Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Devotionals

Call on the Lord from Your Heart

Loring Schultz

“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” Psalm 86:5 NIV

Photo by Samuel Martins on Unsplash

How often do you call on the Lord? How often do you pray? Calling on the Lord is the same as praying to the Lord. There is a tendency to consider ‘calling’ on the Lord differently. We may think of ‘calling’ as more of a forceful, desperate cry as compared to a silent prayer and that would be true. But you are still talking to God about your troubles. Prayers with a little more emphasis include more than words from your lips but from your heart.

The Old Testament Psalm 86 was written by King David as a prayer for God’s help when being attacked by his enemies. You can be sure David’s words were not completely silent. Even if they were, his heart and soul would have been bursting for God’s intervention. David pleas for God to hear him, answer him, guard his life, save him, have mercy on him, and bring him joy. He writes, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Ps.86:5 niv) David also knew any sin in his life would be forgiven, that God is good, and loves all who call on Him.

An important first step in prayer is to confess our sins asking for forgiveness. (1Jn.1:9) We praise Him acknowledging who He is and pray for His will to be done for what we are about to ask Him. We can tell the Lord our troubles praying from the depths of our hearts, as David did, being confident His answer is surrounded by His love for us. “Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Ps.86:6-7 niv) So, whether your prayer is loud and forceful or in complete silence, always call on the Lord from your heart.

Read: Psalm 86 NIV – A prayer of David. Hear me, LORD, and – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Discerning” Godly leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later, I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” Nehemiah 2:11-12 NLT

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash  

There are many fine people put into leadership due to a certain skill, high academic scores, a knowledge of the business, organization, or government department, or possess a charismatic personality. But one thing they lack is a discerning spirit. Having good judgement, being perceptive, seeking out facts, being discriminate and determined is vital in assuming a leadership role. Any company, organization, or government department that is failing or not able to get off the ground, you will find one or more of these ‘discerning’ qualities missing in the leadership.

We’re focusing on Godly Leadership in our weekly study of Nehemiah. Week one we noted godly leaders have a life of prayer, and last week we saw the importance of being prepared. This week we will see how Nehemiah’s discernment helped him to prepare for the task in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We start where we left off last week which is really the key to all of Nehemiah’s success, ‘the gracious hand of God was upon him.’

Nehemiah received the approval from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem and start the project of restoring the city beginning with rebuilding the walls. He was given a military escort as Nehemiah was an official in the king’s court and was doing the king’s business. The king also supplied letters to be given to the governors of the region explaining Nehemiah’s mission. The Lord had moved the king’s heart to be sympathetic towards Nehemiah and his people, the Jews living in Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes arranged safe passage and for the materials needed to do the work. Christians today need to be reminded that the same Lord can move the hearts of our Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other leaders across the world to be sympathetic towards Christians and the mission of the gospel if we pray for the good hand of the Lord to be upon us.

So, Nehemiah arrived safely in the region and presented the king’s letters to the governing authorities who were not very pleased with the news. “But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (Neh.2:10 nlt) Sanballat, whose ancestors had governed over Samaria for over 100 years felt threatened that his rule might end. Tobiah, governor of Ammon, who ruled east of the Jordan felt the same way. Nehemiah had opposition at the very beginning of the task the Lord had called him to do. You can be sure when God calls you to a special assignment for Him there will be opposition. The evil one will do all he can to discourage you from the beginning, but that is confirmation it is work the Lord wants you to do. Pray for the Lord’s good hand upon you.

Nehemiah was aware what was ahead of him in more ways than one. His immediate concern was coming up with a strategy for where to begin and how to inform the people and elders in Jerusalem of his plans. It’s interesting Nehemiah didn’t immediately go into the city and declare his intentions. In fact, when he did arrive, he stayed put for three days before doing anything. Then he went out in the darkness of night to survey what was before him. “I slipped out during the night, taking only a few others with me. I had not told anyone about the plans God had put in my heart for Jerusalem.” (Neh.2:12 nlt) Nehemiah was carefully assessing the situation with great discernment. At this point, the fewer people that knew about his plans the better, especially with the early opposition he had already received.

After surveying the damage and seeing how defenseless the city was, Nehemiah was now ready to speak to the people about his intentions.  “But now I said to them, ‘You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!’” (Neh.2:17 nlt) The city was in its current state of ruins for over 150 years. It’s apparent the people, even the elders, grew complacent with their surroundings. One commentator noted that it took someone from the outside to wake them up. We at times get comfortable where we are at, not realizing that our defenses, our walls of protection are broken down allowing easy access for sin to enter our lives. There are times when we all need a wake-up call.

