Where Are We Headed America?
By Gary Patterson
Table Of Contents:
Where Are We Headed America?
Going On A Journey, And Not Reading
The Map
This Nation Is Your People
Our Heart Cries
The Path Of Hate
How Can We Kill?
Set Your Mind
All Lives Matter To God
The Path To Freedom
Home
[A Collection Of Post-Articles From
The Christian Journeyman Blog-site]
(Post Date:7/2024)
WHERE ARE WE HEADED AMERICA?
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!"(Psalm 33:12)
As a nation, we are 248 years old. In 1620 the Pilgrims made their voyage on the Mayflower, and set up the Plymouth Colony. One hundred people wanting to establish freedom from the Church of England.
Through the years America has sought and fought for freedom. And today America is heading down a path where our freedoms are under attack, and slowly disappearing. Our forefathers pursued the path of unity. We were, and are to be "One Nation Under God!" But today we are such a divided country, and hatred is the climate in which we dwell. The senseless assassination attempt on a former president (July 13,2024) tells on how far we have come on our path of hatred and violence.
The Psalmist gives us the answer, in which is what our forefathers wanted for us in this great nation. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." America is a gift that was given to us as citizens, from the Lord. It is a privilege to live here in America. Although we are a people who are of many cultures and backgrounds, we are to place ourselves under the will of our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.
We may not believe the same way, we may not practice our traditional way of life in the same way. But the first ones to come to this Country, set the precedence, that this is to be "A Nation Under God!" There needs to be mutual respect for that, along with the respect we give all who have the freedom to worship, and conduct their lives, in line with their beliefs and practices.
From the Declaration Of Independence, we are encouraged to strive to obtain "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Are we as a nation going down this path? Is this where we are headed? Are we working to make sure that everyone in this nation has the opportunity to obtain these valued things as well?
As the Psalmist concludes:"We are a people, whom the Lord has chosen as a heritage." We have a responsibility to be the nation that God has chosen to bless. He treasures us greatly. We are very special to Him. In knowing this, why would we choose to be a rebellious nation, shaking our fist at God, indulging in sinful activities, and pursuing our selfish will, instead of His will for this awesome nation?
Where are we headed America? I hope we discontinue this path that we are on today! GP
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GOING ON A JOURNEY, AND NOT READING THE MAP
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
All of us here in America, are on a life's journey! A journey that will involve a lot of challenges to face. And the key to meeting those challenges, is that we as a nation, are to face them together.
I agree with that message. But I also see us as a people, who are going on a journey, but refusing to read the map.
The map illustrates the Word of God.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was profitable for:
Doctrine (What is right)
Reproof (What is not right)
Correction (How to get right)
Instruction in righteousness (How to stay right)
It is interesting to me, how we can mention God's name, but at the same time, refuse to accept and live out the principles He has placed before us, in His Word. The feeling is clear to me, that as a nation we do not want to be "Under God" any longer. But the farther we go in NOT being "Under God", the more sorrow and destruction we will find. Is this what we want as a nation?
God is more than just a mention of His name. He is our divine parent, who knows what is best for us. He knows the way that we should go.
I encourage us, as citizens of this great nation. Let's not go on our journey, without reading the map of God's Word. Because if we do, we will not like the places, we will end up! GP
Photo: Mohamed-hassan - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com
THIS NATION IS YOUR PEOPLE
"Remember that this nation is your people" (Exodus 33:13)
Instead of finding excuses to not go and be the leader God wanted Moses to be, he asks God to help him maintain the favor, or the good relationship he has found with Him. And He reminds God, which in essence, he is reminding himself, that the nation of Israel belongs to God, and to no one else. Today we are called to remember all those who laid down their lives to protect and maintain this wonderful nation, that first and foremost belongs to God. We have developed the mindset, that this nation belongs to us. And because it belongs to us, we can maintain an immoral lifestyle, and profess and practice those things that are contrary to the will of God. There are those who would love to have the words "...one nation under God..."taken out of our pledge.
We want to be under ourselves, not under God. But the consequences of our selfishness and disobedience is evident in our society today. We are a nation out of control, when we should be a people who are exercising self-control, because we love God, and want to please Him with our lives. Today as we are called to "remember" and to "honor" those who have served, and are serving, our precious land, let us also remember that this land, and this people belong to the Lord. GP
ID 26439066 © Daniel Thornberg | Dreamstime.com
OUR HEART CRIES
"And among those nations you shall find no rest, nor shall the sole of your foot have a resting place, but there the Lord will give a trembling heart, failing eyes, and anguish of soul." (Deuteronomy 28:65)
The nation of Israel had become a disappointment to God, and to the world. They were to be a holy nation, set apart to be God's people, and God's light to the Gentiles.
