Eloise Bowen
09-29-2006, 04:33 AM
He is the Rock of Mankind's Salvation
(September 11, 2006 - Numbers 31 - 35; Romans 13 - I Corinthians 2; Psalms 30)
Even today, September 11, 2006, as I happened to be behind in my scheduled Bible reading, He turned it around to be much more than happenstance. He allowed me to be behind in my reading because it brought my thoughts captive to His goodness (Proverbs 16:9; Romans 8:28). Who would have known that His words from the Bible read on this day in history would have such a great impact on my thoughts, besides my Creator. His words are so comforting in reassuring us that He is in control of this world, as things go on as they did in earlier generations.
Today marks five years since that tragic occurrence took place upon American soil. Unimaginable events that forever changed the way that we conduct certain operations in our everyday lives took place. We no longer have the same sense of security that America once held.
On this day, I can't help but remember those horrific images happening in recent history. Two jets crashing into the twin towers, collapsing before the nation's eyes; and another planned attack to America’s Pentagon building, diverted by passengers and therefore crashing into a barren field in Pennsylvania. These were destructive acts carried out by extreme terrorists plotting out their evil schemes of mass destruction to our nation.
What drove such violent people to carry out such schemes of inhumane wickedness? These self-righteous people (with their own schemes and practices) felt as if they were justified to commit such destructive acts of violence by destroying some of America's most monumental buildings. Did they really think they were doing the world a favor, by ridding the world of some of its “infidels?” with their own schemes and practices.
The events of September 11, 2001, continue to change the world for Americans in ways we have yet to experience or comprehend. As our nation struggles to heal from past hurts - the tremendous pain and loss, some of us are looking at ourselves and others differently. If we would only recognize and acknowledge God's place in History. He is allowing our country to get wealthy and prosper but only when we look to Him as the source of our wealth and are obedient in following after Him.
The words of a song, "The Writing on the Wall," by Mark Farner (used to be with the rock band Grand Funk in the 60's and 70's) really strikes close to home. They remind me of the plight that people all over the world are all living in:
In a world full of lies and confusion,
It seems like happiness is just an illusion. The world is fallin’ down around us.
Seems we’re never gonna learn.
(Chorus) Doesn’t anybody see the writing on the wall?
Will you cry for this country when it falls?
When you’re lookin through tears, they magnify the pain.
Cause we’ve watched it slip away again.
I’ve been thinkin bout the past generation.
We’re not the only ones who’ve had a few temptations.
Destruction then was just a sample.
Why can’t we learn from their example?
(Chorus)
Selfish thoughts degrade the values of a nation.
We can’t evade the end by taking a vacation.
What would it take to make you learn?
What about those children that are missing?
(Chorus)
Man's ways can be observed throughout the history of mankind in God's history book, the Bible (Joshua 24:14-28).
The same innate ability one possesses to do good, can be turned around to produce just as much turmoil, depending on the object of one’s desire.
The Bible is quick to tell us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked - who can understand it? (Jeremiah 9-10).
From the earliest recordings of human history in the Bible, the Israelites show us how obstinate they can be in trying to accomplish things in their own power and strength.
The Bible also shows God to be patient and loving as He tried to teach His chosen people, time and time again. He wanted their total allegiance - to look to Him for all of their provisions.
The Bible can be said to be the greatest love story ever written. He reveals to us His unfailing love for His children even amidst their continual rejection of His love shown to them.
His eyes are forever searching to-and-fro seeking those who are willing to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and to turn from their prideful and stubborn ways of living (Job 28).
He promises never to leave or forsake us, as His children (Hebrews 13:
5-6). He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and to be a comfort to us, as He leads us through the paths of life (Luke 11:13; John 14:23-26).
His wonderful ways cease to amaze me as I look to His word each day for His guidance in my life. It is so astounding that He is so faithful to me, even when I seem to be unfaithful in keeping my daily appointments with him through His Word (the Bible) and prayer.
Blessed is the steadfast God who does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled (Psalm 33). Blessings come from that same God, Who promises, "if my people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land
(2 Chronicles 7:14).
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33: 10-12). The Lord showers His blessings on those nations obedient to His Word and causes them to prosper (Deuteronomy 28: 1-4).
In Deuteronomy 15: 4-6, God tells us that He will richly bless the nation that obeys God and is careful to observe all of the Lord’s commandments. That nation will have no need to borrow and can give generously to the poor and needy amongst us.
The Lord tried to get Pharaoh to release the Israeli slaves by causing different plagues to come upon the land of Egypt. Pharaoh would not succumb to letting God's people leave his great country. He, no doubt, was realizing that they were the source of his great wealth.!!
So, God, miraculously delivered His people out of Egypt, not over or around, but through (the waves departed) the Red Sea. They eventually came to the “land flowing with milk and honey” which He had promised to their forefathers.
God was trying to teach the Israelites to trust and to rely on Him for their every need. He lead them through the wilderness for 40 years, providing and sustaining them with his outstretched hand.
He knew that when they reached their forefathers’ promised land, they would be surrounded by many obstacles and temptations that would be very alluring for them to follow after. He used that time in the desert to train His people to be victorious over their enemies.
