"By God's mercy and grace we are not like every other country in the world." As if the U.S. is somehow so much better than every other country in the world? Or even that God's grace somehow muffles the depth of sin that continues to grow in this country? Truth: It is by God's mercy alone that this country is not annihilated!
I absolutely disagree with this "mercy and grace" statement. For one, we are not blessed to live in such a country. As a matter of fact, we are deceived because we live in such a country. We are a country of lukewarm Christians, millions taking the "Christian" name of faith and living however they choose to live, not being conformed to the mind of Christ. Jesus says very clearly who are the blessed ones...the ones persecuted for His name's sake, the poor, the broken. We are not blessed because we have an abundance of things and money and food, temporal happiness. We are lost because of that. We have lost sight of why we need God. We are the Laodicean church at the end of Rev 3. We think we are rich and have need of nothing, but really we are wretched, blind & naked. We continue living lives contrary to the Word of God thinking we have eternal salvation because somewhere along the road we said a "sinner's prayer." Reality check! Repentance is a daily must. We must walk in repentance everytime we act in disobedience, rebellion, and sin against God and our neighbor. Yes, our neighbor! How many of us even notice anymore when we walk in malice, envy, covetness, backbiting, and gossip against our neighbors? It's like second nature and "strive for success" has blinded this nation to the wickedness we bestow upon each other. Seeking each his own and forging ahead despite the cost to those around us. Not to mention the most obvious of things we accept like homosexuality, abortion, fornication, drunkenness, etc.
Read the book of Ezekiel - you won't have to get past Ch 5 (or most any of the O.T. for that matter) to know what God does to nations who turn to such abominations and deny His very holiness. Paul is clear in Romans that if God spared not the original branches (Israel), He will not spare us either. We must turn from our wicked ways! Rend our hearts and not our garments. This isn't just an outward show of how much we despise the sin that cries out from the dust of this nation! It's an inward brokenness that must bring us to repentance and a crying out to Jesus for the horrible things we have all been a part of. For not a person of age is free from the guilt of the sins of this nation. Without the blood of Jesus not ONE will stand.
I pray God sends His Spirit to destroy the blindness the enemy has over the hearts of the people of this nation, that hearts would turn to Him in repentance and mourning. Father, forgive us for the disgusting things we have allowed to go on, for the abominations that continue to grow in this nation. Forgive us for thinking we are somehow more blessed than those of other nations. Help us Lord to be humble, to recognize where we are wrong and to come to You in true sorrow & repentance. We know You are Lord of Lords, You are a Holy God, You are the Only True God, and the Only Way to eternal salvation. Help us to have faith and to stand strong amid the chaos and darkness that grows. Father, we know Your plan is perfect and we see Your word being fulfilled everyday. Lead us away from temptation and keep us from evil. Keep us until the day of Your return. Give us the words and the boldness to proclaim Your glorious name, Jesus, among the lost that they may come to the knowledge of Your truth in eternal salvation. Father, break us down so we can be rebuilt in You. We give You all glory, honor & praise for our ability to stand before You today. In Jesus name, Amen.
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