See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. Col. 2:8
A friend recommended it, so I bought it and read it right away. The title is The Solomon Promise, by Henry Blackaby. It calls on early Biblical times as a key to healing our land in today’s postmodern culture. I recommend it to all who read these words.
Solomon, the chosen heir to King David had completed the magnificent temple. No expense had been spared. It was a sacred structure to God and Solomon vowed that he and his people would remain devoted to God. But then things slid off the tracks, as Solomon began to focus on political power and national security. By mixing the world’s ways with God’s ways, he planted the seeds of ultimate destruction. Finally, the Babylonian hordes leveled the temple and the society that surrounded it.
Fast forward to the spiritual condition of America today where the nation has struggled to follow God’s ways, abide by His word and embrace His values. Whatever Christian principles undergirded its founding have been largely discarded. Postmodernism is today’s prevailing worldview in America.
People do what is right on their own eyes. Moral standards have plummeted to unprecedent depths. Many leading voices today denounce Christianity’s influence on culture. The influence of the church is waning. Many denominations are going along to get along with society and keep people in the pews. America has seemingly entered into a death spiral from which it cannot escape.
The strong currents of today’s society places power, position and possessions above spiritual integrity. Lying had become an accepted norm of our culture to be unapologetically used when necessary or convenient to secure one’s own personal desires and agenda. Transactional moments are more important than a transformational life.
Even many who claim to be Christian fail to like a Christian life. They settle for Christ as an accessory rather than Christ as a priority in their lives. If we are to live a Christian life, we must stand confidently in and against the pressures of modern-day culture and walk faithfully in the pursuit of Christ.
While the future may seem bleak, there is hope. It is not before our courts of justice or in the halls of legislation and not in the assembly of many churches.
America closer to revival or judgment than it has ever been.
Turning back to early Biblical days, God allowed circumstances to deteriorate until the people were so desperate that they were ready to turn to Him. God promised, “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, pray and seek My face, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. (2 Chr. 7:14)
It was true then. It is true today.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
ABORTION MAY BE LEGALLY RIGHT, BUT IT IS MORALLY AND THEOLOGICALLY WRONG:
Every year, more than thirty-six thousand people die on US highways.
Every twenty-one days, that many abortions are performed in America.
Since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in 1973, more than sixty-one million abortions have been performed in America. And while those numbers have been declining year-to-year recently, almost 620,000 abortions were performed in 2018, the most recent year for which such data is available.
Abortion is the moral issue of our time.
It seems impossible to wrestle with the difficult issues of our day without addressing this crucial debate. Most conservative Christians believe that life begins at conception and abortion is therefore wrong. But are we sure? Is this a biblical fact?
If the answer is clear, why have so many denominational leaders taken pro-choice positions? Is there a biblical, cohesive, practical position on this difficult subject?
The pro-life position is most biblical. Jim Denison
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How to Disagree Without Being Disagreeable:
7 Tips for Having More Productive Discussions
1. Be mindful of your tone.
2. Don’t use “you” statements.
3. Avoid filler words or hesitant phrases.
4. Do your research.
5. Don’t get personal.
6. Be mindful of your body language.
7. Know your non-negotiables.
8. Assume the best intent.
9. Know when to take a break.
10. Practice the golden rule (Matt. 7:12) Treat other people the way you want to be treated. Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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Approximately 60% of NBA players go broke within 5 years of retirement. Sports Illustrated
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
There are no finer sensations in life than that which comes with victory over one’s self. Go forward to a goal of inward achievement, brushing aside all your old internal enemies as you advance. VASH YOUNG
Beliefs have a powerful impact on the lives we live. They can limit our potential or expand it. The more we believe something to be true, the more likely it is to become so. That’s why the stories we tell ourselves are so important as well as the words we speak into others. The Minimalist
Oh, that you only knew the exceeding greatness of the power that God has made available to you! Florida Marketplace Ministries Dan Shock
The most skillful flattery is to let a person talk on, and be a listener. JOSEPH ADDISON
People will forget what you said but they will never forget how you said it. Sheriff Cal Henderson
The achievements of any organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual member. Vince Lombardi
Instead of rushing to pursue a goal, take time to talk with Jesus about it. Sarah Young
If God conformed to our style of life, He would no longer be God. Kelly Knouse