I often give my posts a provocative title or one with humor. My desire is that people will read and give thought to my musings and perhaps learn something new. I do not hold hope that this post will be popular or even entice anyone to read, much less to read to the end. It is a personal record of the conflict I am having with how unfair it is to be overshadowed by the God of love and grace.
I have been in ministry for forty plus years. I have seen God heal one going blind, cancer removed, mobility restored, infertility conquered, and marriages healed. I have experienced first hand the power of prayer. I have also known those times when the Lord determines that the prayers of God's people will not yield the desired results. "Thy will be done" is always a necessary part of the petition laid before the God of all grace who knows far more than I will ever perceive. I have come to accept that reality.
Being a Pastor and teacher has become more than His gift or even His calling, it is who I am. The greatest cost is that of friendship. Pastors live under the shadow of expectations. I have connected, cared for, ministered to, discipled and loved a significant number of men and families. Almost as many have come to find that I have failed to meet their expectations in some way or form and have moved on to other assemblies and left me behind. In quiet nights like these I am still haunted by the loss of what I once thought was friendship. However, there are occasions when someone looks past the gift and accepts you for who you are. Another frail and flawed pilgrim on life's journey. They are few and far between. I have four such treasured friends in my life. One I moved away from, two that have moved away to other parts of the USA and one who has been closer than a brother. It is he who holds my attention tonight.
About two weeks ago the Lord allowed him to suffer a stroke. He is six years my junior and was in good health. The stroke was minor and recovery, though time consuming, seemed likely. I prayed for him. I prayed in the car on the way to the hospital, I prayed in the lobby, in the elevator, and at his bedside. He squeezed my hand and thanked me for my concern. I knew God would heal him. He is my dear friend. His wife needs him, as do his children and grand children. Then there are his band members and co-workers and members of the fellowship where he leads worship and encourages Christ's Bride. This episode was just God's new material for those beloved "mini sermons" he shares as he welcomes God's children to come to worship. .
We share on a great many levels. We have prayed for our wives and our children together. We have wept in sorrow and in Joy. He always has my back. He has always defended me and we have faced more trials and joys in leading a flock together than anyone. Did I mention, he is my friend and I need him. I had laid out a flawless case before the Lord, healing was assured.
His incremental improvements served to fuel my confidence in his eventual healing. Until the heart attack and coronary arrest. There have been a few shimmers of hope but the situation is clouded with a growing darkness that seems to be leading to his departure. God is still almighty and the Messiah he calls Lord can still heal the blind, cause the lame to leap and the dead to rise. He can heal my friend. But, what if He chooses not to? I am not happy.
I would like to question God. I want to shake my fist in His face and tell Him how unfair this is. I want to wallow in some crises of faith and doubt everything I have held to be true. I want to cry out in anger and tell Him of this injustice and that I am done being His servant. I am walking away. But, He will not let me go. Everything I know and have known holds me to the Rock that is greater than I. I desire anguish and rage and find instead, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding my heart and mind through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). I find myself standing with Job saying, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him". The quiet confidence and peace that overshadows me robs me of my indignation and gives me unwelcome comfort. And to add to my inability to cast Him aside He replays a song by Casting Crowns over and over again in my head (Here is my opportunity to place it in your head https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCpP0mFD9F0 ), "The God Who gives, and takes away."
In the midst of the storm a firm hand grasps mine and gently says. "Come with Me, climb in, join Me in the safety of the boat. Here is a cushion. lay down. Come unto me, for I am gentle of heart, come find rest for your soul."
