Thursday, January 7, 2010

No Fear

During these dark and uncertain times it's easy to become distracted and fearful of what the future holds. Will America remain a free Republic? Or will our amazing experiment in democracy be "fundamentally transformed" into a socialist/Marxist state?

Only God knows for sure. He holds the future in His hands. It's encouraging to read the Psalms, many of which were written by David as he was being persecuted by King Saul, because the Word cuts through distractions and reminds us where to focus:

"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5

Same Psalm, verse 2: "O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me."

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

And of course, this verse that has deeper meaning now: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

What is the worst thing that could happen? Death? For a child of God, death opens the door to eternal life. Like Paul we can say, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 2:21

The very worst thing is to die unprepared to meet our God. We must repent and live for Him so that we can honestly say, "whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8

Compared to eternity in heaven, we can handle this "light affliction, which is but for a moment." II Corinthians 4:17

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The Lifter Up

About once a week I get "worked up" nearly to the point of despair against the foes of liberty that have infiltrated our Republic like a cancer.

And then I remember that God our Heavenly Father is in control, that none of this is too big for Him, and I pray instead of screaming.

Last night I read Psalm 3 and for the first time these verses popped out at me:

"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.

"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."

Wow! I knew that He was my Shield and my Rock, but He is also The Lifter Up when I droop or feel weary.

The fight for liberty is truly a spiritual one, because the same Enemy who wants to enslave each and every one of us to a totalitarian form of government also desires to enslave our souls and prevent us from serving the One True and Living God and following "the perfect law of liberty." (James 1:25)

May you always turn to God, The Lifter Up.

Friday, January 1, 2010

A New Year

I love the beginning of a new year. It's a time to start afresh. And one of my resolutions (or revolutions, if you will) is to post more often!

I have no idea who, if anyone, reads this blog, but I still want to write. Any words that we put down on paper are valuable, if for nothing else than "priming the pump." And frankly, after over 700 letters and postcards written this year, my pump wants priming in other directions.

So I plan to post here at least 3 times a week, maybe more. Writing is communication but also helps one solidify one's convictions. I know I don't have the faith that I should; maybe you don't either.

So here's to faith, hope, and love (I Corinithians 13:13) and a better year for freedom!