Tag: Repentance

Bible Studies

“Don’t Neglect the Spirit” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 6:14-29 NLT – The Death of John the Baptist – Herod – Bible Gateway

“For Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him.” Mark 6:20 NLT

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This week in Sunday’s Biblical Insights we have a story not for the squeamish, the brutal beheading of John the Baptist. The tragic event will unfold against the backdrop of bewilderment, superstition, immorality, resentment, and neglecting the Spirit. The gruesome act against John the Baptist is matched by Herod Antipas’ cutting away his soul by not responding to the conflict within himself. Human beings created in the image of God have an innate instinct to know right from wrong. When the spirit convinces us our way of living is wrong and we do nothing about it, we set ourselves up for a tragic end, even hurting other people in the process. Herod Antipas neglected the spirit, and it cost John the Baptist his life, and cost Herod his eternal soul.

We begin with the breaking news around Israel of reports of a man performing miracles of healing, casting out demons, causing concern among officials in the mixed reactions of the people. It didn’t take long for the news to reach the ears of Herod, who was the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. Herod’s first reaction to the news about Jesus was “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” (Mk.6:16 nlt) Being riddled with a guilty conscience and prone to superstition, Herod thought John the Baptist had come back to haunt him. Some of the people agreed with Herod’s assumption about Jesus. Many others thought Jesus was Elijah who was prophesized to appear before the Messiah would appear. Others supposed Jesus to be another one of the many prophets who had come in the tradition of the Old Testament, and still others presumed Him to be another Moses who had come to lead the people.

The seed to John the Baptist’s demise was planted by John himself as he continually called out Herod Antipas for his infidelity. He not only put Herod on notice, but Herodias as well, who left her husband for an adulterous affair with Herod. In fact, the whole Herodian dynasty was the subject of John’s continual rebukes. Herodias married her half Uncle Philip who was Herod Antipas’ brother. Herod was married to the daughter of Aretas, king of Arabia, but divorced her and sent her away. John’s rebuke was straight to the point, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” (Mk.6:18 nlt)

Herodias was filled with resentment towards John and wanted him killed for his non-stop criticism of her relationship with Herod. Herod had John arrested and put in prison to satisfy Herodias, but more importantly to protect John. It was here where Herod and John had more hard conversations. Herod respected John, knowing he was a good, decent, and holy man. Scripture says Herod was greatly disturbed (perplexed) when he spoke with him.  The Greek word for ‘perplexed’ is ‘aporeō’ meaning ‘doubt’ or ‘to be without a way.’ Something triggered Herod’s conscience that he kept going back to John and enjoying the time with him. John, no doubt, left Herod with internal moral conflict.

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The grudge against John the Baptist Herodias held did not subside. She cunningly and patiently waited for the right time to put a decisive plan in place to kill John by having Herod order it himself. The occasion was a birthday party for Herod with his high ranking civil and military officers in attendance. Herodias’ daughter performed an exotic suggestive dance before Herod and his guests. It was highly unprecedented for a princess to perform such a dance but was reserved for servant girls to perform. Herod’s moral lapse from his drinking and the dance led him to offer a pledge to Herodias’ daughter, “Ask me for anything you like, and I will give it to you. I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom” (Mk.6:22-23 nlt) Of course giving away half the kingdom is a figure of speech not to be taken seriously, but Herodias’ plan was about to be signed, sealed, and delivered.

“She went out and asked her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ Her mother told her, ‘Ask for the head of John the Baptist!’” (Mk.6:25 nlt) The girl callously came back and said, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” (Mk.6:25 nlt) It was now too late now for Herod to change his mind. It would have been better to give her half the kingdom. With all his guests looking on, Herod would not refuse her and immediately sent an executioner to carry out his order to behead John the Baptist. We question why Herod would go through with her very savage request. Several reasons come into play. An oath was considered binding and unbreakable in those days, no matter how cruel or unsensible. Again, his guests just witnessed the dance and the pledge he made to his satisfaction. And perhaps a bigger reason was Herod’s failure to allow the spirit to work in him as he spoke with John many times.

Herod Antipas, being grieved deeply regretted his actions of promising to give Herodias’ daughter anything she asked for and then carrying out the request. Spur of the moment decisions are never good, even worse when our heart and mind is not right with God but centered on our own lusts and desires. Herod lived such a self-centered life, but God gave him plenty of opportunities hearing John the Baptist’ rebukes to correct the wrongs in his life. May we not neglect the spirit when He points out anything in our lives that is not pleasing to Him. We can be sure God will make it known to us because it displeases Him and He wants us to make it right. Don’t neglect the spirit as Herod did but listen to His voice when it comes to you from wherever and whoever.

