Happy Memorial Day!

 No matter how things may look, God is here. He has promised "never to leave us or forsake us" Joshua 1 : 5,  and He keeps His promises. May the anointing of this video warm and bring hope to your heart this memorial day.  God bless you.

How Independent Are We?

Photo credit Wikipedia

Whether you live in America or not, you are probably aware that this is Independence Day weekend. Here in America we do everything lavishly. Food, fireworks and fun are the order of the day - or the weekend. I heard some popping last night and I did my shopping yesterday so I won't have to be in the long lines today. If you are heading for the grocery or the malls, head out early and be careful.

Apart from achieving our independence from Great Britain, Americans are by nature an independent people. We pride ourselves on being "captain of our own ship, master of our destiny." We work hard, play hard and do our best to provide for ourselves and our families. This is one of the reasons America is the richest country on earth. We extend aid to poorer countries, and they look to us when they are in difficulty.

We have every reason to be proud. But let's not stick our noses in the air and think we are okay. Everyday we are being reminded that we are not. Terrorism, stock market crashes and global economic instability prove otherwise. We do not have "freedom from control, support etc. of others," as the online dictionary defines it. We are interdependent on others and whether we like it or not, we are dependent on God.

In Romans 9: 16 Paul says, "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy." And in verse 18, "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."

In other words, all that we are and all that we have are not the result of our "independence," or our hard work, but God's will. He has the power to build us up or tear us down. No amount of leadership, wealth or military power can save us if God chooses to unleash His wrath on us. So, as you enjoy your barbecue with friends and family this weekend ask yourself these questions, "Am I truly independent? Am I trusting in my own strength or God's?"

Happy Independence!

Here are some related posts that might be of interest:

Happy Independence Day

Through A Child's Eyes


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To help you enjoy the long holiday weekend, I'm offering my newest novel Coming Out of Egypt, Book 1 of the Egypt series at a discounted price of just .99c on kindle. Coming Out of Egypt is based on the account of the Israelites' exodus out of Egypt. It tells the story of two sisters, survivors of sexual abuse, desperately trying to put their abuse behind them and forge a new life for themselves. As you read you will see how God delivered these precious girls from the bondage of their past just as He delivered the Israelites from the bondage of slavery. Just click on the image below.

Let's Have A Blast

Recently, I overheard a preacher on radio announcing his upcoming event. He ended with the words, "It's going to be a blast." I suppose there's nothing wrong with "having a blast" at a Christian conference. After all, the Bible does tell us to "rejoice in the Lord and be glad," Psalm 32: 11, but as I thought about it I couldn't help comparing what he said to the election campaigns being run here in America. Everyone seems to be having a blast - especially the candidates. And the media, not to be outdone, gleefully bring us a blow by blow account of the latest sensational sayings of so-and-so.

Is this what running for office has come down to? A blast? Forget about ISIS, the refugee crisis, gun violence, escalating drug addiction and our broken healthcare system.That's nasty business. No one wants to talk about that. Instead, let's call each other names and compare hand size and while we're at it, why not have a pie-throwing contest?

I am currently studying the book of 1 Kings. That book is an eye-opener. It traces the source of the people's problems or their successes straight back to their kings. When a good king reigned, the people prospered, when a bad king reigned, the people suffered.

Psalm 33: 12 says,  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. 

 Is God our Lord in America, or are we simply having a blast? Let's think about that as we prepare to choose another 'king.'

Don't Worry!

This heading is part of a popular song title of yesteryear, Don't Worry, Be Happy. In light of recent happenings in America and around the world we can't be happy, but we can certainly not worry if our eyes are fixed on God.  
                                                                                                          
Psalm 42: 5, 11 and 43: 5 say, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." KJV

The AMP version says,  Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

The ERV version:  Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I tell myself, “Wait for God’s help! You will again be able to praise him, your God, the one who will save you.” 

The NIV version: Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Jesus Himself said,  "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21: 28).

The only way we can survive this terrible period we are going through is to trust in the Lord, stay close to Him, study His Word, and don't worry.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and those who were injured in this latest tragedy. God has not forgotten you.