“Buy those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

 I will sing his praises with instruments every day of my life in the Temple of the LORD. (Isaiah 38:20)

The Lord loves with the most powerful love known. He loves mankind. He loves all of humanity because he created us. Most of mankind does not partake in his love nor loves him in return. But for those who do, for those who love the Lord, they gain special attention. Like fish in a vast sea that jumps out of the water, the fisherman sees and thinks, “ah, there’s something.” Likewise, God looks at the sea of humanity and when one person raises up and loves him back that person gets special attention from God as He thinks, “Oh, there’s one of my children who loves me! Let us commune together.” We should at least give Him that opportunity. – Gene

The Battle is the Lord’s!

https://www1.cbn.com/devotions/heal-my-land
Are you, like me, weary from all the bad news from around our country and the world? Natural disasters and disease have devastated millions. Financial disasters have wiped out fortunes, retirement accounts, and businesses. Political upheavals are pitting brother against brother and value system against value system. And yes, as the Bible predicted, there are wars and rumors of wars.

What is going to happen to us! How will all this play out? Have we, as some suggest, brought about God’s judgment upon our nations because of our sin and disobedience? Questions, worry, and fear fill our hearts and minds.  What are we to do? Simply stated, the answer is prayer.

Recently at my church’s Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, jovial conversation turned from sports to our world’s economic woes. We shared our thoughts with each other about how these times are affecting our families. One Brother asked, “Why us?  Why now?” 

An elderly gentleman who has served God all his life stood up, and with confidence that overshadowed his humble voice proclaimed, “The Lord has never let me down. If we pray, He will help us make it through.” 

The word of the Lord says, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

How can our nations be saved and survive the many disasters in our midst? Do you share my frustration because it seems like our society will not do as God instructs and pray, repent, and humble ourselves before Him? How can we expect His favor when we live any way that we want, with little regard to the word of God? Is there hope for those who follow Christ according the word of God and not pop culture? Yes! Yes, there is hope!

Remember, scripture applies to us individually, and not just corporately as nations. As God honors His word to each obedient individual, then a portion of that nation is blessed. The more individuals who appropriate God’s word, the more that nation that will be blessed. However, it all starts with one. So I ask you to personalize the scripture as I did, and allow God to bless you and heal your land.

“If (Gene) _____, who is called by my name (Christian), shall humble himself, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from his wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive (Gene’s) _____’s sin, and heal (Gene’s) _____’s land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 Personalized).

Though the entire world around us crumbles, the Lord will honor His word to us, if we will heed it. Put your name in the blank, in the scripture. Seek out what you must do to heed His word and God will fulfill His promise for you! 

If you align yourself with the freewheeling secular world, then you shall reap with them, suffer, and share in their despair. But if you align yourself with the truth of God’s word, then He will give you peace, and see you through the tough times that try men’s souls. He will make a way for you where there is no way. Your house shall be an oasis in the desert, an ark of safety in a world flooded with crisis.

“Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10KJV)

The Holy Spirit is so sweet. For those who do not know Jesus as your personal savior, who have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, you are missing the greatest experience in life. To have a personal relationship with the Lord and the comfort, compassion, and love from the Holy Spirit is the greatest, most precious blessing one can have. And the tragedy is that the Lord longs for this relationship with you, with us. I know that to the rational mind it seems impossible that the God of all creation would care so much for you, yet it is true. That scene is played out in the Bible over and over again. If you know the Lord, don’t take him for granted. Don’t sin because you can and get forgiveness. Don’t sin because it hurts the Lord. “Seek him while he may be found,” it says in the Bible. For our own good seek him, find him, love him, and worship him as God and friend. Your enrichment and blessings will be without measure. – Gene

 “Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return.” (Isaiah 35:10)

“In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6)

“Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him.” (Isaiah 32:1)

“So the LORD must wait for you to come to him  so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.“ (Isaiah 30:18)