Category: II Chronicles

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What Are You Holding?

Yesterday we visited an old church, a very old church. It was constructed in the early 4th century. It was built by Constantine the Great at the request of his mother St. Helena who was returning to Rome from a religious pilgrimage.

I tell you this because I thought the church was built in the mid 1500’s and told that to a few people. I was wrong.

I had picked up a pamphlet yesterday and hoped to get a more thorough education as to its history. I took the one that was written in English on the cover however, the language inside is not. What I learned about the church was from further research on-line.

The church is called The Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, literally meaning the church of 100 doors.

Now why am I giving you this brief history lesson? There is a purpose.

Dave, who has done his fair share of construction, looked at things differently than I did when we toured the church. He was intrigued by the rows of chiseled stone that created the great domes inside the church. They are a marvel to modern engineering. How long did it take to possession them, one applying pressure to another to keep them in place, to keep them from falling.

We began to talk about how many years it must have taken, the skill it required and the dedication for not only the workers but their families. I remember the accounts that are given in the Bible of the skilled craftsmen that built the tabernacle in the wilderness and the those who built the Temple in King Solomon’s day.

“ I have chosen Bezalel from the Judah tribe to make the sacred tent and its furnishings. 3-5 Not only have I filled him with my Spirit, but I have given him wisdom and made him a skilled craftsman who can create objects of art with gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood.” Exodus 31:2-4 CEV

“Solomon also gave orders to make the following temple furnishings out of gold: the altar, the tables that held the sacred loaves of bread,[b] 20 the lampstands and the lamps that burned in front of the most holy place, 21 flower designs, lamps and tongs, 22 lamp snuffers, small sprinkling bowls, ladles, fire pans, and the doors to the most holy place and the main room of the temple.” II Chronicles 4:19-22 CEV

I believe the Lord gave these skills to those workers who built this church also.

So often those working behind the scenes are overlooked but their calling from God is just as great.

When the Lord called Moses to represent Him and deliver the Israelites from Egypt He didn’t call a man who had great leadership skills. In fact, Moses was a shepherd in the desert. God asked Moses a question:

“The Lord answered, ‘What’s that in your hand?’ ‘A walking stick,’ Moses replied.” Exodus 4:2 CEV

If the Lord asked you the same question what would your reply be?

A teacher’s grade book, a nurses’ blood pressure cuff, a mechanics wrench, a programmer’s code, a mother’s apron, a soldier’s weapon, a scientist’s research, a first responders’ training, a fisherman’s lines?

What’s in your hand? Those skilled workers of the 4th century had a heart to build a church that would be used to honor God, a place filled with worship. Their craftsmanship remains as a testimony to their dedication.

Let the Lord use the very tools that He has placed in your hands to do the same!

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Praying Grandparents

This may seem like a natural occurrence, but I want to draw attention to it anyway.

I grew up with a praying grandmother. Each morning she started her day with prayer. I have no idea how long she spent, sitting there on her couch, apron tied around her waist, Bible in her lap and head bowed in prayer.

I know that after my grandfather died, I would walk over to her house from elementary school for lunch and when I would come in the back door many times she would still be there, on the couch praying.

Grama had five children, 26+ grandchildren (some of them were step-grandchildren), plus the children and grandchildren of her second husband. She had a lot to pray for. As we, the grandchildren, married and had children of our own her list got longer. She was committed to praying for us each day.

I remember how lost I felt a few days after my grandmother’s death. I asked the Lord, “Who’s praying for us now”? Even now, I think about it and tears fill my eyes and I get a lump in my throat.

I’ve been reading the history of the kings of Israel and Judah in the book of II Chronicles. A striking comment is made about each of the kings.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king of Judah. He was king for 55 years in Jerusalem. 2 Manasseh did what the Lord said was wrong. He followed the terrible and sinful ways of the nations that the Lord had forced out of the land before the Israelites.” II Chronicles 33:1-2 ERV

“ Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He was king for 31 years in Jerusalem. 2 He lived in a way that pleased the Lord, always doing what was right, as his ancestor David had done. Josiah never changed this way of life. 3 When Josiah was in his eighth year as king, he began to follow the God worshiped by David his ancestor. He was still young when he began to obey God.” II Chronicles 34:1-3 ERV

This is just a sample of how the entire book reads. Manasseh did what the Lord said was wrong. Josiah, his son, lived in a way that pleased the Lord. What made the difference between father and son? I don’t know but it says Josiah lived as his ancestor King David did and he never changed this way of life.