And my soul is at rest. He will not let me go. It is simply beyond understanding.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 21, 2016
The Other Side of Grace
Grace. It is the hallmark of contemporary Christendom. It is proclaimed to be the New Covenant that replaces the archaic notion of the Law. We love to see God as our gracious Heavenly Father. To know that it is "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). For many the New Testament hold the words of grace, love and life while the Old Testament is about the law, wrath and death. Failing to consider the truth that without grace in the Old testament the story would have ended in Genesis three and we would not be here. Grace permeates the whole of Scripture and requirements of obedience are just as much the teaching of Paul, Peter, James and Yeshua as are Moses, Isaiah and Daniel. Just in passing the New Covenant is found in Jeremiah 32 and reiterated in Hebrews 8. The promise of the New Covenant is that God's Law or Torah is written on our hearts. Far from being made obsolete, obedience to the Law will come from the inside out if you are under the New Covenant. in fact, all who are under the New Covenant will be Torah obedient. Even though this is true and an interesting discussion it is not the point of this post. Here I want to remind us of the other side of grace.
Grace is often defined as"unmerited favor". A simplistic but accurate phrase, it is just inadequate if we are to really appreciate this wonderful gift from Yahweh. Grace is seen as forgiveness. The joy that, even though there is nothing I can do about my sin and failures, God intervenes, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). God will remove my sin. God is indeed gracious and loving and forgiving. However, He is also pure, just, righteous and holy. If we do not give a little mental exercise to the reality of grace we will redefine God's grace into our terms. For humans we exercise grace by forgiving someone of an offense. "Hey, it is no big deal, forget about it." "Just keep the $20, you needed it more than I do." Simple acts of grace. Simple applications of "unmerited favor" just because we care about the other person. Just dismiss the issue and move on. Doesn't God do that for us?
Yes and no. He does forgive and remove our transgressions but a holy and righteous God cannot just pass over the violations of the boundaries He has set. A price has to be paid or God is not holy and just. He determined that the violation of His word is death. He did not just ignore the sin of Adam. They were removed from the garden and life became far more difficult for human beings ever since. The reality is that death await all of us. The means of dealing with sin and disobedience is woven into the culture and worship of Judaism, (a culture and faith we were to be to be grafted into) and composes much of the instructions and directions given to us in the Word of God. Someone has to merit that unmerited favor offered to us. Someone has to pay the price for the transgressions that cast a shadow over our lives. For a Hebrew follower of God this meant the sacrifice of an unblemished animal in their place. The wages of sin is death, if not your own than that of someone else. Someone who has garnished favor with God needs to intercede. Someone who actually merits God's favor needs to step in so unmerited folks can survive, to avoid the death sentence they deserve.
Grace is the merited favor offered to the unmerited offender. Sin is not just "cast into the deepest sea" it is paid for. The deserved death penalty is experienced by the one who merits grace so grace can be passed on. We tend to forget that. What sin condemns us to death? Murder, rape, kidnapping, how about a bite of fruit or murmuring God's name as someone cuts you off in traffic. The odor of death clings to humanity as we walk obliviously in violation of the commands of God Almighty. For those who believe there is hope. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Messiah intercedes on our behalf. He offers life and deliverance. The price for grace is no small thing. "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Every offense, every transgression, every careless word, condemns us to death. I am lost. Unless one who has merit before the Holy God of creation comes to my rescue. Comes to accept the death penalty on my behalf.
Grace. An expensive act of deliverance. An act that should humble us and direct us to a true experience of awe. To lead us to worship and solemn praise. Grace that drives us to obedience so we do not bring dishonor to the one who provides us grace based on His merit and standing with God the Father. Grace is no frivolous theological thought that says "God forgives so I am okay". It is the soul wrenching reality of the enormity of the cost of my sin. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Messiah died ............................ for the ungodly. For me. For you. That is the other side of grace.
Grace is often defined as"unmerited favor". A simplistic but accurate phrase, it is just inadequate if we are to really appreciate this wonderful gift from Yahweh. Grace is seen as forgiveness. The joy that, even though there is nothing I can do about my sin and failures, God intervenes, "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). God will remove my sin. God is indeed gracious and loving and forgiving. However, He is also pure, just, righteous and holy. If we do not give a little mental exercise to the reality of grace we will redefine God's grace into our terms. For humans we exercise grace by forgiving someone of an offense. "Hey, it is no big deal, forget about it." "Just keep the $20, you needed it more than I do." Simple acts of grace. Simple applications of "unmerited favor" just because we care about the other person. Just dismiss the issue and move on. Doesn't God do that for us?
