What is America’s Future?

President Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”  An ancient prayer from the Bible says, “Two things I ask of you . . . give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:7-9).

The idea conveyed is having little or much can affect the character of a person - and a nation. The United States has seen both. In her early years she had little, while in modern times she has had much. Today, the U.S. is the leader in innovation, has the greatest university system, the world’s most powerful military, the largest economy and provides unequaled human freedoms.  

Since the late 1800’s, which began the industrial age, America has seen incredible growth. The success has changed America’s character. Her pride has grown into arrogance. Her increased knowledge has questioned the need for God. Her advancements in technology have made her like a god and her hi-tech weapons have replaced God.     

The principle of abundance leading to a denial of God is a predictable pattern. When riches, power and success mount there is a quiet shift in the heart of a nation, that when left unchecked, can lead to its downfall. 

Who is America’s greatest enemy? Some other nation, terrorists or a conglomerate of cyber warriors? Our greatest enemy is – we the people. 

The lure of money and power is becoming our Great Destroyer. Its deceptive appeal has caused us to think too highly of ourselves. It has created a false sense of security bringing us to believe we are a nation that is indestructible and indispensable to the world. We have been willingly seduced by prosperity giving birth to the children of ease, complacency and immorality.    

Let us learn from the downfall of ancient kingdoms like Rome, Egypt, Greece and the once vast British Empire. Mere common sense says if we continue down the path we are on, America will eventually implode. 

Despite the growing number of atheists within our borders, the Lord God does exist, and He is our only hope. Not political parties, legislation or changes in the economy. Let us examine our ways and do something about it. We must humble ourselves and stop our power hunger, corrupt and immoral practices. We must make peace with God and with one another. This cannot be done through multi-faith efforts or by starting an organization. This turn around can only be done through our faith in the Creator God, and His only Son. Let us plead for Him to pour out a heaven-sent spiritual revival to sweep border to border.    

A prayer for you to pray– Lord God, I see evil and lawlessness across our land. We desperately need you to send a move of your Spirit upon us. I admit my own wrong doings and how I have contributed to the condition of our country. Forgive me Lord for what I have done. Oh God, come upon our land. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

America's Future

When the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, our forefathers built their hopes of the nation’s survival on some important principles.  John Witherspoon, one of the Declaration signers wrote, “Nothing is more certain than that a . . . corruption of manners make a people ripe for destruction.”  This is the principle of a Civil Society.  Witherspoon and other founders repeated this idea believing if America did not upkeep its civility it would become its greatest downfall.           

Would Franklin, Hancock and Adams be encouraged at the state of our union today?  According to a USA Today poll from several years ago 68% of readers thought people were more rude today then 20 to 30 years ago.     

Manners, etiquette, politeness all speak of civility.  Sandra Morisset, a professional etiquette trainer, gave ABC news an insight on a civil society saying “It's all about your self-awareness and treating others with respect. If you're not aware of your behavior, that's a problem."  I agree.  Many Americans seem to practice self-realization throwing off any concerns about “what people may think” and just “being themselves”.  Yes, we should be ourselves but not to the extent we become careless in our attitude and lifestyle to those around us.  Crime, political corruption, declining business ethics, family conflicts, broken friendships and church divisions all have their root in a lack of civility.  Since our founding we have advanced economically, educationally and technologically but plummeted in our manners. 

 

What did our founders believe was the foundation for a civil society?  God.  They believed if Americans chose to worship and follow Him it would lead us to become moral citizens and assure a civil society.  However, if future generations turned from God they warned that immoral behavior would rise and anarchy fill our streets.   

Jesus said, “I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).  Jesus suffered, died and rose again centuries ago that we might be made into a new person.  If we believe in Him with all our being He will give us a new heart and mind.  When that happens everything changes.  We become a new person laying down our lives in love and service to others for the glory of God.  Imagine waves of people in city after city being born again and putting the concerns of others above themselves.  This is the answer for America’s future.  May Jesus be your hope for today and the next generation.            

America's Greatest Enemy

President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (brainyquote.com).  An ancient biblical proverb says, "Two things I ask of you (God) . . . give me neither poverty or riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:7-9).

The idea conveyed is having little or much can affect the character of a person . . . and a nation.   The United States has seen both.  In her early years she had little, while in modern times she has had much.  Today, the U.S. is the leader in innovation, has the greatest university system, the world’s most powerful military, the largest economy and provides unequaled human freedoms.    

Since the late 1800’s, which began the industrial age, America has seen incredible growth and I believe this success has changed America’s character.  Her pride has grown into arrogance.  Her increased knowledge has questioned the need for God.  Her advancements in technology have made her like a god and her hi-tech weapons have replaced God’s protection.     

The principle of abundance leading to a denial of God is a predictable pattern.  When riches, power and success mount there is a quiet shifting of the heart and soul of a nation that when left unchecked leads to its downfall.   

What is America’s greatest enemy?  Ourselves.  The lure of money and power is becoming our Great Destroyer.  Its deceptive appeal has caused us to think too highly of ourselves.  It has created a false sense of security bringing us to believe we are a nation that is indestructible and indispensable to the world.  We have been willingly seduced by prosperity giving birth to the illicit children of ease, complacency and immorality.      

What shall we do?  Let us examine our ways and not walk the paths of other nations.  Let us learn from the downfall of Ancient Empires like Rome, Egypt, Greece and the once vast British Empire.  America’s future is up to its own citizens.  Will we trust in ourselves or Almighty God?  The answer determines our national destiny.  Let us turn to Christ and may He be the hope of our nation.   

HOPE FOR TODAY: Redefining the American Spirit

President Abraham Lincoln with congressional approval signed a proclamation calling for a national observance of “public humiliation, prayer and fasting” held in September 1861. Months earlier the Union troops came under fire at Fort Sumpter. History shows it was the beginning of the civil war. While pondering the fate of his nation, Lincoln shared these words with his fellow countrymen. He said to offer “fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace.” The President knew he needed power and wisdom beyond Himself. He knew only the God of heaven and earth could save his divided country.

Lincoln’s American Spirit was much different than our modern version. In the face of natural disasters, political turmoil or economic uncertainty, today’s leaders call on the American people primarily to depend on themselves. Today’s version of the American Spirit is human-centered. It calls for a tough, independent, self-determined mindset that comes with an accomplish-anything attitude.

Although it appears admirable and sounds great on the surface, is that really our nation’s best and brightest way to respond to crises? The self-reliant spirit that does not need God actually enflames the anger of God. However, the humble and God-fearing receive His ear and all of heaven’s resources. The Scriptures say, “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:6). Crises reveal our limits as mortal human beings. We cannot stop a tornado. We cannot purge injustice from our world. We cannot control the behavior of every person. Such things highlight our powerlessness. It shouts our need for a Savior outside of ourselves.

There is only one being who is all powerful, all knowing and eternal in existence who can intervene in the course of human affairs – Almighty God. Centuries ago, He intervened by sending His Son, Jesus, from heaven to earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, burial and resurrection God altered the direction of world history.

May the American Spirit come to be synonymous with humility before our Creator. When our nation faces future crises may a holy and humble remnant bow before the Most High and with unwavering faith watch Him work for good in our nation. May God Himself be our nation’s hope for today and future generations.