Remember how crazy Rhett was about this flirty little coquette? Miss Scarlett was spoiled and she took Rhett for granted. Then one day he walked out and she realized that it really WAS Rhett that she loved. We all wondered if it was too late...
This July 4th, I'm thinking I have been spoiled by living in this great country. I'm ashamed to say I've taken it for granted. And I'm waking up to the appalling thought that her best days may be over and my grands will not inherit the freedoms that Mike and I have enjoyed. I don't want to be like Scarlett and think about it tomorrow. Tomorrow may be too late.
When Jesus was born, the Romans were the dominant world power. They built roads throughout their empire and promoted one language. Commerce prospered, and so did the gospel. That is one reason why it says in Galatians "but when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son". That fullness of time included an earthly governmental structure whose improvements facilitated the spreading of the gospel.
In the same way, my country did not just happen; God gave America to the world so that men could taste liberty and want liberty in their spirit. Isn't that why people beg to come here from all over the world? We all want to live under benevolence. That desire foreshadows heaven.
We are not exceptional because we are exceptional people. We are exceptional because God has blessed us and given us the amazing privilege of cooperating with Him.
God's heart and intention now and always is for reaching the world. In America we have the freedom of worship connected with the freedom of speech...plus the prosperity to make possible the generosity that makes Him known. Just as the missionaries went down Roman roads to faraway places, in our day we have dollars to go/send people to China or to the urban cities. We can reach the world through the internet. We live in innovative times.
The theme to know Him and make Him known is woven in our national history from the pilgrim's discovery of this new world, to the wisdom of our founding documents. If you have three minutes, this link illustrates how His grace HAS been shed on us. http://www.sermonspice.com/product/10180/in-their-own-words-4th-of-july-version
The men in the above video were able to flourish because a sovereign God had a plan and the men knew the Planmaker. Now our republic has been handed off to we the people and it is now ours to keep or to squander. Unfortunately, the Planmaker has been routinely run outta Dodge in our country. That's good reason for the phrase be careful what you ask for.
Let's ask for mercy. Let's tell Him that we don't want to trifle with His good gift and we want to be good stewards, but we really don't know what that means practically. Let's pray and pray again. From my earthly perspective, prayer doesn't seem like enough. But it IS what He said do...
"If my people, on whom my name is named, make themselves low and come to me in prayer, searching for me and turning from their evil ways; then I will give ear from heaven, overlooking their sin, and will give life again to their land." 2 Chronicles 7.14 BBE
Let's ask for mercy. Let's tell Him that we don't want to trifle with His good gift and we want to be good stewards, but we really don't know what that means practically. Let's pray and pray again. From my earthly perspective, prayer doesn't seem like enough. But it IS what He said do...
"If my people, on whom my name is named, make themselves low and come to me in prayer, searching for me and turning from their evil ways; then I will give ear from heaven, overlooking their sin, and will give life again to their land." 2 Chronicles 7.14 BBE
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