March 10, 2020
Most people think of God only in personal terms. What can He do for me? This is understandable, but a very narrow view of God.
God is concerned for the whole world. He is interested in the sparrow, but also the heavens; in the individual, but also the nations. When we understand this about Him and the perfection with which every directive is given, we should beseech and follow Him about everything related to our society.
THE PROMISED LAND
… was given by God to His people, Israel. In Numbers 34-35 God tells Moses exactly how the land is to be apportioned and to whom. He defines the borders. He delineates who is to be in charge of each tribe.
He sets up “refuge cities” for those who kill someone unintentionally so they may run there and be safe until a trial. He describes who should receive just punishment and why it is necessary for the good of the whole.
Line by line, piece by piece, God gives the order for their society.
WE NEED GOD
Our failure to realize God’s role to bring order to our lives, our families, our churches, our cities, states, and nations is why we are in trouble.
The Russian writer, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who spent 8 years in a Russian concentration camp and later won the Nobel prize spoke of the world’s great problems. After years of study, here was his conclusion regarding all the evil in the world: “We have forgotten God.”
Don’t get caught up in discussing our societal ills merely with your human ideas and opinions. Read your Bible. Look up to the Creator of nations. Our problems are related to one fatal mistake: We have forgotten God. When any nation tries to run their country without dependence upon Him it brings havoc and, ultimately, anarchy.
Lord, help us see clearly. I pray we would somehow see a return in our nation to being “under God.” We ask this not to make our life easier, but to give you the place you deserve among us and for the advancement of Your kingdom on earth. We ask for YOUR order in our lives and the world around us.
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023