HEART SURGERY

We're told in Ephesians 6:17 to TAKE "The Sword of the Spirit," which is "The Word of God," and learn to skillfully use it.

Roman soldiers were skilled in the use of swords.  One was a BROADSWORD, which was about as long as a baseball bat.  It was sharp on both sides, and was swung like a bat at the opponent to cripple, crush, or kill.  The other sword was either a DAGGER (about 6" long); or a SWORD (about 18" in length).  This was used for hand-to-hand combat.  You had to get "up close and personal " to engage in the fight.

Jesus gets "up close and personal," too.  He got up close and personal with His disciples....not to destroy them, but to perform spiritual heart surgery. 

Hebrews 4:12 Amp. - For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of the joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

Yes, He is our physician ["The Great Physician"] it is He who performs heart surgery on those He loves.  And if we love Him, we will submit to the surgery--allowing Him to cut away the damaged areas of our hearts....heal us....and make us whole again.

Satan comes to rob, kill, and destroy us....but Jesus has come to give us a more abundant life--an everlasting life.  [John 10:10]

 

HOLY HEAD GEAR

Spiritually speaking, we're to be outfitted from "head-to-toe" each day so we can be properly dressed to walk with the Lord, work for the Lord, and witness about the Lord.  We're to display our "designer clothes" (with the label sown inside that reads, "This garment was created by THE PRINCE of PEACE"). 

So, today we're going to add to our outfit the head gear, which is "The HELMET of SALVATION."  [See:  Ephesians 6:17]

Construction workers, those who play contact sports, and soldiers in combat wear head gear.  And, we even wear something on our heads for protection from the cold and on rainy or snowy days.  This "Helmet of Salvation" protects us from the blows of the enemy, which come to disturb our peace, invade our thoughts, and cause us to fall, fail, or quit fighting the good fight of faith.  But--we are ordered to "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we've been called...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."  [See:  Ephesians 4:1;3]

Know this--satan sends negative thoughts, lies, and deception to ATTACK our MINDS.  But--God sends us positive thoughts, truth, and discernment to fight against our foes.  A simple way to know if the thought is coming from God or satan is this:  If it's intention is to bring death, then you're being attacked by satan's forces.  But, if it's being sent to save lives, then it's coming from God. 

We win our battles against evil by using words that are calming, positive, encouraging, and edifying--NOT by nagging, lecturing, or putting others down.  We are to be PEACEMAKERS; we're to try to defuse negative talk, slander, and gossip, which causes STRESS and causes damage. 

We're to demonstrate God's love by shining LIGHT into dark places by wearing "The Armor of Light."  [See:  Romans 13:12-14]  So, LIGHT up your world with a smile on your face, love in your heart, praise on your lips, and have a good word to share with someone today!

FIRE RESISTANT

To help protect us from STRESS, we must learn how to use THE SHIELD of FAITH.  We are told in Ephesians 6:16 to "above all (over all) TAKE the (covering) shield of faith, so you can quench (put out) all the flaming missiles and fiery darts (of the enemy).

The purpose of the shield is to protect the other parts of the armor and to absorb the fiery arrows of the enemy.  Our faith in God is our response to what Christ accomplished on the cross for us.  Our faith can extinguish the accusations and lies of the enemy.

We're all GIVEN "a measure of faith"--but then we're to activate our faith by "hearing the Word of God" and then acting on it!  [Romans 12:3/10:17; James 2:17-20]

FAITH is like a small mustard seed.  The seed is sown in our hearts, but we must work our faith in order for it to grow.  God saves us and plants within us FAITH, but in order for us to become fully mature in the faith, we must develop it by working it in every area of our lives.

A mustard seed (of faith) is extremely small, but contains enormous possibilities.  When it is full grown, it becomes a tree.   Trees provide shelter, produce fruit, etc.  We are to be "TREES of RIGHTEOUSNESS--planted by the Lord."  [Isaiah 61:3]

GROW...and GO FORWARD IN FAITH!

Don't Forget To PUT ON Your SHOES!

Ephesians 6:15 - And SHOD your FEET with the PREPARATION of the GOSPEL of PEACE.

The Lord tells us to PUT ON his "designer shoes"--shoes He's specifically designed for us to wear.  Oh--they're not flip-flops, sandals, high heels, or slip-ons!  Those may be stylish--they may look good--but they don't provide enough protection and stability for spiritual battles.  Spiritual footwear is what we're required to wear to do spiritual warfare.

