A Declaration of Dependence

"So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed."
(John 8:36)
Saturday, July 4th, is America's 233rd birthday, an annual celebration and commemoration of our country's "Independence Day".

While I am grateful for the blessings and privileges that have resulted from my American citizenship, I am not heralding my country's independence in this post. Instead, I am proclaiming complete and total dependence ... on the Lord Jesus Christ. The liberty that interests me is the freedom found in Him.

Our earthly homes and temporal circumstances are just that: earthly and temporal. Yet, where we live and what we face are neither random nor insignificant. Acts 17:24-28 reveals the purposeful eternal kingdom plan of God: "The God Who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.' For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.' "

There's a fine line but an imperative distinction between independence and freedom. As my associate pastor illustrated in his message this past Sunday, independence implies self-sufficiency--the ability to stand alone and the exemption from reliance on or control by others. Freedom, in contrast, intimates a deliverance from bondage and oppression, including full and unrestricted access to accompanying rights and privileges. Just consider: those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord are His heirs (reference, among others, Acts 3:25; Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:29, 4:7). Therefore, we have every legal right and freedom to His full and gracious inheritance (reference, among others, Ephesians 1:13-23; Colossians 1:12, 3:24; Hebrews 9:15; 1 Peter 1:4)!

An individual who--and a nation which--attempts to live independently of the Lord Jesus Christ is choosing a proverbial hard row to hoe, risking current freedom in Him as well as eternal freedom with Him. Why would we choose self-sufficiency when His grace is sufficient (reference 2 Corinthians 12:9)? Why would we choose independence when our salvation and honor depend upon Him (reference Psalm 62:7)?

"This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.' " (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

That principle applies to nations as well as to inviduals. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ... no king is saved by the size of his army," extols Psalm 33:12, 16.

Dependence is defined as "the state of relying upon someone or something". The Someone on Whom every nation and all of creation must rely is the Lord Jesus Christ. Job 8 recounts: "Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? ... Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water? While still growing and uncut, they wither more quickly than grass. Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. What he trusts in is fragile; what he relies on is a spider's web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he clings to it, but it does not hold." (verses 3, 11-15). Now in this particular passage of Scripture, Bildad, in attempt to explain Job's suffering, wrongly accuses him. However, the generalization of Bildad's words ring true: those who forget (or outright reject) God are deceived and will eventually find themselves groundless.

Precious ones, time is short. Independence is inconsequential. What matters is freedom, eternal liberty in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our glorious inheritance in Him hinges upon our humble dependence on Him. Let's declare it.

Precious Father, thank You for being our depender and our defender (reference Psalm 68:5)! Thank You for the freedom You provide through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, forgive us for failing to depend upon You. Forgive us for striving in self-sufficiency when You have promised to provide our every need (reference Philippians 4:19). Forgive us for remaining in self-inflicted bondage when You have set us free (reference Psalm 81:6, 119:32, 146:7; Romans 6:18-22; Galatians 5:1). Forgive us for preferring to stay in our little corner of the world when You have given us the keys to the kingdom (reference Matthew 16:19)! We depend upon You. We declare it, Lord, and we ask for boldness as we share it. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, My Savior, and "Heir of all things" (reference Hebrews 1:2). Amen.

"I have declared to both Jews and Greeks
that they must turn to God in repentance
and have faith in our Lord Jesus."
(Acts 20:21)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "Don't Forget to Remember"
• "There's a Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On"
• "In God We Trust"
• "The Great Depression"
• "Blessed is the Nation ..."

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Don't Forget to Remember ...

"... they were longing for a better country--
a heavenly one."
(Hebrews 11:16)
Beloved, today is Memorial Day in the United States of America, a day when Americans pay tribute to the men and women who have served--and are serving--in our country's military forces. It's also a day when we memorialize those who have died in their service.

My father and husband have served in this nation's armed forces, and even as I lift prayers and give thanks for the lives and service of all in our military, my heart is longing for a country of my own, the one in which I, and all Christians, will eternally dwell (reference Hebrews 11:13-16).

And, as I remember our American troops, I am also interceding for those serving the country of Israel, God's chosen land. My spirit is grieved for the battle-weary state, and the words of the Lord as recorded by the prophet, Joel, have been on my heart this past week: "In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter in judgment against them concerning My inheritance, My people Israel, for they scattered My people among the nations and divided up My land." (Joel 3:1-2).

