The Good News Is...

Philippians‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭- Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

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To prevent the things of the world from causing chaos in our lives, we must stay focused on the things of God. Without this understanding we will fall into one of two categories. Either we will see the problems we all face with little hope and much despair or we will bury our heads in the sand, turning to things that will distract us from thinking about what we see or are experiencing.

There's another alternative. What I have suggested, what God suggests...that we stay focused on Him. Stay focused on His promises. Stay focused on what we know He has told us will happen but what He will do if we endure with Him to the end. He is the good news we need to hear about. There is only one true gospel message we can put all our hope, faith and trust in. He is what it is all about. It's not about me or politicians or businessmen or rock stars or Hollywood or sports figures or anyone else.

As I have occasionally tuned in to the Republican National Convention, I am often reminded of this. I have to look to God. We might hear things that sound good but how do we know for sure? Remember, this is man's agenda. It is about what man wants. Some of the things might be what Jesus wants, but Jesus plays no role in any of this...unless the candidate is a believer and follows Christ. 

We live in a very messed up world where evil is perceived as good and good evil. Only God knows the real intent of anyone's heart. And no matter who gets elected as our next president, God already today knows this. He will use this person to exact His will, just as He did in the Old Testament. There were kings who did what was right in the eyes of God and those who did evil. The good ones brought blessings to the people. The others did not. God's sole purpose is redeeming souls! If He has to use our country's leaders, He will. God get our attention by allowing difficulties. Through them we might just turn back to Him. 

In the Old Testament His people, Israel, were released from Egyptian captivity by His hand. They recognized it...for awhile...then forgot and went back to their old ways. So God withdrew and allowed enemies to win battles with them. Israel again prayed for God to help them and He did. This happened repeatedly. 

Lord, let this Light of the world be evident in these days. If things do not improve in this world, perhaps people's hope would if they knew the God of all creation...if people would humble themselves, call out to You. Not everyone has to be troubled. You would prefer that none would perish. Let more meditate on the goodness of Your Word and its promises. 

We are at a time when God is needed more than ever in this world filled with hatred and violence. Even in this country with our own 
share of the same. If we want to make America great again we need to humble ourselves before our God and ask for His help. Man alone is nothing. Will we see either of these happen? Not so sure. 

I have seen all the protesting, flag burning and unrest. Most of the time these people don't really know what they want. Here's what God has to say about that: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah‬ ‭17:9-10‬)  People sow what they reap. 

I love that the Lord has promises. They are promises that will not be broken. They are for everyone willing to humbly submit to Him and call Him Lord. He is the only hope. Through Him we are free. It may not seem like it now, but when all is said and done, it will all make extraordinary sense to those who have trusted Him. 

Exodus‬ ‭13:3 - And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. ...”