Last night I spoke to a large group of Assembly of God folks that were here at Honey Lake for a spiritual retreat. I offered my testimony and then they asked questions for quite some time.
I signed books for perhaps an hour afterwards and as I talked to each of them I was struck by their cheerful demeanor; to a person they seemed content and at peace. Last week we hosted the Women’s spiritual retreat for St. Peters Anglican Church and they displayed a similar attitude.
My innkeeper role means that I have opportunities to meet folks literally from all walks of life every day. Those who know the Lord as their Savior have an aura about them that is easily discernible. Those who are closer to the world than God don’t have the look of peace in their eyes and in fact many seem unhappy, tense, worried, and stressed out. It’s interesting to observe it all.
We had a significant meeting a few days ago and some of the most powerful men and women in the state attended. Several very important politicians spoke at the event and it was interesting to meet them and speak briefly with them.
I drove up just as they took a break from the meeting and as I walked up the driveway, perhaps a hundred of them were outside busily talking on their cell phones. I mused that I should be wearing some sort of lead lined protective gear with so many microwave signals flying through the air with all of these busy people making their calls. The cell tower in nearby Greenville must have been glowing orange with all of that cell phone traffic.
Last night one of the questions from the Assembly of God folks was concerning politicians and somehow it was mentioned that so many of them are not of the Christian persuasion, (and in fact some display antichrist tendencies such as that blabbermouth that ranted last night to the nauseating partisan applause of his mindless minions).
I told them I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many politicians I’ve recently met that love Jesus Christ. They have that peaceful aura about them and they make no bones about saying they love Jesus. We are hoping to put together a special prayer rally event for these warriors of God at Honey Lake Church before the legislative session begins in a few weeks.
Now why would we organize an event like that when we are already busier than bees? We won’t make any money on it and our already overworked staff will just have to work harder.
Because our family loves our country and believes that prayer works. Anyone who has read the Bible and believes in it knows that prayer works and as anyone with half a brain understands our country needs prayer in the worst way. I told the audience last night that so many people have lost all hope that they have resigned themselves to the mistaken notion that things are just too doggone bad to ever change.
If that is true then the Bible is nothing but a lie!
The Bible states that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. God states that if we will turn from our wicked ways, he will heal our land. No task is too large or too small for the Lord to accomplish. God has given us the example of Israel as a testament to faith-flourish/fade-fall. When the Israelites drew close to God He blessed them mightily. When they turned away from Him He withheld His blessings.
What our country needs is to turn to God in prayer and to elect more politicians who love the Lord. It’s not too big a task for God to heal our land; the question really amounts to is it too big for us ordinary citizens to turn to Him in humble adoration, prayer, and faith?
Just like in our everyday lives God always stands ready to help us. He requires faith though. How do we get faith? The Bible tells us that increased faith comes from hearing the word of God.
If you haven’t read it, begin in Romans, and then read the New Testament slowly and carefully, taking time to carefully listen to God line by line. Stop and think about what He is telling you often. Take your time and listen to God’s gentle whispers that offer powerful encouragement to you as His words enter your being and penetrate to the innermost depths of your all, and saturate you with His goodness and peace. Soak in His word and bask in its goodness.
The Bible is living and it speaks to us in a supernatural way that is hard to describe but easy to feel…(BTW – It feels really good – even better than a soothing massage!)
Are you listening?
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.