This morning, I was also drawn to remember a different kind of memorial, that which Aaron, the high priest, wore on his shoulders and over his heart (reference Exodus 28): " 'Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.' ... 'Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the LORD.' " (verses 12b and 29).

Beloved, even as we give thanks and praise for the abundant and gracious blessings, which the Lord has bestowed upon us in our temporary residence, let us never forget that this earth is not our home. "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20).

Today, as you pause to remember American veterans, remember, too, those soldiers in the Lord's army, serving the cause of Christ (reference 2 Timothy 2:1-7). And, don't forget to remember the source of our true freedom, for "... the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:25; see also 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1).

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day. Let us never forget to remember You and Your eternal kingdom plan; may our every thought, word, and deed be in accordance with Your good will, purpose, and pleasure. Keep our eyes eternally focused, precious Lord, and keep our hearts heaven-bound. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the great High Priest in Whom I confess (reference Hebrews 3:1, 4:14, 6:20). Amen.

"I will perpetuate Your memory
through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise You
for ever and ever."
(Psalm 45:17)
For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "There's a Whole Lot of Shakin' Goin' On"
• "In God We Trust"
• "Blessed is the Nation ..."

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Prayer (in the Name of Jesus Christ) ... America's Hope

"May Your unfailing love
rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in You."
(Psalm 33:22)
Today is the 58th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "Prayer ... America's Hope", and it is based upon the above Scripture from Psalm 33:22.

In 1775, the Continental Congress first called the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, and the call to prayer has continued throughout American history. President George Washington first proclaimed a day of public thanksgiving on February 19, 1795. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. President John Adams declared May 9, 1798 as "a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer," during which citizens were asked to pray "that our country may be protected from all the dangers which threaten it". In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry Truman, officially established an annual National Day of Prayer, and, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed an amended law, which permanently designated the first Thursday in May to be the annual National Day of Prayer. Since the birth of our country, many other US presidents have publicly called for national prayer and repentance. This year, the White House will not publicly participate in the National Day of Prayer.

Regardless, for Christians, the time for mere observance is over. It's time to act. It's time to wake up, rise up, and speak up. It's time to cry out to the One and Only Most High God ... in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Let's not be generic in our prayers, privately or publicly. I intend absolutely no dishonor or irreverence to my Holy God, Yahweh, as I note that people of different faiths with different beliefs can conveniently convince themselves that my God is the equivalent of their god, whomever or whatever that might be.

So, brothers and sisters in Christ, as you faithfully pray--today and every day--make sure to invoke the Name of the One Who is unmistakable: the One Who divides, the One Who reigns, the One Who saves ... the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Through Jesus, therefore,
let us continually offer to God
a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess His name.
(Hebrews 13:15)
For more information on the National Day of Prayer, please visit the NDoP official website. For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "T.G.I.F. (Do You Know Him?)"
  
• "The Power of Prayer"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Calculating Correct Change

"I the LORD do not change ... "
(Malachi 3:6)
The word "change" became a viral buzz word during the recent United States Presidential election. Much change was promised, and, less than a week after the inauguration of the nation's 44th President, much change has already been set into motion.

Change for the sake of change, however, can be reckless--useless at best and dangerous at worst, and any change that leads away from God's Truth is headed for disaster.

Used as a noun ("We need change!" or "Change is on the way!"), the word "change" is defined as "a transformation or modification; a variation or deviation; a substitution; absolute caprice". The one consistent attribute of change is its inconsistency, and while the world may be in a constant state of flux, there is one certainty that remains changeless:

"Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and forever."

(Hebrews 13:8)

Throughout God's Word, His character is immutable, invariable, and unalterable. He is faultless and faithful, sure and steadfast, trustworthy and true. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19).

Beloved, the only change needed is a turning of our hearts--away from the deceit and distortion of the enemy and towards the Truth of God. Throughout history and throughout His Word, He graciously gives warnings and opportunities for change:

" 'Has a nation ever changed its gods? (Yet they are not gods at all.) But My people have exchanged their Glory for worthless idols. Be appalled at this, O heavens, and shudder with great horror,' declares the LORD."

