MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES

Last year around the 4th of July I wrote this blog post, and as I read through it this morning, I wondered if God put a mark on the head of everyone in America who sighed and groaned over the abominations which are being committed in our nation how many would be spared by the mark? And how many would be slaughtered? And notice where the judgment begins. This past year has seen us slip further down, down into the chasm of chaos.  America is upside down. Only God can save us, and He will only do that if we cry out to Him. Just like Judah in 605 B.C. ,  are we beyond repair.?

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2 NAS).

Have you ever been working in the yard, forgetting about everything but the task at hand, and suddenly realize you are thirsty? So thirsty you drop everything and flee to the fridge or water faucet for a refreshing, cool drink of water?

As I read this Psalm today, I wondered, do I become that thirsty for God?

Does my soul pant for God like the deer pants for the water brooks? Or does my soul pant for the things God has given me?

Do I become so distracted by the abundance of His blessings, I shove Him to the end of my I-love-You line?

Oh, I get up and go to church every Sunday, and I wonder, is worshiping God number one on my list, or am I wondering what the choir director has planned and will I like it.  Or what the preacher will talk about? Perhaps the central thought on my mind—where am I going to have lunch and who is going to come with me?

Last Sunday we celebrated the 4^th of July at First Baptist Dallas. And I knew there would be special music. One of our Texas Senators  delivered the morning message. (This year we were blessed to hear Todd Starnes).  It was a time of joy-filled, flag-waving worship.

I got up early, knowing church would be crowded, and considered wearing red, white, and blue. But, in light of the shameful events in America and in Texas the past weeks, (doubly true in 2014), my heart mourned.

Senator Ted Cruz delivered a powerful message, recalling the founding fathers, principles, and legacy of this nation under God. He called us to prayer and to action. To stand up and speak up. (And a year later Americans are as apathetic as ever, or more so. Where will it end?)

And I wept.

Our forefathers gave their lives so we could have the freedom to worship God; and, I have to ask myself, have I allowed Sunday morning to become entertainment rather than a time for repentance and confession and true worship of my Lord Jesus Christ?

The choir sang The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

And I wept.

God has blessed this nation. Prospered us and built up the walls of America as our founding fathers placed their faith and trust in Him, but I’ve sat silent while those who mock God tossed His Word and prayer out of public schools, murder generations of  this nation’s babies, and are determined to force us to accept a deviate culture God identified as unnatural and wrong since the beginning.

 And I wonder, have I grown accustomed to the violation of God’s laws, shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head, while approving and feeding the coffers of movies and TV shows that revile righteousness and worship at the feet of false gods?

And I wept.

Did I say no to my children and grandchildren when they patterned their dress and behavior after sports figures and teen idols who thumb their noses at the Lord God Almighty?

No, this 4^th of July will not be a time of celebration for me, but one of remembering, cherishing, and repenting. Remembering and cherishing the sacrifice of those who’ve gone before me. Remembering and repenting for my silence and my failure to proclaim the whole truth of The Word. And remembering and repenting for allowing my soul to be satiated with the things of the world, rather than thirsting for the living God.

How about you?

In Ezekiel 9:4 God said about ancient Israel:

“Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst. But to the others He said in my hearing, ‘Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity, and do not spare. Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.’ So they started with the elders who were before the temple” (Ezekiel 9:4-6 NAS).

Where will God find you this 4^th of July, 2014?  Will you join me? Sighing, groaning, and praying for God’s mercy and healing for me and you and the rest of His rebellious children.