Yes and no. He does forgive and remove our transgressions but a holy and righteous God cannot just pass over the violations of the boundaries He has set. A price has to be paid or God is not holy and just. He determined that the violation of His word is death. He did not just ignore the sin of Adam. They were removed from the garden and life became far more difficult for human beings ever since. The reality is that death await all of us. The means of dealing with sin and disobedience is woven into the culture and worship of Judaism, (a culture and faith we were to be to be grafted into) and composes much of the instructions and directions given to us in the Word of God. Someone has to merit that unmerited favor offered to us. Someone has to pay the price for the transgressions that cast a shadow over our lives. For a Hebrew follower of God this meant the sacrifice of an unblemished animal in their place. The wages of sin is death, if not your own than that of someone else. Someone who has garnished favor with God needs to intercede. Someone who actually merits God's favor needs to step in so unmerited folks can survive, to avoid the death sentence they deserve.
Grace is the merited favor offered to the unmerited offender. Sin is not just "cast into the deepest sea" it is paid for. The deserved death penalty is experienced by the one who merits grace so grace can be passed on. We tend to forget that. What sin condemns us to death? Murder, rape, kidnapping, how about a bite of fruit or murmuring God's name as someone cuts you off in traffic. The odor of death clings to humanity as we walk obliviously in violation of the commands of God Almighty. For those who believe there is hope. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Messiah intercedes on our behalf. He offers life and deliverance. The price for grace is no small thing. "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Peter 1:18-19). Every offense, every transgression, every careless word, condemns us to death. I am lost. Unless one who has merit before the Holy God of creation comes to my rescue. Comes to accept the death penalty on my behalf.
Grace. An expensive act of deliverance. An act that should humble us and direct us to a true experience of awe. To lead us to worship and solemn praise. Grace that drives us to obedience so we do not bring dishonor to the one who provides us grace based on His merit and standing with God the Father. Grace is no frivolous theological thought that says "God forgives so I am okay". It is the soul wrenching reality of the enormity of the cost of my sin. "For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). Messiah died ............................ for the ungodly. For me. For you. That is the other side of grace.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Hide and Seek With Yahweh
Most of us have played some form of "Hide and Seek". That game where the group hides and the one who is "it" has to count to fifty with their eyes closed and then try to fine those who are hiding. It is a pretty simple game for children. There are also variations by other names like "Sardines" or "Mafia" for the more mature crowd who think they have out grown the simple game. The game can be pretty fun, unless no one looks for you. My question for today is, "Does Yahweh play hide and seek with His children?" If so who is "it"? Does God do the seeking or is that my part? If God is entirely sovereign then why would He ever seek me? Doesn't He already know where I am? Is it possible we occasionally trade roles? You know, where one day I seek Him and on another day God seeks me. So today's question is, "Does Yahweh play hide and seek with His children?" It seems that He does, at least when you look at the Scriptures. It may well add a more personal dimension to the relationship we share with Him, and may raise some of unwanted questions. It may elevate ares of tension we often ignore or avoid as it can tax our little brain cells. The game begins way back in Genesis chapter three.
Six amazing days of creative power has found Adam and Eve placed in a pristine and perfect garden. There is an unimaginable variety of food to eat and animals to tend and enjoy. However, there is that tree over there with fruit so pleasant to the eye and the serpent said it would make them wise. How upset could the creator really get if they took just a taste? The deed is done. Disobedience now marks their lives and they feel vulnerable so they hide. "Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). "Where are you?" God comes seeking the disobedient, the rebellious, the one who has made the choice to turn away and hide. Amazing grace as the Lord comes seeking the ones who are hiding. David actually invites God to come find him, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments" (Psalm 119:176). Ezekiel gives us the voice of the prophet confirming God's commitment to find us, "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick" (34:16). Messiah also comes to find us, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God is the one who comes to seek the lost, wounded and wayward. David also reminds us that we honestly cannot hide from the Lord, see Psalm 139 for the details. God, His Son and His Spirit seek those He longs to be with.
