An Opportunity to Turn Tragedy into Triumph
An Opportunity to Turn Tragedy into Triumph
(9-11)
Having previously warned several preachers that God was angry,
there was no positive response. Because sentence against an evil
work is not executed speedily ... (Ec. 8:11), none believed.
To whom much has been given, much shall be required. That means
you, America. Drugs, violence, families torn apart, financial
ruin ... we've been experiencing personal earthquakes for quite
some time, while the church slept on.
One lady said she heard someone on TV ask, "What did we do to
deserve this?" And as soon as she heard the question, the answer
came. Her response was this, "In past tragedies, America was
shaken. This time, we got spanked."
If only by the candidates they choose; New York supports such
things as abortion in a more unified way. Others shed spiritual
blood in less visible ways: attacking whatever they don't
understand, thinking it the will of God to separate from
everything not like them, not allowing people to serve as God
calls them, etc.). To subvert a man in his cause, the Lord
approveth not (La. 3:36). Blood for blood (Ge. 9:6), the moon
turning to blood (Ps. 89:37, Ez. 33:4), if that's what it takes.
Every knee shall bow.
Tragedy reminds us of the important things in life, draws us to
unity that would otherwise never be, causes us to get on our
knees and look up. The center of our earth shook. The land
quaked ... this time, in a way that no one could ignore.
Those involved in Internet ministry have withstood the gates of
hell to go to the highways and byways, and against criticism
from without and within. One person suggested that the church
just received their wake-up call.
Having asked God how many prophecies had to come to pass, He
said, "As many as it takes."
Signing petitions won't make our world better. Neither will
hanging flags or lighting candles (even though we continue to do
so because we care). Though, if we really want to make a
difference, we can start believing that God meant what He said.
Consider who might be on your throne. Is your opinion the
ultimate authority? How about your religion? Or, your preacher?
Or, maybe a church committee? Even your mate? Your children?
Friends?
God wants His throne back. It's really that simple. The Kingdom
of God comes not with observation; not from memorizing every
verse of scripture or from being the perfect example either.
Created in God's image, He gets lonely, too. More than anything
we could possibly offer God, He desires an intimate relationship
with us. Do we get our daily walk from a book of dead laws or
from a Living God who walks and talks with us? God will come
down and dwell with us once He is welcomed.
While it is never God's will for people to hurt people, anger
is of concern in that - as long as we place blame elsewhere, we
miss the ultimate truth that 'we did it to ourselves'.
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall 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." 2 Ch. 7:14
God wants to love us in ways we never dreamed. But, He can only
do so once He has first place.