When a Nation Turns Its Back on God
Dr. Charles Stanley
Hezekiah was a god-fearing king who brought about reformation among the Israelites. His son Manasseh, however, was an evil ruler. He had watched his father walk with God and live according to Scripture. Yet he chose to ignore the Lord.
Manasseh worshipped false gods, even to the point of sacrificing his sons by fire in order to praise Molech. He practiced much evil—including witchcraft and sorcery— and led Israel astray, thereby provoking God to anger. The king, along with the people, paid a high price for his rebellion.
This story illustrates the Lord’s intolerance of a nation’s disregard toward Him. Now consider our country. We, too, are a nation that pushes God aside—one that has turned away from the only true God and embraced idols. Perhaps these aren’t statues of stone, but we worship money, sports ability, fame, and reputation, to name a few.
The United States of America was founded on biblical principles with the intent to guarantee freedom of worship. But over time, we have removed the Lord from many aspects of public life. Prayer in schools, for instance, was deemed unconstitutional. What was once a “nation under God” has turned into a country that tolerates a growing number of sins and yet belittles absolute truth.
If a nation turns its back on the Lord, His judgment is inevitable unless the people repent and make Him Lord once again. As believers, our responsibility is to pray that God would draw the heart of our country back to Himself—and to help the gospel and truth spread through our land.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Heavenly Father,
Today I am burdened for my country and every nation. I pray for the installation of spiritual leaders to carry out Your will. I pray for the leaders in power now, that You would move in their hearts and minds to lead in the right direction to accomplish Your purpose. Please forgive us for our indifference and our sin. I pray that Christians will turn from their wicked ways and rededicate their lives to You and Your service; and that other people living in sin will turn from that sin in repentance and belief in You. Have mercy on us, Lord. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Hearing the Father Speak
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
05-26-2012
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." - John 10:27
An Englishman tells a true story of his encounter with a Muslim man while walking in the country. The Englishman wanted to share the gospel with this man but knew little of Muslim beliefs. The two men talked as they walked and agreed they would each share their beliefs with one another. The Muslim went first and dominated the time of sharing. The Englishman asked the Holy Spirit how to share his faith with the Muslim man. "Do you consider your god your father who speaks?" asked the Englishman.
"Certainly not," replied the Muslim man.
"That is one of the big differences between your god and my God. I consider my God as my Father who speaks to me personally."
"You cannot prove that," stated the Muslim man.
The Englishman again prayed to himself, "Lord, how do I prove this to this man?" A few moments later the two men began walking toward two young ladies on the other side of the road coming toward them. As they approached, the Englishman spoke to the ladies and made small conversation. He then said to one woman, "I believe you are a nurse, is that correct?"
The woman was startled that a man whom she had never met had just informed her of her occupation. "How would you know that? I have never met you before," she questioned.
He replied, "I asked my Father and He told me." The Muslim had his proof.
Many of us do not hear God's voice because we do not believe He speaks or desires to speak to us. In order to hear, we must listen. In order to listen, we must believe that He speaks. Ask the Lord today for a listening ear so that others might know that you have a heavenly Father who speaks.
Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.
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