to us now. Look beyond the current circumstance and be amazed at who God is and what He can do. Is it easy? No! Do we struggle giving it over to Him? Yes! Is giving it over to Him what He wants from us, and can He handle it? Yes and yes! What a great God! 

 Prayer

Father, thank you for being a sovereign God that is completely in control of everything. We admit our sin of worry and doubt. If you’ve taken care of our greatest need, why should we not think you will take care of them all? Father, help us to walk by faith. By the power of the Holy Spirit, free us from the anxieties of our circumstances knowing that you are in control. Amen!

“…give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

            Let’s face it; it’s easier to give thanks in certain circumstances than others.  But God’s Word says we are to give thanks in all of them.  What Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 has a tendency to strike us the same way as when James writes, “Count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2).  The call to obey is clear, but obedience to that call is much easier said than done.  In fact, without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible.  Last week, as part of our thanksgiving service at church, I had the opportunity to hear several people share testimonies of their thankfulness for God’s work in their lives.  The first testimony was very easy to listen to; the last two, not so much so as they were from families dealing with difficult and uncertain circumstances related to illness.  But in spite of that, they testified that although they may not know what today holds, they are certain as to what the future does.  They testified to the faithfulness of God.  I left the service realizing the problems that I do have aren’t really problems at all.  I also left encouraged that it’s God who authors our circumstances and whether those circumstances have us on a mountaintop or in the valley, He is always there. 

            “…give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) When we encounter passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and James 1:2, it’s tempting to apply our own meanings or to put boundaries around the passage.  Paul’s teaching to those in the church at Thessalonica was not that they were to give thanks for everything that happens, but to be thankful that God is working to bring good out of whatever does (Romans 8:28).  It’s the same with us.  As a child of God, this life is about preparation for the next, living with an eye on eternity, being made more like Christ, realizing that whatever happens here cannot compare to the promise of heaven, “the glory that is to be revealed” (Romans 8:18).  I believe those who suffer realize this more fully.  I believe this was the testimony of these families.  And I know that it’s all made possible because of God.  God doesn’t put boundaries around these passages because they have to be understood in light of who He is.  Understanding that will help us to give thanks in all circumstances, even the difficult ones.  When you give thanks during this thanksgiving season, remember how much you have to be thankful for: your health, your family, your friends, your church, your job and much more.  But more than anything be thankful for what God has done for you in Christ, and for the  glorious promise of what is yet to come.       

Prayer

Lord, your Word tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just the good ones.  It also tells us to rejoice always and to pray continually.  Lord this is difficult when we suffer, so we ask for your Holy Spirit to help us.  God, all your purposes are good and we know that this world is not our home.  Let our knowing what awaits us be an encouragement for today.  But until that time, in good times and bad, help us to be thankful in all things, knowing that you are making us more like your Son and enabling us to live for your glory.  Amen!

“John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us” (Mark 9:38) 

            How many times have you wanted to be part of the “in” group?  You know, the group that just does it better than anyone else, seemingly having it all together.  Maybe you’re in that group.  It can be related to anything; business, school, athletics, etc.  It even occurs within the church.  Jesus’ disciples were a pretty exclusive group.  Disciple means “learner” and to have learned personally from Jesus Christ, the incarnate God is in fact unique.  Scripture also refers to the twelve disciples as apostles, which means “messengers” or “sent ones”.  These men certainly carried great authority in the life of the church.  In fact, in some cases they are presented as men who had some extra spiritual quality about them.  But to understand the Biblical account is to understand that these men were human in every way, susceptible to all the human pitfalls that you and I are.  

             “John said to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us” On this occasion, the Apostle John’s pride and arrogance was on full display, His words both intolerant and unloving.  This was not the first time pride had won the moment in his life (Matthew 20:20-24; Luke 9:51-56).  It seems pride was an early companion of John’s and all the disciples really, as in many ways, they sought their own glory.  On this particular occasion, upon hearing John’s words recorded in Mark 9:38, Jesus, sensing his pride pointed out that anyone who ministers in His name should be gratefully acknowledged (Mark 9:39). 

