Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Happy Lord’s Day to all Fishing Stagers and guests!
Today we are going to talk about four ways we can ALL make a positive difference in America and our futures. I believe most everyone would agree that there is an ongoing assault on the morals of the people of The United States.
We MUST stand up for what is good and for our beliefs - for ourselves, our children, and our grandkids. We won’t do this violently, or with a spirit of hatred, as we have seen happening on the news the past few weeks, over the war in Israel, but with a spirit of truth and love.

The following was taken from a blog by Dr. David Jeremiah:

Making a Difference Begins With
Unlocking God’s Forgiveness

It’s been an interesting study to watch believers stand in pulpits and criticize our culture as evil.
Indeed, it would be hard to disagree with the truth of that statement. Yet, there is a Bible verse that outlines simple steps for making a difference in our lives and our nation, and we don’t find a commentary on cultural finger pointing. What we find is a call for God’s people to repent. This is the key to unlock God’s forgiveness and healing for our nation.

Second Chronicles 7:14 says, “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 I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Change Starts With Our Heart

Everyone who has conducted a difinitive study on revival has pointed out that renewal doesn’t start in the culture. It begins in the Church. It begins in the heart of the Christian. And perhaps one of the things we can learn from some of our past failures is that if we ever get to the place where we become so culture-minded that we are not Christ-minded, we are doomed to failure. We offer the world only the emptiness of our own rhetoric. We must come to them with hearts that are overflowing with the love of God and the peace of Jesus Christ. And then we can make a difference in this world.

Change Starts With Prayer

I could prove to you from history that the most significant changes in American culture have not started in crowded rallies or even in patriotic demonstrations. They have begun in quiet, small gatherings where people began to pray. And they began to pray that God would make a difference in their country. The four great spiritual awakenings that have been historically chronicled in this country were fueled by a few people seeking after God. And it began to grow until it exploded into a revival that no one could understand if they didn’t know God.

Change Starts With Humility

If we stand up and don’t kneel down, we will have ignored the most powerful resource God has given us to win the battle before us.
A Christian stands the tallest when he is on his knees. We have forgotten that humility cultivates change in the culture. Some evangelical leaders call us to political mobilization and strategic marketing. Those may not be bad ideas, but God wants the Church to begin with mourning for what’s happening in our culture - and to take responsibility for whatever part we have had in it. We shake our heads at the demise of prayer in schools, and then we don’t pray when we have the freedom and the right to do it. Statistics suggest that, while we champion the sanctity of life, we abandon our children at the same rate as non-
Christians. The problem is not entirely “out there”. It’s in our hearts. And the rebuilding begins with humbling ourselves before God.

Today’s video is another message from Pastor Allen Jackson to go along with today’s devotion. I hope it is an encouragement to all of you.
God bless you. 🙏🏻

https://www.youtube.com/live/kuHSaH6dcms?si=yH46HDTbtQFlo9wl

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Great devotion. Thanks for reminding us.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

" A Christian stands the tallest when he is on his knees."

Best way I have ever heard that said Randy.

Nicely put devotion again today and I will listen to the video during the week.

Hope you are having a blessed Lord's Day.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Thanks, Bob. I am and hope you are too!

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I forgot to tell you why I’m having such a blessed day.
Myrna and I are celebrating 41 years married today! 💒

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Happy anniversary

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Congratulations you 2 and may you celebrate the Joys of today, the Memories of yesterday and the Hopes of tomorrow.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Thank you, Troy!
She’s a keeper… 👍

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Thanks a lot, Bob!
We are surely blessed. 🙏🏻

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

Happy belated anniversary to you. We're looking forward to celebrating our 45th in July of '24.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I would bet you would agree, a long term marriage just takes three. 🙏🏻
PTL

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Very interesting video especially at the end when he mentions how a Russian grandmother brings up how men have forgotten God. So true if we loose out freedoms and liberties it will not be because of an election but that we the people of God put him on a shelf and forgot him.

That is something to think about.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Yes, indeed. I believe it is only God who can save our country, at this point.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This is what Jesus said… 🙏🏻

1Oldboat42 Loc: Kearney, Nebraska

Randy, I have re-read all of the comments on this most excellent devotion and stand with you on my knees praying for God's perfect will to be done in this world. But I wonder if there will be any follow up on the rest of the verse that reads, "and turn from their wicked ways". People have to make changes in their daily life, and I mean a 180 degree turn in their daily life in order to see the restoration of their land. So I pray that I will choose to see EVERY area in my life that needs changed so that I can find the fullness of God's blessings day by day.