I am almost finished with two great books: America’s
Providential History by Mark A. Beliles and Stephen K. McDowell and When
Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. Reading the two together has been providential. I believe
the Father is preparing me for my upcoming mission trip to Kampala, Uganda, as
well as giving me greater understanding of the poverty in my backyard.
From When Helping Hurts,” The average North American
enjoys a standard of living that has been unimaginable for most of human history.
Meanwhile, 40% of the earth’s inhabitants eke out an existence on less than two
dollars per day. Furthermore, if you are a North American Christian, the
reality of our society’s vast wealth presents you with enormous responsibility, for throughout the
scriptures God’s people are commanded to show compassion to the poor.”
In America’s Providential History, the author states,
“The primary reason that nations are in poverty is lack of spiritual resources
and truth.”
In an adult’s lifetime in Colonial America, the average
adult listened to about 15,000 hours of Biblical exposition by the clergy.
Their influence on public opinion was equivalent to what is held today by the
modern media. Who and what are we listening to?
At a near impasse during the Constitutional Convention,
Benjamin Franklin states, “How has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto
once thought of humbly applying the Father of lights to illuminate our
understandings?” The call to prayer was taken and today we walk in freedom as a
nation because of our forefather’s reliance on God. How are we doing in this arena of
prayer? Are we enjoying the peace of God as we trust our circumstances to the
Almighty God?
Because we live in a broken world, how free are we? What
chains still weigh us down daily? We may not be ruled by another nation but are self condemnation, doubt, insecurity, or fear ruling you?
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is no condemnation for those in
Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power, love, and
self-discipline.
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who
has compassion on you.
Like our forefathers, we only walk in freedom as we
appropriate the truths of the Word of God.
With that freedom comes responsibility. It is a
responsibility to make disciples in our sphere of influence. How are you
changing the world right around you as a result of what God has done for you?
Whether it’s sharing a cup of coffee with a hurting neighbor or friend or
reaching 1000’s through your encouraging words on the internet, you are doing
it to the least of these and Christ is honored.
About Pam Graves