United We Stand – Divided We Fall

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor, our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

What has happened to patriotism, God and country, the pledge of allegiance to our flag and, “one nation under God”, and, with a hand over our heart, standing up to sing with honor our National Anthem? But, rather than dwelling on the good old days, I am hopeful for good new days of true appreciation for freedom and love for our country.

Those words seem almost impossible, don’t they? But, not so, “with God – ALL things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). He has brought America from worse times than these. Maybe, you and I were set apart to be here during this time for God’s divine purpose that is renewed every day that we remain on the planet. Part of that purpose involves our place in the world.

It’s time to declare our dependence on God and each other like never before. Only HE can UNITE us in love and peace. Our Founding Fathers came seeking a new life but faced horrendous challenges. America's beginning was turbulent with economic pressures, wars, diversity, cultural challenges and crime. But God sees the end from the beginning. He knew the strength of the people who would become part of this land. They risked their lives and shed their blood for our future.

Though these are also turbulent times, I contend that our United States of America is still the greatest nation in the world. Whether we agree with each other or not, it still stands. I believe it is so because it still has a divine purpose. God is not through with America. As the "land of the free and the home of the brave," it's time to look beyond our own little circles and expand our vision toward the bigger picture. It's not just about "me and mine" anymore. It must be a UNITED effort at home and abroad.
We read in Scripture that "God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). Jesus did not stay in the security of His Father's house, but left it to fulfill His home and global mandate. He expects us to do the same. He said: "Go and make disciples of all nations." (Matthew 28:18-20).

God's kingdom is made up of all peoples and so is our nation. Our nation has a unique purpose, and you and I have a purpose in it. As people of God, we have a responsibility to fulfill that purpose. We are a melting-pot of many nations, peoples, tribes, colors, languages and creeds. We are not blind to these challenging times, but most encouraging is the opportunity to share God's great love to all mankind. The gospel is a unifier and is a catalyst for love, understanding, and harmony. We can reach out with the love of God, carry His presence and be used to heal, deliver, set people free and bring the good news of His forgiveness and eternal life.

The mission has come to our doorsteps. We must stand in the gap and pray for our nation to be all it can be and for our leaders, whether we like them or not. The Bible doesn't tell us to pray for the leaders we like, but for all those who have authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1-3). May we continue to celebrate our freedoms and thank God that we can fulfill His purpose in this "land of the free and home of the brave." Right here. Right now.

Happy Birthday, UNITED States of America!

As I started typing this blog, UNITED, stood out like a neon sign to me. Frankly, it presented me with a conundrum. I thought, what in the world is UNITED about America during these times? What happened to “one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE with liberty and justice for all?”

I am proud to be a patriot! My American flag has hung on my home since the beginning of the pandemic. I take pride in our flag waving in the wind in declaration of our freedoms, but my ulterior motive during these days was for healing of our country. "I'm proud to be an American and, at least I know I am free!" Thanks, Lee Greenwood, for those great lyrics. "Our flag still stands for FREEDOM. God bless the USA!"

No matter the struggles in our country, I still contend for the freedom from God's Word: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). The last phrase in that verse keeps repeating in my mind and heart: “Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” That is key to who we are and hope always to be – people of service in love for each other. When we get that right – everything will get right.

Thank God, for the freedoms we have in America. Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And those freedoms weren’t won in a lottery. They were bought with the blood of our military. And the freedom the Apostle Paul spoke of was bought with the blood of our Savior.

“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

That’s what true freedom looks like. We won’t find it in a snarky news commentary or in the rant of a politician or religious leader tearing others to shreds. It won’t be at the table with gossip. The truth is -- when we stop loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and hatred until we can’t breathe or see. May we be pace-setters, peace-and-love-makers, freedom fighters in prayer and in example of humility – serving each other in love.

Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate an important event in history. But let’s also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. We don’t need to win the lottery to send out a little more love into the world or have faith like fireworks lighting up the dark. I’m sending up fireworks of God’s love to you, my beloved friends and family! Let freedom ring!

It’s Super Bowl Sunday! We Win – No Matter What!

My word(s) of the day is/are SUPER BOWL -- the National Football League’s championship game, played annually in the United States between the two best professional football teams: the National and the American Football Conferences.

I’m one of those “fair weather” football fans. If one of MY teams are playing (Dallas Cowboys or Seattle Seahawks), I’m watching the game. If they’re not or they're out, then I’m only watching the big finale – the SUPER BOWL.

I was on a fact finding mission as I created today’s blog post. Today, February 4, 2018, Super Bowl 52 will be played at 5:30 pm at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN with the two BEST teams competing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy made by Tiffany & Co. that cost $50,000.

The prize for Super Bowl players isn't shabby. It’s worth it for each player to give their all for a few hours to be paid $107,000 on the winning team and $53,000 each on the losing team. For most of the top players, this bonus is more about bragging rights because because they already have lucrative professional contracts with their respective teams. New England Patriots average squad salary is around $2.3 million a year which goes to show the Super Bowl bonus is peanuts for them.

To see the big game in person, as of yesterday, the average price of a ticket was $4,000. You can get a bargain 50-yard ticket, 3rd row for $16,887 and an end zone seat at $5,557.

The Patriots are favored to win, but there are those who are declaring the Eagles will crush the Patriots. I understand how the Patriots are favored because Tom Brady has led the Patriots in winning five Super Bowls in his career with them. If winning, Tom Brady will become the oldest quarterback to start a Super Bowl (40 years, 186 days). Philadelphia Eagles have never won a Super Bowl and haven’t been to one since 2005.

Will Tom Brady prevail again or will backup quarterback Nick Foles lead the Eagles to Philadelphia's first Super Bowl win? In either case, let's hope for a game that's at least as entertaining as the commercials (currently at $5 million for 30-seconds). Super Bowl Sunday is a legend and I’ll be watching for the best team to win.

No matter what....whether you are a SUPER BOWL fan or not…..this day will be just another day in things that matter most. This day will pass away, and in the light of eternity -- it won't matter. BUT, being on the WINNING TEAM is really what matters. I'm not talking about football, baseball or dominoes. Patrick Henry, a REAL Patriot during the American Revolution said, "United, we stand. Divided, we fall." It won't be just Tom Brady or Nick Noles that will win in this game today. It is being united with their team that will seal the deal. United is what we pray for those of us who desire strength and unity in our homes, our country and our faith.

Isn't it time for OUR team to be the one that says "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?" (Joshua 24:15). The winning team is God's team of fully devoted followers. I've read the Play Book (the Bible) and I’ve read the back of the book.....and this TEAM that REALLY matters -- the one that will defeat the enemy once and for all.....WINS big time. In fact, we’ve already won!

Psalm 108:13 “With God on our side we will win; he will defeat our enemies.”