Nehemiah confided in them how the Lord’s hand was upon him and how He moved the heart the king to let him go providing safe passage and materials to begin the work. The people were encouraged when they heard of God’s protection on Nehemiah and how He moved the king’s heart to act on their behalf. They were excited to start the work, finally realizing how vulnerable they had been to being attacked with no walls of protection. “They replied at once, ‘Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!’ So they began the good work.” (Neh.2:18b nlt)

Of course, the opposition continued with another ruler, Geshem of Northwest Arabia, joining Sanballat and Tobia. Nehemiah was now surrounded by enemies on the North, East, and South. But the good hand of the Lord was on Nehemiah, and he knew it. Nehemiah had asked God for success in approaching the king on what he was inspired to do, and the Lord answered. Nehemiah was confident God will continue to protect him, the workers, and the work of rebuilding the walls.

Godly leaders are discerning in any decision they make, large or small. They do not jump in headfirst, no matter what their experience, talent, or education tells them. They are careful to ensure all the bases are covered and every option is thought through, and that the good hand of the Lord is upon them.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplas

Read: Nehemiah 2:9-20 NLT – When I came to the governors of the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The One and Only Fact Checker with the Truth

Loring Schultz

“Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The LORD looked and was displeased to find there was no justice.” Isaiah 59:14-15 NLT

“For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NLT

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What is your source to find honest reporting of the news? Where do you go to verify the news you have heard to be true? The radio airwaves, television networks, cable news channels, and all streaming devices have been spreading news about the U.S. Presidential election for months and will continue to do so for the next 31 days. Again, where do you go to verify what you have heard? Most of us will go to the news source we trust the most, and that is usually in line with our political biases. But can we be sure that our most trusted news networks are always telling us the truth. The truth is, no pun intended, the answer is no.

So, to be fair and balanced as we say, a fact checker system has been put in place to fact check news stories and political candidate’s statements. But, here again, can we trust the fact checker? Is the fact checker neutral? From what source are they retrieving the information they are using to verify a statement, and is it in the proper context? I’m afraid most fact checkers are not worth their weight in salt. So, where do we turn to find out if a candidate seeking political office is telling the truth or not? There is only one fact checker who will always tell us the truth, the God of heaven through His Word.

Now, before you stop reading this piece, I understand Scripture does not address current issues of our day directly, but they do have a lot to say about integrity, telling the truth, being a false witness, bribery, showing favoritism, honest wages and business practices, and the overall role of government to provide security and safety for the people.

When a candidate makes pledges and announces policies for their administration if elected, our job is to do our own fact checking and see how this lines up with Scripture. Is what they propose truthful and a goal that can be achieved fairly for all citizens? Do any of their polices violate God’s Laws found in Scripture? Many candidates quote the Bible during campaign speeches. Christians must determine if they are quoting correctly and is it in the right context with the whole of Scripture or are they trying to make a point that is contrary to God’s standards? Sadly, in today’s environment candidates will do or say just about anything to ensure a victory on election night.

The prophet Isaiah’s words ring true for the current conditions of the United States in 2024, “Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who announces evil is attacked” (Is.59:14b-15a nlt) But Samuel tells us, “For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth.” (2Sam.7:28 nlt) We have a source we can turn to for the truth in this age of lies, falsehoods, and misinformation. It is the Lord God Himself through the words of Scripture. The one and only fact checker with the truth.

Devotionals

Standing Before Pilate           

Loring Schultz

‘“Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?’ Pilate demanded.” Matthew 27:13 NLT

FreeBibleimages.org

“But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mark 13:11 NLT

When Jesus was finally brought before Pilate the second time after the various trials in front of the Jewish rulers and an appearance before Herod, He was all but officially condemned. Pilate was amazed by Jesus’ non-response to the charges against Him from the chief priests and the elders saying, “Don’t you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?” (Mt.27:13 nlt) Jesus did confirm He was the king of the Jews when Pilate had asked Him earlier. But he would not indulge His enemies in answering the false claims put forth from them.

Jesus’ enemies would do and say anything to condemn Him, and they had up to that point. They got Jesus in front of the one who had the authority to sentence Him to death. Jesus stood before Pilate in silence to the charges against Him, but He did speak with Him as recorded in the gospel of John chapters 18 and 19. Jesus did acknowledge He was a king, but His kingdom was not of this world, and told Pilate he would have no authority over Him if it wasn’t granted to him from the Father. Jesus spoke the truth from God’s Word and put Himself in His Fathers hands.  