Josiah was only eight when he became king, but he must have heard stories of his wonderful, many-generations-back, grandfather. Theirs was a spoken and written history, no pictures like we have now, and I imagine that someone told him about a young man who killed a giant, ruled Israel and served the Lord God. He certainly didn’t see it modeled by his father.

“I remember your true faith. That kind of faith first belonged to your grandmother Lois and to your mother Eunice. I know you now have that same faith.” II Timothy 1:5 ERV

Paul wrote those words to Timothy, his son in the faith.

Dave and I are blessed with seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. It is my prayer that they love the Lord and grow in a constant and abiding relationship with Him. A relationship that their grandchildren will want to emulate.

Grandparents, the greatest gift we can give our grandchildren is living a life of prayer!

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Gold Top Ice Cream

Yesterday we went to our youngest daughter’s to celebrate her 37th birthday. Pappy (Dave) and I took take-n-bake pizza and Blue Bell ice cream.

After we had finished our pizza and were ready for ice cream our almost 6-year-old granddaughter told me, “we have gold top ice cream”. I wasn’t quite sure what she was talking about until I opened the freezer drawer and saw it, the ice cream with the gold top.

Below it was another tub of ice cream, the kind you buy when you are wanting to economize, that really doesn’t taste as good. I took their gold top carton and the one we had just brought from the freezer, telling her that today we all got to have the gold top ice cream. We all got to have the best!

Before I went to bed, I was remembering how excited she was – how her eyes sparkled when her mom opened the containers and put big scoops in each bowl. It was if the Lord was saying to my heart, “Kristi, I always want you to enjoy gold top moments”.

This morning in my reading I came across three gold top moments that I would like to share with you.

“ I love those who love me, and those who look for me with much desire will find me. 18 Riches and honor are mine, lasting riches and being right with God. 19 My fruit is better than gold, even pure gold. What I give is better than fine silver. 20 I walk in the way that is right with God, in the center of the ways that are fair. 21 I give riches to those who love me, and fill their store-houses.” Proverbs 8:17-21 NLV

Wisdom is the one speaking. Those of us who seek God’s wisdom are promised His blessings.

“ He said, ‘Listen, all Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says to you, ‘Do not be afraid or troubled because of these many men. For the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 Go down to fight them tomorrow…17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Just stand still in your places and see the saving power of the Lord work for you, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid or troubled. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you’.” II Chronicles 20:15-17 NLV

Jehoshaphat and his people were facing overwhelming odds in battle. They humbled themselves, prayed and sought God’s direction and the Lord fought the battle defeating their enemies.

A gold top moment!

“He answered, ‘A Man called Jesus made mud and put it on my eyes. Then He said to me, ‘Go and wash in the pool of Siloam.’ I went and washed and I can see.’” John 9:11 NLV

A blind man had an encounter with Jesus. His obedience to Jesus’ word gave him his sight.

God’s word is filled with hundreds of examples like these. He wants us to be the recipients of His promises.

“A man cannot please God unless he has faith. Anyone who comes to God must believe that He is. That one must also know that God gives what is promised to the one who keeps on looking for Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLV

Come to God, believe Him and receive His promises. Enjoy the Father’s “gold top” moments!

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A View from the Top

Dave and I have gone to the woods to cut our Christmas tree for many years. However, the last few years if wasn’t practical, we lived too far away and the drive would have been too long.

I remember one year when we lived in Montana. It was getting toward mid-December and we still hadn’t gone to get our tree. Dave wasn’t available for several more days and Kaci’s work schedule had her busy so our little dog, Glory, and I went to the mountain by ourselves.

Dave had given me strict instructions to follow. My vehicle was a 4×4 so I wasn’t concerned with the snow on the roads but he was. I had the saw and knew how to use it but I could see he was apprehensive. I was determined to go and I assured him I would be safe.

It was a wonderful day!

The sun was shining, the air was crisp and I was on top of the world, or at least the mountain. (The picture I used today is from that outing.) I took my time and found the perfect tree – tall, well-shaped with no sparse sides. Glory was having fun playing in the snow and running from place to place with me. A good day indeed.

Looking out across the valley, I spotted our house. It was so tiny. I gained a new perspective.

“The Lord is constantly watching everyone, and he gives strength to those who faithfully obey him.” II Chronicles 16: 9 CEV

The Lord is constantly watching for those of us who need help and strength.

“The Lord is high above all nations. His shining-greatness is above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God? He sits on His throne on high. 6 He looks down upon the heavens and the earth. 7 He raises the poor from the dust. He lifts those in need from the ashes.” Psalm 113:4-7 NLV

He lifts up those of us who are in need!

We are not insignificant dots on a map, we are His children and He watches over us diligently.