(Jeremiah 2:11-12)

" 'This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions ... If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever. But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless.' "
(Jeremiah 7:5-8)

" 'Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will stop to ask how you are? You have rejected Me,' declares the LORD. 'You keep on backsliding. So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show compassion. I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I will bring bereavement and destruction on My people, for they have not changed their ways.' "

(Jeremiah 15:5-7)

"And He said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and come like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.' "

(Matthew 18:3)

Throughout history and throughout God's Word, godly leaders also warned and encouraged the people about correct change ... and interceded on their behalf:

"And if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with You in the land of their conquerors and say, 'We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to You with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to You toward the land You gave their fathers, toward the city You have chosen and the temple I have built for Your Name; then from heaven, Your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive Your people, who have sinned against You; forgive all the offenses they have committed against You, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy."

(King Solomon, 1 Kings 8:47-50;
see also 2 Chronicles 7:37-39)

"God, Who is enthroned forever, will hear them and afflict them--men who never change their ways and have no fear of God."

(King David, Psalms 55:19)

God's Word also reminds and warns us about the ungodly leaders among us:

"For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace f our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. ... These men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals--these are the very things that destroy them. Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam's error; they have been destroyed in Korah's rebellion. These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm--shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted--twice dead. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: 'See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of His holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.' These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, 'In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.' These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

(Jude 4-23)

Precious ones, making incorrect change is a life-altering error. Calculating the necessary and correct change is a life-saving choice, when it's made on the foundation of an unchangeable God. Count the cost today, and you won't find yourself shortchanged in the end.

Precious Father, I thank and praise You that in this constantly and crazily changing world, You remain the same and do not "change like the shifting shadows" (James 1:17)! Please give Your children eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to discern Your unchangeable Truth. Lord, let us search our hearts for the only kind of change that You desire--repentance and a return to righteousness. Let us stand on Your solid foundation, secure in the knowledge that "The Lord knows those who are His" (reference 2 Timothy 2:19). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)! Amen.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery:
We will not all sleep,
but we will all be changed
in a flash,
in the twinkling of an eye,
at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised imperishable
and we will be changed."
(1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

For further reflection on this topic, see also ...

• "Wishing Well: Be Careful What You Wish For!"
• "Resolute ... in Absolute Truth"
• "In God We Trust"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!
Copyright 2009. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Wishing Well: Be Careful What You Wish For!

" ' ... the Most High is sovereign
over the kingdoms of men
and gives them
to anyone He wishes ... ' "
(Daniel 4:17; see also 4:25, 32; 5:21)
There's a well-known saying: "Be careful what you wish for", which subtly underscores the fact that what seems so wonderful on the surface may not be the blessing for which we hope. To put it more bluntly, if we wish for anything contrary to the heart and Word of of God, we can be sure that whatever we desire will be our downfall.

The 2008 US Presidential elections are over. There is not enough time or space here to articulate the significance of choices that were made, but, before we further flesh out this morning's reflection, let us remember that, as Christians, our battle is not against other human beings, all of whom our God created in His image. Our battle is against the Lord's enemy, the great deceiver. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12).

The battle, in fact, belongs to the Lord, and if you've read the back of the Book, you know the Lord wins the war! But Divine sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, and, as long as we are on this earth, we are to stand firm on this earthly battleground, clothed in the full armor of God (reference Ephesians 6:10-20), uncompromising in His Word, and unyielding in His purpose.

The day after the elections, I turned to the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel and sadly reread the account of Israel demanding an earthly king. They were not satisfied under the rule of the King of kings; they wanted an earthly king "such as all the other nations" (v. 5) had, and they pestered Samuel to appoint one.

As Samuel prayed with a troubled heart, the Lord told him: " ' ... it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their King. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking Me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.' " (v. 7-9). Verses 10-17 recount the actual burdens that would accompany the kingship for which the people wished, but, not seeing the proverbial forest for the trees, the people pressed on, unrelenting in their desire for an earthly ruler.

Samuel warned, " 'When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.' When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.' " (v. 18-21).