God caused the Israelites to rise above all the other nations and become a great nation as they looked to Him for their sustenance. He delivered them from the Egyptians and made them voctotious over the nation’s evil ways. He performed great and mighty deeds for His people before their eyes; miraculously delivering them out of bondage, causing them to prosper as they trusted in Him.
The Lord also warns us in His word the cost of disobedience to His Word (Deuteronomy 28: 15-68). This is a dismal picture (almost hard to read), but shows God's justice to those who choose to be disobedient to His instructions for righteous living. We can see in these verses just how much God abhors evil and sinful ways carried out through our disobedience to Him in failing to respond to His repeated acts of loving-kindness that He has shown throughout history. He promises to be there with outstretched arms waiting to receive us.
God shows us His loving-kindness throughout the pages of the Bible (Psalm 103: 1-14). He show's His loving-kindness to those who seek to turn from their wicked ways and follow after Him
(2 Timothy 12-17). He chose "a better way" to come before Him - through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and His triumphant victory over death
(1 Corinthians 15: 51-58).
Throughout the Holy scriptures it seems to warn us of worshipping other gods and fleeing from detestable sins. Perhaps they were simply following their own desires . . . acting out orders given by their "higher power" . . . lofty ideas and practices carried out by deceitful men . . . taking one's thoughts captive to their own cleverly devised ideas.
I can remember reading about a loving, gentle man who just seemed to capture your heart from the very onstart of reading some of his autobiography. He seemed to be accomplished in all of his ways. It spoke of him and his dealings with his cat . . . very adorable sounding guy!! It went on to describe many of his attributes. I was startled to find out the man's name. It was Hitler.
The point that the book made so vividly clear is that what the mind focuses in on can cause us to act out in reality - many a wicked scheme. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful and desparately wicked, who can know It? (Except God - our Creator/Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 8:27; Hebrews 4:12). The Bible also tells us in Proverbs 23:7, "For as he thinks within himself - so he is."
After causing great prosperity in Egypt because of them living obediently before God and with man, the Egyptians began to mistreat the Israelites out of contempt. He miraculously delivered His people out of bondage.
God remains faithful to His promises to all generations, to those who are obedient to Him. (Psalm 100: 5). When people "go their own way" they inflict punishment upon themselves and the generations that follow (Deuteronomy 32:1-52).
We tend to be people who want to wander and do what is pleasing "in our own sight." We do not want to be subject to a bunch of rules and regulations!! We do not think of the repercussions that our sin will cause not only in the here and now, but in the future as well.
We need to heed God's calling and choose to obey his laws written upon the tablets of our hearts. Pray that the Lord will open our eyes and give understanding to those searching His Holy scriptures to find the truth. The Holy Spirit who lives within us will guide us in His truth, revealing to us what concerns us, when we are truly seeking to follow after Him in all our ways (Proverbs 8:17; Jeremiah 29:11-14).
Wisdom -- it all comes from the same source - the One true God, but can be focused as one chooses (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 4:5; Micah 6:9; Matthew 11:19).
He created us for good works, but gives us the choice to follow after Him (good), or go about as non-compliant lovers of self rather than obeying His Word (evil). We can choose to obey God and follow His directions for abundant living; or we can follow our own cleverly devised plans for prosperity. This is where the rubber meets the road --- in our decision to follow/not follow after God.
I believe that America was once a Godly nation. It was founded upon Godly principles. It is recorded that the early English settlers who camped along the Eastern shore of Cape Henry, Virginia had prayed over this country for God’s blessings to be over our country.
They staked a rough 7-foot cross upon the shore on which they landed. God smiled upon their endeavor to make this a nation under God.
Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, John Adams, among other God-fearing men signed the Declaration of Independence stating that, “I pledge . . . one nation under God , indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We were once known as "the land of the free and the home of the brave."
America has lost its reputation as being a God-fearing country that God richly showers His bountiful favor upon. We are no longer looking to God's laws and statutes as a basis for our state and local governments. We have steered off from the path of obedience and reverence to Him which puts us in line to receive His blessings.
We have taken God out of our schools to appease mans' appetites. We don't have public prayer or recite the Pledge of Allegiance in our classrooms anymore. We do not sing praises to our God in recognition of our free country. It seems that we have forsaken Him in abandonment.
We have now allowed "what is right in our own eyes" to be the nation’s motto and our guiding light. We need to refocus our efforts to return once again to the Biblical principles and statutes that our early forefathers built this nation upon - the strong and unmoving principles that God gives us in His Word.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union . . . Whatever happened to the Declaration of Independence that our early Cristian forefathers had signed and used to abide by in making laws that went along with God's laws? Now, because we the people have made so many gods for ourselves - that is considered intolerant. We've accepted and sometimes have even endorsed acts that were once unthinkable.
A French Philosopher, Alexis Detoqueville came to America in search of what made our country so great. After he observed our governments, schools, businesses, but could not find an answer there. He went back to France.
He decided to return for further investigation into our churches, seeing we had printed on our currency "In God We Trust" and in our Pledge of Allegiance we claimed to be, "one nation under God."
He went back to France to report, "America is great because America is good." When America ceases to be good . . . then America will cease to be great. The preaching of righteousness before our God and man should be honored.