             There would be many fitting titles for this devotion but I chose Grace In An Unlikely Place because it’s real easy to read right over this passage and miss the message.  It is God’s graciousness by which He shows us examples of the things we’re capable of.  Without diminishing the privilege of being His disciple, Jesus encouraged John’s support of others who also ministered in His name.  As you and I minister, we cannot think it impossible to develop an elitist attitude toward others who do the same.  John showed us that.  Just because someone ministers apart from us doesn’t lessen its eternal value.  Remember, the glory is not ours.  It belongs to God.  The apostle John obviously aged well.  He was always committed to truth, but over time, his once elitist and narrow-mindedness gave way to God’s gracious work in his life.  Truth and love were now more properly balanced.  Are they with you?  We know John as the apostle of love, but ultimately it was the love of Christ that made all the difference, not just for him, but for each of us as well.  Now that’s what I call grace!    

Prayer

Lord, as humans, we are so tempted by pride.  Christian ministry is not exempt from that temptation.  Lord, thank you for giving us your Word.  Your words never come to us by accident as there is always an intended purpose.  It is grace when you warn us about the effects of pride, even in Christian ministry.  Often your lessons are so subtle we sometimes miss them.  Keep me sensitive to your Word and the Spirit’s work in my own life that I would be mindful of the damaging effects of spiritual pride.  Help me to properly balance truth and love each day.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 

                The words were simple really.  But simple words are often the manner in which God chooses to impress His point upon us.  It also happens that many times He uses other people to that end.  So what are the words I’m referring to?  To paraphrase, they were, “God is not for you in the sense of just being your cheerleader.  He is much more than that.”  Recently at choir practice, as we rehearsed Chris Tomlin’s song, Our God, of which this verse is contained in the lyrics, Dan took the occasion to emphasize the great truth of Romans 8:31.  Romans 8 is a great chapter.   In fact, some have called it the greatest chapter in the Bible.  It clearly affirms some of God’s greatest promises.  Specifically, Romans 8:31-39 have been referred to as “the highest plateau in the whole of divine revelation”.  That being said, it stands to reason that the full meaning of Romans 8:31 not only be appreciated, but imbedded within our hearts as we live in this present world.    

            “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  One of the primary themes of this section of Romans is the eternal security of the believer, the teaching that what God has done through Christ can never be undone.  Neither the context nor the Greek rendering of this verse leaves open even the possibility that salvation can be lost. Though the world may try to convince us otherwise, it is not so.  For nothing or no one is greater than God Himself and able to separate us from the love of Christ.   

            It has been six years since I last served in the music ministry.  It was a blessing to serve in that ministry and to have met so many wonderful people.  But as it does, life takes you in different directions and after some time, has once again brought me back here.  I find that it’s really not so much that these ministries need us as it is that we need them.  Both the privilege and the blessing of serving are ours.  For me, this first night back at choir practice was further evidence of that point.  We never outgrow the need for God’s Words of truth to be impressed upon our hearts.  He really is so much more than we imagine Him to be.  And He is certainly not just standing on the sidelines hoping in your victory.  He’s guaranteed it!  Christ’s perfect atonement was just that, perfect.  Never let anyone tell you that what you have “in Christ” can be taken away because it can’t be.  The love that God determined to show you before He created the world is the same love He’ll show you not only for all eternity, but at every point in between.  Now that’s total assurance.  That’s real security.  And that’s our God!  

Prayer

Father, thank you for the love you have shown me.  Thank you that when things come against me, that you are for me.  Thank you that when I am unlovable, you still love me.  We are incapable of imagining how deep your love is for us.  How crazy it is that you would give your own Son for our sin.  But that’s exactly what you did, and I know that because of Christ’ perfect sacrifice that love will always be with me.  You are a great and awesome God! 