The Lord chose to turn the people over to their wishes, and they lived in the consequences of their desire. Hindsight is 20-20 vision, as another saying goes, and, in retrospect, I am certain that after the Lord granted their wish for an earthly king, many of of the Israelites recognized that the grass is not always greener on the other side (where are all these sayings coming from today?!) and wished that they had been more discerning in their demands.

There are good earthly rulers, and there are bad earthly rulers, but all are under the sovereignty of God, Who "sets up kings and deposes them" (Daniel 2:21). Scripture records the accounts of all kinds of rulers, all of whom were used for the Lord's purposes. Jeremiah 22 is one portion of Scripture that details God's judgement against evil kings, and this particular passage strikes my heart: " ' People from many nations will pass by this city and will ask one another, 'Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?' And the answer will be: 'Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.' " (v. 8-9).

Beloved, regardless of who is temporarily granted earthly authority and power, our love and loyalty must never stray from the Lord Jesus Christ, "the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). No human being can ever fulfill our desires for abundant freedom, love, protection, and welfare. Those pangs of longing will be softened here on earth only by the peace that comes from personally knowing and publicly acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ, and one day, for those who persevere in faith, in trust, and in love, those longings will be forever and fully satisfied as we joyfully enter our heavenly home where "the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17).

In the meantime, precious ones, let us move forward as Paul did: "... straining toward what is ahead ... press[ing] on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14). Let us choose carefully and let us wish well, remembering that "the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." (1 John 2:17).

Precious Father, what a holy, just, righteous, and incomparable King you are! My mind can not begin to comprehend the depths of Your love, mercy, and grace. But neither, precious Father, can I comprehend the shallowness of our own hearts. Please forgive us for swaying whichever way the wind blows (reference Isaiah 24:20; Matthew 11:7, 22:16; Mark 12:14; Luke 7:24; 2 Timothy 3:6), and please help us stay firmly rooted in You. I pray that Your people will choose carefully, discern divinely, and wish well. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--King of kings and Lord of lords! Amen.

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'
And let him who hears say, 'Come!'
Whoever is thirsty, let him come;
and whoever wishes,
let him take the free gift
of the water of life."

(Revelation 22:17)

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "Resolute in Absolute Truth"
• "In God We Trust"
• "Applying Amos"
• "A Holy Harvest"
• "A Battle Rages: Stand Firm!"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Resolute ... in Absolute Truth

"As the time approached
for Him to be taken up to heaven,
Jesus resolutely set out
for Jerusalem."
(Luke 9:51)
Today is Election Day in the United States of America. As I write this (at 6:00 am EST), polls are opening. Men and women are voting. Many important positions will be filled and many important issues will be decided today, but none are as pivotal as the election of our president and vice-president.

Yesterday, a much treasured friend and sister in Christ called and asked me about my current state of spiritual awareness and discernment. She wanted to know how and what I was feeling.

I answered, "I am resolute. I am at peace, but I am resolute."

That description was not premeditated. It is not a term that I'd use describe myself, but it is the word that the Lord gave me at that moment.

Interestingly, my dear friend shared that "resolute" was the exact word that she had been given Sunday night to pray over one of the associate pastors at our church. (I just love the Lord! He is amazing!)

I believe there's more to that connection, and I am still praying through it, but, for the purposes of today's post, I think "resolute" fits quite well with what the Lord is impressing me to write about today's election.

In today's reflection Scripture (NIV), Jesus was resolute as He "set out for Jerusalem". My NIV study notes indicate that the literal translation of that phrase is "set His face to go to Jerusalem". It also references Isaiah 50:7: "Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame." The study notes for that Scripture state: "Like the prophets, the servant will endure with great determination."

Resolute as defined by several sources means ...

- unwavering, undaunted.

- firm, steadfast, fixed in purpose or belief.

- convinced; satisfied; sure.

- determined; decided; fixed; steadfast; steady; constant; persevering; firm; bold; unshaken.

Beloved, I am unwavering in my belief of God's Truth. I firmly believe that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD ..." (Psalm 33:12). I also am sure of Isaiah 60:12: " ... the nation that will not serve You will perish; it will be utterly ruined."

Much rhetoric is flying, as always during an election year. Much is being said. Much is being promised. Much change is forecast. Words fly according to the way the political winds blow. Foundations sway. Sands shift beneath the surface of well-polished and carefully crafted appearances.