The principles of God were so tightly woven into the fabric of America's greatness by our founding forefathers abiding by Biblical principles.
Noah Webster said that we owe our civil liberties to Christ and His apostles. "To this we owe are free constitution of government."
How man has perverted that freedom to mean, "doing what's right in our own eyes," not submitting to any authority at all.
Perversion that once made Americans feel ashamed is now blatantly flaunted before the eyes of a nation that was founded on God's principles, with the people having a fear (reverence) for God and His teachings.
When people in ancient civilizations turned their backs on God they died. God did not allow them to live among His people and prosper. He allowed them to die.
Today, He offers freedom to all men through the life and death of Jesus Christ. He provides a better way. We are allowed to choose life (Jesus Christ) or death (rejection of God's only way to life). He gives us the choice to follow whom we choose (Joshua 24: 14-18).
He became a man (God/man - Jesus Christ) and lived a sinless life among us for 33 years. He came to show us that living a life pleasing and worthy of God can be accomplished through His power and victory over death.
By His righteous act of living and sacrificial dying, He carried out God's redemptive plan for our lives.
We can forever come before the throne of God as a new person, transformed in Christ, by faith in His finished work at Calvary. We are to abide in the Bible always, as our official guidebook for living a life worthy of Him who called us.
We shall not be perfect like Him until we see Him, but are covered with His blood as an atonement before a Holy and righteous God. Christ has paved the way and has become our perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin.
History has been forever changed because of His one-time sacrifice on the cross through the shedding of His perfect blood in order to redeem sinful man from the error of his ways.
We seem to have completely lost sight of our commander-in-chief, God; and have decided to wander off again from His directed path for our lives.
One can clearly see from observing our historical Christian heritage that our prideful, arrogant attitudes have been very detrimental in our country's downfall. Pride cometh before a fall (Proverbs 16: 18-21). A haughty spirit is detrimental to this nation's well-being.
We need to bow down and beseech Him in prayer to heal and restore this land. We need to humble ourselves and pray for His guidance. He promises that "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 - Zondervan's Life Application Bible, New International Version).
There were all kinds of articles and programs in observance of this day in history. Today’s headlines, September 11, 2006, from Cairo, Egypt and Dubai, UAE read:
Al Quaida's #2 man, Ayman al Zahri, condemned the UN
peacekeepers in Lebanon as enemies of Islam and warned
that the terrorist group will strike the Persian Gulf and Israel,
suggesting new fronts in its war against the West.
I want to close with thoughts from a Godly man, Pat Boone. He, along with many others posted their thoughts as to 9/11’s impact on America:
[CENTER][CENTER][/CENTELest We Forget 9/11
Pat Boone
"If you keep pickin' at it, it'll never heal."
We've all heard that one, right? And when it comes to a physical wound, like a scab, it's true. Even when it comes to an emotional or psychic wound, it can be true. But failing to dress and treat a physical wound - or burying and sublimating an emotional wound, instead of examining and dealing with it - can interfere with complete and proper healing, as well.
As we soberly contemplate the past five years since 9/11, there have been those, even in the usually sensation-exploitive media, who have felt we shouldn't look at the horrific images that bombarded us on those terrible days. Out of sensitivity for the sorrow of those who lost loved ones, they've encouraged us to trust our memories and forego replays of the planes plowing into the twin towers. Forego the trapped and desperate people leaping from upper-floor windows, the ghastly imploding of the buildings, and all the many other horrors playing out live before our eyes.
An Associated Press report this Sept. 11 looked back and informed us that "When psychologists expressed concern in the days after the attacks about the impact of repeated showings - particularly on children who didn't understand they were reruns - the news divisions stopped. In some cases, strict bans were instituted."
Time magazine's Lance Morrow wrote in the issue right after 9/11, "evil may vastly magnify its damage by the power of horrific images. It is important not to be transfixed. The police screamed to the people running from the towers, ‘Don't look back!' - a biblical warning against the power of the image."
Yes, that's an accurate reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, a scene even more indescribably and totally horrible than 9/11, in which God Himself rained fire and oblivion on two corrupt and rebellious cities. But the "Don't look back" instruction was from the angel directing Lot and his little family to safety.
It was an admonition to focus on a secure future provided by God, and not on the luxury and familiarity of a sin-riddled former home.
In New York City, the police were screaming at the people to keep running to safety - and not to become transfixed on the looming horror coming toward them.
I think, however, that we should focus here on the last words of that Time quote: "the power of the image."
For me, the most fearful, nightmarish image of that whole tragedy is that scene of the terrified crowd running toward the video camera. The crowd running right at us, wherever we were watching from - and the huge billowing clouds, taller than the buildings, filled with deadly debris and smoke and poisons, coming unrestrained right up the concrete avenue between the now useless barriers, right at us.
Not just at the panicked New Yorkers, but at all of us.
And there seemed nothing to prevent the onslaught of the coming menace. Nothing to hold back the relentless approach of the all-consuming menace! There was no hope but to run, to hide, to pray for God's intervention!
It was the quintessential nightmare; but it was real, it was happening in broad daylight, right before our eyes!
And I submit to you, to all Americans and lovers of liberty - we need to look at that horrifying image, and every one of the other terrible images, now, and frequently and into the foreseeable future. We need to have our forgetful, distracted, and ostrich-head-in-the-sand faces rubbed in those images constantly!