“And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’” (Acts 9:5) 

            This was one intense encounter.  So intense was the light that flashed from heaven that it blinded Paul for three days.  Over time, being Christian in Jerusalem had increasingly become a dangerous proposition.  Persecution had become more intense and the stoning of Stephen was the pivotal event that led many Christians to flee Jerusalem and scatter throughout the region.  Paul was the one who approved Stephen’s execution.  Even as Stephen was being buried Paul continued to ravage the church, searching house to house in order to imprison anyone who followed Christ.  To understand Paul’s actions, we must understand his background.  Paul’s father was Jewish and from a very early age Paul was exposed to the Old Testament law.  Still in his teens, he began training under Gamaliel, a highly respected Jewish rabbi and member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling body in Jerusalem.  In his day, Paul was one of the most educated men in Jewish theology.  He was of the tribe of Benjamin, “a Hebrew of Hebrews”.  He was advancing more rapidly than others in Judaism.  Paul was on his way.  There was no limit to what he might become in Judaism.  But then he met Jesus.    

            “And he said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’” We know him as Paul, but when he first appears in Scripture (Acts 8) he is called by his Jewish name, Saul.  It is not until midway through Acts in which he is referred to as Paul.  After his rampage in Jerusalem, on approval from the high priest, Paul continued his search, his sights set on Damascus.  He was headed there to do what he did best, arrest and persecute Christians.  Paul considered this his duty, seeing his attempt to preserve the Mosaic Law as a great service to the Lord. 

            Though we may be very earnest in our beliefs and behaviors, often we act in ignorance in our attempts to follow what we believe to be God’s will.  Paul was guilty of the same thing (1 Timothy 1:13).  His problem wasn’t that he worshipped the wrong God; he just attempted to worship Him in the wrong way.  He did so clothed in his own righteousness as opposed to the righteousness of Christ.  Not only is that not true worship, it’s damning.  Christ’s righteousness alone is what saves.  And after Paul met Jesus that day on the Damascus Road, it was His righteousness that he wore.  In an instant, he was transformed.  Paul didn’t lose the passion and zeal that he always had; it was just redirected.  Transformation happens when we really meet Jesus.  We see Jesus Christ as Paul saw and preached Him to others.  We see Him as our only need.  Is that how you see Christ?  Is He your only need?  Is your passion for His glory?  Paul’s was.  On that day, on that road, Paul had a supernatural encounter with Jesus that changed his life forever.  On that day, Paul met Jesus.  Have you?      

Prayer

Father, Paul is a testimony to both your sovereignty and your grace.  In your sovereignty, you set him apart for your purposes, and in your grace, you washed away his past.  Thank you for doing the same for me.  Just as Paul did, help me to live a worthy response to that grace and to be used for your glory.  As always, thank you for Christ whose righteousness it is that I wear.  It is only because of Him that I can call you Father.

“…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12) 

                Most every Sunday, our pastor says, “The church is not the building, it’s the people.”  It’s true!  Of course, no church is perfect because every person who attends is imperfect.  But it’s a blessing when you experience personally within a body of believer’s the purpose of the church lived out.  Until a year ago, it had been 18 years since Karen had worked outside of our home.  For those years her sole job was taking care of us.  She still does that, but now, due to both a desire to work and increasing expenses for the foreseeable future, she began another one.  Kids, college and cars will do that to you.  So you ask, “How does that have anything to do with Ephesians 4:12”?  Let me explain.  Since 2001 Hunter Street Baptist Church has been our church home.  We’ve truly been blessed to be part of that church family.  For six years Karen spent practically every Wednesday morning doing Bible study with the same group of ladies.  Because of work, the time in which they meet now conflicts with her schedule. 

               “…to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” A main theme Paul emphasized in Ephesians was unity within the church.  He taught thatdespite different backgrounds, unity should be the natural outflow of the redemptive work of Christ and exhorted the Ephesians to that unity.  He also taught of the diversity of gifts within the church.  He said, “…grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).  This statement was not a reference to saving grace, but to grace given to serve in Christ’s church.  Paul then spoke to the churches purpose.  Church leaders, gifted in various ways to minister the Word of God are called for the purpose of equipping the saints for the “work of ministry”, for “building up” or strengthening the body of Christ.  It is to develop another person’s life through acts of love and encouragement.

