In the tenth century BC, King Solomon, the third king of Israel,  built a temple in Jerusalem.  He hoped that God would manifest His presence there, in the midst of His people, Israel.  When the magnificent temple was completed, Solomon and all of Israel gathered for the great dedication.  The king offered sacrifices, and then uttered a prayer of dedication asking God to bless His people if, in troublous times, they would turn from their sins and pray toward this holy place.

  In response to his prayer of dedication, God said to Solomon, “…I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. (2Chronicles 2:12)”  Concerning his request for God to be attentive to the prayers of His repentant people, the Lord said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)”

  Today, God’s grace is extended to all of the peoples of the world.  By faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, anyone can enjoy a relationship with God.  “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)”  It is probably safe to assume that the promises made to Solomon would be extended to God’s people today if they would humble themselves, and pray, and seek His face.   

  Here in America we have embarked upon another election year in which every candidate offers his or her own solution to our nation’s problems, but it would not be hard to demonstrate from scripture that what our nation really needs is not political or economic reform, but a spiritual revival.  Our problem is not that the atheists and agnostics live as if there is no God.  Our problem is that the people of God live as if there is no God.  We, who are called by His name, have become practical atheists in our faith.  “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) (Hebrews 10:23)”

  Did you know that the words Separation, Church, and State do not appear in the first amendment of our Constitution?  As the amendment relates to Church, the obvious intent of its authors was to prevent our Federal Government from exercising authority in matters of church and religion.

  Many Christians would defend the supposed provision of the first amendment, as it relates to religion, though perhaps few actually understand it.  Questions like: “Would you like to see prayer back in the classroom?” and, “What if the teacher were Muslim and the prayers were offered to Allah?”  have many Christians arguing from both sides of the issue.  Actually, the first amendment was not intended to answer these questions.

  To put things in perspective, it should be noted that we Christians, along with our founding fathers, believe that both Church and State are institutions ordained of God, and that both are necessary to fulfill His sovereign purpose.  The authority of State is ordained of God to, among other things, maintain law and order in a pluralistic society.  The Church exists as the institution through which Christians are to glorify God through evangelism, edification and worship.  God never intended for the two to become one.

  Believers have an obligation to their government as citizens, and to the Church, as citizens of Heaven.  When we are faced with the dilemma of conflicting allegiance, our resolve must be to obey God rather than man.  Our motivation to abstain from crime and sin, is based first on our allegiance to Christ, rather than fear of punishment from the State.

  As Christian citizens, we are obligated to be God’s representatives in our country and around the world, engaging in civil and social responsibilities.  Though Church and State are never to be one, Christians are commanded to be a vital part of both.  If believers refuse to be involved in government, all government would soon be ungodly, and the moral fabric of America would quickly start to unravel.  We will have only ourselves to blame

  Most would agree that our culture of capitalism and free market produces many opportunities to indulge our lust for pleasure and adventure.  Though lacking the quality and utility that us old timers had come to expect, modern advertisers promote their “must have” products in such a way that even the most conservative consumers are asking, “How much will it cost me?”  On a collective whim, our nation keeps multiplied curriers busy rushing our plastic treasures to our doorsteps.  Now we have more stuff and less money.

  In spite of our culture, the most valuable commodity of all time is still made available for FREE, though at great cost to the Producer.  God has given the life’s blood of His own Son, Jesus, to purchase forgiveness for all who will receive it by faith.  God wants to know you right now!

  Many hesitate because, in this day of consumerism, we have learned that nothing is free.  A typical response is, “Yeah right!” “What’s the catch?”  But there is no catch, the price has already been paid, and forgiveness is free to those who desire to be delivered from the consequences of sin rather than enjoy its temporal pleasures.  The choice is yours, but you must understand that one cannot desire to live in sin and be saved from it at the same time.  It’s one or the other.  Those who accept God’s forgiveness, we call “saved.”

  You should also know that salvation does not cause sin to go away, but once saved, a believer can enjoy an “Abundant Life” by exercising his God given power to do right.  Some will ask, “I knew there was a catch; how much will this power to do right cost me?”  And again the answer is, “nothing.”  God’s priceless provisions are all free to the believer, but remember, you cannot desire to live in your sin and expect to fellowship with a sinless God at the same time.”  It’s one or the other.

  Sin is a force to be reckoned with.  But forgiveness and the power to live an “abundant life” are offered freely through the Risen Christ.  If we can help you to better understand your choices, please don’t hesitate to call.

  Did you ever build a puzzle?  If you are like most puzzlers, you probably started with the edge pieces to establish the perimeters first.  After the frame, you probably began to look for recognizable pieces of a particular area of the puzzle, distinguishable by color or content rather than their shapes.  Slowly and painstakingly the masterpiece finally came together to reveal that thing of beauty, message of hope or incentive to smile.

 Here’s an interesting question; if your life were a puzzle, what would the pieces look like?  Would the edge pieces form a basic recognizable shape, or would they be an oddity that would puzzle the puzzle builder?  Would the colors form patterns and schemes to animate their objects, or would they be a menagerie of dissonance?  Would the objects found in the puzzle of your life seem organized and in place, or in disarray?  Would the finished product make a meaningful statement, or occasion only the blank gaze of onlookers for whom your life gives new meaning to the word “puzzle?”

  On those occasions when my life begins to look like what some have called “modern art,” I am reminded that I am not my own, but have been “bought with a price.”  I belong to my Heavenly Father who gives order and meaning to the puzzle of life.  God made me a man, and has given instruction as to how men should conduct themselves.  Before God, I made my vows to become a husband; He has prescribed the duties of a husband.  God has blessed me with children, and with my sons came His instruction to fathers.  God called me to be a Pastor, but did not leave me without His instructions for the Shepherd.  When He calls the shots, life becomes meaningful!

  Our lives do not have to be distorted and meaningless puzzles.  Let’s resolve to know God, to allow Him to set the perimeters, to be all and only what He has called us to be, and to live our lives according to His instruction.  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)”

  Years ago, I was rebuked for answering my father, “OK, in a minute.”  We call it procrastination, and we even use it with the Lord.  He says “Go”, and we say, “Later Lord.”  …but our excuses don’t impress God:

  The boy, Samuel, had been “lent to the Lord” for life.  “…Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. (1Sam. 2:18).”  —You are not too young to serve the Lord NOW.

  Martha of Bethany asked, “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? …And Jesus answered and said unto her, …Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:38-42).”  —You are not too busy to serve the Lord NOW.

  Moses, deliverer of Israel, first contended… “I am not eloquent, …I am slow of speech.  And the LORD said …go, and I will be with thy mouth. (Ex. 4:10-12).” —You are not too deficient to serve the Lord NOW.

  Jesus was once asked, “…what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?  …Jesus said unto him, …go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, …he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (Matt. 19:16-22).”  —It will not cost you too much to serve the Lord NOW.

  A man once said,  “…Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:59-62).”  —There is no greater responsibility than to serve the Lord NOW.

  Joshua once preached, “choose you this day whom ye will serve …but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Josh. 24:15).  and then he “died, being an hundred and ten years old. (Josh. 24:29).”  —You are not too old to serve the Lord NOW.

  God calls and equips His servants.  We must obey Him NOW!