On the other hand we also play the part of the ones who seek. Moses gives us this promise, "Seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29). David tells us God will not forsake those who seek Him, Psalm 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You". )Actually, David tells us to seek the Lord at least a dozen times throughout the Psalms.) Messiah also tells us to seek, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). However, it appears there will be a time when we can no longer find God. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). So, maybe now is the time to engage in some hide and seek activity with the Lord, before it is too late.
This does leave us with the question of who is "It". Are we the seekers or is that God's part? And why does God seek if as a sovereign being He already knows where we are? Is this a different kind of seeking? Does this cosmic game last a life time or do we find Him and the game is over? Can we get lost once we are found? It seems the more you think about all those hide and seek verses we end up with more questions than answers. Is David right that there are times when God hides from us, "And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble" (Psalm 69:17). God hiding does not sound all that comforting to me.
Perhaps that is not the point after all. Maybe it is less about who seeks and who hides and more about the game. Hiding and seeking demands interaction between the participants. It builds into a relationship. As we seek the Lord in times of trouble our trust can grow as He reveals himself to us. As with David, there is comfort in knowing that this lost sheep has one seeking him who will never leave or forsake me. It might just be that the Lord has called me to play a little "Hide and Seek" and I have been too busy to seek and to distracted to know I need to be found. The Word of God is filled with the stories and accounts of His playing Hide and Seek with His children. It seems we are always in need of being found and that we should be far more motivated to seek Him than our hectic lives allow for. With all we face in the world we live in it might just be time to step away from the chaos and play a little Hide and Seek with Yahweh.
Six amazing days of creative power has found Adam and Eve placed in a pristine and perfect garden. There is an unimaginable variety of food to eat and animals to tend and enjoy. However, there is that tree over there with fruit so pleasant to the eye and the serpent said it would make them wise. How upset could the creator really get if they took just a taste? The deed is done. Disobedience now marks their lives and they feel vulnerable so they hide. "Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). "Where are you?" God comes seeking the disobedient, the rebellious, the one who has made the choice to turn away and hide. Amazing grace as the Lord comes seeking the ones who are hiding. David actually invites God to come find him, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments" (Psalm 119:176). Ezekiel gives us the voice of the prophet confirming God's commitment to find us, "I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick" (34:16). Messiah also comes to find us, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). God is the one who comes to seek the lost, wounded and wayward. David also reminds us that we honestly cannot hide from the Lord, see Psalm 139 for the details. God, His Son and His Spirit seek those He longs to be with.
On the other hand we also play the part of the ones who seek. Moses gives us this promise, "Seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29). David tells us God will not forsake those who seek Him, Psalm 9:10, "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You". )Actually, David tells us to seek the Lord at least a dozen times throughout the Psalms.) Messiah also tells us to seek, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matthew 7:7). However, it appears there will be a time when we can no longer find God. "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near" (Isaiah 55:6). So, maybe now is the time to engage in some hide and seek activity with the Lord, before it is too late.
This does leave us with the question of who is "It". Are we the seekers or is that God's part? And why does God seek if as a sovereign being He already knows where we are? Is this a different kind of seeking? Does this cosmic game last a life time or do we find Him and the game is over? Can we get lost once we are found? It seems the more you think about all those hide and seek verses we end up with more questions than answers. Is David right that there are times when God hides from us, "And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble" (Psalm 69:17). God hiding does not sound all that comforting to me.