These shoes represent "peace of mind."  In the heat of battle, the greatest temptation the warrior faces is that of growing fearful and retreating.  Our foundation in the gospel will keep us from turning away and exposing our vulnerable backside to the onslaught of the enemy.  Notice the word "preparation."  Our battles actuallly begin before we experience conflict in our day.  You can't cram for a battle like you can for a test in school.  Our preparation of standing on the Word of God begins before the conflict arises.  Once the battle is raging, it's too late to prepare!

A Christian who STANDS FIRM says, "Look, satan, I have shoes that anchor me in the ground and I'm immoveable because God is on my side.  These shoes help me stand.

The GOSPEL means "good news."  The good news is that we have "PEACE" with God through our relationship with the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Here's how we acquire this internal peace.  (1)  Knowing that Jesus accepts us where we are and gently invites us to grow.  (2)  Realize that God's given us an added measure of strength to perform the task.  (3)  Remain quiet and be still.  Don't have a critical spirit; don't bad-mouth or condemn others.  (4)  Accept the differances, habits, traits, and personalities of others.  (5)  Demonstrate a joyful attitude.  Don't just "grin and bear it" out of duty, but have the right heart attitude--knowing that you're serving the Lord, and not being a slave to man.  (6)  Forgive others their faults and mistakes. 

WALK by FAITH wearing your "spiritual footwear" today!


  

NEW LIFE

Ephesians 6:14 - Stand firm then, with the BELT of TRUTH buckled around your waist, with the BREASTPLATE of RIGHTEOUSNESS...

The 1st piece of clothing we put on on is the BELT OF TRUTH, (a thick/broad girdle), which covered the regenerative/reproductive organs of the body.  For a woman, this means "the womb."  This was to protect "the seed of truth" (God's holy seed; His "living" Word).  Once we have the Word living inside of us, we are cleansed from within.  The Word of God is the "cleansing agent."  Now we have eternal life...but not necessarily abundant life.  [John 3:3-7; 15:3]

Next, we're to put on the BREASTPLACE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (we're given "a new heart").  Once we receive this new heart, the blood of Jesus Christ starts to flow from it into our brain and cleanses us from our old nature.  The blood of Jesus Christ gives us spiritual life--abundant life--an endless supply.  His blood flows through our bodies and our minds; and, it is through His blood that we "live and move."  Our new heart is the "heart of God."  It comes with His will, His ways, His purposes, and His assignments.  This heart--and only this heart--contains the POWER to change the way we live.  This is the "control center," which sends messages to the mind.
[Ezekiel 18:31; Acts 17:28]

I urge you to keep putting on this spiritual outfit for you'll be properly attired with his garments,
safely covered and equipped to deal life's circumstances, difficulties, and STRESS in your day.

[Note:  There's more pieces we need to put on before we're ready to face our day.  Tomorrow we'll learn about spiritual footwear.]


Remember to--
                             DRESS for STRESS so you can BE at your BEST!!!

STANDING Precedes WALKING

We must 1st learn to STAND before we're able to WALK!  We were told in Ephesians 6:14 to STAND...and PUT ON "The Belt of Truth."  We're not yet fully dressed--properly COVERED.  We're too exposed, vulnerable, and not adequately equipped to deal with the STRESS awaiting us; therefore, we aren't ready to walk out the door and face the world.

I remember a scene from an old John Wayne movie:  It showed a troup of Boy Scouts headed towards the battlefield.  John Wayne sees the boys marching towards the enemy forces and he tells his Sgt. to "get those BOYS out of there!"  He knew they were too naive, too immature, too unprepared, and lacked the skill and knowledge needed to fight the opposing army.

Children "dress up" in their parents' clothes and PLAY being "grown up."  They PRETEND to be mature and ACT as  grown ups (so do many Christians)!  The TRUTH is they are not readily prepared to face the stresses and challenges of the day.

The typical Christian wears PAPER ARMOR, which is made up of a system, a method, or a program (of 10 or 12 sessions with a teacher or a counselor).  That's NOT what you need!  What you need is a set apart time (daily), in the presence of the Lord, until you PUT OFF your unholy
garments and PUT ON His holy garments.  Put on the FULL ARMOR of God before you leave His presence and head (walk) into your STRESS-filled day! 

DRESS for STRESS...and you'll be at your best!

