Even though the seasons changed promptly from summer to fall and the anxiety-ridden general election took place as planned, hopes are still diminishing in our country. We've ceased wishing for normalcy. I think we all know that things will never be normal again! This is a new reality we are experiencing and ready or not we've just got to faith it through!
I'm not a doom and gloom kind of gal! Really, I'm not but I must say that year 2020 has made me more of a realist than I thought possible. This is not a bad thing! Never before in my life have I leaned more on my faith than I have this year. I've prayed more. Studied my bible more. Searched my heart more. And I've gotten in touch with the foundations of my Christian roots.
I've never doubted God or my Christian faith, but there were times I wondered whether the bible teachings regarding the Christian's powerful influence in the world could really transcends these turbulent times. I'm encouraged by the words of Jesus who says we can: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (Matthew 5:13)
HAVE CHRISTIANS LOST THEIR SALTINESS?
Some Christians abandoned the tenets of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) and the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) to align themselves with a particular political candidate. Placing their trust not in God but a system, a party, or a well-worn yet disappointing ideology. Standing by silently refusing to bring accountability in the face of wrong doing. I've never witnessed such vitriol spewing from the lips of Saints when discovered they were on different sides of a hot issue! Or the escalation of violence and deaths in both urban and suburban communities. Will the world still listen to our message of a loving Christ?
WHERE IS GOD'S LIGHT OF TRUTH?
Christians have marched alongside hate groups, found comaraderie and a common purpose it seems for no other purpose than to satisfy selfish ambitions. It is as if 2 Corinthians 6:14 was never written: Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? or What fellowship can light have with darkness? I wonder when in their Sunday sermons and daily bible devotions they come across these words of Jesus, if their hearts were pricked? You are the Light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5: 14-16)
IN TIMES OF CRISIS HOPE IS STILL ALIVE!
Yes, times are troubling! Exhaustion and hopelessness common among the people, but this is not the time to lose sight of God's purpose! Our allegiance is to God and unity with those of like faith should be our goal not a obstacle!
God has laid bare the roots of our national sin: Greed, arrogance, idolatry, ingratitude, and injustice. No matter how deeply it was buried beneath platitudes of patriotism, nationalism, and a form of evangelicalism that looks less and less like the bible every day! They are now exposed!
He has through the crises we are facing today shown us that it is time to get back to our TRUE CHRISTIAN ROOTS!
"He has showed you, O man, what is good . And what does the Lord require you? To act justly, and to love mercy, to walk humbly before your God." (Micah 6:8)
Presently, the Roots of Hope are showing a bit of wear. Like the picture above, erosion is evident. Years of disobedience have caused them to become gnarled and dry but rejuvenation is coming. We serve a Resurrection God and He is faithful. This pitiful tree will find its roots refreshed by the healing waters of God's Word, a tree planted by streams and yielding fruit in even this difficult season. The Election is over. People are dying. Our children are watching. Let's get about finishing the work Christ left us to do while we still can:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."UNTIL NEXT TIME...
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During these difficult times of economic, spiritual, and health challenges, we Christians have had to FAITH it through as soldiers of the cross. We are still “FAITHING” and praying through more than any other time in history. But I declare the sovereignty of God and His incredible mercy and grace will see His soldiers through. Great article.
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