Freezing, Frazzled and Frustrated

Welcome to the continuing saga of 2020! I know there were a lot of hopes that 2021 would finally bring an end to the crazy 2020 year, but like I mentioned before, turning a page does not change anything; it takes HEART change to make a difference.

I want to thank all who have called, sent cards, and inquired about my multitude of surgeries! Even while I type this article, I am waiting for the Dr. to call about when the vocal cord reversal surgery will happen. I know that I am not the only one with medical issues. So, prayers for all are a comforting assurance that our Lord will be the Jehovah-Rapha!

I recently read a book [not much talking] called “America’s Expiration Date” by Cal Thomas. The book is very interesting and brings a message of truth from scripture and history. In our present time of civil, church and community turmoil, Thomas calls us to return to the biblical mandate of “Loving God and Loving Others.” I recommend this book highly, it captivated me because of the review of history and the various rise and fall of nations/empires beginning with Persia and then applying all the lessons to our present USA time.

There is a bit of a sobering point to all that Cal Thomas says, the fact that no nation/empire has ever rebounded back to supremacy after a moral and ethical decline. Yes, I think we must look at our current moral decadence and realize that our country is severely withdrawn from not just the biblical call to holiness, but also to a civilized moral and ethical code.

So, what was the answer to all of the failure, demoralization, and depravity? Thomas quoted a single verse, a verse that has been used over and over through the years – 2 Chronicles 7:14. We all know this verse, can probably quote it perfectly. REVIVAL is a MUST! Thomas is not calling for meetings or revival services to be scheduled – He is calling for what the Old Testament prophets advocated to Israel; Repent, Return, Reconciliation, Restoration and Revival. The message then and now seems to fall on deaf ears. We know that even Israel was taken into captivity because of their continual rebellion and idolatry. I just read a blip today where the writer was asking the question – Does anyone hear the voice of John Wesley today? The question was not asking for Wesley’s oratory abilities, but for the prophetic message from God to fall on our knees and submit to the authority of God and His Word.

I think we are all guilty of apathy in our lives at times. This cannot be one of those times! The clarion call to all of us in leadership of the churches and people of Faith in Christ to be about restoring the “glory of God” back into our worship and living!

Is there still hope? Absolutely! I am reminded of a wayward back-slidden preacher named Jonah who was tasked with preaching a prophetic word to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. He reluctantly [after much persuasion] preached through the city for three days. God displayed His mercy and long-suffering by granting a 100-year reprieve of destruction because the people heard Jonah’s message, acted on that message, and were spared the wrath of God. Will we as Americans, Christians, and heir and joint heirs with Christ do anything less for our lost world?

The government is not the answer. New polices are not the solution. We are the solution; we are to be salt and light. Have we lost our flavor and our brilliance? As the Church goes, so goes the nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!

Dr. Jim