BIRTH OF A NATION! 7/7/13

BEGINNINGS seem to have always been a time of remembrance and celebrations. America celebrates July 4, as a day that America became independent from England and began the baby steps of becoming a great nation under God! Our forefathers gave us a legacy for a firm foundation and for the most part succeeded. They lost everything by man’s standards, and in the process, our nation gained freedom to pursue a life of happiness and equality; which has always held a price tag.


GOD has always had a people and for most American’s, we became His people in 1620. While America remained His people, we flourished, but when God, our common denominator was forgotten by the masses, His guidance and protection was lifted. If you don’t believe me look at the records, they speak for themselves and should speak to us! Reminds me of the Israelites and their trek across the desert. They too were given a legacy with a firm foundation through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

REMEMBER the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night? Seems to me that should have been enough to keep their attention but little irritations got to them, and they complained and when God provided they wanted more and they wanted it their way. Remember when Moses was on the mountain with God and how restless the people became? So much so, that they decided upon a different God, one made with their hands; one that gave them license to sin and this people who were called by God, were able to convince even their leaders, to help them. Sounds so familiar; don’t you agree?

I LOVE CELEBRATING the 4th; don’t you? I love a parade, BBQ’s, picnics in the park and fire works! What is there not to love? I love America; and the how our Declaration of Independence reads! I love reading about the providence of God and the history of this great country. But what I don’t love is how through the years, some have made it a shamble of shame! The nation that was ordained in the declaration are still in the process of fading. Our equality is still in question! To pursue happiness is being done in all the wrong places.

FORGETTING GOD’S GUIDANCE has led to homosexuality; abortions; a society of faceless characters and even those who lack integrity. God has said; “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Romans 10:21    Isaiah said that long before Jesus came, and Paul says it again, when he was talking to the Romans. Isaiah and Paul are both bold when they continue to repeat God’s Words; “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” Romans 10:20      And yet He waits for the strays to return!

OUR HEAVENLY Father is still holding out His hands to Israel and to all the people who have rejected Him. In the meanwhile, He pays close attention to those who call upon His name. I am sure that as my heart aches for those I love, His heart aches for those He sent His Son to redeem; to sacrifice His body and to shed His blood; only to be rejected again and again by His own people!

UPON our confession and obedience, we become witnesses of Jesus Christ. We can only achieve what God wants from us, by doing the work He has given us to do. In order for us to do that we must be obedient to His Word. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God!” Romans 8:16    When we become wishy washy in our walk, we walk not in the Spirit. God did not give us a spirit of timidity! We are to be true and faithful; just and righteous! “It is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God!” Romans 8:16

WE QUESTION whether or not our obedience is relevant; and it is! We wonder if God keeps score on a daily basis regarding our obedience. But the answer is clear; “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered; and being made perfect He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him!” Hebrews 5:8-9   While Jesus was in the flesh he learned obedience through His own cries and tears! What about you? By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/5/13