God Blessed America
This time gives America an opportunity for renewal. If you know how to pray, pray.
In 1746 the fledgling colony of Massachusetts was threatened by a French invasion force never seen in this hemisphere. Ninety six French vessels were assembled off the coast of New England, prepared to attack Boston. The armada consisted of forty well armed war ships and fifty-six troop transports. Their mission was to destroy all coastal cities from Massachusetts to Georgia.
Aboard the transports were 13,000 soldiers awaiting their assignment to go ashore after the ensuing bombardment and burn what remained.
Governor William Shirley issued a proclamation calling on the people to pray.
It was a bright sunny day, October 16, when hundreds made their way to the Old South Church to pray.
Reverend Thomas Prince ascended the high pulpit and began an impassioned fervent prayer. “Deliver us from our enemy,” he entreated. “Send Thy tempest, Lord, upon the waters to the eastward.”
His booming voice resonated through the building as he continued to pray. “Rise Thy right hand. Scatter the ships of our tormentors and drive them hence.”
The people enjoined the plea for divine aid asking not only that they be protected, but that the French oppressor should be destroyed. Suddenly the bright sunlight that illuminated the church faded. A wind of such force rattled the windows. Pounding rain on the roof reverberated in the church.
Prince continued undisturbed to pray, “Sink their proud frigates beneath the power of Thy winds,” he cried out.
Eerily the church bell moved by the wind tolled twice prompting Prince to pray: “We hear Thy voice, O Lord! We hear it! Thy breath is upon the waters to the eastward, even upon the deep. The bell tolls the death of our enemies!”
As the storm abated Governor Shirles sent the sloop, “The Rising Son” to obtain news of the French fleet.
The captain reported nearly the entire fleet was destroyed. Distraught by what had happened to their mighty fleet, the Admiral and Vic Admiral committed suicide. Of the 13,000 soldiers only 1,000 had survived. The badly crippled fleet set sail for France.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned his famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” also wrote of this miraculous event in his poem, “The Ballad of the French Fleet.”
This is but one of several instances we as a nation have been blessed by God. Pray for the next.
God’s Pro Video
The following addresses the mood of the moment in America. It is an indirect appeal to pray for America.
Concurrent with freedom must be responsibility. If not, liberty is lost.
Former President James Madison, an advocate of liberty, knowing it had limits stated: “Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.” Liberty abused is obviously self-destructive. They who use liberty as license to do and/or say whatever they want are endangering liberty.
Liberty and libertine seem to be synonyms for some. This is about the libertine attitude many seem to have. This is not about the Libertarian Party. As defined, “libertine” means to be free of moral restraint, a profligate or dissolute person. They act as though freedom grants license to do whatever they desire.
Danish author, Soren Kierkegaard, considered to be the first existentialist philosopher observed, “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought that they seldom use.”
Max Lerner, noted historian and journalist, observing our culture wrote: “We are living in a Babylonian society more Babylonian than Babylon itself. It is what is called a late sensate period. The emphasis in our society today is on the senses and the release of the sensual. All old codes have been broken down.”
The codes have been broken under the guise of freedom. This freedom has come to be more license than liberty. Liberty is wonderful, but so is law. Freedom is a blessing, but so is appropriate restraint.
Thomas Jefferson noted: “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis — the conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?”
E. Stanley Jones observed, “If we lose our sense of being led, we become victims of circumstances.”
The framers of our Declaration of Independence left us the legacy of these lines: “With firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
Our predecessors spoke often of “the providence of God.” The term comes from the Latin prefix “pro,” meaning “before” combined with the root “video,” meaning “to see.” Providence means God sees before the action the consequence thereof. For that reason He gives us guidelines.
The God who foresees the result of actions has said: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.” That is, righteousness exalts a nation, but sin degrades, meaning it results in a disgraceful condemnation.
When God sees a nation that honors Him, He knows the result will be blessings. When He sees a nation that is living in sin He knows the consequences.
Scriptural Certainty
Unaccustomed and uncommon fear has crept into the lives of many as a result of the uncertainty in our country. Apprehension is unabated. Not having an answer to what is next has caused even some normally assured and intrepid believers to be unsettled. This is a time to reflect on Scripture promises and calmly claim them.