Christians today can follow Jesus’ example when facing persecution by speaking the truth of God’s Word and relying on God in our time of need. There are all kinds of persecution in the world today. Most Christians are not facing life or death threats for their faith in Christ, but many are. Christians in the western part of the world are only starting to feel increased pressure to deny their faith as the culture is saturated with anti-God sentiment. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 13:11, “But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (nlt)

False charges will be brought against us as Christians according to the anti-God legislation on the books, but they will be true according to Scripture. Testifying that Jesus is the Christ the only way of salvation and completely obeying His Word will need no answer. We just need to stand and wait for the Holy Spirit to speak through us. So, will we the church, be ready when we hear the charges brought against us and stand before the Pilates of our day?

Read: Matthew 27:11-14 NLT – Jesus’ Trial before Pilate – Now – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Have You Thanked the Lord for Your Salvation Today?

Loring Schultz

“I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me.” Psalm 116:13 NLT

Photo by Pok Rie on Pexels.com

Hurricane Helene recently brought death and destruction to most of the southeastern sections of the United States. From the western shores of Florida through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee, Hurricane Helene has caused 175 deaths as of this writing. “According to CBS, almost half of the deaths caused by Helene have been in North Carolina alone, where six months’ worth of rain fell. After Helene hit late on Thursday, record flood crests were measured in at least seven locations in North Carolina and Tennessee. More than a million people in some of the affected states also remained without power on Wednesday morning (10/2/24), according to monitoring site Poweroutage.us.” (1)

Millions of people are thanking the Lord today for saving their lives during this deadly storm. Many have lost their homes and all their belongings, but they are praising God they were spared from death. Christians understand this as God’s Providence. Perhaps there is still work for them to do in the name of the Lord, or maybe God is trying to tell them something, or it’s simply God’s grace upon them. Whatever the case, He spared their life, and they are thankful.

People have close calls with death every day across the globe. They are thankful in being saved from death. Non-Christians may not thank God, but they are thankful. Christians thank the Lord knowing it was by His hand of protection they were saved. Perhaps you have had a brush with death in your life, a near death experience as we say. Do you remember how you felt and what was your reaction towards God at that moment? Has that feeling faded with time? How about the day of your salvation when you put your faith in Christ? How well do you remember that day? Has that feeling faded with time? When we think what we have been saved from, should we not be thanking the Lord every day for our salvation? Today would be a good day to start.

Read: Psalm 116:12-19 NLT – What can I offer the LORD for all he – Bible Gateway

(1) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmgz3elmjxo

Samaritan’s Purse Is Responding to Hurricane Helene (samaritanspurse.org)

Devotionals

Overthrow the Lofty Opinions Against God and His Word

Loring Schultz

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

Photo by Cassidy Rowell on Unsplash

Some people barricade themselves in ideological forts of their choosing to justify their resentment to God and His Word. Their ideology makes perfect sense to them, and they stick to it. Dr. John MacArthur unveils these forts as thoughts, ideas, speculations, reasonings, philosophies, and false religions that keep them at bay with the God of the Bible. The forts are used to codify what they perceive to be right, regardless of what the Bible says. Christians who live by a Biblical worldview also have their own ideology that makes perfect sense. God, the creator of the world and human life, sent His Son Jesus Christ to save those who trust in Him, and He has given us His Word on the proper way to live. It’s simple and that’s all there is to it.

You may feel torn in the spiritual battle you are in if you are a believer. You hesitate to speak the truth to not lose friends, but you are disturbed by all you see and hear from the ideologies of the world, even from your friends. You may be intimidated by the philosophies of the world system. They sound reasonable and hard to argue against. But you will never win an argument or lead someone to Christ by engaging in the ideologies of the world. And you certainly won’t do so by remaining silent. God does not want us to be silent, but to overthrow those lofty opinions and to do so by His Word and in love.

Paul said to the believers in Corinth, “We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.” (2Cor.10:3-4 nlt) What Paul is saying is that we do not use the world’s wisdom or its ideologies to reveal truth and lead souls to Christ, but we use ‘God’s mighty weapons’ the sword of the Spirit, the Bible. Paul goes on to say in this way we overthrow every lofty opinion or ideology against God. Be bold for God, lost souls depend on it.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 ESV

Devotionals

The Brevity of Life

Loring Schultz

“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:10a, 12 NLT

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Today marks the 100th birthday of former United States President Jimmy Carter. He is by far the oldest living president in American history. The second longest lifespan for a U.S. President was George H. W. Bush at age 94 followed by Gerald R. Ford at 93. Cater became president in 1977 following the 1976 election, the first presidential election I participated it while in college. A lot of years have passed between then and now, but they seem almost like yesterday. I guess that is why the psalmist was inspired to write, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Ps.90:12 nlt)

Before making that statement, the psalmist says, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” (Ps.90:10a nlt) If that doesn’t make you think. I’m very close to the age granted to me before the extension for good health, and that time has gone by very quickly. Indeed, I need to realize, as all of us do, that life is short compared to eternity. But as short as life is, we have given a responsibility to leave our mark for Christ in the world we leave behind.