[Ephesians 6:14; Isaiah 40:31]

DRESS FOR STRESS - #3

The 1st piece of armor is the BELT of TRUTH.  We're told in Ephesians 6:14(a) Amp. - STAND therefore--hold your ground--having tightened the Belt of Truth around your loins.

We're told to STAND.  What does that mean?  To stand up...stand up for your FAITH!  Don't back-off...don't compromise or deny what (or who) you believe in.  Stand firm in your faith while awaiting orders from your Commander and Chief (the Holy Spirit).  Place yourself under the authority of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Roman soldiers used to wear tunics, which were like loose fitting dresses.  So when they had to work fight, they would gather up the loose ends of the tunic and tuck them into their BELT so they could maneuver more easily.

Spiritually speaking, the BELT represents:  Integrity, faithfulness, and obedience.  TRUTH represents:  Freedom, ease of movement, and confidence.

In the meantime and until we learn how to PUT ON all the pieces, let me suggest you PRAY this prayer daily:

Lord, as a servant and a soldier in Your army, I will follow Your command to PUT ON the full armor that You have provided for me.  For it is only through Your provision that I will be able to stand against the enemy.

Train me to become a skillfull warrior so that I can fight and defeat the enemy and the evil that is present in this world.

Let me never forget that You are my COVERING.  I humbly bow as You cover me, Lord, with Your Presence.  Amen.

DRESS FOR STRESS - #2

In yesterday's devotional, we were told to "PUT ON the whole armor of God."  It's our responsibility to PUT ON each and every piece.  We'll be in danger and left vulnerable if we decide to "pick-and-choose" what we will or will not wear!  If you leave out one piece, you will not be properly covered or adequately equipped.

In Romans 13:12-14 we're told to CAST OFF the works of darkness and to PUT ON the ARMOR of LIGHT in order to walk in His Light.  (Jesus Christ is our light.)

When I come home at night and walk into my dark house, the first thing I do is turn on the LIGHT.  If I leave the house and know I won't be returning 'til after DARK, I'll leave a light on in the house as well as the porch light.  LIGHT helps us see what couldn't be seen in the DARK!

The ARMOR of LIGHT is the Lord's light shining in and through us.  The DARKNESS refers to the present (evil) times.

We're to be the light of the world...we're not to hide our light...we're to give light to all those in our households; and, when we go out into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and the marketplace--we're to keep our light shining so that all we come in contact with will see Christ in us and be drawn to His Light.  [Matthew 5:12-16]

Remember the little children's song:  "This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine...".  PUT ON the ARMOR of LIGHT and brighten up somebody's day!

DRESS FOR STRESS - #1

It's Monday morning and, for many of you, it's the start of another work week.  So you go to your closet to pick out a business suit, a work uniform, or something appropriate to wear.

Time is getting away from you--you'd better hurry, or you'll be late to work.  You're thinking, "I should pray, but I don't have time!"  YES YOU DO!  Let me show you an easy way to pray while you're getting dressed for the day.

I'd like you to put on (pray on) a "spiritual suit."  God has one just your size!  You'll find it in Ephesians 6:10-20.  So, for the next couple of weeks, I'll be writing about the new wardrobe the Lord wants you to PUT ON and faithfully wear each and every day.

This spiritual suit comes with instructions.  Let's look at Vs. 10-11:  Here the Lord is asking us to "be strong in the power of His might."  The only way that'll ever happen is if we PUT ON the whole suit of (spiritual) armor that He's issued us.  Why must we wear this suit?  "So we'll be able to STAND against the wiles (strategies; tricks; deception) of the devil."

It's becoming more-and-more STRESSFUL in the workplace and the marketplace these days because of competition, downsizing, the economy, unemployment, etc.  It's a real "pressure cooker" of an environment!  Therefore, we must COVER ourselves with protective clothing (God's armor).  It's so essential in order to defend against STRESS!

STRESS is a s-l-o-w, but deadly, killer!  Therefore, let us guard against it by "praying on" each piece of armor everyday.  Let us DRESS for STRESS!

Look On The Motives...NOT The Mistakes!

I used to CONDEMN myself and put myself down whenever I'd make a MISTAKE.  By the grace of God, I have finally learned:

God is more concerned about the MOTIVES of our hearts than He is about the MISTAKES we make!

King David make a lot of MISTAKES, too.  Yet, God said that he was "a man after My own heart."  He said that because He could see deep down into David's heart.  He saw the intents and MOTIVES of David's heart...and He performed heart surgery....He gave David a "new heart."