Why? Because that was a declaration of war, an invasion of our country by an insidious enemy. It is this enemy that is literally dead set on doing more of that very sneaky destruction, bringing us to our knees and eventually destroying our society in a billowing cloud of fear, confusion, incapacity, and indecision. We're at war, in a literal battle to the death.
What we are dealing with is a diabolical, religion-crazed, brain-twisted force that is absolutely committed to our America being subjugated or reduced to rubble - and they're cunningly depending on our divisiveness. They are absolutely counting on us being weakened, irresolute, and hopeful of some diplomatic "solution."
They'd like nothing better than for our memories to fade.
They'd like nothing better than for us to "wish away" the terrors of that event.
They'd like nothing better to lamely depend on bumper stickers like "War is not the answer" to erase the threat - while they earnestly infiltrate and plot and prepare their next assaults, likely far worse than the one those images have seared into our souls.
Somebody said so wisely, "Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it!"
Let's make this our mantra.
Let's remember the history: Our terrorist enemies are patient.
They're willing to wait for us to get lax, distracted, overconfident, and forgetful.
Anybody in your family a hunter? If so, you may be aware that the successful hunter is willing to wait in a hidden place, for long periods of time, until the quarry feels it is safe. When it's no longer wary, it can be taken.
Do you remember how long our enemies waited between the first attack on the World TradeCenter and their catastrophic attack on 9/11?
Eight years.
Eight years! And while they "waited," they took out American citizenship or work visas, learned our ways, took "trial flights" on our airlines, held some jobs and "embedded" themselves in our communities.
Be absolutely certain that battalions of others are doing the same things right now. Out of all the tragedy, a curious benefit resulted from 9/11.
Americans drew together almost as one.
This September especially is no time for us to forget how those days demonstrated our patriotism. I'll never forget, everywhere I went, seeing ordinary people of all ages and ethnicities standing on street corners, waving our flag and singing our songs.
It was thrilling!
We need that now; we'll always need it, if we're to continue being the people that built this society, that established our traditions and made us the envy - not the target - of the rest of the world.
To the networks, to the magazine and newspaper editors, to every kind of media and even every influential organization, I say: Print those pictures and run those tapes!
Sear those images into our consciousness again and again!
The struggle with mortal enemies has only begun.
Even if millions don't think we should have invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam, surely reliving those dread days will convince us that we absolutely have to confront and dismantle the growing world organization that is determined to obliterate our society.
Make no mistake - this deadly enemy is willing and able to die enthusiastically while they blow us and our children to bits.
A picture is worth a thousand words; so let's force ourselves to look again, horrified, at that ominous billowing cloud pouring through New York City streets, bearing down on the crowds of our fellow citizens running to escape.
It will say more than anything I can possibly say here.
If time allows you to read only one book, make it the Holy Bible. In it He reveals God’s wonderful promises to a fallen world.
One must study God's Word and law and do what it commands and believe what His inspired Word teaches. Everything else, man's books and all of man's wisdom, man's knowledge, man's opinions about suffering and death is all in vain and without the true answers to this overwhelming problem and curse.
Only God knows and each one of us must come to know the True God and His Word if we truly desire to come to know "Why God Allows Suffering."
Remember what God says in Ecclesiastes 12:11-14: Much study in all books other than the Bible is weariness of the flesh. "Of making many books there is no end: and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the whole conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it be evil."
Psalms 30 has as it's theme: A Celebration of God's deliverance. Earthly security is uncertain; but God is always faithful.
Psalms 33: 10-12 shows us that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." The plans of the Lord always stand; he foils the plans of a nation.”
Psalm 34 serves as a reminder to us Who it is that is worthy of our Praise and allegiance. "Blessed is the steadfast God Who does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled." One can look to the Bible as a compass to determine which way to go and how to conduct our affairs with man, according to His perfect plan. He is the ultimate commander of this world's events!!
One more final thought brought to you by DaySpring, Inc:
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word
of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)
How important is it to write out our thoughts and
feelings? I'm so glad God decided to put His
thoughts and feelings into the written word!
I love to know He thinks about us constantly and
carries us in the palm of His hand.
I'm thrilled to learn about His character and read
about the experiences others have had in His
presence.
Words have power--and we have the privilege of
preserving them in our journals every day. When
we take time to record memories, journal our prayers,
and write down our thoughts, we truly give ourselves
a gift to be opened over and over again.
We can recall times of laughter, be encouraged by
God's faithfulness in difficult situations, and feel a
sense of comfort by expressing and managing the
emotions He's given to us.
It feels good to revisit the joys and even the struggles
in our lives, because God is working in us and building
our trust through every circumstance. We never outgrow
His gentle and wise instruction. We never graduate from
the learning process.
As another school year begins, we might all use it as
a little nudge to begin an "essay" on the days God gives
us on earth. No due dates, no grading scales, simply
an opportunity to appreciate the gift of the written word
-- and a chance to allow God to encourage our hearts and
remind us of His unconditional love and continued faithfulness.
Our journals can become one of our favorite reads...and
perhaps one of our greatest teachers.
