Monday Morning Encouragement -- The Spiritual Battle for America's Soul

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12

Two days ago millions of people witnessed a live failed assassination attempt on former president Donald J. Trump at a televised rally in Pennsylvania. It is shocking. But what is just as shocking is the number of vile comments on social media that followed, expressing regret that the shooter "missed." No matter what ones political affiliation, this kind of reaction is detestable. It's horrible, and it must be condemned in the strongest terms. 

The outright hatred we are witnessing is just one more example of America's cultural decay, and how her very soul now hangs in the balance. She is suffering. But I submit to you that the remedy for America's illness will not be found in politics, or punditry. For this illness is spiritual. Americans as a whole have lost their moral compass because they are simply "lost". At no time in our history has this been more evident. Look around and tell me this isn't so. You know its true. America is lost and the only way she'll find her way back home is through Jesus Christ. We need a spiritual awakening, a turning back to God as a nation. With leadership that seeks Him and prays for wisdom. We don't need more rhetoric from our collective leaders.  We need them to follow God Almighty.

On March 2, 1863, Senator James Harlan of Iowa introduced a Resolution in the Senate. The Resolution asked President Lincoln to proclaim a national day of prayer and fasting. The Resolution was adopted on March 3, and signed by Lincoln on March 30, one month before the fast day was observed. Here it is in part:

    "Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord."

Let those words sink in. What would happen if our senate devoutly recognized God's authority and called for not just a day of national prayer, but a day of fasting, and confession, and genuine repentance? It gives me chills to think of how our country would turn around if this were to happen. 

There's still time. God has not completely removed His hand from our country. There is still a remnant that seek His face. God is merciful and desires that all should live. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Repentance is needed, and I realize that it begins with me. 

Today's music video I Repent by Steve Green is a humble song of repentance.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for all of us and our nation.