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2016-01-28 09:12
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CHANGE CAN COME; IF WE'RE WILLING TO CHANGE
In the last few years we've seen an increase in crime, rebellion against the police, government, and those in authority over us.
In a few months Americans will be electing a new President along with other congressional officials.
We may not always agree with those in authority, but God does not want us spending our days blogging, picketing, and protesting the government.
The Bible says...
Let every soul be subject unto the higher power. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:1-2
My heart is grieving as I see the pain and suffering in the world, and also the rebellion and disrespectful behavior to those in authority, and those running for office.
Every day a new wave of name calling and playing the blame game on the media coverage, is not only sad, but sickening to hear continually.
As Christians we are commanded by God to be subject the higher powers of government. They are not perfect and will make mistakes, but we are not to speak evil of our rulers.
Those who resist, are resisting the authority of God.
The Bible says we reap what we sow. If we throw dirt and spread slander against someone, it will only come back to haunt and curse our blessings.
God's word says...
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23
Blaming and criticizing one another will not solve anything.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:16
A house or nation divided against itself will reap destruction!
God has blessed us with the power of prayer, and we are to pray for and support our leaders.
Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians...
...forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
God allows adversity to come upon us, to strengthen our faith, and to teach us patience and compassion.
We are to love one another, as Christ has loved us.
Paul warns us...
Wherefore put away lying, speaking every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members of one another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:25-27
We need to give our anger, bitterness, and resentment over to the LORD.
He is our protector and judge. If we bite and devour one another with harsh words and judgmental comments, it solves nothing, and allows the devil to move into your heart and mind.
With our words we can heal or hurt one another.
Brothers and sisters, let's get the log out of our eye, before we try to take the splinter out of our brothers.
We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
None of us has the right to throw stones at leaders or brothers and sisters.
The Bible says...
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30
We need to repent and pray for our leaders and world. It grieves the Holy Spirit when we complain and cut down one another.
If you can't say something good, say nothing at all.
It saddens me to see people who say they are Christian conservatives, bickering with one another. They are teaching their children and citizens to be disrespectful to authority, and in the end, they will reap disrespect from their children, grandchildren, friends, family, and co-workers.
God says...
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32
God has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
We have the power to overcome evil with good.
We fight and war, but have not, because we ask not.
Many of you may have lost jobs in the last few months and are struggling to make ends meet... but I'd like to ask you... when you had a job; did you give it your best or grumble and complain about your wages or employer?
Did you take things like office supplies, play on the computer, or spend endless hours talking when you were supposed to be working?
We have to be honest with God and ourselves. If we neglected to praise and thank God and our employer when we had a job... perhaps loosing a job will be a wake up call.
During my life, I've had many jobs and I had to admit to God and myself that I was not always thankful.
There were times when I called in sick, when I wasn't and grumbled and complained about my job, wages, and employer.
I needed to get right with God and confess my sins, before he opened up a door of favor for new employment.
Those hard months of poverty, brought me back to reality and made me more appreciative of my job and the health to work.
Our failure to prosper and succeed, is not always the fault of our leaders, but ours.
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Each time we call upon our loving Father and Creator in prayer, in Jesus name, he promises to hear us.
In the book of James is says...
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless, and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:26-27
Our world is becoming increasingly violent and evil. People no longer seem to fear God and shamelessly flaunt their wrong behavior.
Prayer is banned from our schools and government like the plague.
Millions of babies are killed each year by abortion.
Cursing and using God's name in vain, will only bring curses upon ourselves.
God's warnings are clearly given in his word.
We are to teach our children his commandments, so it will be well with them, and they will live long on the earth.
Our sins separate us from God and hinder our prayers.
Those nations who reject him, bring on the wrath of God and curses. (Deuteronomy 5-8)
The wicked will be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17
God in his great love saw the sins of mankind and could not bear to leave them without hope.
In his love he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross, to save us from eternal damnation.
He rose from the grave conquering the powers of sin, death, and the Satan.
Today you may be searching for the truth.
Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. John 14:6
God is your loving Father and Creator.
You didn't evolve from an ape!
You are not a failure or a looser.
You are his precious child.
Run to his loving arms, so he can take away your pain.
Jesus can heal your broken heart or family.
Jesus can wash you clean and give you a brand new start.
Repent of your sins and come to his throne of grace.
Lay that load of guilt and shame at the foot of the cross and be transformed into a new creation.
All who call upon the name of the LORD, will be saved.
Will you accept his gift, so freely given?
Will you let him love you and set you free?
Will you be his child?
Thousands of people are hurting and have lost their homes and loved ones.
They need to see Jesus through us.
Let's join our hands and hearts and pray for one another.
Let's humble ourselves before our LORD and repent of our sins.
Father of all mercies,
You have said, If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Forgive us for grumbling, faultfinding, and blaming others for our problems. We thank you for your abundant blessings upon us, our nations, and families.
We ask for godly leaders to govern our nation and world. Their hearts are in your hands, and you can bring change and help in our time of need.
Your word says, blessed is the nation, whose God is the Lord and the people you have chosen for your inheritance.
Let there be no complaining in our streets, but rather praise and thanks to you each day for your amazing grace and mercy.
If you are for us, no one can stand against us.
In the Almighty and powerful name of Jesus we pray.
Amen
May the Blessing of the LORD be upon you all and give you peace.
Valerie Rousseau
