Focus

Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you.

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Read

Isaiah 26:1-6 (NRSV)

On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
he sets up victory
like walls and bulwarks.
Open the gates,
so that the righteous nation that keeps faith
may enter in.
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—
in peace because they trust in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for in the LORD GOD
you have an everlasting rock.
For he has brought low
the inhabitants of the height;
the lofty city he lays low.
He lays it low to the ground,
casts it to the dust.
The foot tramples it,
the feet of the poor,
the steps of the needy.

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Reflect

Victory is seldom complete. In this passage, however, it is God’s victory given to his righteous nation—and it is complete. I’m not sure there is a truly “righteous nation” anymore. Our nation still considers itself a Christian nation—but what does that really mean? Theology in America is a fractured mess. I read a recent study* of 3,000 self-professed Christians that shows Americans love God and the Bible, but are hazy on the details.

Sixty percent agree that heaven is a place where all people will ultimately be united with their loved ones. Fifty-four percent believe only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their savior will receive eternal salvation. Fifty-two percent agree that good deeds help in earning their place in heaven. Only forty percent believe Hell is an eternal place of judgement for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. I’m not the arbiter of Christian faith or theology, but even I can see some inconsistencies with those findings.

We’ve been taught for years about God’s grace—and that is a good thing. However, there is a flip-side about which we don’t really want to hear or talk. Just look at a variety of churches’ websites and read their statement of beliefs. You can shop around and probably find one that fits you perfectly. We are all about being comfortable in our worship, but are we being true to God’s Word? You will have to pray for discernment and guidance and rely on your faith as you journey with God.

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Pray

Lord, we are a fallen people struggling to follow your ways. Help us to stay on the narrow path and put aside petty quarrels. Lead us to forgive others when we feel slighted. We pray for our country’s leaders and leaders around the world. Help them bring peace to the world. Lead us to be a truly righteous nation. Amen.

Go with God.

*http://lifewayresearch.com/2016/09/27/americans-love-god-and-the-bible-are-fuzzy-on-the-details/