Freedom Verse

Why is it that we never ask God what He would want from our life?

Instead we toil day after day in the meaningless pursuits like those of a fife.

Everyday we try to claim another piece of this world for ourselves, a continuous struggle,

But in the end we just end up as another muggle.

Part Christian and part worldly man and thus missing the point,

For a man that is only part Christian, is no Christian at all, not a single joint.

It is absolute dedication that our Heavenly Father demands from us,

Our heart, our soul, our successes, and our failures…this is not a band wagon or party bus.

Galations 2:20 says that it is no longer I who lives but Christ that lives through me,

It is the very abandonment of self identity that will actually set you free.

Free from  bondage and worry and helplessness and doubt and eternity in isolation,

The opportunity to live in unison with the very ruler of this entire population.

I have never really been excited about living forever in heaven,

Singing in robes and floating on clouds forever is as thrilling as bread without leaven.

But while I may not be amped for what I know about the above,

I am ready to live in eternity with the One Holy Dove.

Because I know the joy and peace and love that resides in me and my soul,

If heaven is the source of this goodness, I don’t want just part, I want the whole.

The song says that there is power in the blood of Jesus Christ the Lord,

It is that power that allows smile each day and not slam my head against a board.

God saved you and me.  He saved us through the abandonment of Himself, His Son,

Don’t you think that He deserves credit for everything that we have ever done?

My heart is my testimony for the reason that I died to live in service of Jesus,

What is your reason?  But please don’t keep it just between us.

America

Last night I had the privilege of driving and accompanying my elderly neighbor to a "Patriotic Musical" at a enormous church in Wichita, KS.  I was not sure what to expect but she was pretty excited so I settled on anticipation.

In the midst of a 80 person choir, 15 person orchestra, gymnast, professional videos, thousands of waving miniature American flags, smoke machines, confetti, thousands of red, white, and blue balloons dropping from the ceiling, taps, altar call (did I mention that all participants were decked out in patriotic clothing?), and the playing of many great American classics ("Yankee Doodle", "Proud to Be an American", "Hymn of the Old Republic", etc), I got concerned.

The main focus of the evening was on our service men and women, their families, and other "heroes" in our country.  I was is in no way concerned about the people whom they were honoring, for they deserve it, or their proclamation of their gratitude to have the freedoms that a residence in America allows.

I grew concerned when the following phrase was used: "America, the greatest Christian nation in history".

I enjoy my rights in America and recognize America's past and efforts to serve and reach out to the world.

I simply would not extend the title of "Christian Nation" to today.  America is no longer a Christian nation.  Here is my reasoning:

The previous title insinuates that the nation is led by its Christian beliefs: no.
Policies and laws reflect the Christian beliefs: no.
Citizens work to make sure that policies and laws reflect the Christian beliefs: no.
A majority of the nation claims Christian belief: maybe...and acts accordingly: heck no. (There is a difference between surveys of people and church attendance and life application)
Media, entertainment, popular culture, and clothing reflect such beliefs: no.
The love of Jesus permeates the very social, economic, and behavioral fiber of the nation: no.
Etc.

Call me a hater or in a bad mood but America has come along way from "one nation under God" and "In God We Trust".  I do not want to rag on what is wrong with America...I want to rag on what it CAN be.  The foundations of this country were established on the cornerstones of faith and love.  I know times have changed and things just are not that simple anymore...why not?  People are still people, politicians are still politicians (and sometimes people), and neighbors are themselves.  Things have not really changed that much really...just more technology and a bigger spiritual gap to fill.

I love America.  I am proud to be an American.  But I do not want to be so nostalgic that I think only of the Western exploration and WWII triumphs.  I also do not want to be so apathetic that I just complain and do nothing.  The afore mentioned evening was one of celebration and probably not the best time for the pastor to get all serious and gloomy, but we still must be aware.  Look at the statistics.  Look at your neighborhood.  Look at yourself.

This is our land.  We are God's people.  This is God's land.  We are God's nation.

Now...taking back lost ground is not easy.  There will be embarrassments, harassment's, and failures along the path of proclamation.  I AM NOT ENCOURAGING MILITARY ACTION OR POLITICAL REVOLUTION.  I want us to revolt with our lives.  Be what you want this country to be.  Address problems in communities and people.  Reach out to the hurting.  Comfort the needy.  Protect the weak.  Be a hero.  DO SOMETHING CRAZY.

This 4th of July, remember where you came from and look forward to where God wants to take you.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.
                                                                        1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NIV)