My Country, ’tis of Thee
“My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside
Let Freedom ring.”
(This song is usually referred to as “America”)
Do you remember the words to this song? Probably you remember singing this as a child in elementary school. Isn’t it amazing how we look back on growing up in America being taught patriotism? In those days, nationalism was prominent over globalism. Whereas both have their proper place, truthfully, today there are those in governmental positions who are more focused on being globalists instead of primarily looking to the national interest of America. Well anyway, let’s take a look at the Book:
In the grand scheme of things, many other NATIONS will fight against the NATION of Israel. However, it will be to no avail. The Lord will intervene to fight against these NATIONS (Ezek. 38–39) and defeat their armies. In the final analysis, the Antichrist’s armies, along with the kings of the East, will attempt to overthrow Jesus Christ and His armies.
NEWSFLASH: It will never happen.
As a matter of fact, when Jesus Christ comes back to this earth as the “KING of KINGS” and “LORD of LORDS,” He will utterly destroy the NATIONS that come against Him and the beloved city called Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11–16).
“My country, ’tis of Thee,
Sweet Land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside
Let Freedom ring.”
HOME SWEET HOME!!
America the Beautiful
Whereas we are presently in a season of “Religious Freedom” with the current administration, if Jesus tarries, after a few more years, one can presuppose that there will be a renewed surge for men doing what is right in their own eyes. “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)
If history repeats itself, then truthfully, God must judge America. Someone has well said, “If God does not judge America, then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.”
“O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”
Working Together
2. Through encouragement to Syntyche (Philippians 4:2) – “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.”
4. Through encouragement as “true yokefellows” (Philippians 4:3)
The word “yokefellow” is σύζυγος, which can mean the following:
Remember: what goes around comes around!
Let’s work together!
Love y’all,
Building a Lifetime Resume
does that work for us?
Actually, they stepped out in faith, left their livelihood to follow the Master! While the world sees that as
a wasted life, there are eternal dividends not only in this life, but more importantly in the life to come by
following Jesus.
Love y’all,
Building Meaningful Relationships In & Out of the Church
Building strong, spiritual relationships in the Church takes work! Here are three key ways to do that.
It is obvious that God had put a great love and appreciation in Paul’s heart for the believers in the Philippian Church. With grace, he expresses his emotions and affections to edify the CHRISTians. By the way, he is not “flattering them.” Instead, their love for Jesus Christ and His work had been demonstrated. Their character, passion, and mission-mindedness spoke for itself. Are you mission-minded? Can people see a genuine love for the Lord in your life?
“Stand fast” is a strong word. It is the word στήκω, which means to be stationary or to persevere. What a great challenge it is these days to persevere! Although, it is God the Holy Spirit who is able to pour in fresh oil in our lamps! Do you need some fresh oil?
Evidently, there are two ladies that can’t seem to get along. Truly, this disunity was hindering the work of the Lord. Remember: We can be “right” but be “wrong.” Are you finding yourself at odds with other people in the Church?
Israel, Iran, and America at War
The question on the table is: Where is Iran or Israel in Bible prophecy?
Iran will eventually join a coalition of other nations described in Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, who will attack Israel from the north. Among those nations (predominantly Muslim) will be Russia, Turkey, and a few others. When will this happen? Even though there are differing opinions regarding the timing, most Bible prophecy teachers hold toward either the beginning of the tribulation or just before.
According to Ezekiel’s prophecy, these nations will be drawn by a “hook in the jaw” and will invade Israel to perhaps acquire the “gold and silver” that is mentioned—or even their newly disclosed natural gas off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. However, unknown to them will be a supernatural intervention by Almighty God.
While Israel will be deceived and living during a time of “false peace and safety” (Ezekiel 38:11; Daniel 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) because of the Antichrist’s confirmation of a covenant, the God of the Bible will cause a massive earthquake, infighting between the nations, pestilences, and hailstones to destroy 5/6 of the attacking armies.
