Independence Day - A Nation Under God

Our great nation was established upon biblical principles. Because of that we have become great and a leader in the world. But, if we go away from the foundation that was laid, this great ‘house’ will fall. This is true for individuals, families, corporations, and, yes, nations. We have a responsibility as Christ-followers and Americans to be involved in our nation’s government.

At a prayer breakfast for Congress one time, Billy Graham said he believed that there were many times in the history of America when certain men stood for God and actually changed the course of our history. With that in mind, let’s go back to the first Constitutional Convention, where the delegates were burdened with the pressures of their time, and they exhausted from trying to hammer out a new government’s precepts. These men were so frustrated at not being able to agree on a Constitution that they were all but ready to throw the whole idea out and forget it. But, it was during this upheaval of spirit that one older man with white hair stood up, calm and deliberate. That man was Benjamin Franklin, and this is what he said: “Gentlemen, if it is true that not one single petal from any flower falls to the ground without escaping God’s attention, will the distress of this nation go unheeded? Let us therefore determine to seek His face.”

These men did something that would cause many legal challenges today. They immediately put down their pens and all got on their knees in prayer. When they got back on their feet, the slogan “E Pluribus Unum” was born, “One Out Of Many.”

Greece built a society on culture and it failed. Rome built her society on military power and it crumbled. The nation that survives is not the nation with the power; not the nation with the military might; not the nation with all the intellect, nor the nation with all the wealth, but the nation whose God is the Lord.

Are you praying for our nation and government leader? We are responsible to pray whether you agree with them or not?

Gerald Ford, our 38th President, quoted a 1955 speech by Dwight D. Eisenhower on December 5, 1974: "Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first - the most basic - expression of Americanism. Thus the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God’s help, it will continue to be."

President Ronald Reagan said, "If we ever forget that we are “One nation, under God”, then we will be one nation gone under."

What say you all? Will we pray and fulfill our destiny as a people of God, so that we will as a nation? God wants to heal the USA. As it says in 2 Chron 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Take your responsibility to petition our government representatives and speak out on the issues to keep God and the Bible a part of our nation’s affairs. Always be in prayer for our nation and its leaders. 1 Tim 2:2 gives us our mandate as Christ-followers to pray for our nation’s leaders so we can live peaceful, godly lives that honor God. God bless the USA!

Bummed About My Knee

How do you get around on a bum leg? Not very well I'll tell you. I overdid it playing softball, painting all day, and doing a lot of work on my feet. I have a knee that is swollen and giving me some pain. I am just hobbling around. It is very frustrating and humbling.

I often have to ask the kids or my wife if they would 'please' go and get me this or that, so that I don't have to get up and walk up stairs. Stairs are the worst. I am believing that the Lord Jesus is my healer. He does expect us to do our part, too. I am icing the knee and the last couple nights I am elevating it. So, it is feeling better. I also bought about a week ago a knee brace so I could get around doing all the needed work around the house.

Yes, there is much to do around the house as my daughter, Jenessa, is graduating from high school. It is hard to believe. She is ready, though. I am proud of her. She is so mature and ready for college. So, we have been doing a lot of yard work. Much edging and mulching and weed killing and watering. We also painted the garage as I already referred to. It does look much better. I am now going to have to sort and organize all the garage stuff so it looks nice for the open house.

Meantime, my leg is still needing to heal up. Pray for me. One thing I have noticed is how the other leg and my back muscles, etc., have to compensate for the bum knee. I also have overworked those muscles now.

It is the same in the church. We need each part of the church body to operate strong and healthy. If a person is missing or not working to their full potential the whole rest of the church feels it, too. The other people begin to feel over stressed and that is bad. But, after awhile, the others will get it done though not as well as if each person was at its best. Each part is important that is why we are all 'part'ners in God's work.

1 Cor 12:20-21
20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" NIV

So, church, we need each one of you to give your gifts and talents fully to the Lord's work. It is not as effective without you. Let it not be said that the church body has a bum knee.

That's Good to Hear

This past Sunday a guest brought an announcement to our congregation about a local help organization that we support. This person got up to speak a couple minutes after we had finished worship. She said that she was so overwhelmed by the worship and music that she had to take a minute to collect herself. It was evident that she was having a bit of trouble gathering herself.

It is quite refreshing to hear of a newcomer expressing the impact of the worship that we often as 'old-timers' can take for granted. We are so blessed here at Abundant Life Church with an amazing worship team. Our Director of Worship, Jeff Knowlen, has over two decades of experience leading worship. He is doing a phenomenal job and is endeavoring to keep it fresh by introducing new and current songs. He is also bringing in the young to be sure that the baton is passed to the next generation. I am grateful that my own children are a part of that.

It is just good to hear that the Holy Spirit is still having His way during our worship and that He is experienced in such a powerful way by individuals. That is what it is all about. Our mission is "to effectively communicate biblical truth in a way that transforms lives." Well, we were effective this past Sunday through the music and worship. People experienced the truth that God is real and loves them.

The Bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of His people. We are so privileged to be able to enjoy the Presence of God. We can have His presence anytime, but it is more evident when we join together in praising and worshiping God together. That is biblical, too, as we see it in many places of scripture where God manifests Himself extraordinarily in the midst of people worshiping together.

I also heard a couple days ago from a family that moved away. They said that they so missed our church. That is good to hear, too. We are causing people to be transformed by our continued ministry of holding up the Word of Truth in relevant ways.

Just Not Good Enough

Have you ever felt like you did your best, but still you came up short? Your heart was right, but how it turned out was not how it was planned? I sure have. I felt like what I was doing was just not good enough. So, what do you do?