Bonnie Jensen
(September 11, 2006 - Numbers 31 - 35; Romans 13 - I Corinthians 2; Psalms 30)
Even today, September 11, 2006, as I happened to be behind in my scheduled Bible reading, He turned it around to be much more than happenstance. He allowed me to be behind in my reading because it brought my thoughts captive to His goodness (Proverbs 16:9; Romans 8:28). Who would have known that His words from the Bible read on this day in history would have such a great impact on my thoughts, besides my Creator. His words are so comforting in reassuring us that He is in control of this world, as things go on as they did in earlier generations.
Today marks five years since that tragic occurrence took place upon American soil. Unimaginable events that forever changed the way that we conduct certain operations in our everyday lives took place. We no longer have the same sense of security that America once held.
On this day, I can't help but remember those horrific images happening in recent history. Two jets crashing into the twin towers, collapsing before the nation's eyes; and another planned attack to America’s Pentagon building, diverted by passengers and therefore crashing into a barren field in Pennsylvania. These were destructive acts carried out by extreme terrorists plotting out their evil schemes of mass destruction to our nation.
What drove such violent people to carry out such schemes of inhumane wickedness? These self-righteous people (with their own schemes and practices) felt as if they were justified to commit such destructive acts of violence by destroying some of America's most monumental buildings. Did they really think they were doing the world a favor, by ridding the world of some of its “infidels?” with their own schemes and practices.
The events of September 11, 2001, continue to change the world for Americans in ways we have yet to experience or comprehend. As our nation struggles to heal from past hurts - the tremendous pain and loss, some of us are looking at ourselves and others differently. If we would only recognize and acknowledge God's place in History. He is allowing our country to get wealthy and prosper but only when we look to Him as the source of our wealth and are obedient in following after Him.
The words of a song, "The Writing on the Wall," by Mark Farner (used to be with the rock band Grand Funk in the 60's and 70's) really strikes close to home. They remind me of the plight that people all over the world are all living in:
In a world full of lies and confusion,
It seems like happiness is just an illusion. The world is fallin’ down around us.
Seems we’re never gonna learn.
(Chorus) Doesn’t anybody see the writing on the wall?
Will you cry for this country when it falls?
When you’re lookin through tears, they magnify the pain.
Cause we’ve watched it slip away again.
I’ve been thinkin bout the past generation.
We’re not the only ones who’ve had a few temptations.
Destruction then was just a sample.
Why can’t we learn from their example?
(Chorus)
Selfish thoughts degrade the values of a nation.
We can’t evade the end by taking a vacation.
What would it take to make you learn?
What about those children that are missing?
(Chorus)
Man's ways can be observed throughout the history of mankind in God's history book, the Bible (Joshua 24:14-28).
The same innate ability one possesses to do good, can be turned around to produce just as much turmoil, depending on the object of one’s desire.
The Bible is quick to tell us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked - who can understand it? (Jeremiah 9-10).
From the earliest recordings of human history in the Bible, the Israelites show us how obstinate they can be in trying to accomplish things in their own power and strength.
The Bible also shows God to be patient and loving as He tried to teach His chosen people, time and time again. He wanted their total allegiance - to look to Him for all of their provisions.
The Bible can be said to be the greatest love story ever written. He reveals to us His unfailing love for His children even amidst their continual rejection of His love shown to them.
His eyes are forever searching to-and-fro seeking those who are willing to place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and to turn from their prideful and stubborn ways of living (Job 28).
He promises never to leave or forsake us, as His children (Hebrews 13:
5-6). He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and to be a comfort to us, as He leads us through the paths of life (Luke 11:13; John 14:23-26).
His wonderful ways cease to amaze me as I look to His word each day for His guidance in my life. It is so astounding that He is so faithful to me, even when I seem to be unfaithful in keeping my daily appointments with him through His Word (the Bible) and prayer.
Blessed is the steadfast God who does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled (Psalm 33). Blessings come from that same God, Who promises, "if my people, who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land
(2 Chronicles 7:14).
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33: 10-12). The Lord showers His blessings on those nations obedient to His Word and causes them to prosper (Deuteronomy 28: 1-4).
In Deuteronomy 15: 4-6, God tells us that He will richly bless the nation that obeys God and is careful to observe all of the Lord’s commandments. That nation will have no need to borrow and can give generously to the poor and needy amongst us.
The Lord tried to get Pharaoh to release the Israeli slaves by causing different plagues to come upon the land of Egypt. Pharaoh would not succumb to letting God's people leave his great country. He, no doubt, was realizing that they were the source of his great wealth.!!
So, God, miraculously delivered His people out of Egypt, not over or around, but through (the waves departed) the Red Sea. They eventually came to the “land flowing with milk and honey” which He had promised to their forefathers.
God was trying to teach the Israelites to trust and to rely on Him for their every need. He lead them through the wilderness for 40 years, providing and sustaining them with his outstretched hand.
He knew that when they reached their forefathers’ promised land, they would be surrounded by many obstacles and temptations that would be very alluring for them to follow after. He used that time in the desert to train His people to be victorious over their enemies.
God caused the Israelites to rise above all the other nations and become a great nation as they looked to Him for their sustenance. He delivered them from the Egyptians and made them voctotious over the nation’s evil ways. He performed great and mighty deeds for His people before their eyes; miraculously delivering them out of bondage, causing them to prosper as they trusted in Him.