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Bible Studies

“Clear the road” The Good News of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark    

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 1:1-8 NLT – John the Baptist Prepares the Way – Bible Gateway

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” Mark 1:3 NLT

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This first Sunday of the new year in Biblical Insights we will start a study in the gospel of Mark. Mark, the second book in the New Testament and one of the four gospels, begins with a simple introduction, “This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Mk.1:1 nlt) It may be simple, short and to the point, but that’s the point. So, there is no misunderstanding, this book is about the good news of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The Zondervan NASB Study Bible notes, “The good news is that God has provided salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Mark is more concise than the other gospel writers and focuses more on Jesus’ actions than His teachings. Although through His actions there is much teaching to be learned. Mark’s gospel puts emphasis on His servanthood while confirming His deity. His humanity is detailed throughout the book, and He is presented as the suffering servant. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk.10:45 nlt) It is the good news of Jesus Christ.

Mark skips over the genealogy of Jesus and story of His birth jumping right into the start of Jesus’ ministry with John the Baptist preparing the way. “He (John) is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (Mk.1:3 nlt) John was the messenger who was prophesized would come ahead of the Messiah and prepare the way for Him. In ancient days king’s envoys were sent ahead to clear the roads for safe passage and to announce the arrival of the king. John was preparing the hearts and minds of the people of Jesus’ arrival to fulfill His Father’s plan of salvation for them. It is in this same manner that we prepare our hearts and minds by clearing the road of any debris or distractions that will prevent the Holy Spirit from teaching us the Biblical Insights He has for us in this study.

John the Baptist’s ministry of preparing the way for Jesus was a call to repentance. That’s a good place for us to start if we are serious about studying God’s Word and growing in Him. Confession of sin and turning away from it will clear and purify our hearts and minds, making us ready to receive His Word. John preached his message of ‘repentance baptism’, baptism accompanied by repentance, in the arid wilderness near the Dead Sea. People were coming out to him when they heard of his ministry. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.” (Mk.1:5 nlt) There hasn’t been a prophet in Israel for 400 years and you could imagine the interest of the Jews to see this prophet. John certainly looked the part with his clothing of camels’ hair and his diet, he was a replicate of the Old Testament prophets.

Meeting John in the wilderness was reminiscent of the Jewish wanderings in Exodus. The wilderness was the meeting place for God and His people in the Old Testament. We need to be reminded of that next time we find ourselves in a wilderness. God loves to meet His people in their wilderness. He will meet us when we are ready to meet Him after exhausting all our options. God will not leave us there but will draw us out as we turn to Him.  

John’s announcement was, “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” (Mk.1:7 nlt) John could not forgive sin, nor was that his intention. His message was to lead people to the one who could forgive sin. John stated he only baptized people with water, clearly no saving value. Referring to Jesus he said, “…. but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” (Mk.1:8b nlt) John the Baptist’s ministry was one of confession, repentance and righteous living, followed up by baptism. He heralded the Messiah’s coming and prepared people waiting for His arrival.

Jesus’ ministry was providing salvation by coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying on the cross for forgiveness of sin, and conquering death by rising from the dead to ensure eternal life for all who believe accepting Him as savior. No wonder John uttered that he wasn’t even worthy as a slave to untie His sandals. Next week we’ll see the one who John was preparing the way for. Have you cleared the road for Him?

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Devotionals

Small Beginnings

Loring Schultz

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

The Jews had to start over, so to speak, in formal worship to God in the Temple. The Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar during the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jews were carried off to Babylon. Judah was held in captivity for 70 years before being allowed to return home. Upon returning home, the work of rebuilding the Temple would soon take place. They had to start over.

As the work began many of the older people were dismayed at the smaller size of the Temple compared to the old Temple that was destroyed. “But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation.” (Ez.3:12 nlt) Discouragement was felt by those who saw the work as insignificant, but the Lord was pleased that the work had begun. It may have been a small beginning, but the Jews were given the opportunity to start over now that they were back in the Promised Land.

Has the Lord God given you another chance to start over and restore your relationship with Him? It may not be the same at first, and it may be a fraction of what it was. In comparison, it’s not even close to where you had been, but God will be please when you take up that opportunity and begin again. He is the God of second, third, fourth, and fifth, chances. Don’t despise these small humble beginnings He is giving you. No matter what brought you to this place, confess your sin before God, accept His forgiveness, and start a new relationship with Him however small the beginning, and thank Him for another chance He has afforded you at the start of this New Year.