               As Christians, God has given each of us a spiritual gift in order to serve.  It’s His gift; we are really just stewards of them.  These gifts are to be used as we minister to others.  If only the body of Christ was more dedicated to this calling?  If only Christians would use their God given gifts, if only they would do what Paul encouraged Timothy to do, “fan into the flame the gift of God”, there’s no telling what great things God would do through His church (2 Timothy 1:6).  As Karen has taken on another chapter of her life, I know she is thankful for the time she spent with Margaret, Jenny, Emily, Ann, Pam, Janet and Carla.  She has been ministered to and encouraged by all of them.  For my part, I have no idea what spiritual gift God has given any of them nor do I even know them very well.  But I know this, they have loved my wife and I am grateful for that.  What a blessing it is to see God work through His church and through His people to build up the body.  Nothing unifies like Jesus does and through Him, Karen will always be unified with these ladies.  They’ve promised that her spot will always be there should her schedule change.  This is but one example of what Paul was encouraging in this passage being carried out.  I’m sure there are others.  It is also a testimony of God’s work in the life of our church and His work personally in the lives of these ladies.  But most of all, it is a testimony to the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has shown His grace so brightly in the lives of His people.  To see people living out God’s call on their lives, enabled to do so by the power of the Holy Spirit, and done all for His glory.  Now that’s what I call church!  

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the people who take your Word and your purposes for the church seriously.  Thank you that you have given grace to accomplish these purposes.  Thank you mostly for Jesus Christ who accomplished our salvation that we may know you.  Help me to take seriously your call for the body of Christ.  Let the gift you have given me be used for your glory.  Amen!

“…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) 

            I suppose that if we could choose our own religion there would be many truths of the Bible that we would exclude.  We would probably leave out final judgment and the reality of hell.  Suffering and trials wouldn’t be part of the Christian life.  Some might act as if God really had no opinion concerning marriage and divorce.  And Jesus’ compassion toward sinners would be taken to mean that sexual sins, including homosexuality were not offensive to God.  We might even create a religion where Jesus was but one of many ways to spend eternity with God.  Many have chosen a religion that conflicts with what the Bible teaches as it’s pretty clear that over time, instead of God’s, man’s personal views and preferences determine right and wrong.  Why is it that we so desire religion meet our standard and conform to our feelings?  Many long for the days of the past when it was different, but was it really different or have people, at least in some form or fashion always been attempting to choose their own religion?    

            “…for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” The “whole counsel of God” refers to the entirety of God’s redemptive plan given us in His Word.  Paul’s travels took him many places. His three year stay in Ephesus was the longest of all the places in which he ministered.  As he prepared to leave, he expressed to the elders of the church that he would not be responsible for their moral or spiritual failures.  As Paul dealt with the issues of his day, he refused to omit teaching aspects of God’s Word that might be offensive to some.  He was faithful to preach it all, even the truths that were difficult for people to accept. 

            In God’s Word we find many great promises for those who believe, but there are some hard truths as well, truths that just don’t meet with our sensibilities.  But our sensibilities are not the manner in which God is measured.  Our sensibilities are tainted by sin.  There are certainly those who deny Biblical truth with evil intent, but I also believe that many deny it with only good intentions.  However, well intentioned and seemingly compassionate or not, it is equally wrong.  We must submit to God’s standards and His wisdom in every matter.  People always seem quick to want to criticize religion, but I contend the problem is not so much with religion, but man who practices it.  Unfortunately, even in our good intentions, we have denied God’s absolute authority in many matters of faith, and instead of Jesus Christ, we have placed ourselves on the throne.   When such is the case, it is a religion worth criticizing.  But that’s not the religion of the Bible.  The Christian religion, the only true religion is the one where Jesus Christ alone sits on the throne, the central figure in all that God has done to secure our salvation, guaranteeing eternal life.  Now that, I contend, is a religion worth choosing. 

