Who have we forgotten on Memorial day?

Each year, a few days before the Memorial Day weekend, television programs start to center around our veterans and the sacrifices that they have made for our country. We are able to hear stories about long-lost heroes, watch documentaries on America's history and participate in the patriotism that is celebrated this time of year. It is a time of reflection and remembrance. This year in particular has been somewhat emotional for me. I haven't had a loved one die in a war nor was I raised in a military family, but I am an American and as I watch the country which generations have fought for, deteriorate before my eyes, I begin to appreciate my country's godly history even more.

The one thing that is missing from most of the media coverage is the fact that we were blessed with victory and success from God. It is because of His hand of protection that America has thrived and prospered. As we cut our ties with the Lord God Almighty, the security and strength that He has afforded us is removed. If we think for a minute that we can remove Him from our schools, court systems, public buildings and our most of all our government and not pay a price, we are sadly mistaken. As I watched some of the programs on TV this week that depicted our country's history, I was amazed at the odds which America faced to defeat the British. Yet, thanks to God fearing leaders, we did. God promises in His Word that He will prosper those who abide by His laws and follow His leading. As we stray from the faith that our founding fathers exemplified, we head down a path of destruction and I fear for our future.

Most of the time, the problem seems overwhelming to me. I wonder what I can do to help, to not allow the fallen men's lives go to waste. A daunting task it seems, but a few things came to my mind. First of all, we need to never forget that this nation IS a godly nation, even though it isn't acting like it. Secondly, we can make a difference by being involved and not just sitting on the sidelines: Vote, join local organizations, write to your representative and PRAY! And last but not least, choose to live a godly life: Don't participate in sinful activities, boycott corrupt and dishonest businesses, stand for godly values and morals and continue to seek God's will in your life. He will never lead you down a road of unrighteous behavior or actions. If those who claim to be God fearing Christians follow these guidelines, no matter how ungodly our country becomes, God's hand of protection may remain; if not, we haven't a chance.

GOD, BLESS AMERICA!

Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34, Deuteronomy 6:3

Spring Cleaning

I guess organizing is on my mind these days. Yesterday I cleaned out a closet that I use to store miscellaneous items in and every so often I go through it and thin things out. It amazes me that I can see things differently in just a few months; items that I thought I absolutely needed awhile back are now considered donations for the local charity. As each day, week, month and year of life passes by, our circumstances and needs change and so do our tastes and desires. This fact is reflected by the things that we may sort through from time to time. This is also a truth of our walk with the Lord. The Bible study that I am involved with has a number of faithful women in it who have been attending for years. I don't mean three or four years but fifteen and twenty years and some even longer than that! As we share about the things that we are learning and how God is growing us up, we find that even though we may have previously completed a particular study, new truths continue to be revealed to us as we go through it again. I am learning that God is into spring cleaning as well!

Just like in my closet, I find things in my spiritual life that I had never really noticed before. "Oh. Where did that come from and do I really need it in my closet (life)?" Or, "Gosh I really used to enjoy that pass time, but I don't think it is something that I will continue to do so let's get it out of here." Can you relate, not only to the closet but to your spiritual condition? God is so good to allow us to clean house a little at a time. He never just backs up the dump truck and says "OK. Let's get you cleaned up today!" He knows that we would never be able to handle that any more than I would be ready to clean out everything in my closet. I have emotional ties to some of my "stuff". I am not ready to say goodbye to all of my pet sins. In fact I don't even notice all of them. He is so faithful to just clean us out a little at a time. It can still be painful when He points to something and says that it's time to say goodbye, but most of the time I am ready for the freedom that comes from allowing those things to be removed from my storage closet. And you know what? It's not too long before I realize that I don't even miss those things.

What areas of your life are becoming cluttered with useless habits or hobbies? Do you smoke? Maybe it's time to let go of that! Think of all the benefits! Do you spend too much time watching TV or on the computer? Maybe you waste money that could be better spent helping others? How about your language? Do you use words or expressions that you may not use if a child was present or better yet Jesus? (By the way, He IS present with you in His Spirit!) It doesn't matter what God may be pricking your heart about, I am sure that He IS convicting you of something right now that needs to be discarded. Will you choose to do some spring cleaning and allow God to bless you with the freedom that comes with letting go of the clutter? Fall isn't too far away and the process will start all over again!