To start, focus your mind on “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)
Unbridled fear can cause the strongest believer to do a Simon Peter act and get eyes off the Lord and on the troubled water. Refocus.
People who lived in Bible times were not strangers to uncertainty. However, many were also well acquainted with the character of God—a loving, compassionate Father quick to console His people. He comforted them. The same comfort is offered to us in God’s Word. Let your mind marinate on these truths.
One of my favorites is “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1: 7) I have that one posted on the tack board of my mind.
“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The word “dismayed” means to quit or give up. “Do not” appears before it in the text. As in the text, so in our life, the Lord takes precedence enabling a person not to be dismayed.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22, 23)
Like the people who got that promise initially you, too, can take comfort in it. Your lamentation may be as great as theirs. Your God is as great as the one who comforted them. They accepted His comfort. You have need and cause to also.
The disciples in the swirl of trauma heard this promise from Jesus and passed it on to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Though times are uncertain you have no cause to be. As a person of faith you have a firm foundation in the earthquake of skeptical oscillation.
The potential of further riots, questionable government, COVID, personal financial health, and numerous other unknown and uncertain things may come your way. Don’t act surprised, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Here is the bottom line regarding the stability factor:
“He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13: 5)
This is one of my hallmark lines, “That is a forever never with no exception ever.” That means right now the Lord is near you to comfort you. That can make you an oasis of faith in a barren land of uncertainty.
Let Freedom Ring 6/27/99
Leviticus 27:17-19
Jesus Christ said, “… you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
He said this in the context of His disciples of all ages knowing and abiding in His Word. Spiritual and political freedom aren’t always arm locked twins. Spiritual freedom can exist regardless of externals. However, those who enjoy it are best suited to create and cultivate social, political, and moral freedom.
Etched on the rim of our nations revered Liberty Bell are the words of our text: “Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety” (Lev. 25:19).
What a marvelous promise and provision. Globally few nations have ever enjoyed the bounty of the land and freedom from oppression as we. Yet, every civilization is only one generation away from losing such heritage. Let’s not be that generation.
As we rejoice in the promise of our text we must look at the preceding verse to find the reason for such.
“So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety.” (Leviticus 25:18)
These are the conditions for the blessings. How are we doing?
II CHRONICLES 7:14 is an amplification of the text: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Recently Lady Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain spoke in our community. Among the many wise statements she made was this: “For freedom to prevail there must be the honorable and just application of the law.” Her thesis was that freedom is only possible when bordered by protective law and order. Our founding fathers knew this and designed for us a government of law and order.
In our rush for freedom we have broken many of God’s laws and distorted the laws of our predecessors which were based on our Constitution. Our Constitution was emphatically based on Biblical principles. When we violate the laws of God we do not break them, we break ourselves.
Dr. Kyle Yates had two beloved grandchildren who had their tonsils removed at the same time. The loving grandparents gave them a gift of two goldfish. Like creative children they named them in light of their own experience. What else? Tonsils and Adenoids.
When the children went home they took Tonsils and Adenoids with them. A few days later one of the children was looking out the front window when the grandparents came for a visit. He shouted to his brother the good news they were there. One of them picked up the bowl with the two fish and went racing through the house to show their prize pets. And he ran down the sidewalk he tripped. See it in slow motion. The bowl floats through the air with the child reaching for it as water begins to spill. Dramatically it crashes onto the sidewalk and shards of glass scatter as water splashes. There on the hot pavement are Tonsils and Adenoids flopping around. Good news! They are free at last. They are free…. free, free to die.
Individuals and societies that break God’s laws are free, free to die.
I. GOD APPEALS FOR HIS PEOPLE TO HUMBLE THEMSELVES
God’s Word appeals for His people to humble themselves. In light of our public disgrace, our virus of violence, lewd and vulgar entertainment God’s people should find it easy to humble themselves.
Humility does not preclude convictions and courage. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were humble but brave men. They had the courage of their convictions.
Humility does not imply having an offend no body, tolerate everything, and stand for nothing attitude. It might mean having to face those who shout at you “bigot,” or “radical,” or “reactionary.”
Our word patriotism comes from the Latin root “pater,” which means “father.” Our country is our fatherland. We call those who forged the foundations of our country our Founding Fathers.