“But the Lord watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness. 19 He protects them from death and starvation.” Psalm 33:18-19 CEV

It’s important that we remember to view things from His perspective.

“I will bless you with a future filled with hope—a future of success, not of suffering. 12 You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. 13  You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you”. Jeremiah 29:11-13 CEV

Our Father sees the beginning and the end of all things. He sees each step, He knows when we get up and when we lay down and He has established a plan for our lives.

The joy and the peace of Christmas is that God came to be with us. His name Emmanuel means just that, God with us.

From His viewpoint, He saw that we were a people in need of a Savior and so He came to earth. Thank God for His insight and oversight. Thank You Father, for Your view from the top!

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Looking for Eagles

All summer long I have been waiting to hike a knoll near the campground. One morning early in the season, we drove to the parking area below the hill, enthusiastic about our climb, only to be turned back.

There was a posted sign, “Eagle Nesting Area”, and it went on to say that no one should be in that area from February 1 to August 31. It was a protected area. We turned back, disappointed, and found another knoll for that day’s hike.

Now, here it is mid-September and we are making it back to do some exploring. We were looking for the eagle’s nest.

I refrain from calling it a mountain hike only because we are on a mountain, surrounded by taller mountains, like Mt. Baldy. But to call it a hill or knoll diminishes the challenging terrain. We had to watch every step – there were downed trees, stinging nettle, and big logs to climb over.

We were always looking up, scanning the treetops, searching for the eagle’s nest. Much to my chagrin we never located it. What we did find were vultures! Yes, vultures. The standing dead trees provided them with the perfect setting to roost. They would leave the branch and with two or three flaps of their massive wings they would soar above the landscape looking for food far below. Then back to their resting place.

I’m sure you’re wondering what great Biblical truth came to mind during our exploration. The only one I have is an absolute awareness of the greatness of God. Here we were in a thicket of trees. Vultures were soaring, scanning the earth below to look for food and found none.

God’s vision is much more acute than that of a vulture or an eagle. There in that mesh of living and dead trees, we were not lost to the sight of our loving Father. He knew right where we were. And He was there.

“The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong. ” II Chronicles 16:9 ERV

Even in the most obscure places we are never alone. God is there to protect and provide.

“You are all around me—in front of me and behind me. I feel your hand on my shoulder. 6 I am amazed at what you know; it is too much for me to understand. 7 Your Spirit is everywhere I go. I cannot escape your presence.” Psalm 139:5-7 ERV

The view from the top was beautiful, even though we didn’t find the eagle’s nest. What we did find was much greater – we found another day of adventure with the Father.

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Rockets Red Glare

Boy, yesterday we had a real “frog strangler” of a rain! The heavens opened and sheets of water came pouring down. The thunder rumbled and the lightning flashed. It was a real natural fireworks show.

And Dave and I watched it through the windows of our RV. We were dry and comfortable.

But how different it must have been for those early patriots who fought for our independence. They were out in the weather with no shelter to speak of, not like we know today. Musket balls were flying, and cannons were spewing their balls of lead through the air.

Those who have served in other wars have been bombarded, the weapons have improved but the conditions have been just as horrendous. Fighting for our freedom!

Francis Scott Key poetically penned the words to our national anthem while watching the battle at Fort McHenry from a distance. It was 1814 and we were once again engaged in a battle with the British. He had heard the shelling all through the night, the battle was raging and he watched hopefully as the dawn came – was the flag still flying. The hope in his heart flowed through his pen to paper and these are the words he recorded.

I hope you read them as a statement of resolve and not just a song that is sung at sporting events or other occasions.

“Oh, say can you see,
By the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars,
Thru the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched
Were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
O, say, does that
Star-Spangled Banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?”

Yes, it still waves! Sometimes it is lowered to half-staff in mourning, sometimes it has been flown upside down signaling distress but still it waves and I pray that it waves proudly over this land.

“ and if my people who are called by my name become humble and pray, and look for me, and turn away from their evil ways, then I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14 ERV

Today isn’t about potato salad, watermelon, fireworks and bar-b-ques. Today, may we all bow our heads and pray for our nation and its leaders. May we pray for our citizens to open their hearts to their neighbors in love and compassion. May we pray for a healing to cover our land.

God bless America!

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Don’t Ever Stop Trusting

Did you trust the Lord yesterday? What kinds of things did you trust Him for? Peace and safety, health and strength? The food on your table? A good job?

“With your help I can defeat an army. If my God is with me, I can climb over enemy walls. 30 God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 31 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God.” Psalms 18:29-31 ERV

Look at that!

