Pray, Prepare, and Trust

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes things happen that leave us shaking our heads, wondering what in the world just happened. As daughters of the King, we just need to remember that He has our best interests in mind and He will take care of us.

I know the recent presidential election has left some of us saddened, nervous, and even a little fearful. From the world's standpoint, the future of America looks more uncertain than ever.

But remember this:  both the Apostles Paul and Peter referred to Christians in this world as strangers and pilgrims.  Heb. 11:13, 1 Pet. 2:11.  We have a home prepared that is far better than this. Although we do have to submit to those in authority here, this life is temporary and is just a preparation for the better one to come. We walk through this treacherous life, praying, reflecting the light of Jesus, and doing our best to follow in His Ways.

In one of His parables, Jesus instructed us to "...Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13.  We need to work, pray, and do the work of God until, Jesus' return or our own deaths. Also, we should follow the example of the five wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-3.  They took their lamps and waited for the bridegroom. They also took extra oil. The foolish virgins took no extra, and when they ran out the wise virgins did not have enough left to share.

If you see trouble coming, prepare for it now. Do not wait until the storm breaks to discover that you do not have enough to meet the needs of your family.


Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your watchcare and protection over us. We thank you that you rule in the affairs of men. Help us to see your plan for our lives and for your people. Please help us to use wisdom, and to trust in your unseen hand. We love you and thank you for your many blessings.
In Jesus Name,

Amen

No Matter What...

This morning I've been catching up with people on MySpace and a forum I visit regularly, and the main topic of conversation is tomorrow's Presidential election.

I'm sad for my young friends who are just starting out in their adult lives and are already experiencing things like losing a job because their store is closing, and trying to make enough money to buy gas, pay rent, and still be able to eat. I wish things were more certain for them.

Sometimes when we listen to the news and the commentators, it seems like there is not much hope left for our Country. A lot will depend on the results of tomorrow's election.

But, no matter who wins, keep this one thought in mind. The Lord God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, is firmly in control of all that happens. No one will be pulling a surprise on Him.

Let the following passages of Scripture give you hope and comfort.

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. Proverbs 8:15-16

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19.

Heal our Land

Have you heard of the new movie coming out called Religulous? Here's a few of the things being said about it by journalists around the country. They call it the #1 sacrilegious comedy in America. They say it turns religion on its ear. That it is a blasphemous detonation of all things holy and scriptural. And they call it funny.* If you see a commercial on TV for it, you will see various people involved in their religious activities, accompanied by a smirking Bill Maher. Also included is a parody of Jesus' Crucifixion. I was appalled when I saw this. Appalled that people would be so publicly irreverent to Jesus Christ. I know that wasn't really Him on the commercial, but it was the idea of Jesus that they were smacking around. Do you see anything humorous in blaspheming things holy and scriptural? Not me. There's a word for that: profane. PROFANE: characterized by irreverence or contempt for God or sacred principles or things; irreligious.**

Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Hebrews 12:16 (Esau was profane; what did God think about that?)

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:13 (That was God who said that.)

God hated Esau because he was profane. He didn't hold the birthright as a sacred thing. To him it was worthless, and he traded it for a bowl of food. Do you suppose God harbors any great love for profane people today? People who would blaspheme the death of His own Son?

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6.

God doesn't change.

It seems that our nation is pushing the edge lately, and on the verge of crossing a line into a deeper level of sin and perversion than it has been in already. Not just because of this movie. This is just a symptom of a deeper problem. There was a time when even non-believers had the decency not to openly mock the Cross of Christ.

Many things are at stake in the upcoming election. There is more involved than just taxes, the war on terror, and abortion. There is an underlying culture that is just waiting to overwhelm our nation. It has been subdued in the past, although we have always heard rumblings as its members lashed out in the press against 'right-wing' people who they believe would shove conservative morals and values down their throats. There is a culture of evil, and it hates the Cross of Christ and those who stand for it. It would drown us if it could. It will try.

I'm sure you hear every day about the troubles in our economy. This is just another symptom, the result of unchecked greed on the part of many people. People trying to make gain off others, people who took out loans they couldn't afford to repay, people who were looking to make a buck off the greed of others.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

As Christians we need to be content with what we have, not always striving and scratching to get more, more, more, and better, better, better. There is nothing wrong with getting something better – if you work and pay for it.

Sometimes the problems that face us in our nation seem almost overwhelming. At times, it almost looks hopeless. This scripture really came home to me this morning:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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. II Chronicles 7:14.

God is not expecting every wicked evildoer in America to fall down and repent. He says for His People to do it. If all the Christians in America would examine our own hearts, humble ourselves, pray, seek the face of God, and turn from any wickedness that's in us, God will forgive us and heal our land.

Shall we put Him to the test?

*www.lionsgate.com

**www.dictionary.com