Devotionals -september 4, 2010
One Nation Under God?
I am always amazed at the way a hen protects her babies by covering them—often at great risk to herself. And most other species have their God given ways of protecting their offspring. Consider how right thinking parents protect their children! They will go to almost any length to keep them covered and out of harms way.
But what about nations? What about our nation? We pledge our allegiance to the United States of America and call ourselves “One Nation Under God”. So what does that really mean?
When Israel failed to be the nation to bring the gospel to the world, the responsibility was scattered among many nations and civilizations. And they kept the fire burning, but mostly it was a very small fire.
Finally the torch was passed to America. What God really wanted was a theocratic nation, which meant a nation covered solely by His Devine instructions and protection—much like a hen protecting her chicks. We were to become His head, heart, hands and feet to evangelize the world. He in turn blessed us to become a democratic society—a government by the people, where everyone contributed their part to make it work while still insisting we be God directed and protected. George Washington knew what it was going to take for he said, “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.”
Have we done our part and taken the gospel to the world? Yes, we have put missionaries in almost every nation. But our duty is not over yet. The problem is that several years ago the United States of America began a downward plunge by insisting that we close our Bibles and cease to let God be our covering. We are no longer “One Nation Under God!” This has left us wide open to the forces of evil, and they are gaining ground.
So what is God saying to us? “Blessed us the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12
Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:17
Beloved, there is still hope for us. Let us stand together and pray so we can once again declare that we are truly “One Nation Under God”
--Rebecca Somoskey
Which God Do You Know?
"Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." - Isaiah 40:10-11
The prophet Isaiah describes God’s character with what sounds like a contradiction. Read Isaiah 40:10-11 above. Most people know either the God of verse 10 OR the God of verse 11. Which side of God’s nature are you most familiar with? Both are true. Both are powerful.
First description: Verse 10. Do you know the God who rolls up His sleeve, bears His powerful arm, slams it on the table and says, "C'mon people - get it together. Live right." Isaiah says, "Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." Have you experienced that strong arm of God? Good! But if that's all you know, then be gripped by His other arm described in verse 11.
Second description: Verse 11. God is a shepherd, scooping up His lambs and carrying them close to Him. "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young." In other words, God provides special treatment for special needs. At certain times your shepherd would say, "This one is hurting. Careful of his wound. We're going to have to carry her for a while." This tender arm of God reminds us of His unique and personal care for us.
God has two arms. . . One arm is mighty and powerful, demanding holiness and righteousness; One arm tenderly cares for the weak and wounded. Almighty and tender. . . one awesome God.