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the HEART. 

My heart was damaged, so I also received "a new heart."  Now I  "examine my heart " and schedule frequent appointments with The Great Physician [God]--asking Him to keep a close eye on my heart. 

He's given me a prescription [RX].  He's told me that the best way to have a healthy heart is to "hide The Word" in my heart...take daily mega-doses of the gosPILL (gospel)!  He also has advised that I take time to REST (times of prayer and meditation).

How 'bout you?  How's your heart?  Have you had it examined lately?  Is it time for a check-up?
   

BE COURAGEOUS

What's the antidote for DISCOURAGEMENT?  It's ENCOURAGEMENT!  There's two types:  One is "generic" -- it comes from people.  The other is of a higher quality--more pure--of greater strength.  This can only be found in the Lord.

Read what the Lord commanded and commissioned Joshua to do (after he became "The Commander and Chief"---succeeding Moses):  [Joshua 1:6-9]

Vs. 6 - be strong and of good courage.  Vs. 7 - be strong and very courageous.  Vs. 9 - Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

FEAR is an instinct whereas COURAGE is something you acquire. Courage is an essential virtue for a Christian to possess.  To be DISMAYED means to be afraid of the trouble that lies ahead.

The Lord says to each of us:  "I will be with you.  I will never leave you or forsake you."  If I know someone will "be with me, stay with me, and believe in me"--I am more confident to operate out of courage.  The Lord is the only one, however, who will NEVER let you down (discourage you) or leave you all alone. 

David ran to the Lord to ENCOURAGE himself IN THE LORD after his own men turned their backs on him.  Where do we find the Lord when we're discouraged?  Answer:  Down INSIDE our HEART! 

Listen to your heart; have a heart-to-heart talk with the Lord and you'll be able to walk in COURAGE and go forward in FAITH!

LOVE SPEAKS SOFTLY

When my mother had something important to say and she wanted me to listen closely, she would always talk more softly (almost in a whisper).  When she spoke in this way you knew you'd better pay close attention to what she had to say!  The Lord does likewise.  He doesn't speak when everyone's shouting, screaming, or simply more interested in hearing their own voice.  He wants us to "BE STILL" (quiet down and settle down so we can hear His voice) "and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!"  [Psalm 46:10]

Even in a worship service, the congregation comes to a place of "SACRED SILENCE."  This is a place of rest...a place where everyone pauses in silence and waits for the Lord to speak.

Our society today is suffering from "conversation clutter" and "noise pollution."  Excessive noise, loud clanging music, and constant chatter are drowning out the Lord's soft whispers.  {I Corinthians 13:1-2]

We read in I Kings 19:11-12 that God did not speak when strong winds, an earthquake, or fire came--but afterwards, when everything had calmed down, He spoke in "a still small voice" (a whisper).  So what am I trying to say?  Simply this:

Shhh!  Listen for His soft, loving voice...draw closer to Him...become more intimately acquainted with Him and you'll hear Him whisper something special in your ear today.  Don't pull away...pause to hear what He has to say...and you'll have a more peaceful and less stressful day!

A STAR HAS FALLEN

Where have all the LEADERS gone?  Why are so many falling into sin?  Corrupt politicians, dishonest business leaders, unfaithful marriage partners, and now a  [4]  STAR  [general]  has FALLEN!

When I saw on the news that General David Patraeus resigned from his position as Director of the CIA, I became deeply grieved.  This man was a 4-star general.  He had an impeccable record in the military for 37 years.  He was known as a man of honor--highly respected, a great leader, a man everybody looked UP to.  What caused him to FALL?  One affair...one woman!  So sad!

So many of our country's leaders have fallen into sin.  And--GREAT HAS BEEN THEIR FALL!!!
Integrity, honesty, loyalty, and faithfulness are fading away and fraying the very fabric of our nation.

Another solider, by the name of King Daivd, FELL for a woman (another man's wife) and fell into sin.  He not only committed adultery, but he also had her husband murdered!  Yet, God still claimed that David was "a man after His own heart."  How could He say that about David?  Because David CONFESSED his sin (he took full responsibility for his actions), he asked God for FORGIVENESS, and he REPENTED (turned away from a sinful lifestyle and returned to God).  [See:  Psalm 51]

Let us pray that General Patraeus will do likewise.  Let us pray for other leaders who have fallen into sin.  Let us undergird all our leaders in prayer so that they will be able to resist temptation.  Let us also pray for our families and ourselves so that we can, once again, become ONE nation UNDER God!