I have gotten mad, and upset, disappointed and even disillusioned. I have wanted to quit and run away. You know, just like the airline commercial -- "Ever want to get away!" The announcer says that right after someone innocently knocked over all the store shelves or something.

Well, after you settle down and think about it, you can't run away. You have to deal with it. You have to stay motivated to your expectations and do your best. If it's not working, try it another way, or even get help -- coaching even. You have to keep trying your best. Don't give up now.

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. NIV

Even though others may not see your heart and the effort you are putting in. God knows and He is the one that rewards you anyway. Though others are quick to judge and even make you feel condemned, keep yourself motivated by looking at the promises of God. Ask Him to help you and then keep the faith. You will reap wonderful results if you don't give up!

No One Likes Change

Over the years I have learned first hand that no one likes change. We all like to settle into a nice routine that is comfortable and convenient. We usually are involved in something because it fits our schedule and we like it. That is naturally the way most of us operate.

I am amazed to find that when we are forced to change, and sometimes we have to be forced, it is not as bad as we thought it would be. Then, we actually end up getting it into a new routine and a few months later we don't really think about it too much.

Change is for our good. Growth requires change. So, think about what you can change that will make you a better person. I know I need to start exercising again. It's getting it started that is the hard part. Making it routine and habitual will come later, at least we hope. If we can keep at it long enough to see some results, then it is easier to keep with it.

When you change by God's leading, you know it is for your best. Often we want to do it differently, or at least a lot quicker. But, go with God. Let Him have His way. Know that the change will cause His best to flow into your life. The Bible says it like this in Phillipians 1:6, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

If you've been forced to change a job, or how things are done, or how you relate to your kids, or friends, look for the silver lining of that cloud. Find what you need for growth and go with it. I look to see you this time next year to be different; changed.

Pomp and Circumstance

As we approach the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we first remember His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. A large crowd of people preceded Him putting their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Him as He came in riding on a donkey (as was prophesied). There was a large crowd before and after Him crying out, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matt. 21:9). (Hosanna - A Hebrew expression meaning "Save!" which became an exclamation of praise).

There is much pomp and circumstance for national leaders that come to the U.S. I have seen the greatly and lavishly decorated rooms that the State Department uses to entertain state dignitaries. There are priceless artifacts and many are two hundred years old or more. They don't have reproductions of furniture, it is the real deal. I think that it is important to honor those that lead and serve their nations and peoples as long as it does not go to their heads. Wealth and honor can be deserved and is great for a nation as long as all the boats rise with the high tide together.

With shouts of praise and proclamations of Jesus being the long promised Messiah, He enters the capital of Israel. What a sight. It says that the whole city was stirred. Jesus did not stop them from this as He had before. Because it was now time for His true identity to be proclaimed. The praise and adoration of the people was deserved for the sinless, and compassionate Son of God. Of course, in a few days, He would be brought before a similar crowd and the people would shout to crucify Him. People, the masses, the crowd, are not to be followed as they can easily be turned by fear or reward. Follow Jesus only, not what is popular.

Let's set our hearts to celebrate the Savior, Jesus Christ, this Palm Sunday. Let's proclaim Him as Savior to the world and testify of His saving grace that transformed our lives as well. He is worthy. He took the praise, but He also took the extreme abuse for you and me. Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!

Nine Trillion Dollars of New Debt? Ouch!

I have been doing my taxes and thinking that this sure takes up a lot of time and effort just to pay this. Most of the time we want others to send us a bill stating how much we owe for services rendered or merchandise purchased. The government sure has a good thing going when they make us spend hours going through the huge tax codes to find out if we can lesson our tax bill. Thank God for computer programs that help do all this. Just think that our taxes are so complicated that we need computers to figure it out.

Now put on top of that President Obama’s budget that will cause the government to be an additional $9,000,000,000,000 in debt in ten years time. It is reported that the U.S. debt now stands at over $11,000,000,000,000. So that will be 20 trillion of debt. How can this be? It is just so ridiculous. You and I, each of us, can’t just go into debt continually in our personal finances without us losing it all. This has to stop. What will our taxes be like in 10 years? They seem to be continually going up as it is.

Now, I don’t have any trouble paying my fair share. I believe in the U.S. and I support our nation. I am thankful for the blessings that we have and still believe we have the greatest nation in the history of the world. But, there has to be some common sense. We, as citizens, are expected to not only get out of debt, but to save money for retirement. The government has to be thinking of the future, too, and get out of debt. The incredible interest we are paying for this debt could be used to fund some great programs. There has to be some priorities set and the fluff has to be cut. A line item veto could help stop all the pork barrel spending that congressmen stick in the huge budget bills that are never debated for their merit.

I know that the programs that the government has are mostly good or at least they have good intentions. Right now they are talking about the spending stimulus they are doing and they may be good, I just don’t know. I trust that God will see us through and believe that the economy will be turned around.

Here is what one Senator said, "This clearly creates a scenario where the country's going to go bankrupt. It's almost that simple," said Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.), the senior Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, who briefly considered joining the Obama administration as commerce secretary. "One would hope these numbers would wake somebody up," Gregg said.

President Obama is purposing to cut the deficit in half by the end of his term that is still hundreds of billions of dollars in red ink that the government is overspending. God give the president and the congress supernatural wisdom to get this under control. I will pay my taxes and praise God for giving me the blessings to do it, but this is getting out of hand. Don’t even mention the Social Security Fund that is already bankrupt. Jesus help us.