Sunday, July 3, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | What America needs most
This Monday well cut watermelons, enjoy cookouts, churn ice cream, watch fireworks, and possibly travel to see family. Another Independence Day has rolled around and well celebrate the freedom and democracy that we must never take for granted. Life is good for most of us. Several years ago Barna Research conducted a survey that revealed nearly four out of five adults (78 percent) are completely or mostly satisfied with their lives these days. Those surveyed seemed more concerned about national problems than they were about personal problems. At the time of this survey (early 2002), the national issues of greatest concern were war and related fears about terrorism, economic issues such as the strength of the economy; taxes and the cost of living; the moral decline of the nation, unemployment and job issues, and national security (www.barna.org, The Barna Update, March 26, 2002). As we celebrate July 4, we realize that were a great nation, but were not a perfect nation. The news media reminds us of that reality every day. In light of our needs, please consider this question: Have we become too independent from God? What is Americas greatest need? What America needs most is to turn to God and seek Him daily with a renewed vigor and intensity. In other words, we need revival. Lamentations 5:21 reads, Turn us back to you, O Lord, and we will be restored. Renew our days as of old. The prophet Hosea calls us to break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you (Hosea 10:12). Revival is a supernatural outpouring of Gods presence and power that awakens the spiritual lives of believers and causes them to draw closer to God and live for Him. Its a spiritual shot in the arm that gives a new boost of purpose and passion as we live for God. Its a movement of God that breaks our independence and brings us back to total dependence on the living God. Are you in need of personal revival? Ask yourself these questions: Is my relationship with God the most important thing in my life? Does my relationship with God influence my entire life? Do I reflect godliness in my daily dealings with others? Can others see Jesus in me? Am I quick to admit when I am wrong and seek forgiveness? Do I pray? If revival in my home, church and community depended on my prayers, would there ever be revival? Do I read and study Gods Word between Sundays? Am I used to sin, or does it bother me that my sin displeases God? Does my life look more like the world, or more like God? As a deer pants for the water brooks, does my soul really long for God? (Psalm 42:1). Are my thoughts pure? Are my motives pure? Several years ago a family dropped out of church after being active for years. The pastor and members gently encouraged them to get involved again, but to no avail. One day the father and sons were working in the fields, and a big rattlesnake bit one of the boys. He became seriously ill, and the doctor was called. The doctor did all he could, then told the family: All we can do now is pray. So the father sent for the pastor. The pastor came right away and prayed: We pray, Father, for this boys full recovery. But we also thank you for sending this rattlesnake. This family hasnt been in church for years, and we pray that this serpent will be used to bring them all to a spirit of genuine repentance. Already, this snake has done more to turn them around than all the pleas of their fellow Christians. On second thought, Lord, maybe what our entire church needs are bigger rattlesnakes! Maybe thats what America needs, too. |
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