Weekly Inspiration Greetings from Pastor James: Friday was Independence Day. On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on, the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence. Remember this: Throughout the course of the Revolutionary War, an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 were taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000 to 12,000 who died while prisoners of war. An American Founding Father, the second president of the United States (1797–1801), John Adams, quoted, “You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” It’s hard to believe for some of us but a lot of people in America don’t realize that our nation was founded as a Christian nation. 94 % of the documents that shaped the founding of the United States were based on the Bible. The churches in America are our last stand. It is up to the churches to fulfill their duty to stand firm in their faith and keep and preserve all that is good in America. Read Matthew 10: 24-39. In the text for today, Jesus prepares His disciples for what they will face as believers and disciples. They should not fear persecution for He Himself, their Lord, faced persecution. Jesus says God cares for us. So, no matter what evil comes our way, do not hesitate to stand for truth. Jesus also says, "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven." Living in this world is not easy when you are a believer surrounded by those that don’t believe. We hesitate to speak of our beliefs. And sometimes we end up doing what is popular and not what we believe. How many times have Christians been silent and went along with evil as if it did not concern them? How many times have Christians held back the light of God from the darkness because they were afraid? How many times have you been silent because you did not want to offend anyone? For Christians to remain silent as evil creeps into our very midst is wrong. The commission by God to be a disciple is to serve as Christ. Being silent and ignoring evil is not serving. Stand firm for your faith. Speak out what God has put in our hearts. I believe we are at the point that we are sick and tired of being so divided. Despite the fact that most people are personally happy and satisfied in their own private lives, they don't feel the same way about the condition of our country. Don’t be afraid to stand for the truth. Shouldn’t we be acknowledging the one that created us by standing firm in our faith in this divided and troubled world? If we don’t stand for Christ, we will not be acknowledged by Him at judgment. Especially in these troubled times people need to see our Lord and Savior and the truth of His infallible Word acknowledged. Our nation needs Christians to stand firm in their faith. Our nation needs people with the fire of God in their bones. (Jeremiah 20:9). We need leaders with the fire of God in their bones. We need a revival of God’s truth and righteousness in this nation. It starts with our families. It starts in our churches. It is up to those with Christian-Judeo values to save our country. We must release the power of God held in our bones. Our family values and rights are in danger. Good always overcomes evil. But we must not let the good in us be silent. We must take a stand for our faith. The only way to save ourselves and our nation is for all to take up the cross and identify your life with the one that saved your life. You will face opposition but the reward is far greater than the suffering. Press to the mark of the high calling of God. You deserve the highest calling of God. Your children deserve the best. And the best is in the Word of God that brings out the best. Don’t settle for less. Live a life worthy of the one that saved your life. We must expose evil with good. Come worship with us at Living Water Christian Church. Take up the cross. Bear each other's burden. In a nation divided, if we are to be true to our faith, in God we will be united. Blessings to all, Pastor James Boyette Living Water Christian Church 72 N Lake Ave. Front Royal VA 22630 |