A plea for revival in America

II Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

This scripture has commonly and correctly been referenced to speak of the restraining ministry of the Holy Spirit of God regarding the rapture of the church and subsequent departure of the indwelling Holy Spirit. I do not wish to diminish that thought today, but as I have read and heard of the tragedy in Connecticut and the horrible act of wickedness, the taking of so many lives, I could not help but see this scripture from a different perspective. 

The wicked one, the adversary of righteousness, is alive and well today and active on planet Earth. Many will ask why or how something like this could happen if there really were a God in heaven. The question that should be asked is, "How much more will we remove God from our lives and allow these things to take place more and more?" Without the authority of God and His word ever-present and at work in the world today, it would be far worse. The power of God lived out in His people acts as an influence in society. This influence was once a prevailing force in society, when the truth of the Bible was revered, the holiness of God was respected. Now we watch as that influence is diminished in society by the dilution of political correctness and globalism. The concentration of all that at one time was good and right in America has now been watered down to a cloudy scum pond fostering the growth of immorality and violence. As we have, for all intents and purposes, taken God out of the way, what is left to stem the tide of these actions in our land?

O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Happy Independence Day

 

 "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."- John Adams to his wife, Abigail, referencing Independence Day, the day it was approved in Congress.

It is truly a day worth celebrating and I love to celebrate. My wife has made me quite the family tradition lover and there are several things that I relish about this day. I believe it is important to say that we should not lose this day in festivities. This last Memorial Day there were several pictures and posts on social media sites that reminded us that Memorial Day is not just another day to have a cook-out, and I would remind you of that same message for this great day. You have heard it said "Freedom is not free" and therefore can not be taken for granted. Aside from the opportunity that this day affords us to get together with dear friends and share a meal, there are a couple other things that always come to mind and I thought that I would share them. I could not go through this day without rehearsing in my mind The Star Spangled Banner. In my home, I have heard it several times today and it still gives me goose bumps. Another of my holiday favorites is certainly common to a lot of people, and that is the viewing of fireworks. Every year I try to get out to a couple displays, but it never seems to work out. By far, the best show I have seen personally is the "Illuminations" show at Disney's Epcot. One of the best televised/videoed displays, although not in America, would be New Year's in London, 2012.

My church has heard me say several times that a great patriot is a great christian and a great christian is a great patriot. Of course, that is not to say that national pride earns you a ticket to heaven, but to consider the heritage of this great nation and truly appreciate it must bring one to an appreciation of the one true Giver of Liberty. Despite revisionist history, I still believe in the Christian, not religious, not Judeo-Christian, but Christian foundation upon which this country was founded and built. If you struggle with this truth or wish to gain a deeper understanding of this truth, I highly recommend David Barton's website, Wall Builders.

And so on this great day of celebration, I encourage all Americans to stand up for liberty and against all who would threaten or take from us this liberty, but so much the more, I want to encourage God's people today, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free". As a Christian and an American, that has to be my Perspective.