Devotionals

Broken Relationships

Loring Schultz

“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” Hosea 12:6 ESV

The following statistics are not very comforting and based on the findings, many of you reading this could be among them. According to marriage.com, 40-50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Non-married relationships have the following statistics, 58% of Americans consider their breakups to be dramatic or messy, 40% of long-distance relationships in the U.S. fail, 70% of straight unmarried couples break up within the first year, the average relationship last for two years and nine months before ending, and 85% will experience a breakup in their lifetime. (1)

Broken relationships between couples are heartbreaking for the couple and for their friends and families. And speaking of friends and families, broken relationships occur here as well. The statistics are not the same, but the brokenness is just as real and hurtful. The sad reality is that we live in a broken world and broken relationships are in step with the world. Another sad reality is that Christians are part of these world statistics. There are countless reasons for broken relationships among Christians, but this is not a devotional to survey them or to offer advice, except to say God is in the relationship business.

The most heartbreaking broken relationship one could have is a broken relationship with the Lord God, and they are many reasons for those as well. But, one thing is certain, it’s all on us. If you feel God has moved away from you, the question to ask is, who moved? It takes two to have a relationship and only one to break it. The Lord will never be the one to break it. “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” (2Tim.2:13 nlt) The Lord will be waiting for us to return as the father waiting for his prodigal son to return. (Lk.15:11-24) Broken relationships with God are easily repaired, it only takes one of us. It takes us to repent and return to Him. A strong non-fractured relationship with the Lord will help you in any broken relationship you have as you look to Him for advice.

(1)  How Many Relationships Fail? 23 Eye-Opening Statistics

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders lead the people in confession and repentance” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“The people responded, ‘In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing. On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests.’ The document was ratified and sealed with the following names: The governor: Nehemiah son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah.” Nehemiah 9:38-10:1 NLT

 
Photo by Papaioannou Kostas on Unsplash

The walls and gates around Jerusalem were completed, the enemies of the Jews have backed off, the city has been repopulated, worship was restored, and the festivals commanded by the Lord were taking place, but there was some unfinished business to take care of. The people were deeply convicted of their sin as we learned last week in chapter 8, but there was no formal acknowledgement and confession. Nehemiah chapter 9 opens with, “On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads.” (Neh.9:1 nlt) Christians at times resemble the Jews here in Nehemiah. We are convicted of sin but continue to go along without dealing with it or we just go through the motions hoping that feeling will go away. It needs to be dealt with, and the people of Israel understood this and the leaders to action in leading them.

The Levites led the reading of God’s Word for three hours followed by three hours of confessing their sins and worshiping God. Confession of sin is an act of worship to a holy God, praising Him, as we confess, for His forgiveness and restoring us as if we have never sinned. Coming before Him with the right attitude, humbling ourselves is a manner of worship. The Jews had fasted beforehand and covered themselves with dust dressing in burlap. They had shown their distress over their sin. We don’t need to go that far today, but that same attitude can and should be expressed through prayer and fasting.

The Jews separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their sins, which was a very hard thing to do. Some of these foreigners were heathen women which God had commanded not to intermingle with. They were now married to them and possibly had children. Sin has a way of complicating our lives in a way we never thought possible. There is an old saying, ‘Sin will take you further than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to be kept, and cost you more than you wanted to spend.’  Once entangled in sin, the only way out is complete confession and repentance to the Lord.

The Levites led a prayer to God on behalf of the people. (Neh.9:5-37) The prayer begins by acknowledging God’s greatness and majesty, a good place for us to start when we pray. They continued with reciting Israel’s history from the Abrahamic covenant to their time in Egypt and the wandering in the wilderness, through the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land, through the judges, the prophets, and up to the present situation. God’s on-going goodness to Israel is noted along with each time throughout history their fathers disobeyed and sinned against God and now the present generation has done the same.

The people were yearning for that same goodness God had shown to their father’s generation by responding, “In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing.” (Neh.9:38a nlt) They were making an appeal for a new covenant agreeing to follow God’s Laws. The leaders, priests, and Levites signed the document, “On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests The document was ratified and sealed with the following names: The governor: Nehemiah son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah.” (Neh.9:38b 10:1 nlt) The godly leaders took the first step and put their names on the document of confession and promised repentance. It is sad, but some of them were also guilty of the same sins, but they led in a godly manner of confession and repentance before the people.

