Well we finally got our first real snow of the year here in southeastern Virginia. Love it.
But it's gone now. Like so much of life, it is fleeting. Only what we do for God will remain.
I pray that it is gold, precious stones.
What my rangers see in me has a greater impact than I can imagine. Greater than any pin or medal. Do I make them adhere to standards? Yes. Are these standards, God's. What are His standards?
Micah 6:8 and I quote:
"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Okay, I know. That's OLD TESTAMENT. Well, try this, then: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength....and your neighbor as yourself. There is NO commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31 (emphasis mine).
Is this what they see in me? Is this what they see in you?
Haven't written to the list much lately. Still trying to get my feet under me after a season of refining.
The threads on politics have been interesting. We live in a very political area.
Southeastern Virginia you say? Yep.
This is where America was birthed. This where it first went wrong. This is where God is about to begin the correcting process.
1607 - the English arrive and dedicate the land to spreading the Gospel. Problem is, it's already mixed with a desire to commercially exploit the land.
The Jamestown Colony is built on the backs of tradesmen and indentured servants under the leadership of English "second sons" who are unable to inherit their fathers' estates. Unlike the Pilgrims who settle in New England seeking religious freedom.
1619 - the first blacks arrive on a Dutch merchantman.
Over the years, those second sons and their descendants realized that it was cheaper to raise tobacco with slaves than with indentured servants who would leave after a certain number of years and have to be replaced.
So Virginia becomes the first colony to legalize slavery.
Over the years, much blood has been shed on Virginia's "hallowed ground."
Nat Turner's slave rebellion, the Revolution, the Civil War.
Virginia was the last of the "Old South" to integrate. The last to bus.
I've said all that to say this:
Character in the public forum is nebulous at best, especially among politicians.
I did not serve in Vietnam although I was healthy and could have. Does that mean that John Kerry or John McCain have more character than I? My definition of character was different before Christ.
What does God see as good character?
David was an adulterer, murderer, conspirator, and liar yet God called Him a man after His heart.
Peter was a coward. Paul a murderer and persecutor.
I know a minister who is close to the President. Close enough to know that the President spends time every day on his knees and in God's Word. Does that make him or the advisors that he depends on perfect? Nope.
I believe that George Bush is the man that God would have at the helm at this time. Could I be wrong? Certainly. I believe that God will justify His decision to place Bush there but He doesn't have to. He doesn't even have to explain it.
I don't know where this year's election will go. I DO believe that time is running out on America and the moment may well be soon when God gives her the leader that she desires just as He did with Israel. Our own Ahab or Manasseh or Omri? That's a scary thought.
Kings who are willing to sacrifice children to false gods? Presidents who call murder... choice?
This land is bathed in blood. Blood of patriots and victims. White, black, brown, red.
God is calling His church to get past political parties and realize her only hope, America's only hope, the world's only hope, is in Him.
My conscience prohibits me from supporting anyone who justifies, tries to explain away, or openly approves of murdering an unborn child.
Call me oversimplifying if you like. Call me narrowminded. All I know is when ancient Israel finally got around to sacrificing, openly murdering her children to false gods...the Lord Almighty said ENOUGH!!
May God have mercy on America! May He hear the cries of those who weep between the porch and altar. May He visit once again. May His righteousness reign. May His love prevail. May the CROSS of Christ once again be His Church's rallying cry. May I be able to teach THIS to the rangers that God sends my way.
Gary "Burning Heart"
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