The Lord Is Faithful

A Note from the Pastor…

This past week, our country celebrated its 248th birthday, (if my math is right and the internet is true)! This is, undoubtedly, the best, most free country to live in across the globe! I love to travel abroad. I love to experience new cultures. I love to help share the Gospel with people and places where the light of Christ has not been shared as clearly or brightly. Yet, there is no place on earth like the “good ol’ U. S. of A.” Our freedom – our liberty – our opportunities – are the envy of so many in the world!

Yet, we are also a country moving away from God in ways I never thought I would live to see in my lifetime. It is not progress, it is not an “evolving consciousness,” nor is it something to praised or celebrated. It is a turning away from God. Paul writing to Timothy reminds him, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths,” (II Timothy 4:3-4). God truly is Loving and Merciful – but He is also Holy and Righteous! Proverbs reminds us, “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:11-12).

Thankfully, the kingdom of God is bigger than our country and greater than our time! The Psalmist writes, “The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]

(Psalm 145:8-13). In everything, we must remember that it is the Lord that protects, the Lord that blesses, and the Lord that gives opportunity to praise Him! I love this country – and am so thankful – for so many – who gave so much – yet, my hope is in the Lord above all else!