I awoke this morning to the most beautiful music! The rain was coming down on our roof, and it was such a wonderful gift. In our area, it has been very dry, and many of us were praying for rain. I immediately thanked the Lord for His blessing.
If the plants could talk, I could only imagine what they would be saying as we drove home yesterday and saw the corn looking so pitiful. I could almost feel its pain. However, today tells a different story: now the animals, birds, and all of creation seem to be singing a beautiful song. I love taking a ride in the country and admiring the beauty of our world. My husband and I enjoy taking the country roads when we get the opportunity. When I look at the flowing fields, it takes me back in time, imagining a much simpler life. The farmers would be plowing with their mules, people would visit the community store, and we would communicate eye to eye instead of screen to screen.
When we get to town, reality hits, and I realize we are not in that world anymore. We cannot leave our houses and cars unlocked; we dare not walk the streets alone at night; a handshake is no longer binding; and even contracts are broken. America has many problems, but I do believe it is still the greatest place to live on earth.
One of the biggest problems I see in America is deception. It starts with our politicians and works its way down into our homes. When you add trusting politicians in other countries to the mix, the issue becomes even more complicated. How can we possibly believe anything they say?
Wouldn't it be nice to watch the news and know the reporters were telling us the facts, not slanting them in any way? In days gone by, the reporters presented the facts; they were not commentators. The facts were presented, and you drew your own conclusions. I get discouraged watching the news because it is so contradictory. It also seems the commentators want to blast everyone they can and destroy the reputation of individuals, even if it is taken out of context or based on lies. We have a few reporters who appear to be trying to serve our country with the facts, but they are hard to find.
Our politicians don't help. The word politician seems synonymous with liar. Some appear to be doing what is best for our country, but others seem to desire to destroy it. I can only hope they think what they are doing is best, but I have to wonder. Are they intentionally trying to destroy America? Are they just looking to be elected and maintain power? It appears that way. As I reflect on this, I'm reminded of the contrasting examples set by our nation's early leaders.
I am sure that some politicians have been corrupt from the beginning of time. However, in early American history, most were patriots who sacrificed their lives and property for the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Sadly, it seems that the balance has shifted, and I do not know of many politicians who would give as our founding fathers did. I wish today's politicians would be truthful.
However, many politicians in our country are admitting their political leanings, and we still vote for them. As a result, many Americans have become short-sighted and deceived themselves, failing to see the true dangers in front of us. How can we not realize that the road we are traveling on is filled with danger at every turn? This makes me worry about what the future holds for my grandchildren.
Deception in our country is rampant, but it is also an issue in our churches. We have churches that seek to follow God and reach others for Him, but we also have churches that cater to the masses and, unfortunately, don't stay true to the Word.
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables." II Timothy 4:3-4
The people want preachers who say what makes them feel good and cater to their desires. As Christians, we should seek out churches that bring conviction and encourage us to grow in our walk with the Lord.
Probably the most serious lie of all is when we deceive ourselves. How often do we ignore the truth? When I lead devotions at school, I remind my students that we cannot grow as Christians if we cannot admit our own faults. Why do we have such a hard time seeing ourselves for what we really are? I am not talking about self-loathing, but we need to take a good, hard look at how we need to improve. Our Lord will be glad to illuminate us if we ask Him to.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
We must be ready when we ask God to reveal our hidden attitudes and motives. He will, and it will be painful. We may realize we are not as good as we think we are. As we seek God to show us our faults, we need to be willing to change and to rely on Him. Without God's intervention, we will continue to deceive ourselves. It is much easier to find the faults of others than it is our own. Have you ever noticed that the things that bother us about people are the things we need to fix in our own lives? Perhaps we need to spend more time looking within than without. If we let Jesus have His way in our lives, our criticism and negativity of others will disappear.
However, we must face problems without letting them control us. We should keep a positive outlook and demonstrate what Jesus can do in our lives. Do not be deceived!
Deception in our own personal lives is the most dangerous of all. As long as we are honest with ourselves, we will be better able to tackle deception in other parts of our world.
Our families, churches, and nation depend on us to improve! Will you take the first step?
Happy Birthday, America!
