God Bless America?
What if God wanted our country to be poor?
to be humbled on its knees?
to be in the depth of mourning?
to be selfless?
to be hungry and thirsty?
to be persecuted?
Often we hear and say the words "God bless America!" But do we really know what we are saying? Do we really know what we are asking for?
When I compare the world's understanding of "blessing" to what Jesus taught - they are strikingly different.
"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them...
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
There is spiritual danger living in a country filled with material blessing and earthly success.
We can have homes full of stuff but lives empty of value.
We can view devices and follow trends but be blind to Jesus' guidance.
We can build success but become proud.
We can attend a church building but not be alive as the body of Christ.
We can dress from overflowing closets but be naked in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
We can grow immature, weak, apathetic, arrogant, lukewarm, lose our saltiness and become diluted (to name a few!) by keeping up with the Joneses. Read John's letter to the church of Laodicea!
Don’t get me wrong. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be born in our free and beautiful nation, the United States of America. We get to worship Jesus in Spirit, truth, and freedom! But what do we do with that freedom?
I remember when we lived in China and visited the back of a plumbing shop to pray with other believers. They sang hymns for hours before church even began. Their dependency on the Holy Spirit fueled their every minute as they lived not only in communist China but also a Muslim autonomous region. Phones and whereabouts could easily be monitored. Having their children attend the equivalent of Sunday School or “English corner” put them all at risk. And when I read articles like this I can’t help but wonder how our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ would walk differently on American soil…
What am I taking for granted?
Who am I turning a blind eye to?
Why am I distracted with trivial arguments?
“The American church is feeding itself to death as the worldwide church is being murdered...”
Often when Christians live in countries that persecute them for their faith, they are tested and strengthened more than if they were in a country of religious freedom.
Let's not hide from persecution right here in America!
1. DON’T BE SURPRISED! What does it mean if you’re not being persecuted? Think on it!
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”
2. STAND UP! Take pride in our Savior. Not ourselves.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. ”
3. LEAN ON JESUS! Our strength doesn’t determine our value or success. It’s easy to fall for the American “can do” spirit and feel entitled to our comfort and happiness.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
“When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?”
4. MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY! We are standing in God’s grace with the freedoms we are privileged to have. Let’s move while we have the light!
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ”
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
5. BE ON GUARD! This is no prosperity gospel. Say what God has to say with clarity and compassion.
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
6. KEEP INFORMED and PRAY! Remember those being persecuted globally from ministries like The Voice of the Martyrs. Consider watching the 2019 release of “Tortured For Christ” on Amazon Prime about Richard Wurmbrand. With children, watch any of the Torchlighters series.
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD’s people.”
7. BLESS AND PRAY FOR THOSE THAT HATE AND PERSECUTE US! May they be open to the gospel. Not sure where to start? Here are the top 10 persecutors of Christians in the world today.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Dearest Jesus,
You left heaven and lived in a place that was undeserving of You. The world cannot contain Your glory and so You humbled Yourself to become one of us in order to save us. I praise You, Lord, because You do not give to us as the world gives. You do not bless us with treasures that can deteriorate, get stolen, or be destroyed. You bless us with a forever love, life to the fullest, and salvation for our souls in heaven! Forgive us, Lord, for our apathy! Forgive us for our entitlement! Forgive us for our ignorance! Thank you for the blessings of our country. We get to worship and live our faith with freedom. Please guard our hearts to never take that gift for granted. We are discouraged when our nation rejects you. Help us stand up and shine your light even if it means we are persecuted. Please comfort our persecuted brothers and sisters with your power and peace beyond this world's understanding. You too were persecuted. Transform the hearts of the persecutors so that they may come to know Your love. Fill us with the Helper, the Holy Spirit, that we may we be dangerous to Satan and his schemes! Thank you Lord, Jesus. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Amen.