Godly leaders today can fall into sin as we are often reminded. Their true character will come to light even more so in how they respond to their downfall. Is there full confession and repentance or are there excuses and cover-ups that eventually cause them to disappear from the scene? Our pastors and spiritual leaders need our constant daily prayers. Satan does not rest but is continually scheming to bring them down.

The leaders in Jerusalem set an honest godly example for the people who “joined their leaders and bound themselves with an oath. They swore a curse on themselves if they failed to obey the Law of God as issued by his servant Moses. They solemnly promised to carefully follow all the commands, regulations, and decrees of the LORD our Lord.” (Neh.10:29 nlt) They agreed not to intermarry with non-Jewish people. They agreed to keep the Sabbath free from commercial activity, support the Sabbatical year, and to support the needs of the Temple.

The book of Nehemiah is filled with examples of godly leadership, all in which are applicable for our day, but as mentioned above some of them did fall. They led the people into sin by either ignoring the sins they had seen being committed or the people followed their lead. Either way, we need to remember we are all sinners. That is not a reason to excuse the sin or dismiss the sinner, but to pray for confession and repentance. May godly leaders continue to lead the way.

Read: Nehemiah 9-10 NLT – The People Confess Their Sins – On – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

The Stone was Rolled Away    

Loring Schultz

“Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it.” Matthew 28:2 NLT

Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash

You possibly may have heard it said when Jesus rose from the dead, ‘the stone was rolled away not to let Jesus out, but to show the tomb was empty.’ Indeed, it was. Jesus rose in His new glorified body and had no need for a door to be opened for Him. Matthew tells us an angel descended amid a great earthquake and rolled away the stone, and just in time for Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, had just arrived at the tomb. The women were discussing along the way how would they move the stone away to anoint Jesus’ body which they had intended to do. (Mk.16:3) There was a barrier of a large stone between them and Jesus that needed to be moved. But as they arrived, the stone had rolled away.

Is there a stone in your life that needs to be rolled away that is creating a barrier between you and the Lord? Your busy work schedule is causing you to lose all interests in the things of God, the things of this world are winning the battle to be on top of your priority list, or perhaps it’s some besetting sin that is continually reoccurring that is the stone needing to be rolled away. So, what do you do?

Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, met Jesus on the road while running from the tomb. The stone had been rolled away and Jesus wasn’t in the tomb but stood before them alive. The stone has been rolled away to show you that Jesus has risen from the dead. He is alive, ready, willing, and able to forgive your stones of sin and break down that barrier by rolling those sins away and placing them under His blood to be remembered no more. Ask Jesus to place those sinful stones at the foot of His cross by confessing and repenting of them, and He will. The stone was rolled away for our benefit. Jesus is not dead, He’s our living savior ready to forgive.

Read: MATTHEW 28:1-15 NLT – The Resurrection – Early on Sunday – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Is America Fixin’ to Fall?

Loring Schultz
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In 1980 the Charlie Daniels Band released the recording of ‘In America,’ the lead single from their album ‘Full Moon.’ The song rose to number 11 on the billboard charts as a call to patriotism after the stresses of the 1970’s in the United States. The opening line is, “Well, the eagle’s been flyin’ slow And the flag’s been flyin’ low And a lotta people sayin’ that America’s fixin’ to fall.” (1) The premise was, if united, America will stand and not fall from outside forces looking to destroy us. Although we fight among ourselves, we are united when threatened from the outside. That may still be true today, but what if the sources looking to destroy us are not on the outside, but from within. The phrase, ‘the enemy from within’ has got a lot of traction in the United States lately just three weeks before the election. However, I am not referring to any one political party, or any individuals, but to the nation as a whole.

The prophet Jeremah was commissioned by God to warn the people of Judah of the destruction that was coming their way because of their sins. Throughout his messaging Jeremiah not only warned them, but also let them know that if they repented and turned back to God, they would not be destroyed. “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land.’” (Jer.7:3 nlt) God is gracious and merciful. The people of Judah had plenty of opportunity to turn back to God, but they continued to turn their back on Him. America is in the same place today. America has turned their back on God as a nation.

Yes, the United States is a secular nation, but it has been founded on the principles of God’s Holy Word, the Bible. The Lord has blessed us throughout its short history and will continue to bless us if those founding principles stay in place. But if we remove them, I’m afraid our blessing will be removed as well. America will be fixin’ to fall.

