Sept 27

4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 NIV

I spent yesterday in our Nation’s Capitol with thousands of followers of Jesus who were praying for our country. Both the Franklin Graham event and The Return occurred simultaneously on The Mall in which both were live streamed with people watching over the globe. Why do we have hope that this will make a difference? Because of the revelation of God found within the scriptures.

Franklin Graham Link – https://prayermarch2020.com/live/?utm_source=bgea+09.26.2020&utm_medium=bgemail&utm_campaign=prayer+march&utm_content=BA209YDCE&SOURCE=BA209YDCE 

The Return Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw3QbqvXqVc

Paul says we should allow the reading of the scriptures to teach us at least two things – endurance and encouragement. Both of these thoughts are necessary for today as e deal with the crisis in our land.

Endurance -greek hupomoné – is two words, “remaining” and “under”. God provides the strength necessary to remain under the trial. My first thought is to move away from being under the trial. But God uses the pressures to “squeeze out” the impurities in our lives so that the diamonds remain.

Encouragement – greek paraklésis – means a “calling to one’s aid or exhortation”. This is a similar root word used of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives in which He is given to come alongside us to comfort us. In this context the scriptures are referred to a close friend coming alongside us to speak the words necessary for us to keep going. The scriptures will tell us what to do next, how we should think, actions that we need to take, words that we need to speak, answers to questions that we may have.

We are not sure how may God respond to our brokenness and prayers. However, we do know how He will respond if we remain stiff necked, rebellious to His ways and unbroken. May God send us a fresh move of the Holy Spirit that leads us to true repentance.

We start repentance personally and not for the sins of others. It is so much easier to look at the wrong of all the other people and fail to see how our own sins are contributing to the chaos. Judging others is not repenting. The pharisee prayed and thanked God he was not as bad as the other man who was repenting. Our words, thoughts and actions should be laid alongside God’s holiness for comparison. Then, may God in His mercy touch us with fire from His altar and may the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us.

We stopped by the WWII memorial and found the state of Alabama (all 50 states were represented). God lead me to pray once again for the pastors and churches that will be meeting today. May a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit move over the pastors and congregations today. There is hope in Jesus name, be encouraged to endure.

Blessings love y’all