As America was being birthed there walked among the Founding Fathers a mousy little wisp of a man. He was about 5’6″ and weighted around 100 pounds. His weak voice didn’t have the resonance of Patrick Henry, nor the dynamism of Ben Franklin. He was brainy and bookish enough to graduate from Princeton in two years. He lacked social skills, never participated in sports, nor distinguished himself in any way. Eleven of the twelve boys in his graduating class had a part in the exercise, he didn’t.
Being shy around girls he didn’t fall in love and become engaged until 31. The engagement lasted six weeks and the girl broke it off. This increased his feeling of inferiority and he didn’t marry until 43.
It wouldn’t appear that such a person could achieve. However, I have only noted his weaknesses. He had two primary strengths his great mind and humble spirit.
At the age of 36 he represented Virginia at the Constitution Convention in Philadelphia. Here he stood with the greats: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, George Mason, and Alexander Hamilton. They physically towered over him. Him being, that mousy little James Madison.
Later when the Virginia Legislature met to ratify the proposed Constitution the big guns opposed ratification. The silver-tongued orator Patrick Henry who had roused the colonies earlier with his “give me liberty or give me death” address thundered against ratification of the Constitution.
The clerk of the Convention wrote, “Mr. Madison responded, but his voice was so low that he could hardly be heard.” Then Henry would roar again. The clerk wrote, “Mr. Madison brought out some facts, but his voice was very weak.”
Who prevailed? That’s right the mousy little weak voiced James Madison. Virginia ratified and James Madison became known as the “Father of our Constitution.”
Later he served for eight years as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson. When he succeeded Jefferson as president, Jefferson said of him he was a man of “pure and spotless virtue.”
In 1821 as President he issued a proclamation which called upon the people to do what God has called on us to do, “humble themselves and pray.” In that proclamation he appealed for people to “acknowledge their transgressions which might provoke Divine displeasure.”
II. PRAY
One of the primary prayers that needs to be offered over and over is a prayer of repentance and confession. Confession is an apology to God that results in happiness. He deserves an apology. It is His law we have broken, His love we have spurned, His purpose we have subverted.
The portion of Scripture on our Liberty Bell states, “the land will yield its fruit…” It speaks of dwelling in the land in “safety.” II Chronicles 7:14 speaks of God healing the land of His repentant people.
Safety is lacking in the land because people having violated God’s standards have little regard for others.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Warren E. Burger stated, “America is being reduced to the status of an impotent society, whose capability of maintaining elementary security on the streets, in the schools, and for the homes of our people is in doubt.”
We love to sing of the “Sweet Land of Liberty.” We need to revive the concept that only “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
If the Spirit of the Lord isn’t in control liberty becomes licence. A person without the controlling dynamic of the Holy Spirit may be uninhibited but liberty is lost.
Jefferson’s voice cracks like a whip across the face of disrespect and disobedience in these words inscribed in the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.:
“Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, That this justice cannot sleep forever.”
Our culture has lost its sense of awe and awareness of the blessings of God inherent in His will. A German theologian, Martin Buber, wrote a book, the thesis of which is the “I – it” relation. He stated we have things we love and speak of loving “it.” Things are loved.
He then broadened his thought to include an “I – thou” relationship. This speaks of interpersonal relationships. We are to love “thous” not “its.” Having dehumanized human life from the moment of conception we have degenerative regard for it at any stage. Considering people as “its” violence has erupted. In this sea of violence there needs to be islands of love, harbors of concern and the people of God must provide them.
If God’s people, His remnant, regardless of how few will do as He has commanded they can still be the salt, the preservative of our society. God has saved America more than once and can do it again. A classic example involved General George Washington. On the west end of Long Island in the area now known as Brookline, General Washington’s army of 8,000 was trapped by the 32,000 man army of the British General Howe. Cut off by the mile wide East River the final blow to the emerging union was poised. Unexplainably, General Howe, poised and ready to strike, delayed anticipating the final assault at the next dawn.
All around the people in their homes and churches prayed. Repentant hearts and saintly souls called upon the Lord.