The Lord also warns us in His word the cost of disobedience to His Word (Deuteronomy 28: 15-68). This is a dismal picture (almost hard to read), but shows God's justice to those who choose to be disobedient to His instructions for righteous living. We can see in these verses just how much God abhors evil and sinful ways carried out through our disobedience to Him in failing to respond to His repeated acts of loving-kindness that He has shown throughout history. He promises to be there with outstretched arms waiting to receive us.
God shows us His loving-kindness throughout the pages of the Bible (Psalm 103: 1-14). He show's His loving-kindness to those who seek to turn from their wicked ways and follow after Him
(2 Timothy 12-17). He chose "a better way" to come before Him - through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and His triumphant victory over death
(1 Corinthians 15: 51-58).
Throughout the Holy scriptures it seems to warn us of worshipping other gods and fleeing from detestable sins. Perhaps they were simply following their own desires . . . acting out orders given by their "higher power" . . . lofty ideas and practices carried out by deceitful men . . . taking one's thoughts captive to their own cleverly devised ideas.
I can remember reading about a loving, gentle man who just seemed to capture your heart from the very onstart of reading some of his autobiography. He seemed to be accomplished in all of his ways. It spoke of him and his dealings with his cat . . . very adorable sounding guy!! It went on to describe many of his attributes. I was startled to find out the man's name. It was Hitler.
The point that the book made so vividly clear is that what the mind focuses in on can cause us to act out in reality - many a wicked scheme. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful and desparately wicked, who can know It? (Except God - our Creator/Jeremiah 17:9-10; Romans 8:27; Hebrews 4:12). The Bible also tells us in Proverbs 23:7, "For as he thinks within himself - so he is."
After causing great prosperity in Egypt because of them living obediently before God and with man, the Egyptians began to mistreat the Israelites out of contempt. He miraculously delivered His people out of bondage.
God remains faithful to His promises to all generations, to those who are obedient to Him. (Psalm 100: 5). When people "go their own way" they inflict punishment upon themselves and the generations that follow (Deuteronomy 32:1-52).
We tend to be people who want to wander and do what is pleasing "in our own sight." We do not want to be subject to a bunch of rules and regulations!! We do not think of the repercussions that our sin will cause not only in the here and now, but in the future as well.
We need to heed God's calling and choose to obey his laws written upon the tablets of our hearts. Pray that the Lord will open our eyes and give understanding to those searching His Holy scriptures to find the truth. The Holy Spirit who lives within us will guide us in His truth, revealing to us what concerns us, when we are truly seeking to follow after Him in all our ways (Proverbs 8:17; Jeremiah 29:11-14).
Wisdom -- it all comes from the same source - the One true God, but can be focused as one chooses (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 4:5; Micah 6:9; Matthew 11:19).
He created us for good works, but gives us the choice to follow after Him (good), or go about as non-compliant lovers of self rather than obeying His Word (evil). We can choose to obey God and follow His directions for abundant living; or we can follow our own cleverly devised plans for prosperity. This is where the rubber meets the road --- in our decision to follow/not follow after God.
I believe that America was once a Godly nation. It was founded upon Godly principles. It is recorded that the early English settlers who camped along the Eastern shore of Cape Henry, Virginia had prayed over this country for God’s blessings to be over our country.
They staked a rough 7-foot cross upon the shore on which they landed. God smiled upon their endeavor to make this a nation under God.
Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, John Adams, among other God-fearing men signed the Declaration of Independence stating that, “I pledge . . . one nation under God , indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
We were once known as "the land of the free and the home of the brave."
America has lost its reputation as being a God-fearing country that God richly showers His bountiful favor upon. We are no longer looking to God's laws and statutes as a basis for our state and local governments. We have steered off from the path of obedience and reverence to Him which puts us in line to receive His blessings.
We have taken God out of our schools to appease mans' appetites. We don't have public prayer or recite the Pledge of Allegiance in our classrooms anymore. We do not sing praises to our God in recognition of our free country. It seems that we have forsaken Him in abandonment.
We have now allowed "what is right in our own eyes" to be the nation’s motto and our guiding light. We need to refocus our efforts to return once again to the Biblical principles and statutes that our early forefathers built this nation upon - the strong and unmoving principles that God gives us in His Word.
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union . . . Whatever happened to the Declaration of Independence that our early Cristian forefathers had signed and used to abide by in making laws that went along with God's laws? Now, because we the people have made so many gods for ourselves - that is considered intolerant. We've accepted and sometimes have even endorsed acts that were once unthinkable.
A French Philosopher, Alexis Detoqueville came to America in search of what made our country so great. After he observed our governments, schools, businesses, but could not find an answer there. He went back to France.
He decided to return for further investigation into our churches, seeing we had printed on our currency "In God We Trust" and in our Pledge of Allegiance we claimed to be, "one nation under God."
He went back to France to report, "America is great because America is good." When America ceases to be good . . . then America will cease to be great. The preaching of righteousness before our God and man should be honored.
The principles of God were so tightly woven into the fabric of America's greatness by our founding forefathers abiding by Biblical principles.
