Mathew 7: 24 - 27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Exodus: 20: 1 - 2
Then God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other Gods before Me.
~ In Albany N.Y, the capital city of New York State. During worship on a cloudy National Day of Prayer, at the foot of the capital building, when the song turned to the glory of Gods creation, the sky suddenly opened and the sun shone on the people, several hundred strong. There were gasps and excited exclamations of how God was using the sun to shine blessing on His people.
Later in the program, the organizers set up for the politicians speeches. The American flag was set in place for the pledge of allegiance. Again there was a suddenness, this time from the wind. It blew the American flag flat to the ground. There was momentary stunned silence as the organizers, duck tape in hand rushed to the rescue. No one spoke of God using the wind.
What just happened ? Did the Holy Spirit indeed shine grace on His people gathered there, and later spurn the Country of this people when the flag fell ? Was it such a statement, emanating from New York's capital, the author of many national policies in opposition to Christian values and ethics. Have we as Christians, misplaced our devotion ? Do we really have no other Gods before us ? We love our country, we love our flag, we honor those lost with deep passion. Do we love God more ? Our country, flag and passion for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, if all are removed, will we still love and show honor to God ? Is it too difficult when God disciplines the country of our birth, that we love so dearly ? Today, did the Spirit Shine the light of His grace and tip the flag, or can we only bear to acknowledge the former but not the later. The difficult Footprint today, is knowing that God is over all other authority. He sets up and tears down. Our founders knew it. On this day of prayer, let us pray that we understand it too and through His grace, the goodness of this country, He will maintain for His glory. May we come to the place where the wind blows and the house stands.
~ Chris
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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You have beautifully written what I have thought and tried to express myself.
ReplyDeleteAll my life I have said that God must come first, but am i living this out? Thank you again for focusing the light. ~Maria
Wow it sounds like the Holy Spirit was definitely present at the National Day of Prayer in Albany. It's so great that you were able to have that experience =)
ReplyDelete-Rach
I often feel closest to God thorough nature. It is there that he seems to whisper to his people, or in the case of the wind...shout! It appears as though God was speaking to the people in Albany who were gathered when he opened the sky to sun, and tore down the flag with the wind. Our nation has come far from where we once were in our relationship with God. We were once a predominantly Christian nation who put God first, we were one nation under God, and in God we trusted. We are only small pieces of this former self. We have become a nation who elects corrupt leaders who put themselves, money, power, and greed first. We condemn those who speak the truth because they aren't "politically correct." We do not trust in the Lord, though we should as a people. Our own President didn't follow the traditions of the day of prayer.
ReplyDeleteThe casting down of the flag was perhaps a warning of times to come.