I thought I would thank Shane publicly for the time he’s granted me to post on what I consider a fairly notorious blog, but I am re-thinking the gratuity. I am grateful, that is, unless it means one of my “friends” or “neighbors” will use it as an opportunity to place my name on the newly-established list of those who stand against Obama and his proposals. This blog from the White House itself, asks Americans to e-mail them with anything we find on the web that seems “fishy” about the new health-care reform. Am I to fear that, by encouraging friends to think twice about the new HC proposals, I am going to be “flagged” by the White House!? Well, flag me for this one then; a great insight of what a simple task like ordering pizza could be like if the health care proposals take effect: Ordering Pizza in 2010
Though it is disturbing to see what appears to be the foundation of our great nation crumbling before us, I also find it somewhat exciting for a few reasons.
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We have never had so many great opportunities to stand up for truth. This is a very important aspect of the Christian walk. In II Corinthians 6:17, God commands us to, “Come out from among them, and be (ye) separate…” (KJV). Earlier in the same chapter, He speaks to us about being “unequally yoked” with the unbeliever. Though we often use that term when referencing marriage, it is applicable to many of our relationships. Our relationship, for example, with our government and our laws. True, we are to obey the law of the land, but our first responsibility is to obey God and His laws. If the two conflict, we are to follow God and stand for His truth. By doing this, not only will we be setting a great example for our children to follow, but we can find a maturity in Christ we have never had before. The strength of God lies in His truth, His Word, and if we live by it, we will forever have His power in us. This power is the power that saves man, that changes the hearts of the kings, and endures through all.
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I also know the events we see happening around us can only mean we are closer, as Believers, to the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am not naive enough to think Christ will return simply because Christian-America meets destruction. Many a nation has fallen and felt as though it meant Christ’s return was on the mend. Unfortunately, I believe we will see a lot more injustice towards us for our faith before His return. I believe American Christians will face certain persecution before the Lord comes. And even though I believe these things, I cannot fully comprehend what that will mean for me, my lifestyle, and my children. I only hold fast to the promises that God will not give me more than I can face, and that He will, indeed, return for His followers.
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And finally, because we can see this coming persecution and the death of freedom of religion, I believe this time in our history is one of the best times to reach others with the Gospel. If we knew that tomorrow it would be illegal to go door-knocking, pass out tracts, or pray in public, would we do as much of those as we could today? A challenge I present is this: Live the Word of God openly today, preach to the unbelievers the truth of Jesus’ redeeming blood, pray without ceasing, and lastly, in everything, give thanks.
~Melody~