FORGIVE us of our sins....RESTORE our land...give us godly LEADERS, Lord!

OPEN BOOK TESTS

In school I always preferred "open book tests."  I used to freeze (be frozen with FEAR) at exam time!  I was terrified that I'd fail!  All semester I'd faithfully study (night-and-day)--going over-and-over the lesson material.  I hit-the-books hard!  But I didn't operate on FULL POWER because I was operating out of FEAR rather than FAITH!

Many years later, I took a demanding 3-week course (in order to qualify to be a teacher for home schooling.  I needed to pass this course in order to be permitted to home school my son).

The course consisted of 10 tests.  You could go at your own pace;  BUT--if you failed any one, you'd have to start all over again (from the very beginning).  For example:  If you failed Test #9, you'd have to go back to Test #1 and start all over!  I was terrified!!!  So what did I do?  I PRAYED...I cried out to God!  And guess what happened?  He performed a MIRACLE...I kid-you-not!

By the time I got to Test #10, I was exhausted...I was "brain-dead!"  (This was only the 3rd day of the 3-week course.  Somehow I was miraculously way ahead of schedule.)  With a shaky hand, I turned in my paper...and waited for the results.  I PASSED!    

I passed even a bigger test that day:  I died to my old FEAR-of-failure!  My love for my son overrode my fear of failure.  And, more importantly,  God's love for me had LIFTED me over the "Fence of Fear."

I John 4:18 has since become one of my life verses:   "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."   [God's love is perfect--ours had to be perfected!]

Final note:  I urge you to open the Bible and study His Word.  Someday you may have to take a test and remember what you'd learned from The Book!  Are you ready?  [See:  II Timothy 2:15]

Our Only HOPE

You can't turn a big ship quickly (or easily)!  America is a BIG SHIP!  This ship is losing power, damaged, and it needs to be restored.  It's drifting out to sea and headed in the wrong direction!  It must be turned around!  But how?

Only little tugboats can help turn the ship around...but it'll take a lot of them!  We, God's people, are the tugboats. 

God is the Lighthouse that is located in a safe harbor.  His light will show us the way.  The night is growing darker.  The ship's light is dimming.  We, the tugboats, must keep our lights shinning.  [Matthew 5:14-16]

"Loose lips sink ships"  was an old WWII slogan--and it applies to us today.  We must be careful what we say and what we listen to in the days ahead.  Negative speech combined with fearful thoughts will dull our senses and cause us to sink into "The Sea of Despair."

Let us have ears to hear the voice of the Lord, and eyes to see  the way He wants to lead us.  Let us not abandon the ship!  Let us give God a helping hand.

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear."  [Isaiah 59:1]

Jesus Christ is our only HOPE; He is our "S-O-S"...our "Savior On the Sea. "  He will make a way where there seems to be no way--IF we will follow Him!  We must TRUST and OBEY!

Is History Repeating Itself?

Make HISTORY by telling, teaching, and living HIS STORY!

It's recorded in Old Testament history how the Jews (God's chosen people) were set free when Moses (God's elected leader) led the people out of bondage, across The Red Sea, and into The Promised Land.  The people were told to keep telling that story to their children...and for all generations to come.

The Jews stopped with Volume I, but there's a 2nd volume (Volume II)  called The New Testament.  It tells the STORY of Jesus; and, in like manner, we're told to remember HIS STORY--to tell His story, and to pass it on to our children and to all future generations.

A long time has passed since God's people crossed The Red Sea; and, it was a long, tough road  Jesus had to climb to Calvary's Hill.  Yet, God's people continued to tell HIS STORY.

Before Jesus left this earth, He instructed His disciples to "Go and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you...and [know] I will be with you always."  [Paraphrased from Matthew 28:19-20]

HIS STORY even reached the shores of America.  America had a humble beginning, but it was built on a firm foundation by the faith of our forefathers.  And we grew and grew...and we became a great nation!  But, in recent years, our progress has been hindered.  What has hindered us?  What's causing our nation to start to decay and crumble?  Have we forgotten to tell HIS STORY?  Have we stopped living the life Jesus so clearly taught us to live?

Let's not just read old history books...let us make history by continuing to tell HIS STORY!

"To whom much is given much will be required!"  [Luke 12:48] 

What Are The Requirements?