Why is God going to do that? Because He made an unconditional covenant with Israel (Abrahamic, Davidic, Land, and New Covenant). In fact, in Jeremiah’s writings, he mentioned that the day God takes away or nullifies His covenant with Israel will be the day the sun, moon, and stars cease to shine!
“And the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; Then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.” (Jeremiah 33:19–21)
Are You Speaking Curses or Blessings?
1. What did James say? (James 3:6–8) – “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
There we have it. Only God can tame the terrible tongue. Do you say things without thinking about what you are saying? The world says, “Speak your mind”! But God says, “Guard your mouth”!
In fact, again James writes, “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.” (James 1:26)
2. What did Solomon say? (Proverbs 18:21) – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
3. What did Paul say? (Ephesians 4:29) – “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.”
4. What did Jesus say? (Matthew 15:16–20) – “Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.”
Wow! Our Lord cut through the hypocrisy and got down to the nitty gritty!!
Moving Forward
By the way, he answered the CALL of God by hearing this verse read: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
1. David Brainerd was a missionary to the North American Indians. He too went through suffering and persecution. As he prayed in the snow for the conversion of those who were destined to hell, he sweated profusely—melting the snow.
2. Bertha Smith was a tremendous soul-winner in China. Years ago, I read a book about her life and powerful witness. Perhaps, according to some, she was one of the greatest women missionaries that ever lived. Our Lord used her in a mighty way here in America by helping spread fires of REVIVAL throughout churches.
3. Jim Elliot was a martyr to the Auca Indians. He literally gave his life for the Gospel’s sake. His words echo down through the years. Listen: “No man is a FOOL to give up what he cannot keep to GAIN that which he cannot LOSE!”
Conclusion: Either it was Livingston or Brainerd who, while praying, had a poisonous snake crawl by him—but it did not bite him. From that point on, many believed in his God. What a powerful testimony of the PROVIDENCE of a living God!
So now, after looking into the lives of some men and women who were used mightily by Jesus Christ, are you determined to MOVE FORWARD?
The Will of God
Do you have that blessed assurance? You can. Consider knowing and doing God’s Will consists of the following:
In order to stay in the Will of God, we must “walk wisely”! That means praying, thinking, and contemplating the consequences of our every decision. That is huge! Not only is that huge, but it is a challenge every day. Being faced with life’s dilemmas can be overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need God’s wisdom and discernment constantly. How are you doing?
By the way, the word “redeem” is ἐξαγοράζω, which some translate “making the most.” It also can mean to buy up—like a ransom. Do you make the most of your time? As it has been said, time cannot be stopped! Therefore, our Lord, through Paul, encourages CHRISTians to “redeem” the time.
While the days are evil, Jesus is Good! It stands to reason—since the days are evil with the evil one, Satan, and his emissaries—then as believers in the God of the Bible, we are to know and do the Will of God in every situation. Are you concerned about His Will in every decision and circumstance?
Rest in the Work
By the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong in what Martha is doing; it’s just how Martha is acting! Honestly, most all of us can relate to Martha. Do you agree? Perhaps the big overarching lesson for us is not neglecting to wait at the feet of Jesus. That must be first and foremost. Is it in your life?
On this occasion, do you know how many people Martha served? 17 people. Compare that with just the 4 persons she served recorded in Luke 10. The bottom line: Martha apparently learned the key to having a “good attitude” while “resting in the work” of the Lord.
Please note: she did not give up and quit serving Jesus. Instead, she discovered how to serve Him without being overly distracted by people and problems. Do you want to discover that glorious REST? This writer does!
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha’s brother had died. Four days passed by after they had sent word to Jesus to come to their village of Bethany and see them. In a whirlwind of confusion, Martha greeted Jesus affirming her faith and trust in Him, no matter what had happened! Suffice to say, her faith was rewarded as Jesus called him back to life from the dead.
Somebody said had He not called Lazarus by name, the whole cemetery would have been emptied!
Anyway, Jesus proved that He was indeed the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. Do you believe that?
Our prayer today is, “Lord Jesus, teach us how to REST in Your work for Your glory!”