There is only one thing that is sure. There is only One person in whom Truth, Light, and Life are absolute (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). There is only one way that I can vote today, and that is according the the principles and commands of God's Holy Word. I resolve to honor the sanctity of His created life. I resolve to uphold marriage as He designed it. I resolve to support His people, Israel.

No human leader will perfectly fulfill all the duties and responsibilities, but, to effectively govern with Divine justice and righteousness, one must have the Lord Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of the administration. I resolve to cast my vote for the person who best represents God's heart and best meets His criteria. As a Christian, I must be so resolved, for one day, I will stand before my Judge, Who will hold me accountable for choices made within my knowledge of Him.

As "Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem", He knew exactly what events were before Him. It wasn't pretty, but it was the purpose for which He was born.

As I resolutely set out for my polling place today, I do not know what the results will be after the votes are tallied. It may not be pretty, but it will be what the Lord has purposed.

I can not presume to assume what will transpire in the days, weeks, and months ahead, but I do know this:

God is sovereign.

God is just.

God is righteous.

And, one day soon, Jesus Christ will return to visibly rule His kingdom.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Precious Father, thank You for the gift of this day! Thank You for the blessing and privilege of serving as salt and light in a bland and blind world. Thank You for Your promise in Isaiah 11; how I long for its fulfillment! May Your will be done today, oh Holy God, on earth as it is in heaven (see Matthew 6:9-13). I pray in the name of Jesus Christ--Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Amen.

"For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and the government will be
on His shoulders.
And He will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government
and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this."
(Isaiah 9:6-7)

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "In God We Trust"


• "Applying Amos"


• "A Battle Rages: Stand Firm!"

How can I encourage and pray for you today? Please let me know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.

Applying Amos

" '... yet you have not returned to Me ...' "
(Amos 4:6, 8, 9, 10, 11)
This reflection Scripture is the one with which my last post began, but I had some personal repentance business before I could continue with it! Let's try it again today ...

Dear friends, the United States of America, originally founded on Godly principles, is teetering precariously at this particular moment in time. I'll spare you the details; you probably know them, and rehashing them only adds to the existing cacophony. I'll spare you my very strong opinions on the state of our nation; you don't need to know them, and my opinions don't really matter anyway.

I would encourage you, however, to read God's Word, pray, and draw your own conclusions.

Earlier in the week, as I was reading the book of Amos, I could not help but compare and contrast Israel's state at that time with America's state at this time.

Please understand that Israel and the United States are two entirely separate and distinct nations; Israel is God's chosen nation with an inherent covenant and promise of restoration. I do not dare compare the United States to Israel, and I do not presume to assume how the United States factors into the Lord's eternal kingdom plan. However, I do believe that within Israel's history and prophecy, as recorded in the Holy Bible, general applications exist.

The book of Amos, as recorded by the "minor" prophet himself, is addressed to Israel, which, at the time, appeared to be at a peak of financial, political, and spiritual prosperity. Unfortunately, as she became complacent in that prosperity, Israel's dependence on the God declined, resulting in a downward spiral of corruption, which bottomed out before the Lord's judgment.

Amos, an earnest proponent of God's justice and righteousness, was chosen to declare the Lord's imminent judgment of His wayward nation. My NIV notes state, "God's imminent judgment on Israel would not be a mere punitive blow to warn ... but an almost total destruction. The unthinkable was about to happen: Because they had not faithfully consecrated themselves to His Lordship, God would uproot His chosen people by the hands of a pagan nation. Even so, if they would repent, there was hope that 'the LORD God Almighty [would] have mercy on the remnant' (5:15; see 5:4-6, 14). In fact, the Lord had a glorious future for His people, beyond the impending judgment. ... The God of Israel, the Lord of history, would not abandon His chosen people or His chosen program of redemption. The God for whom Amos speaks is God of more than merely Israel. He also uses one nation against another to carry out His purposes (6:14). He is the Great King who rules the whole universe (4:13; 5:8; 9:5-6). Because He is all-sovereign, the God of Israel holds the history and destiny of all peoples and of the world in His hands. Israel must know not only that He is the Lord of her future, but also that He is Lord over all, and that He has purposes and concerns that reach far beyond her borders. Israel had a unique, but not an exclusive claim on God." (My highlighted emphases.)