In his diary Major Ben Tolmedge described what happened. In small boats and on rafts the army of Washington rushed to attempt a withdrawal during the night. It soon became apparent the night would not be long enough to effect the withdrawal. Then a weather phenomenon uncharacteristic of that season occurred. During the night a “Peculiar fog rose from the ground and river and settled over both camps until the last boat containing General Washington evacuated.”
God let the people dwell in the land in safety. No less a miracle is needed today.
III. AND SEEK MY FACE
Facial expressions are a dead give away of ones thoughts. This reality is employed to appeal to us to seek to understand God’s will.
God’s will is no more clearly revealed than in His written word, the Bible.
Of it Andrew Jackson said, “That Book, Sirs, is the rock upon which our Republic rests.”
Daniel Webster noted, “If we go on abiding by the truths taught in the Bible we will go on prospering, but if we do not, catastrophe may suddenly overwhelm us.”
It is not that we do not know God’s will it is that many have chosen to disregard it.
Not only is our nation in general failing to seek God’s face there is a concerted effort to exclude His face from every public place under the misunderstanding of the term “separation of church and state.” Ten Baptists got the principle included in the Bill of Rights. Now it appears 10,000,000 Baptists and their allies can’t keep it there. The principle was fostered to prevent there from being favoritism paid to any one denomination as was being done in England and Europe at the time.
Evidence of how far we have come is seen in that Thomas Jefferson, as chairman of the school board in Washington D.C., led the body to purchase Bibles for distribution in the public schools. They established the chaplaincy and authorized prayer in the Congress.
James Madison had no intention to exclude God from the public forum. He was a primary figure in writing the First Amendment with the intent to insure religious freedom.
History records that Madison was to run for public office against a Baptist preacher, John Leland. Surveys indicated Leland would win 5 to 1. However, he didn’t want to run. The two met under a tree on the corner of what is now Madison and Leland Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. There Leland educated Madison on separation of church and state. He assured Madison he would not oppose him in the election if Madison would include the principle of separation of church and state in the Bill of Rights. Leland didn’t run, Madison was elected, and the Bill of Rights was written. The purpose was not to expel God from government and society, but simply to insure no one denomination would be given preference over any other.
We must return to the God of our fathers and seek His face.
Living without God’s plan in our lives is like sewing without thread. It is like writing our name in water.
It is God’s plan that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. That is His will. Have you ever aligned your will with His at this point of conjunction?
Preparation for a New Millennium 1/3/99
Exodus 14:13-16
(Page 102 Come Alive Bible)
JESUS CHRIST said to His followers: “Go into all the world and make disciples…” God’s people have always been under orders. His orders often involve the little word “go.” A vivid illustration of this is found in our text.
It detracts a bit from the story when you know the end from the beginning. To understand something of the emotion of the people involved in the epoch recorded in Exodus, remember they did not know the end from the beginning. They knew only that Moses had promised to lead them as Jehovah directed him. Their confidence was, at the point we pick up the story, at an all time low. They knew only that the moaning sea was before them and a raging army behind them.
They were right where God wanted them.
They were bivouacked between Pi-Hahiroth and Baal-Zephon. They were in a hopeless situation.
We see ourselves mirrored in them. God had blessed and cared for them up to this point. He had promised to give them a land flowing with milk and honey. However, many past blessings are forgotten in light of one present perplexity.
Pharaoh’s army had them hemmed-up in a narrow plain with mountains on one side, an expansive marsh on the other, and the Red Sea before them. Now note:
I. DELAY WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME? (VS. 15)
Moses and the people had been crying out to God. Mixed with their prayers for deliverance were cries of despair and derision. This added to their paralysis of fear.
In effect God said, “It is time to stop praying and start acting.” Christians today need to pray frequently and earnestly but there is a time to stop praying and start acting.
Moses had come to that time.
II. DANGER
The sea would engulf them. The army would annihilate them. Neither posed as their greatest threat. Their greatest danger was to give in to the temptation to go back. They appealed to Moses to let them go back and serve the Egyptians voluntarily as slaves.
One of the greatest threats to the average Christian’s progress is the allurement to go back. A search for security and conformity defeats the cause of Christ.
We are one year from a new millennium. Do you suppose the calendar knows the difference in December 31, 1999, and January 1, 2000? Will the animal world and all of nature be able to tell the difference? Likely not.