We're told in Luke 12:48 that "to whom much is given...much will be required."  What does the Lord REQUIRE of us as a nation?  In our Pledge of Allegiance we profess to be "One nation, under God."  Have we remained FAITHFUL to what we were founded upon?

God created the world--and in Genesis 1:28 God blessed man (Adam) and gave him all that He had created.  Then He told him to "be fruitful and multiply" and to "rule over the land."  But Adam became preoccupied with other things.  Thus, he fell into sin and lost his position and prosperity!

Know this:  "Those who have the greatest knowledge of truth will be held accountable for the greatest fruitfulness."  And--"Through godly living we discover the blessing of heaven on earth."

God has BLESSED America abundantly over the course of its history.  But for the past 3 or 4 decades we have begun to decay and decline.  Why?  Could it be that we have stepped away and disobeyed...or simply neglected our duties?  Or, have we just become so greedy that we no longer remember what was required of us?

There are only 3 things the Lord requires of us.  They're listed in Micah 6:8.  (1)  To do justly:  Remain honest in all that you do.  (2)  To love mercy:  Cherish compassionate faithfulness.  (3)  To walk humbly with your God:  Commit yourself to live in submission to God.  Individually--or as a nation--these are the REQUIREMENTS!

If you study history--every great nation "fell" after about 200 years.  Unless we return to what we were founded upon, we, too, will fall...and great will be the fall!

We've allowed prayer to be taken out of the schools.  The National Day of Prayer has been cancelled by the President.  Christians are being prohibited from sharing the gospel, praying, or speaking the name of Jesus in many public places.  Freedom of speech and freedom of religion is no longer free!  We are no longer one nation--under God's authority!  We've rebelled and turned to other gods!

Lord, we (who are called by Your name) REPENT for the sins of our nation.  RESCUE us from destruction; RESTORE us again to a right RELATIONSHIP with You.  Amen.

Our Only HOPE To HEAL Our Land

We have examined the presidential candidates, under the "microscope of the media," for months-and-months.  While our eyes and ears have been watching and listening to what they had to say or what they were doing, God's been keeping His eyes on us; He's been listening to our thoughts; He's been discerning our motives (the hidden agendas) and observing what we treasure in our hearts.

KNOW THIS:  Our only HOPE to save our land depends on "we [His] people!"  And what we must DO is outlined in II Chronicles 7:14:

If My people, which are called by My Name...(We who call ourselves "Christians")

shall HUMBLE themselves...(Get down from our "prideful ponies" ("high horses") and confess our sins)

and PRAY...(talk to God and ask for His forgiveness, His plan, His help and guidance)

and SEEK His face...(look unto Him)

and TURN from their wicked ways...(repent and return to a right relationship with Him)

then I [the Lord] will hear from heaven...(He will listen to our cries and hear our distress)

and will FORGIVE their sin...(He will remove our sin)

and HEAL their land.  (He will rescue us and restore our land)

Lord, hear our prayer(s)....save our land!  Amen.

WHO Should WE Elect?

The most important Presidential election we've ever had to vote for in this country will be held on the 6th of this month (next week).  WHO will be elected?  Will it be the "peoples' choice" or "God's elect?"

God made the world and mankind in 6 days.  Then, on the 7th day (the very next day), He appointed a man {Adam] to care for the land.

Our forefathers founded America and formed a Constitution on which we stand:  "One nation, under God!"

We, the people of this land, on the 6th day of November, will ELECT a President to lead and preside over this country.  On the 7th (the very next day) we will be held accountable for our choice!

The people chose Saul to be king over the nation of Israel--but God's elect was David!  Under Saul's leadership, the nation FELL and did not stand!  (Whether our nation will continue to STAND or FALL depends upon who WE elect!]

What do we stand for?  Who will we elect?  Who would our forefathers be voting for, if they could vote in this Presidential election?  Who is God's choice?  How do we know whom to vote for?

CORE VALUES:  Is the candidate integral, kind, compassionate, gentle, strong under pressure, faithful, have self-control, and desire peace?  Does he have a good reputation?

TALENTS/ABILITIES:  What can he do?  What is he skilled (gifted) in?  What are his accomplishments?  What's his "track record?"

PRIORITIES:  Will he be a leader who will serve God 1st, the people 2nd, and defend our Constitution?

Choose wisely on that day (the 6th of Nov.) who you will vote for!

Joshua 24:15 - Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.