Perhaps that is not the point after all. Maybe it is less about who seeks and who hides and more about the game. Hiding and seeking demands interaction between the participants. It builds into a relationship. As we seek the Lord in times of trouble our trust can grow as He reveals himself to us. As with David, there is comfort in knowing that this lost sheep has one seeking him who will never leave or forsake me. It might just be that the Lord has called me to play a little "Hide and Seek" and I have been too busy to seek and to distracted to know I need to be found. The Word of God is filled with the stories and accounts of His playing Hide and Seek with His children. It seems we are always in need of being found and that we should be far more motivated to seek Him than our hectic lives allow for. With all we face in the world we live in it might just be time to step away from the chaos and play a little Hide and Seek with Yahweh.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Does God Know Who Will Win?
Tomorrow is election day here in the USA. The question one could ask is, "Does God know who will win?" This thought can apply to most any situation. Perhaps the more compelling question is, "Does God ordain who will win?" Whether it is a political contest, some military conflict, the World Cup or some other sporting event. Just how much does God control? As believers we often fine solace in the phrase, "At least we know God is in control." A true statement and a place to find comfort in the midst of whatever storms of life we may find ourselves. We understand God to be sovereign, Who will always accomplish His will. This is also true, however, I have observed this to be an excuse to avoid responsibility as much as a theological reality to hold to. If God is in ultimate control, than what decisions and actions I take have little consequence. I can go through life avoiding taking action and rest in His sovereignty while building up immunity to the conviction of His Spirit.
This is not what we find in Scripture. God does indeed know outcomes but He grants us the freedom and responsibility to take action. It is clear that there are more than one possible outcomes to events based upon our actions. The intervention of human beings in tangible situations changes things. If not then our relationship with Yahweh is a sham. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Or so James tells us (James 5:16). The only way fervent prayer avails much is if there is a response from the one prayed to, allowing for change to occur. In 2 Kings 13, Elisha comes to King Joash and tells him to strike the ground with some arrows. Joash strikes the ground three times. Elisha rebukes him for the striking f the ground represents victories God would grant him over Israel's enemies. God will give the victories, however, Joash is responsible for how many. There are a number of possible outcomes depending upon Joash. God does not make Joash stop after striking the ground only three times.
God had promised judgement upon Judah for their terrible sin. His judgement is withheld for a time due to the righteous actions of King Josiah (see 2 Kings 23). We can point to Abraham's intervention for Sodom or Moses being an advocate for the Nation of Israel on numerous occasions. The whole concept of prayer is contingent on the reality of diverse outcomes to different circumstances. If this is not so then there is no reason to pray for healing or direction if God has predetermined the outcome. In the bigger picture God will use whatever path that is chosen to accomplish His ultimate will. Yet, in the day to day reality we live in the decisions we make truly do matter. The kindness we show or withhold will grant different outcomes. A witness to a neighbor, friend or coworker may not change their view of God immediately, however, it does not mean we are not responsible to share a word. The excuse that, in the sovereignty of God, they will hear the truth eventually does not excuse our inaction. God's will can be accomplished down some other path but, you had a choice to direct the path to be taken at the time.
In the election facing the USA tomorrow, I believe God knows the outcome, I also believe there are two possible paths we can take. The choice is ours to make. The consequences are ours to bear. Both candidates are flawed. Some would say more so than in any time in recent history. However, the two main choices represent two distinct philosophies of governing. More or less Government control or our lives. The opportunity for the next president to place judges on the Supreme Court will have repercussions for a generation or longer. Things in God's Word could be labeled "hate speech" and become illegal to preach. Education in a home or private setting could fall under the control of a federal agency who will determine what can be taught to another generation. I am not an alarmist or a conspiracy nut, however, I am aware of the regulations placed by other governments who have chosen the path of government control. There will be consequences no matter what choices are made.
