Happy Independence Day

We, as Americans, are truly blessed to live in this country. I hope that as you and your families celebrate this holiday you will remember that the price of freedom has not been cheap. Many brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice to insure the freedom we enjoy. As a Christian, I thank God for the opportunity to be an American. God has blessed my country, but I'm am fearful that as a Nation we have turned our backs on HIM far too often. The consequences of such an actions have been disastrous. When ancient Israel turned their backs on the LORD, HIS response was to bring judgment on HIS people for their disobedience. HIS solution for their sinful behavior was simple. The LORD said, "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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). I believe the same solution is available to us today. The tragedy today is that far too many professing Christians are trying to live their lives with one foot in the Church and one foot in the "world." The end result is disasterous. What our Country needs most today is to have a personal encounter with the LORD JESUS CHRIST. When professing believers in Jesus Christ live their daily lives as if HIS presence does not matter, the watching skeptical world takes notice and comes to the wrong conclusion that believing in Jesus is no different than believing in one of the false "gods" created by man.

As a believer, Jesus called HIS followers to be HIS witnesses to the nations of the whole world. HE said of them, "you are the salt of the earth" and "you are the light of the world." HE instructed them to begin where they were located and expand outwards form there to the ends of the earth.

I wonder what kind of impact my life would have if the people around me could see Jesus working daily in me?
I wonder what kind of influence collectively all believers could have if our lives truly demonstrated the power and presence of Christ in every things we did or said?