In God We Trust
The Book of Proverbs
Proverbs Chapter 14
Scripture= Proverbs chapter 14:34
34 God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak. (The Message)
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. (N.I.V.)
Observation= This is an incredible verse when you think about the history of the United States. We have on our currency ‘In God We Trust’. Our Forefathers believed in God and knew that his favor and presence was necessary for this nation to prosper. Even in our pledge of allegiance we say, “one nation under God.” Now we have people leading crusades to have these words stricken from our pledge. Even the Ten Commandments must be removed from courtroom walls. It really sounds like God–avoidance to me?
During the last five years since 9-1-1 our Major League Baseball games have featured the song ‘God Bless America’ during the seventh inning stretch. We really do need the favor of God to rest upon this country. But is this the responsibility of our Government or the people of God? Should our legislation dictate that people honor God with their lips when their hearts are not with God at all?
Application= II Chronicles 7:14 describes our application to Proverbs 14:34 the best.
“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (N.I.V.)
Note that these commands were given to the nation of Israel. The ones called to repent are not those outside the family of God. “If my people, who are called by my name, will…”
As followers of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to lead the way. We are to be ‘salt’ that seasons what is around us and preserves the environment that we are in. We cannot lose our impact or our influence. We are to be a ‘light’ and if the ‘light’ stays hidden people will perish because of the darkness. If the 'light' stays visible it can provide direction to those surrounded by darkness (see Matthew 5:13-16). God can use even a remnant to touch a nation, remember Queen Esther (see the Book of Esther).
We are the body of Christ. God’s people need to step out by faith and through God’s grace, live in God’s love, and in His righteousness. Then we can build relationships with those in the darkness and show them God’s love. Then God will continue to bless America. Remember Abraham’s request to the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:23 & 32 (N.K.J.V.), “Would you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” “…suppose ten should be found there? And he (the Lord) said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten (righteous).”
It is our responsibility, as the body of Christ, through the grace and power of God to bless America!
Prayer= Lord Jesus, help me to live to bless this nation because of my witness for you!
Casting Crowns - What If His People Prayed
Album: Casting Crowns
Lyrics:
What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let satan have one more
What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates
Chorus:
What if His people prayed
And all who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way
And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day
What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do
He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He'll answer loud and clear
If only we would pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