Noah Webster said that we owe our civil liberties to Christ and His apostles. "To this we owe are free constitution of government."
How man has perverted that freedom to mean, "doing what's right in our own eyes," not submitting to any authority at all.
Perversion that once made Americans feel ashamed is now blatantly flaunted before the eyes of a nation that was founded on God's principles, with the people having a fear (reverence) for God and His teachings.
When people in ancient civilizations turned their backs on God they died. God did not allow them to live among His people and prosper. He allowed them to die.
Today, He offers freedom to all men through the life and death of Jesus Christ. He provides a better way. We are allowed to choose life (Jesus Christ) or death (rejection of God's only way to life). He gives us the choice to follow whom we choose (Joshua 24: 14-18).
He became a man (God/man - Jesus Christ) and lived a sinless life among us for 33 years. He came to show us that living a life pleasing and worthy of God can be accomplished through His power and victory over death.
By His righteous act of living and sacrificial dying, He carried out God's redemptive plan for our lives.
We can forever come before the throne of God as a new person, transformed in Christ, by faith in His finished work at Calvary. We are to abide in the Bible always, as our official guidebook for living a life worthy of Him who called us.
We shall not be perfect like Him until we see Him, but are covered with His blood as an atonement before a Holy and righteous God. Christ has paved the way and has become our perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin.
History has been forever changed because of His one-time sacrifice on the cross through the shedding of His perfect blood in order to redeem sinful man from the error of his ways.
We seem to have completely lost sight of our commander-in-chief, God; and have decided to wander off again from His directed path for our lives.
One can clearly see from observing our historical Christian heritage that our prideful, arrogant attitudes have been very detrimental in our country's downfall. Pride cometh before a fall (Proverbs 16: 18-21). A haughty spirit is detrimental to this nation's well-being.
We need to bow down and beseech Him in prayer to heal and restore this land. We need to humble ourselves and pray for His guidance. He promises that "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14 - Zondervan's Life Application Bible, New International Version).
There were all kinds of articles and programs in observance of this day in history. Today’s headlines, September 11, 2006, from Cairo, Egypt and Dubai, UAE read:
Al Quaida's #2 man, Ayman al Zahri, condemned the UN
peacekeepers in Lebanon as enemies of Islam and warned
that the terrorist group will strike the Persian Gulf and Israel,
suggesting new fronts in its war against the West.
I want to close with thoughts from a Godly man, Pat Boone. He, along with many others posted their thoughts as to 9/11’s impact on America:
[CENTER][CENTER][/CENTELest We Forget 9/11
Pat Boone
"If you keep pickin' at it, it'll never heal."
We've all heard that one, right? And when it comes to a physical wound, like a scab, it's true. Even when it comes to an emotional or psychic wound, it can be true. But failing to dress and treat a physical wound - or burying and sublimating an emotional wound, instead of examining and dealing with it - can interfere with complete and proper healing, as well.
As we soberly contemplate the past five years since 9/11, there have been those, even in the usually sensation-exploitive media, who have felt we shouldn't look at the horrific images that bombarded us on those terrible days. Out of sensitivity for the sorrow of those who lost loved ones, they've encouraged us to trust our memories and forego replays of the planes plowing into the twin towers. Forego the trapped and desperate people leaping from upper-floor windows, the ghastly imploding of the buildings, and all the many other horrors playing out live before our eyes.
An Associated Press report this Sept. 11 looked back and informed us that "When psychologists expressed concern in the days after the attacks about the impact of repeated showings - particularly on children who didn't understand they were reruns - the news divisions stopped. In some cases, strict bans were instituted."
Time magazine's Lance Morrow wrote in the issue right after 9/11, "evil may vastly magnify its damage by the power of horrific images. It is important not to be transfixed. The police screamed to the people running from the towers, ‘Don't look back!' - a biblical warning against the power of the image."
Yes, that's an accurate reference to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, a scene even more indescribably and totally horrible than 9/11, in which God Himself rained fire and oblivion on two corrupt and rebellious cities. But the "Don't look back" instruction was from the angel directing Lot and his little family to safety.
It was an admonition to focus on a secure future provided by God, and not on the luxury and familiarity of a sin-riddled former home.
In New York City, the police were screaming at the people to keep running to safety - and not to become transfixed on the looming horror coming toward them.
I think, however, that we should focus here on the last words of that Time quote: "the power of the image."
For me, the most fearful, nightmarish image of that whole tragedy is that scene of the terrified crowd running toward the video camera. The crowd running right at us, wherever we were watching from - and the huge billowing clouds, taller than the buildings, filled with deadly debris and smoke and poisons, coming unrestrained right up the concrete avenue between the now useless barriers, right at us.
Not just at the panicked New Yorkers, but at all of us.
And there seemed nothing to prevent the onslaught of the coming menace. Nothing to hold back the relentless approach of the all-consuming menace! There was no hope but to run, to hide, to pray for God's intervention!
It was the quintessential nightmare; but it was real, it was happening in broad daylight, right before our eyes!
And I submit to you, to all Americans and lovers of liberty - we need to look at that horrifying image, and every one of the other terrible images, now, and frequently and into the foreseeable future. We need to have our forgetful, distracted, and ostrich-head-in-the-sand faces rubbed in those images constantly!
