There is congestion in my mind, too many things want to come out at once! I did want to drop in and say a quick hello. I pray all is well with you all!
I have been much stirred in my heart about what is afoot in our country. There are so many bills in various stages of being passed that it boggles the mind. There are at least 6 that will either likely or potentially will greatly impact our country through violating the Constitution, curtailing our God given freedoms. Expect that will be a post within the next day or so. A list. Since MSM doesn't tell the things we
need to know, if you don't aggressively seek out news on-line, and listen to FOX News sometimes, you won't know what you have lost until too late.
My Mama and I have been having conversations since last fall about the spiritual state of our Nation and the Church at large. We have felt a tremendous need to pray for an Awakening of our Nation. Interestingly, back in March I happened to catch some dear ladies on a Bible teaching show
(TV) sharing how God had impressed one of them back in their home church/prayer group
(back in June last year - in the midst of the LONGEST election ever!) that the "election would not save America, but that an Awakening would" in other words. Pray for America to awaken. They explained the differences between revival and awakening and gave illustrations through history. Oh, it was sooo exhilarating to hear what your heart was already telling you, backed up with historical supporting facts!
And may I say if you have ever had to awaken someone who was sluggish, and slow to respond, it is
not pleasant. I have not had much experience with this, because we all wake up promptly around here
(Thank you, Lord!) but, I have had a couple of friends struggle with family members who suffer this lethargy, it is NOT fun to struggle to wake-up sleepy heads.
America is a great big distracted, comfortable, self righteous sleepy head. I love my country.
And because I love my country, I am
VERY concerned. I am also concerned that the Church wake-up. If we
really truly
engage and are the
salt and the light,
we should dare, we should tred, we should be exceedingly uncomfortable at times, yet ALWAYS in grace, always in faith.
I am a bit bothered that so many wonderful Christian people are quietly going about their lives knowing that they have voted and that God's Word has indeed told us that it would be like this one day, sort feeling that they must leave the rest to see what the future brings. I find myself in this regard to have reached my Martha zenith! ;) In my life with Christ I have always felt much more like Mary. Now I get to know what Martha felt like! While I know my approach is not perfect
(of course) I do trust that God will continue to lead and guide me each day to do what I can to encourage others
(that's my gift - I reckon - don't see much sign of anything else!) (well except hospitality) who are trying to make a difference, to pray, and to write, shine the spotlight, make phone calls or whatever else I can do to sound the alarm that America is somewhat on fire. We might want to wake-up.
I was led to spend the last 5 days on household matters, with family and with the Lord just in the quiet moments - which for me means I am not chatting so much on-line. Maybe observing a bit, but, that's about it. In the stillness of my heart the Lord was so good to me to refresh, and encourage me, as well as confirming and clarifying somethings for me. You ever notice that in the Old Testament that when Godly people cried out to God in the Psalms or just about any other book, it was
often about either the wickedness of their Nation,
or the results that the wickedness had wrought in their Nation. God was not separated from their political life, He WAS their life. How the Nation lived before God, impacted
all, and there were Godly people who were NOT content to be passive about it.
In the past few years my life of faith
(which I find should be somewhat messy) required trusting God daily for sustenance in many ways familiar to you my friends in Christ. As a former career woman, turned part-time clerical worker and home school mom, we had many financial challenges. As a parent of a child gone wild for a period of time - w
e had many reasons to trust God for his care daily. As a home school mom period, I had many reasons to trust God daily. There are many other things I could list, but I find that I
STILL trust the Lord DAILY in these matters and
yet, He is hinting at a further growth and likely discomfort. To trust Him as I stand up and speak up when I would many times prefer not to. Prefer to stay in my cocoon. And just like as a home school mother and as a part time (and then 100% sahm) I often struggled feeling that my contribution was not sufficient. The Lord always, always added His grace to it. He MADE it sufficient! And now as I feel what small pip-squeak voice I can add is seemingly insignificant, I find that the Lord seems to say, "use it for My purpose, my glory and trust me for the results".
I will close with the parable of the Good Samaritan as I was impressed to study it a bit this weekend. I feel that America is the neighbor. I want to be the Samaritan. but we need LOTS of neighbors! Luke 10:26-37
"
26 Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it? 27And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.
28And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].
29And he, determined to acquit himself of reproach, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?
30Jesus,taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.
31Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].
33But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him],
34And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35And the next day he took out two denarii [two day's wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.
36Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?
37He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise."
Thanks for dropping and and listening to me ramble! You are kind to indulge me! Much love! Maria