Will God still be in charge after the election? Of course. Just as He was when Portugal won the World Cup. The ramifications in this election just have the potential to be far more important than a sporting event. As believers we can trust in the sovereign hand of God to keep us and to bring about the Lord's will. There is the distinct possibility that His judgement upon a wayward and ever growing Godless nation can be withheld or accelerated. The path is ours to choose. As one looks at the prophetic passages of Scripture there is a clear absence of a reference to the USA. Perhaps it is because we are not a nation of consequence upon the events of the final days before Messiah's return. Perhaps that is the path we are choosing. That is a thought to be considered in a future post. Today's thought is the truth that we have choices to make and paths to follow that will determine God's activity in our midst. My hope is that fervent prayer will come before His throne of grace and that it will avail much on behalf of the nation I live in. For the sake of my children, my grandchildren, my beloved flock I shepherd, my community and even the world. Would you pause and offer a prayer to the sovereign God of the universe?
This is not what we find in Scripture. God does indeed know outcomes but He grants us the freedom and responsibility to take action. It is clear that there are more than one possible outcomes to events based upon our actions. The intervention of human beings in tangible situations changes things. If not then our relationship with Yahweh is a sham. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Or so James tells us (James 5:16). The only way fervent prayer avails much is if there is a response from the one prayed to, allowing for change to occur. In 2 Kings 13, Elisha comes to King Joash and tells him to strike the ground with some arrows. Joash strikes the ground three times. Elisha rebukes him for the striking f the ground represents victories God would grant him over Israel's enemies. God will give the victories, however, Joash is responsible for how many. There are a number of possible outcomes depending upon Joash. God does not make Joash stop after striking the ground only three times.
God had promised judgement upon Judah for their terrible sin. His judgement is withheld for a time due to the righteous actions of King Josiah (see 2 Kings 23). We can point to Abraham's intervention for Sodom or Moses being an advocate for the Nation of Israel on numerous occasions. The whole concept of prayer is contingent on the reality of diverse outcomes to different circumstances. If this is not so then there is no reason to pray for healing or direction if God has predetermined the outcome. In the bigger picture God will use whatever path that is chosen to accomplish His ultimate will. Yet, in the day to day reality we live in the decisions we make truly do matter. The kindness we show or withhold will grant different outcomes. A witness to a neighbor, friend or coworker may not change their view of God immediately, however, it does not mean we are not responsible to share a word. The excuse that, in the sovereignty of God, they will hear the truth eventually does not excuse our inaction. God's will can be accomplished down some other path but, you had a choice to direct the path to be taken at the time.
In the election facing the USA tomorrow, I believe God knows the outcome, I also believe there are two possible paths we can take. The choice is ours to make. The consequences are ours to bear. Both candidates are flawed. Some would say more so than in any time in recent history. However, the two main choices represent two distinct philosophies of governing. More or less Government control or our lives. The opportunity for the next president to place judges on the Supreme Court will have repercussions for a generation or longer. Things in God's Word could be labeled "hate speech" and become illegal to preach. Education in a home or private setting could fall under the control of a federal agency who will determine what can be taught to another generation. I am not an alarmist or a conspiracy nut, however, I am aware of the regulations placed by other governments who have chosen the path of government control. There will be consequences no matter what choices are made.
Will God still be in charge after the election? Of course. Just as He was when Portugal won the World Cup. The ramifications in this election just have the potential to be far more important than a sporting event. As believers we can trust in the sovereign hand of God to keep us and to bring about the Lord's will. There is the distinct possibility that His judgement upon a wayward and ever growing Godless nation can be withheld or accelerated. The path is ours to choose. As one looks at the prophetic passages of Scripture there is a clear absence of a reference to the USA. Perhaps it is because we are not a nation of consequence upon the events of the final days before Messiah's return. Perhaps that is the path we are choosing. That is a thought to be considered in a future post. Today's thought is the truth that we have choices to make and paths to follow that will determine God's activity in our midst. My hope is that fervent prayer will come before His throne of grace and that it will avail much on behalf of the nation I live in. For the sake of my children, my grandchildren, my beloved flock I shepherd, my community and even the world. Would you pause and offer a prayer to the sovereign God of the universe?
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