America is facing an Identity Crisis

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. Matt 12:25

America is on fire and on the brink of eminent change. The gradual breakdown of injustice, inequality, intimidation, fear and unrest is a direct result of consistently sweeping issues under the rug over a period of time. If one does not learn from past lessons, one is destined to repeat the same cycle until the lesson is learned.

Every system and organization is collapsing. It is like throwing water on a grease fire. The political, educational, social, financial, economical, religious structures is facing a definite crisis that we have never experienced before in our lifetime.

When a nation loses its identity, they will fall for anything and stand for nothing. Our country has become complacent in their value and moral systems, they pacify their true identity and characteristics of what it takes to build a strong, healthy and viable society.  Just like a family structure, a family breaks down without unity. The family becomes fragmented resulting in discord, chaos, confusion, disorder and division.

There has been a continuous phase of splintered systems for the past few decades. In 2008, a paradigm shift began.  Lives have been shaken and transformed.

This is a time of great exposure. The Lord is revealing the corruption, greed, bribery and scandals on every level.  Even the use of social media is exposing all levels of chaos and corruption. It is webbing perspectives, viewpoints and communication for a greater understanding and higher purpose. Truth is smacking us in the face in every direction. However, this is not a time to walk in fear.

We must take a hard look at possible solutions to correct the ways of humanity.

When a society continues to live in complacency and ignore or hide behind reality eventually the ultimate issues will surface until they are dealt with.  The act of violence is raging in our communities just like a fire ignites and accelerates.

This shift is inclusive to accepting man’s ways instead of God’s ways. There is an escalation of lawlessness and fraud when good is considered evil and evil is considered good.

When morals, values, justice and integrity starts to breakdown in society, the structure disintegrates as a whole. The moral fabric that knits us together begins to unravel.

Each one of us has a specific function in the Body of Christ and in society. When a body is healthy, it operates in unity. Each part is designed to complete and carry out a specific task or function. One cannot operate without the other to work properly. As a whole, the purpose is manifested.

As an ambassador for Christ, you are called to walk in love and obedience with integrity, respect and honor. We are made in God’s image which is holy and pure.

These occurrences did not happen overnight. It is now midnight in America. As the masses walk in chaos, fear, intimidation, worry and pain, the children of God’s elect must shine His light in the center of darkness. We must speak out for justice. Let us not walk in anger but in love.

Whatever capacity of Godly influence you have, it’s time to occupy that space. It’s long overdue. The Father is unfolding His plans and purposes in our lives. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom to answer the call.

Much like a caterpillar, transformation is an ugly process, however through each stage a beautiful butterfly emerges. Let us focus on the beautiful qualities and characteristics that the Lord possesses which will guide and lead us into our true identity in Christ and let us mirror His image in the world.

Prayer

Lord, I seek your wisdom and discernment to lead others to Christ. Let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn so deep within me that your flames spark the hearts and transform the minds of men.

Lord, let us discern truth and dismantle lies in all areas of our lives. Help us to appoint humble and noble leadership in the decisions we face in our nation and for our future. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture References

Power

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 1:8

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power Eph 1:17-19

Emotions

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked. Psalm 94:13

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:8

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb 4:15

Walking in Love

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Col 3:12-14

Wisdom

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Prov 2:1-5

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psalm 111:10

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Prov 1:5

Courage

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deut 31:6

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. I Corth 16:13

Integrity

26 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

Psalm 26:1-5

When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Prov 11:2-3

Submission to Authority

13 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom 13:1

44 So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. Psalm 119:44-45

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. I Sam 15:23

Encouragement

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Coth 1:3-4

2015 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2015 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 430 times in 2015. If it were a cable car, it would take about 7 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Lost and Found

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 Many years ago, I went shopping with a close friend with her two-year old child. As we      casually picked out outfits, we watched her daughter dash between the racks of clothing  playing peep- a- boo. When we decided what to purchase, we got in line.

However, we could  not locate her daughter. She was suddenly missing when we called her name. We frantically  rushed through the store asking people if they had seen a small child describing her in  extreme detail. With alarm, no one had seen her. They sent out an announcement over the  intercom as we raced through the aisles searching for the child.

In a panic, my friend headed towards the courtyard inside the mall where she passed the security desk where she found her child sitting on top of the desk with a security officer gently holding her. It was the most rewarding and gratifying moment ending in a sigh of relief.

It definitely does not feel good to get lost. I can remember several times being lost when I was driving to a new location. As I desperately searched to find the right direction, I usually became extremely panicked to make it to my destination. Then, finally I would find my way which provided me with comfort. Of course, this experience was long before cell phones and GPS systems!

When you’re lost spiritually, you may not even be aware. There is no warning or immediate danger involved. You may travel through life freely taking no precautions or direction in life.

You don’t have any fear about salvation or eternal life. Possibly, you may simply be at a crossroad in the midst of confusion about what you believe. No matter what road you travel, the Lord’s grace and mercy will find exactly where you are if your heart is open to receive His love. God’s love is profound.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus) that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-1

This is the foundation and the basic substance of truth found in the Word of God. Once you start to follow your spiritual GPS (God’s Power Saves) which is directed by the Holy Spirit, you will find comfort and security.

You will find out the empty, lonely place where you are constantly searching to fill a void in your life does not sustain peace or satisfaction.

When you begin to fill the space with such things as alcohol, drugs, sex, money, power, material things and other feel-good possessions and remedies, you begin to realize that it only last for a moment before you begin to search and search and search for something else that satisfies and fills the void. Eventually, you find out that you spent a lifetime seeking something that does not exist or that you cannot find.

When you put your faith in Jesus, you begin to receive a wholeness that does not compare to worldly expectations. Seeking a relationship with Jesus consists of daily prayer (simply communicating or having a conversation with Him), worship and praise, reading the Gospel and surrounding yourself with other believers and finding a Bible-based church. You will begin to transform yourself and your life. However, it’s a gradual process and it’s not done in your own power. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.” Zech 4:6

The growth process is never-ending with no destination in sight. It is an exciting journey with lots of surprises along the way. Living a Christian life, is by no means easy. You will still face obstacles, challenges and problems, but you will not have to carry the burdens and pressures of life on your shoulders.

When you walk by faith, you are “Trusting the evidence of things hoped for but the evidence of things unseen.” Heb 11:1 and Romans 8:24

This is the same faith you will use when you acknowledge Jesus as your Lord and Savior who has died and resurrected for your sins. You must come to Him by faith.

What makes the relationship so special? Each person will never have the same exact experience. You are a designed original and the Lord desires to have an intimate relationship with you because He created you for His pleasure. It’s just like the lost child who wandered through the mall.

Our Father welcomes you into His loving arms when He finds one of His lost children and desires to build a relationship that will be everlasting. How can you miss out on that opportunity?

Reference:

“And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another comforter: that He may abide with you forever. Even the Spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him: for He dwells with you, and shall be with you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:16-18

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15:4

“But if our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.” 2 Corth 4:3