For those of you who think America will never fall, remember God judged His own chosen people for turning their back on Him and not repenting. You may say but Israel was a theocracy, and you would be right, however, compare Jeremiah’s words of warning to them and the United States today. See how they are related. “But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever.” (Jer.7:5-7 nlt)

This enemy from within America is exactly what Jeremiah told Judah before their destruction and captivity if they did not repent; evil thoughts and acting on those thoughts, not treating each other with justice both personally and in the courts, a broken immigration system that is exploiting the innocent, not caring for the less fortunate among us, people being murdered every day on our city streets and in the womb, and worshiping the idols of our desires.

One other line from Charlie Daniels’ ‘In America,’ “We’re gonna put her feet back
On the path of righteousness and then God bless America again.” (1) I don’t think we have done that, but just the opposite. America’s fixin’ to fall, but it does not need to be. If we do put our feet back on the path of righteousness, God will bless America again!

(1) Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Charles Fred Hayward / Charlie Daniels / William J. Digregorio / Fred Edwards / James W. Marshall / John Crain In America lyrics © Music Corp. Of America, Inc.

Devotionals

Remorse or Repentance         

Loring Schultz

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse.” Matthew 27:3a NLT

Photo by Moritz Schumacher on Unsplash

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘remorse’ as “a torturing sense of guilt for one’s actions.” If a picture could be included as an example under the description, we would find Judas’ likeness as the one who betrayed Jesus selling Him out for thirty pieces of silver. Scripture tells us it was after Judas realized that Jesus had been condemned to die that he was remorseful. We don’t know what was in Judas’ mind as he made the deal to turn Jesus over to the Jewish authorities, but perhaps he didn’t think it through whatever his reasoning. Dr. Charles Ryrie suggests, “Perhaps Judas had only wanted to force Jesus to do something to confound His enemies, not to get Himself condemned.” (1) Judas indeed had a torturing sense of guilt. It did not turn out as he had planned. He felt remorse, but was there repentance?

‘Repentance’ in Webster’s New World Dictionary is, “to feel such regret over an action as to change one’s mind about.” I don’t think Judas’ picture would be on display in this case. In a sense, Judas did change his mind about the money, throwing it back into the temple, but his intent to make a point or whatever else his motives were, were still in tack. He did not change his mind about Jesus but felt remorse that his betrayal had gone badly.

On a much smaller scale, when the consequences of our sins become known causing hurt and heartache to others, do we repent and change our actions and our way of thinking or are we tortured by a sea of guilt? Remorse is regretting the action due to the outcome. Repentance is asking for forgiveness and changing our minds about that sin, so it does not occur again. So as Christians may we realize being sorry is not enough and change our ways that brought about that sin. There will be a lot less heartache and a lot more love for one another.

(1) The Ryrie Study Bible

Read: Matthew 27:3-10 NLT – When Judas, who had betrayed him, – 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

Photo by René DeAnda on Unsplash
Devotionals

The Lord Directs Our Steps

Loring Schultz

“The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” Proverbs 20:24 NLT

Photo by Miguel A Amutio on Unsplash

I say to myself, ‘I shouldn’t have done that,’ after I already did it. Then I ask myself, ‘why did I do that?’ to which I have no answer, most of the time. Solomon’s proverb may or may not be comforting at this time when he writes, ‘The Lord directs our steps.’ If I did something stupid, how could that be the Lord directing me, but on the other hand if it turns out for the good it had to be the Lord directing me. As I look back over my life, I’ve had many of those occasions perhaps you have too, but do not waste your time trying to figure out how the Lord directs our steps, just accept it.

You may ask, ‘Is God directing my steps when I am involved in sin?’ Absolutely not! God is holy and cannot accept sin in His sight. That is why God the Father turned His back on Jesus at Calvary when the sins of the world were placed on Him at the cross. God gives us free will in making choices in this life, but when we put our trust in Him and accept His Son as our savior God will lead those who are His according to His will. Do Christians still sin. Absolutely! Although God is not directing our steps into sin, He will still work out His purposes as we confess and repent providing us with grace and mercy.

It’s hard to accept at times that we could be in a certain place due to the consequences of our sin and yet the Lord continues to bless us. He uses us in influencing others towards Him according to His will. God does not give up on His children who confess and come back to Him. He will even use our past to glorify Him as we repent and live a life of righteousness. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Is.42:3 niv) God does direct the steps of those who are His, even the stupid things we do. He will make them right. But remember God never directs us into sin, but as we confessed and repent, He will forgive us applying His grace and mercy. Hard to accept, I know. Just accept it and praise Him for it!