Written By: Kirk Peterson
The Heart of Man
As I watched the 2nd presidential debate I couldn't help but get a little discouraged and cynical about our political process. Most people I talk to really just want to hear what each respective candidate has to say on the major issues and challenges that our nation is facing. However, it seams to often these days, the candidates spend more time on attacking each other and defending themselves rather then laying out their vision for our country and how they plan on leading us to prosperity. If you listen to the political analysts they will tell you that negative ads really do make the most bang for your buck and even though people say they hate them, they do influence people. Welcome to the wide world of our current political process people.
Here is a shot of the debate hall from Wednesday nights debate. Click here: http://images.enstarz.com/data/images/full/6387/second-presidential-debate-2012.jpg?w=614
Do you see that great symbol of freedom and America in the background? As I was watching the debate I kept asking myself if those principles that our founding fathers built for us still flowed through the veins of this great nation and I questioned the heart of our country...
"3When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. 4Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, 5but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected." (Genesis 4:3-5, New Living Translation) God was looking at the heart of each man with their offering and that is why he accepted one and rejected the other. If you have been reading my blogs, then you know how far I think our morals have fallen here in the U.S. So, given how far we have fallen, how can our country find its way out of the darkness? Click here for image: http://heartofsin.com/images/logoA.jpg
"4And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone." (2 Peter: 4-7, New Living Translation) Our world is indeed filled with corruption and the moral fibers of our land are not what they use to be. At no other time in our history have we been so polarized as a country. In my study of the book of Genesis, I have learned how crafty and smart Satan is. One of his greatest tools is lying and twisting the truth to show the heart of man temptation. Since the fall of man, within each and every one of us lies sin and we all fall. The bible tells us another one of Satan's tools is confusion and I can't help but think of all of this when I look at our country and how lost we seem in our morals and direction. Click here for image: http://img.ehowcdn.com/article-new/ehow/images/a04/is/ba/write-personal-faith-statement-800x800.jpg
Though I do see all the darkness, the bible tells us of the light of the world, Jesus The Messiah. "Jesus, the Light of the World
12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12, New Living Translation). Click here for image: http://www.barbdesimon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/jesus-the-light-of-the-world.jpg
A Tarnished Symbol of Freedom
When we look at the eagle, a strong symbol of freedom for the United States of America, I see a tarnished emblem. I picture a chipped and warn badge that has had to endure all the war, pain, suffering and divisiveness of our history. Dulled from sin and blackened by darkness. Yet, like a warriors shield dented and broken from battle, I still see strength. Click here for image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00Ynjf9kKLSx_4oizMCxkE0OtWQscqxNI69_O_mG24IvaJoVsArJVZkYuqQNf5BfcD3voWzfX4i6xAszaI5oC0-KYXVM5HhivJ-XR5i_wQi19USNg-WJRrLAtje85KdO5PTetHv7ProQ/s400/Eagle.jpg
God's word tells us of putting on the armor of God to battle Satan. Though our challenges are great and our path is daunting, in equipping the armor of God I see hope for our nation and I am confident in His promises.
The Whole Armor of God "10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty
power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm
against all strategies of the devil. 12For we are not fighting against
flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen
world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in
the heavenly places. 13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will
be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will
still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and
the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes
from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of
these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17Put
on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay
alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." (Ephesians 6:10-18, New Living Translation) Click here for image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYsIQKX81hj_MGUsrxXcKvkWXzTujT_H1TPYmsCin4WKWg4a5yEkP9kRlfhhUBmdkZfaNwn3F88LBflNg_-RJih2JgMvKYQnY0EVNLrTnaFOwZQCK5IV7hrGiQAs7BuwB4nTkWodeRA/s1600/b9d4_the_armor_of_god.jpg
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