Berean Journeymen

Dear Americans,

There was a time not so long ago when you, though far from perfect, sought my face and my ways and for this I did bless. You and your leaders gave thanks to me for all things and in all circumstances for you knew I was your source. Thoughts and requests were presented to me with thanksgiving by prayer and petition and for this I did bless.

But it seems times are changing.

Now instead of looking to and relying upon me, you look for deliverance among your own. How bewildering to see a people follow an elephant or a donkey when neither bears my image. Some follow an animal that endorses the murder of babies and a lifestyle that would bring about humanity’s extinction, instead of giving thanks to, placing their hope in, and depending upon the Giver of life. Some follow an animal that often turns its back on the poor and is quick to enter into war for purposes of pride and revenge, instead of giving thanks to, placing their hope in, and depending upon the One who is truly compassionate and powerful.

I hear your chants of ‘God bless America’, yet your nation once committed to Christ is shifting to one that is following other gods. It seems you know me not and have turned a blind eye to history. Hasn’t history shown my blessing pours out upon those who follow me, and my wrath upon those who do not? Where is your love of me with all of your heart, all of your mind, all of your soul and all of your strength? Where is your full obedience to my Word? Where is your continual contemplation of, dedication to, and pursuit of my holiness and my will?

You celebrate Thanksgiving, but to whom do you give thanks…your political leaders, your false gods, yourselves? Who is it that has given you abundance? Who is it that has the power to give talents, ambition, and opportunity? Who is it that gives the greater things of salvation and peace? Is it not I? Do not forget who I am, and that I AM who I AM is the source of your everything. Do not forget blessings were bestowed upon you so that your neighbors and the nations of the world would see me honored and worshiped and be drawn onto me for their salvation and my great namesake.

O America, O self-proclaiming Christians…it is good to give thanks for your blessings this day, but ensure your focus is on the Giver and not on the gifts given, fore that leads to idolatry. Take care not to honor me with your lips while keeping your hearts far from me, fore that exposes your deceit and hands down ignorance and loss to your children and children’s children. Turn back to the teachings and passions of your forefathers. Humble yourselves and pray. Seek my face. Turn away from your wicked ways and towards Christ. If you do these things, I will forgive your sins and then you will realize who and what is truly worthy of your thanks and praise.

Signed,
Yahweh - The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

(meant for contemplation, not prophecy :) -- have a great week!)

A man stood before the peering eyes of the high council and those who accused him of proclaiming the power of Jesus of Nazareth. He was faced with a moment that would reveal his faith and determine his identity. And in that moment he responded by giving a reason for the hope within him and even challenged his challengers by claiming, "You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." And by taking this stance, he was dragged out into the city and was stoned to death. His name was Stephen and he was killed for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ a few years after Christ’s death.

There was another man who stood before the peering eyes of the Proconsul and those who had gathered in the stadium awaiting a show. His accuser urged, “Swear by the genius of Ceasar, repent, say 'away with the atheists'. Swear, and I will release thee; curse the Christ.” He was given a clear choice to deny Christ and live or face the deadly consequences. And in that moment he embraced the fact that to live is Christ and to die is gain and replied, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” As a result, his body was lit on fire and an executioner plunged a dagger deep within him. His name was Polycarp and he was killed for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ over a hundred years after Christ’s death.

There was another man who stood before the peering eyes of the men waving their guns and shouting at the crowd. As he waited, he felt the compassion of God for his accusers and decided to present the Gospel to them. He told them, “God loves you and I love you. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven. Even now, God is willing to forgive your sins because He loves you. The blood of the Lord Jesus can clean and purify your souls.” The accusers stood in stunned silence and finally one of them said, “You are guilty of fooling the people with your religion. Today, you are being judged.” And without another word, the guns blasted and the man’s body dropped first to his knees and then to the ground in a pool of blood. His name was Romulo and he was executed for sharing the good news of Jesus just a few years ago, nearly 2,000 years after Christ’s death.

History is filled with an on-going line of saints who were willing to stand for Christ, not for the glory of standing or falling, but for the glory of God. Are you and I willing to step into this great line? Will we who call ourselves believers have the passion of Stephen to share the hope of Jesus to a dying world, even when insults and stones will be thrown at us? Will we have the life-long dedication of Polycarp to hold fast to the faith in the midst of being mocked and persecuted in front of others? Will we who call ourselves believers be willing to love non-believers enough to share the Gospel of Jesus in return for likely judgment and even death?

Within each one of us is the potential to stand as many saints have stood before, through the power of the Holy Spirit. So let us stand then! If our strength is in the Lord, then let us strengthen our relationship with and love of and obedience to God. In times of weakness, let us be all the more strong in our faith…when life feels passionless, let us be all the more passionate in our pursuit of Christ…when our thoughts are shallow, let us dive deep into our commitment to our Savior and the words He gave us. Whether we realize it or not, we are all given moments throughout our lives, yes even throughout each day, in which we must choose to stand with Christ or deny him. The choice is ours…so let us stand!