The Lord has blessed Jimmy Carter with a long life. President Carter has made good use of the time God has given him. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a successful farmer in his home state of Georgia, elected to the state Senate in 1963 he then became the governor of Georgia before serving as U.S. President. Outside of politics, Carter is best known for his humanitarian work of building houses for the less fortunate in his ‘Habitat for Humanity Project.’ In fact, in honor of his 100th birthday volunteers are constructing 30 new homes this week in St. Paul, Minnesota. President Carter has also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher in his church for many years until his health prevented him to do so.

Today Jimmy Carter is 100 years old, and even at 100 years old, he is aware life is short. What is 100 years compared to eternity. President Carter has used his short time well and is still influencing people around the world. May we realize the precious time God has given us to work His plan in the world. Our life may be brief here on earth, but it can and will be used by God for His glory if we don’t squander it away.

Happy Birthday President Carter!

https://www.cartercenter.org/about/experts/jimmy_carter.html

https://www.habitat.org/carter-work-project

Devotionals

What are you hiding from the children?

Loring Schultz

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” Psalm 78:4 ESV

Photo by Trinity Kubassek on Pexels.com

There are certain things parents hide from their children for their safety and to avoid confusion in material that is not age appropriate. Society does the same thing in keeping harmful material away from children, but sadly we are experiencing the present-day culture eroding those standards. Culture is lowering the age-appropriate standard to all-time lows on a variety of subjects causing harm and confusion to children. Christian parents are fighting an uphill battle in rising their children in the admonition of the Lord. What they hide from the innocent child in the home for their safety is often revealed in the classroom. 

Psalm 78 begins with a determination by the older generation to tell their children what their fathers passed down to them. They would teach them the glories of the Lord, His great might, the wonders He has done, and that God was their source of hope in this world. They weren’t going to hide these biblical truths from their children but teach them as soon as they were able to understand. Parents are commanded by God to teach them the wonders of God, who He is, His love for them, the way to live in this world, and God’s gift of salvation to all who believe.

Yes, there are many things to remain hidden from young minds, but the Word of God is not one of them and it must never be hidden. Parents should be intentional in teaching the Bible to their children. Their only hope in this life is in the God of the Bible. Knowing the truth of God’s Word, His commandments, and His love for them will go a long way in helping counter the hidden things they will be exposed to by the culture. You can be sure the classroom will keep the Bible hidden, so make sure it is fully exposed and taught in the comfort of your own home.

Read: Psalm 78:1-8 ESV – Tell the Coming Generation – A Maskil – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders are Prepared” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber.” Nehemiah 2:7-8a NLT

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There are essential traits that every godly leader must possess. We will look at several of them during our course of study in the book of Nehemiah the next few weeks. Last week we noted the first and most important one, prayer and fasting. To be truly successful in any endeavor in life, especially leadership, a proper relationship with the Lord in prayer is a must. We closed last week with Nehemiah continuing to pray even though he had a plan. He knew having a plan was not enough. The Lord had to be a part of it. This week we will examine Nehemiah’s plan unpacking it and noting the value of his preparations for restoring Jerusalem starting with rebuilding the walls and gates.

As we begin chapter 2, four months have passed, and it is the month of Nisan in the spring 445 B.C… Nehemiah is in his usual position serving wine to King Artaxerxes. But there is a problem. The king notices Nehemiah’s countenance is not his usual self, but one of sadness. This frightens Nehemiah greatly for it was dangerous to display such a sad emotion before the king. The king’s officials were expected to always be happy in the presence of the king despite any personal situations they were dealing with. Nehemiah literally feared for his life. So, when the king asked him, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” (Neh.2:2 nlt) Nehemiah was terrified.

Nehemiah gave an immediate response. “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” (Neh.2:3 nlt) Nehemiah appealed to the reverence of one’s ancestral burial ground by noting the ruins around them. The city’s gates in those days represented the very life of the city. They were a place for social gatherings. It was also the place where the elders of the city met to settle disputes brought to them from the residents. Nehemiah was both honest and direct in his answer to King Artaxerxes which the king understood as a deep matter of concern. And due to the relationship built up over the years the king was quick to offer help in any way he could. Building relationships through trust with those you work for and work with will pay dividends in the future. This is one example, but of course, we don’t do it to get something out of it, but to be obedient to God as representing Him in the workplace.