“The Lord’s promise always proves to be true”.

We trust Him to forgive our sins and to make us a part of His family. We trust Him when He says that we will have eternal life but sometimes we forget to trust Him with the day-to-day circumstances.

“Did you forget what happened with the Ethiopians and the Libyans who also had a powerful army with many chariots and horse soldiers? That time you depended on the Lord to help you, and he let you defeat them. 9 The eyes of the Lord go around looking in all the earth for people who are faithful to him so that he can make them strong.” II Chronicles 16:8-9 ERV

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” II Chronicles 16:9 NLT

Our Father has always been concerned with the day-to-day.

He provided food for the Israelites in the wilderness; He made sure there were five stones available for David’s slingshot. He provided a ram to sacrifice when Abraham and Isaac went up the mountain. He turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana. He brought fish to the nets of struggling fisherman. He delivered the Israelites from the armies of their enemies.

Our Father is trustworthy!

“Many people are suffering— crushed by the weight of their troubles. But the Lord is a refuge for them, a safe place they can run to. 10 Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help.” Psalm 9:9-10 ERV

Hannah, a young woman who was barren, cried out to the Lord for a child. Her heart was aching from carrying such a heavy burden. She prayed and the Lord answered her prayer. This is her joyful response:

“Hannah said, ‘My heart is happy in the Lord. I feel very strong in my God. I laugh at my enemies. I am very happy in my victory. 2 There is no holy God like the Lord. There is no God but you. There is no Rock like our God.'” I Samuel 2:1-2 ERV

Dear reader and friend, I have no idea what you are facing but I do know that you should never quit trusting the Lord your God. There is no one like Him.

“God is our protection and source of strength.  He is always ready to help us in times of trouble. 2 So we are not afraid when the earth quakes and the mountains fall into the sea.
3 We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark and the mountains tremble. Selah” Psalm 46:1-3 ERV

Never stop trusting our God!

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Sweet Perfume

I was reading a verse that I have taught on numerous times this morning and a greater understanding of that verse jumped off the page.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in victory through Christ. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

My oldest granddaughter and I share this verse with just one word – ALWAYS! In the King James version it is translated “always triumph”. And that’s what I have taught on many times but this morning’s focus was on the second half of the verse.

The sweet perfume.

When I read those words I was reminded of Mary, who came in to a dinner where Jesus was enjoying the evening’s repasse with his disciples and Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Lazarus was her brother. She wanted to honor Jesus. He had caused her brother to triumph over death.

In her hands she carried a box of expensive perfume. Mary poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet and then wiped them with her hair. The fragrance filled the room. Judas Iscariot protested that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus silenced him and said that her actions were actually preparing him for his burial.

“Jesus answered, “Don’t stop her. It was right for her to save this perfume for today—the day for me to be prepared for burial.” John 12:7 ERV

Mary left that place with the odor of sweet perfume in her hair. I’m sure that when she went to the marketplace the next day, Mary took with her that sweet smell of her worship of the Lord. I’m sure that when asked “what’s that fragrance you are wearing” she told of Jesus and her encounter with Him. She spread the knowledge of relationship with the Lord, the triumph over death.

The sweet smelling perfume!

Another thought that came to mind was the instruction that the Lord gave in the Old Testament about the sacrifices they offered.

“I am building a temple where the Lord my God will be worshiped. Sweet-smelling incense will be burned there, and sacred bread will be offered to him. Worshipers will offer sacrifices to the Lord every morning and evening, every Sabbath, and on the first day of each month, as well as during all our religious festivals. These things will be done for all time, just as the Lord has commanded.” II Chronicles 2:4 CEV

Sweet-smelling incense was a part of the sacrifice offering.

When the Jewish people smelled the incense they knew that sacrifices were being made. Praise and repentance were taking place and the sweet odor from the incense made them aware of what the Lord had done. When their children or foreigners in their midst ask “what’s that sweet smell” they were able to tell of their wonderful God who delivered them from Egypt and helped them defeat their enemies.

I believe that this is what Paul is referring to here as he writes to the Christians in the church at Corinth. When the world sees the victories that we experience in Christ, we always triumph, our praise of God and His power rises like a sweet-smelling perfume. And when people ask “why do you always have such a sweet disposition” “why don’t you worry or fret” we can share the knowledge of God who always causes us to triumph!

Let the sweet smell of God’s love and goodness permeate the atmosphere of your world.

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Battle Fatigue

Some of the first images that come to mind when I think about battle fatigue are of wildland fire fighters on the front lines of a blaze, medical personnel battling COVID, law enforcement officers in perilous conditions and individuals who are fighting each day for physical and mental strength in the continuing battle for their health.