 Prayer

Father, your Word often conflicts with my good intentions.  But your Word is always true while my good intentions are always tainted by sin.  Thank you for such clarity in your Word concerning issues of life.  For without it, we would be left to ourselves in determining right and wrong.  There are many truths of Scripture that are impossible to understand apart from your Spirit.  Thank you for grace in giving us the Holy Spirit to accept your Word.  Thank you also for grace as we proclaim those truths to others.  Thank you most of all for Christ, who alone cleanses us from sin that we may have eternal life.  It is in His name we pray.  Amen!

“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4) 

                God knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  Last year as a church family, we read through the Bible.  During the month of August the schedule took us to the Psalms and on that particular morning it brought me to Psalm 121.  At the time, prominent on my mind and a prominent topic in mine and Karen’s conversations was the fact that we now had two children in high school, even more; we had a senior, Kristin.  That meant in a year, she would be heading off to college.  Well, today, those thoughts and conversations become reality as today is the day we move Kristin to Auburn University to begin a new phase of her life, and a certain transition for our family.  Today is also the day where God’s Word’s in this psalm become more real to me than ever.  These years have flown by.  I didn’t really believe it when people used to tell me that they would, but it’s true.  I can still remember as if it was yesterday when we put her on the school bus for the first time as she started kindergarten.  As the bus drove away, the tears flowed, not Kristin’s, but mine and Karen’s.  When we leave her today, they’ll be no bus to bring her home when school’s out.      

            “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” My Bible titles Psalm 121 My Help Comes from the LORD.  It is a fitting title because it is God’s supernatural strength that we must all rely on as we live out His will.  The specific purpose of this psalm was to give confidence to those traveling to Jerusalem in order to attend the feasts and worship in the temple.  It expresses the LORD’s tireless care and sovereign protection throughout all of one’s life.  As His child, you can be assured He’s always there.   

            Encountering God’s Word is encountering God.  It’s where He reveals Himself to us and challenges us to walk according to His statutes.  But it is also where He encourages and comforts us with His promises.  God knew I needed the comfort of Psalm 121 last August, and He knows that from today forward, I’ll need it even more.  In just a few years, Logan will follow Kristin and take the next step in his life’s journey.  I know many parents in similar situations as Karen and I, a point of having to let go as never before.  It’s a great moment in many ways for your children, but at the same time, a frightening one for you.  Be comforted by the promise of this psalm.  We have a God we can trust.  So all of our preparations are complete; we’ve purchased the necessities for her dorm room and the cars are packed.  At the end of the day today we’ll leave, and as we have, we’ll continue to pray for Kristin.  And we’ll pray that in our absence God will continue to watch over her.  I know He will.  He always has.  After all, it’s in His arms where she’s most secure.  “From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD…”  Thank you God! 

 Prayer

Father, I trust you and thank you for watching over Kristin.  I know that as she sleeps, you won’t; when she moves about, you’ll be there; and if she falls, you’ll catch her.  It’s our tendency sometimes to hold tighter to the one’s we love the most.  Father, as our children grow, and as they go, help us as parents to know, that it is in your arms that we give them.  Help us to be comforted by that.  Be with those we love and keep them safe.  Thank you for your ever watchful eye.  Amen!

“But you, O LORD, are a shield for about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:3)               

                There is no part of Scripture that better represents the unedited experiences of life than the psalms.  And there’s no better person to tell of those experiences than King David.  Known as the “sweet psalmist of Israel”, he authored about half of the one hundred and fifty psalms.  His psalms are a reflection of his life and are laced with a wide range of emotions.  As we read David’s writings, it’s as though we’re looking in the mirror.  The ups and downs he expresses, in many ways, are our shared experience.  Psalm 3 is considered a lament.  A lament is characterized by the psalmist opening up his heart to the Lord, honestly expressing grief over a difficult situation and thereby requesting His help.  David had to be extremely disheartened at this moment.  This was but one of many moments in which discouragement consumed him.  Imagine having a child seeking to take your life.  The historical setting for this psalm is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18 and tells of when David fled from his son, Absalom, who conspired to overthrow his father as Israel’s king.  Under siege and betrayed by his own son, David was at one of the lowest points in his life and definitely in need of the LORD’S help.     