But because of their idolatry and immorality, they received curses of judgment that God followed through, in punishment for their disobedience.
America has a similar purpose. As our pledge says: "One Nation Under God".
If you look at the charter documents of the various colonies, you will read of the main purposes that God set in the hearts of the first settlers, of this great nation. To worship God, and to propagate His Gospel.
But we have shaken our fist at God, and have chosen to live according to our own selfish ways. And because of that, God is doing the same things to us, here in America, as He did to Israel.
How many people have trembling hearts? We walk in fear every moment, always looking over our shoulders. Our participation in the worldly pursuits has caused us not to be happy, but to have failing eyes, to what will truly bring us joy and happiness. And people have such anguish in their heart, our medical clinics, and hospitals are full, because people are in such despair, to their very soul.
Our heart cries for Peace, Place, and Purpose; and all of this can be found in our submission to God, and His will for our lives. There is the influence of the world, and there is the urging of the Holy Spirit. But the choice is ours, to choose God's way, over that of the world. The choice to enjoy God's blessings, that are far more fulfilling and eternal. GP
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THE PATH OF HATE
"But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."
(1 John 2:11)
Can we disagree with people without hating them? That is the question that many are wondering about these days.
We've seen in the race for a new president, such avid hatred the candidates have for each other. I do not want to make this post political, but it has been very embarrassing and disheartening to hear hateful words expressed, both in debate, and rallys on the campaign trail.
I want to address the attitude of hatred, and how damaging and destructive it is. The Apostle John writes in our text that if someone hates his/her brother, he/she is in darkness. This is spiritual darkness. They are destitute of spiritual light. They are not walking a path that is lit by the Jesus, (The Light of Life - John 8:12) but they are walking a path of selfish destruction.
Where hate is a destructive attitude, love is a building virtue, and one of productivity. How can we get rid of the hatred in our hearts? By looking to Jesus, who is our great teacher of love, and concern. He did not agree with the Pharisees & Sadducees (The religious governing body of Israel, Matthew 23) but He did love them.
When we read Matthew 23:37, we see Jesus mourning over the city of Jerusalem (It's leaders, and the people) because of their lack of love and mercy, and their sins. He wanted to gather them to Him, as a hen gathers her chicks, but they would not let Him.
The path of hatred will never lead to peace and unity. That is what the Lord prayed we would have (John 17) Isn't that what we should want too? GP
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HOW CAN WE KILL?
Jonathan Strickland in his article entitled "What Makes A Killer?" introduces it by asking these questions: "What is it that pushes a person to end the life of another person? Does it take a special sort of human to kill, or is there potential in all of us? Does it depend upon situations and scenarios? Are we all born killers who repress our urges, or must we break down social and psychological barriers before we take a life? These are questions people have been trying to answer for centuries. (Read all of his article on http://people.howstuffworks.com/what-makes-a-killer.htm)
To see reports on television of executions of mass amounts of people, and the beheading of people, just makes me sick in my heart. I cannot believe that the goal of those defending the Islamic state will go to such brutality, to strike fear in the people of Iraq, and the western world. Not only in the world, but in our country, killing seems to be such a common event.
How precious is a human life to God? We are so precious to Him, that He sent His Son to be killed, for the salvation of the world. As a precious lamb was killed to be the sacrifice for the sins, of the nation of Israel, our precious Jesus was killed, to be the sacrifice for us. It was a necessary action for God to do, in order to redeem the world. Jesus was killed, so that we could live eternally.
If God was willing to do this for man-kind, what does this say concerning our relationship towards others? But how do we get across to the world, that love is to be the dominating virtue, instead of selfishness and hate?
As Christians, the only way to affect change, is to show the love of Christ, in all that we say, and do. "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these in love"
(1 Corinthians 13:13) GP
Photo: GDJ - Free for use under the Pixabay Content License - www.pixabay.com
SET YOUR MIND
"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2,3)
There are several addictions that people have a hard time with. I am not going to list what they are, because you know what they are, and you know what addictions you have. If you don't have an addiction, I would say you are truly blessed, and I pray that you will never be gripped by one.