A quick silent prayer was offered by Nehemiah to the God of heaven before his reply to the king. “So I prayed to the God of heaven.” (Neh.2:4b esv) When prayer is needed in the moment, Nehemiah’s response is the way to go. There is no time for proper posture, getting your list out, or reading scripture first, you need to pray now. Just do it! God will hear and answer. Nehemiah had been praying for such an occasion over the last four months. He never knew when the opportunity would come, so he needed to be ready. Ready to ask the king for his help when the time arrived, and of course he prayed. This was the day he was waiting for and he was prepared.

Praying, fasting, planning, and preparing are essential traits for godly leadership as mentioned, but ‘patience’ is also an essential trait. This could be the hardest to achieve, but nothing is impossible with God as you take it to Him in prayer. Godly leaders must be patient to work on God’s timetable. Rushing into a project, even well planned out, based on our own assumptions that the right time is right will prove disastrous. Prayer is vital in determining when God gives us the green light. Godly leaders will not go on their assumptions but will wait for clarity from the Lord.

The patience of Nehemiah paid off as the time had come that he was preparing for to deliver his request to the king. His prayer life and his confidence in God gave him the boldness of a godly leader who trust is in the Lord. Nehemiah boldly asked for a leave of absence from his important role as the king’s cupbearer. “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” (Neh.2:5 nlt) The king granted his request, and the time of his absence was agreed to. Nehemiah then shown he had done his homework planning what he would need. He boldly asked King Artaxerxes for letters of authorization for clear passage through other jurisdictions. Nehemiah then asked for a letter of authorization to secure timber from the king’s forest to build the walls and gates of Jerusalem and even timber his own home when he gets there. He evidently researched and knew where to find the lumber he needed. Nehemiah prepared to take on the project of rebuilding Jerusalem. Beginning with prayer and fasting, working a plan, and preparing to present it to the king, and with great patience when the time had come, Nehemiah was ready.  “And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.” (Neh.2:8b nlt)

Leadership today is need of a Nehemiah approach to be a godly leader. Whether involved in church ministry, working in the business world, or in government, godly leaders who pray, plan, and are prepare will confidently be able to accomplish much and make a difference where God has placed them. If you aspire to be a leader, be prepared. You never know when that door will finally open when the gracious hand of God is on you.

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash

Read: Nehemiah 2:1-8 NLT – Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem – Early the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Standing in the Gap for America

Loring Schultz

“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” Ezekiel 22:30-31 NLT

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

The United States of America is still the greatest, most prosperous nation in the world today. Cemented on Judeo-Christian values from the pages of Holy Scripture by the founding Fathers, the United States has been blessed as no other nation for the undivided attention given to God’s commands and the truth given to us from our creator. But, I’m afraid those days are surely coming to an end. The United States as a country has abandon God and we are starting to see the beginning of the end of our freedom unless a radical change back to God is made very soon.

It is impossible for anyone to not be aware of the deterioration of the very fabric of our nation. Even the casual observer of the news is confronted with political turmoil, ever increasing crime, hatred towards others, racism, scandals within our government institutions, attempts to silence free speech, discrimination, churches turning away from the truths of God’s Word, and Federal government spending causing the rise in the debt ceiling. The fact is, although being aware of the crisis in our country, many people are either disinterested or simply don’t care. Others are too busy with their own concerns, some are part of the problem, and then there are others who do care but only complain. They never take the initiative by getting involved to help in any way they can, even praying for the country.

The Lord speaking through the prophet Ezekiel was looking for someone to intercede on behalf of the people of Jerusalem who were about to be taken captive, and the city destroyed. Their continued sinning by turning their back on God is about to unleash the consequences. Sadly, the Lord found no one to ‘stand in the gap’ rebuilding the wall of righteousness. There was no one to teach repentance and return to the Lord their God. Jerusalem was destroyed and the people taken to Babylon in captivity.

The United States must heed this warning from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, if the Lord God did not spare His own people from destruction due to their sin, what makes us think He will spare the United States of America? “So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign LORD, have spoken!” (Ez.22:31 nlt) Who will help rebuild the wall of righteousness, the sacred Judeo-Christian values that established the United States, and stand in the ‘stand in the gap?’ Will it be you? Will it be me? May it be both of us!

The link below will help get us off to a good start. Today is Day 2 of ’40 Days of Prayer before the U. S. Presidential election.’ May we all be in prayer as we stand in the gap for the next 40 days for America and other countries around the world.

40 Days USA | A Call To Pray For Our Nation

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