So, dear friends, I ask you to consider the following Scriptures from Amos. There is no more commentary needed from me. God's Word stands alone. I encourage you to read through, meditate upon, and pray over His Word, discerning what the Lord speaks to your heart.

"... seek Me and live ...

Seek the LORD and live ..."

(5:4-6)

"Seek good, not evil,

that you may live.

Then the LORD God Almighty

will be with you ...

Hate evil, love good;

maintain justice in the courts.

Perhaps the LORD God Almighty

will have mercy on the remnant ..."

(5:14-15)

" 'I hate, I despise

your religious feasts;

I cannot stand your assemblies.

Even though you bring me ... offerings,

I will not accept them ...

I will have no regard for them.

Away with the noise of your songs!

... But let justice roll on like a river,

righteousness like a never-failing stream!' "

(5:21-24)

"Woe to you who are complacent ...

and to you who feel secure ...

You lie on beds inlaid with ivory

and lounge on your couches.

You dine on choice lambs

and fattened calves.

... You drink wine by the bowlful

and use the finest lotions,

but you do not grieve

over the ruin of Joseph.

Therefore you will be among the first

to go into exile;

your feasting and lounging will end."

(6:1-7)

"... the LORD God Almighty declares:

'I abhor the pride of Jacob ...'

... you have turned justice into poison

and the fruit of righteousness

into bitterness--

... 'I will stir up a nation against you ...

that will oppress you ...' "

(6:8-14)

"... The Sovereign LORD was calling

for judgment by fire ...

The Lord was standing by a wall

that had been built true to plumb,

with a plumb line in His hand.

... the Lord said, 'Look, I am setting

a plumb line among my people ...' "

(7:4-8)

"... 'The time is ripe ...' "

(8:2)

" 'The days are coming,'

declares the Sovereign LORD,

'when I will send a famine

through the land--

not a famine of food

or a thirst for water,

but a famine of hearing

the words of the Lord.' "

(8:11)

"... the Lord ... said:

'Strike the tops of the pillars

so that the thresholds shake.' ..."

(9:1)

" 'Surely the eyes of the

Sovereign LORD

are on the sinful kingdom.

I will destroy it

from the face of the earth--

yet I will not totally destroy

the house of Jacob,'

declares the LORD."

(9:8)

And yet, thanks be to God, for this final promise, specifically applicable to Israel as the promised land:

" 'In that day I will restore

David's fallen tent.

I will repair its broken places,

restore its ruins,

and build it as it used to be,

so that they may possess

the remnant of Edom

and all the nations that bear My name,'

declares the LORD,

Who will do these things.

'The days are coming,'

declares the LORD

'when the reaper will be overtaken

by the plowman

and the planter

by the one treading grapes.

New wine will drip from the mountains

and flow from all the hills.

I will bring back My exiled people Israel;

they will rebuild the ruined cities

and live in them.

They will plant vineyards

and drink their wine;

they will make gardens

and eat their fruit.

I will plant Israel in their own land,

never again to be uprooted

from the land I have given them,'

says the LORD your God."

(9:11-15)

Precious Father, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that Jesus is "the same yesterday today and forever" (reference Hebrews 13:8), and that one day soon, He will return to rule in justice and righteousness. In the meantime, I pray on behalf of my nation--the United States of America, of Your nation--Israel, and of every nation--throughout this world. May we repent from our individual and corporate sins, may we return wholeheartedly to You, may we study and apply Your Word, and may we measure up when You return. I pray in the name Jesus, my Lord, my Savior, and my Ruler. Amen.

If this topic sparked your interest, see also ...

• "A Holy Harvest"
  

PS-The US presidential election will be held in 40 days. Sign up for "Pray the Vote", an initiative of the Presidential Prayer Team, to receive a daily prayer focus via e-mail.

How can we encourage and pray for you today? Please let us know by clicking on "Sparks Share" at the end of today's reflection, and scroll down to the "Comments" box. You may choose to comment anonymously, if you prefer. Feel free to leave your praises and insights as well!

Copyright 2008. Kathryn B. Wells. All Rights Reserved.