The Apostle Paul gives us some great advice, not only for dealing with life, but how to deal with addictions. He says "Set Your Mind", just like you would set a clock, or pour a slab of cement, and let it "set" or let it harden. We are to determine in our minds, to always honor God, in the things we do. And that we are not going to let anything distract us, or overwhelm us, and cause us, to do anything different. Paul says, "Set your mind on things above" the things that are of God, the things that He provides for us, instead of the things of this earth.
I read that a good way to overcome a bad addiction, is to substitute it with something that is more positive, healthier, and fulfilling. You won't feel bad after you followed through with the thought, or act, because you know that it was the right thing to do.
When we became Christians we died to the old life, to the addictions that held us hostage. Our life is hidden in Christ, for security, so we will not be enslaved by the addictions of the world.
We are to stay "in Christ" and do what He tells us to do. Hiding in Christ is truly a wonderful freedom, when you think of all the things that could hold us hostage, and gradually destroy us. (GP)
Photo by Master isolated images. Published on 06 September 2011 www.freedigitalphotos.net
THE PATH TO FREEDOM
*It was the summer of 1776. Delegates had come from thirteen colonies to make a momentous decision. Conditions were troubled in the new world. Something had to be done. They no longer wanted to be governed by England.(RBC) The result was the compilation of 'The Declaration Of Independence". A statement declaring their desire to be a free nation. And later a war was fought, and won, to accomplish this pursuit of freedom which we enjoy today. Freedom is a precious thing.
And many people today think that they are free, when in reality they are hostages of Satan and their sin. Satan has their minds, their focus, their lifestyle, their lives and their souls. But there is good news to those who are in spiritual bondage today.
In John 8:31-32, there is a path to freedom in the Lord Jesus Christ.
BELIEF LEADS TO DISCIPLESHIP (John 8:31)
DISCIPLESHIP LEADS TO TRUTH (John 8:32)
TRUTH LEADS TO FREEDOM (John 8:32)
*Once there was a kite that loved to fly high. Nothing made it happier than to be caught in a stiff breeze that would send it soaring upward, far above the grassy meadows below. It loved the feel of the wind and the faraway view. But gradually the kite became dissatisfied. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could fly even higher than its string allowed? It could think only of sailing so high that the houses became dots far below, and it brushed against the clouds. So it tugged and tugged on the string, hoping to break free. Then one day the string snapped! For a moment the kite was ecstatic as it leaped skyward. But then it began to tumble and spin out of control, and soon it crashed to the ground below.
Unfortunately, we are sometimes like that kite. We want to go places and do things that are morally out of bounds. We tug against the lordship of Christ and the truth that we are to live for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). We tell ourselves that if only we could get free, we would be happy. But like that kite, we would crash. Jesus died and rose from the grave to give us true liberty—freedom to soar safely within the bounds of His law and the constraints of His love.
*David C.Egner The Radio Bible Class, RBC Ministries (C)
Are you really free today? In Jesus Christ, you can be! GP
HOME
"My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings,
and in quiet resting places." (Isaiah 32:18)
Following the Assyrian invasion the prophet looked forward (for the people of Israel) to a place of peaceful habitation.
When I think of home, I think about that peaceful habitation. That place where we find privacy, rest, and peace. I have experienced these things, in the long period of time being in one place, and the moving from place to place. In both, I have found my place of solitude, and peace, away from the battles and challenges of the world.
Someone has said that: "The most beautiful word in the English language is "Home."
As we approach "Memorial Day" I want to give honor to our men and women in uniform, who are far from their homes, to protect our homes here in America. And to remember those who sacrificed their lives on foreign soil, to fight the fight of freedom, and to protect our precious national home of America.
I am proud to be an American. To call this land my home. I pray that it will always be the peaceful habitation that God meant for it to be.
The best way that we can help to keep it this way, is to live lives of righteousness. To live our lives according to the Word, and will of God.
To love God, and to love one another, will help keep America a peaceful habitation.
A place where our people of protection, will proudly, and gladly, fight to keep it this way! GP
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WHERE ARE WE HEADED AMERICA?
By Gary Patterson
A Collection Of Post-Articles From
The Christian Journeyman Blog-Site - https://cjour05.blogspot.com
Published 7/2024
The Christian Journeyman © 2024 All Rights Reserved.