Why? Because that was a declaration of war, an invasion of our country by an insidious enemy. It is this enemy that is literally dead set on doing more of that very sneaky destruction, bringing us to our knees and eventually destroying our society in a billowing cloud of fear, confusion, incapacity, and indecision. We're at war, in a literal battle to the death.
What we are dealing with is a diabolical, religion-crazed, brain-twisted force that is absolutely committed to our America being subjugated or reduced to rubble - and they're cunningly depending on our divisiveness. They are absolutely counting on us being weakened, irresolute, and hopeful of some diplomatic "solution."
They'd like nothing better than for our memories to fade.
They'd like nothing better than for us to "wish away" the terrors of that event.
They'd like nothing better to lamely depend on bumper stickers like "War is not the answer" to erase the threat - while they earnestly infiltrate and plot and prepare their next assaults, likely far worse than the one those images have seared into our souls.
Somebody said so wisely, "Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it!"
Let's make this our mantra.
Let's remember the history: Our terrorist enemies are patient.
They're willing to wait for us to get lax, distracted, overconfident, and forgetful.
Anybody in your family a hunter? If so, you may be aware that the successful hunter is willing to wait in a hidden place, for long periods of time, until the quarry feels it is safe. When it's no longer wary, it can be taken.
Do you remember how long our enemies waited between the first attack on the World TradeCenter and their catastrophic attack on 9/11?
Eight years.
Eight years! And while they "waited," they took out American citizenship or work visas, learned our ways, took "trial flights" on our airlines, held some jobs and "embedded" themselves in our communities.
Be absolutely certain that battalions of others are doing the same things right now. Out of all the tragedy, a curious benefit resulted from 9/11.
Americans drew together almost as one.
This September especially is no time for us to forget how those days demonstrated our patriotism. I'll never forget, everywhere I went, seeing ordinary people of all ages and ethnicities standing on street corners, waving our flag and singing our songs.
It was thrilling!
We need that now; we'll always need it, if we're to continue being the people that built this society, that established our traditions and made us the envy - not the target - of the rest of the world.
To the networks, to the magazine and newspaper editors, to every kind of media and even every influential organization, I say: Print those pictures and run those tapes!
Sear those images into our consciousness again and again!
The struggle with mortal enemies has only begun.
Even if millions don't think we should have invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam, surely reliving those dread days will convince us that we absolutely have to confront and dismantle the growing world organization that is determined to obliterate our society.
Make no mistake - this deadly enemy is willing and able to die enthusiastically while they blow us and our children to bits.
A picture is worth a thousand words; so let's force ourselves to look again, horrified, at that ominous billowing cloud pouring through New York City streets, bearing down on the crowds of our fellow citizens running to escape.
It will say more than anything I can possibly say here.
If time allows you to read only one book, make it the Holy Bible. In it He reveals God’s wonderful promises to a fallen world.
One must study God's Word and law and do what it commands and believe what His inspired Word teaches. Everything else, man's books and all of man's wisdom, man's knowledge, man's opinions about suffering and death is all in vain and without the true answers to this overwhelming problem and curse.
Only God knows and each one of us must come to know the True God and His Word if we truly desire to come to know "Why God Allows Suffering."
Remember what God says in Ecclesiastes 12:11-14: Much study in all books other than the Bible is weariness of the flesh. "Of making many books there is no end: and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the whole conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it be evil."
Psalms 30 has as it's theme: A Celebration of God's deliverance. Earthly security is uncertain; but God is always faithful.
Psalms 33: 10-12 shows us that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." The plans of the Lord always stand; he foils the plans of a nation.”
Psalm 34 serves as a reminder to us Who it is that is worthy of our Praise and allegiance. "Blessed is the steadfast God Who does not lie, forget, change His words, or leave His promises unfulfilled." One can look to the Bible as a compass to determine which way to go and how to conduct our affairs with man, according to His perfect plan. He is the ultimate commander of this world's events!!
One more final thought brought to you by DaySpring, Inc:
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word
of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8 NIV)
How important is it to write out our thoughts and
feelings? I'm so glad God decided to put His
thoughts and feelings into the written word!
I love to know He thinks about us constantly and
carries us in the palm of His hand.
I'm thrilled to learn about His character and read
about the experiences others have had in His
presence.
Words have power--and we have the privilege of
preserving them in our journals every day. When
we take time to record memories, journal our prayers,
and write down our thoughts, we truly give ourselves
a gift to be opened over and over again.
We can recall times of laughter, be encouraged by
God's faithfulness in difficult situations, and feel a
sense of comfort by expressing and managing the
emotions He's given to us.
It feels good to revisit the joys and even the struggles
in our lives, because God is working in us and building
our trust through every circumstance. We never outgrow
His gentle and wise instruction. We never graduate from
the learning process.
As another school year begins, we might all use it as
a little nudge to begin an "essay" on the days God gives
us on earth. No due dates, no grading scales, simply
an opportunity to appreciate the gift of the written word
-- and a chance to allow God to encourage our hearts and
remind us of His unconditional love and continued faithfulness.
Our journals can become one of our favorite reads...and
perhaps one of our greatest teachers.
Bonnie Jensen