Raise up Your Voice

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  (Matthew 5:14) 

America prides itself for being the leader of the free world.  This nation may have fallen short when reaching for the dream of providing liberty and justice for all.  But that desire to obtain greatness remains strong in our collective consciousness.  The world sees this and watches to see what we will do next. 

Yes, we value freedom of speech.  The people who loudly encourage xenophobia, picking a fight, and a lack of tolerance for diversity should not be silenced.  Anyone who thinks it is OK to hurl petty insults instead of engaging in polite debate can feel free to waste his breath.  Speeches filled with fear-mongering and outright hate will not be censored.  Yet, there is no reason why these unpleasant voices cannot be drowned out by talk about how America is going to live up to its potential.  The majority wins in a democracy.  Let more of us boldly speak up, rejecting all unproductive and divisive behavior.

It is time to get our house in order. 

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

(Numbers 6:24-26 NLT)

God rains His blessings down upon the world every single day.  But wouldn’t it be wonderful to see our nation walk in the fullness of this great blessing.  We need protection from extremely vicious enemies, within and without our borders.  Who knows what goodness might show up when a powerful and gracious God smiles upon us, giving us gifts we surely do not deserve?  Wisdom about how to create more jobs and a thriving economy with less national debt is just one of the things on my collective wish list.  Doors of opportunity open when one receives favor from God.  Imagine the peace this country could have if each one of us took the opportunity to have our hearts be filled with love. 

Be Called by His Name

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 I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.           
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV)

Other nations proudly say they are Muslim.  Why can’t the US be an openly Christian nation?  This nation would not stop being a democracy.  God is all about free will.  No citizen would lose the freedom to choose her or his own path.  The separation of Church and State would remain.  It would just be a matter of this nation saying we collectively follow the good example of Jesus who conducted all of His business with integrity, kindness, and wisdom. 

Our great land needs a healing.  The ills ailing this country are great: rampant violence and lawlessness, systemic racism and sexism, youth left to their own devices, corruption at all levels in government, frequent gun violence, acts of terrorism, breakdown of the family structure,  lack of tolerance for those considered “different”…  The list is long and painful. America must humble itself and admit it has lost its way.  

Do not fall into the trap of thinking this will turn into the USA following an unforgiving god who is all about hellfire and brimstone.  There cannot be finger pointing and talk of who is the bigger sinner because we all fall short in some way.  It is about the one and only God, through Jesus’ example, being a perfect and loving leader.  Our nation would thrive under such benign guidance. 

Let’s try something different by praying to God for advice on how to conduct our national business with more wisdom.  It is okay if you do want to participate, but keep your eyes open so that you can be witness to the great blessings which surely will come.

In God We Trust: Right Action

Many devout Americans entreated the Secretary of the Treasury to put “In God We Trust” on coins during the Civil War.  They knew what needed to be done. 

"This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  (Zechariah 7:9)

The battle to end slavery was just.  A people who had endured unspeakable acts of cruelty and savagery for centuries would be set free.  These believers looked to God for protection and guidance in times of great turmoil.  These true Americans stood on His promises.  God did not fail them or abandon them as they risked life and limb to help their fellow countrymen.  As our republic continues to stand, their faith rightly remains etched on our coins to this day.

Seek God and Prosper

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV)

Our Pledge of Allegiance encourages us to support the United States of America.  It talks of an indivisible nation which provides liberty and justice for all. The only way to reach this ideal is to be one nation under God.  When the Spirit of the Lord dwells inside each one of us, every citizen will find the freedom to prosper.  Our actions, thoughts, and desires will reflect His goodness.  We will all fight to ensure there is always liberty and justice for all.