Battle Fatigue.

It’s also something that ordinary people like you and I face. There are those days of weariness and we wonder where we are going to find the strength to go on. There’s a story in II Chronicles 20 that reminds me where my true strength comes from. The Lord brings me back to it when the battles I’m facing seem almost insurmountable.

King Jehoshaphat was being invaded by three large armies and he was afraid. He stopped everything and sought God. He had his people seek God as well. He reminded the Lord how He had come to the aid of those in the past and then the King waited for a word from the Lord. The word came – the king followed it – the people praised – the enemy was ambushed – the people took the spoils – other enemies withdrew because of fear of the Lord and the Israelites lived in peace for a long time. A worthy example for each of us to follow.

The battle belongs to the Lord!

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: …13 And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children…Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s…20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper…22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.…none escaped…28 And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD.29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.” II Chronicles 20:1-29 KJV

The army of the Israelites was outnumbered. Their defeat was certain. They were weak in their own strength and number BUT the battle belongs to the Lord!

We face daily battles, some just seem to be small skirmishes and others can be overwhelming. As Christians we don’t have to fight in our own strength. The Apostle Paul tells us to daily put on God’s armor and then to stand. Stand, stand strong. Each piece of our armor is fashioned from God’s Word. We have God’s promise that “no weapon formed against us will prosper”. Does this sound to good to be true? I used to think so.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:10-13 NLT

But as I read through the Bible I found that the Lord promised victory to those who trust in Him. Over and over again I read of those who were more than conquerors and overcomers. I read the stories of those who faced battles and emerged victoriously because they knew what Jehoshaphat knew – the battle belongs to the Lord.

If you are feeling weary, experiencing battle fatigue, go to God in prayer and I know you will hear Him say “This is My battle, let Me fight for you”. The battle belongs to the Lord!

(I devote an entire chapter to being overcomers and conquerors in my book, Like A Diamond.)

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National Day of Prayer

Today, the first Thursday in May, was designated as a National Day of Prayer by President Reagan in 1988. However, President Harry Truman signed a bill into law which established a National Day of Prayer in 1952.

Since the early days of our country prayer has been the backbone of strength for our leaders. Benjamin Franklin asked then President George Washington to open each day with prayer seeking God’s guidance. President Abraham Lincoln called the nation to prayer during the Civil War and declared a day of Thanksgiving. Down through our history presidents have asked the citizens of our nation to pray.

The Apostle Paul gave us this instruction:

“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior. 4 God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 ERV

We should begin each day praying for our President, The Congress, our Supreme Court, and the State and Local governments. We should pray that they represent us with honesty and integrity, that their actions are directed by Almighty God. We should also pray that those who ignore the Lord’s leading are convicted of their ways and repent or are removed from office.

And we should pray that our hearts are pure. We need to be citizens who love God, our country and work to preserve and protect it.

“if My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes will be open. And My ears will hear the prayer that is made in this place.” II Chronicles 7:14-15 ERV

God’s heart has always been open to the prayers of His people. He calls us to pray so that our land and our hearts will be healed.

I ask you to join me today in prayer for our nation and our fellow citizens. Each time we see a flag today, let’s whisper a prayer. Let’s pray for wisdom, strength, actions of justice and honor. Let’s pray for humble hearts, in all of us. Hearts of repentance. Pray for healing.

“Father, in the name of Jesus, the name above every name, we pray for our nation and our leaders this day. Let our President and members of Congress, Governors and Justices be men and women of honesty and integrity. Let them turn to You for guidance in the laws and judgements they make. Let them work together to preserve our nation and not destroy it. Let them work together for the good of this country; laying aside partisan issues and truly be a leadership that is by the people, of the people and for the people. Father, forgive us for our grumbling and complaining instead of praying and encouraging those in leadership. We repent and humbly ask that You heal our land. Your word says if we will call You will answer; if we ask we will receive. So we thank You now for hearing our prayers – cleansing our hearts and healing our land. May You receive glory for who You are. Amen and Amen.”

The Bible tells us when we ask the Father for something in Jesus name, it is done by our Father in heaven. I truly believe that God heard that prayer and that He is working on our behalf.

One other Scripture I would like to share in closing comes from a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Thessalonica.

“Be full of joy all the time. 17 Never stop praying. 18 In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLV

Let’s never stop praying and giving thanks for all that God has blessed us with. Having this perspective fills us with joy!

Praise God for this nation we live in. In spite of her shortcomings she is still the best nation on earth.

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