There are persons capitalizing on the dawning of a new era. Scare sells and therefore it is being marketed. Some speculate it will mark the end of the world. Others declare it will be the occasion of the second coming of Christ. The last millennium resulted in the emergence of a number of cults proclaiming dooms day. Already they are emerging. In the next months expect to hear all sorts of scare stories that would make great science fiction movies.
There is however one new element in the mix of this millennium known as Y2K. It refers to computer crashes resulting from an encoded date preventing the computer from reading the year 2000. Alarmist say it will result in bank failures, loss of investment records, disruption of medical services, traffic gridlock, food shortages, utility failures, missiles misfiring of nuclear war heads, and many other dramatic disasters. It is a matter deserving serious consideration.
“Newsweek” carried a cover story stating, “The day the world shuts down.” The article called it “The event that could paralyze the world.”
“Computer World” stated, “The problem is far worse than even the pessimists believe.”
Senator Stephen Horn, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology reported on behalf of the committee that of 7,300 mission critical systems in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government only 50% are Y2K compliant.
It is estimated it will cost over $600 billion to fix the problem. That is one reason Greenspan has been lowering interest rates. It provides funds to make the repairs.
The Federal Reserve has already ordered the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to print and store $50 billion extra cash in the event misled or panicky people rush ATM’s or conventional banks.
However, there are optimists. Federal Reserve Governor, Edward W. Kelley, Jr. noted: “I would expect Y2K shock to our information and electronic control infrastructure is most likely to be short- lived and fully reversed.” Kelley said the greatest problem is likely the fear of the bug itself.
The impact is likely to be lessened because people who were warned appreciated the warning and have responded positively.
With such mixed signals what should a person do? Be prepared. Some are suggesting some practical steps that are good under any circumstance. Things such as: Get hard copies of vital records, such as, birth certificates, insurance policies, title deeds, investments, store several days of food and water in case there is an interruption of these services. The main thing is don’t panic.
III. DETERRENTS
A. Fear. Vs. 13, “Do not be afraid.” The expression actually means stop being afraid. Don’t ever take counsel of your fears. We should never fear to do God’s will.
B. Self-Assertion. Vs. 14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you should hold your peace.” Note, there is a two- fold involvement including God and man. God “will fight for you” conditioned upon you holding “your peace.” We are to confidently rely upon the Lord.
This expression is an encouragement to have faith.
C. Reluctance to Venture. We must venture or vegetate.
-Don’t let obscurities and enigmas stop you.
-Don’t ever think little steps are not important. We are to: “grow in grace” “add to your faith virtue” “change from glory to glory.”
IV. DUTY “GO”
This demands decision and energy. This is dependent upon Him. God is not a God who says “Go forward” without giving strength with which to go.
If we do what we know to do, He will then reveal what next we ought to do.
V. DIRECTION “FORWARD”
“When in trouble, when in doubt, Run in circles, scream and shout.” Going isn’t enough. Direction is critical. Many people go back or around and feel that motion is momentum. Spiritually we are to follow our beloved Lord forward.
Why were they to go forward? Was there less danger? Was it the path of least resistance? No! It was the path of duty in compliance with God’s command. All of nature goes forward. Rivers run forward, the wind blows forward, and the earth itself goes forward in its orbit. Philosophy, science, art, music and time go forward. It is presumption to think that Christians should not progress in their spiritual growth. We have an appointment in eternity; an engagement at the judgement seat. Therefore, we must move on toward it.
Our motto should be: “Excelsior,” or “Aundiamo,” that is “Forward.”
Missionary David Livingston wrote that He was willing to go anywhere his mission society sent him for God, “provided it be forward.”
VI. DECISION
God used the wind to plow a furrow through the sea once He saw their willingness to obey.
Indecision is decision. If they had demurred and delayed until tomorrow, they would have been defeated.
Be prepared. In light of the Y2K potential persons are being warned to be prepared. Most such encouragement has to do with physical planning. Be prepared spiritually by making the decision to let Christ be Savior AND Lord of our life.
VII. DELIGHT
God enabled them to emerge victoriously. The Book of Revelation speaks of the “song of Moses and the Lamb.” Moses’ song was a song of victory.