Nations Blessed or Cursed

Many European countries and most of Norh America (Canada, Mexico, and United States) claim Christian backgrounds.  Under God and His laws, these were the blessed nations whose people had all the benefits listed at the beginning of in Deuteronomy 28.  As they became corrupted by sin, purposeful divisiveness, propaganda, false rhetoric, and politics; many of these cournties' citizens are now seeing the curses listed in the last part of that same chapter of the Bible.  Is it too late to turn back from evil to good?  Can people hope to experience blessings once more and throw off the curses?  How can Christians unite for the good of their nations?

“But if you don’t obey the Lord your God and faithfully carry out all his commands

and statutes that I’m giving you today,

then all these curses will come upon you and overwhelm you:"

- Deuteronomy 28:15 (ISV)

If the people of these nations start prayaing and following Christ again, He will intercede on their behalf to God the Father and His promises will abound once more.  If those same citizens ecoem brave enough to insist that their leadership have real ethics and morality too, then perhaps the curses may quickly reverse and the nation can once again be prosperous. Changing back to a direction of life without sin and following of God's laws as the true basis for justice is definitely the right way to go from here.

"Indeed, if you diligently obey the Lord your God to carry out all his commands

that I’m giving you today,

then the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

Moreover, all these blessings will come upon you in abundance

if you obey the Lord your God:"

- Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ISV)

Holy War - Fighting Sin In Modern Days

The "Modern Day Holy War" song by Lady Nogrady in the video below has such a powerful spiritual message.  Open your heard and spirit to listen to the words closely first, maybe with your eyes closed.  Then if you are brave and want to know more, consider  opening your eyes and mind to the images that are shown in the video when you listen again.  

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, 
but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) " - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (KJV)

Some may say this is a political message, not a God one.  For that reason I struggled with whether or not to put it on a Christian faith blog with the mission of spreading God's word.  I prayed and was released to include it because there is so much truth (count your blessings, spiritual warfare, be in sin no more) in it for modern Christians.  While it is true that some of the images may be political, all the words are truly spiritual.  

"Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations,
and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;" - Jeremiah 51:20 (KJV)

God does care about who our leaders are and the politics that are shoved down the throats of His people.  We do NOT need to keep politics out of the pulpit, instead we need to keep evil out of the Church.  Preachers need to research who they support and pray before they allow them to speak to their congregation.  Chrisitans need to pray before they vote and constantly to be aware that evil wants to take our physical and spiritual lives.  Protect your soul, heart, and mind - put on the armor of God and prepare for the fight that is no longer coming, because it is already here.

The Way to Victory

It seems there is no hope for the righteous as crime rises and evil seems to rule more and more.  People of faith are either ignored by those in power or persecuted by a small group that targets them as a way to gain power.  Where is the hope and comfort for Christians in the world today?  How are the faithful to remain brave in the face of so much pain caused by the world and its anger aimed at them?

"The Lord is a stronghold to him whose way is upright, 

but destruction to evildoers. 

The righteous will never be removed, 

but the wicked will not dwell in the land." 

- Proverbs 10:29-30 (RSV) 

Hope in the Lord is the same today and tomorrow, as it was in the past.  God never changes!  With that in mind and spirit , people of faith can move forward with courgae.  Continue to be faithful to God, family, and church.  Keep reading and memorizing the Holy Bible. Pray for God's intervention and justice.  Work at making things better.  Keep singing God's praises.  Speak out against evil.  Stand up for righteousness.  Put on the full armor of God.  Remember, God always wins!  In that, Christians can take comfort and also become very brave.

Do Not Stop Praying

In the video below are 4+ minutes of lyrics of "Don't Stop Praying" sung by Matthew West.  In another blog post, continuously praying for change was discussed as necessary for breakthorugh.  This song is on that theme too, only it is more about praying for self and others instead of standing in the gap to fight against evil.  

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

As the song says, keep praying becasue God does hear your prayers.  If your requests are asked in His will, he will answer in His time.  Just be aware that the answer God has for you could be: Yes, No, or Not Now.  Also listen closely to how He responds, as He might be leading you to take action too.

Journey To The Cross - Easter Devotional

Darius Johnston shares a daily devotoional (via email) called "Journey to the Cross" with my church body to prepare us for Easter. The devotional is not the typical Easter story, instead it is the teachings of Jesus.  Each day has a different topic or theme.  So, if you miss any days, you do not have to try to catch up on the "Story."   Since the devotional is free to anyone, I got permission to share the daily (Monday thru Saturday) links here so others may go through this spirutal growth journey too. 

NOTE: If you prefer to get the emails to your inbox, click on the "Subscribe" option at the top right corner of any daily webpage link below.  

 
Week 1: Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6
Week 2: Day 7 - Day 8 - Day 9 - Day 10 - Day 11 - Day 12
Week 3: Day 13 - Day 14 - Day 15 - Day 16 - Day 17 - Day 18  > Palm Sunday/Holy Week

Week 4: Day 19 - Day 20 - Day 21 - Day 22 - Day 23 - Day 24  > Easter Sunday

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive these people! 

They don't know what they're doing.'” - Luke 23:34-35 (CEV)

PS: #youareinvitedtochurch at Victorious Life Church or any church near you on Easter Sunday to learn more about Jesus Chriat and what He did as Savior and Lord that you can be forgiven of sins and go to Heaven not Hell. You do not have to attend church to pray for salvation, but it helps you to grow spiritually and learn more about God. So, where will you be on Sunday?

For additional Easter scriptures, see Daily Devotionals: Jesus Died for You and Christ Rose for You.

Nothing is Going to Change Until?

"Nothing is going to change until someone decides to pray" is what Rev. Darious Johnston said last Sunday.  That hit me hard as I have been praying and I know many others are praying for change in our nation and the world.  There is so much evil being  promoted while  Christians are being too silent.  We are being told it is not our business or that politics are not part of the Church.  So we watch as devil spreads lies and laughs as corruption prospers.  We cry out to God as others are persecuted and/or prosecuted.  But are we really supposed to do nothing?

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12 (NIV)

Fighting evil is our business, Christian or not!  We need to get on our knees and pray for change!  This is our first line of offense and defense.  Our nation needs to return to God.  We also need to ask God how He wants to use each of us to bring about change.  We need to become a courageous army of God, and stop being a pathetic prisoner of false doctrines.  

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. 
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." "
- Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Are you praying for judges and govenrment authorities to make the right decision?   Are you praying for new leaders with godly hearts? Are you praying for family and friends to find and follow Jesus?  Are you praying for and helping those who need help?  The Bible instructs us to pray!  It also encourages us to do what is right and fight a good fight for the Lord.  Want things to change?  Get on your knees first!  Then stand up for truth, righteouseness, and justice against lies, evil, and wrong-doings.

Miracle Power of Our Wonderful God

Below are 4+ minutes of lyrics of "Miracle Power" song by the Christian group We The Kingdom in a sing-along video.  This song reflects on what a wonderful God we have and how much He loves us.   In these uncertain times, knowing God is there for us can reduce  any fears and anxiety we may face.  

"Thou art the God that doest wonders: 
thou hast declared thy strength among the people." - Psalm 77:14 (KJV)

I think it would be a great song for us to listen to anytime we are feeling lost or lonely.  It is an uplifting  and hopeful song with a moderate beat.  The words reminds us that we serve a mircale-working God that will provide what we need.