Oh Army of God...arise!

Do you have a deep passion for anything?  I do.  I don't know exactly why, but I believe it is God-given. People have various passions of their hearts, and I get a sampling of that as I listen to missionaries, listen to the Christian radio station, watch TV, hear people tell of their ministries and labors of love. They're all wonderful!  One thing that rests heavy on my heart is the change I have seen over the years not only in our culture, but in our churches. Is it possible the change in our culture is due to the change in our churches, or is the change in the churches a result of bowing down to the changes in the culture?  I'm really not sure, nor does it really matter.  We are where we are.  But where is the candle of hope in the darkness?

Isaiah 59:14: "And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter."

Isaiah 1:21: "How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers."

Missionary Jerry Collins from Mexico has been preaching at our missions conference this week.  Tonight he preached about Lot, and how he CHOSE his path in Genesis 13:11.  What a sad story about how this man who knew right from wrong chose a path that seemed in his judgment to be a good path, but never sought the Lord for wisdom and direction.  Instead of working out his problems, he escaped into what appeared to be a prosperous place to settle, and in the end he lost everything...his wealth, his family, his dignity and even his conscience. In chapter 19 he is calling the wicked people in the city his brethren, and in order to save his house guests, he offers up his two daughters to be abused by the men of the city. No, he didn't make a difference for good in his culture.  He became a part of it. His light died out. His daughters eventually slept with him, and justified their actions, but the end was a disaster. 

Doesn't it get easy to justify sin when we convince ourselves of our choices, rather than seeking God, and depending on His wisdom and guidance to direct us from His Word, the Bible?  His Word doesn't change, but we do.  The Word of God has been preserved and it's reliable.  However, there are those who justify changing the Bible to fit their agendas and ideas, churches justify homosexuality in an effort to blend in and not offend, we say that killing embryos is not a moral issue, we justify killing innocent children in the name of choice and convenience.  We abandon truth in the name of peace and tolerance. Kids are being told they can choose their gender, and wanting sex change operations. Rather than offering them counseling and help, we embrace it in the name of being supportive and open minded.  Where does it end?  The other guys are loud and bold and boisterous about what they believe, and we shrink under pressure. We become brethren with the world rather than bringing them into the fold of God. We need to stand!  We need to be salt and light, or else how are the lost going to find shelter, healing, hope and safety? 

Isaiah 59:15: "Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment."


CHOOSE your side! Use your voice! Wake up!  We are not helping when we are passive and vague when it comes to moral issues.  I'm not saying to show violence or be obtrusive.  Pray for your coworkers, give godly advice with a sincere caring heart when there's an opportunity, get out in the community and start a project that will shine the love of Jesus.  Share the love of Christ with someone struggling with homosexuality.  Stand up for righteousness and truth while speaking that truth in love.  Be faithful to your church and serve in ministry in some capacity (this takes courage, but it's a lot of fun once you get into it!).  Help out your local crisis pregnancy center, perhaps even by donating used baby clothes. Let people know about their choices, including adoption and having the baby with support from a pregnancy center if found with an unwanted pregnancy.  Volunteer at a nursing home or hospital or Christian radio station.  When asked the tough questions, be ready and be informative. Find what YOUR strengths and desires are that you can contribute, and contribute! Don't rely on the government or politicians. You be the one.  You answer the call. Shine the love of Jesus to those around you. Give with a cheerful heart. Don't worry - just get in there and be a blessing, and everything will work itself out.  

Oh Army of God...arise!  Keep a clean heart before God and follow HIS lead.  Together let's get BUSY for the glory of God to advance His kingdom.  Hey, we have the best news EVER! Let's share it while we still have time. Please be encouraged. Go forth!

Verses to meditate upon:


Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Deuteronomy 11:18: "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes."  GREAT verse supporting memorizing Bible verses!

Proverbs 3:3: "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:"



Joshua 24:15: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."