“…the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”   James 5:16

 Please pray for our country and for our leaders that America will unit as “One Nation Under God!”  Pray that we will quit the negative rhetoric, and agree to disagree on certain issues.  Especially as Christ followers there is no place for all the negative speech.  The bible says “these six things the LORD hates…a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-16).  The bible instructs us rather to pray for our leaders and to acknowledge that “the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Ro. 13).

Jesus clearly warned that “if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mk 3:24).  Let us not only unit as a Nation but as a church.  The church at large is just as divided as our Nation and that just ought not to be!  I am praying for a ‘new season’ in the life of our country and in the life of the church.  The bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes chapter three that “to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”  I especially love the fall season, but as I get older I am not a fan of what comes next - winter!  But I remind myself that the LORD God created the seasons.  He says in His word “while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen.8:22).  It should be comforting to know that a Sovereign God is in control of the natural seasons and the seasons in our lives.  Yes, according to Ecclesiastes (cf. chapter 3) there is a time of war and a time of peace.  Yes, there is a time to keep silent, and a time to speak.  Yes, there is a time to be born and a time to die.  You and I are here for such a short moment of time.  God help us to unit as Christ followers and as citizens of the United States!  The gospel of the Bible is good news!  The bible is a book of hope.  A hope founded upon Jesus Christ and His word!  God help us to heed the Lord’s warnings, follow His instructions, obey His commands and embrace His promises!

The bible reminds us that “IF My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

- 2 Chronicles 7:14

God’s continued blessings and favor!

Pastor Rodney

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” - Acts 20:27