               Have you ever been where David was in that moment, so shocked by events that grief overwhelmed you, making you believe that there’s no way out?  During times such as these, too often our focus is only on what we see.  We’re so busy looking at the circumstance that we fail to fix our eyes on God and trust in who He is.  Many times in his own life, including this moment, David did the same thing.  But it only lasted for a time. “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” David knew the LORD was his shield and the source of his glory.  But in this psalm he also referred to Him as the “lifter” of his head.  He recognized that the LORD was also his greatest source of encouragement, always there to keep his spirit from failing.  Adversities in life come and go.  David knew them well, but he also knew who he had in LORD.  This deep abiding trust helped him to express faith in this moment of crisis.  Adversities will come in your life as well.  We may not like them, but they are a means that God uses to shape our Christian character.  When these times come, know that the LORD will be there to protect and encourage you.  Trust in His character, and be confident that just as He was with David, He will be there to “lift” your head.  God meant it when He said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”   

 Prayer

Father, no matter where we are in our walk of faith, there are times when discouragement overwhelms us.  David testifies to this very fact.  But he is also testifies to your faithfulness in seeing him through those times.  Thank you for all that you are: our shield, our glory and our encourager.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you in our times of need.  You are always faithful.  Amen!   

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34) 

                Tomorrow, July 4th, we celebrate the independence of these United States of America.  As the early settlers charted the course of our nation, they had no shame concerning the things of God.  The first line in the Mayflower Compact was, “In the name of God, Amen” and when the Pilgrims’ signed it in 1620, they acknowledged God’s sovereignty and sought to glorify Him.  Our founding fathers believed the truths of the Bible and acknowledged their faith in God as they wrote the Constitution.  Many prominent universities were founded on the Word of God.  God is in our pledge and it is “in Him” whom we claim to trust on our currency.  But as a nation, is He in our hearts?  As we reflect on this day, a day of celebrating our independence, it is worth asking that if as a nation we have also sought our independence from God.        

            “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings.  Proverbs 14:34 plainly states that actions aligned with God’s standards exalt or “lift up” a nation, while sin is a disgrace.  The United States has been richly blessed.  Throughout our history, we have taken up the cause for much that is right and good.  But what are we becoming?  Has pride gotten the best of us and taken such a hold on our nation that less and less we see the need for God?  Today many deny His sovereignty.  Many of those educational institutions that were founded on the Word of God are now major influencer’s in denying Him.  It seems that our Creator whom we used to hold so close, we have now pushed away.  Consider the many instances in which we have sought to rewrite what God has spoken in His Word.  If we consider Him at all, it’s a God stripped of His holiness and righteousness.  That’s not the God of the Bible.  Yet we still seek His blessings, all the while ignoring His will.  Should we expect them?  It’s time to ask ourselves what kind of nation we want to be.  Is there any cause for hope?  I believe there is.

            No matter how things may appear, there’s hope.  Our hope lies in a Sovereign God.  Nothing ever happens outside of His control.  We hope, knowing that God is faithful to preserve His people through times such as these.  We can also hope in prayer that as a nation we would return to God and that the Holy Spirit would move as never before.  So today, as we celebrate our independence as a nation, as it concerns God, let this and every other day be a day that instead of seeking our independence from God, we reaffirm our dependence on Him.  He truly is the only one we can depend on.      

 Prayer

Father, as a nation we have strayed.  We have strayed in so many ways on so many issues.  Forgive us.  Give me a greater desire for your glory in my own life and in the life of our nation.  Help me pursue righteousness that you would be pleased to hear my prayers for our nation.  Thank you for Jesus Christ.  It is only through God the Son in which we can approach the Father.  Let our nation exalt Him above all.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Let us be a people who please you.  Amen!